[PEOPLE OF THE BOOK] group read general thread

Good morning.
I am going to set up a general thread for people to make their comments on, ask their questions on, etc. This should work until we begin our group read of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks on November 1st, 2009.
Mark will be setting up individual threads for the different sections of the book as we get closer to the time of the read and as we get into the book.
We welcome any and all of you and hope that as many as can, or as wish to will join us in this read. We both feel confident that we will learn something as we go and that we will have a good time and hopefully get to know each other a little better by "spending some time together" in the good old L.T. way.
Please try to join us.
Thank you,
belva

I have my book ready to go and it looks like it is going to be a great read! I cannot wait!
--BJ

I am amazed that most of the copies in our library system are actually IN the library, I should have no problem getting it in time for the group read and hanging on to it! Looking forward to it!

I've already read it, but would love to pop in occasionally to see what others are thinking.

I promise to get my hands on a copy by November 1st!

Hey everyone! Once again, I'm making Belva do all the work. Thanks so much, I really wasn't sure how soon to start a G.R. thread but it sure does make things easier. I'm very pleased with the interest so far. You are incredible people! Big, big hug to Belva!! She's the best!

Looking forward to it - the book's sitting grinning happily at me from my bookshelves, I think it knows its time has almost come! My first group read, yippee!

ETA: I'll add another hug for Belva!

Aw shucks, twern't nothin'.



I am excited miss ellie!~! It will be such fun to have you along. I think you will enjoy the "ride".
hugs to all,
belva

ahoy all!

got the book the day before yesterday. lovely edition, can't wait to start. Thank you belva and msf59!

I am excited to join in as well. I have bought a copy of the book and then promptly lent it to my mother , so hopefully she will finish and return it before November (if not, I'll have to run out and buy another copy). This will be my first group read as well, looking forward to it.

whoop whoop... nice start. Is this going to be the main group thread or will you move it on Nov 1?

I am looking forward to this group read as well..... I don't have the book yet but I will track down a copy in time for Nov 1st.

Welcome aboard folks! Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!
Caroline- I will have 3 or 4 separate threads for the book. It helps control spoilers!

Well, I read People of the Book about a year ago and I set if free because a friend of mine loves historical fiction as much as I. So, I'll be borrowing another copy from the library to follow along with your discussion. My first group read as well and looking forward to it.

Welcome to all who have posted an interest in this group read of People of the Book. We appreciate you showing up to do so. And a big thank you to Mark (msf59) for the planning he has done.
I am really excited about this read. The only other Geraldine Brooks I have read is March and I enjoyed that tremendously so I have high hopes for this one as well. And I think we will have a really good time.
I see some familiar usernames here and a couple that are new to me. I hope I get to know all of you a little better throughout the read. Here's to a great read folks!~!
I will see you on the threads.
hugs all round,
belva

Just checking in to see if there is any more chatter about the read.
I hope people are getting their books in a more timely manner than I am. I ordered my copy as soon as Mark announced which book we would be reading and it has yet to arrive. Ah well, we still have a month to go.
Will see you back here in a few.
belva

I just returned from the post office and my copy of "People of the Book" arrived today. I am happy about that. I'll have to try really hard not to do much peeking until November 1st. Hope all of you get yours soon or already have them.
blessings,
belva

This looks interesting.

The ILL copy arrived for me today, I will be picking it up from my library.

I've got quite a lot on my plate as of the moment (11 or so on my currently reading list), so we'll see how it goes. I may try to start it before Nov 1, since its a library copy and I can only renew it so many times... but its also on my bookmooch wishlist, so if anyone wants to send me their finished copy, that will help too! If that happens, I'll post it on my BM inventory when I've finished as well.

I'll be getting my copy hopefully this week, I'm looking forward to starting the new group read, the 'blurb' sounds great. good choices again, and thanks belva and mark for letting me know about it!

We wouldn't dream of starting without any of you!~!~!
belva

Hey everybody! Thanks for checking in and I hope everyone is tracking down a copy! We start in a month!
Belva- How's my partner?

I am here and doing good Mark!~! I have my book and am raring to go. A month, a month, a month, a month-----------sounds like:

the monk, the monk, the monk, the monk

I went to the animal fair.
The birds and the bees were there.
The big baboon
by the light of the moon
was combing his auburn hair.

The monkey teased the skunk
then slid down the elephant's trunk.
The elephant sneezed and lit on his knees
and that was the end of the monk, the monk, the monk, the monk.

Happy reading all and happy singing some.
I know some of you must remember that one.
love you guys,
belva

My copy is on order with my friendly local second-hand book shop, should arrive within the week!

Looking forward to this read:)

I have been reading about People of the Book and its seems very interesting. Historical fiction set in an exotic location, unless you were born in Sarajevo.

I have never read anything by Geraldine Brooks but Pulitzers prizes do not come in crackerjack boxes.

This is my first time with a project like this so be gentle. It is something that I have always wanted to do and we have a good group of people. I feel sure that we are all going to have an enjoyable and enriching experience.

