Preface-3
Hello everyone!! Welcome to the first week of this months Book Whore Book Club! If you need any help please feel free to contact me or my partner Cameron from What the Cat Read, she runs Book Whore Book Club side by side with me. Just a quick note if you have any questions for the author you can just ask in your discussion response. I hope everyone had fun reading!
1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good
idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
3)How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family?
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
Preface- Chapter 3
ReplyDelete1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
Heyyaa! My name is Anna and I...can't think of an interesting fact! I'm not good at talking about myself, I get all shy. I have a friend who always carries a potato in his pocket and his middle name is Ulysses. He's pretty interesting.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
I loved the Preface. It was actually my favourite bit of this first section. I really liked the voice in the Prologue; I found it very stylish Hollywood crime drama-esque/film noir- I could almost picture a 1920's policeman in a suit sitting in a speak-easy drinking whisky and smoking a cigar, perhaps drinking a martini. I don't know if that's how the author intended it but that's what I envisaged!
I didn't think the description of Isobel was too harsh at all; just because this man portrays her in that way it doesn't mean we have to take his word for it. He is speaking out of bitterness and humiliation because he's been badly hurt by her (even though we don't know yet what she's done) so it's obviously not an unbiased view! He portrays Isobel as a maneater/Venus Man-Trap who seduces men because she was a heartbroken widow who has become ice cold and uses will ruthlessly use her assets, her sexuality, to get what she wants. I loved some of the ways he described her: he says she is 'immune' to 'the routine plagues' such as spots, bad breath, flaky skin...which is something I've always observed about really beautiful people- they hardly every have asthma or eczema or even dandruff! When she walks past, 'Women mutter Bitch, Men mutter Baby'. I like this sentence; it stuck in my mind! I think Isobel will prove to be much more vulnerable and delicate than this portrayal of her in the preface...her steely outer layer will hopefully be stripped away.
3)How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family?
To be perfectly honest, I didn't really find a vivid description of 9-11 in this section. Isobel's husband's sister was killed in 9-11 and her remains were never recovered, which is incredibly traumatic, but I didn't exactly think this circumstance was exclusive to 9-11; soldiers bodies are lost in wars, or workers in collapsed mines, or abducted children who are never found. I think the fact that it happened in 9-11 wasn't really the main point; it was more how tragedy had driven a man who was happily married with a normal life to completely change his life and fight for his country. I find this to be a universal theme that is the same in every tragedy- friends and families lives are irreparably damaged and changed forever which is what I found the most moving in this section.
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
I was pretty young when 9-11 occurred so I don't remember it too well...I remember seeing the footage on the news and knowing that something dreadful was happening. I am English not American so the impact was not as strong here as it was in the US, but obviously it affected the entire world and made everyone feel grief and also fear...we seemed to be being told that other countries despised us and were desperate to attack the Western World and obviously that is a terrifying prospect. However, I did wholly disagree with the following war and believe it has done much more harm than good.
Very good answers Anna! I thought the description hit home. Maybe not entirely vivid, but just the child next to the casket gave me chills.
DeleteGreat answers, Anna! I agree about the writing voice and description in the Preface.
DeleteLove your answer to number 4. I agree, it has done more harm than good. I said the same thing about the Preface, you said it way better. But I can see that 1920s policeman or detective for the main character. I love it. Awesome answers hon :)
Deletecool answers. I agreed with you on the descriptions! nothing was vivid.
Delete1) I'm Danielle and I am addicted to coffee! I also run this crazy blog.
ReplyDelete2)I thought the preface was unique. The writing style in it screamed poetry, and almost made me nervous. Here is the kicker though, the story didn't capture me till chapter 2. Once Chapter 2 started I knew I was sucked in.
3)It touched me. The thought of the child and the casket, and seeing a family left behind, brought about a certain realism to me. I think it was perfect for the story as well to create a real setting.
