Maureen

Have started on this. The characters are very likeable, and it is quite flowing up to now......

I don't agree that you failed as a host at all frankie. The book was a difficult one, some people steer clear of these books, but that is why they make interesting Reading Circle choices in my opinion. Probably I would not have picked this up were it not for the Circle....and I'm sure there are others who could say the same.

1. Eventhough this was not a fictional novel, how did you like the set of people featured in the book and their portrayals? Did you have any favorites? I sympathised with the people featured, however I cannot say that I had a particular favorite. Maybe it was because I did not identify with any of them? 2. What were your expectations for the book before you started reading it, and were they met by the book? I did not have any expectations before starting the book, but I quite enjoyed it - I was alive during the times these events took place, but apart from something I used to hear grown-ups discussing, this had had no interest for me whatsoever. Nowadays I can better understand and appreciate what these peoples were going through. 3. What do you think of Nafisi's style of writing, how she constructed the book and what she had to say? Nafisi's book was much like a dairy in my opinion. It was different to works of fiction, and the style made the story all the more 'alive', as if the author is writing it day by day as she experienced life in Iran. 4. Was this the first book you've read in this genre/by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? In addition, did the book make you want to learn and read more about the Islamic culture? It is the first book by Nafisi, but I have read books about Islamic Culture before, and they have all exhausted me while reading them. I find the beliefs and culture particularly harsh and cruel, and I feel unhappy during the course of reading these books. 5. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? Well the fact that a young innocent girl is raped and killed lawfully just because someone had an erection while looking at her forehead (or was it chin?) is most upsetting and inhumane. It is also beyond belief that there could be a law sancioning a marriage contract of 10 minutes. Pfff!!! 6. Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? It was an experience, and I am glad I read it, but I cannot say it was enjoyable. 7. Discuss different attitudes toward the veil in Iran (Mashid - who wore it from choice, but disliked its political enforcement; Nafisi - refusing to teach if she had to wear it; those who thought there were bigger battles to fight). What do you think? Which side do you take? For me, having to wear a veil would feel as an act of subjugation and humilation. I can identify with Nafisi - I would probably avoid going out to prevent the need to capitulate. 8. Have you read any of the books that were discussed in RLiT? Which ones? Did you share any opinions with Nafisi and the others, and/or did Nafisi and the rest make you think of the book(s) in a different light? And which books did you add to your wishlist? I have not read any of the books discussed. I have read Huckelberry Finn and Alice in Wonderland when I was younger, but now I will definately read Lolita, and Daisy Miller. 9. On page 100 of my copy, Manna says, sarcastically, that Nima is of the opinion that women don't understand how difficult it is also for the men to live in Iran, that they don't know how they should act, either. That they sometimes act like macho tyrants, because they feel vulnerable. And on page 220 Nafisi talks about how she started resenting her husband's happiness and peace, because even he didn't seem to understand what Nafisi had to put up with, as a woman and an academic. So my thoughts are, as the men seem to hold the power, should the 'common' man take a more active role in objecting the government and the laws? And is there a way for them to do this, as the government seems so rigid and set in their ways? Do you agree with Nafisi, that it was easy for the men to overlook the struggles of the women because they themselves were 'safe'? It is easier for men to overlook these 'laws', I agree, but then again they will be scared of the repercussions should they dare oppose the government, I would think. It is easier for anyone to turn a blind eye when things are not directly affecting them, or to say that a few people's objections will not make much difference, let alone when these objections could be an invitation for death or worse. What is far worse is when these 'men' would accuse the women of having caused them to have sexual thoughts, knowing that they would be subjecting them to harsh punishments for their own wishes and desires. How cruel is that?

Hey Muggles. Have finally gotten hold of this book..... Will be reading it soon.

Just started this last night. Should be an interesting book. Will be joining you asap

What do you think Kindle 4 will feature? I think it will be in colour.

I did read this somewhere - perhaps on her site? She said she would use another name so that the book would be judged on its own merit.

Well done you all

Oh, my mistake then! Sorry! I thought that Sepulchure was a sequel.

Yes, it is a great book. I have yet to read its sequel though....

Finished all four Twilight books - Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. I never thought I would read them, still less enjoy them. I enjoyed the stories, especially the first and the last one. Some phrases which are repeated over and over get to be too much sometimes, (isn't that something which the editor/s should be checking for?) as is the notion that Bella stops breathing whenever she is excited and Edward has to remind her to breathe - for goodness' sakes who does that? Unconcsiously stop breathing? Yes right! Apart from these idiocities, they were quite original stories, and I can understand the hype. They are also the kind of books I am in the frame of mind for at the moment - so that added to the enjoyment.

Chrissy, I'm enjoying your list sooooo much. Most of the books you are listing are ones I love, or ones that I share your feelings about, and the ones which I have not read, I can definately put on my tbr list, as I love your reading choices! Thanks for sharing.

9. Why do you think Gaiman added the chapter when the characters performed the Dance Macabre? What did this show/add to the story? Not too sure about this. Maybe he wanted to emphasize the fact that we are on the side of the living one day, and the other side soon after, that we are all destined to die, except for Silas the vampire, who could not even take part in the dance.

Yes, it is as if he wanted to teach (his) children a lesson - Everything is not as it seems. Innocent looking people may be a big threat, while ugly - scary circumstances/places/people may not be bad at all 9. Why do you think Gaiman added the chapter when the characters performed the Dance Macabre? What did this show/add to the story?

