Amanda’s Comments (group member since Feb 23, 2011)

Amanda’s comments from the Bookaholics!! group.

Hope everyone enjoys this book. As I cant wait to read this classic from Stephen King and then go see the movie. Cant wait to get a discussion rolling.

3. "I don't know many people who have ex-wives who still like them."
Later we find out that Mickey has two ex-wives, both of whom are still close to him. One even works for him. He has business associates that are also loyal longtime friends. He has longtime clients who he continues to work for, even when they can't pay him. What does this reveal about his character? Did your feelings toward him as a character change the more you read about him?

Just because he is a lawyer doesnt mean that he doesnt have a heart and care for people. I mean that hooker that he does the pro bono work for is always getting messed up and going to jail and he always has to try and bail her out. Also you can only help people that want to help themselves. You cant change people.

No not yet haha i still have water for elephants to go see haha.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Katniss feel about the country of Panem? Why does she need to make her face “an indifferent mask” and be careful what she says in public?

2. Describe the relationships of Katniss with Gale, with Prim, with her mother. How do those relationships define her personality? Why does she say about Peeta, “I feel like I owe him something, and I hate owing people.” How does her early encounter with Peeta affect their relationship after they are chosen as tributes?

3. How does the fact that the tributes are always on camera affect their behavior from the time they are chosen? Does it make it easier or harder for them to accept their fate? How are the “career tributes” different from the others?

4. Why are the “tributes” given stylists and dressed so elaborately for the opening ceremony? Does this ceremony remind you of events in our world, either past or present? Compare those ceremonies in real life to the one in the story.

5. When Peeta declares his love for Katniss in the interview, does he really mean it or did Haymitch create the “star-crossed lovers” story? What does Haymitch mean when he says, “It’s all a big show. It’s all how you’re perceived.” Why do they need to impress sponsors and what are those sponsors looking for when they are watching the Games?

6. Before the Games start, Peeta tells Katniss, “…I want to die as myself…I don’t want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.” What does this tell you about Peeta? What does he fear more than death? Is he able to stay true to himself during the Games?

7. Why does Katniss ignore Haymitch’s advice to head directly away from the Cornucopia? Did she do the right thing to fight for equipment? What are the most important skills she has for staying alive – her knowledge of nature? – her skill with bow and arrow? – her trapping ability? What qualities of her personality keep her going – her capacity for love? – her intelligence? – her self-control?

8. Why does Peeta join with the Career Tributes in the beginning of the Games? What does he hope to gain? Why do they accept him when they start hunting as a group? Why do groups form in the beginning when they know only one of them will be able to survive?

9. What makes Katniss and Rue trust each other to become partners? What does Katniss gain from this friendship besides companionship? Is Katniss and Rue’s partnership formed for different reasons than the other group’s?

10. Discuss the ways in which the Gamemakers control the environment and “entertainment” value of the Games. How does it affect the tributes to know they are being manipulated to make the Games more exciting for the gamblers and viewers? Does knowing that she is on live TV make Katniss behave differently than she would otherwise?

11. When does Katniss first realize that Peeta does care for her and is trying to keep her alive? When does she realize her own feelings for him? Did Haymitch think all along that he could keep them both alive by stressing the love story? Are they actually in love?

12. What do you think is the cruelest part of the Hunger Games? What kind of people would devise this spectacle for the entertainment of their populace? Can you see parallels between these Games and the society that condones them, and other related events and cultures in the history of the world?

13. In 1848, Karl Marx wrote in The Communist Manifesto, "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles." Discuss this statement as it applies to the society and government of Panem. Do you believe there is any chance to eradicate class struggles in the future?

14. Reality TV has been a part of the entertainment world since the early days of television (with shows such as “Candid Camera” and the “Miss America Pageant”), but in the 21st century there has been a tremendous growth of competitive shows and survival shows. Discuss this phenomenon with respect to The Hunger Games. What other aspects of our popular culture do you see reflected in this story?

We are reading this for May 2011. Happy reading!

I have have heard a lot of good things about this book and cant wait to pick up my copy.

So does everyone agree on reading that for may then.

Lol I love reading thigns in a a series makes me have something to look forward too. I love janet evanovich the stephanie plum series. Its great easy and entertaining.

That is a good selection I haveeen waitin over a month for mine to come on from the library but i might bite the bullet an just buy myself a copy

What shall we read for may any suggestions?

I agree i hope i have time to comment on this book but you are right about it being a series.

Spoiler Warning! This guide does address the entire book.

1. "There is no client as scary as an innocent man."
This is the very first line of the book, spoken by J. Michael Haller, a famous criminal defense attorney and the father of Mickey Haller, the main character in The Lincoln Lawyer. Did you understand what this meant? Why would an innocent man scare an attorney?

2. "Don't do the crime if you can't pay for my time."
When we are first introduced to Mickey Haller, we find out that he is a criminal defense attorney who knows how to play all the angles. He has been in trouble with the California Bar. His clients are gang members, drug dealers, prostitutes and con men. He does his best for his clients as long as they can pay his bill. He seems to be the kind of lawyer that we all love to hate. How did you feel about this character when you first began reading about him?

3. "I don't know many people who have ex-wives who still like them."
Later we find out that Mickey has two ex-wives, both of whom are still close to him. One even works for him. He has business associates that are also loyal longtime friends. He has longtime clients who he continues to work for, even when they can't pay him. What does this reveal about his character? Did your feelings toward him as a character change the more you read about him?

