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Archives & Readers' Guides => Archives of Book Discussions => Topic started by: BooksAdmin on May 26, 2016, 09:17:48 AM

Title: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: BooksAdmin on May 26, 2016, 09:17:48 AM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-12  CHAPTERS 1-3


QUESTIONS, CHAPTERS 1-3.

1. Would you have liked AJ's bookstore? Do you know one like it? What do you like in a bookstore?

2. Based on the synopsis, how does each short story relate to the chapter it heads? If you've read any of the stories, did the synopsis give a good impression of it?

3, How do you react to AJ's pronouncements on books?

4. When his wife died, people avoided the bookstore. When Maya came, they flocked to it. Is that realistic?

5. Was Maya's mother right to want her to grow up in a bookstore? Do you agree that where you grow up determines who you are?

6. Is the portrayal of the baby Maya realistic?

7. Do you agree on the "necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives."





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 26, 2016, 05:00:07 PM
COME JOIN US for the pre-discussion. Let us know if you will be here JUNE 6 in discussing this quirky novel about a misanthropic bookseller in a small town who has an opinion on almost every single book and short story ever written. You'll love him, hate him, want to hit him upside the head. But don't worry: every opinion he has will change at least once.

And let's re-connect to short stories. Don't worry: we wont try to read all the short stories that are mentioned. But I hope we can talk about the short stories we do know, and decide what we think of that often neglected form.

(Note that the book is free to members of kindle unlimited).
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on May 26, 2016, 05:16:40 PM
Welcome to the prediscussion, all.  Please do come in and tell us you'll be with us, chat a bit if you like.  I'm looking forward to this; I really like the book.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Frybabe on May 27, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
Just downloaded the book from Overdrive.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 27, 2016, 04:48:12 PM
GREAT! Glad you're joining us.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: mabel1015j on May 28, 2016, 10:57:30 AM
Getting the book today from the library.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on May 28, 2016, 12:47:49 PM
Welcome, Frybabe and Jean.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 28, 2016, 05:50:53 PM
GREAT, JEAN. I understand libraries have lots of copies.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Flavia on May 28, 2016, 05:58:38 PM
Our book club did it last year.  I seem to remember most of us enjoyed it and it made for a good discussion. I wll try to pop in.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 28, 2016, 06:11:42 PM
WELCOME XINE48. Do pop in and share your ideas. There's a lot to discus.

Did your book club try to read the short stories highlighted? We decide it would be too much work to try to get them all.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: BarbStAubrey on May 29, 2016, 03:12:54 AM
I've been meeting myself coming and hope to have a bit more time when the actual discussion starts - have a copy around here that I have to dig up - till later...
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 29, 2016, 02:50:00 PM
GREAT, BARB.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Ella Gibbons on May 30, 2016, 02:54:42 PM
I'll be here when I can, just home from hospital, etc., very weak.  Have the book.......later.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on May 30, 2016, 06:10:08 PM
ELLA HOORAY! Great to see you. Be well!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on May 31, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
Take care of yourself, Ella.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: nlhome on May 31, 2016, 06:41:05 PM
I checked out a copy of the book last week. I'll try to read along and follow the discussion. I love short stories. I have read the first mentioned in the book.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on May 31, 2016, 07:14:05 PM
Welcome, nlhome; it's good to have you with us.  I've read the first short story too; I liked it.

As you've seen, each chapter starts with a summary of a short story, which has some connection with what happens in the chapter.  We decided that it would be too much to ask everyone to read all the stories, but they are mostly well-known, and I'm guessing that most of us have read some of them.  I've read 5 1/2 of them; one (A Good Man is Hard To Find) we read here.  You don't have to have read any of the stories to enjoy this book, but it can add something, so we can pool our knowledge here.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: bellamarie on June 01, 2016, 09:02:54 PM
Hello ladies & hopefully gents!!!   I can't wait to start the discussion.  I read this a few years back and truly loved the story. I have it on my ipad so am ready to refresh myself when we begin.

JoanK., I love how you put this it made me laugh out loud,  You'll love him, hate him, want to hit him upside the head. But don't worry: every opinion he has will change at least once.

Ella, So sorry to hear you were in the hospital, I hope you feel better soon.

I'm excited about possibly reading the short stories mentioned.  Great idea!!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 02, 2016, 10:01:46 AM
Welcome, Bellamarie; I'm glad you're with us.  Reading the short stories is optional, but I expect some of us will read at least some of them.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Leah on June 02, 2016, 11:08:52 AM
Greetings to everyone!
I read a bit of A.J. in an online sample and rushed to request it from the library - dare I say that this is a character one of my subpersonalities might be related to? *8:>) This is my initiation into a book discussion on SeniorLearn, and I am looking forward to seeing how it works.

Leah
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Frybabe on June 02, 2016, 01:44:57 PM
Hi Leah, welcome to the discussion.

I have read the first three chapters so far. Looking at the chapter titles, I think I have read only two of the short stories, the Twain and the Poe.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on June 02, 2016, 06:05:59 PM
LEAH: WELCOME, WELCOME! I hope you enjoy the discussion. we take our time, reading a portion of the book each week (I know with a book like this, it's tempting to read the whole thing in one sitting but it's fun to go slower and savor (or tear to shreds) the details). All opinions welcome, (expressed politely and with respect for others).

Do tell us abouit yourself. What do you like to read?

FRY: you might want to stop. I think that is as far as we'll read the first week.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: bellamarie on June 03, 2016, 01:46:36 PM
Welcome Leah!!!  So happy to have you join us for the discussion.  I think you are going to really like this book, I know I did when I read it a few years back.  And imagine the fact I have already forgotten some of the crucial parts so I will love refreshing my memory, and having others to discuss it with, since I read it by myself first time around.

PatH.  I found this but I don't want it to be a spoiler. 

A.J. FIKRY’S RECOMMENDATIONS (from Island Books)

This list reflects A.J. Fikry’s love of short stories. It was compiled from the stories mentioned at the beginning of each chapter of the novel. Happy reading!

“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” a novella, F. Scott Fitzgerald

“ What Feels Like the World “ 1985 Richard Bausch

“A Good Man is Hard to Find”, 1953 Flannery O’Connor (The story Amy favours)

“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, 1865, Mark Twain

“The Girls in their Summer Dresses”, Irwin Shaw, 1939

“A Conversation with my Father” Grace Paley, 1972

“A Perfect Day for Banana-fish” by J D Salinger,1948

“The Tell-Tale Heart” E.A. Poe, 1843

“Ironhead”, Aimee Bender, 2005

“Bullet in the Brain” by Tobias Wolfe

His favourite story:  “What We Talk about When We Talk about Love” Raymond Carver, 1980

“The Bookseller”, Roald Dahl, 1986

His suggestions to Maya, now a teenager, who is having trouble writing a story:

“The Beauties”, Anton Chekhov  /  “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield / “A Perfect Day for Banana-fish” by J D Salinger  /  “Brownies” or “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” by ZZ Packer  / “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” by Amy Hempel   / “Fat” by Raymond Carver  / “Indian Camp” by Ernest Hemingway

https://pcplblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/a-j-fikrys-recommendations-from-island-books/
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 03, 2016, 02:56:55 PM
SPOILER ABOVE!!!

If you read to the end of Bellamarie's post, you will find out something farther along in the plot.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 03, 2016, 03:10:53 PM
The person who compiled the list left off two.  Here's the complete list:

"Lamb to the Slaughter" 1953 Roald Dahl

“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” a novella, F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Luck of Roaring Camp"  1968 Bret Harte

“ What Feels Like the World “ 1985 Richard Bausch

“A Good Man is Hard to Find”, 1953 Flannery O’Connor (The story Amy favours)

“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, 1865, Mark Twain

“The Girls in their Summer Dresses”, Irwin Shaw, 1939

“A Conversation with my Father” Grace Paley, 1972

“A Perfect Day for Banana-fish” by J D Salinger,1948

“The Tell-Tale Heart” E.A. Poe, 1843

“Ironhead”, Aimee Bender, 2005

His favourite story:  “What We Talk about When We Talk about Love” Raymond Carver, 1980

“The Bookseller”, Roald Dahl, 1986

Also mentioned:
“The Beauties”, Anton Chekhov  /  “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield / “A Perfect Day for Banana-fish” by J D Salinger  /  “Brownies” or “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” by ZZ Packer  / “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” by Amy Hempel   / “Fat” by Raymond Carver  / “Indian Camp” by Ernest Hemingway
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on June 03, 2016, 09:15:09 PM
While we're waiting: we will see that short stories are AJ's favorite reading, but he doesn't stock them because "nobody buys them." How do you feel about short stories? Do you like them? Less or more than novels? Why? Do you read them? buy books of them?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on June 03, 2016, 09:32:56 PM
Note: the week of June 6-12, we will read Chapters 1-3. I will have questions for discussion in the heading. They are entirely a matter of choice: if you find them interesting, fine -- comment. If not, comment on whatever you want.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: mabel1015j on June 03, 2016, 11:52:21 PM
I haven't thought much about why I don't generally read short stories. As i think back, I enjoyed the short stories that I had to read in high school and college,but maybe i enjoyed the discussions about them more then I enjoyed reading the story. I never have bought a book of short stories. Since college i have only infrequently read a short story in a magazine.

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Frybabe on June 04, 2016, 05:37:38 AM
While I've read short stories, I don't ordinarily gravitate to them. When I was school age, I did read and enjoy a lot of essays, though, and through the years short stories I've read stories by Asimov, Bradbury, and Clarke. The most recent short stories I've read were authored by Carmen De Sousa whose specialty seems to be supernatural suspense, and one by Peter Watts which provided a backstory for one of his characters in his most recent excellent book, Echopraxia.

We read a lot of short stories in English classes, but I don't recall many of the titles. Whoever picked them for class reading seemed to concentrate on stories that the boys would like (my impression at the time). It is possible that I read some on the list and don't remember them. I do remember reading some Poe, a Somerset Maugham, some Twain, Edward Everett Hale. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 04, 2016, 10:44:16 AM
Leah: 
Quote
This is my initiation into a book discussion on SeniorLearn, and I am looking forward to seeing how it works.

