The Blogger's Book Club

2009-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Other Koontz Favorites

2007-09-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

BTW if you are unfamilliar with Mr. Koontz, but would like to read more work by him I reccomend, The Strangers, Mr. Murder, The Frankenstien trilogy ( which puts a cool twist on the old favorite) or Velocity.

By the light of the.............. arbitrary character

2007-09-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

To me Jill was pretty much a weak character, it seems that the only reason she was there was so Dylan would have someone else to interact with( more so than he could with Shep). Her "powers" were sort of lame. I mean all she really did was have visions of a church and birds, until the end where all she did was copy Shep's ability to go here there. And who was at this wedding that it actually merited assassins ?? My question to you would be if you had written Jilly as a character what would you do to make her a bit more memorable?? Or if you disagree with me about her defend her in a related comment .

By the light of the moon.....Who wants to be a superhero?!

2007-09-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

By the light of the moon was a good read. I enjoyed the story line until the very end. It seemed to me that he had this great story going, but didn't know how to end it. So my first question is:

How would you have ended the story? Keep the line of thought up until they reach the radio broadcasters house, and then think how you would have ended it, instead of them being "superheroes".

Koontz is a great writer and the book kept me intrigued....until the very end, then I felt like Stan Lee was going to appear and name the next superhero!

Good pick ya'll

Ladies and Gentlemen we have a winner!!

2007-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

And the nomination goes to .....By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz. The vote number for Mr. Koontz's was 4 , followed by closely with 2 votes for A Very Private Gentleman. With Handmaid's Tale and Portrait of a Killer both getting a vote of one. We were actually short one vote but with Mr. Koontz having 4 votes it really wouldn't have changed anything anyway.

Now that we know the book feel free to get shopping and start reading. Have fun.

Let the Voting Begin !!!

2007-08-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Alan has deferred from nominating a book this go 'round, it looks as if we are ready to vote. I think we have some interesting choices this time. That being said , here are our book choices for book #5.(Wow we actually have done 4 books !! Did you guys realize that ?). Here we go then, in no particular order:

1) The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud
2) Portrait of a Killer- Jack the Ripper-Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell
3) By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz
4) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
5) A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth

As you can tell by reading the synopsises ( synopsi?) I think we will have a hard time choosing one. Remember the rules, no voting for your own book and have fun deciding which one we want to read.Please send your votes to me at sk1265@gmail.com, I will put a new post up on the blog as soon as we have a winner, then we can begin reading. Once again you have all done a great job choosing your books I am having a hard time deciding.

Okay

2007-07-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

So, um . . . it appears that no one wanted to jump in and be the first one to discuss Cat's Cradle.

I guess I'll do it.

What did everyone think of the format of the book (short chapters) and how do you think this affected your reading of it?

And the winner is . . .

2007-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. So grab a copy and get reading.

For those of you who were interested in reading Middlesex, hold off for a while. Based on everyone's interest, I imagine that will be next month's book.

The Nominees

2007-04-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here are the nominees for the next Blogger's Book Club selection. Since we didn't have a huge response, I'm changing the rules a little. This month's selection will be based on a simple majority. Leave a comment with your choice for this month's book. The book with the most votes on Monday wins.

The selections are:

A HEARTBREAKING WORK OF STAGGERING GENIUS by Dave Eggers

MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides

CAT'S CRADLE by Kurt Vonnegut

FUN HOME by Alison Bechdel

Visit the Amazon pages and pick the one that sounds best. And be thinking of books for next time.

National Poetry Month

2007-04-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here are my recommendations in honor of National Poetry Month. I hope you check them out.

Sweet Son of Pan by Trebor Healey

Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Collected Poems of Lord Byron

So, anyone else have a favorite poet?

My Question From Lunar Park

2007-02-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

OK, I've been wondering about the whole deal with the cream colored car.... was it real or imagined? I got the feeling it was all imagined by the time the story was over. I may have just "not gotten it." My question is: Did Bret really see an older version of Robby at McDonald's that day? Or was that part of the story imagined too? (like the car... and Clayton)

My Lunar Park Question

2007-02-22T08:18:00.000-08:00

I guess I'll kick this off since I finished the book this weekend.

