Novella November - Post 2

It's that time!!!

Fall Leaves - Or Winter Snow

I suppose it depends on where you live? If you live in California, it's still kind of hot. And green. So... there's that.

Here's a recap of what you already know:

THE RULES

This post is open until December 1st. Between now and then, you can post as entries as you'd like!

To enter:

* Read a novella or a novelette.

* Stop by this post and write a 200 to 300 word blurb about why we should read it!

* Repeat!

Each blurb gains you an entry into the big giveaway at the end of the month! The winner will take home $30 worth of books from Book Depository!

THE UPDATES

Since work has been mad because of the upcoming holidays, I didn't put this up on time. So, to apologize and to make things interesting, here's how points will be awarded on this post:

3 points will be awarded to whomever posts a blurb for a novella that features CAKE in some way.

2 points will be awarded to whomever posts a blurb for a novella that features SOCKS in some way.

1 point will be awarded to all other blurbs.

The best part? You can convince me that your book does in fact deal with those items, whether they do or not. Be creative ;).

Novella November has begun!

It's that time!!!

Novella November has begun, and this is post one.

(Yeah, I went there. Rhyming for the win!)

THE RULES

This post is open until November 14th. Between now and then, you can post as entries as you'd like!

To enter:

* Read a novella or a novelette.

* Stop by this post and write a 200 to 300 word blurb about why we should read it!

* Repeat!

Each blurb gains you an entry into the big giveaway at the end of the month! The winner will take home $30 worth of books from Book Depository!

Get reading!

Ghost Story - Discussion Post #4

Are you ready to wrap up this read?

This time around, we're discussing the last portion of PART III and the Epilogue.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* Let's have an open discussion about the ending! What did you think? Were you happy with the resolution? Did it feel to you like everything tied up well enough?

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MODERATOR THOUGHTS

Well, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the ending! I'll admit that I completely forgot about the first portion of this story, and so when things wrapped back around I was so impressed! Finally, some resolution. I really liked Don as a character, so the fact that he was the one to finish everything up felt really apt to me. The youngest, the fittest, maybe not the bravest but definitely willing to do whatever it took. The way this whole thing at at Don killed me, but I was thrilled that he tackled it head on.

Am I a bit devastated that so many of our main characters were lost to the madness? Of course. Sears James especially, because no matter how grumpy he may have been he was still Ricky's best friend. It broke my heart that Ricky had to go on without him. Still, it takes a special kind of person to sacrifice themselves for others, and so Sears went out with bang and not with a whimper. Good for him.

If I had to rate this book, I'd give it a 4. It was a slow burn, but the middle and the ending made it all worth it. I wouldn't quite put this on par with Stephen King, to be honest. I know a lot of people compare them. To me, Peter Straub is more reserved. Or at least in this story he was. Yes, there is violence. Yes, there is death. It's not quite on the same level though. It's a bit more palatable.

Ghost Story - Discussion Post #2 & #3

Sorry for the delay on this everyone! Does anyone else think that this book was a slow burn? Now I'm totally invested, but while I was sick it was hard to get settled. Enough about me though, let's discuss!

This time around, we're discussing PART II and the first 2 parts of PART III of this book.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* Now that we have more background information on our characters, what do you see as the purpose of The Chowder Society?

* What do you think of Don Wanderly, our new addition?

* Things are getting darker in Millburn. What's been the most chilling part of this novel for you?

* Do you think that any of the characters have changed? Is there anyone that you think is now showing their true colors? Do you have a new favorite?

* What do you think the inevitable end of this story will be?

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MODERATOR THOUGHTS

So, let me say that the more we learn about our characters the darker this book gets. At first I wasn't sure why this was even called Ghost Story. I kept thinking that Peter Straub was holding out on us. Now? Well, I stand corrected. He was building things up, and it's been well worth the wait. I ramble though. The purpose of The Chowder Society, in my eyes, is to try to stay sane. These poor men. These poor, guilty and troubled men. They're banded together because they are the only ones that believe one another.

As for Don Wanderly, I'm not sure how I feel about him at this point. It's clear that he was the missing piece of the puzzle. He arrived, and suddenly things hit a downward spiral into madness. I think Don isn't even sure how he feels about himself. He knows that something mysterious happened to him, he knows that the paranormal has the ability to exist, I think he just isn't sure how he feels about all of that. How do you admit that to yourself?

Which brings me to the most chilling part of this whole novel, and that's the fact that this darkness is still unnamed. We're getting closer to the truth. Slowly things are being explained, and it's obvious that this same darkness has been in Millburn before. Still, it's hidden behind this sheet of the unknown. People have died, violence has happened, but I feel like there's a greater threat lurking in the shadows still!