It works a little differently from a face to face discussion.  We divide the book up into sections, and discuss them one at a time.  That doesn't mean you can't read ahead if you want to, but we try to avoid any references to future sections.  There are several plot twists in this book.

Questions are posted, mostly to spark the discussion.  Sometimes people ignore them, sometimes they talk about them at length.

Everything is flexible: if we finish talking about a section, we may move on early; if we have a lot to say, we linger.  Length varies; JoanK and I estimate 3 weeks for this one, but it's an estimate.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: nlhome on June 04, 2016, 02:43:12 PM
I enjoy reading short stories. I do buy books of short stories, although I buy very few books at all. I studied short stories in college, and I enjoyed the classes, possibly because the professor was so good at teaching. I don't know. Anyway, I hope to reach some of those I have not read before and reread some of the others. Short stories are good for summer - an evening on the deck before the sun sets, a glass of wine or iced tea, and the comforting sounds of our neighborhood as I read is one of my simple pleasures.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 04, 2016, 03:41:03 PM
For those who want to read some of the stories, here are online copies of two of the first three.  They're both short.

Lamb to the Slaughter (https://www.blich.co.il/sites/default/files/content/Lamb%20to%20the%20Slaughter%20-%20Roald%20Dahl.pdf)

The Luck of Roaring Camp (http://www.bartleby.com/ebook/adobe/3104.pdf)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on June 04, 2016, 05:41:19 PM
I posted some questions in the heading for your interest. I wanted to put in a question about Amelia Loman, but couldn't think of one. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: BarbStAubrey on June 04, 2016, 06:26:10 PM
Not sure if the "necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives." is true however, I have read many a story that has helped me unravel some life crisis or given me a new slant on what was happening around me or given me a new goal or more, given me another lifestyle practice or personality trait to develop.

Since childhood I believe I have received more guidance or role models from a book rather than folks around me. I think that some kids react one way and another kid has a different reaction so that all we adults can do is provide opportunity -

As to short stories - I like them - I have a short story delivered in my email every Sunday from the Library of America - they usually have a surprise ending that I never see coming.

http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 04, 2016, 07:22:25 PM
I don't read short stories much anymore, and now I wonder why, since I usually enjoy the ones I read.

When I was growing up, I ingested huge numbers of short stories.  My parents were mystery fans, and subscribed to Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, the gold standard of the time, and my father was a science fiction fan, and subscribed to the important SF magazines.  I slurped it all down, along with the Saturday Evening Post stories (at that time it was a place for serious writers to publish) plus lots of library books.  I'm pretty sure I must have read Lamb to the Slaughter in EQMM, since my memory of it is about that old (1953).

Now the ones I read are a mix of serious and not, but they aren't the bulk of my reading.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Frybabe on June 05, 2016, 05:58:06 AM
I bookmarked the site Barb, thank you.

I first came across Arthur C. Clarke via a short story published in Playboy magazine, used to read the New Yorker and Atlantic Monthly. The more I think about it, the more I recall, if not the short stories themselves, the books and magazines in which I read them.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Leah on June 05, 2016, 11:21:55 AM
Reading has been a big part of my life, and I often enjoy reading parts of books out loud. More recently I've also enjoyed listening to audiobooks. I cut my ears on Simon Jones reading the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud; and Heather O'Neill's over-the-top narration of Tana French's "The Likeness" which, so far, is the best all-around audioboook mystery I've run across. (It is the second in the Dublin Murder Squad series.) I have also enjoyed other mystery series by Ian Rankin featuring Inspector John Rebus, Michael Connelly and several others, but am also a big fan of Gail Godwin (The Finishing School, A Mother & Two Daughters, etc.), Marion Zimmer Bradley, Sue Miller, Alexander McCall Smith, Kate Green (Shooting Star and her poetry), Alice Hoffman, Edith Wharton, and Amanda Cross (ie Carolyn Heilbrun). And although I feel an affinity with Joyce Carol Oates as a person after having read (most of) her recent autobiography, I have had little success getting through any of her books, save one very small volume the name of which is not on tap at the moment. I have not read the entirety of any of these authors, but they are listed because what I did read really made an impression.

Much of the nonfiction that gets my attention has been more for reference purposes, but recently I surprised myself by purchasing Susan Bauer's History of the Ancient World, with the thought that I might follow her pointers for exploring a "classical education." Which is also what lead me to SeniorLearn to begin with - the Latin classes. I grew up in a small Wisconsin town with great schools which is where I got the notion in my head that being a "renaissance" person (read: well-rounded generalist) was really where it was at!

I am happy to know you all like to take it slow, especially since I am totally interested in simultaneously reading Zevin's book as well as the associated short stories. (And also because because I can listen faster than I can read!) Never been too taken with short stories, but this one just might be the hook I needed to give them more attention.

Thanks for your warm welcomes. It's nice to be here.
Leah

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 05, 2016, 12:29:43 PM
Short stories have never interested me for some reason; I like a longer book, one I can really delve into and a few I don't want to end.  Some years ago, we all read and discussed a book of short stories here; perhaps I can find that discussion in our archives.  Loved it; perhaps one needs to share thoughts??

WELCOME LEAH!  We read all kinds of books here and welcome suggestions, what are you reading?

Our f2f book club is reading a book entitled OUR SOULS AT NIGHT by Kent Haruf - Wow, a different kind of book, what a discussion that will be.

I'll be here to welcome FIKREY with all of you. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 05, 2016, 12:43:22 PM
A few years ago we discussed these. I think this is the last time we did this.

http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/archives/fiction/BestAmericanShortStories2000/BestAmericanShortStories2000Pt1.htm
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: PatH on June 05, 2016, 02:12:52 PM
In 2013 we discussed a miscellaneous bunch of short stories suggested by the participants.  Among them was A Good Man is Hard to Find, one of the chapter stories here.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 05, 2016, 02:13:10 PM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-12  CHAPTERS 1-3


QUESTIONS, CHAPTERS 1-3.

1. Would you have liked AJ's bookstore? Do you know one like it? What do you like in a bookstore?

2. Based on the synopsis, how does each short story relate to the chapter it heads? If you've read any of the stories, did the synopsis give a good impression of it?

3, How do you react to AJ's pronouncements on books?

4. When his wife died, people avoided the bookstore. When Maya came, they flocked to it. Is that realistic?

5. Was Maya's mother right to want her to grow up in a bookstore? Do you agree that where you grow up determines who you are?

6. Is the portrayal of the baby Maya realistic?

7. Do you agree on the "necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives."





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ Proposed for June 6
Post by: JoanK on June 05, 2016, 02:53:06 PM
LEAH: thanks for telling us what you read.

As a mystery fan, I'm embarrassed I don't know Tanya French. Here she is:

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/tana-french/

Come over to mysteries and tell us about her. Ignore the old posts, just jump in.

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=807.8160
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 05, 2016, 03:03:41 PM
BARB: good for you, reading short stories. I'm like most of you: I like them when I read them, but don't think to.

One thing: short stories are a good way to get an introduction to some of the literary giants: you know, the authors we feel we "ought to" read, but don't. Tolstoy, Thomas Mann, henry James, James Joyce all wrote great short stories. (Hmm, no women in there. Jane Austen wrote a novella. Flannery O'Conner of "A Good Man is Hard to Find." wrote only short stories.)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 05, 2016, 04:33:43 PM
Ursula K. LeGuin wrote a number of good short stories.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 05, 2016, 09:34:18 PM
I actually like short stories.  I cut my teeth on the short stories in  Reader's Digest. 

Barb, what a neat thing to have a short story weekly in your email box.  I will have to check out that link.

Egads, and goodness gracious, I thought I had purchased The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry on my ipad and went to begin reading chapters 1-3 only to find I had actually borrowed from my library online.  I went to my local library yesterday and they are tracking me down a copy.  I really don't like to pay for books much anymore, if anything I wait til they have a book sale $1.00 for a bag of used books and then stock up.  I did go to Barnes & Noble last month and buy a few off their discounted shelves as well.  No fear, I will be ready to join in tomorrow!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 05, 2016, 11:35:59 PM
It will be June 6 soon on the East coast, so I'll take the opportunity now to welcome you all to the discussion.

There's a lot to talk about: where to start? What about the format: each chapter named after a short story. What is the author trying to do here?

There are other questions in the heading. Or talk about whatever you want.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 05, 2016, 11:38:02 PM
BELLAMARIE: don't worry if the mix-up makes you a little late. We'll be here.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 06, 2016, 06:57:23 AM
Q&A:

4. When his wife died, people avoided the bookstore. When Maya came, they flocked to it. Is that realistic?
Yes, I think it is somewhat realistic, at least regarding the local, year-round community. Once the news got around about how Fikry ended up with a baby, curiousity would have drawn some of them. Others, especially the women, would have wanted to be helpful by offering (not necessarily wanted or asked for) advice for taking care of Maya. That need to be helpful would have been all that much stronger because Fikry was a bachelor and had no experience with babies.

5. Was Maya's mother right to want her to grow up in a bookstore? Do you agree that where you grow up determines who you are?
While I agree can admire Maya's mother wanting her child to grow up in a bookstore, she was taking a very big risk. Fikry could have chosen to turn her over to child welfare. In fact, I am surprised that they didn't take her until they had vetted Fikry. Growing up in a bookstore (or anywhere else for that matter) certainly has advantages, but it does not necessarily mean that it will ultimately determine who you are. This is the nature vs nurture argument. I believe both play a role in determining the future you.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 06, 2016, 11:08:10 AM
Frybabe:
Quote
In fact, I am surprised that they didn't take her until they had vetted Fikry.
I agree with you there.  Knowing that The Fall of the House of Usher is a bad example doesn't make you a suitable foster parent.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Mkaren557 on June 06, 2016, 11:30:23 AM
Let me start out by saying that I love bookstores.  I like Barnes and Noble, the book section in Sam's Club, and even online bookstores like Amazon where I buy too many books. I love novels that revolve around a bookstore.  I just finished The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, which I do recommend heartily.  I would go to AJ Fikry's bookstore because it is my favorite kind: small and in a small town.  It really it a character in this novel and the author develops this "character" as she might any other.  At the outset the bookstore is sad place which is not very welcoming, just like AJ himself.  I don't want to give anything away so I think I will just leave it there.  I will enjoy tracing the "character" of the bookstore as we read or reread this amazing book.
I am a fan of very long novels like Middlemarch, and And the Ladies of the Club, so I have never been a fan of short stories.  They end too soon and the characters go away before I really know them.  I plan to give them another chance and read the ones at the beginning of each chapter out of curiosity about how they fit in. 
Whoever chose this book, thank you.  It is a winner in my eyes.
   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 06, 2016, 11:55:47 AM
Mostly short stories are best at making a single point.  Links to Lamb to the Slaughter and The Luck of Roaring Camp are in post #31.  Here's The Diamond as Big as the Ritz, as well as some other of Fitzgerald's stories.  You have to scroll down to get to words.

