BuzzSugar

Buzz Book Club: The End of Important Artifacts and Personal Property . . .

BuzzSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:30:33 -0700

Hey, Buzz Book Club readers! We've reached the end of this lovely but heart-wrenching book, and now I'm really curious to find out how it will be adapted into a movie. But we'll talk about that in just a second.

Here's a recap of how the Book Club goes: Every week I've suggested chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, have gone up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Also, make sure to keep an eye out for my May book club selection announcement!

To discuss last week's section of Important Artifacts, in which we read from Read LOT 1226 through the end, read more.

How did you feel reading a book in which you're basically watching a relationship slowly deteriorate? Do all the pretty pictures and interesting notes make up for the fact that it's actually really sad?
I really like Lenore's sister, Ann, and I love that she's so straightforward with her advice for Lenore and her thoughts on relationships. Do you admire Ann's honesty? Or do you think she might be a bit pushy?
I don't know that I could ever do something like this - put a whole collection of private relationship memorabilia up for auction. I think I would feel incredibly exposed. Would you? Or does it not really matter once the relationship is all over anyway?
On a related note, what do you do with your stuff from old relationships? And does it vary based on how bad the relationship and/or breakup was?
Do you think this book can be successfully made into a movie? And if so, how? Would you want to see a fairly straightforward story of the relationship, without the auction catalog aspect? Some kind of flashback structure where we see a particular artifact and then scenes of how it came to be? Something totally experimental? A combination?

Buzz Book Club: Important Artifacts and Personal Property . . . Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:50 -0700

Hey, Buzz Book Club readers, how's this month's book treating you? It's getting a little emotionally intense for me. It's just so realistic the way this book portrays tensions in a relationship that we already know ends. It's hard not to think back on breakups I've experienced and not cringe a little. Then again, that's the job of a good book, isn't it?

Here's a recap of how the Book Club goes: Every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next section: Read LOT 1226 through the end. We'll chat about the conclusion a week from today, April 24.

To discuss last week's section of Important Artifacts, in which we read from LOT 1113 through LOT 1225, read more.

I've been noticing that the pricing on the items up for auction holds pretty closely to the way we value things traditionally - the vintage clothing is priced much higher than a piece of paper with a love note on it, for example. I suppose that's the way it would be if an uninvolved third party tried to assign value to my things, though, because it's harder to judge how much the personal things mean. Has anything struck you as particularly overvalued in the book? Or undervalued? I'd pay way more for the little notes they write on theater programs.
Have you ever bought other peoples' personal items - from yard sales and the like - that have no actual value to you, but that you simply found interesting, like yearbooks or old photographs of other peoples' families?
I wish I'd thought of those hand-painted Valentine's menus - and now I kind of want to steal that idea! Are there any touches from their lives that you'd wish you'd thought of first or that you want to incorporate into your own life?
I'm coming to love both of these people, but sometimes they just seem precious and maybe even a little pretentious. Do you think you could be friends with either of them? Or would they drive you batty?
The fight where Hal tells Lenore he's sick of cake rang true to me, because it seemed like the kind of argument you can only have when you know someone well enough to push all their buttons. Have you had that sort of fight before? Can relationships ever recover from those?

Buzz Book Club: Important Artifacts and Personal Property . . . Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:30:44 -0700

Hey, Buzz Book Club readers, did you grab a copy of this book yet? I hope so because I'm excited to discuss the first section. I'm still in awe over Leanne Shapton's ability to convey so much through pictures of things and a small note here and there. It's pretty cool.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next section: Read LOT 1113 through LOT 1225 (stop before LOT 1226). We'll chat about this section a week from today, April 17.

To discuss last week's section of Important Artifacts, in which we read from the introduction postcard text from Hal through LOT 1112, read more.

So much of this couple's story is written down on actual paper (physical notebooks with lists, cards, book jackets). It made me realize that in the auction catalog of my life, I'm pretty sure it would be a lot of printouts of emails, I guess! It makes me want to capture more things in physical writing, away from the computer. Did this strike you at all?
Do you find it easy to get pulled into this story based mostly on images? Do you think it is easier or more difficult than just reading a novel?
Of your own belongings, which ones do you think would most vividly tell your own life stories?
Is there a particular artifact in this section that stood out to you as especially poignant? I was a big fan of the engraved cake server.
Speaking of which, whatever a buttertart is, I would like one right now. Anyone else?

Buzz Book Club: Important Artifacts and Personal Property . . . Wow, This Title Is Long

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:30:14 -0700

Buzz Book Club readers, I'm excited to announce my April book club selection because I think it's really cool. Ready? It's an auction catalog! Just kidding . . . kind of. The full title is Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry by Leanne Shapton (art director for The New York Times op-ed page), and it's a fictional catalog of items belonging to a couple that has broken up.

