Function Love Form-Book Club: Recent Posts

Function Love Form-Book Club: Recent Posts http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Function Love Form-Book Club: Recent Posts en Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:24:36 +0000 Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-5th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=12#post-39 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:14:13 +0000 Em 39@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I would say that she is admirable. She seemed to roll with the punches pretty well (or maybe better than I would do). And she really did stand up to the colonel when she thought he was making a mistake (like her telling him to give the house back to Kathy). Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-4th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=11#post-38 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:09:31 +0000 Em 38@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I think if they were truly looking for "justice" then they would have just let the lawyer handle things and try to do things the right way. Things started going the wrong way when Kathy began driving by, Lester made a visit to the house, Kathy made several visits, etc. You kind of knew things were going to get out of control at that point. And it really just had the opposite effect- it made the Colonel want to give the house back less. I really can't think of any certain point in the book where ANYONE was acting rationally. The Colonel couldn't act rationally because of the pressure he felt for his life to be back the way it was. And Im pretty sure Lester and Kathy are just nutso. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-5th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=12#post-37 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:29:35 +0000 Jared 37@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Yes, she is an admirable character, as much as we know about her. No I don't think her "feminie role" reduced her importance. Her place in the marriage was a great motivator for the colonel. Of course she has qualities they lack, like the ability to act rationally. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-4th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=11#post-36 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:23:53 +0000 Jared 36@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ It doesn't really seem to be about justice. For Kathy I think its the belief that getting her house back will solve all of her problems. For Lester, his actions seem to be motivated by lust. I don't think either of them can act rationally because their respective worlds have been turned upside down. I'd liken them to planets revolving around the sun. Remove the sun and the planets fly off every which way. The sun for Kathy is her house, the sun for Lester is his wife and children. I don't think Behrani acts rationally either. He seems easily fly into a rage. I don't have the book with me, but there's a point in the novel where he thinks about selling the house back to the county for no profit. He realizes that would actually be best for his family, but he denies that thought, instead insisting on moving his family up the social ladder. Motivated mostly by his daughters percieved embarassment of their living conditions. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-5th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=12#post-35 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:14:34 +0000 Jared 35@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Is Behrani's wife, Nadereh, an admirable character? Does her feminine role in a very traditional marriage reduce her importance as an actor in this drama? Does she have qualities that are missing in Behrani, Kathy, and Lester? Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-4th Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=11#post-34 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:13:31 +0000 Jared 34@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ At what point do Kathy's and Lester's actions depart from the path of a simple desire for justice and move into something else? Why can neither of them seem to act rationally? Does Behrani act rationally? Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-33 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:41:03 +0000 Em 33@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Although Embassadora sounds like a very interesting name, it does indeed stand for Emily. I'm Jareds lovely little sister, or Beth's sister-in-law, whichever you would prefer. Or the Auntie of Ella, Rory and Hudson. Loving mother of Carter. Oh so many titles. Sarah H. on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-32 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:10:50 +0000 Sarah H. 32@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Emily, a "B" sounds right. Wait, does Em stand for Emily? Emma? Emmaline? Embassadora? You are so secretive, like a spy. So what is on the roster for May? Sarah H. H = Hendrickson Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-31 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:26:49 +0000 Em 31@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ So wasn't that a crazy ending??? It was totally unexpected from me. I had planned on it being kind of a happy, unrealistic ending. Everyone got what they want, blah blah blah. But nope! I also could have done without all the small details of their love life. Everytime Les thought of Kathy it was about wanting to be with her physically. Oh well. I think I actually liked the book. Perhaps each of us should grade it. I give it a B Sarah H. on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-30 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:12:30 +0000 Sarah H. 30@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Spoiler Alerts - don't read this comment unless you are finished reading. Ok I finished it too. I have to say I turned my nose up to this book at first. I think it had to do with the too many details of Kathy and Lester's love life. I prefer to read books with fewer references to seminal fluid. However by the end of the book it seemed clear to me that Kathy and Lester had to be shown in that light. They had to be shown as more physically tied to each other than emotionally tied. Not to mention that this book seems to dwell on how "effed-up" things can get. And what illustrates that better than ... I think you see my point. By the end of the book my devotion for the colonel failed and I was on "team Kathy". I would like to imagine that she sucessfully takes the blame for everything. But since she wasn't there on the street oustide of the county office I can't see how she can't take the heat off Lester entirely. I'd like to imagine that he will wait for her and be there in an old police car when she walks out a free woman, and they will get the band back together and start life anew. But he won't be. Poor Lester and his little broken family. Poor Nadi. Poor Kathy. And that poor little frightend lady at the gas station. :) Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-29 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:53:49 +0000 Em 29@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I was also rooting for the Colonel for some reason! I kept hoping he would sell that house for some money, but that somehow Kathy would get money, too (even though Im not a huge fan of her character). I just wanted her to end up getting a "normal" life, but im pretty sure she isn't that kind of girl. Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-28 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:51:30 +0000 Em 28@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Sarah- I don't think it really goes in to much detail about actually why he left, so you didnt miss it! I can't wait until you guys get done, the ending is crazy!!! Sarah H. on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-27 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:16 +0000 Sarah H. 27@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Jared, I can't believe you can quote a Sandra Bullock line. I am puzzled by Kathy and Nick's breakup. Perhaps the more I read the more I will understand why he left. Should that already be clear to me? She said he was controlling in ways, but why did he leave? Someone tell me if I missed it. I thought she started using again or he did and that the addictions had something to do with it. Sarah H. on "The House of Sand and Fog-2nd Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=9#post-26 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:56:25 +0000 Sarah H. 26@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ He doesn't seem to be a man who can laugh at himself. Funny that he finally bought the hat he needed for his outdoor job at the same time he exited that line of business. Sarah H. on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-25 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:53:53 +0000 Sarah H. 25@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I like the Colonel. I can actually relate to Kathy though. I too don't open my mail. For example we opened mail tonight, because we are waiting for the laundry to be done and found out my husband has until tomorrow to enroll in health benefits at work. Not opening your mail clearly is more dangerous than Kathy or I realize. I want the Colonel to make his little get rich dream come true more than I want Kathy (can I call her Kathy the whore?) to keep her Father's house. Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-24 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:09:19 +0000 Em 24@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ IM DONE!! I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY FINISHED A BOOK EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN 8 MONTH OLD! Oh, Im so proud of myself! Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-23 Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:24:22 +0000 Em 23@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I also thought at first she was weak and unstable. But I couldnt say that I would act differently in the same situation. (well, maybe.) If you think about it, though, she did handle it kinda well. She didnt start using drugs again, or drinking (immediately anyway) or anything like that. I could understand her not wanting to tell her family right away. I think she was wanting to try to figure things out first. I think their love is purely physical. Every time they think about one another, it is about that, rather than about some conversations they have had, or other good times. Lester was in a unhappy marriage so he was seeking some physical comfort. And the fact that she keeps thinking about Nick makes me think she has some mental things she needs to work out before they could be fully in love. At first I thought he was way better for her, but now I am not so sure. When she met him she started drinking againl. And Im not sure how far anyone else is, but some other stuff goes down due to her drinking. And it pulls both of them in. Plus, Lester has A LOT of baggage, not to mention the fact that they are both still married. So, to make a short answer long, I guess my answer would be no. (And its just great that you can quote Speed. You should be proud.) Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-22 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:16:29 +0000 Jared 22@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ My first impression answer to the question was this,I think it shows that she's a bit unstable. After putting some more thought into it I realized that this is probably a perfectly normal reaction to getting dumped. I still don't sympathize much with her though. I think Lester falls in Love with her for a few reasons. He is unhappy with his life at home, so he is seeking an easy way out. Instead of working through his own problems, he finds it easier to focus on Kathy's problems. Also its the Damsel In Distress cliché. I haven't read enough to know if he's better for her than Nick was. I'm really not even really sure what Kathy's and Nick's relationship was like. It didn't seem healthy, 2 addicts in recovery is not a good recipe for a solid relationship. Her relationship with Lester is along the same lines in my opinion. Its a relationship formed under extenuating circumstances and as Sandra Bullocks character in the movie Speed said "cause you know, relationships that start under intense circumstances, they never last". Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-3rd Question" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=10#post-21 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:01:50 +0000 Jared 21@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ What does Kathy's response to Nick's desertion reveal about her character? Why does Lester fall in love with Kathy? Is he better for her than Nick was? bethall on "The House of Sand and Fog-2nd Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=9#post-20 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:02:22 +0000 bethall 20@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I think that it is a symbol of a new start. I think everyone in this book takes life too seriously. bethall on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-19 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:01:36 +0000 bethall 19@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I think they are definitely both flawed characters, but that is what makes it interesting. They are flawed in different ways. While the Colonel is faithful to his wife and works hard for his living, he is a little too consumed with appearances. And Kathy obviously has some serious issues that she needs to work out not only in her love life but on some very basic levels. But I admire her for trying to overcome her addictions. I probably like the colonel a little better at this point, but we'll see how it goes. Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-2nd Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=9#post-18 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:36:44 +0000 Em 18@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I don't think he takes life too seriously. He seems to have a sense of humor about the jobs he has to work and the way he has to go about keeping up their life style. I think is was somewhat symbolic that he did purchase a hat after talking about needing one for so long. This kinda went with his decision to purchase the house and quit his jobs. It was his symbol of turning over a new leaf. Em on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-17 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:33:19 +0000 Em 17@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I also think I feel for the Colonel. He has worked hard in the past, had to escape the luxurious life he was used to, and now is trying to rebuild that life. At first I thought it was dumb that they were trying to keep up with their neighbors and keep up a lifestyle they are not able to afford. But as I read more, I understood why. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-2nd Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=9#post-16 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:31:14 +0000 Jared 16@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I wouldn't exactly say its poignant. It seems to me that its an attempt to better fit in American Culture. I don't really think that he takes life too seriously either, it seems that he's just trying to get by like the rest of us. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-2nd Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=9#post-15 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:26:42 +0000 Jared 15@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Early in the novel Behrani buys himself a hat, which he says gives him "the appearance of a man with a sense of humor about living, a man who is capable to live life for the living of it" [p. 28]. Why is this a poignant thing for Behrani to wish for himself? Does he in fact take life too seriously? Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-14 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:25:40 +0000 Jared 14@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I like the use of the alternating first person narrative. It gives the reader a chance to see both sides of the story at once. I find myself empathizing with both the colonel and Kathy. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-13 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:23:18 +0000 Jared 13@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ I find myself identifying more with the colonel more. He has a family to take care of and he's a hard worker. I see the house as a reward for doing things the right way. As for Kathy, I keep thinking that she should have just opened her mail. Her life appears to be a mess and having a house is not going to solve her problems. Jared on "The House of Sand and Fog-1st Question." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=8#post-12 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:27:12 +0000 Jared 12@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ 1. Do you sympathize more with Kathy Nicolo or with Colonel Behrani in part one of the novel? How does Dubus's use of alternating first-person narratives affect your response to, and involvement with, the characters? Em on "The first question for discussion-Life of Pi" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=7#post-11 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:12:41 +0000 Em 11@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Ok, so I finally found some time to start the book! I haven't made it very far! So far, the book is set in the zoo (I haven't made it to the ocean yet). I think that in itself is pretty unique. It would be a lot of fun to grow up in a zoo! I really like how they describe the daily routine of life there. It is so different than anything anyone gets to experience, so it really appealed to me. So far, this part has really enhanced the story- I will post more when I make it furher! bethall on "The first question for discussion-Life of Pi" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=7#post-10 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:03:55 +0000 bethall 10@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ It definitely made the reader feel the isolation and, for me, clausterphobia, that would exsist on a boat of that size for so long. Thinking of the setting, I can just smell the thick odors that must have been on the boat, and feel the salty, sweaty, air. I think that it is the setting that makes the story. You take away the setting, the whole premise of the book falls apart. Jared on "The first question for discussion-Life of Pi" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=7#post-9 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:12:37 +0000 Jared 9@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ The setting for the majority of the story is the ocean, or more specifically a lifeboat floating on the ocean. I think it adds to the story by providing a feeling of desperation and isolation. The setting is integral to the plot, change the setting and there is no story. Jared on "The first question for discussion-Life of Pi" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=7#post-8 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:09:21 +0000 Jared 8@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story? bethall on "I'm here. . ." http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=6#post-7 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:56:10 +0000 bethall 7@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ to join the book club! Yay!! (seriously, it looks great babe) Jared on "Emily" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=5#post-6 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:47:07 +0000 Jared 6@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Kingariffic. The Dark Tower Series would be great, it would just take us a while to get through all of them. Em on "Emily" http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/topic.php?id=5#post-5 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:53:01 +0000 Em 5@http://functionlovesform.com/bookclubforum/ Favorite Books: Anything by Stephen King Reading Now: I think it is Just Before Sunset by Stephen King (that should tell ya how much time I have to read- next to none!) Its a collection of short stories Recommended books (for the book club): The complete Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Awesome. Favorite type of books: The same as Jared: Fiction, almost any fiction. I love, love, love reading! It is the most relaxing thing to do, and its nice to "escape" into another world for a little while.