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz (http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/users/m/morillo/public/fitzgeraldstories1.pdf)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: mabel1015j on June 06, 2016, 01:20:50 PM
I like all bookstores, altho I seldom buy books for myself, I buy books as gifts.
Since about age eight I have been a library hound, having been the child of parents who lived through the Depression. (Altho I think my parents would have been very tight with a penny even if there had been no depression. And why would they buy a book that was available for free a mile down the street?) I have always told my children and students "libraries are the best thing in the culture that costs you nothing! "

Most books I buy are non-fiction, mostly women's history now, when i taught history I bought books that I wanted to use as resources. But I still love to go into bookstores of all kinds, including, yes, online. I am now a hound for the "free" books on Amazon.

Yes, I think it makes sense that people would not come into the store after Nic died, A. J. was not of their community, apparently not a pleasant person to try to talk to, and they may not have known what to say about Nic's having died. A baby, especially a cute baby, on the other hand, is much more inviting, especially for those people who wonder how A J is taking care of her and for caregiver-types who want to help.

I do think the writer may have not been clear about this 25-month old's behavior. Sometimes Maya is very precocious and then A J and Ismay put cushions all around her to feed her as though she can't sit up by herself. That struck me as odd. It also seemed strange to me that they allowed the child to stay with A J, but then it may just be smalltown USA and/or just convenience - who wanted to make that boat trip to do all that investigating and paperwork? Also, this IS a fiction story!

There's also an incongruence for me as to why A J wants to own a bookstore. If he wants it to be his liveihood, he doesn't do a very good job of getting and keeping customers. Yes, he loves books, maybe he should have been a librarian! Maybe I missed something.

Will be back.

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JeanneP on June 06, 2016, 01:55:14 PM
I have the storied Life if A.J Fikry" on hold at the library. Will pick it up tomorrow if in and maybe be able to catch up with others reading it.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 06, 2016, 03:01:23 PM
Great, JeanneP.  The first section is short, and the book is a fast read, so you should be able to catch up.

Agreed, Jean, Maya is inconsistent, and the spoon-feeding and pillows seem the least likely.

It was Fikry's now-dead wife Nic who really wanted to start the bookstore, and added a lot, though Fikry wanted it too.  When we first meet him, he's still a mess from the loss of Nic, drinking too much and not coping very well, hasn't yet found his way of running the store solo.  I like the idea of the store as a character; we'll see how it develops.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 06, 2016, 05:01:00 PM
I have two granddaughters who by age 23 months were talking sentences and had opinions, yet they both needed booster chairs for eating - sounds like there was not one available here - and their motor skills were not developed to the same age as their verbal and thinking skills. I wondered about Maya, then thought that if her mother talked to her like my older granddaughter's mother talked to her (constantly, in adult sentences) and asked for responses, it's not so unlikely. Our grandson, on the other hand, talks very little but he was building towers and houses out of Duplos by 18 months when the granddaughter his same age was still taking them out of one box and putting them in another.

I forget the word I want, but the idea of a child growing up in a book store is appealing and is the author's way of developing the plot and characters, just as tying something about each story into the chapter is another device the author uses. It's a puzzle, in a way.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 06, 2016, 05:28:07 PM
FRY: yes, nature versus nurture.  of course, whenever my kids do something I don't like, I think it's the fault of how I raised them. But they were diffewrent from day one.

MKAREN: The bookstore  "really it a character in this novel and the author develops this "character" as she might any other."

That's great! I hadn't thought of that, but of course you're right.

I agree with Nhome and JEAN (MABEL) that Maya as a 25 month old doesn't make sense. She would have been walking and, if healthy, been all over the place, instead of sitting like a lump. We have to conclude that the author is not around young children.

Like Jean, Pat and I started out life as library hounds, since our mother had been a children's librarian. Older, however, I've developed a sensitivity to the smell of mildew that often hangs around libraries, and can't enjoy them as I used to. The same with used bookstores, which I used to love. I still get many more books at the library, but I can't enjoy browsing as I used to.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 06, 2016, 06:18:56 PM
MKAREN: "Whoever chose this book, thank you."

That would be our ELLA, who unfortunately couldn't lead it. We all look forward to her return.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 06, 2016, 06:48:59 PM
My husband is quick to notice while I'm watching a cop show/mystery on, say, Netflix, that I tend to focus on things that are not being portrayed realistically, or might be too much of a stretch. I point to the many recent shows that put an emphasis on crime forensics specialists and their detailed and relentless pursuit of the "scientific" that feeds the action. I can't seem to help myself.

But as I have been reading A.J., I realized that I haven't held it to the same standard; and that seems to be my tendency when reading fiction. I am more willing to suspend my disbelief. Hmmm! Wherever happenings haven't met my usual reality test, as seems to happen often in A.J.'s world, I seem to set reality aside and allow myself to fly into his world and find a bookshelf to hang out on. *8:>) 

Realistic or not, I see a number of "truths" as I read:
"once a person gives a shit about any one thing, he finds he has to start giving a shit about everything" (p. 76). I felt this gave me insight as to how A.J. gradually becomes more immersed in the community. It may also have something to do with the softening of his attitude towards Elmo, that "most annoying thing." It made me  hopeful that such immersion can replace contempt and judgment with love, tolerance, acceptance, and even reconciliation.

These two, said perfectly what I have never been able to put into words when relationships have gone astray or just reached their natural end:
"...some people weren't meant to be in your life forever" (p. 64)
and
"How little he had meant to Harvey and how much Harvey had meant to him." (pg 19).
Sad songs...

And I think this says a lot about A.J.'s life-immersion in fiction: "...but he doesn't believe in random acts. He is a reader, and what he believes in is narrative construction."  I am guessing that by now he recognizes that Maya's appearance is no narrative construction. :)
I am all over the map, here. Hope some of this strikes a chord.
So many thoughts are bubbling up - I feel "at least carbonated" (p.76) myself. And I love it!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 06, 2016, 07:18:43 PM
NLHOME: I was curious about your mention of 'devices' an author might use so I went surfing. It's like a list of power tools! (Now back to reading A.J. (:
There are a gazillion of literary devices listed/defined at http://literarydevices.net/
Frame story is a story set within a story, narrative or movie told by the main or the supporting character. It occurs within the story or the movie or the narrative and audience comes across it when reading a book or watching a movie. A character starts telling a story to other characters, he would sit down and write a story. This technique is called a frame narrative, or frame story. It is a very popular form of literary technique employed in storytelling and narration. It usually is found in novels, plays, poems, television, films, musicals and opera. It is a unifying tale within which one or more related stories appear. For instance, in Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus tells about his wandering experience in the court of King Alcinous, or his visit to the island of a sorcerer.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 06, 2016, 07:58:05 PM
Goodness, Leah, that's quite a list of "devices"! Interesting to consider. I remember many from my English student years.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 06, 2016, 08:59:52 PM
A bookstore?  Barnes and Noble is the only choice we have and I browse there, buy a sandwich and read awhile.  It is near me and is a treat to drive there and, of course, libraries, the most pleasant place I can think of to spend time.  Our big Andrew Carnegie library has been under renovation for a year and a half and I'm most anxious to find out what they have done with it.  I imagine more technology?  I

Fikry was a cold, snobbish person and a sad person because of the death of his wife who had started the bookstore; but then Maya came into his life. A child, a baby, and love can do wonders! to a cold heart.

"....novels have ruined Amelia for real men."  My sisters used to say that about me, I always had a book to read somewhere near me wherever I went.  I married a man who had never read for pleasure, but he listened at times to my stories about my books and eventually I found books on explorers that he liked.  "Every book is a World." 

 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 07, 2016, 06:18:40 AM
Leah, your explanation of "frame story" brought Cloud Atlas immediately to my mind.

Ella,
Quote
"....novels have ruined Amelia for real men."
I remember, long ago, of us girls being cautioned against being too picky and holding up all the guys to some ideal man, the White Knight. Nowadays, White Knight Syndrome is applied to guys who have a overly strong need to rescue women from some need (real or perceived).

Also, Ella, good on finding books about explorers that your husband to read. My mom had a particular interest in Shackleton's Antarctic expeditions. Mom said she had a relative who crewed with an expedition to the Arctic, or so I thought she said, so I don't know why she was so interested in Shackleton in particular. An interesting tidbit of family history that I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to at the time. Now that she is gone, as with when Dad passed, we children have family history questions that are likely to go unanswered.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 07, 2016, 11:43:48 AM
Think I need a bit of help here; an explanation of the short story and its relation to the book.  I read Lamb to the Slaughter; now what is the connection? 

