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Buzz Book Club: Amy and Isabelle

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:36:48 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! It's time to officially kick off a new year of reading together and I've chosen a book based on a resolution of mine to read the books on my shelf before I buy a new one. Over the holidays I heard a glowing review of author Elizabeth Strout's newest book and was just about to buy it when I realized I had her older bestselling novel, Amy and Isabelle, on my shelf already.

The book was a hit back when it first debuted in the late '90s so some of you may have already read it and can chime in along with us newbies. I came across a reviewer's description of the novel that says it "recalls not only the gritty realism of Peyton Place, but something of the elegiac charm of Our Town, as well" which struck me as just the kind of fiction I'd like to pick up after a couple months of memoir reading.

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 January). 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 Amy and Isabelle is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The End of Holidays on Ice

BuzzSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:30:58 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! I'm so glad we read Holidays on Ice this month. It really got me through the holiday season madness with laughter. Especially with these final stories, Sedaris says the things people think but don't say aloud, and I just love it.

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, has been every Friday in December). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Stay tuned for the announcement of my January book club selection, and to discuss the final section of Holidays on Ice, in which we read "Front Row Center With Thaddeus Bristol," "Based Upon a True Story," and "Christmas Means Giving,"

Buzz Book Club: Holidays on Ice, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:30:55 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! Holidays on Ice still has me bursting into laughter, how about you?

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 December). 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 stories "Front Row Center with Thaddeus Bristol," "Based Upon a True Story," and "Christmas Means Giving." We'll chat about this section a week from today, Dec. 26, when we'll be done with the book and really in the holiday spirit!

To discuss the second section of Holidays on Ice, in which we read the stories titled "Season's Greetings to Our Friends and Family!!!" and "Dinah, the Christmas Whore,"

Buzz Book Club: Holidays on Ice, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:00:06 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! David Sedaris is so freaking funny. I'm really glad I chose this book because it requires me to take time out of these increasingly stressful days to pause and laugh. Also, I kind of love bursting into laughter while reading in a public place, like a bus. This is becoming a frequent occurrence.

Anyway, 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 December). 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 next two stories: "Season's Greetings to Our Friends and Family!!!" and "Dinah, the Christmas Whore." We'll chat about this section a week from today, Dec. 19.

To discuss the first section of Holidays on Ice, in which we read the first story, "SantaLand Diaries,"

Buzz Book Club: Holidays on Ice

BuzzSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:30:42 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! 'Tis the season to read a book together, and my December selection was a pretty easy choice: David Sedaris's Holidays on Ice. I know we just completed a memoir last month, but I couldn't help myself with this one. I know I could use some holiday-themed levity from one of America's foremost humorists as I cram to get my work, shopping, and decorating done in this busy season (less than three weeks, people!). And because we're all so busy this time of year, this book also stood out because it's so tiny.

The New York Times explains that this is the little book that brought Sedaris's "jaundiced, bah-humbug sensibility to prominence a decade ago," and I think viewing holiday mayhem through his eyes will be fun in the weeks to come. There are a couple of editions of the book out now, and while the re-release (pictured here) comes with new essays, I'm going to stick to discussing just the stories in the original — there are cookies to bake and gifts to wrap, after all.

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 December). 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 Holidays on Ice is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The End of Julie and Julia

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:30:43 -0800

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! Have you finished Julie and Julia? I'm excited to chat about this final section, even though I'm still in a food coma from feasting yesterday. I have to say, I can't believe Julie really pulls this thing off!

Here's how the Book Club goes if you're new: Every week I suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, was every Friday in November). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comment section.

I'll fill you in on my December book soon. For now, to discuss the final section of Julie and Julia, in which we read from the chapter titled "Sweet Smell of Failure" to the end of the book, just

Buzz Book Club: Julie and Julia, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:30:22 -0800

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! Welcome back! I hope you were able to round up a copy of Julie and Julia to read along with me. This is the section in which our writer gets down and dirty with some hard recipes to tackle. Can't wait to discuss!

But first, a note about how 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 November). 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 from the start of the chapter titled "Sweet Smell of Failure" to the end of the book! Even though we've got Thanksgiving next week, I'll still post the last round questions on Friday — what better to discuss through your turkey haze than a book all about cooking, right?

