Book Snails Book Group discussion

Come socialize with your fellow Snails. Feel free to talk about whatever's on your mind, within appropriate boundaries of course.😉😏 Need to vent about your favorite sports team not playing well or express your enthusiasm for them playing great? Do it here. Watch anything really good or bad lately? Let us know. Have you gone to a really cool event? Tell us all about it. Or do you just need to talk to someone? We're here to listen and offer support! Talk away...

I read all the Outlander books (that have been published so far) and have watched all four seasons of the series on Starz. I love Gabaldon's story-telling expertise, and admire the extensive research behind the books. Any other Outlander fans here? Books or TV series, or both?

Nope, never got into that one. Heck my son stills gets on me because I haven't finished watching Game of Thrones yet. LOL.🙄😉 Are the books and tv similar? That's always the tough part for me... the shows end up disappointing me at times with not following the script.

Vickie wrote: "Nope, never got into that one. Heck my son stills gets on me because I haven't finished watching Game of Thrones yet. LOL.🙄😉 Are the books and tv similar? That's always the tough part for me... the..."

They're both spectacular, imo. Sometimes the TV series deviates from the books and that upsets some people. However, it doesn't bother most of us because all changes have Herself's approval. The Author has a close relationship with the producer and his wife, who did the costumes in the early seasons. The producer said he dared not mess this up, since his wife is a diehard Outlander fan. So far, he's exceeded all expectations.

Two series are returning to PBS this Sunday - Poldark and The Durrells in Corfu. I think both are pretty good. As most probably know, the Durrells were a literary family. I've not yet read anything any of them wrote, but plan to (always plans and plans to read this, that and the other.)

I tried to read Game of Thrones, I really did. But after all the characters I was beginning to care about in the first part of the book were killed off, I felt like the author had broken some unwritten rule and it was really off-putting for me. Why did I bother to learn the characters' names and what they were doing, and caring about them, only to have to say goodbye and start over with another set of characters? I know, I know, he's a great writer and has captivated the world's imagination with the amazing success of his books and TV series. It just wasn't for me after that early experience with the book. I was utterly vexed. Vexed and miffed.

Yeah, I can understand that and appreciate it.

Vickie, thanks for adding this anything-goes topic :)

Welcome!

Has anyone read House of Leaves? It's in the horror genre. Not available in ebook (because some writing is upside-down, backwards, diagonal, with writing on top of other writing, and just other weird pix and stuff.) The hardback is in the $40 range and the paperback in the $20. It apparently has a cult following - you love or you hate it. I'd like to read it because it sounds intriguing, but wondered what you thought about it in case any of you have read it. Thanks!

Candace wrote: "Has anyone read House of Leaves? It's in the horror genre..."

I don't know much about it, but used paperback versions $11.25 & up (AbeBooks.com, including s/h), or $8 + s/h (Amazon), or prices all over the place on eBay.

Nope I haven't either. It looks like Pien read it though, so maybe message her, in case she doesn't see this post.😊

Yes, I did. The book is like a maze, with an incredible (and scary!) main story, but lots of blah blah around it to disorientate and increase the experience of being lost. At least, I think that’s the meaning of it.
It’s art caught in pages.
I read the main story, and in a while quit looking at the surrounding writing, and loved it. I won’t tell what the story is about though...
I hope you find a cheap copy because it’s so weird it can be something you really don’t like either!

Pien wrote: "Yes, I did. The book is like a maze, with an incredible (and scary!) main story, but lots of blah blah around it to disorientate and increase the experience of being lost. At least, I think that’s ..."

Thanks, Pien! I'll go for the cheap-o paperback sometime. :)

Vickie wrote: "Nope I haven't either. It looks like Pien read it though, so maybe message her, in case she doesn't see this post.😊"

Thanks - I was just about to message her when she responded!

StarMan wrote: "Candace wrote: "Has anyone read House of Leaves? It's in the horror genre..."

I don't know much about it, but used paperback versions $11.25 & up (AbeBooks.com, including s/h), or $8 ..."

Pien wrote: "Yes, I did. The book is like a maze, with an incredible (and scary!) main story, but lots of blah blah around it to disorientate and increase the experience of being lost. At least, I think that’s ..."

Thanks, StarMan!

So with Halloween coming up next week, anyone have any traditions or fun things they plan on doing?🎃👻

For the past ten years or so, on trick or treat night, we always bring out our portable fire pit in the driveway and sit around it with a bunch of friends. We have food and beverages on hand, and a ton of candy for the kiddos to choose from. It's always a good time.😊

Sadly, there's been no action at all in our 'hood the last few years. When we first moved here 11 years ago there was very little activity - just a few stragglers came by (I mean, like less than five.) So we had to (ahem) consume all the candies ourselves the first couple of years. The last time I had the porch light on for trick or treaters, I wore my usual witch's hat, and answered the door, cauldron in hand filled with candy, and a toddler burst into tears. Since then, we sit in the dark watching a movie and munching popcorn. I know; pathetic. LOL. Sounds like you're going to have a good time! :)

Yes, it's fun but, honestly, it's getting tedious for me. My husband loves doing it because he's the social bug. Me? It would be heaven to do what you do, Candace.😆😉

Vickie wrote: "Yes, it's fun but, honestly, it's getting tedious for me. My husband loves doing it because he's the social bug. Me? It would be heaven to do what you do, Candace.😆😉"

I'm not usually a social creature. Would much rather read. What are you readign tomorrow?