If the long title sounds familiar to you it might be because of the recent news that Natalie Portman and Brad Pitt will likely star in a screen adaptation. Without having read a word of the book, I'm already in awe of how cool the pictures are and I can't wait to dig around this fictional couple's stuff. I'm also intrigued by this quote by author Dave Eggers:

The task is daunting: How to render the dissolution of a relationship in a new way? Leanne Shapton succeeds against all odds with this wildly romantic and erudite book.

Wildly romantic? Yes, please. For those of you new to my book club format, here's how it works: I announce a new book each month. Every week I suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few discussion-provoking questions for you to respond to in the comments section.

To read a description of the book and to see the first assignment, read more.

The synopsis for Important Artifacts reads:
"In Leanne Shapton’s marvelously inventive and invented auction catalog, the 325 lots up for auction are what remain from the relationship between Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris (who aren’t real people, but might as well be). Through photographs of the couple's personal effects . . . the story of a failed love affair vividly (and cleverly) emerges. From first meeting to final separation, the progress and rituals of intimacy are revealed through the couple’s accumulated relics and memorabilia. And a love story, in all its tenderness and struggle, emerges from the evidence that has been left behind, laid out for us to appraise and appreciate."

The first assignment: Read from the introduction postcard text from Hal through LOT 1112. We'll chat about this section next Friday, April 10.

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of The Life Before Her Eyes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:30:09 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! I am really excited to chat about the conclusion of The Life Before Her Eyes, especially now that the movie is out in theaters. And check it out: the Buzz Book Club is mentioned on the movie's website! We're famous!

If you're new to the Book Club, here's what we've been up to: Every week I've suggested chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, has been every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

If you're just discovering this specific book today I highly recommend you stop right here, find a copy for yourself and dig in before you read my final thoughts and/or see the movie. The language is remarkable and the book's haunting effect will keep your mind churning long after you put it down. You can go back and see what we talked about section by section here.

For everyone who's finished the book, ready to discuss? After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I finished, so read more.

How about that ending, huh? What did you make of it? Were you surprised? Confused? Frustrated? Was it too ambiguous? Were you satisfied with the ending? Or were you left wanting more?
Do you think that that final parade was her life before her eyes as well, as she experienced it in the girls' restroom, or was she in some kind of a coma?
If you weren't surprised by the ending, when was the first time that you started to believe Diana was dead, comatose, or somehow not living a normal life?
In Diana's imagined future life, in which pretty much everything is perfect and wonderful, why do you think she imagines that her handsome husband would cheat on her? Is that her guilt coming out? Or does young Diana already know, at her age that nothing is ever really perfect?
In regard to the movie version of the book, do you think Uma Thurman, Evan Rachel Wood and Eva Amurri make sense in these characters' roles? Or did you imagine entirely different people?

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:32 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! At this point in The Life Before Her Eyes it's pretty clear something is seriously "off" with Diana. I have a few guesses as to what is going on but again, I'm trying to just enjoy the prose and the dreamlike quality of the imagery without skipping ahead.

If you're new to the Book Club, here's the drill: Every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about these mysterious things that are happening to Diana. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: Read from the start of Part Four, to the end (just in time for the movie, which opens in some cities today)! We'll chat about this final section and the book in its entirety on Friday, April 25.

To discuss the second section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Glare"), read more.

In this section, it becomes harder to know what to make of Diana's behavior. It seems like she typed out that disturbing story for Emma and she believes her long-dead cat is back. Diana also talks at several points about her headaches. Is she crazy? Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder? Something else? What are your theories?
We also get a larger glimpse into Diana's troubled youth, though later she thinks of herself as a glass-half-full type and doesn't like morbid thoughts. She feels like a soccer mom and a complete stranger to the teenager she'd been, but she's also clearly haunted by that girl. Does everyone feel such a divide between the girl they once were and the woman they will become? Is this feeling common?
The stark chapter titles stood out to me in this section - "Skin," "Glass," "Glare." Have you been noticing the titles? And do you read anything into how they relate to the stories in each chapter?
Sister Beatrice, God, and the nature of good and evil play huge parts in Diana's thoughts. Sister Beatrice's line in the chapter titled "Skin" seems incredibly meaningful in the grand scope of the novel: "Often there's no explanation for evil and no way to locate its source." There is also the note written by Diana's husband that strikes Diana so much: "Conscience is the voice of God in the nature and heart of man." What do you make of all the references to religion, to God, and to good vs. evil?