If Ellis had not cast himself as the lead character in this novel, would this have generated as much buzz as it did? Or along those lines, why did Ellis have to be the main character for this novel to work?

LOVIN' this book

2007-01-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Ok so far, and I'm only in chapter 11, but I am REALLY enjoying this book!

It's that time again Folks !!!

2007-01-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Yes boys and girls the time has come to cast your votes for book #3. We also have a suggestion this time around from one of our members to vote on. So we have a bit more to do this time than just vote on a book. I trust we are all having a good start to 2007. So, with out ant further Ado, I give you this rounds nominations.

1)The Kite Runner ....By Khaled Hosseini
2)My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding...... Various Authors
3)Lullabies for Little Criminals....By Heather O'Neill
4)Lunar Park...By Brett Easton Ellis
5) My Drowning.....By Jim Grimsley
6) Running with Sissors....By Augusten Burroughs
7) Middlesex.....ByJefferey Eugenides

Ok there are the nominations . I said that there would be 2 things to vote on this time . The other is a revamping of the way we do things . This email was sent to me by Jessica for our perusal:
So hey, I'm just gonna throw this out there for you - it's just and IDEA. Perhaps we can take it before the club - if you want. Or we can wait and see how this round goes.

Obviously we are all avid readers, however, we all have very varied schedules and time for reading. I think the book club should be about reading whatever you want and then giving a "non-spoiler" synopsis. That way, we can each read what we want - in our own time - and then our synopsis can be a way of enticing others to read the book - if they want to. The discussion idea is good, but in looking at our beginning efforts - it seems that no one is "discussing", we are just putting in their thoughts. I'm guilty of this I know. Plus, because we all have such different schedules, some may feel "pressure" to hurry up and finish and not enjoy the book as much as they could. Conversely, for me personally, I was finished with Memorykeeper in like 2 days and then had to wait for all others to catch up. In the meantime I'd read at least 2 more books, so when "discussion" time came I really couldn't remember enough to put forth a really good effort. This is just me talking and ya know I'm game to read whatever, I'm just saying this might be an easier path to follow.

Basically what she was talkijg about is , if any of you vivsit my blog . kinda something along the lines of my "peek into my Library" posts . Where you all could choose a book you want to read and post a non spoiler synopsis on the blog and those of us who wanted to would read along.
As Jessica states in the email we do want this to be enjoyable for all of us and not to add pressure. So if this sounds like a good change for you vote for the new way when you post your book vote . Just put in your book vote and choose OLD WAY ( for the way we have been doing it ) or NEW WAY ( for Jessicas Idea). I will keep track of the votes and let you know what we have decided for our next endeavor when I tell you what book we have chosen for book 3 .

What I Did On My Fall Vacation

2006-12-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

I finished the book, and I've added all of my comments to the discussion questions.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Much more than the first one we read.

However, as I stated in one of my comments, it seemed like the quality of the book went downhill about halfway through. It seemed like a first attempt at a novel rather than a well written one, which is how I felt during the first half. It just seemed like the book went a tad too long, and I think I stopped caring.

I would not have read the book if not for the book club, and I'm glad I did.

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Casting Call

2006-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

If you were making a movie of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, who would you cast to play:

David?
Norah?
Caroline?
Paul?
Al?
Rosemary?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Title Character

2006-12-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

With all of the strong and expertly drawn characters in this novel, why do you suppose Kim Edwards chose just one to be the title character? What is it about Phoebe's story that makes it central?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: The Take-away

2006-12-10T07:26:00.001-08:00

And finally ... Did you have a favorite moment/quote in the book that really stuck with you? Why?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: No Going Back

2006-12-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

At what point was David’s “point of no return” when he could not fix his lie?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Degrees of Guilt

2006-12-10T07:25:00.001-08:00

Who do you think is more at fault – David or Caroline?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Phoebe vs. Paul

2006-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

In your opinion – who had the better childhood – Phoebe or Paul?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Page-turner?

