Hi Everyone,
Sorry about the late post re. last week's BookClub meeting where we discussed The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach. Busy busy :)
I think I can safely say that this was, according to the members who read it and myself, the worst book so far that nominated for BookClub. It's really an autobiography of Richard Bach himself. What an absolute ar*ehole! I never thought it would be possible for a book, well at least in the genre of spirituality & self-help, to make me want to puke. The sad thing is that you have to read his book to realise what an arrogant person he is. This guy has a serious "god-complex." How he ever got married to begin with, let alone being married 3 times, I will never understand...and then to tour America giving seminars to the public about how to make marriage work!
So, a new direction that I'm trying to move in with the Bookclub is to get attendees to write a brief sentence about their opinion of the current book and a rating out of 10...and here they are;
Sec: 6/10 (Sec was the only member to finish the book...so maybe it got better in the end :). "Struggle to finish it!"
Pope Buckfast: 0/10. "Worst book ever! Too sh*t to finish!"
TristanPeter: 3/10. Didn't finish due to "not enough time and didn't really want to. Author is an a**hole"
Shel1: 3/10. Didn't finish.
Damo: 3/10. "Got to page 130. Not finished yet also. The author has no personality...shallow. Didn't want to finish it seeing as the guy divorced in 1999. How stupid he looks!"
TristanC: Didn't read it so no rating.
HisRoyalBadness: Didn't read it so no rating.
Sean: 3/10. "Complete bo**ocks particularly because he has had 3 wives!"
Rachel: Didn't read it so no rating.
So, there you have it. Our new rating system :)
The book for next Tuesday is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hoseini nominated by Caitriona followed by Choke by Chuck Pallahniuk, nominated by Sean. Sorry Shel1, yours if next after Sean's because he was asked to nominate beforehand.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
BookClub Discussion: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Hi All,
Yesterday evening we discussed A Confederacy of Dunces. It was a quiet meeting...but very enjoyable and as we expected, Nathan251 didn't attend. Empty vessels make the most noise :)
We all loved the book. It was very very funny whilst be highly relevant. The topics dealt with in it were briliant and refreshing. There was no death or misery really and on the other hand, there was no real love element to it. So, it was different at least. The stereotypes were excellent also. Unfortunately, Tristan C who nominated it couldn't attend.
We also introduced our new, patented rating system :rolleyes:!
Kate gave the book 9.0/10Server gave the book 8.5/10I gave it 9.0/10.
Server nominated The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach.
By the way Pope Buckfast, can you update the reading list please?
The next book we will be reading/discussing is Sunshine Sketches of a Small Town by Stephen Leacock, nominated by Kate. This will be followed by The Poor Mouth by Myles Na gCapilin (or is it Flann O'Brien...or is that his alias? Hmmmm). This was nominated by Damien.
Yesterday evening we discussed A Confederacy of Dunces. It was a quiet meeting...but very enjoyable and as we expected, Nathan251 didn't attend. Empty vessels make the most noise :)
We all loved the book. It was very very funny whilst be highly relevant. The topics dealt with in it were briliant and refreshing. There was no death or misery really and on the other hand, there was no real love element to it. So, it was different at least. The stereotypes were excellent also. Unfortunately, Tristan C who nominated it couldn't attend.
We also introduced our new, patented rating system :rolleyes:!
Kate gave the book 9.0/10Server gave the book 8.5/10I gave it 9.0/10.
Server nominated The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach.
By the way Pope Buckfast, can you update the reading list please?
The next book we will be reading/discussing is Sunshine Sketches of a Small Town by Stephen Leacock, nominated by Kate. This will be followed by The Poor Mouth by Myles Na gCapilin (or is it Flann O'Brien...or is that his alias? Hmmmm). This was nominated by Damien.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A Confederacy of Dunces: Meeting Postponed until Tue 22nd July
Yesterday evening in Bar No. 8 we decided to postpone the BookClub meeting to discuss A Confederacy of Dunces until Tuesday next week. Very few members managed to finish it. I had 20 pages to go myself. It's well worth the read so we said we wouldn't spoil the ending. My book is 428 pages so it's quite a bit to get read. Very funny however.
In realtion to the meetings themselves, I suppose that they are very easy-going and relaxed. We don't stick rigidly to any format in relation to the correct procedure for discussing books. From day 1 the club was intended to be a social outlet whilst at the same time encouraging some productive use of time - reading books.
Everyone's welcome to come along. See what you think...and don't be shy. I'm sure for many of the outspoken members of Boards you will feel perfectly at home in an enviroment where their opinions are actually sought for a change :D
By the way, welcome to our newest bookClub member; Server from Germany.
In realtion to the meetings themselves, I suppose that they are very easy-going and relaxed. We don't stick rigidly to any format in relation to the correct procedure for discussing books. From day 1 the club was intended to be a social outlet whilst at the same time encouraging some productive use of time - reading books.
