BookBrowse BookTalk : Conference : 2015 Book Club DiscussionsConference : 2015 Book Club Discussions : Book club discussions of some of 2015's best books for book clubs
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RE: Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?I don't think that personal experiences affect a person's reading of this book. Some people may not be as caring as others; there are - sadly- those people who do not care as much if they are not personally affected. However, the ongoing wars around the world and the nightly news should indicate to anyone of any age and any location that this book is relevant. It is not just history.
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2015-12-27T20:17:58-05:00Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?RE: Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?I don't believe one's personal experience has any effect. I grew up in the South (GA) at a time some ten years earlier and although I never heard of some of those things happening in my town, I would have no trouble accepting that they did, if it were proven to me. Growing up when I did, the sex happenings COULD have happened, but the violence DID happen on a regular basis. Greg Iles was speaking about Mississippi in the early 60's. I grew up in GA in the late 50's so the happenings were similar. You simply MUST read THE BONE TREE cause the story from Natchez Burning continues. It is another 800 pages but could be, I did say COULD, the best story I ever read. Keep my name and let me know what you think. I am trying to get the customers of my favorite book store to gather together those who have read both of the first two books, to playfully cast the movie. I think it would be a "hoot". Keep reading and let me hear from you
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=110D44BB-0811-18D9-4091B668EB5B60BF&r=2
2015-12-20T17:51:57-05:00Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?RE: What did you think of the ending of Natchez?The ending made me want to read the next books. I loved the fact that left me wanting more- that is the sign of a great book.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=CBB43FCD-B8D9-E3C7-6FCD88BC07411D03&r=3
2015-12-18T19:09:28-05:00What did you think of the ending of Natchez?RE: Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?Having lived in the north all my life I haven't experienced most of the events described here but it was such an interesting book I wanted to read more.I was too young to remember much but we can all learn from this book
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2015-12-18T19:05:28-05:00Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?RE: What did you think of the book's ending?I have to agree, bettyt. I'm sorry I haven't been able to give this book a better review, but it was tedious at best. Along with unrealistic. And I'm not one to like my fiction tied up with a neat little bow at the end.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D29A1AE0-03C7-419A-FB09D42007379896&r=5
2015-12-17T20:50:50-05:00What did you think of the book's ending?RE: Recommend or notI finally finished "The Heart you Carry home" today. I found it very difficult to read and am not sure I even understood the message so I would not recommend it. I am an avid reader and am disappointed I could not get into it. I normally read at least 2 books a week.
bridgnut
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2015-12-17T02:55:52-05:00Recommend or notRE: Do you see parallels between the soldiers in The Iliad and the current day? Is Achilles' relevant to current soldiers, or does it glamorizes warfare? How do you think the introduction of women into battle ranks changes this?I have never read the Iliad so I can't really make the comparison. I think there are similarities between soldiers throughout history. War is always hell.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D24696CD-EF9F-A1BC-542AEF23C883CC58&r=7
2015-12-15T20:08:40-05:00Do you see parallels between the soldiers in The Iliad and the current day? Is Achilles' relevant to current soldiers, or does it glamorizes warfare? How do you think the introduction of women into battle ranks changes this?RE: What did you think of Reno's actions toward Ben at the beginning of the book? Did you think he was helpful?I think Reno was doing what he had to do to snap Ben back to reality. He was really about the only character that I liked.
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2015-12-15T20:06:28-05:00What did you think of Reno's actions toward Ben at the beginning of the book? Did you think he was helpful?RE: How did you feel about length of time (pages) devoted to the competition at Kleos to be the new CO?I agree with dorisk. I found myself anxious to get it over with so I could see how the book ended. This book was really slow going for me because I just didn't find it realistic.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=BE94BF34-C2B8-961B-DFB088BE4123A1BC&r=9
2015-12-15T20:04:34-05:00How did you feel about length of time (pages) devoted to the competition at Kleos to be the new CO?RE: Are you a war veteran or do you know a war veteran? If so, do you believe that war changes a person?I live in a military town with a lot of career Navy veterans and my husband was also a veteran although I did not know him during that time. Since he never saw active duty, I don't think the war and his service had much impact on him. I have, however, known a number of career military veterans personally. I cannot think of even one of them who has changed dramatically, although most of them are now officers. I do know several men who served in Vietnam and one thing all of them have in common is that they do not talk about their wartime experiences.
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2015-12-15T19:56:42-05:00Are you a war veteran or do you know a war veteran? If so, do you believe that war changes a person?RE: Was the compound at Kleos a cult? Was it beneficial to its occupants. Do you think it continued to flourish after the death of the CO? Why was Reno never attracted to teachings?I think it was definitely a cult and was of some benefit to some members. I'm not sure, however, how long-lasting this benefit might have been. I doubt it would have carried on for long with out CO Proudfoot as much of the men's faith was in him personally, even more so than Durga. I think when Reno returned he had been able to realize that he was doing a job that he was required and called to do and was able to put it pretty much behind him. He was not the type of personality that would easily buy in to the type of thinking that Proudfoot required.
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2015-12-15T19:52:13-05:00Was the compound at Kleos a cult? Was it beneficial to its occupants. Do you think it continued to flourish after the death of the CO? Why was Reno never attracted to teachings?RE: How does Jeanine's faith compare to the veterans' faith in Kleos and the story of the heart of Durga? Does Becca find faith in anything? What role does faith play in difficult times? Does faith have to be placed in a higher power?I don't have a good answer for this multiple question. This portion of the book was just too unrealistic to me. In my personal life, my faith is very important to me, especially in difficult times. Faith can be placed anywhere but I don't see where it can be of much help if it's not in a higher power.