I used to use one like this, however if you are a quick reader, you have to unclip and re clip it lots of times

8. The loathsome ghouls, wanted to take Bod to their city of Ghulheim. Why do you think this is so? Why didn't they eat him immediately?

That's interesting! I just love the way Gaiman plays with these images and allegories. The man Jack was in fact, a servant of the order, and obviously he was of base intentions. I like Silas' conversation with Bod, regarding people who are buried in Potter's field: “ So the people buried in the ground on the other side of the fence are bad people?” Silas raised one perfect eyebrow. “Mm? Oh, not at all. Let’s see, it’s been a while since I’ve been down that way. But I don’t remember anyone particularly evil. Remember, in days gone by you could be hanged for stealing a shilling. And there are always people who find their lives have become so unsupportable they believe the best thing they could do would be to hasten their transition to another plane of existence.” “They kill themselves, you mean?” said Bod. He was about eight years old, wide-eyedand inquisitive, and he was not stupid. “Indeed.” “Does it work? Are they happier dead?” Silas grinned so wide and sudden that he showed his fangs. “Sometimes. Mostly, no. It’s like the people who believe they’ll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn’t work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you. If you see what I mean.” He was more open - minded than the other ghosts in the cemetary - He wanted to teach Bod that people who take different decisions, even if they are mistaken, are not necessarily bad people. I think he was the perfect embodiment of that - a Vampire who took care of and was a teacher to the young boy.

I remember reading it and crying. I had read the last chapter while waiting for my son to come out of school, and then I cried while driving all the way home. He was a bit bewildered. It is a very sad story, but a book which I loved. I cannot read books like these. I cannot deal with the sheer hatred and violence that propells some people, especially towards children.

6. Why do you think Liza Hempstock is shunned by the other 'inmates'? Do you think it is just because she was a witch? I think Gaiman wanted to push the point across that there are prejudices everywhere, even in the Graveyard. Liza, being a witch, was not given a Christian burial, but buried in unconsecrated ground in an unmarked grave. She was different from the other ghosts, and it seems that these ghosts, as flesh and blood people do, are afraid and do not trust that which is different to them. Mrs Owens, Bod's mother, warned Bod to stay away from that area of the cemetary. No one befriended Liza before Bod came along - and it seems as if Bod's choice was a wise one, as Liza turned out to be a good friend to him. 7. Do you think Neil Gaiman means Jack as in Jack the ripper? Why? I do think that Gaiman is playing around with the association to Jack the Ripper, with 'the man Jack.' The man Jack uses a knife,and is a master at his work. and mysteriously appears as if from nowhere. He stalks his prey patiently, and does not give up.

I never thought about it that way, but yes, it is a very relevant observation that his grumpy exterior was his way of keeping Bod at arms lenght so he would be able to fend for himself when the time comes. Thinking about it that way raises Silas up another notch IMO.

6. Why do you think Liza Hempstock is shunned by the other 'inmates'? Do you think it is just because she was a witch? 7. Do you think Neil Gaiman means Jack as in Jack the ripper? Why?

Welcome Hugo. I'm sure you'll find lots to discuss over here, most of us are chatterboxesreadaholics.

4. Miss Lupescu is a Hound of God in the novel - in other words - she is a werewolf. What do you think of having a werewolf as a benevolent creature rather than a monster?I loved her name - Lupescu, very similar to Lupo, the Italian and Maltese name for wolf, and lupine or wolfish in English. I came across an article that was describing how in the 1600, during the witches and witchcraft era, where being suspected of witchcraft was a trip to the stake, this man claimed he was a benevolent creature of God, put on earth to do his bidding, and defend souls. He said warewolves descended into the depths of hell to battle witches and demons, keeping them there to prevent them from coming to earth to destroy it, and cause hardship and sufferings to mankind. This is very similar to what Miss Lupescu did in the novel, she gave up her life to this cause. In Italian history there is also the story of Romulus and Remus, the twins who were raised by a she wolf - she used to give them her milk when their mother died in childbirth. (or so one version says). The story goes on to say that when the twins grew up, they decided to build a great city where they were raised by the she wolf. They decided to name this city Rome. Int the graveyard book, Miss Lupescu also gave food to Bod - healthy food which was good for him, and she protected him when necessary. I loved the similarities between these legends and the book. 　 5. I have always thought of vampires as scary beings, certainly not creatures that I would imagine as protectors - Twilight notwithstanding , however here an important character in Bod's life is Silas, the Vampire protector. What do you think of this grumpy, but charismatic being? I really loved Silas. He's my favorite character. It is also the first time I have come across a protector vampire, and in this book, these characters really worked out. He was not only a protector, he was a teacher and also a parent to Bod, and without his help and guidance, Bod's childhood would not have been possible. I kept trying to imagine his face throughout the story though and could not place one. The only image I can imagine is a tall dark man, in his late 40s or early 50s, with a strong presence, but I cannot imagine a face to go along with that image.

4. Miss Lupescu is a Hound of God in the novel - in other words - she is a werewolf. What do you think of having a werewolf as a benevolent creature rather than a monster? 5. I have always thought of vampires as scary beings, certainly not creatures that I would imagine as protectors - Twilight notwithstanding , however here an important character in Bod's life is Silas, the Vampire protector. What do you think of this grumpy, but charismatic being?