4)I was skipping school during 9-11(ah one of many school skipping days), and I lived in a military town in Virginia. It was intense the entire place was shut down. I was napping when my mother came home screaming not because I Was skipping but because she couldn't believe what happen. I just remember watching the pictures one TV like they couldn't possibly be real.
While I enjoyed the Preface, I didn't get really pulled into the story until chapter 3. I thought it was very poetic as well, which didn't worry me, but it was a bit "wide-open" for me, if that makes sense. It didn't really give me a great sense of what the book was going to have in store.
DeleteYa! I no what you mean. That is what made me nervous because in my mind I was like "I like this but I hope the entire story isn't like this". Not because I don't like poetry but because reading poetic form takes work! I found it hard to follow the preface in some points so I went back to read those parts again, but I did still enjoy it. Once the story started I felt more at ease for what was to come.
DeleteGreat answers hon especially for 3 and 4. Those pictures and scenes stuck with me as well. I am with you April. I loved the Preface, but the book sort of slowed until I got to chapters 2 or 3. That how it is with me sometimes. When first starting a book, sometimes it doesn't knock you out until a little later LOL! I do like the poetic feel, I think that is also what made it a little slow for me too. It is quite different for me. But I am loving it so far :)
Deletewow, I am glad I did not live in a military town. I agree with your number 2! Like DBookWhore, I was not going to fair well if the book read like the preface!
DeleteD, I totally agree that I was not drawn in from the very beginning so no worries there. I really like it now though. I see how the voice in the preface plays into the story. I once posted something online, and it was written in much the same way. The one comment I got said it was "trite drivel". LOL At the time I was so offended, but I can see how it can be hard to read. :)
DeleteGlad to here from you TIFF!!! I hope you enjoy the book. I know you very well and know you are probably almost done! haha
DeleteAs a matter of fact, I made myself read only the chapters for the week. ;)
DeleteI'm starting Veronica Roth's Insurgent tonight. I need to post on Divergent. It is AH-MAZING!
ohh everyone loves that series! I haven't picked it up. Little to caught up in the world of Christian Grey atm.
Delete1. Hi all! I'm Cameron and I took a year and a half worth of classes on Irish Gaelic just because I thought the language was cool. I am also the human behind the blog What the Cat Read.
ReplyDelete2) When I read the preface my mind flashed to the opening of Sunset Blvd. for some odd reason. I agree with Anna that it did have that 1920's feel to it at the start. As for the tone of it, admittedly the bitterness kind of rubbed me the wrong way at first as I don't usually do well with anger in any form. So I ended up reading the preface twice: the second time being more detached and analytical. As a result I feel that Piacente did a fabulous job conveying emotion in the preface. It was strong and really brought the character to life.
3) I had chills run down my spine when I read this chapter. For me whenever a name/face is associated a tragedy of any kind, it becomes more real to me. I'm not saying that I callously disregard the loss of life whenever I hear/see a vague reference to an incident, but it does tend to have a bigger impact when I know the person involved (even if it is in directly). I guess what I'm trying to say is that it stands out more. In the case of Piacente's use of the event, it sucked me in and made me want to keep reading beyond the chapters for this week. I definitely can't wait to read more in order to find out how it all ties together!
4) I was in my car driving to class when I first heard the news and my first thought was that they were hyping this new catastrophe movie. It wasn't until I walked into my chemistry lecture class and saw the TV that I realized it wasn't a movie they were talking about, but an actual event. I can't actually remember much about that day beyond the first initial shock, it all just kind of ran together in a blur of grief, pain, and desperate attempts to make sure the folks I knew in NY were okay. As for the war that followed, like Anna, I didn't agree with it. Yes, at first I was all, an eye for an eye and all, but after a while I started to wonder exactly what right we had to go an attack another country. It made me feel like our nation wasn't any better than they were and that there had to be a better way to handle it all. One thing I do know, the New York skyline will never be the same for me again. Whenever I see the Two Towers in movies and TV shows, I get sad knowing that they aren't there any more.
I'm excited to read next weeks reading as well! You 9-11 answer is moving! The skyline will never be the same. Oh & another fun fact your the girl crazy enough to take on book club with me!