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2015-12-15T19:45:48-05:00How does Jeanine's faith compare to the veterans' faith in Kleos and the story of the heart of Durga? Does Becca find faith in anything? What role does faith play in difficult times? Does faith have to be placed in a higher power?RE: Why does the open road symbolize freedom to many of the characters? Do you agree, or have similar experiences? What makes you feel free?As others have said, the open road symbolizes freedom to the characters because they do not have to answer to anyone and are free to go where and when they wish. Personally, I know I occasionally get very restless for a "road trip." And I do not ride a motorcycle, that's just by automobile.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D264945F-F19B-B77C-7497277F53BAC2E2&r=13
2015-12-15T19:43:44-05:00Why does the open road symbolize freedom to many of the characters? Do you agree, or have similar experiences? What makes you feel free?RE: How are the families of soldiers impacted by their experiences and how do they cope? Do modern familes cope differently. What has or hasn’t changed?Everyone has given excellent responses so I will not repeat what has already been said. I do think things have changed to a degree in that PTSD is at least recognized. In past decades, there was some talk of "shell shock," etc. but not a whole lot of help for the veteran or much understanding by the family.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D205DF88-CEDE-72D7-687DA66CBB62D4DF&r=14
2015-12-15T19:39:44-05:00How are the families of soldiers impacted by their experiences and how do they cope? Do modern familes cope differently. What has or hasn’t changed?RE: Recommend or notI probably would not recommend it. There are a lot better books out there. I really wanted to like it but couldn't get more than lukewarm about it.
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2015-12-15T19:36:25-05:00Recommend or notRE: Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?Absolutely, being from upper middle class - outside of NYC - my parents totally sheltered me from these events. I feel badly that I was so unaware.
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2015-12-15T15:23:32-05:00Does one's personal experiences color the way one reads this book?RE: Recommend or notThis isn't the worst book I've read, but it comes in almost so. Recommend? I don't think I've written one nice thing about this book. So of course I would not. A war veteran might read it, if he or she hadn't a clue what it was about--same as any reader. But I have a feeling once it was started there would be laughter as it went into the trash.
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2015-11-25T14:32:23-05:00Recommend or notRE: Do you agree with Becca's believe that "not all stories, not all feelings, were meant to see the light"? What kinds of stories do you think fall into, or should fall into, this category?Having worked with veterans, I know firsthand how difficult it is for them to share some of their stories with those who have not experienced combat or life in a combat zone. This is exactly what I thought when King and Reno echange that look---this was a story that they could not share with soemone who had not been there. I see it now working with people affected by cancer---sometime people don't "get it" and it can be more hurtful/stressful to share than to keep it to yourself or share withsome who is lving that life. Do secrets build walls? Yes, without a doubt AND I also agree with kellilee-- there are times when sharing an experience, secret, feeling is not in anyone's best interest.
I think we live in a culture that overshares---social media has made it easy to share instantly and many times without thinking. One consequence seems to have been an expectation that everything has to be shared--that having private feelings, memories, experiences is harmful at worst, not beneficial at best. Becca's attitiude is one I agree with---contrary to cultural expecation, there are stories that are not meant for public consumption. Is her decision to keep her college plans a secret a bad one? In the context of healing her relationship with Ben, perhaps. In the context of wanting to own the feelings of accomplishment and not tie them up with her relationships, no.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D284D6B1-F09F-238C-6059BAF124102C0D&r=18
2015-11-25T13:37:06-05:00Do you agree with Becca's believe that "not all stories, not all feelings, were meant to see the light"? What kinds of stories do you think fall into, or should fall into, this category?RE: How are the families of soldiers impacted by their experiences and how do they cope? Do modern familes cope differently. What has or hasn’t changed?I believe PTSD is a major problem for many of our soldiers, and I've learned from reading Mac McClelland's Irritable Hearts (through Book Browse) that families of PTSD sufferers (especially families of soldiers with PTSD) can suffer from a secondary form of PTSD after being exposed to the PTSD of their returning soldiers. Think of Becca's experience with Ben when he was suffering from his severe PTSD episode. How many times can a wife withstand such abuse before the wife starts to suffer emotionally? But then if a wife leaves the situation, she is leaving someone she loves dearly and the guilt will eat her alive. There is no good that can come from war, and I know we have much more war to come with the continued threat of ISIS terrorism in our world.
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2015-11-25T12:42:30-05:00How are the families of soldiers impacted by their experiences and how do they cope? Do modern familes cope differently. What has or hasn’t changed?RE: How does Jeanine's faith compare to the veterans' faith in Kleos and the story of the heart of Durga? Does Becca find faith in anything? What role does faith play in difficult times? Does faith have to be placed in a higher power?I definitely picked up on the parallels being drawn between Kleos and the Hands of God. I think both organizations could be considered brainwashing cults built on faith in a higher power and the weaknesses of its members. I also think that neither organization benefited its members ultimately. I think Reno's skepticism and weariness were admirable, and Becca's personality seemed more inclined towards believing in facts over faith in the unknown. Becca looked at what impact Kleos and the Hands of God had on her parents - not a lot of good from a daughter's point of view.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/booktalk/messages.cfm?threadid=D296D111-CB3C-D36B-CA5798AE88ABACF1&r=20
2015-11-25T12:35:24-05:00How does Jeanine's faith compare to the veterans' faith in Kleos and the story of the heart of Durga? Does Becca find faith in anything? What role does faith play in difficult times? Does faith have to be placed in a higher power?