Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I Command You to Read This/(these) Book(s)

Internet, I would like to discuss a book. Specifically this book: "Okay for Now" by Gary Schmidt. But here's the tricky part, I want to discuss the end of the book, and I have a strict no spoiler policy, so I don't feel like we can discuss it right now, because I would like you to go read it first. But here is the other tricky part: I feel like before you can read the book, you have to go read this book: "The Wednesday Wars", which is the companion book to "Okay for Now", and while they can each be read as stand alones, and there aren't major spoilers, I also have strong feelings about books being read chronologically. Like, sometimes I have people tell me that I don't have to read a series in a particular order (mystery series for example), and I have to do my best not to give a withering glare, because YESTHEYDOHAVETOBEREADINORDER, but that's a little rude, and also apparently you aren't supposed to impose your values on other people even if you are right and they are wrong amen. Here is the third tricky part, I am not even supposed to be writing this post at all, because I promised Nano that the next post I wrote would include pictures of my apartment! You can see that I'm kind of in a pickle.

So here is my proposed solution: I will give you all two weeks to read the two books I want you to read. (They are both fairly quick reads, I promise!) And then we'll all meet back here, say September 6th? And then we'll discuss the book, and I'll get spoilery in my post, but I'll also do the thing where you have to click a link to view the post so people who don't want to read it don't have to. Or maybe that's too demanding. Should we give it a whole month? Ok: so your assignment is to read the two books, and also comment and tell me if you want two weeks, or a month to do so.

Also, this isn't mandatory, unless you are Lauren, Liz, Liz, Liz, Amanda, Emily, Julie, or actually, anyone related to me at all. And also, just because I didn't list your name doesn't mean it's not mandatory for you too, it's just that I started running out of steam, and not everyone has a blog anymore, TIFFANY. So just assume if you are reading this, you have to do what I tell you. I mean, you are invited to the book discussion. It's also mandatory for Rachel, but actually she already read these books, and in fact I read them because of her. Maybe you did too! That would make this a lot easier. You can read her reviews here and here, because she does a lovely job of showing why the books are wonderful without telling the whole story.

Also, I will post pictures of my apartment tomorrow Nano, I promise!

9 comments:

rachelsaysso said...

This is a great idea - mostly because I love these books so much and want everyone to read them and I'm a firm believer in communal discussions. Thanks for spreading the good news.

jkribbit said...

I'm eavesdropping...

If I weren't eavesdropping, I would vote for a month because I've put a hold on these books from the library, but I'm not first in line, so I have to wait until I am first in line. Plus, even if I was first in line, I have two other library books that are due on September 1st, and I'm not sure I can get 4 books read by September 6th. I mean, I know I can. That's not the issue. The issue is that nothing else will get done. And I sort of feel like maybe I should try to be responsible. You know, since I'm technically an adult. And not that that's worked terribly well so far, but, you know, at 35, I feel I should continue to at least try....

But I'm just eavesdropping... :)

the mapmaker's wife said...

I've read Wednesday Wars... so I two weeks will be doable. :)

Hannah said...

Julie! Eavesdropper no more! YOUR IN. I applaud your responsibility. I'm always one to support acts of adulthood. Wait, what?

Elizabeth Loyle said...

I gotta say a month is better since I'm Edinburgh at the minute and arrive in CA for a visit on September 7th and the plane ride will get me through the first book

Liz the Poet said...

I'm in!

I haven't read either of them.

Maybe we could meet in the middle, and say, three weeks?

But, I'm a push-over so whatever you decree, I'll go with.

Anonymous said...

I was about to be cheeky and ask which Emily until I clicked on my name and found out you meant this Emily. I'm totally stalled in songs of ice and fire though... please tell me these books would make me laugh?

Ms. Liz said...

I'm in the middle of "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" but I think I can squeeze these two in within the month.

Did I mention I love you by the way?

Hannah said...

Alright, we're going to all meet back here in one month! I'm so excited you all are going to/have read these books! I'll try to remember to do a reminder post. Yay!