~~mx Book Club~~

[Cybergasm]

I just got the idea of forming a club to expand out literary prowess. The way it works is that say every two weeks we assign a book to read, and once it is read we discuss that book for the next two weeks, during which time we are reading the next book. The book would be decided by anyone interested, and the time span to read will be flexible.

All I ask is that when suggesting a book you provide certain info. such as a short summary, why you like it, something you didn't like, the length, and proposed time.

First lets see if there will be enough interest and what books people would like to read first.

This weeks suggested readings:

Go Ask Alice (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10677234&postcount=30)

Bram Strokers Dracular

Of Mice And Men

Lord of the Flies

Voting begins now!

[griftadan]

sounds like fun

[Joey Hoser]

Tao of Pooh.

It's a short book(about 150 pages) that explaines Taoism through a series of Whinney the Pooh stories.

For those who don't know, Taoism is an ancient Chinease philosophy that promotes living in the moment, and taking things for what they are instead over-thinking them and trying to turn them into something they aren't. The author relates this philosophy to Whinney the Pooh and that how while Eeyore frets, Rabbit calculates, Piglet worries, and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And everything always was seems to work out fine for him.

It sounds childish and silly, obviously, but everyone I know who's read it said it's changed their life.

[talk show host]

I'd be up for this I think.

[Magical_Mystery_Tour]

Sounds pretty cool. I'll see how it turns out.

[3rdplanet]

I'm interested.

[Incognito]

My friend told me about this book a while ago, you made me remember. I'll probably pick it up next Wednesday (December 7).

What date were we thinking to discuss?

[lil_drummer_girl]

I'm definitely up for it. This is a great idea.

[(*The Noonward Race*)]

This is cool. The only problem is everyone getting books.. Maybe some are online.. I'm in:thumb:

[tumples]

yeah my library sucks,it would be good if we could get them on e-books (if someone has the means *wink* *wink*)
what about of mice and men,good classic book

[Triangle]

This sound's a great idea. The book sounds fascinating. I'll be sure to pick it up from the local libary.

[lil_drummer_girl]

I just checked out the Tao of Pooh from my University library. It's only 155 pages and huge font, so its definitely doable in a 2 week period, even for those of you who don't have a lot of extra time. Just a FYI.

[Cybergasm]

So we have decided on Tao of Pooh then, so let us say we should have it finished by december 20th? Till then maybe we can discuss any idea for the future, say books, projects, establishing some guidelines etc.

[Joey Hoser]

I just checked out the Tao of Pooh from my University library. It's only 155 pages and huge font, so its definitely doable in a 2 week period, even for those of you who don't have a lot of extra time. Just a FYI.

Yeah, it's an easy read. After owning the book for about 6 months without reading I finally sat down and read the whole thing in maybe just over an hour. And I'm not a big reader. I haven't read a book since before high-school.

Although I want to get into reading more and am totally into this book club thing.

I'm glad you've all shown an interest in this book. I found it very inspiring and am sure you all will too.

[Huber]

I'm up for it, just gotta get my hands on the book.

[Magical_Mystery_Tour]

I'll try to find the book and I hope to discuss it with you on the 20th. Good idea, Cyber.

[Robert Crumb]

Book sounds cool. Plus, my library has a copy. I'm in.

[bassplayer18]

i have a question...

is it true that the more books you read, the smarter you become? sorry if this question does not relate to the subject.

[Tillius]

This sounds great. I just hope I can find the book.

[z is me]

i have a question...

is it true that the more books you read, the smarter you become? sorry if this question does not relate to the subject.

probably.

if your reading about things such as history, math, science, astronomy, then im sure your knowledge of those areas shall improve

if you read philosophy, short stories, fables, novels, I E fiction, then your imagination will probably increase, not to mention your ability to see connections between events and ideas.

im no expert though, im just going off common sence.

[biografiend]

I am up for it; I just need to find the book. My local library doesn't carry it, so I am on the prowl for an online copy.

[Scoot]

Nice idea teh Emin.

[givemeaname]

Count me in. I hope my library has it.

[Mad Malik]

The greatest influx of recreational usage of libraries will take place tomorrow.