DeleteGreat answers, Cameron! That is so cool that you took Irish Gaelic! I love the language as well and one of my dreams is to go to Ireland someday!
DeleteDanielle - I'm not crazy. No really...I just do whatever the voices in my head tell me too. :D Just kidding. Honestly, helping you out with this is the least I can do. It's nice to be able to repay you for all the help and kindness you've given me since I started blogging. It means a lot to me.
DeleteApril- I've got dreams of one day going to Ireland myself. Unfortunately, even though I learned the language, my teacher told me that it would be unwise to speak it when I go because of the negativity surrounding the language itself. I don't want to upset folks in a country where I don't know anyone. lol
I love that you took the time to learn Irish Gaelic. I would love to do that. I have always been interested in the language. There are about 5 I really want to learn and that is one of them. Your number 3 was spot on hon. Very beautifully put. I absolutely agree about Two Towers, I get the same way too.
Delete1) My name is April, I am a stay-at-home mom of a 10 year old daughter and 5 year old son. I do freelance writing and virtual assistant work, as well as run a book review blog - Cafe of Dreams Book Reviews. One interesting fact? Hmmm... I have a severe addiction to gadgets and books, lol.
ReplyDelete2) I thought the Preface was very good. It held a lot of information and the way in which the author wrote it showed a very poetic style of writing. I also found it interesting - his take on women, etc.
3) I thought the description was very poignant. It showed the harsh reality of what a family felt and went through at the loss of someone on 9/11 and how it touched lives. This actually is where I felt most drawn in to the story as well.
4) I remember the day very vividly. I remember getting to work and hearing it all go on and everyone having the radios on. I was about 8 weeks pregnant with my second child - I had lost the first and we had been trying so hard to get pregnant again and finally had succeeded 3 years after the loss of the first. The idea that I may not see the day that I would hold my precious baby in my arms because of terrorist attacks killed me. I spent much of the day sobbing, scared and worried. I also remember after work waiting in an hour long line to fill up on gas because of fears in that area. To this day I still remember the horror and emotional roller coaster ride of that day and the days that followed with the news pics, etc.
Your 9-11 story gave me goosebumps! Wow April!
DeleteI am with you. I have an addiction to books and gadgets. Give me books, gadgets and coffee and I am the happiest woman ever. I am not a jewelry girl LOL! Great answers hon, I am with Danielle, that gave me goosebumps too.
Deleteok, so I am sorry I have to ask.... What about your baby? I think we all had fears, I lived in the south, so I was far removed from anything but still it was bad all around. I do wonder how much research he put into the "family" for this book. I still find it hard to believe the hubby joined up and abandoned his family in their loss, no matter what his motives.
DeleteAfter reading the comments above I think I am going to add this to my TRL. I am not part of your book club (unfortunately) but I have to say anything 911 hits home for me. I live in NYC, I still remember it as if it was yesterday. I lost a friend there and up to this day, I still can't make it to ground zero. Looking forward to reading more of this discussion.
ReplyDeleteOh! Wow! I can only imagine looking at ground zero. I can't wait to hear your thoughts once you have read the book. Thank you for sharing with us even though you aren't in the book club. I enjoy hearing from everyone.
DeleteHey Maggie, long time no talk. It would be awesome if you joined us, but definitely make sure to start this. Thank you so much for sharing your story hon. I can't imagine how tough it must be. Thank you hon.
Delete1) I'm Karice and I married my High School sweetheart (okay Jr High) and I'm addicted to Starbucks!
ReplyDelete2) I enjoyed the preface. I liked the grittiness and imagery. It was interesting hearing a spin like that on a 'type'. I think it sets the story up in a fascinating way as we read the rest of the novel to see how true to the preface the narrator's ideas might be.
3) It was gut wrenching and brutally honest. My mind has so many images of 9-11 engrained that with what was written, my imagination probably bumped up the 'graphicness' beyond what was even intended. Connecting the reasons why so many lives had changed, were changed, and would continue to change because of these events was told in a really succinct way. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story!