"You remember fun, right" Nic, Fikry's wife had once asked.  "Dimly,.....back when I had my weekends and my nights to myself, back when I read for pleasure." Fikrey answered.  (p.25)

What is fun?  Different for everyone;  I had one sister I used to laugh a lot with, that was fun. I suppose when I was young and single dates were fun?  Can't remember.  Isn't it funny but I don't consider reading fun.  It's a pleasure, a delightful way to spend time, to relax, but fun?  Fun to me has to be with other people.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 07, 2016, 11:55:00 AM
I finally got a second to sit and read the first chapter and boy do I feel sad.  A.J. was so very rude to Amellia, and for me I sense it's because he has decided to dwell in his mourning and alcohol.  Twenty-one months he has been a widower, and it seems he has not reconnected to the world outside his bookstore.  As much as he says he does not like novels, he seems to have made his life just that.  When talking to the officer he speaks as if he is going through the chapters of a Danielle Steele novel.  This author has surely grappled with my emotions in this first chapter.  A pregnant, youthful, wife who seems has everything to live for, and then dies in an auto accident.  Ughhhh..... and now A.J. is getting drunk and visualizes her voice and appearance.  It's as though A.J. is living in a numb state.  He takes us back to a time he did have fun:  pg. 43 (ipad)

"You remember fun, right?"  "Dimly,"  he had said.  "Long ago, back before I was a bookseller, back when I had my weekends and my nights to myself, back when I read for pleasure, I recall that there was fun.  So, dimly, dimly. Yes."  "Let me refresh you memory.  Fun is having a smart, pretty, easy wife with whom you get to spend every working day."

Ella, we were posting at the same time about the same thing.  Now that is funny!   I do find reading fun, like A.J. mentions, although I think he is more or less remembering what he found as fun to him back then.  Fun can be different for each individual, and when I can curl up with my favorite afghan, cup of tea, dog snuggled by my feet with a good book...... that is my fun!  I don't necessarily need others around me to feel like I am having fun.  A.J. is reminiscing about the easy, fun filled, in love, no cares kind of days.  Now of course he has his life of loneliness and the responsibility of running Amelia's dream bookstore all by himself, except Molly.  I think it shocks him to find out it mattered to him Harvey had died, even though he never saw him as a person of significance or a friend.  Isn't it odd how we can not see how a person has a significance in our lives until they are no longer there?

On to chapter 2......
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: mabel1015j on June 07, 2016, 12:36:18 PM
Just a thought - Bellemarie pointed out a fact that I had forgotten - Nic has been dead for 21 months; Maya, it is pointedly mentions is 25 months old. May mean nothing, but it just struck me, why the specificity of those two periods of time? Is that important? Just musing.

Yes, reading is fun for me! I can empathize with, delight in, muse about other people's lives and other times. Those are some of the delights I have also had in studying history. Being retired allows me to indulge in fun reading, i thought of that immediately when A J made the comment about having weekends and nights to himself - I "said" to him "that time will come to you again when you retire."  :)

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 07, 2016, 01:33:58 PM
I had to laugh at reading, "....novels have ruined Amelia for real men."

I was so terribly guilty of reading romance novels when I first got married.  I have more Danielle Steele books than I care to admit, and the Harlequin romance novels.  They were nice and short, and even though I knew where these stories were going to end, I was hooked. 

Ella, I love our Barnes and Noble, every Friday after I do my volunteer work at Heartbeat of Toledo, my hubby and I go across the street to our mall and eat lunch at Barnes and Noble and sit and browse through books we think we might like to buy.  They have the best discounted shelves of all genres of books.

Jean, interesting point on the timeline here.  Yes, now that I am retired I can read into the wee hours of the night and sleep in a bit in the morning if I like.  Now to me..... that is fun!!!   I sense he will contact Amellia again since he realizes how badly he treated her, and he will need to purchase more books for his customers whether he likes them or not.  Imagine if a bookstore carried ONLY the type of books just the owner read.  Now that would not seem like a recipe for success.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 07, 2016, 01:48:51 PM
I'm with you, ELLA - I'm not picking up on much significance of the short stories associated with each chapter.
Anybody?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Mkaren557 on June 07, 2016, 04:55:18 PM
The Luck at Roaring Camp certainly connects with Maya and her impact on the bookstore and many of the people that frequent it.  I did enjoy the first two short stories , but the connection is not so clear to me.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 07, 2016, 04:57:59 PM
So much to think about, just in these first three chapters. Now THIS is fun.

I've been thinking and thinking about the relevance of the short stories. LEAH gave a new idea: Filkry as a frame story to get us to appreciate the short stories?

But there has to be some relevance of the stories to the novel. What do you think? Who is the "Lamb to the Slaughter"? (I promise you, no one gets murdered in the book).

Speaking of murder, LEAH also brings up a point I was thinking of bringing up  in the Mystery discussion. Does it spoil the mystery if the very clever, original method of murder would never have worked in real life? I admit, if the method is clever enough to be "fun" (that word again), I give it a pass. (And I give Agatha Christie an automatic pass. Half of her methods just wouldn't have a chance, but, well, she's Agatha Christie).

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: BarbStAubrey on June 07, 2016, 05:09:27 PM
I loved seeing the comment - I think from Leah - about the various techniques used to tell a story - I copied the link and it is right in line with my recently ordering and receiving "The Garden of Eloquence: A Rhetorical Bestiary" which a version has been around since Shakespeare's time - seems he used The Garden of Eloquence: as a menu to write his plays.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 07, 2016, 05:09:47 PM
MKAREN: we were posting at the same time. Yes, "The Luck" seems to parallel the book. I haven't read the second story yet. What do you all think of it?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 07, 2016, 05:14:19 PM
JEAN brings up another good question: 21 months, 25 months? Odd, especially calling a baby 25 months old, instead of two years.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 07, 2016, 05:14:43 PM
Leah:
Quote
I'm not picking up on much significance of the short stories associated with each chapter.

The relevance seems to vary a lot.  The Luck of Roaring Camp is a parallel situation to that in the book--unsuitable characters suddenly taking responsibility for a child--though let's hope the ending is different.

Lamb to the Slaughter has the parallel situation of someone calling police to their house, and serves as part of the conversation in which Fikry and Lambiase get to know each other, but is otherwise quite different.

 Lambiase is skeptical of the possibility of cooking the frozen lamb in time, but I think it's possible.  It's hours before the police sit down to eat it, and you don't have to marinate it first.  It might not be very good, but they had to remind her it was in the oven, so it's understandable if it isn't very good.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 07, 2016, 05:22:06 PM
I was posting at the same time too.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 07, 2016, 05:28:41 PM
Speaking of murder, LEAH also brings up a point I was thinking of bringing up  in the Mystery discussion. Does it spoil the mystery if the very clever, original method of murder would never have worked in real life? I admit, if the method is clever enough to be "fun" (that word again), I give it a pass. (And I give Agatha Christie an automatic pass. Half of her methods just wouldn't have a chance, but, well, she's Agatha Christie).
Do you remember in The ABC Murders when a character playing in a chess tournament quietly slumps over, dead, during the game?  It turns out that the murderer had wired the board so that when the victim made a certain move, he would complete a circuit and be electrocuted?  No crackle, no burned flesh, no jerking around, as electrocuted bodies do.

Yes, we give Christie a pass.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 07, 2016, 06:23:03 PM
I keep wondering about the 21/25 month timeline - Nic was 2 months pregnant (since November) when she died 21 months ago which places the accident in January ("Massachusetts roads in winter"); A.J. Bought the Tamerlane collectible a year ago, a couple of months (March) after she died. He kept it on display in the bookstore all summer before the October when it disappears. The investigation "lasts a month," and 25-month old Maya appears in mid-December ("Two Fridays before Christmas"). 25 months earlier would have been in December when Nic was just one month pregnant. [OK, in my 'narrative construction': Maybe synchronicity had the two mothers-to-be (Nic and Maya's mother) intersect at this time and that is how Maya's mother knew about the bookstore and its book-loving owners.]

Oy vey!   :-\   This kind of mental gymnastics has GOT to be better than Luminosity quizzes!

Absence seizure - could he have moved the book during an episode?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 07, 2016, 06:25:44 PM
I know - the book part doesn't fit in with my imaginings! Oh, well!  :-X
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: mabel1015j on June 07, 2016, 08:21:45 PM
Wow! Leah! You have a real detail mind that would make for a great detective!  ;)

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 07, 2016, 09:22:02 PM
Leah, you have me all over the place with your timelines.  So here is another little twister: 

"Mr. Fikry, was Tamerlane insured?"  A.J. puts his head in his hands.  Lambiase takes that to mean that the book wasn't.  "I only found the book about a year ago, a couple of months after my wife died.   pg. 51 (ipad)

So earlier we are told it was 21 months, now it's what a year ago?

PatH., Yes, I saw the comparison of the leg of lamb and the officer's coming to question the wife, with the dialogue with A.J. and Officer Lambiase.

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz I think signifies the valuable Tamerlane book he kept locked in the glass case, as Braddock inherited the diamond and a large number of slaves from his father, as well as the mission of keeping the diamond hidden. Percy explains that the diamond is the mountain on which their house rests.  Three years after his father's death, Braddock decides that they have enough wealth to last, roughly speaking, forever. He seals up the mine and sets his sights on forever concealing the diamond mountain
http://www.shmoop.com/diamond-as-big-as-ritz/section-4-summary.html

A.J. is realizing the money he wanted to get for the sale of the book is no longer an option for his future happiness when he planned on selling the bookstore, so much like Braddock, he has to be content with what he has.

I think the author had a little fun finding short stories to place in his chapters.  It is a bit like hide n seek figuring out the significance of them in the chapters.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 07, 2016, 10:29:45 PM
"...but he doesn't believe in random acts. He is a reader, and what he believes in is narrative construction." Is the writer warning us that this book is more elaborately constructed than seems on the surface? I'm beginning to suspect so.

Or is this a statement about life?

And I still think that either AJ or the publisher's rep is a lamb to the slaughter. But which?

By the way: what do you think of books as collectable objects, whose price depends on rarity and condition, not on the worth of the contents, like Tamberlane?

And what do you think of AJ's opinion of books. To him, they seem to be either trash, or wonderful. It really got on my nerves at first.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 08, 2016, 12:51:00 AM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-9  CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 10 CHAPTERS 4-6 (Through "The Jumping Frog"


QUESTIONS, CHAPTERS 4-6

1. What is the purpose of chapter 4 "What feels Like the World"? Did you feel it captured a child's view of the world?

2. Why doesn't the author summarize "A Good Man" as he does other stories? f you've read it, were you surprised that it was Amy's favorite story? Why do you think that is? Who is the "good man"? in the short story? In the book?

