[TTLG Book Club] An introduction and August's selection: The Life of Pi (discuss!)

Scots Taffer on 5/7/2006 at 11:01

Right, let's give it a break. While I agree that Fingernail's original statement was a bit slight, essentially he's correct. When all's said and done regarding the messages she made in her books, they are all delightfully witty and subtle and concise and caustic all at once, that's it. They are simply that. Sure, if you want, you can extrapolate her messages to the present day and many of them would remain true... Yes, because she was a sharp mind and had learned many of life's truths, but that's about it.

Uncia on 5/7/2006 at 11:36

I read just under 100 pages an hour (about 60 in English). I don't really think ~4 hours is a huge amount of time to spend on a book. :)

Scots Taffer on 5/7/2006 at 11:41

I suppose I could read that fast, but I'd feel like I was in some sort of competition. I used to be a very quick reader, but these days I'm like the sloth of the reading world.

And on that note, still no copy of Life of Pi just yet. :(

Stitch on 5/7/2006 at 15:29

My impression is that <U>Life of Pi</U> is a fairly quick read, so those of you who haven't managed to find a copy yet shouldn't sweat it too much. And it isn't like you'll be barred from participating if you arrive to the discussion two days late.

We shouldn't really have this problem in the future as a two week book acquisition time is built into the schedule. Two weeks to find it, four weeks to read it.

Also:

Quote Posted by Aerothorn

Also, I'm kind of afraid that whatever the book is, I'll come in and give my piece and then you'll tell me how horribly, stupendously wrong I am and why I have a horrible taste in books.

That is a very valid fear, but incorrect in this case. I'd like the book club threads to have an atmosphere that invites discussion, and as such we should generally discourage the shouting down of dissenting opinion.

Kyloe on 5/7/2006 at 15:53

So you finally dropped the sixes not only in your name, but in your manner. ;)

ignatios on 5/7/2006 at 16:29

Life of Pi is a pretty quick read. I know I'm on vacation, but I'm halfway through after only 6 hours of reading.

I also want to emphasize Stitch's point about the tone of the book club threads. We all know that posting in CommChat is generally not for delicate internet flowers, but I'm certainly not going to give anyone a hard time for liking a book I happen to despise. Shouting, ad hominems and trying to brow-beat other people into holding your opinion is counter-productive and ultimately destroys the point of having a book club in the first place. A different opinion is necessary for any kind of discussion at all, and I'm confident that we can be one of the best goddamn book clubs on the internet.

I don't really expect it to be much of a problem, but if we play nice, it's better for everybody.

Also, as far as next month's selection goes, make sure that a book is available in your area before voting for it. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it doesn't do anybody any good if you vote for a book you can't read and eventually participate in the discussion thereof.

CountMRVHS on 5/7/2006 at 16:44

hear, hear (the stuff about being civil).

I've been reading Life of Pi for 2 days and am about halfway through. I consider myself to read at an average speed. The short chapters make it go quickly. And the fact that it's pretty interesting. And the fact that it's not a very difficult read. In fact, my concern is actually that I'll be done with it too quickly and forget stuff by August. Ah well.

Para?noid on 5/7/2006 at 17:01

Quote Posted by Uncia

I read just under 100 pages an hour (about 60 in English). I don't really think ~4 hours is a huge amount of time to spend on a book. :)

I read 58.43 pages an hour according to a timed test, and even then, I don't take half the shit I read in. I hope for your sake you make the most of that ridiculous speed

Rug Burn Junky on 5/7/2006 at 17:07

Quote Posted by ignatios

I also want to emphasize Stitch's point about the tone of the book club threads. We all know that posting in CommChat is generally not for delicate internet flowers, but I'm certainly not going to give anyone a hard time for liking a book I happen to despise. Shouting, ad hominems and trying to brow-beat other people into holding your opinion is counter-productive and ultimately destroys the point of having a book club in the first place. A different opinion is necessary for any kind of discussion at all, and I'm confident that we can be one of the best goddamn book clubs on the internet.

Fuck that shit, I'M OUT!

Nah, seriously this is a great idea, and I'm totally for it. I've got about $100 in Barnes & Noble gift cards that I've let waste away in my desk, and this is the perfect excuse to use them up.

Aerothorn on 5/7/2006 at 17:17

Quote Posted by Stitch

Oh. Awesome opossum, then. If I somehow manage to finish my current book in time to read Life of Pi, I'll do so - otherwise, I'll try and join in next month.