4) My husband and I live on the West Coast and had flipped on our radio when we heard odd tidbits like crashing into World Trade Center and military escorts and we had no idea what was going on or what our local djs were talking about. We turned on the tv and we were in shock. It was a blur. My husband left for work and so did I. When I got to the office, everyone was in the conference room watching the tv and that's what we did the rest of the day, pretty much in silence. I had just started college and that changed the course of how many of the classes were taught for the remainder of my degree, I'd say. There wasn't a time that those events weren't mentioned.
I married my high school sweetheart to!!! I love hearing these 9-11 stories.. I also love reading the perspective of a writing style from a writer! So I love that you join in on book club every month.
DeleteI am so with you, it was very gritty. Amazing answers hon :) Definitely something new and cool. So true Danielle, it is amazing seeing the perspectives of the writing style.
DeleteTHANKS GUYS! That is so cool you married your hs sweetie too! :)
DeleteI have so much fun participating! Thanks for HOSTING! And thanks Diana!
-KB
cool that you married your jr high sweetie. you can say you grew up together. Yes I too remember everything being focused on 9/11. you could not even go to the grocery store with out seeing a reference to it even a year later.
DeletePosted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/05/bookwhore-book-club-week-1-bella-by.html
ReplyDelete1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
Hello, my name is Diana and this is my blog Offbeat Vagabond. I can't think of anything interesting about me actually. I am not boring, just I can't figure out anything. Let's see, I love zombies and I can barely listen to the radio because plenty annoys me.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
I love the preface. Definitely a new way of opening a book. I like the main character's in-your-face style. He has quite the outlook on things and people. It helps for me to get a feel of what I am getting into. I definitely get a film noir feel from it. I really love that. This is going to be a lot of fun or there will be tears, not sure which yet.
3) How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family?
That was intense. I remember hearing a bunch of stories about that day. It is amazing how little changes that day made such a gigantic impact. Even though it has been years, it is still tough to read and hear those stories.
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
I was in my 9th grade Earth/Science class when it happened. I heard people whispering, but the whispers came from the class clown in the class, so I thought it was an awful joke. Then I heard more during lunch and we watched the live footage in class. It was overwhelming. As for the war, well I don't agree with it. We went in for this event and we are still there fighting for something else. It seems that we seem to find some excuse to stay there **cough** gas **cough**
Great answers Diana! Glad to have you around for another book club!
DeleteThank you hon, glad you like them. I am more than happy to join hon :)
Deletewow, you make me feel old! LOL! I love that we all think along the same lines on the preface. it's too funny!
DeleteBook Whore Book Club Week 1
ReplyDelete1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
Hi all! My name is Stephanie and I'm new to this book club thing. One interesting about me.... I have two associate degrees (one in early childhood development and one in Surgical Technology) and I'm working on my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
I loved the Preface. I thought it was great and definitely drew me into the story and I think I fell in love with Isabel immediately. I felt a connection to her from the start.
3)How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family?
Reading this part of the book brought back all the feelings from that day. I felt everything that the family of Catherine Moss went through while grieving the loss of a sister, mother and wife.
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
I was home that day, eight months pregnant with my second child and caring for my almost one year old. I turned on the television for background noise and heard what I thought was a commercial for a new movie coming out. The more I watched I started to realize it wasn't. I immediately called my husband at work and told him what was going on. I watched the telelvision for hours that day, listening and watching the same footage over and over, crying over the loss of people that I never knew and in awe of the bravery of everyone involved. In the next few weeks, I organized a donation drive to send to NYC. It was the only thing I knew I could do at that time.
Hi Stephanie! Happy to have you! Your answers are great! Your story of 9-11 is moving. I dont think I've met one person that organized anything after 9-11. It simply leaves me in awe of you. :-)
DeleteLoved your answers although I am not sure I am in love with Isabella quite yet. I am with you, you would have thought it was a movie at first, it is still unbelievable sometimes. Thank you so much for sharing hon :)
DeleteI am proud of you for the drive for NYC. that is cool! I cried along with the rest of the nation and you too.