3. Have you ever had an outing that went as badly as the visit to the garden? How funny is this chapter? How is this author's humor different from O'Conner's in "A Good Man."

4. Now that we know Amy better, what is she like? Do you like her? Do her different nail polish shades have significance or are they just fun?

5. How long did it take you to realize who the "author" in the reading was? Should  it matter to one's feeling about the book whether it's a memoir or fiction? Why do you think the author put in this plot twist.

6. Why on earth did the author choose "The Jumping frog.." to head the chapter on the wedding? (I have no Idea!)





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)

JoanK.,
Quote
Is the writer warning us that this book is more elaborately constructed than seems on the surface? I'm beginning to suspect so.
The first time I read this book alone I don't think I took the time to really give it as much thought or depiction.  Now, with discussing it with all of you, I have no doubt it is more elaborately constructed than seems on the surface, as you ask JoanK.

It for me is about life, circumstances beyond our control, and within our control and how we deal with them.  A.J. seemed to have his life all set for happiness, love, and a future with his wife and baby, and Tamerlane.  Circumstances dealt him a blow and now it appears he is grasping for survival.  Like the doctor asked him, "Are you trying to kill yourself?"  

I love the fact I don't really remember much about the book, because as I read these first chapters I am seeing things I never caught the first time around.  It's like when you go to a movie and watch it and you can't wait to see it again so you can see what you missed. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 08, 2016, 10:23:27 AM
Bellamarie - yes, that points out a glitch in the timeline as I had figured it. That reference puts Nic's death several months more recently than 21 months before. Good catch!  I think now that my focus on a timeline was fueled by a sense that matches what JoanK said about how there might be a more elaborate construction involved than we perceived on a first take.

I am sure I will continue to be zealously observant when time references are made - to see if they amount to anything.

Looks like we have gone beyond Chapter 3  - I have some reading to catch up on.
 See you later!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 08, 2016, 11:14:30 AM
I am just now beginning to read chapter 3 today.  I like to take my time making sure I don't miss anything especially when I start to see discrepancies.  In chapter 2 we were getting a glimpse into A.J.'s emotional, physical and mental state of mind and body, he is drinking too much, and mentions of having small periods of blackouts.  He wakes up in the morning and his mess is cleaned up and he has no memory of cleaning it up.  He doesn't think he has a drinking problem, yet he has blackouts.

Without getting ahead of myself since I have not got to the part where he gets the baby and is allowed to keep her, it sort of amazes me that any professional in child services would not first do a background check on him, learn he is having blackouts and drinking too much.  Not to mention he has had a break in or at least a police report of his valuable book being taken.  Hmmmm......  I'll touch back on this after I read chapter 3.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 08, 2016, 05:20:33 PM
Looks like we have gone beyond Chapter 3  - I have some reading to catch up on.
No, we haven't yet, but will very soon.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 08, 2016, 07:47:04 PM
Let's move on Friday. On Friday, let's start discussing Chapters 4-6 (through "The Jumping Frog ...) We'll hold off on the last chapter in this section (7. The Girls in Their Summer Dresses) for a few days.

Does anyone feel rushed by that? I'll try to get some questions up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 08, 2016, 08:01:37 PM
Have we discussed the minor characters in the book? What does the police chief add? What does AJ's sister-in-law add?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 08, 2016, 09:11:57 PM
Lambiase is pretty warm & fuzzy - several good men all rolled up into one. Did anyone think there might be an association with Lamb to the slaughter because of his name? (or maybe the similarity in the words is a red herring) I just thought that was curious. Anyway, I really like him! What a down-to-earth good fellow! What a good friend he is to A.J. And Maya. He is warm, affectionate, humorous, well-spoken, and....well, you get my drift. He offers positive, uplifting balance (and friendly support) to the sometimes wobbly A.J.

Ismay is a sad song, and doesn't hesitate to assist her brother-in-law and Maya. Maybe she enjoys the diversion and being needed since her husband is so unavailable/involved elsewhere.

[Zevin has managed to make even these more minor characters as 3-dimensional as A.J. I care about them. She could easily bring them back to do encores in succeeding stories in which they become the main protagonists. Actually, now that I think of it, this is what Tana French has done in her Dublin Murder Squad series. The main protagonist in the first novel moves to the background in succeeding novels while a more minor character becomes the main character in the following novel. She does this throughout the series. Very satisfying to my mind.]
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 08, 2016, 10:21:40 PM
Barb, you remind me of the scene in which Fikry and Lambiase meet, and Fikry suggests they are acting like characters in a bad novel.  At first Fikry casts L. as an unimportant supporting character, then apologizes--maybe he, Fikry is an unimportant supporting character in the saga of Officer Lambiase.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Phyll on June 09, 2016, 08:21:51 AM
I am following along with you and Fikry (and Maya, too).  I am enjoying this book for a second time and like many of you, finding much more in it than I did the first time I read it.

On question #4....I was raised in a small town in eastern KS and that kind of curiosity by the townspeople seems very accurate.  Fikry owns a small, independent book store on a small, secluded island well off of the mainland.   What happens to one resident of this insulated "world" is of interest to everyone.  When I was growing up in a small town everyone knew who I was, who my parents were, and what I was doing all the time.  It drove me crazy at the time and I vowed to never marry a hometown boy and live in that town forever.  Well, I followed my vow and must admit that in later years I often missed the closeness and nurturing of that small town I was so eager to get away from.

And for #6....well, Maya is rather unbelievably precocious for a 25 month old but I am accepting that as a literary device.   ;)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 09, 2016, 10:50:10 AM
Welcome, Phyll, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I hadn't already read the book, and I'm sure finding much more in it with all of you than I would alone.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 09, 2016, 03:23:10 PM
Hello Phyll, I think we all are share in your opinion that discussing a book with others is enjoyable with different insights.  I, too, was raised in a small town (on the wrong side of the tracks) and was unhappy for a number of years; I could write a novel about those years but it has already been done by numerous others. Our town had four  sections:  the wealthy, the middle income, the poor people and the black section.  I still think it is terrible to subject children to such environments, but I am sure it continues today.

Must catch up, just want to add a bit I underlined in my book.  Fikry, at the hospital, said he didn't want to die, he just found it difficult to here all the time.(Pg.35) That's not a crazy statement to me, who hasn't had that feeling now and then?????

I am enjoying all of your opinions about the book!  I smiled at Mrs. Cumberbatch, a customer, who said she was angry at being kept up all night reading the BOOK THIEF.  We discussed that book years ago, loved it, it's in our archives.

Maybe I missed it, and maybe it isn't important, but how and why did Fikry live on Alice Island.  It's a pain to get there, Fikry's mother has only been on it once in years!
He and Nic had a dream apparently to open this bookstore.  If it were me, I would have abandoned that dream once Nic died, but Fikry is struggling on.  Life happens.

 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 09, 2016, 05:12:51 PM
Well, I finally got my book from the library today and after having two grandkids spend the night, and four grandkids spend the day with me, I am off to my granddaughter's basketball game, so I will have to post later once I am home alone tonight.  I love all your observations.

I too was born and raised in a small town and loved the atmosphere.  I married my hubby who lived in a city, so that is where we have resided for forty-five years.  I go back to my homestead to visit my sister who lives on our many acres of land and love to return to the feel of "small town home" although our little town has grown much since I left.  I think A.J. stayed on Alice Island and has kept the bookstore because he hadn't quite dealt with the death and exactly what he wanted to do.  Now of course with little Maya coming into his life he is all of a sudden surrounded by all the townsfolk popping in to check on Maya and how he is doing.  It truly is a wonderful feel good story so far with chapter 3. 

Okay gotta run, will post more later.....
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 09, 2016, 05:24:27 PM
LEAH: "Did anyone think there might be an association with Lamb to the slaughter because of his name?"

I never thought of that. Of course. I think the author is having a lot of fun with these stories.

ELLA: "Fikry, at the hospital, said he didn't want to die, he just found it difficult to here all the time.(Pg.35) That's not a crazy statement to me, who hasn't had that feeling now and then?????"

Oh, yeah!

ELLA again "how and why did Fikry live on Alice Island." Can anyone remember? He was probably the only person of East Indian heritage on the island, and that probably added to his isolation. There is only one (I think) passing reference to others' reaction to his race. And nowhere is it hinted that Maya was left with him because he was another person of color. But surely in  any small town, even a tourist destination, race must have been a factor.

PAT: "At first Fikry casts L. as an unimportant supporting character, then apologizes." Time will tell. Meanwhile, while AJ is changing, is Lambaise changing? What is his character? Has anyone read Jeffrey Deaver, his favorite author?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 09, 2016, 05:46:54 PM
Today, my mind is completely blank of new questions for tomorrow. But we seem to be doing fine without them. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 09, 2016, 05:54:09 PM
I don't remember why Fikry settled there either; it was probably Nic's decision.  But it occurred to me that maybe it was the only bookstore they found they could afford.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 09, 2016, 05:56:11 PM
Ella: 
Quote
If it were me, I would have abandoned that dream once Nic died, but Fikry is struggling on.

Until Maya comes along, he isn't really struggling on, he's deliberately slowly killing himself with alcohol.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 09, 2016, 05:59:42 PM
PHYLL and others: I have a theory that everyone has an environment where they feel most comfortable: big city, suburbs, small town, farm. Each has something to give and some limitations.  seem to fit best in  the suburbs, although I feel the limitations, too.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 10, 2016, 11:41:05 AM
When we move on, we don't necessarily have to stop talking about previous sections.  We can still finish up our thoughts.

In this section, we get to see a lot more of Amy.  What is she like? do you like her?  Her father wrote that A Good Man is Hard to Find was her favorite story, which surprised Fikry.  Why would she like this story so much?

Here's a link for anyone who wants to read it, but as well as being very good, it's horrifying and disturbing.  When I get a chance, I'll summarize it for anyone who doesn't want to read it but wants to know what it's like.

A Good Man is Hard to Find (http://www.boyd.k12.ky.us/userfiles/447/Classes/28660/A%20Good%20Man%20Is%20Hard%20To%20Find.pdf)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 10, 2016, 05:39:06 PM
It's the one short story that the author doesn't really summarize, and I think it may be important to the book. So if you would summarize it, that would be great, PAT.