[lil_drummer_girl]

My university doesn't have a huge library or anything, and they had it, so most of you guys will probably be able to find it. I'm going to start reading it today. :)

[Robert Crumb]

I went and picked up today. They also had a copy of The Te of Piglet so I got that as well.

[DaveSavesTheDay]

Count me in. I have exams this week, so I'll join up when you guys are on the next book.

[Joey Hoser]

I went and picked up today. They also had a copy of The Te of Piglet so I got that as well.


I just that one too. Haven't read it yet. Maybe is ToP goes well we should do it next.

[DaveSavesTheDay]

May I suggest "Sophies World'' as the next book?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie's_world

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Suggestion:

Title: Go Ask Alice
Reading Level: About Junior High-ish
Author - Anonymous

I don't know the exact page but this book will get you hooked you can read it in a month or less if you don't have much time on your hand, not that long

This book is based on a true story about a troubled high school girl and she deals with most of what high schoolers face, sex, drugs (obviously), moving different schools, different types of friends (ethnicity). No one knows the girls real name, so the author dubbed her "Alice". This is more or less about a real girls adventures through drugs and it really hit me when I was finished reading it and this book made me stop doing drugs a lot.

This may sound angsty and stuff but it is a real good read knowing that it's based on a true story.

[lil_drummer_girl]

That sounds like it would be a really good book.

[DaveSavesTheDay]

Which one?

Heh, 3k posts

[(*The Noonward Race*)]

Taoism seems to me to be just Discordianism except Taoists pretend not to know the answer.

[lil_drummer_girl]

I'm only on page 58 and I already love this book! I know so many people that could benefit from reading this. The whole "knowledge for the sake of knowledge" thing is something I don't think about that much, but I know so many people who are that way. This has such a wonderful message. I love how this book puts Taoism into words that you can easily understand without putting a lot of thought into it or having to use metaphors for everything. By giving examples out of Winnie the Pooh, literally just about anyone can understand this. It's so wonderful. So simple.



I love the "Cottleston Pie" reference, when they're talking about people trying to fit square pegs into round holes. That's wonderful.



I really loved this part:



CURIOUS: "Why do birds fly South for the winter?"

SCIENCE: "Instinct."



It means, "We don't know."

[Frankie]

Sounds Like an interesting idea I'll try and read it after I finish my exams. May I too suggest a classic book next like 1984 or of mice and men

[dustyboy316]

For then ext one someone should suggest a really deep, fictional book. I mean something like Lord of the Rings, but not as main stream but deeper.

Something like maybe a book aboutGreek gods or the like.

[Doctor Night]

Sounds like a good idea.

[Frankie]

For then ext one someone should suggest a really deep, fictional book. I mean something like Lord of the Rings, but not as main stream but deeper.

Something like maybe a book aboutGreek gods or the like.

Well for a book of fiction I suggest His Dark Materials

[givemeaname]

Well for a book of fiction I suggest His Dark Materials

Great series. I Loved them.

As for Tao of Pooh, I think I'll have to pass as my library doesn't have it. My library is usually pretty good for finding english books, but if it doesn't have what I'm looking for, finding a good selection of english books elsewhere is a pain for me.

[dustyboy316]

Well for a book of fiction I suggest His Dark Materials

That's what I'm reading right now. :thumb:

[lil_drummer_girl]

So is anyone else actually reading it or is it just me?

[thunderzstruck]

Tao of Pooh.

It's a short book(about 150 pages) that explaines Taoism through a series of Whinney the Pooh stories.

For those who don't know, Taoism is an ancient Chinease philosophy that promotes living in the moment, and taking things for what they are instead over-thinking them and trying to turn them into something they aren't. The author relates this philosophy to Whinney the Pooh and that how while Eeyore frets, Rabbit calculates, Piglet worries, and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And everything always was seems to work out fine for him.

It sounds childish and silly, obviously, but everyone I know who's read it said it's changed their life.


Wow, Taoism is one thing I have been trying to work on recently. (I never knew what it was but the philosophy I mean)

[thunderzstruck]

Lord of The Flies might be good

[lil_drummer_girl]

Lord of The Flies might be good

I agree. I haven't read that yet and i've been wanting to for a long time.