2006-12-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

At what point did the story “have” you? Not have you? Lose you?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Norah

2006-12-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Did Phoebe's "death" make Norah stronger or weaker?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Then vs. Now

2006-12-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Do you think that David and Caroline could have succeeded in keeping his daughter's parentage a secret if she were born today?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: David & Norah

2006-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

In the beginning of the novel, David instructed his nurse, Caroline, to take his Downs Syndrome-afflicted daughter to an institution without telling his wife, Norah. When Norah awoke, she was told that one of her twins -- a healthy boy named Paul -- had survived, but that their daughter, Phoebe, was dead. This lie sets the entire plot in motion.

Did David give Norah any credit to be able to cope? Was he protecting her?

Memory Keeper's Daughter: Favorite characters

2006-12-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

I thought it might be easier to have a conversation here if all of the questions were separated out and we could fill in comments for each one, or maybe just the ones that "grabbed" us.

So, the first question is "who is your favorite character and why?"

Questions for Memory Keeper's Daughter

2006-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

My appologies upfront for such lame questions. I tried to think of questions as I read and then also immediately afterwards. And then yesterday, I was trying to come up with more questions, but's it's been a month and 2.5 more books since I finished Memory Keepers so my thinking was for naught.

1- Favorite Character and Why?
2- Was David “fair” to Norah in the beginning? Did he give her any credit to be able to cope? Was he protecting her?
3- Do you think it would be easier to “get away” with what David did now?
4- Did Phoebe’s “death” make Norah stronger or weaker?
5- At what point did the story “have” you? Not have you? Lose you?
6- In your opinion – who had the better childhood – Phoebe or Paul?
7- Who do you think is more at fault – David or Caroline?
8- At what point was David’s “point of no return” when he could not fix his lie?
9- Did you have a favorite moment/quote in the book that really stuck with you? Why?

Who picked this book?

2006-11-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

Keeper of the Memory’s Daughter, or is it The Daughter’s Memory Keeper, I never could get the title right.

I hated it. No, no, no, that’s a boldfaced lie. I really quite enjoyed it, in a way. Though I have to admit, I would never read anything like this left to my own devices. When I read the back jacket in the store, I groaned out loud. But that’s one of the aims of this group right? To be exposed to literature you’d never read otherwise.

I did like it. Really, I did. But I had to finish it because I’m off to Asia this week and in a world of baggage weight restrictions, books become a heavy liability.

So take care everyone and I’ll talk to you mid-December. I did like it! Really.

Done ... Loved It

2006-11-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

I finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter over Thanksgiving. Both of my moms had read it, and I clearly enjoyed it more than any of them. I loved it. A beautiful read, and I'm so glad I bought it.

I want to write the screenplay now ...

Much Progress For Me

2006-11-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

I managed to BUY Memory Keeper's Daughter today.

A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

New Book - New Moderator

2006-11-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hey all, since "my" book was chosen, I've opted to be the moderator for this go-round. So, go out and grab up a copy of The Memory Keepers' Daughter by Kim Edwards. I've been reading on it in spurts for the past few days and am enjoying it - hope all y'all do too!
It is in paperback and can be found at your local "mass market" outlets.
No need to let me know when you have the book - just start reading and I'll ask for an update sometime next week. - Jessica

Rock the Vote !!!!.... The Book Club Vote That Is.

2006-10-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

I think that enough time has past that we should all be done with Gone . I have collected second recommendations from most of you.So, now is the time to vote for what our next read will be .

A note on voting , I am not going to post the names of who suggested which book just the book synopsis . I have also spoken to a few of you and we have come to the common idea that voting for your own book should not be allowed, as this will result in many books with one vote. You can vote one of two ways . Put your vote in a comment to this post or email me at sk1265@gmail.com.

***Note*** If you still wish to answer the discussion questions for Gone they are Here

Ladies and gentlemen with out any further ado, the voting list for book #2:

1) The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
2) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
3) Lunar Park by Brett Easton Ellis (On the site click on library in the top right)
4) The Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
5) The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
6) Greywalker by Kat Richardson
7) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
8) Clay's Way by Blair Mastbaum
%

Just a thought...

2006-10-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

MSN Encarta says these are 10 books that "You should re/discover" - maybe our next read could come from this list? Just a thought...

