February Brunch Saturday 18th 11a.m. My house

First Meeting

I'm so glad we were finally able to have a meeting. I like being able to discuss books. I feel like I get more out of them.

We discussed The Giver and the deep symbolism throughout the story (well we may not have gotten to deep). We talked about how the society is truly Lucifer's plan. There is no pain or suffering, but because of that there is really no joy, emotion, pleasure, love, happiness. You live in a world where all your decisions are made for you - which sometimes sounds kind of nice. Everyone is polite, respectful, and responsible - because they are required to be. At first glance, the movement of 'sameness' makes sense. There's no crime, no poverty, no class system, no unemployed. Everyone holds a necessary position, everyone contributes, and no one is in physical need.

When you delve into what all this means you observe how artificial and truly pointless this kind of life is. In fact, life isn't valued at all. There is no understanding of death. People are rightfully released when they get old or when they just don't 'fit' into the society's mold. You also come to understand that the 'rules' are different for every person. Life isn't honest or responsible. Life is to serve the community and to do as the society tells you. And no one questions it.

It was hard for me to understand who would sign up for this. How could people want to give up what makes us people? Individuality, love, trials, suffering, true friendship. Taking pills for the 'stirrings'? Who would willing sign up for that?!?

I liked the outcome of this book and the explanation of what we are really about. That we are willing to help those in need. And give of ourselves to ease others suffering (the acts of service Jonas bestows upon Gabe).

Great read. Understand it a lot more now than reading it in the fourth grade.

I hope you all enjoyed it.

First Book Club Meeting!

I just wanted to remind everyone of our first book club meeting! It will be held at my house at 6:30 Friday, January 13th. I'm excited to see everyone there and discuss The Giver!

Princess Academy

Love love LOVED this book!  Since finishing it, I am hooked to Shannon Hale and I just started my third book by her.

I love Miri.  Her character is developed so well.  She's lovable, sincere, true to herself, and exactly what you hope her to be.  The story kind of reminds me of "How to Train Your Dragon."  She doesn't fit in and isn't a quarry worker like everyone else.  Yet she uses her unique gifts to bring hope and prosperity to her village.  I seriously reread parts because I was so enthralled!  Thanks for recommending it!

Everything

So I really have been reading all of the books, but I never really feel like I have anything profound to say. I've really enjoyed this book club a TON! It introduces me to books I've never heard of and ones I would never think to read, like Anna Karenina - which was really my favorite so far. It was long and worth it in my opinion, so thank-you Mandy for suggesting it.

I've really enjoyed Uglies, Matched was okay but I was hooked, and I really liked the Princess academy. I'm so embarrassed to admit it because they're like targeted for teenage girls and the silly little romances in it, but they keep you reading.

One idea that I have is maybe having a question(s) to answer for each book. That way I have something to write about and we can get different opinions from everyone. What do we think about that? Maybe when we pick a book we write a question...I don't know what, but I've seen book club question lists.

Oh, and I can't wait to have an actually book club get together, it'll be way fun.

Matched

It will be interesting to see where the second book of the series goes, because this book was definitely non-conclusive.

Ally Condie takes Satan's plan and forms a society.  All the choices are made for you, so you'll never make the wrong choice.  And it's clear that individuals never experience true joy or success, because their lives are not their own.  This book reminded me a bit of The Giver.  Cassia is seeking to find a way to live the way she wants to, but by doing so will bring about a new life for everyone, in which they will now be prone to mistakes and suffering.  Interesting...

What do you Think?

I think it would be fun to meet in person and discuss the books. I know that this is not possible for everyone all of the time, and we would of course still blog about the books too...but I want more opinions...so comment PLEASE!

Also, if we meet in person maybe I could host the first meeting say the end of November or first part of December. We could have someone in charge of hosting and assign someone to maybe take notes and post on the blog so that we could get everyone involved. Let me know what you think!