BuzzSugar

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of My Sister's Keeper

BuzzSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:30:14 PDT

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers. I've been re-reading My Sister's Keeper this month so that I can discuss the book's interesting topics with you before the movie comes out. Are you ready to talk about this controversial ending?

First, 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, went up every Friday in May). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to keep an eye out next week for my June book club announcement!

To discuss last week's section of My Sister's Keeper, in which we read the section marked "Monday" through to the end,

Last things first: What do you think of the twist at the end? Do you think Kate should have died and Anna lived? Or should Picoult have allowed both to live? I found myself feeling frustrated by this ending.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I was less interested in some characters than others, and wondered if we really needed to go through all their stories. Specifically, I probably could have done without Julia's whole story, and maybe Jesse's, too. Do you think the book was a little cluttered with all these characters?
Speaking of Jesse, do you think Picoult writes male characters well? Do Brian, Campbell and Jesse's perspectives seem authentic to you?
Were you surprised to learn that Judge was a service dog for Campbell's epilepsy? Did finding this out change your feelings toward Campbell at all?
Anna's revelations on the stand about Kate asking to die were painful to read - but they also struck me as realistic requests from a 16-year-old who'd been sick her whole life and even seen her first love die of a similar disease. Were you shocked by anything Anna said about Kate? Overall, do you wish we'd heard more from Kate in the book, or was the epilogue enough?
After finishing the book, what do you think about the casting? Can you see Cameron Diaz as Sara? And do you think Abigail Breslin will be a good Anna, or would you have preferred seeing what the Fanning sisters could do?

Buzz Book Club: My Sister's Keeper, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:15:54 PDT

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers. I'm re-reading My Sister's Keeper this month and am having a great time reading all of your thoughts on this provocative book. This was a brief section, but there's still much to chat about.

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 May). 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: Start at the section marked "Monday" and read through to the end. We'll chat about this final section next Friday, May 29.

To discuss last week's section of My Sister's Keeper, in which we read through the section marked "The Weekend" (stopping before "Monday"),

With all of Anna's waffling, I'm still unclear what she would actually do if she were given the chance to make her own medical decisions. Would she give Kate the kidney? Would she not? Does she actually want to stop being - literally - Kate's lifeblood, or does she just want the opportunity to have a say?
The scenes of Sara and Brian's married life before Kate's cancer always move me. I can't imagine how a child's illness must stress a relationship. Are you amazed that the two of them have been able to stay together? Do you think their focus on keeping Kate alive is what's saved them, or is there something more? Do you think people understand their relationship?
It's odd to me that nobody in this family seems to have gone to any support groups or made friends with other people going through their situation; I'm sure they must have encountered other families who have kids with cancer at some point. They've obviously become so close by going through this experience together - but how much is their relative isolation a part of their story?
It was tough to read the section where the family thinks they have to say goodbye to Kate - and quite emotional when she pulls through. At this point, I've been wondering why nobody has suggested just halting Kate's treatment and making her comfortable for the end of her life. Could it be because they've seen her come back from the brink before? Is it that much harder for everyone to let go?
On a lighter note, I've gotten a kick throughout the book of Campbell's many snarky explanations for his dog, Judge. Do you have a favorite? (I kind of like the one where he says Judge is trained in CPR.) And if you haven't read ahead, do you have theories about why Campbell does actually have the dog?

Buzz Book Club: My Sister's Keeper, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:30:49 PDT

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers. I'm re-reading My Sister's Keeper this month, and I'm finding myself taking breaks between each character's section because it's pretty emotionally draining. You would think I'd be a little numb to it the second time around - but nope.

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 through the section marked "The Weekend" (stop before "Monday"). We'll chat about this section next Friday, May 22.

To discuss last week's section of My Sister's Keeper, in which we read through the section marked "Thursday" (stopping before "Friday"),

This week, we get a little more insight into what makes Sara tick. It seems like she has a lot of guilt about not being able to provide for Kate the way Anna can. Do you find that reaction understandable, or is it a little strange?
Anna seems so conflicted in this section, and I just want to give her a hug! Sometimes she wants to press ahead with the lawsuit; sometimes she doesn't; sometimes she wants to break away from her mother while other times she goes running to Sara for comfort. Part of me wishes she could pick a position and stick with it, but the rest of me knows she's just 13, and that's a lot to ask of anyone. How are you feeling toward her at this point?
Last week, I was intrigued by Campbell and Julia's relationship, but this week I'm a little annoyed with their story. At this point I want to know what happened between them that was so big that Julia is driven to a tequila-drinking marathon all these years later. Do you think her reaction seems extreme? Or can you understand it? Do you want to know more?
I don't have a sister, and I've found myself wondering whether this book would be completely different if I did. Can any of you shed light on that?

Buzz Book Club: My Sister's Keeper, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:30:09 PDT

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers. I think I might have blocked out how intense My Sister's Keeper is because I'm finding the re-read to be just as emotional as the first time I stepped into this family's world. How are you doing with it? I can't wait to start talking about this provocative book with you.