Everyone's welcome to come along. See what you think...and don't be shy. I'm sure for many of the outspoken members of Boards you will feel perfectly at home in an enviroment where their opinions are actually sought for a change :D
By the way, welcome to our newest bookClub member; Server from Germany.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
'Midnights Children' scoops 'Best of the Booker'
Salman Rushdies 'Midnights Children' has won the 'Best of the Booker'.
It has been selected as the best Booker winner in the prizes 40 year history.
It previously won 'Booker of Bookers' in 1993, the best of the previous 25 books.
Also nominated for both 'Booker of Bookers' and 'Best of the Booker' was 'The Siege of Krishnapur' which we read a few weeks ago.
BBC News Report is here
It has been selected as the best Booker winner in the prizes 40 year history.
It previously won 'Booker of Bookers' in 1993, the best of the previous 25 books.
Also nominated for both 'Booker of Bookers' and 'Best of the Booker' was 'The Siege of Krishnapur' which we read a few weeks ago.
BBC News Report is here
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Sea by John Banville
Hello Everyone,
So far I think that this book created the least amount of discussion in the long history of BookClub meetings. I personally didn't find it to be a terrible story or anything. It just seemed as though it was written by John Banville with an expectation that it should be minutely analysed word after word by high-brow literary types. There were so many parallels with historical events, mythology, art & culture etc. introduced that I believe the story can't be taken just literally. Therefore I'd say in order to understand it's "brilliance" you would need to be fairly cultured in these categories. If the book is taken just literally, I don't see how it would have won the Booker Prize in 2005? I realise that most novels have a certain amount of these alternate themes running through them...but this was a bit much, unless of course you are into indepth analysis of novels.
Thank God for our next book, A Confedaracy of Dunces, which from what I have heard is a very funny satire. BookClub members seem to be getting a bit disillusioned with our choices so far, not because they are necessarily bad but moreso because they are a bit heavy or lacking in humour. This probably explains the low attendance at this meeting. Perhaps there's an element of "cherry-picking" going on? However, the idea of the BookClub to begin with was that members would take the rough with the smooth and so each member has the freedom to nominate their own choices. This may not be happening but I think it's unfair of members to nominate their own book, attend the meeting to discuss it, and then not go to the discussion of other member's books because they don't like the sound of them. Correct me if I'm wrong but this was a low turn-out and it was said jokingly in weeks leading up to it that it would be a quiet week for discussion.
Members who attended included;
Damien G,
Sandra L,
Caitriona S,
Anne Marie,
Kate B and,
TristanPeter
So far I think that this book created the least amount of discussion in the long history of BookClub meetings. I personally didn't find it to be a terrible story or anything. It just seemed as though it was written by John Banville with an expectation that it should be minutely analysed word after word by high-brow literary types. There were so many parallels with historical events, mythology, art & culture etc. introduced that I believe the story can't be taken just literally. Therefore I'd say in order to understand it's "brilliance" you would need to be fairly cultured in these categories. If the book is taken just literally, I don't see how it would have won the Booker Prize in 2005? I realise that most novels have a certain amount of these alternate themes running through them...but this was a bit much, unless of course you are into indepth analysis of novels.
Thank God for our next book, A Confedaracy of Dunces, which from what I have heard is a very funny satire. BookClub members seem to be getting a bit disillusioned with our choices so far, not because they are necessarily bad but moreso because they are a bit heavy or lacking in humour. This probably explains the low attendance at this meeting. Perhaps there's an element of "cherry-picking" going on? However, the idea of the BookClub to begin with was that members would take the rough with the smooth and so each member has the freedom to nominate their own choices. This may not be happening but I think it's unfair of members to nominate their own book, attend the meeting to discuss it, and then not go to the discussion of other member's books because they don't like the sound of them. Correct me if I'm wrong but this was a low turn-out and it was said jokingly in weeks leading up to it that it would be a quiet week for discussion.
Members who attended included;
Damien G,
Sandra L,
Caitriona S,
Anne Marie,
Kate B and,
TristanPeter
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday evening we discussed The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G Farrell. Unfortunately it was a very brief discussion because the music in Bar no. 8 got a bit too loud. No one could hear the conversation and this was the book that I was most looking forward to discussing of all of the books so far at BookClub.
Of course the goal of any pub is to make money and the management are going to cater to the needs of the customers who will bring the most business in. There was some party on so I suppose I can't complain, and the staff always do their best to accommodate us.
We are considering changing the venue however. As the summer comes into full swing it will be hard I'm sure to have an evening in Bar no. 8 when it's quiet enough to hold our meetings. Perhaps we should have our next meeting there in 2 weeks time and see how it goes. If again it's very loud we can move on. Hugh suggested The Cottage in Salthill as there are a few small rooms, which maybe we could reserve. I suggested The Bal because this has three floors and the chances are at least one floor won't be busy on a Tuesday night. Architecturally, I really like it also. It's bright and spacious. Parking wouldn't be such a problem in Salthill either. Anyway, suggestions are more than welcome and if we have to change venue, we can try to make an informed decision.