Candace wrote: "Vickie wrote: "Yes, it's fun but, honestly, it's getting tedious for me. My husband loves doing it because he's the social bug. Me? It would be heaven to do what you do, Candace.😆😉"

I'm not usuall..."

I think I'm going to turn to one of my favorite authors, Heather Graham, and her Krewe of Hunters series. I'm on book #23. It's been awhile, so I need to get back to that world.😊

Vickie wrote: "Candace wrote: "Vickie wrote: "Yes, it's fun but, honestly, it's getting tedious for me. My husband loves doing it because he's the social bug. Me? It would be heaven to do what you do, Candace.😆😉"..."

I Googled Heather Graham and discovered that she's written over 200 novels and novellas! I think most or all are in the paranormal genre. They must be good to hold your interest to the 23rd book in a series! What a prolific writer. I'm a late-bloomer, and just started my third. Eep!

Anyone doing NaNoWriMo this year? (National Novel Writing Month - starts tonight at Midnight, ends on November 30th. You get to write a crappy 50,000 word first draft in 30 days, then start polishing. And polishing.... INSANE, but fun!)

Sounds fun, but nope, don't have the time right now. My librarian co-worker and I have often talked about partnering in the future. She'll be the creative one and get the story going, and I'll chime in for content and edit the structure. That way we're utilizing our individual strengths, but as a team, it comes together beautifully.😏😉

Vickie wrote: "Sounds fun, but nope, don't have the time right now. My librarian co-worker and I have often talked about partnering in the future. She'll be the creative one and get the story going, and I'll chim..."

Maybe next year? Or pick any month, and get 'er done :)

Candace wrote: "Anyone doing NaNoWriMo this year? (National Novel Writing Month....... INSANE, but fun!"

"INSANE, but fun!" is a great description, Candace. Are you giving it a shot this month?

I participated in NanoWriMo (aka just "Nano") 3 years in a row, but have taken the last 2 years off. It's a good way to prove that you _can_ write every day (or to try to get in the habit!).

StarMan wrote: "Candace wrote: "Anyone doing NaNoWriMo this year? (National Novel Writing Month....... INSANE, but fun!"

"INSANE, but fun!" is a great description, Candace. Are you giving it a shot this month?

I..."

Yes, I'm doing it this year, and I'm better prepared than I was when I first enlisted a few years ago. How did you do in your three years in a row? I found a lady in my town who's hosting write-ins at her coffee shop every Saturday this month. Can't wait!

Candace wrote: "StarMan wrote: "Candace wrote: "Anyone doing NaNoWriMo this year? (National Novel Writing Month....... INSANE, but fun!"

"INSANE, but fun!" is a great description, Candace. Are you giving it a sho..."

Candace, sounds like you are a NanoWriMo "plotter" instead of a "panster." I'm the latter, though I don't necessarily recommend going into Nano completely unprepared (but hey, it works for some people).

Hope you have a good month writing! Having a local Nano group to meet with sounds like fun.

Random tip: wear earbuds or earphones, even if they aren't attached to anything. And pretend to not hear anyone around you. This encourages family/friends to leave you alone.

For laughs: (view spoiler)[

(hide spoiler)]

StarMan wrote: "Candace wrote: "StarMan wrote: "Candace wrote: "Anyone doing NaNoWriMo this year? (National Novel Writing Month....... INSANE, but fun!"

"INSANE, but fun!" is a great description, Candace. Are you..."

Actually, I'm a planster, a combo of both. I do find following the three-act structure very helpful, but the details often come straight from the muse. Hope you will get back to your projects soon!

LOL StarMan, I NEED that shirt in my life!😂

Best Christmas wishes to all lovely snails! May Santa bring a book or two🎅🏻

Pien wrote: "Best Christmas wishes to all lovely snails! May Santa bring a book or two🎅🏻"

Holidays were crazy, so I totally forgot to respond to this back when I wanted to.🤦‍♀️ Thanks Pien and Happy 2020!🎊🎉😊

I've been so sad over hearing the news of the passing of one of my favorite authors, Johanna Lindsey. My heart hurts knowing that I'll never buy another book by her.😭 When I was in early high school, my mom gave me one of Johanna's books to try, and I got hooked fast. She introduced me to the romance genre, and that's when I fell in love with reading. I have read all her books, except her last one (which I will be starting soon), and of course I have kept them all as a sentimental thing. So glad I did!💗

Hi fellow Snails! Just trying to get a feel from the group. With all of us being affected, one way or another by this awful virus, do you feel it will be difficult to participate in group reads? With book stores and libraries shut down, I imagine this could be a problem. Yes, there are ebooks, some free and some not, so I thought I would see what the general consensus of the group is? Thanks and stay safe everyone!!

