Final thoughts 2007-2008

Well.... we obviously haven't kept up with monthly postings. It's interesting that in an attempt to facilitate more discussion through the flexibility of being able to post comments at one's convenience, this forum hasn't really been very popular with this year's group. I wonder why? We have had better overall attendance at book discussions, so I'm thinking that many of you prefer face to face discussion. Perhaps it was Eric's discussion of The Body Language Book that made you want to observe and interpret the gestures of your fellow members. Maybe you came for the snacks...... or maybe book discussions are just better in person! It was an interesting and enjoyable year for me, and I hope that our seniors will be able to fill the void next year by becoming involved in a book club at college or in the community. To those of you who are back next year, start making lists and keep reading..... see you in September. Have a great summer.

Romance Selection

The February selection is a Jane Austen classic - Persuasion - in honor of cupid! Masterpiece on PBS is running a series of Jane Austen novels, so let's watch for Persuasion. We may be able to do some viewing as well as discussing at the next meeting. Please feel free to start any discussion strands here before our next meeting -- Tuesday after February Vacation.

Horror Discussion

Great turnout for the discussion on horror this past week. The Matheson short stories that we read aloud provided some entertainment as well as challenge as there was no punctuation in the "stream of conscious" narrative. I particularly enjoyed some of the points made regarding the purpose and function of horror. The idea of "monster" and the relationship to our humanity was interesting. I do believe that horror allows us to excise that part of our humanity that we view as "evil, dark, monstrous" and view it as separate from ourselves -- to personify it in such a way as to make it other than us. I also buy the idea that horror does allow the vicarious experiences of the "darker side" so as to purge it from our inner selves. Rather "cleansing" like the Greek tragedy.

December Update

It has been awhile since the NHS Book Blog was updated. Our December meeting was well-attended, though the grab bag idea was a bit of a flop. An enjoyable discussion around humor books kept it light. We especially enjoyed the highlights from the Body Language book. The horror selection for January was I Am Legend by Matheson as well as The Mist by Stephen King.