To discuss the second section of Julie and Julia, in which we read from "The Law of Diminishing Returns" through "The Proof Is in the Plumbing,"

Buzz Book Club: Julie and Julia, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:30:54 -0800

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! Welcome back! I hope you were able to round up a copy of Julie and Julia to read along with me. I'm liking what I'm reading so far, but I have a couple questions on my mind about the first section that I'm looking forward to discussing with you.

First, 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 November). 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 from the chapter titled "The Law of Diminishing Returns" through "The Proof Is in the Plumbing" (stop before the one titled "Sweet Smell of Failure"). We'll chat about this section a week from today, Nov. 21.

To discuss the first section of Julie and Julia, in which we read from the start of the book until the end of the chapter titled "Disaster/Dinner Party, Dinner Party/Disaster: A Study in Duality" (so, just before "The Law of Diminishing Returns" begins),

Buzz Book Club: Julie and Julia

BuzzSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:30:38 -0800

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! I don't know about you, but as soon as my calendar says "November," I start thinking about food. Lots and lots of yummy Thanksgiving food . . . mmm . . . ahem! I figured it would be fun to read a book all about cooking good stuff in honor of the delicious holiday. I've had my eye on Julie and Julia by Julie Powell ever since I learned that they're making it into a movie, and I thought this could be just the month in which to read it.

Julie Powell's story isn't just about food, though. It's a real-life tale of self-discovery, and it all started with one woman's goal to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She chronicled her entire experience on her blog, which naturally turned into a book deal!

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 November). 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 Julie and Julia is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of Sammy's Hill

BuzzSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:01:47 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! We've reached the end of Sammy's Hill by Kristin Gore just in time for the end of this election. I hope this fun romp through politics added some levity to what has been an intense month!

Here's how the Book Club goes if you're new: Every week I suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, was every Friday in October). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comment section.

I'll fill you in on my November book soon. For now, to discuss the final section of Sammy's Hill, in which we read from the chapter titled "Breathe in Deep, It's All Fresh Air" to the end of the book, just

Buzz Book Club: Sammy's Hill, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:30:25 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! Sammy's Hill by Kristin Gore has perhaps reached its climax this section, or at least Sammy's love life has become very dramatic. Good stuff!

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 October). 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 from the chapter titled "Breathe in Deep, It's All Fresh Air" to the end of the book! We'll chat about this final section a week from today, Oct. 31.

To discuss this second section of Sammy's Hill, in which we read from the chapter titled "Hey Buster" up to the one titled "Breathe in Deep, It's All Fresh Air,"

Buzz Book Club: Sammy's Hill, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:48 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! Sammy's Hill by Kristin Gore is getting exciting, and Sammy keeps making me laugh out loud.

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 from the chapter titled "Hey Buster" up to the one titled "Breathe in Deep, It's All Fresh Air." We'll chat about this section a week from today, Oct. 24.

To discuss this second section of Sammy's Hill, in which we read from the chapter titled "Roadshow" up to the one titled "Hey Buster,"

Buzz Book Club: Sammy's Hill, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:30:31 -0700

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! Welcome back! Have you fetched a copy of Sammy's Hill by Kristen Gore yet? Hope so because I'm excited to talk about this first section. So far I'm really enjoying the light and fun read this book is turning out to be, especially at a time when everything political feels so heavy. We'll dive into more detail in just a bit.

First, 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 October). 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 from the chapter titled "Roadshow" up to the one titled "Hey Buster." We'll chat about this section a week from today, Oct. 17.

To discuss the first section of Sammy's Hill, in which we read from the beginning of the book until the end of the chapter titled "Down Low, Too Slow,"

Buzz Book Club: Sammy's Hill

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:30:42 -0700

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! I know a lot of you are doing your best to keep up with campaign-related news (I'm lucky to have Citizen and Liberty's help!) so I thought it would be fun to read a light and easy book about politics. Ladies and gents, introducing the October "election season" Book Club selection: Sammy's Hill, by someone who knows a thing or two about life inside the Beltway, Kristin Gore.

Yep, that's Al Gore's daughter. I've been interested in reading this one for a while, as it sounds like a fun romp through the life of a young person working on Capitol Hill (with a little romance tossed in for fun).

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 October). 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 Sammy's Hill is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The End of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

BuzzSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:30:45 -0700

Isn't it fun to read a book that gives you happy feelings inside, especially knowing that you'll soon be rewarded with a big-screen adaptation that looks totally cute? I love it when that happens. So, welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! It is time to discuss the conclusion of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I can't wait to see the movie!