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:30:13 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Are you addicted and intrigued yet by The Life Before Her Eyes? I have to admit I'm having a hard time putting this one down, and though I'm willing myself not to flip ahead, I'm really curious how this will all play out. I also am trying to just savor the haunting and gorgeous images Kasischke brings to life through her poetic prose.

If you're new to the Book Club, this is how it goes: every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about what I'm assuming is a surprise ending. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: read from the start of Part Three to the end of the chapter titled "Glare." We'll chat about this third section a week from today, Friday, April 18.

To discuss the second section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Blood"), read more.

Starting first with the end of the chapter: The image of Diana eating the raw hamburger, savoring its "smooth as pudding, as smooth as ice cream" texture, gave me chills. What do you make of that?
In this section, we learned that, in contrast to the perfect life Diana lives now, her high school experience was much rockier: an abortion, naked photos, getting high before ballet. There are a couple of times where Kasischke juxtaposes a happy high school image right next to a dark one: comparing a scent to "a funeral parlor or a prom dance," for example, or describing her prom corsage as "a pin stabbed just above her heart." What do you think accounts for the differences between Young Diana and Diana now?
This chapter also introduced a strong element of magical realism, with the strange "slut" letter, the suddenly-made bed, the teenagers swimming (or not) in the neighbors' pool. How are you separating fact from fiction? Are you even trying to?
Speaking of the pool, the girl Diana is watching sounds like she is very physically similar to teenage-Diana. She also sees a blonde little girl eating ice cream with her father. It's almost as if she is seeing different versions of herself. Why do think this is - and how does it factor into your overall theory of what's happening to Diana?

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:30:48 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Hopefully you were able to get your paws on a copy of The Life Before Her Eyes, which seems to be a very hot property these days, and are all set to discuss the first section.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about what I'm assuming is a surprise ending. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: Read from Part Two to the end of the chapter titled "Blood." We'll chat about this second section a week from today, Friday, April 11.

To discuss the first section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Footsteps"), read more.

The book opens with a very startling and upsetting scenario in which young Diana and her friend are threatened during a school shooting. Did you find the violence off-putting, or did it draw you into the story? Why do you think Kasischke chose to begin the book this way?
There are several references to a dream life Diana always knew she would have. Sometimes, it seems like she's truly accomplished everything she ever hoped for in life; other times, like when she finds herself alone in the parking lot at Emma's school, it's like she's dreaming (or is a part of someone else's dream). What do you make of Diana's "dream life" so far?
Speaking of which, Diana reminisces about how there probably was a time when she would have considered her "dream life" to be something glamorous, like being an actress. But now, she seems to be quite content as a mom, married to a nice guy in a nice neighborhood, and she occasionally reflects on the choices she made to get there. Do you think she compromised somewhere along the line? Do you see any connection between that and the choice young Diana was asked to make in the prologue?
Kasischke is a poet, and her fluid writing adds to the dreamlike feel of the first section. I couldn't help noting all the references to mirrors sprinkled throughout. Which qualities of Kasischke's writing have stood out most to you so far?

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes

BuzzSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:30:40 -0700

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! I'll return to our final discussion of Revolutionary Road tomorrow, but since March will soon be drawing to a close, I wanted to give you some time to find the April book club selection before we start discussing it next week. The April title is The Life Before Her Eyes by Laura Kasischke.

I was so riveted by the preview for this movie starring Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood that when I heard it was based on a book, I immediately ordered a copy. Much has been said about the author's unparalleled ability to create evocative imagery. Even The New York Times showered her with praise:

It is not enough to say that Kasischke's language is "poetic," a word that has come to mean "pretty." Rather, her writing does what good poetry does - it shows us an alternate world and lulls us into living in it."

For those of you new to my book club format, here's how it works:
I'll announce a new book each month. Every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few discussion-provoking questions for you to respond to in the comments section.

By the end of the month, we will have worked our way through this haunting story and we'll be ready to watch the movie (in limited release April 18) to see how it compares. To find out what The Life Before Her Eyes is all about and to get the first assignment, read more.

The synopsis for The Life Before Your Eyes reads:
"This third novel by Michigan author Kasischke opens with a shocking scene from a Columbine-like school massacre. Diana and her best friend are confronted by a schoolmate killer, but only Diana is spared. Fast-forward 20 years: Diana, now middle-aged and still beautiful, is a housewife and artist living in the same idyllic university town with a handsome professor-husband and a young daughter. She has seemingly repressed her memory of the event as well as her survivor's guilt, but her perfect world and her grip on reality are both starting to crack."

The first assignment: Read from Part One to the end of the chapter titled, "Footsteps." (Feel free to read ahead, but no spoilers, please!) We'll chat about this first section a week from tomorrow, Friday, April 4.

That leave you lots of time to get a copy of this book and get reading!