First, 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 May). 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 through the section marked "Thursday" (stop before "Friday"). We'll chat about this section a week from today, May 15.

To discuss last week's section of My Sister's Keeper, in which we read from the beginning of the novel to the end of the section marked "Wednesday" (stopping before the section marked "Thursday"),

Do you like the way the story is told from different perspectives? Is there a particular perspective that's winning so far by getting you to sympathize or relate to it the most? Is there one that's falling short?
Between the two sisters, do you find yourself sympathizing with one more than the other?
I appreciate that Sara's section is told in flashbacks so we understand a little more about the history of the Fitzgeralds' situation, but I also wish we could see her feelings in the present day. Do you think that having her part in flashback leaves out a necessary part of the story? Or are you thankful to have the back story?
I was taken aback by Sara and Brian going on a talk show to discuss Anna's conception. Why do you think they decide to take their private story public?
In trying to save one child's life, is there a limit to what a parent should do? On a basic level, what do you think of the decision Sara and Brian make - to have a child specifically to help another one of their children?

Buzz Book Club: My Sister's Keeper

BuzzSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:30:53 PDT

Hi, Buzz Book Club readers! I'm excited to announce this month's selection, which may be a touch predictable but is certainly timely. Drum roll please! . . . Oh, right, the picture's right there. May's selection is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Now that the movie is on the way, including a little bit of controversy regarding the ending, I want to take this time to discuss the book together so we're on the same page (so to speak) when the adaptation hits theaters in June. I read it a while back but definitely need to jog my memory and really want to talk about the controversial and provocative aspects of this story with all of you. Should be fun! And by "fun" I mean "thought-provoking" and "emotionally wrenching."

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 May). 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,

The synopsis for My Sister's Keeper reads:
"The difficult choices a family must make when a child is diagnosed with a serious disease are explored with pathos and understanding in this 11th novel by Picoult. The author . . . turns her gaze on genetic planning, the prospect of creating babies for health purposes and the ethical and moral fallout that results. Kate Fitzgerald has a rare form of leukemia. Her sister, Anna, was conceived to provide a donor match for procedures that become increasingly invasive. At 13, Anna hires a lawyer so that she can sue her parents for the right to make her own decisions about how her body is used when a kidney transplant is planned. Meanwhile, Jesse, the neglected oldest child of the family, is out setting fires, which his firefighter father, Brian, inevitably puts out. . . . Picoult ably explores a complex subject with bravado and clarity, and comes up with a heart-wrenching, unexpected plot twist at the book's conclusion."

The first assignment: Read from the beginning to the end of the section marked "Wednesday." (Stop before the section marked "Thursday.") We'll chat about this section next Friday, May 8.

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of Four Blondes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:15:14 PDT

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! The time has come to bid farewell to the characters of Bushnell's world in Four Blondes. It seems fitting that the final story in this book would be the most autobiographical (although I have no idea if Bushnell ever went to London looking for love) because she seems most at home with this character.

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. 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.

And stay tuned for the announcement of my June book club selection!

To discuss the final section of Four Blondes (in which we read to the end of the story titled "Single Process,"

After the first three stories, I found this last one to be a bit of a relief! I found it funnier and easier to enjoy than the others, so I think it's my favorite of the four. Now that all four have been read, which story was your favorite, and why?
Comparisons between Americans and the English run rampant in this story. What do you make of all these sweeping statements (i.e. it's "easy" to find a relationship/husband in London, English men are "bad in bed" and talk too much, etc.)? Do see truth in any of these? And is Bushnell saying anything in particular in bringing up all these stereotypes?
Near the end, the married-with-children English friend, Mary tells the narrator that she envies the single career woman and sometimes feels invisible. Then she describes the "black fantasy" married women have (that their husbands die while they are still young, leaving them "free"). I wonder where Bushnell got this idea, or if she actually knew women who told her that. What did you make of this section?
Do you like Bushnell's style of writing and her depiction of modern women? Did you find Four Blondes to be a nice, light, breezy read, or not so much?

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:00:25 PDT

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! We're now three stories into Four Blondes, and somehow I'm not surprised that she gave us an honest-to-goodness princess in the section we read this week. I suppose after former model and magazine editor, it's the next logical place to go, right? Sidenote: I really think Candice Bushnell's at her best when she's writing in the first person. The story raised a few questions for me and I can't wait to discuss.

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 May). 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 assignment: Finish the book by completing the final story titled "Single Process." We'll chat about the final section a week from today, Friday, May 30.