DeleteI agree, that was awesome of you. Everyone felt helpless to do something, but you really turned that emotion into something positive. :)
Delete1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi all, My name is Ella. This is the first time I have ever done a book club. So far I think it is fun. I actually think I am boring, but I am married, 3 kids, (girl 14, son 11, son 8), I am in graduate school getting a masters in agricultural education and a second bachelors in animal science. I am an artist, (sculpture, ceramics, spinning, weaving, sewing, etc.) you can look at my art on my Facebook art album, (shoot me an email and I will add you so you can see it), I love my gadgets also, I am proud Apple supporter and owner, it's really strange not to read this on my iPad, LOL!. I am getting sick of school and looking for a real job, so wish me luck in that.
I live in the great northwest and love it, I moved here 2 years ago for school from the south, where it's hot as hell and I hated it. I love winter and love, love cold weather. I could live without another day above 70 degrees for the rest of my life, that would be heavenly.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
I thought the preface was funny. I loved his descriptions and I could place faces with them. I think she is woman who gets what she wants, not a slut as he suggested later, but one who knows what she wants, knows what her strengths are, and how to use them to get to her goal. I know I could have gotten that without the preface, it's clearly laid out in the first 3 chapters.
3)How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family? I agree with another poster here, it was not vivid at all. Nor was the effect on the family. I think her brother reacted without thought, but I understand his reaction. It was selfish on his part to join up and leave the rest of his family right after that devastating loss of his sister.
ReplyDelete4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow? I hope I don't offend here, but I know I will. I hate politics and everything that goes with it. I can never believe anything they say and I put little faith in them. I refuse to watch the nightly news as it is too depressing, and they sensationalize everything. When I look for news I go online and read what I want, not want some former beauty queen or sports figure reads off a prompter. Having said that, 9/11 was terrible and should have never happened. (here comes the toe stepping, please don't hate me and I will not debate politics with you. LOL) If Bill the ASS Clinton would have done his job instead of waxing his willy, then all this would have been prevented with the world trade center bombing that took place during the time he held office, but I would still like to see him impeached. If he took care of those people then, they would not have been alive to kill on 9/11. Bue he was, is and will always be a penis for his wife to use so she is in power. So in my mind, 9/11 was a terrible waste of lives that went on for the next 10+ years. I remember it, and I got very frustrated with the news and stopped listening. I do not lack a brain, so having the same thing repeated 4 times or more an hour on every news feed, was a waste of money, money that could have done more good in helping victims. Let me say, I am not anti war, anti government, or anti anything in relation to this. I have my own opinions and I feel sure this book will make me cry, but don't hate me or judge me as a bitch because I have different views from the majority on 9/11. If I took time to think about the war, I knew a lot of people who fought in it and who still fight in the "conflict" today. My theory is this: There has been unrest in that part of the world as long as there have been humans on the planet. It has always been race and religion based and I really think our continued involvement got to be too much. We are not likely to change what has been going on for over 2000 years. Look at our country, we found the civil war 147 years ago and there are still people in the south who won't now or ever realize the south lost. 147 years is a lot less than 2000, so if we can't change the opinions of our own citizens that everyone is created equal and the same no matter of race, religion, color or creed, we are not likely to do it in the middle east. Yes we killed Obama, good riddance, but my fear is there will always be another to take his place. We have a wonderful freedom here, sometimes too much freedom, but we are not likely to change 2000 years of a way of life without MAJOR life loss and costs. It would be like Vietnam times 10,000!
so hopefully you all don't hate me! My heart goes out to all those who were involved in 9/11. I am glad this book is fiction and that we have to remember, or at least I do. It is not my normal type of book, but I look forward to seeing Bella kick ass!