I see no one has posted on the new section yet. still reading? Good -- gives me time to make up some Questions.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 10, 2016, 06:55:24 PM
Finally got the new questions into the heading. Have at them (and make up your own!)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 10, 2016, 08:46:09 PM
I think this will help answer why A.J. and Nic lived on Alice Island, and why he did not move soon after her death.

"Strangely enough, Nic's death had had the opposite effect on business.  Though he had opened and closed the store with the emotionless regularity of an SS officer, the fiscal quarter after her death had posted the worst sales in Island's history.  Of course, people had felt sorry for him then, but they had felt too sorry for him.  Nic had been a local, one of their own.  They had been touched when the Princeton graduate (and Alice Island High School salutatorian no less) had returned to Alice to open a bookstore. with her serious-eyed husband.  pg. 44

"Copies sell for upward of four hundred thousand dollars depending on condition and the mood of the rare books market.  I was planning to auction it off in a couple of years when the economy had had a little time to improve.  I was planning to close the shop and retire on the proceeds." pg. 31

So as you can see, Nic wanted to return to her small hometown to open the bookstore, he was from New Jersey.  After her death he was in a bit of a zombie state, and we know he was drinking heavily to the point of having black outs. From what we I can gather he did not plan to stay on Alice Island forever.

One last thought before I go on to read chapter 4.  I can't help but wonder about the fact Lambiase asks A.J. on pg. 33

"One last thing, I'm wondering who knew about the book?"  A.J. snorts.  "Everyone.  My wife's sister, Ismay teaches at the high school.  She worries about me since Nic... She's always bugging me to get out of the store, get off the island.  About a year ago, she dragged me to this dreary estate sale in Milton.  It was sitting in a box with about fifty other books, all worthless except Tamerlane."

Hmmmm.....Ismay was with A.J. when he found the book, the person who stole the book cleaned up his mess in the kitchen, Ismay wants him to get off the island, Ismay comes to help with Maya and washes the dishes even though he says to leave them.  Pg. 55  Ismay knows her husband is cheating on her, and she also knows A.J. knows it, and after she has a miscarriage she tries to kiss A.J. at the hospital. She said, " Nic was the good girl.  I'm bad.  I married a bad man, too.  And I know that bad people deserve what they get, but oh, how we hate to be alone."  pg. 78 

Is it a far stretch to wonder if she is in love with A.J., and could she have stolen Tamerlane?  Is the obvious in front of our eyes?  Okay on to chapter 4. 



 
 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 10, 2016, 08:51:58 PM
One last thought......  I am really liking Lambiase.  He does seem like a great big cuddly teddy bear, and I love how he asked to be Maya's Godfather.  He has taken a real liking to A.J. and Maya. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 11, 2016, 08:09:37 AM
Interesting theory, Bellamarie.  We'll wait and see.

For those who have read the book: as a courtesy to those who haven't, don't say if Bellamarie is right.

Lambiase is certainly looking like a good sort.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 11, 2016, 10:29:42 AM
Thanks, Belle!  Yes, I remember Nic returning to her hometown now. 

Didn't you smile when you read that AJ said he would Google for info for the baby?  First time I've read that in a book and its true, you can Google for anything, I know!!!

I liked Ismay right from the start for some odd reason, perhaps because she is odd?  So like Nic, AJ thinks, but so unllke her in many ways.  The other character, Officer Lambiase, is at once likeable, helpful, a good friend.

Kate Atkinson's Case Histories?  Hey, mystery lovers have you read it?  Sounds rather gruesome.

I see new questions in the heading, must read on and pay attention.   Will be back!!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 11, 2016, 11:00:46 AM
PatH., It really is only a theory because in complete honesty I can't remember anything about reading this book other than it took place in a bookstore.  I LOVE bookstores!  The beginning of chapter 4 just tugged at my heart.  First the intro What Feels Like the World..... "I did not encounter this story until after I became a father so I cannot say if I would have liked it as well P.M. (pre-Maya).  I have gone through phases in my life when I am more in the mood for short stories.  One of those phases coincide with your toddlerhood__what time had I for novels, my girl?   __A.J.F."

It is so sweet that A.J. is writing these thoughts down for Maya.  And how true is it that when you have children your world is on their time clock, and so you have to grab and go so much you don't have time to sit and read a novel.  During my years of owning my in home daycare which I just retired a year ago from, I could read a book and discuss it with this book club and sometimes not remember where I left off because of so many interruptions, and once grandkids came PHEW... forget about it.  I have kept a Grandmother/grandchild journal for each of my grandkids to give to them, and wrote a special poem and placed it with the story of each of my children's birth for them to have.  I hope they cherish it as I am sure Maya would when she reads A.J.'s writing he left to her.

This paragraph just made me smile and warm to imagine what it would be like growing up in a bookstore:  pg. 81

There are sixteen stairs until you get to the bookstore.  Maya slides her bottom down each one because her legs are too short to manage the flight with confidence.  She toddles across the store, past the books that don't have pictures in them, past the greeting cards.  She runs her hand across the magazines, give the rotating stand with the bookmarks a spin.  Good morning, magazines!  Good morning, bookmarks!  Good morning, books!  Good morning, store!

This is just so fun imagining a little toddler so excited to begin her day in the bookstore.  I am so happy to be reading this book with the club, I know for certain I missed this before. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 11, 2016, 05:00:39 PM
Right, Bellamarie, you're guessing, but some of us know if you're right or not.

Maya in the bookstore is really charming.  I liked that the store is seven Mayas wide and twelve Mayas long.

I still haven't found a link to What Feels Like the World that works for me.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 11, 2016, 05:03:49 PM
Here's one for The Jumping Frog, though.

The Jumping Frog

And I already posted one for A Good Man is Hard to Find. (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxtc2RhaWxleXN3ZWJzaXRlfGd4OjJlNTM2YmY2OTkzMjNjNGE)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 11, 2016, 11:29:05 PM
Yes, PatH., that was so cute and this, "The store if fifteen Mayas wide and twenty Mayas long.  She knows this because she once spent an afternoon measuring it by lying her body across the room.  It is fortunate that it is not more than thirty Mayas long because that is as far as she could count on the day of the measurements were taken."

What child would think to measure with their body?  So cute!!!  I also like finding out A.J. named her middle name Tamerlane.  I suppose he felt she was like the book, "it was worth as much as all the books in the store combined."  Putting it in a child's comprehensive mind.

These next chapters had so much happening, and the time frame spanned what, 4 yrs?

 

 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 12, 2016, 06:27:15 AM
6. I saw an immediate connection of "Jumping Frog..". Amy kept "jumping" back and forth between the mainland and the island.

4. I knew a few people a lot like Amy. They dressed rather "dramatically" with flowing, long skirts, colorful scarves, tall boots, and floppy hats, though you couldn't call them hippies. They were creative types who chose jobs in the arts; the few I knew were in Graphic Design and in Marketing. The nail polish is an extension of the creative use of attire (and color), I think. So far, though, I haven't read that she also goes in for the fancy designs and embedded rhinestones that are popular today.

I found chapters 4-6 especially interesting and enjoyable.
 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 12, 2016, 01:07:20 PM
Isn't it interesting how the author touches on how NOT vaccinating your child for chicken pox can have the outcome of unnecessary discomfort for the child who ends up getting them?  My daughter was barely 6 months old when she got chicken pox from being around a friend's older child who was not vaccinated.  Back then my daughter was not yet old enough to receive the vaccine.

And another thing that jumped out at me even though it was not in the chapter of jumping frogs was:

"Once someone had asked A.J. if Maya was his.  "You're both black but not the same kind of black."  Maya remembers this because the remark had made A.J. use a tone of voice she had never heard him use with a customer.  "What is the same kind of black?  A.J. had asked.  "No, I didn't mean to offend you," the person had said and then the flip flops had backed their way to the door, leaving without making a purchase.  What is "the same kind of black?"  She looks at her hands and wonders.  pg. 83

The author is taking the time to make some strong points here.  Interesting.......

Is it just me, or has anyone else not figured out who the third-person omniscient narrator is?  I'm not sure I want to know yet, so you don't have to tell me. I suppose in time I will figure it out, but in these chapters especially this paragraph I just typed, I realized I don't see it as A.J. or Maya, and maybe it could me Amelia, but it makes no reference Amelia was present when this took place.  She could have been, but they are not married at this point and no mention of her being present in the bookstore at this time. Maybe it could be Maya, but I'm just a bit confused. Hmmmm.......  I'm beginning to wonder if I ever did read this book before of if I had planned on it and read just the few intro pages from Amazon.  Oh how I hate when my memory fails me. 

I love the nail polish colors, and YES the color names do make a significance in this story, as far as telling us the mood Amelia is in, or where she is seeing her life at the time of her wearing the colors.  Cute creativeness on the author's part. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 12, 2016, 02:26:35 PM
Hah, the names of the nail polish. Yes, I noticed that too.

Me and my middle sister got bad cases of the Chicken Pox. My youngest sister, like your daughter, was an infant at the time and only got one spot on her. Imagine Mom having to deal with three children with Chicken Pox at once. Back then, I don't think they had a vaccine for it.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 12, 2016, 03:11:35 PM
FRY: " I saw an immediate connection of "Jumping Frog..". Amy kept "jumping" back and forth between the mainland and the island".

AHH. I see it now. And they keep jumping back and forth about marrying.

In the short story, the frog actually never jumps. It's the narrator who jumps back and forth in his story and never gets to the point. I love that story: AJ must have never met anyone like the narrator, but I'll bet most of you have: starts to tell a story, and keeps wandering off the point. We seniors tend to get that way.

BELLAMARIE: AJ named Maya Tamberlane because "it was worth as much as all the books in the store combined." Good point.

"has anyone else not figured out who the third-person omniscient narrator is?: In  the case of the two kinds of black, I think it's supposed to be Maya. But that doesn't quite come off.

What do you all think of the way race is handled in this book? Do you like the author's decision to have racial differences present and make so little of them? (Is the incident with the two kinds of black the first time we know that Maya is Black?)