But first, here's how the Book Club goes if you're new: Every week I've suggested chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, was every Friday in September). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

I'll fill you in on my October book soon. For now, to discuss the final section of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, in which we read from the start of the chapter 14 through the end of the book,

Buzz Book Club: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:07:51 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! I'm having so much fun breezing through Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. It's bringing up memories of my teen
years. . . and that's actually a good thing.

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 September). 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 from the start of chapter 14 until the end of the book! We'll chat about the conclusion a week from today, Sept. 26.

To discuss this next section of Nick and Norah, in which we read from the start of chapter seven until the end of the chapter 13,

Buzz Book Club: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:30:40 -0700

Hello Buzz Book Club readers! We've started reading the completely adorable Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and so far I'm really enjoying it. What about you?

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 from the start of chapter seven until the end of the chapter 13. We'll chat about this section a week from today, Sept. 19

To discuss the first section of Nick and Norah, in which we read from the start of the story until the end of chapter six, read more

Buzz Book Club: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

BuzzSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:30:06 -0700

Hello, Buzz Book Club readers! We finished the August book club selection a week ago and took a little break, because my pick this month is an itty bitty book that I'm really excited about! Drum roll please . . . September's book is Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.

The movie adaptation, starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, will be out on Oct. 3, which is right when we will have completed the book. Plus, this has been on my reading list for a long time, so what better excuse to get to it? You can check out the trailer here.

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 September). 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 Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The End of The Wishbones

BuzzSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:00:48 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! We've finally come to the end of Tom Perrotta's The Wishbones and unfortunately the main character, Dave, just might be one of the least appealing protagonists I've come across. But that's how it goes sometimes. Mostly I'm still scratching my head at the fact that someone's going to make a movie out of this. The folks in charge of bringing this to the screen will hopefully (maybe?) make Dave a little less awful.

Anyway, here's how the Book Club goes if you're new: Every week I've suggested chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, was every Friday in August). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posited a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the September selection for the Buzz Book Club!

To discuss the final section of The Wishbones, in which we read from the beginning of the chapter titled "Karma House" through the end of the book,

Buzz Book Club: The Wishbones, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:00:14 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! Last week I was peeved at the main character in the The Wishbones and this week I'd say I'm at about a DEFCON 1 level of frustration. Dave is making some cruel choices and I find myself steaming out the ears.

More on that after the jump. Here's 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 August). 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 from the beginning of the chapter titled "Karma House" through the end of the book! We'll chat about this section next Friday, Aug. 29.

To discuss the third section of The Wishbones, in which we read from "This Sad Gift" through "War Pigs,"

Buzz Book Club: The Wishbones, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:04 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! OK, now I'm getting pretty peeved at the main character in the The Wishbones by Tom Perrotta. Dave is annoying me, but at least things have gotten really interesting and we're not just reading about a bunch of Jersey guys in band rehearsal anymore. Plus, I like Perrotta as a writer. He's got a point of view and his prose is brisk and to the point.

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 August). 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 from the beginning of the chapter titled "This Sad Gift" through the chapter called "War Pigs." We'll chat about this second section next Friday, Aug. 22.

To discuss the second section of The Wishbones, in which we read from "It's Your Wedding" through "Carlos and Stevie Ray,"

Buzz Book Club: The Wishbones, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:48 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! I hope you're enjoying the The Wishbones by Tom Perrotta so far. It's definitely Nick Hornsby-esque already and even though our protagonist is the kind of guy I'd tell my girlfriends to get over, I still can't help but find him somewhat sympathetic.

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 from the beginning of the "June" section ("It's Your Wedding") through the chapter called "Carlos and Stevie Ray." We'll chat about this second section next Friday, Aug. 15.

To discuss the first section of The Wishbones, in which we read from the start of the story until the end of the chapter titled "You've Got a Friend" in the section titled "May,"

Buzz Book Club: The Wishbones

BuzzSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:32:28 -0700

Hello Buzz Book Club readers! Welcome to August! We finished the July book club selection a week ago, and while the breather was kind of nice, it's time to get back to reading. After last month's detour to personal essay-ville, we're returning to fiction-land for August, as I've chosen Tom Perrotta's book The Wishbones as this month's selection.

This book was the author's first novel and came before his more famous works, like Election and Little Children. The story seems like The Wedding Singer meets High Fidelity, and it piqued my interest because — like his other books — it will also become a movie soon.

