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Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519151 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 1, 2010 3:46am
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Why were Mark Reynolds and Adelaide Addison included (Addison/puff adder/posionous in her opinions?)

Why Charles Lamb and not some other author as Mr. Dawsey's obsession?

Let's talk about the story, and not about buying books at Borders. "GRIN"
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #518994 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 1, 2010 7:53am
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1. I was a bit put-off by the format at first, but soon grew to love it. I enjoyed reading a book, that at times, seemed to have more than one narrative point of view.

2. I agree with Aurora. Books, during that time, were valued more as prized possessions to be read, re-read and cherished. Now-a-days books are viewed more as disposable.

:) MM
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519151 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 1, 2010 8:06am
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3. I think a readers choice in books tells a lot about their interests, sense of humor and personality. I believe that everyone that was in the society at the time of the occupation was changed to some extent. Also the people who learned about the society after-the-fact were also touched by it.

4. I'd have to say that I really liked Dawsey, he just seemed to have a bit of mystery about him. Although I equally loved Isola's quirkiness! As to whose literary opinions are like my own, Hmmmm....not sure on that one.

5. I cried when they found out that Elizabeth was dead. I was hoping for a tearful reunion.

:) MM
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519151 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 1, 2010 9:20am
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1) Use of letters: I liked this format. It was a good way to get the viewpoints of a number of people. You also got just the “essentials” of the story—there was no need for transitions between scenes. Writing letters requires thought, and they are (or at least can be) permanent, so the character took time with their letters and their writings allowed us to dig deeper into their souls. I thought it interesting that Mark (who comes across as rather shallow) was more into calling than writing, and his notes were quite superficial.

2) Bookstores: I agree that books are more throw-away now, although I do have certain ones that I read more than once. You can still get the flavor of this “old-fashioned” bookselling when you go to the smaller specialty shops. We have someone in town who specializes in histories and mysteries, and the owner is quite knowledgeable.

3) Lives changed: Several of the characters wrote that this new-found reading helped them to cope with what was happening during the occupation. Booker said that Seneca’s writings “helped to keep me alive in what was to come later”. Eben said that Shakespeare’s line “we are for the dark” had great relevance. It seemed to help him process what was going on. One letter-writer (Mrs. Saussey) disparaged the group and said “they’d never have touched a book, but for the OCCUPATION”. That was a great thing, not something to be insulted.

4) Favorite character: I liked a number of the characters, but liked Iola the best. She used books to experience things that were beyond her normal existence (like the romance in the Bronte books). That is one thing I love about books—they let me visit places/experience things that I might otherwise not. For literary choices, I might have to go with Eben. Even though I don’t read poetry a lot, I do find a lot of relevance and emotion in poetry (I might need to head to the poetry section in the library soon!)

5) Laugh/Cry: There were no “big” episodes of this for me. There were a number of wryly humorous comments that I enjoyed. Some of the descriptions of the occupation or the camps was heart-breaking.

6) Why were Mark and Adelaide Addison included?: Every story needs an antagonist. Mark served that role for Juliet, and Mrs. Addison did so for the villagers.

7) Why Charles Lamb?: One of the writers (Dawsey?) said that perhaps Lamb’s great sorrows made him a great writer. I was thinking that the villagers’ great sorrows during the occupation made them great readers.

8) Favorite quote: Juliet said “one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you into another book….”. I may need to look for the writings of Lamb at the library too, along with the poetry. As if my list isn’t long enough!

I really enjoyed this book. I also liked learning about the occupation of Guernsey, which I was unaware of before this book. Sorry for the length of the post, but I really liked the books and the questions—perhaps I’ve been proofreading too many of my daughter’s term papers ;~)

Birdwoman/WP
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519151 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 1, 2010 9:59am
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I really liked the letter format of the book. It gave all the characters a chance to tell their stories and give their opinions in their own voice. My biggest problem was putting the book down at night because I'd keep telling myself just one more letter.

I found it interesting that by Juliet putting her name in the Charles Lamb book the whole chain of events that followed totally changed her life. If Dawsey could have just ordered the book from Amazon Juliet probably would have ended up marrying Mark Reynolds and spending the rest of her life unhappy. But through that one act she ended up where I really believe she was destined to be.

I don't know if it is just me, but as I read this book I pictured the people of Guernsey as being like the characters in the movie Babe. They seemed to have the same quirkiness. Or maybe it's because Dawsey is an English pig farmer. I liked all the characters but mostly Juliet, she seemed so real and down to earth. And she loves books, I like her quote, "That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you to a third book. It's geometrically progressive-all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment."

There were many sad parts in the book. I really hoped that Elizabeth would be found. It was so sad that all the children had to be separated from their parents and sent away. But I loved the way it ended. It was almost like Juliet was a little lost but then took over Elizabeth's life. She lived in her house, became a mother to her daughter and befriended her friends and I think Elizabeth would have approved.
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519302 by Waltzing Pigs
Jun 1, 2010 10:07am
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Walzing Pigs - That is so funny that we both liked the same quote in the book. I didn't read your post before I wrote mine because I started it before yours was posted.
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519279 by Mama Marge
Jun 1, 2010 4:51pm
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I liked Dawsey, too. I felt like I could relate to his quiet aloofness. :-) But deep caring...like he was someone you can really depend on.

I loved the letter format for this story...it allowed different characters, and a disjointed telling that really added to the story. Somethings were overshown, others alluded to. And the various personalities really shown through!

And I cried most when they talked about the kids being evacuated. Mostly because I HAVE kids. It would break my heart to put them on a boat, not knowing if they'd be safe or not, because hopefully they'll be safeR than where I live.
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #519246 by Artemis
Jun 1, 2010 5:04pm
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Mark Reynolds was there to provide a rival; and show that Juliet isn't immune to flattery...but she really isn't going to sell out either.

Adelaide's a busybody. Every Island has one. :P

I didn't really question Charles Lamb, other than being obscure and therefore a good bonding model. But I just googled him and found this quote:
  1. "Man is a gaming animal. He must always be trying to get the better in something or other." — features in the Essays of Elia, 1823.

Which really illustrates what Juliet and Dawsey were fighting against in the book. And pretty much sums up Adelaide.
Re: Book Club discussion for May
Board: AQ Book Club Main Board
Reply to: #518994 by The hicks from the sticks
Jun 2, 2010 5:18am
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Here's a random thought. Is there an Elizabeth in your life? If so, tell us a story about what he/she has done that caught your attention.