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/homework/?article=10BooksYouShould(Re)Discover

1. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Ahh, adventures in Paris--what could be better? Madeline and 11 other little girls live "in an old house in Paris," under the care and tutelage of Miss Clavel. This edition captures their exploits in three-dimensional pop-up spreads of selected scenes from the book based on Ludwig Bemelmans's original illustrations.

2. Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James HiltonA gentle schoolmaster is ridiculed at first by his rowdy charges, but gradually his dignity and generosity gain the students' respect. Did you have a teacher you tortured, whom you later grew to admire? You're bound to identify your former teacher with Mr. Chips, who over the years has come to represent all beloved teachers, whose lessons extend beyond the classroom.

3. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett An heiress has a difficult time at boarding school after her father suddenly dies, leaving her penniless. No longer a "princess," she endures cruel treatment from the other students. Despite her change in fortunes, she remains determined to maintain her dignity and to give voice to her princess within.

4. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger What happens after Holden Caulfield flunks out of boarding school yet again? The school of hard knocks has some bitter--and often hilarious--lessons in store. Sixteen-year old Holden narrates this classic coming-of-age story, offering wry commentary on the "phoniness" of the adult world around him and hinting at the emptiness inside.

5. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh Harriet is a young girl determined to be a famous writer. To gather material, she faithfully writes in her secret notebook everything she sees and hears while walking her daily "spy route." She makes brilliant observations of life's absurdities, and her writing career seems assured--until the notebook is discovered by her classmates who read it aloud. Suddenly, she finds herself a social outcast and the target of her vengeful classmates.

6. The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling The unbelievably popular series about life at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry starts with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. As you must know by now, Harry's unbearable childhood is transformed when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. The young wizard-in-training encounters one adventure after another, and confronts the great destiny that awaits him. While you're waiting for the next novel in the series, have you reread the first one yet?

7. A Separate Peace by John Knowles A tale of friendship and betrayal at a private New England school for boys during World War II. One is brainy and lonely. The other is handsome and athletic. The two form an intense bond that draws out both the best and worst in each. A Separate Peace is an unflinching look at the dark side of adolescence and a classic portrayal of the complexity of friendship.

8. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark An eccentric teacher in Edinburgh in the 1930s has a soft spot for all things Italian, including Il Duce. Is she liberating young minds or preaching fascism? A defense of individual thought in the face of unchecked conventionality, the novel explores Miss Brodie's intense, and ultimately dangerous, relationship with six of her students.

9. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier A teenager refuses to be bullied--into selling chocolate--and winds up in a larger battle. Did your school have fundraisers? Did you ever sell raffle tickets or wash cars? Well, things could be worse. When Jerry Renault refuses to sell chocolate for his school's fundraiser, he provokes such divisiveness that the entire social fabric of the school seems to come apart at the seams.

10. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy BlumeSurviving fourth grade and a rambunctious little brother isn't easy--can Peter do it? His little brother Fudgie is so disgustingly cute and so meddlesome that Peter's often not sure if he'll be able to make it another day. If you have a younger brother or sister, Peter's story may sound all too familiar--but this time it's fun.

My Answers

2006-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

OK, I think I need to preface my answers with... although I finished the book, and never felt like I was trudging through it, it left me somewhat unsatisfied. I've already forgotten the main character's name. I think it just isn't the style of book I would pick up again.

Anyway, without further ado...

1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and /or relatable, and why?
honestly, none of them. For me, they never left the page and became real for me.

2) Do you think this book would make a good movie?Why or why not?
Probably. Let’s see… Tom Hanks as the psychologist whose name I already cannot remember. Sharon Stone as the girlfriend psychologist, George Wendt as Milo, Sissy Spacek as the arts&crafts girlfriend, Glenn Close as the Nora Dowd, Bruce Willis as Brad Dowd, Billy Bob Thornton as the janitor cousin… that’s a good start.

3) What makes this book distinctive?
It had a pretty cover.

4) Were the plots and sub plots believable? Were they interesting ?
They must have at least been interesting, because I finished the book.