Ahh, the nail polish. I agree with FRYBABE that it's typical of Amy. I'm driving myself crazy trying to read deep significance into the names.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 12, 2016, 10:30:27 PM
JoanK
Quote
(Is the incident with the two kinds of black the first time we know that Maya is Black?)
That was the first time I noticed it, but later,looking back for something else, I saw a reference toMaya's "tan" skin.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 12, 2016, 10:39:45 PM
Maya's good morning routine, "Good morning, magazines!  Good morning, bookmarks!  Good morning, books!  Good morning, store!" reminded me of the children's book Good Night Moon when I read those lines.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 13, 2016, 12:14:53 PM
Great point about the Jumping Frogs significance in this chapter.  I felt it could also have been name "Whirlwind" it seemed as though everything happened so quickly even though the author provided a bit of a timeline. 

As for knowing Maya was black, on pg. 57 it says, "Marian Wallace has no people on Alice, and no one knows why she was here or who she came to see or why she decided to kill herself by swimming into the icy waters of the Alice Island Sound in December.  That is to say, no one knows the specific reason.  They know Marian Wallace is black, that she is twenty-two years old, and that she had a twenty-five-month-old toddler.  To these facts, they can add what she wrote in her not to A.J.  A flawed but adequate narrative emerges.  Law enforcement concludes that Marian Wallace is a suicide, nothing more."

Not sure why the author felt it necessary to distinguish and then make a later point about the color of one's skin and the offending remark the lady/customer makes to A.J.

It's weird because going back and re reading this to determine Maya was black, I had a very funny suspicion come over me.  What if the mother did NOT commit suicide?

There is so much going on so quickly that I forget points I was seeing in prior chapters and because this book does not belong to me I can not highlight them with a marker as I usually do, and have little time to keep notes like I have in the past, I am forgetting my thoughts about questions I have come up.  Getting wrapped up in the relationship between all the characters and events happening I'm distracted from other things.  This author has a wonderful way to make you forget it is not just about Maya and A.j, or about a love story unfolding between A.J and Amy, but there is also the mention of inappropriate behavior and feelings Ismay has for A.J. and the mystery of Tamerlane and IF it was actually a suicide.  Gosh what is that quote I am thinking of that fits this book...... 

All genius is a conquering of chaos and mystery. Otto Weininger

Be back later my three granddaughters just stopped in to swim.  Time for some fun in the sun!!

nlhome, YES!  I love you mentioning Maya's Good Morning to everything is like Good Night Moon.  :)

Fry, I was getting a bit sea sick with the many back and forths of Amy coming and going on the Island.

JoanK.,  Indeed it is the narrator jumping around, and I feel a bit like saying ribbit, ribbit...... slow down! 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 13, 2016, 05:00:15 PM
Like "Goodnight Moon"! Of course! My kids loved that book, and so do I. I'm sure that's where Zeven got the idea for Maya's chant.

When I saw how unrealistic the 25 month old Maya was, I thought "this author doesn't have children." But there are a lot of references to children's books in the story. Maybe she is an aunt. Or just likes children's books.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 13, 2016, 05:04:02 PM
BELLAMARIE: thanks for doing that research. So Maya's mother being black just slid by me.

And "All genius is a conquering of chaos and mystery. Otto Weininger"

What a wonderful quote! Do you all agree?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 13, 2016, 08:59:12 PM
5. How long did it take you to realize who the "author" in the reading was? Should  it matter to one's feeling about the book whether it's a memoir or fiction? Why do you think the author put in this plot twist.

Oh my heavens, could anything be more bizarre than a fake author, looking like Santa Claus, asking for alcohol, drinking too much, hedging the questions and then throwing up all over the books he just signed.  Good grief!!!  Then to find out the true author is a lady.  I did not figure it out until,

 "All at once, Amelia is struck with a thought.  She turns around and calls, "No on travels without purpose.  Those who are lost wish to be lost."  "You're quoting The Late Bloomer,"  Leonora says after a long pause.  "It really was your favorite."  "It was,"  Amelia says.  "When I was young, I never felt young."  Something like that.  Do you remember the rest of the quote?"  "No," Lenora says.  "Writers don't remember everything they write,"  Amelia says.  "How could they?"

I am a writer, and up until reading this I always thought it was strange how I would forget things I wrote.  Immediately I thought, It's HER, she is Friedman!!!!

I have to admit Zevin must have laughed himself silly while coming up with the antics in this book.  Joan to answer your question why this plot twist?  I answer with, WHY NOT?  It was just plain fun! 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 13, 2016, 10:13:30 PM
2. Why doesn't the author summarize "A Good Man" as he does other stories? If you've read it, were you surprised that it was Amy's favorite story? Why do you think that is? Who is the "good man"? in the short story? In the book?

I have to say I cheated and read the summary in SparkNotes because 326 pages seemed a bit much to be called a short story for me.

Why it is Amy's favorite is beyond me.  Reading about O'Connor's writing I found this:

 “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” is one of the most famous examples of Southern Gothic literature. Southern Gothic writing focuses on strange events, eccentric characters, and local color to create a moody and unsettling depiction of life in the American South. Southern history figures prominently, and stories usually draw upon the tragic history of slavery; lingering feelings of defeated regional pride after the Civil War; and isolated, often neglected locales. People, places, and events in Southern Gothic literature appear to be normal at first glance, but they eventually reveal themselves to be strange, disturbing, and sometimes horrific.

The good man in A Good Man is Hard to Find is Red Sammy Butts, who the Grandmother recognizes as the Misfit.  They exchange words about being good, religion and the grandmother says she is not sure Jesus really did raise the dead.  Red Sam then kills the grandmother for no other reason than he feels religion is pointless and adheres to his own kind of religion: "No pleasure butt meanness."  Violent triumphs.
http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/a-good-man-is-hard-to-find/context.html

In The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry it makes no sense, because there has been no man of violence we see in this chapter.  Amy's father left her a note when he gave it to her for graduation that said, "Dear Amy, Mom says this is your favorite writer.  I hope you won't mind that I read the title story.  I found it a bit dark, but I did enjoy it.  A very happy graduation day!  I am so proud of you.  Love always, Dad"

I found it very strange, and then at the end of chapter The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, before the wedding ceremony Maya gives Amy a bottle of orange nail polish, Amy turns the bottle over and reads the bottom:  A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find.

Just call me very confused????  How would Maya know the name of the book?  Does this have any significance? 

Maybe I am making too much of it but when AJ. and Amy had dinner she reminded him of being very mean to her in the beginning.  Then when he proposed to her this sort of confused me before she gave him an answer:

This man, this A.J., is prickly and argumentative.  He thinks he is never wrong.  Maybe he never is wrong.  But he had been wrong.  Infallible A.J. had not sniffed out Leon Friedman as a fraud.  She's not sure why this matters at this moment, but it does.  Maybe it is evidence of some boyish, delusional part of him.  She cocks her head.  I will keep this secret because I love you.  As Leon Friedman (Leonora Ferris?) once wrote, "A good marriage is, at least, one part conspiracy."  She furrows her brow, and A.J. thinks she is going to say no.  "A good man is hard to find," she says finally.  "Do you mean the O'Connor story?  The one on your desk.  It's an awfully dark thing to bring up at a time like this."  "No, I mean you.  I've been looking forever.  It was only two trains and a boat away." 

Does anyone else find this extremely troubling?   ??? ??? ???  Maybe I had too much sun today!!   

   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 13, 2016, 11:01:12 PM
Oh and one more thing......Amelia can not be the narrator because in the previous post it refers to Amelia's thoughts.  So who on earth knows Maya's, A.J.'s and Amelia's personal thoughts and feelings?   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 08:45:28 AM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-9  CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 10-15 CHAPTERS 4-6 (Through "The Jumping Frog")

JUNE 16 CHAPTER 7 "The girls in Their Summer Dresses."

JUNE 18 CHAPTERS 8-10.


QUESTIONS, CHAPTERS 7


1. Did you guess Daniel was Maya's father?

2. The author said (somewhere) that Daniel was not a villain. Do you agree?

3. What does the end of the story tell you about Daniel?

4. Did Ismay park like that on purpose to cause an accident?

3. We have two authors portrayed in the book: Daniel and the author of "late Bloomer"? How are they the same? How different? Is either realistic?





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 08:46:02 AM
I have such a lot to say about a Good Man, and I'm waiting for a shuttle to take me to the airport.  I should be able to say something in the airport, though.  Zevin often uses her stories in several ways, not all of them literally like the story.  I think the title, the good man is used as a convenient phrase for her story, not in any of o'Connor's meanings.  The theme of "family outing goes wrong" is horrible in O'Connor, and lighthearted in  Zevin.

Got to stop.  More later.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: mabel1015j on June 14, 2016, 10:42:29 AM
I will return. We spent all of yesterday in the E R with my husband. More doc appointments thru the week. I'll read and return when I can.

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:05:08 AM
Oh, dear.  Take care.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:17:44 AM
The Spark Notes summary is accurate as to events, but misses both the quality of the writing and the point of the story, which is described elsewhere.  O'Connery was a very devout Catholic, and almost all of her stories are making the same point.  In every persn's lfe there comes a moment when they have a chance to accept God's Grace, and her purpose is to show a character at this moment.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:22:50 AM
Usually this happens at the moment of the character's death, and she often uses violence to drive home her point, often more than I care for.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:24:17 AM
Boarding any minute. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:29:26 AM
I'm not clear on her definition of Grace.  It seems to be mostly the realization of a different path available, rather than a complete acceptance of God, the beginning of the road, not the end.

In this story  the the Grandmother and the Misfit have this moment.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:45:07 AM
The Grandmother, when this intolerant, self-centered woman realizes that she and the Misfit are both part of the same humanity.  I don't understand the Misfit's moment well, but it's there, and there seems to be the possibility of something important for him in the future.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 14, 2016, 11:52:03 AM
To me, what makes O'Connor worth reading is the quality of her description of her characters.  She is absolute pitch-perfect in her descriptions, and she takes you inside their heads so you really know them.