I will be sure and get my book but lawyers are trained to work to deadlines.

Toujours gai, Toujours gai.

I have been looking forward to this group read because I listened to The Thirteenth Tale and absolutely loved it but People of the Book is new to me, so I'm glad it was chosen! Also, Nov 1 is my birthday so it will be like a gift to myself! A book is always my favorite gift! Be back soon. MB

I've just finished People of the Book on audio and it's a great book for discussion. Very dense: most parts I loved and some .... not so much. Having already read Year of Wonders and March, I'm pretty much a Geraldine Brooks fan for life.

I have my copy sitting on my shelves. I'll start it right around or just after November 1, depending on how the sections are going to break down, since I tend to finish a book in just a couple of days.

I have my copy ready to go and will start on it as soon as I finish The Virginian. I thought I should read a classic once-in-awhile and so picked that one. People of the Book should be a good choice. I have read Year of Wonders and March so expect this book to be just as good. However, I am also taking a college class this semester and have all that reading and writing to do as well. I hope this book provides me some relaxation time.

I'm in, I'm in!! Thanks for sending me the link Mark. :)

Hi All, I got my copy of the book yesterday. It looks wonderfully full of discussable issues. I can't say I have heard too much discussion re:"People..." to this point in my life. Is there a particular format we will follow or would it be similar to other groups here, where we are rather free to lead the discussion in any direction? Will there be a moderator? Different threads to prevent spoilers sounds good, because it would be impossible for everybody to read at the same pace.

My copy of the book arrived today. Now I just have to resist the temptation to read it right away.

Everyone looks like they are finding their copies, which is wonderful news! We have just over 2 weeks! I'm getting pumped!

I picked up my copy today, looking forward to this:)

Amazon Best of the Month, January 2008: One of the earliest Jewish religious volumes to be illuminated with images, the Sarajevo Haggadah survived centuries of purges and wars thanks to people of all faiths who risked their lives to safeguard it. Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of March, has turned the intriguing but sparely detailed history of this precious volume into an emotionally rich, thrilling fictionalization that retraces its turbulent journey. In the hands of Hanna Heath, an impassioned rare-book expert restoring the manuscript in 1996 Sarajevo, it yields clues to its guardians and whereabouts: an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. While readers experience crucial moments in the book's history through a series of fascinating, fleshed-out short stories, Hanna pursues its secrets scientifically, and finds that some interests will still risk everything in the name of protecting this treasure. A complex love story, thrilling mystery, vivid history lesson, and celebration of the enduring power of ideas, People of the Book will surely be hailed as one of the best of 2008. --Mari Malcolm

Sounds exciting to me. I can't wait to get started on it. Are we ready folks?
Whoo Hoo!~!~!

I finished the book and am ready to start talking about it. Are you going to put up separate threads for different chapters or are you going to divide up the book into sections? Where do I look for the discussion threads?

I'll be requesting it from the library this weekend, it should arrive right on time! I'm also wondering about the setup, though. How will the book be broken up for discussion?

Welcome back Belva! Boy, I missed you! BTW, nice teaser on "People"!
Here's what I have planned: the book is about 370 pages. I think 3 weeks will work. The book does not have chapters but is broke up into sections. Each thread will begin with a new section. The 1st thread will finish up at page 127. The 2nd thread will finish at 258 and the 3rd will take us home! I will create the new threads very soon. I hope this will work for everyone. Any complaints: see Berly!

Ha, you wish!~!
hugs to you buddy. It sounds perfect!
belva

Moi?!?! How did I wind up in charge of complaints? Well, OK. Actually, I am not that worried. The pacing you suggested, Mark, sounds great and if this goes off anything like the last group read, we should all be very happy! :) Can't wait.

Sounds good to me! I'm really looking forward to getting started :)

Sounds great! just placed a hold on it at my library an hour ago. Should be right on time. :)

Your scheduling sounds perfect! I am excited about this one!
--BJ

Nov. 1st is my birthday and this is the best year in recent memory! because I am participating in NaNoWriMo and this book group! and they both start on that day! I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than with my LT friends and my new friends at NaNo kick-off. PS-I think it is a good omen that I start writing on my birthday this year. It portends good results...I hope! "People..."sits in my book basket next to my bed waiting for me to pick it up. I am trying to finish up cataloging for this month and the books I am reading presently so I can focus on my novel and our book group. Not over commiting, though. MB

This is my first group read. I have my copy ready and I am excited to start!

I've been listening to it, largely because of all the good things I've read about it on LT. I listen to a lot of audio books, but this one I want to buy and read again.

Hi!!

I'm getting pumped for the start of the book! But please help a friend from another land. I'll be reading it in Portuguese so I'm not certain about the sections. So 1st part: beginning to "Feathers and a Rose"; 2nd: - Hanna?

Thank you so much for your help

Hi VivianeoftheLake, Mark, (MSF59), up above says Section 1 ends at page 127, which on my copy takes us through to the end of "Feathers and a Rose", Section 2 starts at page 131, entitled "Hanna". So I think we are on the right track.

thank you so much. just on more thing the 3rd thread will start at a section also named hanna? I'm out over the weekend so I wont be reading right away your answer. thank you again for your kindness.