5) What did you like/dislikeabout the book? Were you glad you read it? Would you recommend it to a friend ? Would you be willing to read more books by this author?
I don’t think I would recommend it, but I think that’s just because after reading it I’ve realized I’m not a fan of this style of book. I think I would pass on reading more from him. There are too many other books that I MUST read to spend time reading ones that I’m fairly sure wouldn’t WOW me.

Rainee's "Gone" :)

2006-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and /or relatable, and why? I liked Milo the best. He was the most visual, and also the most relatable to me. Alot of time was spent on his choice of clothing, his different attitudes, I detected a bit of wistfulness there.... I liked Alex, but maybe because his character was developed in earlier books, I didn't get as clear a picture of him in my head as I did Milo.

2) Do you think this book would make a good movie?Why or why not? Prob'ly not, since it was not that action packed. Maybe a good Criminal Minds episode tho....

3) What makes this book distinctive? I would have to say the way the author described LA and the surrounding area... also the way he developed his characters.

4) Were the plots and sub plots believable? I kinda wondered why Kellerman bothered with that whole Dr.Hauser thing. It seemed out of place and unneccesary. Like filler or something. An obligatory physical attack on the main character to make the reader feel sorry for him or to explain his ex's change of heart?

Also, I felt ripped off at the end when Brad killed himself. My bf worked at the county jail here in smalltown AL for a while, and I know this is nit-picky, but if a prisoner is on suicide watch, they don't get "lights-out" and they sure don't get pajamas or sheets or anything that could be used to commit suicide. They are also checked on every 10 to 15 minutes.... I just thought the guy was dismissed a little too easily.

Were they interesting ? I thought the Dr Hauser subplot was corny and predictable. I liked reading about Milo and Rick tho... the glimpses we got into their lives when they weren't "on the case."

5) What did you like/dislike about the book? I guess the taxidermy thing was kinda gross. Finding that head reminded me of that scene in Silence Of The Lambs when she finds that head in a jar in the storage building.... (Am I still discussing sub-plots?)

I liked the relationships between Alex and Robin, Alex and Allison, Alex and Milo...

Were you glad you read it? yes I am glad I read it. It was nice to be reading something again. It was a good, suspenseful book.

Would you recommend it to a friend ? Yes. I already have actually :)

Would you be willing to read more books by this author? yes. I wouldn't mind reading more of Alex's back story...

That's my take on it guys... I enjoyed the fact that we were all on this adventure together too.... Can't wait to see what's next!

Spider's Spin...

2006-10-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and /or relatable, and why? Milo was an interesting one... like Scott, it was refreshing to find a gay character that was just an average man - no bizarre sex drive, not a hottie or a stud or an asshole, just an average cop with his own neuroses who happened to be gay. In my opinion, none of the sub-characters were developed very well - they were all very predictable and almost cookie-cutter...
2) Do you think this book would make a good movie? Why or why not? I am afraid that it would not make a good movie - it just doesn't seem like it would translate well to the screen - the plot bogs down at times, it repeats itself in themes and takes a long time to get going... there is really nothing here to make it a distinctive film...
3) What makes this book distinctive? Yikes - I think I answered this one above. Don't get me wrong - this was a great read and I enjoyed it and am glad I read it - just not a book that I will really remember in 6 months...
4) Were the plots and sub plots believable? For the most part they were... there were some "leaps of faith" tossed in there, but there always are in books like this. Were they interesting? Yea they were...
5) What did you like/dislike about the book? Again, it was an enjoyable read - I would have never read this or anything like it if it were not in this setting. Were you glad you read it? I sure am! Like a man, I can find SOMETHING I like in everything I read! Would you recommend it to a friend? If I knew they were a fan of this style of writing then I would. Would you be willing to read more books by this author? Probably not - but then again, one never knows!

This was a BLAST! I can't wait to start reading the next one! Scott, you are DA MAN for coming up with this idea!

Answers to Questions

2006-10-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

O.k. Spider I can't believe we didn't even mention the book the whole time we were together. 1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and/or relatable and why. Well the character's are what did it for me in this book, they were all so colorful. I loved the interaction between the characters. The little love interest between Dr. Deleware was cool, it made his character real, and all he's going through, I enjoyed the relationship of the friendship between he and Milo, who I also liked. I guess I find Dr. Delaware more relatable, since I have a degree in psychology. I did have a hard time putting the book down, he has a remarkable eye for detail, but at times I felt I needed to go back and reread. Although I figured out the villain quite early, which I didn't think I would do. He does accomplish bringing the characters to life for me. I found the beginning kind of dragging, but midway I really got into it. I sort of got tired while Milo and Delaware visited one suspect after another.

