Animals in Books

This is my first post, and I'm going to attempt to write posts that garner some conversation. I'm also going to make it short since it's a test.

So, portrayals of animals in books. Particularly this one.

In Like Water for Elephants, the animals are mistreated and starving. But, life is no picnic for the circus folk, either. But what would the book be, or changed into if the animals were happy and magical? In children's books, that is how animals are.

I think when you have a book that portrays animals, the animals tend to reflect the tone and circumstances of characters in the book. In Seabiscuit, which is also a true story, the horse and his jockey seemed to be in equal, matching states of despair. In Life of Pi, the tiger and Pi go through the entire journey together. (Go Tiger.)

What do you think?

Feel free to comment, or not. And take it in another direction if you want.

This time a poll to ponder...

Take a gander to the right and make a choice just for fun. The same or similar one will be up for another vote since this page is viewed by few. Remember, things are in constant change whether you are aware of it or not and that change is a good thing. (I hate change too).

Meet my daughter...

She tends to be a little long winded, like I am... but the bossy part comes from her Dad's side of the family - ya gotta love her though. Looking out for her Mamma like that!

bursting at the seams!

Well I had hoped this day would come and now that it's here..... We have so many members we can't fit them all into a meeting. If you don't RSVP the day of a meeting for the next one you are SOL as they say. I have increased the cap and that seems to be an unpopular decision. Leaving it at 20 means new members never get in, what is the answer? I have thought about having two meetings going at the same time..., not a bad idea..., would the existing group want to stay put? Would new members form their own alliance? Does it matter? Should I add a second meeting on the first Saturday of the month? Can I stand to do that ? Would I go crazy? Maybe.

a little something that will change your life...

Go here. You will love it.

"email drama"

I know this site would be a good thing if we would only use it! There are members who are sick of all the email drama that goes on and then don't read any email and don't get any information about the book club. One member I know had at last count 140 emails that she hasn't even opened yet because it's just too much. I know I'm an offender. But I'm not the only one. Please, when wanting to "chat" try inviting members to this site and using the chat box. It works! Members mostly just want to read books and discuss them at the meetings, I have learned this the hard way. They don't want to have it all on display and in their face. If they do they will wander over to this website and listen in and comment themselves. Where are the members I used to hear from each month? I believe they don't want to be part of the email dumping ground. Give it a go round and I think you'll find a place that could be almost habit forming and fun. And just for fun here is a good site for looking up those books we have on the list...
ReadingGroupGuides.com

Your Profile

Well, silly me, I didn't think filling out a profile about yourself would be a big deal but apparently it is. I guess it's either an invasion of privacy, a waste of time, getting too personal, letting it all hang out in cyberspace, nobody's business, not an appropriate request, too time consuming, and my favorite they all sound the same anyway. I apologize for asking. As I keep saying "I am always learning" and I am learning that we read books and show up the third Saturday of the month and if that happens then things are going pretty well I guess. Thank you for continuing to show up that third Saturday!

The Book Poll

The book poll should be up on the Meetup website sometime today and you'll be able to see the 12 choices you have to vote on. Thanks to all who contributed suggestions - and to those who thought about it and didn't have time to get them it - life is busy. Also at some point today I will have a message for you on the message board and will email it to bookclub-775 as well as post it here (I think). I am still deciding how to use this as only about three of us are using this but I love the three or four that are! So watch out for this very important life changing bit of info!
I'm afraid the Maltese series was voted off the book poll and we have to choose from more important books although I'm not sure what that is, 3 cups of tea?, Peace? Whatever... to each their own, I'm just trying to be fair and because it's just the kind of person I am I put others wishes ahead of my own. I can write whatever I want here because no one is reading it yet. Have a great day full of good mail, a visit from someone you like, a phone you've been waiting on, well behaved people, time to read, air conditioning, a great bargain, and a book on the poll you want to read!

"Dare I turn loose the Dragon?"

Today, let's just give it a go, shall we? Try staying on topic. Why does everyone have such a love/hate relationship with "The Road"? We will have to move on once July has trotted along as we have many books ahead of us and I know without question that everyone puts their best effort into choosing each one or perhaps in the days to come nominating each one. "The Road" will become history in a few weeks. Will it darken the soul forever? Was it life changing? Maybe just a story about two people bumping along in the dark? This will all be discussed at the meeting but frankly I don't know if there is time to hear everything that you want to say. SO, feel free to chatbox or leave a comment and check the comments that are left (I think you can do that....) On the other hand, always leave a helpful suggestion and I loved hearing about Anne's garden.

Silent Nights,comments,posts & " "

It's been quiet last night and tonight. I didn't know if everyone is taking a night off, watching reruns of "Law and Order", tired of "talking" about "The Road", or emailing each other privately. I hope in time the blog site takes on a more interesting look and becomes something we all like to use from time to time. I'll figure out the difference between a post and a comment and chatting with a little luck. Please email me or leave me a comment, those are emailed to me as well, with suggestions (well, the kind I have a chance at ). We have a couple of new members, Valerie and soon Pat so email them if you want to and fill them in on what they've missed, or just say "Hi"! I like these things " " have you noticed?

Welcome!

You have found the Longmont Book Club Blog! While we are a friendly group, this blog is intended for the members of this group who have found their way from the Meetup.com page here. In the coming days, this blog is going to be filled with much information, and good will. For now, please feel free to use the chat box below for conversation, leave comments with ideas, and get to know each other here.
Let's try to make things a little easier, cut-down on emails, and read some great books!!

Today I will be posting some basic rules (don't be mean) and regulations (don't be annoying) in the side bars. Later you will find polls for voting on which books we may read, links for books or interesting things, and a member list. For now, this will be mainly used for chatting and any thoughts you may have. Please leave those in the comment section. Also, you will need to register an ID if you don't already have a Google address, but it's really, really easy. I know because I did it.