Back to The Siege of Krishnapur; what a brilliant book in my opinion! I found it very very funny whilst also being very serious in dealing with the predicament that the characters find themselves in. It's a great study of traditional/conservative views versus new/modern approaches to different aspects of life. From technology and innovation to the class system of British society at the time the book is set in...and I'm sure this still applies today, but perhaps to a lesser degree in our society.
All the main characters seem to have a protagonist to their ideals...not necessarily an enemy but someone who generally has conflicting ideas in relation to the same subject...spirituality or religion or government or status or materialism and as the book progresses there is a gradual "stripping down" of these ideals which is paralleled with the gradual wasting away of the characters during the siege. By the end of the story there is a complete shift in some of the character's beliefs as to what they feel is important in life, to the opposite end of the spectrum.
The book itself was quite difficult to read. Small text and over 300 pages but I feel that it's not the kind of story that you want to rush. Almost every sentence in it is relevant, holds undertones of satire or illustrates brilliantly the character's pre-occupation with their own beliefs, a preoccupation which is often detrimental to their hazardous circumstances at any given time, which is what made the book for me so enjoyable.
So without a doubt, I would give The Siege of Krishnapur 10 out of 10. Thanks Pope Buckfast for nominating it :)
All comments are more than welcome re. my own views above about this book. Agree...disagree?
At last night's meeting was:
Anne MarieCaitrionaPope Buckfast (Hugh)Damien GSandraand Myself
Details of the proposed BookClub barbeque will be texted to members shortly :D
Yesterday evening we discussed The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G Farrell. Unfortunately it was a very brief discussion because the music in Bar no. 8 got a bit too loud. No one could hear the conversation and this was the book that I was most looking forward to discussing of all of the books so far at BookClub.
Of course the goal of any pub is to make money and the management are going to cater to the needs of the customers who will bring the most business in. There was some party on so I suppose I can't complain, and the staff always do their best to accommodate us.
We are considering changing the venue however. As the summer comes into full swing it will be hard I'm sure to have an evening in Bar no. 8 when it's quiet enough to hold our meetings. Perhaps we should have our next meeting there in 2 weeks time and see how it goes. If again it's very loud we can move on. Hugh suggested The Cottage in Salthill as there are a few small rooms, which maybe we could reserve. I suggested The Bal because this has three floors and the chances are at least one floor won't be busy on a Tuesday night. Architecturally, I really like it also. It's bright and spacious. Parking wouldn't be such a problem in Salthill either. Anyway, suggestions are more than welcome and if we have to change venue, we can try to make an informed decision.
Back to The Siege of Krishnapur; what a brilliant book in my opinion! I found it very very funny whilst also being very serious in dealing with the predicament that the characters find themselves in. It's a great study of traditional/conservative views versus new/modern approaches to different aspects of life. From technology and innovation to the class system of British society at the time the book is set in...and I'm sure this still applies today, but perhaps to a lesser degree in our society.
All the main characters seem to have a protagonist to their ideals...not necessarily an enemy but someone who generally has conflicting ideas in relation to the same subject...spirituality or religion or government or status or materialism and as the book progresses there is a gradual "stripping down" of these ideals which is paralleled with the gradual wasting away of the characters during the siege. By the end of the story there is a complete shift in some of the character's beliefs as to what they feel is important in life, to the opposite end of the spectrum.
The book itself was quite difficult to read. Small text and over 300 pages but I feel that it's not the kind of story that you want to rush. Almost every sentence in it is relevant, holds undertones of satire or illustrates brilliantly the character's pre-occupation with their own beliefs, a preoccupation which is often detrimental to their hazardous circumstances at any given time, which is what made the book for me so enjoyable.
So without a doubt, I would give The Siege of Krishnapur 10 out of 10. Thanks Pope Buckfast for nominating it :)
All comments are more than welcome re. my own views above about this book. Agree...disagree?
At last night's meeting was:
Anne MarieCaitrionaPope Buckfast (Hugh)Damien GSandraand Myself
Details of the proposed BookClub barbeque will be texted to members shortly :D
Monday, June 16, 2008
Upcoming Books 16-06-2008
Hi All,
Here's the upcoming booklist:
17th June
To Discuss: The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell
1st July
To Discuss: The Sea by John Banville
15th July
To Discuss: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
29th July
To Discuss: Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Lealock
See you tomorrow,
Happy Reading!
Here's the upcoming booklist:
17th June
To Discuss: The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell
1st July
To Discuss: The Sea by John Banville
15th July
To Discuss: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
29th July
To Discuss: Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Lealock
See you tomorrow,
Happy Reading!
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