2) Do you think this book would make a good movie?Why /why not? It just jumped around so much in the beginning, I think the viewers would lose interest. It has so much going on, I almost decided to start drawing a diagram of who was who. I personally say no.3) What makes this book distinctive? As I said earlier Kellerman's eye for detail, I think that his descriptions of each character are very detail and distinctive. The whole subplot seems distinctive as well.4) Were the plots/subplots believable? Were they interesting? Very, you seem to be asking the questions as I read them, seems I have described it in the question above. I think what I enjoyed the most was the last 5 chapters. It was very intersting by the time I was half way into the book. At first I was excited more because this was our first book in the book club. I really got into it half way. It really got wild towards the end.
5) What did you like/dislike about this book. Are you glad you read it ? Would you recommend it to a friend? Would you be willing to read more books by this author? Likes /dislikes: I disliked that the only character I was starting to like gets it. I really wasn't crazy about the other victims, I disliked that I figured out the villian so soon. Other than that no other real dislikes. Lots of. I liked the relationship growing between the doc and Robin, it gave something to the character, feeling maybe. I liked that I found myself actually talking to the characters. This is not a book, I'd usually read, but after reading it, I think I may have to read another one of Kellerman's books, to see if it grabs me like this one did. Maybe start from the beginning of the series.

My Answers to the Discussion Questions

2006-10-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and/or relatable and why.
I really liked the girl Michaela I thought she was cute and fairly funny , the way she was kinda coming on to Dr. Delaware in their interview. Wish she could have stayed around a bit longer. Also I have always liked the character of Milo Sturgis the cop. Most likely because he is just a regular guy who happens to be gay. Not a Gym Addicted, body issued, twink.The author makes it clear that he is not a beauty queen (lol) Just a cop who is gay.

2) Do you think this book would make a good movie?Why /why not? Maybe. The reason I say maybe is because,Yes it has alot of things going for it but alot of the narrative is basically getting around the city of LA/Hollywood I am not sure how that would translate into a good movie. Plus the whole taxidermy part may be a bit gross.

3) What makes this book distinctive? I think that alot of what makes this book so distinctive is the narrative. The way he describes the city of LA and Hollywood so in depth and his use of very discriptive language.

4) Were the plots/subplots believable? Were they interesting? Interesting yes they were. One of the reasons I love Mr. Kellerman is he keeps the pages turning and doesn't really let on what is going on until the last few chapters. For awhile there I thought maybe the other Dr he was investingating might have played a bigger role ( didn't really know how )but it kept me guessing. Believable, I am still on the fence about that. I think the whole taxidermy part was a little over the top, but who knows we were in LA/Hollywood. :)

5) What did you like/dislike about this book. Are you glad you read it ? Would you recommend it to a friend? Would you be willing to read more books by this author? Likes /dislikes: not very many dislikes on the whole I loved the book I wish we could have had more time with Micheala and perhaps met the guy she staged the abduction with. I love the fact that Dr. D and Robin got back together but you guys wouldn't understand their history unless you read some prior books. I am very glad you all allowed me to choose the first book . I hoped you all liked it . Uhmmmm..I did recommend it to a friend , a few friends actually ! I will most definately be reading more of his books I have read many of them and only a few have let me down .

Okay kids there are my answers to the questions for Gone. I really do hope you enjoyed this first book. As I have mentioned before I am still awaiting recommendations for book 2 from a few of you . If you liked this book and would like to read more of him on your own time I can recommend a few. Rage was very good as was The Murder Book.

Discussion Questions for "Gone"

2006-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Ok Boys and Girls it looks like the majority of us are done with our first book. Here are the discussion questions for the first one.

1) Which characters did you find the most compelling and /or relatable, and why?

2) Do you think this book would make a good movie?Why or why not?

3) What makes this book distinctive?