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 August). 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 The Wishbones is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of I Was Told There'd Be Cake

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:30:56 -0700

Welcome back, Buzz Book Club readers! I can't believe this is the end of Sloane Crosley's I Was Told There'd Be Cake! I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on the last essays and your impressions of the book overall. Stay tuned next week for my announcement of the August selection.

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, has been every Friday in July). In these weekly Book Club posts, I'll posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

To discuss the last section of I Was Told There'd Be Cake, in which we read the stories "The Height of Luxury," "Smell This," "Lay Like Broccoli," and "Fever Faker,"

Buzz Book Club: I Was Told There'd Be Cake, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:33:10 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! This week, we hit a section in Sloane Crosely's I Was Told There'd Be Cake that I think included one of her best stories of the whole book. But more on that in a moment.

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 July). 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 to the end that includes the stories "The Height of Luxury," "Smell This," "Lay Like Broccoli," and "Fever Faker." We'll chat about this final section next Friday, July 25.

To discuss the third section of I Was Told There'd Be Cake, in which we read the stories: "Sign Language for Infidels" and "You on a Stick,"

Buzz Book Club: I Was Told There'd Be Cake, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:30:43 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! We're plugging along through Sloane Crosely's I Was Told There'd Be Cake, and there were many more moments in this week's stories that I laughed at and related to. At this point, I do think Crosley's got the goods — but perhaps with more life experience under her belt, her stories will be even more poignant.

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 stories "Sign Language for Infidels" and "You on a Stick." We'll chat about this second section next Friday, July 18.

To discuss the second section of I Was Told There'd Be Cake, in which we read the stories: "The Good People of This Dimension," "Bastard out of Westchester," "The Beauty of Strangers," "F**k You, Columbus," and "One-Night Bounce,"

Buzz Book Club: I Was Told There'd Be Cake, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:00:47 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! How are you enjoying Sloane Crosely's I Was Told There'd Be Cake so far? I find her voice to be highly relatable, and I'm definitely guilty of snorting with laughter while reading her book in public. She's already given us a lot to talk about in this first section, that's for sure.

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 stories "The Good People of This Dimension," "Bastard out of Westchester," "The Beauty of Strangers," "F**k You, Columbus," and "One-Night Bounce." We'll chat about this second section next Friday, July 11.

To discuss the first section of I Was Told There'd Be Cake in which we read the first four stories in the book ("The Pony Problem," "Christmas in July," "The Ursula Cookie," and "Bring-Your-Machete-to-Work Day.")

Buzz Book Club: I Was Told There'd Be Cake

BuzzSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:30:55 -0700

Hi there, Buzz Book Club readers! I know it's still June, but since we've wrapped up our discussion of Then We Came to the End and Fourth of July travel plans are looming, I wanted to give you a heads-up about the July book pick: Sloane Crosley's I Was Told There'd Be Cake.

The book, which is Crosley's debut collection of true-life essays, has been getting a lot of buzz in the literary world — and it's only building, as we learned this week that the book had been bought by HBO and could be turned into a TV series. Even friends of mine who I thought would be snarky about the book have loved it, so I'm curious to check it out for myself.

Crosley is a literary publicist in New York City, and she got her big break as a writer when she sent a funny e-mail about getting locked out of her apartment while moving to some friends — one of whom just happened to work for the Village Voice. She's since written for Salon and The New York Times, and this book collects 15 of her essays.

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

To read a little more about Crosley's book and get your first assignment, just

Buzz Book Club: Then We Came to the End, The End

BuzzSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:08 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! This week my June selection, Then We Came to the End, came to an end — and what an ending it was! This final section combined things that I'm frightened of (scary clowns) with a little bit of hope and some sharp final insights into the fear, apathy, and intimacy that make up modern work life. Plus, this was hands-down the funniest section of the book despite (or because of?) how twisted it was.

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.

After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

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

To discuss the final section of Then We Came to the End

Buzz Book Club: Then We Came to the End, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:30:16 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! This week my June selection, Then We Came to the End, continues to be a potent mix of hilarious insights into the American working life and sad moments of souls being crushed. It's easy to see why this has been such a critically successful book: The tone is so spot-on.

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 June). 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! We'll discuss the end next Friday, June 27.