4. "There was nothing about the law that I cherished anymore."
Mickey says that: "the law was not about truth. It was about negotiation, amelioration, manipulation. I didn't deal in guilt and innocence because everybody was guilty. Of something." It seems like a very cynical statement. Yet at the same time, Mickey does believe in a justice system based on checks and balances. He feels like he is an important cog in the wheel and that everybody is owed a right to defend themselves. Do you agree with Mickey's view of the law and the justice system? Would you describe him as a cynic or a realist? Can you understand the value of defense attorneys within our legal system? Did this book change your opinion of the justice system?

5. "A lot of these new people just don't get it."
Mickey and his ex-wife, deputy district attorney Maggie McPherson, appear to have a different view of the law. To her it is a calling and about justice. She views what he does as sleazy. Mickey says that her calling may have cost them their marriage. They seem to love each other but can you understand why their marriage didn't work? Do you think they will end up together again?

6. "He looks like a babe in the woods."
What was your initial impression of Louis Ross Roulet? Did you think he was innocent or guilty? How did your feelings change for him as you read the book?

7."I was always worried that I might not recognize innocence."
Roulet's defense was based on the theory that Reggie Campo was after his money and that he was set up. We are meant to believe that she allowed herself to be severely beaten in order to score a big payoff. Did you believe this at first? Is our society so litigious that we could easily believe that someone would do that?

8. "Any case, Anytime, Anywhere."
Did you respect Mickey's skill as an attorney and his ability to work within and use the justice system?

9. "He grew up knowing he was going."
Many of Mickey's clients were drug dealers who viewed prison as an anticipated part of life. Mickey's job was to get them the best deal possible. He felt like these young men never had a shot at anything but thug life. He listened to rap music as a way of understanding their lives. Do you think Mickey felt that he had a calling too — to work for people that he views as the underdog? Did his attitude surprise you?

10. "What's the difference between a catfish and a defense attorney?"
Why are lawyer jokes so commonplace and acceptable? Mickey said "They always blame the lawyer for making a living," but with clients like drug dealers, prostitutes and con men, can you see why Mickey would be viewed as a pariah by many people?

11. "By then the Titanic had already left the dock."
Mickey represented Jesus Menendez in what appeared to be a no-win case. Jesus couldn't pay him anything but Mickey knew that he would be paid in publicity, which would help him get other clients. Jesus' claims of innocence didn't matter. Mickey didn't even try to investigate the case further. He simply was there to get the best deal for his client. Was Mickey's lack of effort simply because Jesus couldn't pay for a good defense or was the evidence available at the time too overwhelming? Do you think you can get a good defense without money?

12. "I had been presented with innocence but I had not seen it or grasped it."
At the time, Mickey viewed Jesus' case as hopeless. The evidence was overwhelming and Mickey came on board the case late. If they had gone to trial and lost Jesus might have been sentenced to death. He admitted to taking the case for the publicity value only. Given the circumstances, do you think Mickey was right to feel guilty about Jesus?

13. "There is no trap so deadly as the one you set for yourself."
Mickey was trying to insure that Raul's murderer would be caught, that Jesus Menendez would be released, and that Louis Ross Roulet would go to prison — all while saving his own law practice. But by doing this all on his own he put his life and the lives of others in jeopardy. Did you understand why Mickey chose to not directly get the police involved?

14. "I traded evil for innocence."
Mickey used questionable ways to make sure that justice is was served. He tampered with a witness (Corliss); he lied to his client and to the police; he withheld information. Do you think the end justified his actions?

Wow that's great noor keep up the good work anything interesting or recommend reads to us

Nannie wrote: "Amanda wrote: "I cant get over how the servants would raise all the children. I cant imagine someone else raising my child."

Amanda, thanks for inviting me to this group. I just get a lump in ..."

Nannie thanks for accepting. I know it’s very hard to take in how she is treated like she is a pest and most children I think were treated like that back then. They were produced just to take on the last name and make babies. I mean it’s weird to think that this servant is raising your child. When their employer had such a problem with blacks doing everything else (using the wrong bathroom, not teaching the children manners, shopping in a black grocery store) then they get jealous when the child pays attention to their servant than to the actual parent. I know I am a woman and to be honest I hate to shop and do the "girl" thing all the time. I could not imagine not working and just doing all those things. Then again I didn’t come from wealth so maybe there is a difference there. Those women didn’t have to worry about a thing. Really what worries did they have? HAHA I agree.

So how is everyones challenge coming. I am at 20 books out of 60 so i am coming along great.

Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships where people of color work for people who are white?

Maybe in some areas but not as much anymore because what were called slaves are probably more like nannys now a days. maybe not exactly that segregated meaning they have to use different place settings or different bathroom but same principle applies. Taking care of the children meals cleaning.

Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, that Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent, or taught?

Personally i think racism is taught. With people that raise you they raise you or at least try to raise you with their beliefs and depending on what era we are talking about those kinds of values are instilled in the youngs mind. Children are constantly being told what to think when growing up and if you are around it enough you start beliving in it. I know my grandparents thoughts on the subject which i was raised by and its all about how we want to please our guardians(people who raise you).

Four to Score and Full Bloom

are both pretty good books anything from Janet Evanovich is great and entertaining. They are lso quick reads

I cant get over how the servants would raise all the children. I cant imagine someone else raising my child.

Amanda wrote: "I am currently reading The Glass Castle and The Last Lecture"

If you want a good heart filled story and a tear jerker then read the last lecture. It is filled with great information about life and how to really live life and everything. I actually had some tears.