4) Were the plots and sub plots believable? Were they interesting ?

5) What did you like/dislikeabout the book? Were you glad you read it? Would you recommend it to a friend ? Would you be willing to read more books by this author?

If you feel like this it too amny questions let me know you don't have to do all 5 if you don't want to. Pick 2 good ones if you would like . I am still awaiting recommendations for the second book from a few of you (You know who you are)!

Me B Done

2006-10-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I finished this afternoon!

I was very surprised when the flock of magic pelicans flew in and saved the Queen.

Or should I not have typed that and spoiled the ending???

It's over

2006-10-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

I finished it (and kept the library due date by the skin of my teeth)
It was good.

Look Ma -

2006-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

I made it to chapter 34!! I'm so happy now. I can't stop turning pages.... Thanks Scott for sending me your copy!!

I'm gonna go read some more now. :)

The End

2006-09-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

As in I finished last night. Not at all what I expected but I did like it alot . Let me know who else is done at sk1265@gmail.com.

Sweet Sixteen

2006-09-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

As in, I finished chapter 16 tonight.

Uh-Oh

2006-09-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

I’m on Chapter 40. I have to know how it ends!

Okay. I won’t read any more. Tonight.

The jacket says: “Jonathan Kellerman is one of the world’s most popular authors.” Huh? I've never heard of him. Monday when I bought the book I was shocked at the number of his titles, books for days. So, other Canadians must read him.

Who knew?

The Form for our Forum

2006-09-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

I sent this out as an email but it seems some people didn't get it or deleted it because they didn't know who the hell I am so I decided to post it here :

ALOHA!! From the sunny shores of paradise otherwise known as Maui! Those of you that I know Hey !! Those of you that I don't know yet Welcome! I thought of doing this book club to reach out into the blogosphere and make some new friends. So far that idea is working great but a few of us have been thinking about adding a little form to our forum.

If you have been following the blog or the emails to hotmail you know it has just been Spider and myself talking but I have made a few decisions based on those talks . Spider is not the only one, I am sure, that needs a little structure and /or direction. Hopefully you all know that the first book is Gone by Jonathan Kellerman. I know that some folks are playing catch up and others already have your books.

Now onto the structure & form part. Once we start to read ( if you haven't already) we are all going to stop after chapter 15. After we have all reached that point if you would be so kind as to shoot me an email to that effect. When I know we are all there I will send out a mass email telling you to go ahead and post an open discussion post on the blog. Of course you are more than welcome to post anything you want to there, whenever you want to do it ! Then after the midway discussions are all posted we can complete the book. I also think that it is at this time that your recommendations for book #2 should come to me . I am exempt from choosing another book until all of us have a chance to recommend one.When you do your recommendations it would be great if you can send a link to the book. After all nominees are in I will post them all in the blog so we can vote.I think we should do the new book at this point so we won't have to much lag time between .The next person whose book we choose will also be exempt from round 3 and so on and so on til we get back to the beginning (me).

OK I know this is a huge post but I am almost done...
The next step will be as you finish the book email me again so I can keep track and when we are all finished I will post some end of book questions on the blog for you all to answer and discuss as well . I think as far as I can tell that covers it all. But trust me this is in no way a dictatorship. These are just guidelines that I thought up .This is a co authored blog therefore a co authored idea space as well. I am open to any and all suggestions. And believe me when I say any and all will be greatly appreciated. You can send any questions or comments to me at sk1265@gmail.com. Most importantly I want us all to have fun while doing this and to get to know each other . Please comment on the blog and email to each other as much and as often as you feel !! The more we do that the more fun we will have .

OK so that is all the detail I have come up with so far . One more thing though for the next book the person who chooses the book also gets to do the end of the book questions . I am finding that alot of books actually have discussion questions written to find these you can go to any publisher website, and/or do a search for book club discussion questions.

The main thing is that we all have fun so if you have any problems or questions contact me !!
This really is gonna be a blast thank you all for showing an interest!
Scott K

The Opposite OOPS

2006-09-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I finished chapter 3 last night, and was afraid I was reading too far ahead until I had received some official direction.

So now I'm confused.... are we just to read like mad until someone says STOP?

OOOPS!!