To discuss the second section of Four Blondes (in which we read to the end of the story titled "Platinum,"

In the story, Cecelia has achieved everything that Janey (from the first story) was striving for and probably would have envied - she literally married a wealthy prince and became a socialite. And yet, even in this lifestyle, she's not only miserable but drowning in a kind of paranoia. Do you think Bushnell is making a statement about the goals these women have for themselves?
More than the others, this story focuses on female friendships - but just like the male-female relationships so far, they aren't particularly healthy or happy. In fact, in both Cecelia's past friendship with Amanda and her current friendship with Dianna Moon, there is a sense of unhealthy obsession and an emotional instability on the parts of all the women. What do you make of these friendships? Are they meant to just highlight how alone Cecelia is because of her lifestyle, or do you think Bushnell is saying something about female friendship overall?
I found it difficult to discern many redeeming qualities about Cecelia, and I also found her to be an unreliable narrator in many ways because she is so unstable. And yet, there is one moment of clarity for Cecelia that I was really on board for: when she stops and ponders whether she's ever done anything without the help of a man. It's these moments when Bushnell questions sexual politics and gender roles that I find her writing most appealing. And yet, these musings come to us by way of the most mentally unstable character of all the blondes so far. What do you think of this?

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:15:32 PDT

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Now that we've read the first two stories in Four Blondes, I gotta say this second section was better crafted than the first but these characters give Janey a run for her money in the "abhorrent" department. Still, that's good stuff to discuss, especially since they're a little less materialistic and far more pretentious.

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 assignment: Read the entire third story titled "Platinum." We'll chat about this third section a week from today, Friday, May 23.

To discuss the second section of Four Blondes (in which we read to the end of the story titled "Highlights (For Adults),"

Well, not many of you could relate to the first character, Janey last week. How do you feel about Winnie? Do you find her more relateable?
Along similar lines, which do you find more able to stomach: Janey's empty materialism and blatant social climbing, or the judgmental and controlling Winnie?
I personally found this story difficult to enjoy with two such miserable main characters. What was your experience of reading this section? Did you find it funny and interesting, or difficult?
This section brought us not just Winnie's point of view but her husband James' as well. I sometimes found myself wishing Bushnell had focused on just one of them. What do you think of Bushnell's decision to tell the story from both perspectives?
Marriage does not look appealing in this story (or at least Winnie and James' marriage doesn't)! Do you think Bushnell is using James and Winnie's marriage to say something about marriage itself?

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:30:12 PDT

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Before we start, I want to say that I know many of you have already read Four Blondes and were either turned off or maybe even appalled by the main characters. You should know I'm right there with you.

However, just like with movies, I think there is something interesting and valuable about examining what makes a book fail in comparison to others in its genre. Moreover, Four Blondes gives us a lot to talk about in terms of the portrayal of the women in Candace Bushnell's universe on the eve of the Sex and the City movie, like Bushnell's use of sex as a means of power, the unadulterated materialism of her characters, etc.

So with that said, here's a recap of how the Book Club goes If you're new: every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in May). 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 assignment: Read the entire second story titled, "Highlights (For Adults)." We'll chat about this second section a week from today, Friday, May 16.

To discuss the first section of Four Blondes (in which we read to the end of the story titled "Nice N'Easy"),

In this first story, the character Janey seems woefully underdeveloped and it's hard to care for her either way. That said, is there anything about Janey that you can relate to?
To me, the ending was frustrating, because it seemed like Bushnell gave Janey an easy out with a modeling job that basically fell from the sky. Would you have felt more satisfied if Janey had become a real estate agent? Is there another possible ending that would have satisfied you?
Janey's certainly not a great woman, but all of the men in this section are abhorrent as well. Are there any differences you see between the way Bushnell talks about women and the way she talks about men?

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:30:25 PDT

Hello Buzz Book Club readers! First of all, happy Friday! Now, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a little emotionally spent from several Buzz Book Club books in a row that dragged us through the emotional ringer (Revolutionary Road, The Life Before Her Eyes).

Given that and the fact that it's Springtime, I thought I'd pick a light and frothy book for my May selection: Four Blondes by Candace Bushnell (author of Sex and the City).

It also seems appropriate, since we've had Bushnell's Lipstick Jungle on the small screen this year, and the Sex and the City movie is on the way to the big screen. So we might as well get into the spirit of the sassy, high-powered woman by reading Four Blondes.

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 May). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few discussion-provoking questions for you to respond to in the comments section.

To find out what Four Blondes is all about and to get the first assignment,

The synopsis for Four Blondes reads:
"In Four Blondes, [Candace Bushnell] returns with a quartet of novellas on her favorite subject - the mating habits of wealthy sex-, status-, and media-obsessed New Yorkers. These are people for whom a million or two does not make one rich, and who consider Louis Vuitton and Prada bare necessities. Janey Wilcox, for example, is a former model who each summer chooses a house in the Hamptons - or, rather, picks up a wealthy man with a pricey rental. Cecelia, on the other hand, has gotten the ultimate prize: a royal husband. Still, she finds herself descending into paranoia as the Manhattan media circus reports her every flaw. Then there's Winnie Diekes, a high-powered magazine columnist whose marriage flounders as she pushes her unambitious husband to write the book that will make him - and her - famous. Finally, in the most clearly autobiographical story, a writer gives up on the commitment-impaired men of New York and goes to London to find a husband."

The first assignment: Read the entire first story title, "Nice N'Easy." We'll chat about this first section a week from today, May 9.