Saturday, July 12, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
The Tennis Partner: Discussion Notes
A small group came out of the heat to meet in the sponsor's cool living room to talk about this well-liked book. Some highlights:
Male friendships, like that of the author and his tennis partner, seem to revolve around neutral things such as sports--to talk about the personal, the intimate is difficult for that gender.
To a group of mostly non-tennis plays, the descriptions of tennis strategies are so well written that they enhance the understanding of the author and his partner's characters.
Addictions are pleasurable...and so, despite the horrendous consequences, people return to them. Seems obvious, right? But as a group whose addictions do not have such negative impact, this is an idea that has to be restated. The "Just say NO" philosophy is a joke for a good reason--not just because of its author.
Insights into medical descriptions disrupt the flow for one book group member, but not to others.
Friendships are not free of rivalry, jealousy, envy, anger...
It is through the description of his relationships with his patients and his sons, that Abraham's best qualities are revealed.
Male friendships, like that of the author and his tennis partner, seem to revolve around neutral things such as sports--to talk about the personal, the intimate is difficult for that gender.
To a group of mostly non-tennis plays, the descriptions of tennis strategies are so well written that they enhance the understanding of the author and his partner's characters.
Addictions are pleasurable...and so, despite the horrendous consequences, people return to them. Seems obvious, right? But as a group whose addictions do not have such negative impact, this is an idea that has to be restated. The "Just say NO" philosophy is a joke for a good reason--not just because of its author.
Insights into medical descriptions disrupt the flow for one book group member, but not to others.
Friendships are not free of rivalry, jealousy, envy, anger...
It is through the description of his relationships with his patients and his sons, that Abraham's best qualities are revealed.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Old Filth: Discussion
No need to read the blog. Just read the book jacket reviews. That's how positively the group reacted to this beautifully rendered, moving novel. Everyone was thrilled to learn that--Old Filth is one of a trilogy. Each of the other two books focuses on a character introduced in Old Filth. And despite one negative hearsay review about the third; it looks like both books will make our summer reading lists.
Waited too long to write this blurb to write about themes discussed. Left my book with notes with a younger reader. (In 40's.) She didn't seem to get hooked. So this will be short.
Here is link:
Barnes and Nobles Review
Waited too long to write this blurb to write about themes discussed. Left my book with notes with a younger reader. (In 40's.) She didn't seem to get hooked. So this will be short.
Here is link:
Barnes and Nobles Review
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)