[Cybergasm]

So is anyone else actually reading it or is it just me?
I am a bit. I have finals this upcoming week so Ill finish it on the 14th... its not long so it shouldn't be a problem.

[thunderzstruck]

I agree. I haven't read that yet and i've been wanting to for a long time.


I'm reading it for English right now

[Incognito]

People, leave the suggestions till after the discussion!

Having said that, I think we should try to stay away from any book that most of us have to read in high school, such as 1984 and Lord of the flies.....I already read and discussed those several times :eek:

[thunderzstruck]

People, leave the suggestions till after the discussion!

Having said that, I think we should try to stay away from any book that most of us have to read in high school, such as 1984 and Lord of the flies.....I already read and discussed those several times :eek:


:angry: FINE!

[lil_drummer_girl]

People, leave the suggestions till after the discussion!

Having said that, I think we should try to stay away from any book that most of us have to read in high school, such as 1984 and Lord of the flies.....I already read and discussed those several times :eek:

Actually thats probably the best idea. It would be best to choose something that most people havent read, although that may be tough to do. :(

[Robert Crumb]

Was reading this inbetween finals/studying for finals/worrying about finals. It proved to be a great stress reliever, very easy to follow and slightly humorous.

So... are we supposed to discuss now or later?

[Joey Hoser]

Was reading this inbetween finals/studying for finals/worrying about finals. It proved to be a great stress reliever, very easy to follow and slightly humorous.

So... are we supposed to discuss now or later?

I think we're susposed to discuss it on the 20th to give everyone time to read it.

But, how many people are actually reading it, and if so, who's finished?

[lil_drummer_girl]

I just finished it today. I really enjoyed it.

[Joey Hoser]

I just finished it today. I really enjoyed it.


What did you think of the story of the man who wanted to be more powerfull?

[badtaste]

Isn't there a book discussion thread already?

[Tillius]

I've tried to find this book...but it's as if it doesn't exist. I've been to five different libraries, including the one at my school...and none had it. I went to Barnes and Noble...and they didn't have it.
Could I possibly suggest Of Mice and Men for the next book?

[Incognito]

Actually thats probably the best idea. It would be best to choose something that most people havent read, although that may be tough to do. :(

Yea, I'm hoping libraries will prove useful for books chosen for discussion, I understand for some people it may be hard to find said book or purchase said book every 2 weeks. :(

EDIT:

To inform anyone who wants to know about how many peopel have/are reading the book, I'm purchasing the book today and if it is only about 150 pages I should have it finished by tomorrow.

[lil_drummer_girl]

What did you think of the story of the man who wanted to be more powerfull?

That was very eye opening! I loved that part. :)

So I thought i'd bump this thread since its the 18th today and we should probably start deciding for sure on a next book.

[Cybergasm]

How about Bram Stoker's DRACULA?


Also, if anyone else has read the actual Tao-Te-Ching how did you think this compared?


I found irony in the Tao's lines which read something along the lines of:
The tao which can be spoken of is not the true Tao.

Then they go talking about the Tao for pages, so its like, why? Its obviously isn't right... no?

[Magical_Mystery_Tour]

Well for a book of fiction I suggest His Dark Materials


Just finished it. What a great book. If you haven't red it before, I won't ruin it for you, but it is a very good series.

[Jetpelkey54]

Suggestion:

Title: Go Ask Alice
Reading Level: About Junior High-ish
Author - Anonymous

I don't know the exact page but this book will get you hooked you can read it in a month or less if you don't have much time on your hand, not that long

This book is based on a true story about a troubled high school girl and she deals with most of what high schoolers face, sex, drugs (obviously), moving different schools, different types of friends (ethnicity). No one knows the girls real name, so the author dubbed her "Alice". This is more or less about a real girls adventures through drugs and it really hit me when I was finished reading it and this book made me stop doing drugs a lot.

This may sound angsty and stuff but it is a real good read knowing that it's based on a true story.


is that the book where near the end see eats something that is left where she is babysitting and has a pyscho episode having to do with maggots all around her and such? I remember a book quite like this a while ago because my sister got it from school, I read it more than her though. It was a very interesting read that I want to find again because i skipped over some chapters having to do with child prostitution because my sister had to return it soon and I only read it when I was on the toilet,which is where I always read :thumb: