Bitter Grounds... Book Club Selection

JOKER_ESCO · Foro Master

RE: Bitter Grounds... Book Club Selection

Lahtina · Foro Master

I'm about 30 pages shy of finishing the book. I'm gonna go read now and when I come back I'm spilling the beans, people. I was probably the last one to start reading it so that, and this fair warning, makes it all right (in my eyes, of course).

Lahtina · Foro Master

Oh, it was so sad when you know what happened to you know who. I cried for the second time.

So are we all done yet? Not being able to talk about something really sucks.

Gitana · Foro Master

I'M SO EXCITED .... I'M ALMOST FINISHED READING THIS BOOK....

JOKER_ESCO · Foro Master

@Lahtina: U really want 2 talk about the book LoL

Lahtina · Foro Master

Aaaaargh!! Page 291!! Now we're talking! LOL

I just came down to post this. Ugh, I hate not being able to talk about it yet!

Ok, back to the book!

Colombiana4Life · Foro Master

I had plans to join the book club before I got a job. LOL But working long hours and then coming home a trabajar mas, makes it a bit difficult. But I may try to do some reading, it's good for the mind and soul.

Gitana · Foro Master

Chale_Tanga wrote:

@ Buffy and Gita: Here I am! Sorry ladies, I've have actually been doing what Im paid to do here at work... surprisingly! lolOkay... so Buffster... where and when shall we do this? I say mid December? Perhaps somewhere nice and quiet (where Alcohol can be passed around freely and generously).

AND WHERE IS THIS ???

Chale_Tanga · TOP Guru

@ Buffy and Gita:

Here I am!
Sorry ladies, I've have actually been doing what Im paid to do here at work... surprisingly! lol

Okay... so Buffster... where and when shall we do this?
I say mid December?
Perhaps somewhere nice and quiet (where Alcohol can be passed around freely and generously).

Gitana · Foro Master

TV Buff wrote:

Lahtina wrote: I'm half way through it. But, wait... so we're meeting somewhere to discuss it? Hmm, not sure it's possible for me. I need to get in touch with Chale to figure out where and how we can do this before the year ends. Chale! Chale, can you hear me! Where are you! Damn, typing is not loud enough...

GOOD LUCK BUFFY.....

WHEN YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH HER....LET HER KNOW HER WIFEY IS LOOKING FOR HER

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Lahtina wrote:

I'm half way through it. But, wait... so we're meeting somewhere to discuss it? Hmm, not sure it's possible for me.

I need to get in touch with Chale to figure out where and how we can do this before the year ends.

Chale! Chale, can you hear me! Where are you! Damn, typing is not loud enough...

Lahtina · Foro Master

I'm half way through it. But, wait... so we're meeting somewhere to discuss it? Hmm, not sure it's possible for me.

JOKER_ESCO · Foro Master

I am almost done PPL so anytime u guys want 2 meet is fine by me ok.

Gitana · Foro Master

I'M ALMOST DONE AS WELL ...

Chale_Tanga · TOP Guru

@ Gita: Almost....
I'll be done this weekend!!!

its good so far!

Gitana · Foro Master

WHATEVER HAPENED TO THE BOOK CLUB???

WHEN ARE WE MEETING???

FOR THOSE WHO ARE READING THIS BOOK..... ALMOST DONE?

TV Buff · TOP Guru

la_hija_de_brucelee wrote:

I love that book its great how the author was able to show two different life style in the characters yet display the similarities in them. and about you writing to her its great, i wrote to Julia Alvarez after i read " in the name of salome" but she didn't write back

Yeah, not all writers (or all celebrities) are that approachable. I was actually surprised that she wrote back, but very happy nonetheless. Ms. Benitez seems to be a very humble person and her style of writing is way up there with all the great ones!

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Lahtina wrote:

Buffy, tell me it gets better. I'm hooked on the story no doubt. And I do like the way she writes, but why? Why ******?! I'm already a few chapters past that and I still can't get over it. And I sooooo saw it coming. I shouldn't of continued reading. Shoulda made up my own story from there.

Jesus, woman! Come back and edit this post! Stop giving the story away. We'll discuss it and do group therapy (and call in Dr. Phil) when we get together to discuss the book!

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Lahtina wrote:

Hmmmmmm... I found that death that we can't talk about yet because it'll ruin it for the others who are NOT reading the book a bit too predictable. Same with the betrayal. Why does the author give us hints as to what's about to come? I don't like that.

Lahtina, in one of my posts (scroll up) I told about my shock about that death that we can't talk about here. I actually cried and was sad for a few days because of that death. I guess, just like in real life, good people die too. As for the betrayal, that happens in real life too (it happened to my mother...

) so we can't really be surprised, can we? I tell you, it's a good thing I'm a cynic, 'cause it makes it easier to deal with such situations. I highly recommend being a cynic.

la_hija_de_brucelee · Regular Plus

I love that book its great how the author was able to show two different life style in the characters yet display the similarities in them.

and about you writing to her its great, i wrote to Julia Alvarez after i read " in the name of salome" but she didn't write back

Lahtina · Foro Master

Buffy, tell me it gets better. I'm hooked on the story no doubt. And I do like the way she writes, but why? Why ***** ******?! I'm already a few chapters past that and I still can't get over it. And I sooooo saw it coming. I shouldn't of continued reading. Shoulda made up my own story from there.

Edited as per Buffy's request.

-- Edited by Lahtina at 17:35, 2005-11-23

Lahtina · Foro Master

Hmmmmmm... I found that death that we can't talk about yet because it'll ruin it for the others who are NOT reading the book a bit too predictable. Same with the betrayal. Why does the author give us hints as to what's about to come? I don't like that.

Chale_Tanga · TOP Guru

angelita dulce wrote:

K, i'm not coming back into this thread until i read the book. I don't want you guys ruining it for me!!

Then I would suggest you dont read this b/c Im about to ruin it for you by telling you that they all get abducted in the end and are forced to join a cult where all they wear is potatoe sacks and chant "We love the leader" all while running away from the masked Jason!

Quite the interesting turn of events I tell ya!

angelita dulce · Foro Master

Lahtina wrote:

Ugh! Ugh, Ugh! I put the book down at 4:15 a.m. and I couldn't sleep until 5:00. Why? Why did she do that? Please tell me the book gets better! Why do bad things only happen to poor people? I can't really sympathize with Elena or Cecilia. Boo F*cking Hoo!

K, i'm not coming back into this thread until i read the book. I don't want you guys ruining it for me!!

Lahtina · Foro Master

Ugh! Ugh, Ugh! I put the book down at 4:15 a.m. and I couldn't sleep until 5:00. Why? Why did she do that? Please tell me the book gets better! Why do bad things only happen to poor people?

I can't really sympathize with Elena or Cecilia. Boo F*cking Hoo!

JOKER_ESCO · Foro Master

Solo me fala la tercera parte de el Book I am almost done... I love this book

Gitana · Foro Master

I'M HALF WAY THROUGH THE BOOK....I LOVE IT!!!!

angelita dulce · Foro Master

Thanks Buffy!! I'm gonna go to Chapters on my lunch!!!

Thanks Chale - I'll try your suggestions as well!!

-- Edited by angelita dulce at 09:20, 2005-11-22

Chale_Tanga · TOP Guru

angelita dulce wrote:

WHere can i get a copy? Can i get it at Indigo/Chapters??

I had to go allllll the way downtown to the Worlds Biggest Book Store to get a copy. Indigo/Chapters/small book stores were out of stock or just didnt carry it. I would suggest you call ahead and get it reserved or get them to order it in for you. I dont believe that they carry a large number of that book. But definately call in or check on line, reserve it and pick it up.

OR

Just walk in to your local friendly library, and check if they have it there.

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Angelita, I'm sure you can get it there. Try any bookstore. The book was originally written in English, so I'm sure any anglo bookstore would have it.

angelita dulce · Foro Master

TV Buff wrote:

I read the whole book in like 3 days. I just couldn't put it down. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Lahtina. This was a really good choice and I'm also so happy I read it. I gotta tell you, though, I got really close to one of the characters and then she disappointed me big time. I won't tell you who, but I can just tell you that we had a strong, strong connection.

I love reading books(my cousin thinks i'm a geek) And you guys make this book sound great. WHere can i get a copy? Can i get it at Indigo/Chapters??

TV Buff · TOP Guru

I read the whole book in like 3 days. I just couldn't put it down. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Lahtina. This was a really good choice and I'm also so happy I read it. I gotta tell you, though, I got really close to one of the characters and then she disappointed me big time. I won't tell you who, but I can just tell you that we had a strong, strong connection.

Lahtina · Foro Master

CrazyBeautiful wrote:

i wanna start reading again....when i was younger i used to read a whole chapter book in 2 days....

One chapter in two days? Ha, neat. Speed reading IS possible! LOL

Just kidding ya.

CrazyBeautiful · Guru

i wanna start reading again....when i was younger i used to read a whole chapter book in 2 days....

Lahtina · Foro Master

I'm on chapter 11. I'm loving the book. It was a really good choice, guys. I'm going to read up a little on El Salvador's history even though I'll for sure end up forgetting everything. I'm so so bad at history. I have tons of useless knowledge though.

Sad story but do you guys love the way she tells the story or what? I can so see the story unfolding in my mind's eye.

JOKER_ESCO · Foro Master

TV Buff wrote:

Has any of you guys started reading the book? I have and I'm loving it. Please let me know who's reading it. Hopefully we'll be able to meet and talk about this and maybe other books that you've read and loved by the same author or other Hispanic authors. Being the geek that I am, I went searching for info on the author, found her website and wrote to her. Unbelievably, she responded!!! This is what she had to say: Querida [my real name here], Gracias gracias for your email with the good news that your book group is reading Bitter Grounds! I'm so happy you are and that you thought to form the club based on your web chats. You are so thoughtful to let me know of your selection, and I so appreciate that groups like yours help to keep my books on the bookshelves. There is plenty info about BG, and my other books, on my website, so I hope you take advantage of that. De nuevo, I thank you, y del corazon, and all my characters thank you as well. Un fuerte abrazo Centro Americano! Sandra Benitez www.sandrabenitez.com

wow this was nice that she wrote back 2 u, I am half way reading my book LoL

Yesi · Guru

Wow TVBuff this is amazing, I will get the book and start reading, That way we'll be two geeks hahahahaha.

COngrats on the e-mail very thoughtful of you

Yesi

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Hey Lahtina, I'm reading it, but by the looks of it I'm the only geek here. It's okay. The book is great. Made me cry last night. This author reminds me of my sister. My sister is crazy, but she's the most creative person I know. She's a songwriter (and writes the most beautiful songs that'll never be recorded because she refuses to do it) and she used to write these short stories where she always killed everyone off, or they'd be dead to start with. I used to love her stories! And this book is a little like that. I won't give it away, but it's the story of three generations, so some people are bound to die in the process. I just got really attached to one of the characters and now the character's gone. Beautiful story, though, and the style of writing is superb.

Lahtina · Foro Master

Hey Nerd-ohs,

How's the progress on the book coming along? Anyone finished reading it yet? I went to the library today. I'll probably get it by the end of the week. Is that too late? Are you guys even reading it?

Lahtina · Foro Master

I think I'm gonna do that "crazy library" thingy.

torontotrucho · Guru

This info is extremely interesting, I didn't know anything about the writer. As a salvadorean I'd like to know more about this book and the one She wrote about a kid and the civil war.

Well, I hope I find time to read it.

Good luck Book (Culture) CLub.

