From Becky at Weekly Geeks:
This week, I’m going back to a classic Dewey topic–#12 to be exact. I chose this for several reasons–one, it’s one of my favorite weekly geeks topics–but more importantly I saw it would work well with two very important bloggy events going on this week.
1. In your blog, list any books you’ve read but haven’t reviewed yet. If you’re all caught up on reviews, maybe you could try this with whatever book(s) you hope to finish this week. (Be sure to leave a link to this post either in the comments of this post, or in the Mister Linky below.)
2. Ask your readers to ask you questions about any of the books they want. In your comments, not in their blogs. (Most likely, people who will ask you questions will be people who have read one of the books or know something about it because they want to read it.)
3. Later, take whichever questions you like from your comments and use them in a post about each book. Link to each blogger next to that blogger’s question(s).
4. Visit other Weekly Geeks and ask them some questions!
I have to admit I do not review every book that I read. Not enough time or brain power. I review books that I find exceptionally well written or inspiring, books I have read for challenges and books I really want to introduce to others.
That said, there are books I am reading or plan to read that I’d like you to ask questions about.
1) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
2) This Blinding Absence of Light by Tahar Ben Jelloun
3) Finding Beauty in a Broken World by Terry Tempest Williams
There are also several books of poetry that I am reading.
1) Flight: New and Selected Poems by Linda Bierds
2) The Veiled Suite: The Collected Poems by Agha Shahid Ali
3) Strike/Slip by Don McKay
Any questions?
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I haven’t heard of any of these titles…but I’ll do my best…
On the poetry books, would you say that the poetry (or poems) are intimidating or are they reader-friendly? How dense are they? Are the poems worth the effort? Would you recommend them to newbies who aren’t poetry junkies?
What’s your favorite poem from one of these?
As a poet, poetry books interest me? Do you think everyone ought to read those? What are they about. Which do you rate best?
Which poem affected you most from each and also state which poem/s did not work for you?
WG: Review Catch up
I love the title Finding Beauty in a Broken World. Does the book live up to its title?
Lynn – I’ve reviewed Finding Beauty in a Broken World here:
Let me know what you think.
I have read the Hedgehog book. Did you enjoy it? is there anything you didn’t like about it? How would you rate it?-out of five stars let’s say.
I haven’t read the Jelloun book although I know what it is about in general. I don’t mind difficult subjects like this but is it well written? Is is ultimately uplifting or at least positive in some way? Would I have a better understanding of people or the world if I read it?
And thank you very much for asking about one of my books-it really helps me out.
Thanks for you questions!
I’d give the Hedgehog 3 stars. I enjoyed it but there is something about it that was off for me, almost gimmicky.
Here’s the review.
I’m reading Jelloun, having to take breaks though. It is very intense. I think it is positive, if only because it shows an incredible desire to survive. I’ll review it when I’m done.
I really liked The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I will ask you the same questions that Sandra asked above. :)
Claire – I would give Hedgehog 3 stars. My review is here.
I’m still reading the Jelloun, having to take breaks and will review it when I’m done.
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How do you pick/buy the poetry books you read? Do you browse through them in a bookstore? Borrow them from the library?
Looks like you need to do a post on poetry books–lots of other questions regarding them :-).
Valerie – I will do a post on poetry books. I’m finding it difficult because I think poetry is very personal, what people like and don’t like. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been itching to read The Elegance of the Hedgehog! Does the author do a good job of telling the story through a child’s eyes?
Here’s my Weekly Geeks post: http://undercoverbooklover.blogspot.com/2009/06/weekly-geeks.html
Jacqueline – Here is my review of Hedgehog. If I had a rating system (something I need to consider) I’d give it 3 stars.
I really like the title of ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ :) Anyway, I recently bookcrossed a book by Tahar Ben Jelloun — unread, I must admit :\ What is his style of writing? Slow? Pageturning? Contemplative? Should I hit myself on the head for not hanging on to the book?
Pretty annoyed with myself as well, since I haven’t heard of any of those books myself.
Is there any classic poetry you would recommend to a poetry newbie?
I have The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery on my to be read list. In three sentences or less, what’s your main impression of it? My post is here.
I think “Hedgehog” is well-written, perceptive and funny. The characters are wonderful. There is something a bit off for me, I find it a bit gimmicky.
This Blinding Absence of Light sounds fascinating. Have you read other books on this subject? Some similar questions as above-what is the ultimate tone of this story-heartbreaking, uplifting, hopeful? Would you recommend it?
I’ve heard so much about The Elegance of the Hedgehog but am still on the fence. What would you compare it to? Did you enjoy? What kinds of readers are most likely to enjoy it?
I’ve seen mixed reviews on The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Did you enjoy it? Would you say the book is mainly about the characters, the plot, or ‘ideas’?
How you read other books by Tahar Ben Jelloun? I read The Last Friend a couple of years ago, and I wasn’t super impressed. Was This Blinding Absence of Light good?
If I had a rating system, I could only give “Hedgehog” 3 stars. Here’s my review. It is mainly about the characters and their “ideas”. Here’s the review.
I’m still reading “Absence of Light”. It is a tough read but I think I will try another of his books. I’ll review “Light” when I finish it.
Thanks for all your wonderful questions. I will try and get to them all as I finish the books. Have a great week!
This Blinding Absence of Light is on my shelves, waiting to be read. I want to know why did you pick this book up? I read the description and thought it’s something that I need to read but I don’t have the courage to read it yet. How long did it take you to read it? Would you recommend this to others? Can you give us a favorite passage? Will you be reading anything else by Jelloun?
The Elegance of the Hedgehog was a great read for me though there were a few passages I could have lived without. What did you like about this book? Which character did you like more, Renee or Paloma? After reading this book, I had to rent and watch The Hunt for Red October for the first time ever. Did you have any moments during reading this book that you wanted to know more about a subject? Will you read Barbery’s next book due out later this year?
What made you pick up the Williams’ book? Have you read anything else by her? Can you give us a great passage from the book?
With the poety books, which one are you enjoying more? Are any of them accessible for a person who is just starting to read poetry?
Vasilly – I ejoyed “Hedgehog” but not as much as I was hoping to. If I had a rating system I’d give it 3 stars. Here’s my review.
I am still reading “This Blinding Absence of Light”. Taking it slow and will probably read more of Jelloun’s books.
I’ll review the poetry books in a bunch. I’ve added a couple more to the pile!