Hello Ella! I do refuse to watch the news. It is very depressing. I don't think anyone could be offended. I especially love the waxing his willy! haha
DeleteWow, I made you this big, long wonderful affirming comment, and it didn't post. :-/ Basically, I said that I agree. My mom said always "those people have been fighting since the beginning of the ages", and I see she was right. I was hoping for peace, but I think it's a pipe dream. We've done what we can, and it's time to roll out.
Deleteeffin blogger! I swear if I wasn't so at home I'd be on wordpress.. *glares at blogger*
DeleteCome over to wordpress Danielle, we've got cookies! ~smirks~ Honestly, I did research on both sites and knew within half an hour that wordpress was the way to go for me. The only thing I don't like about it is, I can't currently use Javascript based codes/programs. But the site is so easy to use and to the best of my knowledge, no one has had problems with commenting on it.
DeleteCome over to the dark side..we have cookies! I dont like no gfc its not good for me.Google is my main source of readers. & I'm a chicken! Hahs
Delete1) Introduce yourself and give us one interesting fact about yourself.
ReplyDeleteTiffany (tbookwhore) here. There is probably a trove interesting facts about me, but I am too disgruntled to think of one at the moment. I will say that my personal goal this year is to read 45 books by the end of 2012, and in reality, I should've set it higher because I'm already at 20-something.
2) What did you think about the Preface? Do you think it was too harsh, or did you feel it helped give a good idea of what the main character's personality is going to be like?
I had mixed emotions about the preface. The voice was interesting, but I found it hard to pick-up a rhythm when I first started reading it. Just when I got into it, Chapter 1 started, and the voice changed completely. Maybe that'll play into the book later...we'll see. I didn't think that his description of Isabel in the Preface matched what I anticipate, which makes it that much more interesting. I mean, where is this story going? So overall, the preface worked, even if it was a backwards process for me. I'm hooked. :)
3)How did you feel reading the vivid description of 9-11, and reading how it effected a family?
As the wife of a soldier, I always feel a very personal tug on my heart when anything addresses 9/11. I haven't ready any of the 9/11 novels that are popular, and I think it's because it is personal to me. It's the same reason I don't watch war movies. However, I thought this one was worth a try.
4) What do you remember from 9/11 and the war that follow?
I was standing outside of Literary Theory waiting on class to start when my friend walked up and told me about it. When we turned on the TV in class, I had that uncanny moment of feeling the world on pause. It was like that moment during a terrible storm when everything just stops, and you can feel the momentum sucked out of the atmosphere, like the whole planet is going in a backwards motion, and you just know that a funnel cloud is about to drop a shitstorm on your town. I'm no different in that the day is etched into my mind. We were all the same emotions just written on different faces.
I was a junior in college, and the war changed my life. It eventually cost me a previous rushed marriage due to deployments, and my current spouse was injured in that war. The repercussions have reverberated throughout my adult history. Nevermind the financial toilet we are in now which has resulted in me sporting a very expensive education that is doing me absolutely no good. I'm proud. I'm frustrated. I am the gamut of emotions about the war.
I can say without a doubt that 9/11 changed me for the better. I looked at those people jumping to their deaths, and I realized that the little shit never mattered and that I could spend my whole life being in someone else's shadow or I could just be free to be me. I was changed for the better. No doubt.
I set a 100 book goal... IDK if I will make it ;) Should of lower my goal to make myself feel better. I to didn't think the voice matched, but it intrigued me more strangely.
DeleteHi Tiffany,
DeleteI must admit, I'm going to get you mixed up with Danielle. lol So forgive me ladies if I start talking to one and suddenly begin talking to the other. :)
Give your husband a big hug for me and tell him thanks for serving our country! Living in San Diego, I see men and women in the service around town daily and there are times where I often feel that saying thanks is just way to small a thing to say to these people, but at the same time I don't know what else to say.
I'm happy to hear something positive that came out of the events of 9/11. I wish that I had thought like you instead of shutting myself down for a while. On a different topic, you are not alone if sporting an education that is doing no good at present. I decided to get my teaching credential only to have the value/support of education in my state become a joke. Sigh