GENIE · Foro Master

TV Buff wrote:

LadyBug, you should get it. It really is a good book. Also, I wanted to post the original e-mail that I sent Ms. Benitez, 'cause her response makes it sound as though I did it all, and I can't not give credit were credit is due, especially to Chale, who was more the driving force behind this whole "reading a book" thing. Here's my original e-mail: Hi Sandra, First let me tell you what a great pleasure it is to be reading your book, Bitter Grounds. Actually, let me tell you first how it all started. We are members of an internet Forum on a webpage from Toronto called www.TorontoHispano.com Through posting there for about a year, and having a number of discussions-- sometimes inane, sometimes insightful-- and noticing that a lot of us have a love for reading, we decided to start a book club. Most of us are of Latin American descent and to tell you the truth, I have never heard of a Latin American book club in Toronto, so we took matters into our own hands. I decided to choose a Latin American woman author to start with, and through research... came up with 4 choices, you and Bitter Grounds being one of the choices. A lot of people voted and you came out the winner, and so we've started reading your book, Bitter Grounds. We will probably be meeting to discuss Bitter Grounds on the first week of December. Oh, and by the way, I'm a top guru now, so I DEMAND SOME RESPECT, DAMMIT!!!

CONGRATS GURU!!! TOP GURU WITH A STAR LMAO!!

I GOT MY COPY BUT HAVENT GOT PAST THE FIRST FEW PAGES LAST WEEK WAS CRAZY BUT THIS WEEK IM GONNA READ LIKE CRAZY!! LOL

Bainaman · Foro Master

Did you guys start the club yet???

Any sessions yet???

TV Buff · TOP Guru

LadyBug, you should get it. It really is a good book.

Also, I wanted to post the original e-mail that I sent Ms. Benitez, 'cause her response makes it sound as though I did it all, and I can't not give credit were credit is due, especially to Chale, who was more the driving force behind this whole "reading a book" thing. Here's my original e-mail:

Hi Sandra,
First let me tell you what a great pleasure it is to be reading your book, Bitter Grounds. Actually, let me tell you first how it all started. We are members of an internet Forum on a webpage from Toronto called www.TorontoHispano.com Through posting there for about a year, and having a number of discussions-- sometimes inane, sometimes insightful-- and noticing that a lot of us have a love for reading, we decided to start a book club. Most of us are of Latin American descent and to tell you the truth, I have never heard of a Latin American book club in Toronto, so we took matters into our own hands.
I decided to choose a Latin American woman author to start with, and through research... came up with 4 choices, you and Bitter Grounds being one of the choices. A lot of people voted and you came out the winner, and so we've started reading your book, Bitter Grounds.
We will probably be meeting to discuss Bitter Grounds on the first week of December.

Oh, and by the way, I'm a top guru now, so I DEMAND SOME RESPECT, DAMMIT!!!

LaDyBuG · Comandante

BUFFY

I still haven't gotten the book.

Come to think of it....if I don't have time to get it, then I probably don't have time to read it.....LOL

Let me know how it is though.

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Has any of you guys started reading the book? I have and I'm loving it. Please let me know who's reading it. Hopefully we'll be able to meet and talk about this and maybe other books that you've read and loved by the same author or other Hispanic authors.

Being the geek that I am, I went searching for info on the author, found her website and wrote to her. Unbelievably, she responded!!! This is what she had to say:

Querida [my real name here],
    Gracias gracias for your email with the good news that your book group is reading Bitter Grounds! I'm so happy you are and that you thought to form the club based on your web chats.
    You are so thoughtful to let me know of your selection, and I so appreciate that groups like yours help to keep my books on the bookshelves.
    There is plenty info about BG, and my other books, on my website, so I hope you take advantage of that.
    De nuevo, I thank you, y del corazon, and all my characters thank you as well.
    Un fuerte abrazo Centro Americano!
    Sandra Benitez
    www.sandrabenitez.com