I LOVE my book club! I have belonged to the Park Falls Public Library's Evening Book club for the past 11 years. We have read an extensive list of excellent titles and few that were not quite so great. This month's (great!) selection was the book Room by Emma Donoghue.
Room is a tale about a young woman and her son who are held against their will for an extensive period of time. The story is told through the voice of the little boy and is an astonishing feat of writing. Without divulging details, let's say that the author has had stunning success in making an unbelievable story quite possible. Her use of language, attention to detail and obvious research has combined into a novel that will have you thinking about life, perception, and even the language that you use everyday. This is definitely the best book I have read in a very long time. I would be happy to discuss the details in the comment section, so we don't spoil it for anyone.
I was also lucky enough to get my latest edition of "Fine Gardening" magazine in the mail! I still haven't read my previous issue, not for lack of interest but lack of time. Now you may think, well Mad Art Teacher, if you wouldn't spend all your time dreaming up new blog posts...... Well, whatever. I am in the mood for gardening magazines right now!! I'm just glad to be done reading play scripts and staring at giant eggs and fish hats.
In case anyone is interested, our book club book for next month will most likely be The Feast of All Saints by Anne Rice. For those of you who know Anne Rice for her vampire novels, this is not one of them! This novel is one of her early stories that revolves around the lives of the free people of color who lived in 1840's New Orleans. I read this book several years ago and found it compelling and one of those "you can't put it down" books. I am really excited to read it again!
So, what is the best book you have read in a while? Novel, non-fiction or magazine?
I'm just mad that I don't have more time to curl up with that proverbial good book!
Until next time, be a joy giver- tell someone a great story!
Hey, Room (underline) was a great read. Emma Donoghue brilliantly weaves a tale of abduction and survival. A lively discussion at book club indeed. I always enjoy your shared thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am always glad to see you!
ReplyDeleteWasn't the discussion of her examination of the way we use language good? I thought and thought about all the things that we say that are so strange when taken literally. We say so many things that are metaphors and other vernacular sayings. To think about having a being who is fluent in the language and indeed with a superior vocabulary (as you said), but basically not understanding any of the more "sophisticated" uses of meaning is fascinating. And filtered through the television, as well?? wow. I wonder if that is somewhat like some of the high functioning autistic kids experience- like the verbal Asberger children. LOVE
I am really looking forward to reading the Anne Rice next month. Leave some time for that, they are long. The other book we discussed (Cry to Heaven?) is excellent as well.
I really want to read Room. I've been reading a ton of historical fiction and just started a Kindle freebie. LOVE reading!
ReplyDeleteI just read a book called "What's Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption." It was FANTASTIC!! Here is a link to the website associated with the book: www.collaborativeconsumption.com and a link to a video one of the authors did at a TED conference: http://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_botsman_the_case_for_collaborative_consumption.html Highly recommended!
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