Viviane- Yes, the 3rd thread will also start with a Hanna section, page 259. Glad you can join us! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I just came home with my copy of the book. I love the breakdown for the groupings you have proposed msf59 - sooooo, I just need to finish my current book (which I hope to do this weekend) and I will be ready to dive into this group read!

I am looking forward to this!

Thank you msf59 and DeltaQueen50 we are in very good hands!!

Mark, do I start reading now, with first discussion starting in November, or do I have to hold out a little longer and start the reading in November...when are you going to break out the new discussion thread? :)

Hey Berly- I was expecting everyone to start this Sunday the 1st. Can you hold out a bit longer, my favorite cheerleader? I'll set up the new thread tomorrow!

Give me a W! Give me an A! Give me an I! Give me a T! Everybody say it...WAAAAAY YAAAAIIIT!! Sunday it is. :)

I'm beaming like a proud father, (which I am). I know it seems like we've been waiting awhile to begin but we're almost there. Thanks for your patience! Here's the 1st week thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/75851

Great job Mark and you too Berly.
I am excited and raring to go. Have my book at the ready!~! Have the appropriate threads starred and am just digging in my heals until the first.
belva

glitter-graphics.com

If my library manages to have the book ready for me sometime this week, I'll try to catch up and join in! :)

Yea!~!~!~!

I'm going to try to start this book this week. Sounds like fun, and I already know what a great group of people will be reading!

I'm starting this book tomorrow. Thanks for the invite, Belva!

Bridget & Christi- Glad you can join us! It should be fun!

I'll be starting this at the end of the week, thanks for the links Mark!

DOB- We're glad your hopping aboard! And BTW, the book starts out superbly!

Yeeha. Library just called and my book is in. Revving up the car to P I U! Zooooommmmmm

I've resisted the urge to keep reading past this week's part, but the other novel I'm reading at the same time has some uncanny connections to this one and I just had to share a funny coincidence. The other book is Tomato Rhapsody, and it's set in 16th century Tuscany. It touches a bit on the issues that Jews were dealing with at the time, so there's that bit of a connection. But then earlier today, I read this:

Sitting there on one of the tavern's bar stools, finishing off his mutton shank and fourth goblet of wine, Luigi Campoverde, chef for Cosimo di Pucci de' Meducci the Third, Grand Duke of Tuscany, suddenly realised that he hadn't been this drunk since his teenage years at the monastery when his Sicilian mentor had traded a three-hundred-year-old illuminated Bible for a double-magnum of sparkling wine from Piedmont.

My jaw just about hit the floor. The haggadah is not a Bible, I know, but still. Talk about good timing!

I love connections like this one. It is one of the exciting things about reading. Making those connections and reading enough to be able to make them. Gosh I wish I had more time.

Did you two ever hit the nail on the head!~!
Unexpected connections like this is exactly what makes reading so very exciting!~!
There has already been such great discussion about this book and we have yet 2 and 1/2 weeks to go. That is also very exciting. Some of the things discussed I picked up on, but some of it I did not, so it has been wonderfully enlightening to me to read those comments.
belva

My book is ready for me at the library, so I'm picking it up tomorrow! Will have enough time this weekend to catch up. :)

Almost through with Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (Glass Castles) and then it is on to People!!

Hey Tammie & Berly- The book reads fast, IMHO, so you should have no problem catching up.
Berly- How is Half Broke Horses?

Glad to hear that! Especially since my library didn't have my book at all earlier today when I asked, but when I got home there was another message that I could pick it up. Quite annoying. Might pick it up tomorrow if I feel like it or otherwise next week. Luckily I can read whenever I want, so I'll catch up as soon as I can.

Here's the link for week 2: http://www.librarything.com/topic/76370
Happy reading!!

Okay, finished Half Broke Horses, which I rated a five-star! Loved it as much as Glass Castle. I'll get around to reviewing it on my thread one of these days. Finished 1st week section of People; halfway through second section and am off to read all the delicious comments!

I have to go out of town for a couple of weeks and won't have access to the internet. I've read through to the end of the second section, will take the book with me and catch up when I get back at the end of November. I've really enjoyed my first Group Read and will keep my eyes peeled for another. Thanks to everyone and especially Mark and Belva.

DQ- You are more than welcome! I'm glad you could join us! Keep in mind we will be doing a group read of World Without End in January!

The 15th, isn't it Mark?
Travel safely Delta. I will be thinking of you.
We will be here awaiting your return.
luv u,
belva

luv u 2 Mark!~!

By the way, Mark, I got my copy of World Without End in the mail recently, so I am ready to go. I am still working on part 2 of POTB because I just had to finish the 999 challenge. Still loving the book and hope to finish part 2 soon.
--BJ

Hey Belva & BJ- Yes, the read for World Without End will commence on Jan 15th. It'll be here before you know it!

Excited!~!

Here's the link for week 3: http://www.librarything.com/topic/77036