AasiyahRose’s Comments (group member since Feb 04, 2015)

AasiyahRose’s comments from the Readmore Book Club group.

Final thoughts on Part 3: Afterward and the remainder of the book?

What are your thoughts on Part 2: The Sky?

Discuss anything from Part 1: The Earth here!

Was this book what you thought it would be? How was it different? What did you think of the writing style? What did or didn't you like about the characters? Were you shocked or disappointed with the ending?

What would you rate this book and why?

After reading DEAD WAKE, what was your impression of Captain Turner? Was he cautious enough? How did you react to the Admiralty’s attempts to place the blame for the Lusitania’s sinking squarely on his shoulders?

Erik Larson deftly weaves accounts of glamorous first-class passengers such as Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt with compelling images of middle-class families and of the ship’s crew. Whose personal story resonated the most with you?

Charles Lauriat went to extraordinary measures to protect his Thackeray drawings and his rare edition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but eventually both were lost. In Lauriat’s position, which possessions would you have tried to save? Why does Larson write in such great detail about the objects people brought aboard the Lusitania?

Edith Galt Wilson would come to play a significant role in the White House after Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke in 1919. What made her a good match for Wilson? What other aspects of Wilson’s personal life did you find intriguing?

Why was Wilson so insistent on maintaining neutrality even as German U-boat attacks claimed American lives? Was his reluctance to go to war justified?

How did you respond to the many what-ifs that Larson raises about U.S. involvement in the Great War? Would Wilson have abandoned his isolationist stance without the Lusitania tragedy? Could Germany and Mexico have succeeded in conquering the American Southwest?

By attacking civilian ships, were Captain Schwieger and his U-20 crew committing acts of terrorism? Does it matter that Germany ran advertisements declaring the waters around Great Britain to be a war zone?

How did Captain Schwieger’s leadership style compare with that of Captain Turner? Did you feel sympathy for Schwieger and his crew?

Though the British Navy was tracking U-20’s location, it didn’t alert the Lusitania, nor did it provide a military escort. Why not? Do you consider Churchill and Room 40 partly to blame for the sinking? How should countries balance the integrity of their intelligence operations with their duty to protect civilians?

Some have argued that Churchill deliberately chose not to protect the Lusitania in hopes that the sinking of such a prominent ship would draw the United States into the war. After reading Larson’s account, what do you think of this theory?

While Germany’s advertisement scared away some would-be Lusitania passengers, most placed their faith in the British Navy to protect the ship, and some laughed off the risk altogether. In their position, would you have cancelled your ticket?

Overall thoughts? What would you rate this book and why?

Wrap up discussion! Questions to consider or discuss... (spoilers!)

Thoughts? Has anything surprised you?
(spoilers below)

What do you love or dislike so far?
(spoilers below)

What do you think of the progression of the story? Any characters you don't like so far?
(spoilers below)

What are your first impressions?
(spoilers below)

What should we read as the first book of the new year? :)

We Were Liars

What should we read in December? Suggest a book below and we'll vote to select the winner for December.

After a hiatus, we are back! Help us choose what to read for November by suggesting a title below. If you're new or haven't nominated anything before, don't forget to peruse through the group rules before submitting.

What should we read in June? Leave your suggestions and be on the lookout to place your vote in the final poll as this month wraps up!

Did you enjoy this book? What did or didn't you find intriguing? Was this a type of book you would have chosen for yourself?

In case any of you have been wondering what has been going on with the group... I'm knee deep in boxes prepping for a move, so I haven't had much time to host and participate over the last several weeks. Hoping for things to wrap up in the coming couple weeks and then getting back to normal on here starting in June. Until then, please hang in there. We're still reading and would love to have you join us! :)

We are currently accepting nominations regarding what title to read in May so go check that out and give your input. Have a wonderful week!

What should we read in May? Leave your suggestions and the poll will be created on 4/26 at 9pm EST. :)

No Spoilers here please!

Any expectations or opinions going into this book? Have you read anything like this before? Was this already on your TBR list?

The second part of the book didn't carry as much momentum for me as the beginning but I still really enjoyed it as a whole. I agree that the dialogue is presented as lessons, reflections and motivational fact but I thought it was a unique approach to telling a story in comparison to other books I've read.

Being aware that a motivational, self-help(ish) type of book is not everyones cup of tea, I still think that there is something for everyone to take away if only they approached it with an open mind. I think the mindset you read this book with is the key to any take away or appreciation for the message.

Yes, his treasure was under his head the whole time - but it took a journey filled with danger, risk, courage, faith, self awareness and inner soul searching to find what was truly meant to be. I think the story was much less about the treasure and more about the journey life takes us on and being appreciative for what lies in wait for us.

I've repeatedly experienced other people taking a similar journey for "their treasure" searching for something that was only to be found where they began. And I've seen their discontent rather than appreciation for any lessons the journey may have taught them. Their lessons were in the journey as well, but all they could see was what they searched for.

I thought there were some awesome quotes to take away from the book, an uplifting message of love, growth, faith in yourself, faith in God and generally being open to what you can take away from your surroundings and others you encounter in life.

I rated this book 4 stars because it's not something I could pick up and read at any given time, but I saw the importance of the message and thought it was written in a unique manner.