2006-09-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am on chapter 25. I guess I got ahead. Sorry.
I am loving the book though.

Some Suggestions From Some Members

2006-09-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have recieved a few emails from some of our illustrious members , and have decided to post some here. One of the most important ones is ;I have been asked while selecting books try to stay away from new releases in hardback books.New releases of paperback is ok. I didn't really think that it would be an issue. However, now I realize that since some of us are on budgets and may not be able to afford to buy a bunch of Hardbacks at $25.00 a pop. Another good point is that some people prefer paperback to hardback. Just something to think about as you are all about to make a suggestion as to our second endeavor.

Where We Stand Thus Far

2006-09-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

OK I got an Email today from Derek. So far it looks as though he and I are the first two to get through chapter 15. It is only 144 (I think) pages into the book so hopefully I should be getting new emails soon. I hope you are all enjoying the book.

Checking In

2006-09-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Just back from my B&N, where they had one copy, and I got it!

Awaiting further instructions...

I'm looking forward to this. I've always wanted to learn how to read.

O.k. I'm ready

2006-09-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

I was so stoked going out and buying my first book "Gone" by Jonathan Kellerman for the Blogger's Book Club. I've never read any of his books before. I'm just excited to be part of the Blogger's Book Club, I'm an avid reader and always loved reading, I've always wanted to be a part of a book club. I started reading it tonight, Mike got out the camera and was taking a picture of me since I wasn't paying attention to him. So I decided to ham it up or should I say Vanna it up? Since Spider is our moderator I will wait for a little instruction, but I will say I had to go ahead and jump in it.

After some more thought

2006-09-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe open discussion after a certain chapter would be better . If we do it by date some people may not be as far as others and we may spoil something or give something away. Discuss amongst yourselves ;) .

Some Form of ..well...Form :)

2006-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

I think you are right we need something along those lines I think the easiest to do would be like an open discussion type deal on here. But the problem lies in when should we do it ........by a certain date ? After a chosen chapter ? I think the date thing works best but not sure . Any other suggestions ?

We will be catching up...

2006-09-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

B&N here was out last night - so I ordered copies from Urban Think, my favorite book store for Sorted and I - should be here by the weekend and we are set? I am thinking we need just a little structure - not much but a little - do we want to look at questions to answer at the end, maybe a mid point open disucssion by a certain date, just an open discussion at the end or as we go along - what do people think or what do they like to do?

Or am I getting too anal about this - I have a tendency to do that...

Hey there !

2006-09-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Cool, Cool, Cool, I am so stoked!!! I want to take a moment to welcome Atari-Age and Jetboy ! Welcome aboard folks !! I hope by now we all have our copies of "Gone", by Jonathan Kellerman. Except for Jessica I know she is gonna play catch up . In addition I really hope you all enjoy the book. Jonathan Kellerman is one of my all time favorite authors and I am happy to share with those of you who don't know of him. Since the book is only 365 pages I think you guys (except for me) should start thinking of what we are going to read next.!

Hola!

2006-09-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, fellow (insert "technical" name for readers here). I haven't gotten the book yet - I'm half way into one right now - I'll play catch up :-)

Hey there!

2006-09-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm in!

Do we set up some kind of schedule, or is it freeform for the time being?

This is great for alot of reasons - the most selfish of which is to get me reading books again =)

I am all up in it

2006-09-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

I know that the phrasing of this posts title is grammatically incorrect, but I did check out the book. Let's get it started !!

I'm..

2006-09-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

..in. Got sidetracked this evening, will get my book tomorrow! PROMISE!

One more thing...

2006-09-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

I also set up a hotmail account for us...

TheBloggersBookClub@hotmail.com

password: Bookclub

This could be the start of something big...

2006-09-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here we go boys and girls! Hope this works for everyone!

The pertinent information for everyone is...

to log into blogger - TheBloggersBookClub
password - bookclub
e-mail - TheBloggersBookclub@hotmail.com
blog address http://www.thebloggersbookclub.blogspot.com

Let me know when you can get in and if you have any problems...

Sorted and I are going out for all you can eat crabs tonight then we are off to B&N for our copies of Gone

This is going to be so much fun...