To discuss the third part of Then We Came to the End (in which we read the chapter titled "The Thing to Do and the Place to Be" and the first two chapters of the section called "Returns and Departures."),

Buzz Book Club: Then We Came to the End, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! This week, my June selection, Then We Came to the End, took a turn for the dark. At the start of the book, I spent most of my time laughing, but in this section, I found myself doing a lot more cringing. If last week I thought it was "equal parts devastating and hilarious," this part was a bit more devastating — but I'm still completely hooked on the story.

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 chapter titled "The Thing to Do and the Place to Be" and the first two chapters of the section called "Returns and Departures." We'll discuss this section next Friday, June 20.

To discuss the second part of Then We Came to the End (in which we read to the end of the section titled "You Don't Know What's In My Heart"),

Buzz Book Club: Then We Came to the End, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:30:07 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! I'm really loving (and relating to!) my June selection, Then We Came to the End. Author Joshua Ferris' observations about working life in America are so sharp, and I'm really impressed with his ability to capture the essence of this world that most of us know so well. I'm finding it equal parts devastating and hilarious, which makes for a read I hate to put down.

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 from the start of chapter three until the completion of the section titled "You Don't Know What's In my Heart." (Stop before you read the chapter titled "The Thing to Do and the Place to Be" — that will be part of the following assignment.) We'll chat about this second section a week from today, Friday, June 13.

To discuss the first section of Then We Came to the End (in which we read from the start of the book until the end of chapter two of the section titled "You Don't Know What's In my Heart"),

Buzz Book Club: Then We Came to the End

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:45:13 -0700

Hello Buzz Book Club readers! Between covering the ins and outs of the Sex and the City movie and reading Four Blondes as my last book club selection, I'm a little spent on the fabulous lives of women in New York City.

And while I'm excited for summertime, the truth is that many of us are stuck in an office during these sunny days. So, I thought a fun way to get us through the doldrums of gazing longingly out the window would be to commiserate with a hilarious book about life on the cubicle farm.

Introducing my June selection: Then We Came to the End: A Novel by Joshua Ferris.

The book has received all kinds of buzz and critical acclaim, so I've been excited to read it. Stephen King called it "hilarious" and the New York Times named it one of the best books of 2007.

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 June). 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 Then We Came to the End is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of Four Blondes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:15:14 -0700

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,"

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:00:25 -0700

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,"

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:15:32 -0700

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),"

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:30:12 -0700

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"),

Buzz Book Club: Four Blondes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:30:25 -0700

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,

Buzz Book Club: The Conclusion of The Life Before Her Eyes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:30:09 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! I am really excited to chat about the conclusion of The Life Before Her Eyes, especially now that the movie is out in theaters. And check it out: the Buzz Book Club is mentioned on the movie's website! We're famous!

If you're new to the Book Club, here's what we've been up to: Every week I've suggested chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, has been every Friday in April). In these weekly Book Club posts, I posit a few questions to prompt discussion in the comments section.

If you're just discovering this specific book today I highly recommend you stop right here, find a copy for yourself and dig in before you read my final thoughts and/or see the movie. The language is remarkable and the book's haunting effect will keep your mind churning long after you put it down. You can go back and see what we talked about section by section here.

For everyone who's finished the book, ready to discuss? After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I finished, so

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:32 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! At this point in The Life Before Her Eyes it's pretty clear something is seriously "off" with Diana. I have a few guesses as to what is going on but again, I'm trying to just enjoy the prose and the dreamlike quality of the imagery without skipping ahead.

If you're new to the Book Club, here's the drill: Every week I'll suggest chapters to complete by the next post (which, in this case, will go up every Friday in April). 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! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about these mysterious things that are happening to Diana. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: Read from the start of Part Four, to the end (just in time for the movie, which opens in some cities today)! We'll chat about this final section and the book in its entirety on Friday, April 25.

To discuss the second section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Glare"),

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:30:13 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Are you addicted and intrigued yet by The Life Before Her Eyes? I have to admit I'm having a hard time putting this one down, and though I'm willing myself not to flip ahead, I'm really curious how this will all play out. I also am trying to just savor the haunting and gorgeous images Kasischke brings to life through her poetic prose.

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 April). 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! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about what I'm assuming is a surprise ending. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: read from the start of Part Three to the end of the chapter titled "Glare." We'll chat about this third section a week from today, Friday, April 18.