I think Lewis, is probably the character that's changed the most. I know that he was always pegged as a "ladies man", but now we're finding out that he did it more for company than anything else. Now, as things get creepier, he's becoming less outgoing and more introspective. He's actually become the most interesting character to me because of that fact. We're discovering so much about his past!

So what's the ending going to be? I wish I knew. Yet, I don't. I can't wait to find out though!

Ghost Story - Discussion Post #1

Sorry for the delay on this everyone! Does anyone else think that this book was a slow burn? Now I'm totally invested, but while I was sick it was hard to get settled. Enough about me though, let's discuss!

This time around, we're discussing PART I of this book.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* What are your initial impressions of the characters in Ghost Story? Specifically, our Chowder Society?

* Do you have a character who stands out to you more than the others? One you connect with?

* Why do you think the Chowder Society exists as it does?

* What's one question that you still have at this point?

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MODERATOR THOUGHTS

So, as I stated above, this book was a slow burn for me. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the Chowder Society. I think I took a quick glance at this old men who puttered around in their finery, and felt like I wasn't going to be able to connect with them. However, the second the first ghost story was told, I was smitten. What dark secrets were these men hiding? What caused them to be so terrified and frail? I had to find out.

In terms of a favorite character, I think Ricky probably fits the bill. He's just so eager for things to be still, and happy. He's still deeply in love with his wife, even though he knows she might stray. I think what really endears me to him though is how critical he is of himself. Ricky knows that he isn't perfect. He knows he's flawed, and he knows his friends are flawed. But he accepts it, and he does the best he can with what he has.

Which brings me to why the Chowder Society exists in the first place. All these men are obviously drawn together by something dark in their past, but more than that I think that they're drawn together by the fact that they understand one another at the deepest level. Their meetings have become cannon. They know one another's secrets, and quirks, and still are friends. What better place to share what ails you most, than with people who seem to understand you?

The one question I still have at the end of Part I is why Wanderly died in the first place. I know that's obvious, but come on. Mysterious circumstances, anyone? I hope I find out before the end.

October Reading Breakdown - Ghost Story by Peter Straub

Discussion Weekend of 10/9 - Prologue through end of Part I

Discussion Weekend of 10/16 - Part II

Discussion Weekend of 10/23 - Section I and II of Part III

Discussion Weekend of 10/31 - Remainder of Part III + Epilogue


As a reminder, it's perfectly fine to read ahead. We all know that happens with particularly good books :). Just make sure that you come to discussions prepared to leave the spoilers behind.

Also, all discussions are open all month long! So even if you're behind, feel free to come and comment whenever you're ready. We'll be here to banter with you.

It's time! The 2nd Annual Spooky Swap is here!

ARE YOU READY? It's time to swap!

To start, please make sure you read the General Guidelines post. If you get to the end of the document and still have a burning question, email me or comment here! I'm always happy to help.

ON TO THE DETAILS!

This swap is Halloween themed, or Fall themed if that's better for you. I understand not everyone celebrates Halloween and so please don't be worried that I'll run you off if you don't. The theme is open to interpretation!

The following items are required in your package:

* One Fall/Halloween item that is wearable (socks, gloves, beanies, earrings)

* One Fall/Halloween item that is edible (CANDY! Ahem...or something less sugary)

* One Fall/Halloween book 

* One Fall/Halloween themed item of your choice (think pumpkins, leaves, etc.)

* A note to your swap partner! 

Money Limit: 

Your box must contain items that add up to at least $20. Anything beyond that is your own personal choice, if you'd like to add extras. You may also add items that are not on the theme list if you so choose!

        * Some helpful hints:

                 - Check out dollar stores. You can get lots of fantastic and fun items there!

                 - Shop the dollar spot at local stores like Target or Walmart.

                 - Go thrift store hunting. This is perfectly okay! Just make sure the item is in good condition.

                    (A good rule of thumb is to think, "Would I want to receive this?")

                 - Re-gift something of yours (in good condition of course) that you think fits the box.

                 - Make something. It's cool to include something handmade. Again, just make sure it's something     

                    you'd like to receive yourself.

Shipping Information:

This swap is open to all our members, but please make sure to include if you are not located in the U.S. or, if you are in the U.S., whether you're willing to ship internationally. All delivery confirmation numbers must be in no later than October 25th. This also means your box should be shipped no later than this date. You must procure a delivery confirmation number when sending your package, and drop it in this form. No delivery confirmation means you won't be eligible for future swaps.

Ready to join in?

Fill out THIS FORM completely to sign up. 

I'll match you with a swapping buddy and send out information as to who you will be mailing to. Please know I try to keep this a surprise, so you won't know who is mailing to you unless you specifically ask.

***Sign ups will be open until October 5th***

Late sign ups will not be accepted. I need that time to match people up and still give you ample time to go and do some shopping!

REMEMBER:

If you sign up, your are promising to send a package. Please make sure you can follow through! I never want anyone to end up without a box. Thanks!