Vickie wrote: "Hi fellow Snails! Just trying to get a feel from the group. With all of us being affected, one way or another by this awful virus, do you feel it will be difficult to participate in group reads? Wi..."

I’ve been doing more reading than usual lately because it provides a better escape from reality than my other hobby (cross stitching) and I think now more than ever it would be nice to have group reads where we can go discuss something other than the shitshow that is the world right now. However, as you said, procuring books can be difficult. Might I suggest having members vote on Hoopla Book Club selections for group reads for the time being. There are no limits on checkouts for those ebooks. https://theclub.hoopladigital.com/
Maybe create some sort of Stay-Home-and-Read group read in the coming days with one of the Hoopla books?

Thanks Erin, great idea! Another suggestion I was thinking... fellow Snails throwing out some options for the Buddy Read thread. It would be a great time to take advantage of that.🤷‍♀️

I like Erin’s idea, and I thought besides that we could choose from some classics that are in the Gutenberg project?

Pien wrote: "I like Erin’s idea, and I thought besides that we could choose from some classics that are in the Gutenberg project?"

Great idea, Pien!

The cross-stitching community has started a #BeWellAndStitch movement. Maybe we could start a Be Well And Read movement? Does anyone know if that’s a thing yet?

Hi , Pien and Erin , I think I would enjoy reading one of the classics with you guys . Some of our local bookstores are open and I could probably get a hard copy. It's Spring time here in the Northwest so in addition to reading I'm thinking about cleaning out the pots I use for my container garden. Any of you folks do gardens ? I'm not much on cross stitching , but I am working up the nerve and the ambition to re-rig an old sailing ship model...that might count as macrame ?

A big hobby of mine is butterfly gardening. 😊

Vickie wrote: "A big hobby of mine is butterfly gardening. 😊"
Has Sping arrived where you are, Vickie ? Right now my red flowering current bush is blooming. It's a native plant and the hummingbirds feed on it when they migrate north . I also grow honeysuckle and fuscia. What plants are you hoping to grow?

Hi Fred, when I’ve done the garden, it looks like I’ve made a ship. I like doing that though. Luckily, my daughter has my moms green fingers and enthusiasm so it’s still quite a nice garden.
We had seeds especially for bees and butterflies last year in part of it, I hope that will come to life again! It was a mix and I wouldn’t know what these flowers were, especially in English!

About books in these strange times, would it be an idea to do a new poll for April with easy accessible books? I’d like to choose The strange case of dr Jeckyll and mister Hyde, if I got the names right. Available on Gutenberg.

Pien wrote: "Hi Fred, when I’ve done the garden, it looks like I’ve made a ship. I like doing that though. Luckily, my daughter has my moms green fingers and enthusiasm so it’s still quite a nice garden.
We had..."

Oh! I might be up for Jeckyll & Hyde if I can squeeze it in among my ebook loans. I’m lucky I’ve got half a dozen lined up that should be coming available soon. (I have a feeling holds are going to grow with the present situation.)

I like Be Well and Read. Jekyll and Hyde is one of my all time favourites, so I would totally be up for that. Can I just throw out another favourite, Around the World in Eighty Days. I would like to tick a Dickens off my list. So if anyone is up for that,I'll read along with ya.

Erin wrote: "Pien wrote: "Hi Fred, when I’ve done the garden, it looks like I’ve made a ship. I like doing that though. Luckily, my daughter has my moms green fingers and enthusiasm so it’s still quite a nice g..."

I mentioned that to a librarian on the last day they were open. That they might want to look at adding more, as this will be the only way to get a book for the next six weeks. The government is saying three but the expert health professionals are saying six, so I'm going with them. That's the entire county of where I live in England trying to check out the same 30k titles. And some are crap that no one is going to want to read.

Hi Fred, I'm Northeast USA so yes, we've just started spring. It's still early, so most of my garden won't pop until May. I have a lot of perennials for my butterflies and host plants for the caterpillars. I have parsley, milkweed, coneflowers, butterfly bushes, spicebush, joe pye weed, just to name a few.😉😏

Good idea Pien. I'm thinking maybe we should leave the option for the April winner, in case people already have it and then give another option like the one you suggested. 💁‍♀️

Keli wrote: "I like Be Well and Read. Jekyll and Hyde is one of my all time favourites, so I would totally be up for that. Can I just throw out another favourite, Around the World in Eighty Days. I..."

Ooh, that's another good one Erin. I might be able to fit that one in soon.👍

All good ideas to pursue for the group. I favor trying to select easily available books for the next few months, seeing as the situation might get worse before it improves. I also anticipate long holds on items in the future.

I picked up a copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson yesterday, the area bookstores are all closing today. I'm interested in reading it with you folks. I'm also more than half way through The Sparrow by Mary Russell if anyone is reading that. I also like the idea of reading some of the classics. I'm not familiar with the Gutenberg Project but I expect I can figure it out.