To discuss the second section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Blood"),

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:30:58 -0700

Hmm. . . let's see, Magnum P.I. works when he feels like it, doesn't wear a lot of clothes, and is really tan. Yep! I'd say Matthew McConaughey could probably handle a role like that. What do you think?
The week started out with one bad idea — the rumor about Madonna remaking Casablanca — and ended with another: the remake of Short Circuit. Thankfully there were some good ideas sandwiched in there like the re-pairing of Steve Martin and Diane Keaton!
Kristen Bell could be a busy bee soon with another TV series possibly in the works. And, of course, Elle is probably returning to Heroes.
More exciting TV news this week: the big reveal of NBC's fall plans — including a spin-off of The Office. I break down what all of this news means for you and give you the lowdown on stand-alone webisodes they're working on as well.
In reading news: there were some strong reactions to that little Oprah book club sticker, I discussed the first section of The Light Before Her Eyes, and some of you confirmed that Blindness (coming in October, to a theater near you) is a tough, but worthwhile read.
Ian McShane is set to play a biblical king on a new NBC show. Meanwhile, American Idol got a little Bible love, too, from the one and only Dolly Parton with her show-stopping performance of "Jesus & Gravity" on elimination night.
When the second Juno soundtrack comes out will you buy the CD, or just put it on your iPod?
The new Hellboy 2 trailer looks so good and so frightening! Which reminds me: I need your help describing the creepy shadow approaching Jena Malone in this week's Caption It!

Source

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes, Section One

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:30:48 -0700

Welcome back Buzz Book Club readers! Hopefully you were able to get your paws on a copy of The Life Before Her Eyes, which seems to be a very hot property these days, and are all set to discuss the first section.

Of course, you are always welcome to read beyond the weekly chapters, but please don't spoil anything in the comments! This is particularly important with this book because each section reveals more about what I'm assuming is a surprise ending. After the jump you'll find some questions that struck me as I read this section.

The next assignment: Read from Part Two to the end of the chapter titled "Blood." We'll chat about this second section a week from today, Friday, April 11.

To discuss the first section of The Life Before Her Eyes (in which we read to the end of the chapter titled "Footsteps"),

Buzz Book Club: The End of Revolutionary Road

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:30:14 -0700

Welcome back, members of the Buzz Book Club! Now that you've finished Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road, we can talk about what all this suburban-life-in-the-1950s stuff is about. In fact, it will be interesting to discuss this book now as a whole work, rather than section by section, because we have every piece of the puzzle in place to sort out what Yates is driving at here.

The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, will be out in December, so we have plenty of time to mull over how on earth such a powerfully written book can be adapted for film.

Last week's assignment was to finish the book. After the jump you'll find some discussion topics that struck me as I read to the end. Also, if you're just joining and want to catch up, you can find all of our Revolutionary Road discussions thus far here.

Hopefully you're not too emotional after finishing this novel, so to discuss

Buzz Book Club: The Life Before Her Eyes

BuzzSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:30:40 -0700

Hey Buzz Book Club readers! I'll return to our final discussion of Revolutionary Road tomorrow, but since March will soon be drawing to a close, I wanted to give you some time to find the April book club selection before we start discussing it next week. The April title is The Life Before Her Eyes by Laura Kasischke.

I was so riveted by the preview for this movie starring Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood that when I heard it was based on a book, I immediately ordered a copy. Much has been said about the author's unparalleled ability to create evocative imagery. Even The New York Times showered her with praise:

It is not enough to say that Kasischke's language is "poetic," a word that has come to mean "pretty." Rather, her writing does what good poetry does — it shows us an alternate world and lulls us into living in it."

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

By the end of the month, we will have worked our way through this haunting story and we'll be ready to watch the movie (in limited release April 1 to see how it compares. To find out what The Life Before Her Eyes is all about and to get the first assignment,

Buzz Book Club: Revolutionary Road, Section Three

BuzzSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:38:14 -0700

Round Three, fellow Buzz Book Club readers! This third section of the March book club selection, Revolutionary Road, was longer than the others have been, so we have much to discuss after the jump.

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 March). 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! Next week I'll post our final Revolutionary Road discussion post and announce the title of our next book club selection.

To discuss the second section of Revolutionary Road (in which we read to the end of Part Two, Chapter 6),

Buzz Book Club: Revolutionary Road, Section Two

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:30:56 -0700

Welcome back, fellow Buzz Book Club readers! Last week we examined the first section of our March selection, Revolutionary Road, and now we're moving onto the second section.

This second section was slim, but definitely intense. 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 from Part One, Chapter 7 to the end of Part Two, Chapter 6.

To discuss the second section of Revolutionary Road,