Seated, ready for takeoff.  See you later.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 14, 2016, 03:40:06 PM
Safe travels PatH.

Jean I hope your hubby is okay.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 14, 2016, 06:54:34 PM
JEAN: I'll be thinking good thoughts about your husband.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 14, 2016, 07:03:40 PM
Let's read the last chapter in this section, "Girls in their Summer Dresses" for Thursday. I'll work on  questions.

Note that the link to "A Good Man is hard to Find." is to a book of O'Conner's short stories. that is what is over 300 pages. "A Good Man" is short.

PATH: I really like your summary of O'Conner's writing and "A Good Man'". Both the summary BELLAMARIE found and the one I had miss the point.

What do the rest of you think?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 14, 2016, 07:23:24 PM
here is a link to "The Girls in their Summer Dresses."

http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/dresses.html
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 14, 2016, 07:54:18 PM
To be honest, I have tried several times over the years to read the complete story A Good Man is Hard to Find. Too dark.

But I thought when I read this book that the title of the story was the tie to the book. Beyond that, perhaps the fact that she read some complicated literature, and Fikry is a complicated man.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 14, 2016, 08:36:30 PM
Joan I am confused, is there a short story of "A Good Man"?  I could see the religious point O'Connor was making as far as the Grandmother and the Misfit, and how when she acted all high and mighty, yet then doubted if Jesus actually did raise the dead, the Misfit then decided to shoot her, thinking the only religion was meanness.  It was as if the Grandmother could not convince him otherwise, he may as well stick with what he firmly believed in, violence. As far as a correlation to the chapter in the book the only similarity is that A.J. does not believe in religion either.  He tells Lambiase when he suggests having a baptism for Maya that he is not religious, so they decide to have just the party but still made Lambiase and Ismay as her Godparents.  Which I thought was a little bizarre.

nlhome, I am with you the story is a bit too dark for me and apparently for A.J. and even Amy's Dad.

Her Southern Gothic literature appear to be normal at first glance, but they eventually reveal themselves to be strange, disturbing, and sometimes horrific.  Too creepy for me!   :o

Great to hear we are going on to the next chapter.   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 15, 2016, 12:05:42 PM
A Good Man covers pages 5-32 and appears to be triple-spaced, so it is no where nearly as long as it sounds. AGMIHTF is the very first story in the collection.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 15, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
Thank you Leah for the clarification.

So on to the chapter of The Girls In Their Summer Dresses.   I first read the short story Joan provided the link to.  As I am reading about Michael the cad, who can't keep his eyes off of every woman in his sight even while with his wife Frances, I am trying to imagine A.J. and Amelia, and thought there is no way A.J.'s character could change this drastically after they marry.  Well then I began reading the chapter in our story and realized I had forgot about Daniel the womanizer, cheat and adulterer.  Like I said, this author does a great job of switching us from one character to another to the point of forgetting the ones not in the present chapter.

This chapter was not ONLY a shocker, but it revealed more than I had suspected.  So, Maya is actually Daniel's daughter by him having an affair with Marian Wallace.  Egads!!!!   How on earth could Daniel sit back and allow another man to raise his daughter?  Now it makes sense why she was dropped off at the bookstore....Daniel being a writer/author in the note left in the basket with baby Maya stated, the mother wanted her to grow up around books.  Hence it was an easy out for Daniel, he could see Maya grow up and be around her, teach her to love books and to get interested in writing like himself without ever having to reveal he is her father.  But who knew Ismay was so smart to add two and two together and come up with knowing Maya was Daniel's from the affair?

I've never cared much for Ismay from the beginning, but she has done no good deed in keeping this a secret, unless she was hoping to one day be A.J.'s wife and Maya's mother.  So, now the plot thickens, did Ismay harm Marian?  I've suspected she stole Tamerlane, but it seems this woman could be far worse than a thief.

That last sentence in this chapter ..... Yes, Daniel thinks just after impact but before death, like that.  The passage hadn't been as bad as he had thought.

So, is Ismay responsible for two deaths now?  And the narrator seems to know people's thoughts and feelings that only that person could feel and think.  Like a supernatural spirit. 

Come out, come out wherever you are.......  those lurking can jump in anytime now.  I'm in need of a bit more thoughts here.  I feel like the child who was put into the fair's funhouse and am trying to find my way out with no help, just twists and turns, and bumping into mirrors.   ???    ???    ???

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 15, 2016, 04:56:14 PM
I thought those last three chapters were extraordinary. I haven't posted because I went ahead and read the rest of the book. Can't remember just where in the story some of these things occured and don't want to spoil it for those who are behind.

Yes, I don't care much for Ismay either and have had my suspicions. George would certainly see some of his mother in Ismay. She was also a teacher, controlling (he thought), but she was mostly just a mother concerned for and overly helpful towards her only son. George never appreciated his mother trying to be helpful; even when he was small she said he wanted to do things for himself (like tying his own shoe laces). I can see Ismay fussing over her kid and driving the child and herself crazy. What a disappointment Daniel must have been after they married. He was not the person she imagined he would be.

I wasn't too surprised to find that Daniel was the biological father, but I did miss that Maya was black until the subject came up regarding the difference in skin color. I don't think skin color was mentioned anywhere else in the book except for A.J. I think there was mention of hair color in a brief description of one or two of the characters, but I didn't pay much attention to it.

The car crash and Daniel's death was a surprise. Was Ismay intending murder/suicide by motor vehicle? The thought crossed my mind, but in the end, I just think she was just madder than H*** and was careless.

There are more surprises to come.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 15, 2016, 05:20:32 PM
You've already answered some of my questions.

1. Did you guess Daniel was Maya's father?

2. The author said (somewhere) that Daniel was not a villain. Do you agree?

3. What does the end of the story tell you about Daniel?

4. Did Ismay park like that on purpose to cause an accident?

3. We have two authors portrayed in the book: Daniel and the author of "late Bloomer"? How are they the same? How different? Is either realistic?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 15, 2016, 05:27:45 PM
The questions are in  the heading.

NLHOME: I agree with you. I read "A Good Man" for a book group and hated it.

FRY: glad you liked the book. But please stay with us.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 15, 2016, 10:33:52 PM
We discussed A Good Man here on SeniorLearn, and it was an excellent discussion, but I hated the story too.  She's such a good writer, and her point is a good one, but I was horrified at so much violence. Surely she didn't need THAT much.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 16, 2016, 01:33:46 PM
4. Did Ismay park like that on purpose to cause an accident?

No, I don't think Ismay wanted to cause an accident.  Just earlier before she found Daniel she had thoughts of walking out into the ocean contemplating suicide, but decided she wanted to live.  She got too upset and involved in confronting Daniel about the fact Maya was his due to his sleeping with Marian Wallace, the accident happened before she could gain control of herself to drive as Daniel told her to. 

No, I did not guess Maya was Daniel's child.  That came as a shock to me. 

Trying to keep up with all the characters in this story, and then trying to piece the short stories meaning to the chapters have me coming and going and missing possible clues along the way.  I'm usually spot on in solving mysteries and puzzles but this author has me distracted and a bit confused.  I was concentrating on the stolen Tamerlane I never stopped to look further into the Marian Wallace plot.  When Lambiase said Marian Wallace was black during the investigation of her suicide, and then the mention of skin color later, it didn't seem to matter much except for me thinking the author is making racial points. 

Frybabe, I suspected some have read ahead and are not posting because they don't want to give away anything.  Just jump in and give your thoughts on how you felt as we read the chapters.  I could use a little help here.  :) 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 16, 2016, 10:13:25 PM
Am sorry, I've been under the weather, so to speak!   Will try to get here to read and talk about the rest of the story.   Meanwhile, will finish re-reading the book which I enjoyed so very much.

Later................
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 16, 2016, 11:53:51 PM
Ella, so sorry to hear you have not been feeling well.  Looking forward to your thoughts about the book.  I hope you feel better soon.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 17, 2016, 12:17:38 AM
ELLA: so sorry. Come in when you can.

Sorry not yo have come in earlier. Had a stomach bug that kept me tied up, but I'm OK now.

Let's read the first three chapters of Part II for Saturday, 6/18. IS THAT TOO RUSHED FOR EVERYONE? OR HAS EVERYONE READ AHEAD? If you've already read them, PLEASE don't jump the gun on Friday. Wait for Saturday, and give others a chance to catch up.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 17, 2016, 12:30:52 AM
Meanwhile, there's still stuff to talk about. What about our two authors: Daniel and the author of "Late Bloomer." Which, if  any, seems more realistic? They each wrote a good book at age 26. How do the consequences and their reactions differ? How much of Daniel's womanizing is explained by this reaction? Which of the two is better off?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 17, 2016, 06:05:40 AM
Looks like I am in good company being a bit under the weather. I sincerely hope I am not getting the beginnings of bronchitis. Sure feels like it with the "soda can fizzy" effect. I very rarely get a chest cold or any coughing (I'm a sneezer). Anyway, my one and only bout with bronchitis around 25-30 years ago left me with a hearty appreciation for being able to breath.

Ella, hope you are feeling well soo.

JoanK
, glad you are feeling better now.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 17, 2016, 09:40:53 AM
I'm sorry to say I have fallen behind with reading - summer distractions, plus I am new at the retirement game. So many new things to do and so many interests are being revived that I've fallen off the book bus temporarily. Hope to catch up and be back shortly.

Frybabe: Who is the George you mentioned in your comments about Ismay? I missed something there.🤔 (Hope you can shake off that bronchial intrusion! I've had bouts with that, too.)

I don't sense that Ismay is actually malevolent enough to commit murder, per se. I agree with Bellamarie that she seems a likely suspect in the disappearance of Tamerlane. (Aside: A.J. Seems to have gotten over the loss of it - and it is as if he identifies Maya as an equal treasure when he gives her Tamerlane for a middle name.)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 17, 2016, 10:09:47 AM
Frybabe, I hope you are not coming down with bronchitis, my hubby gets it about once a year and it is no fun.  I just got better after three weeks of upper respiratory and ear infections.  I've never been told I have allergies until I went to my doctor and he said allergies are to blame for my misery.  It took two rounds of antibiotics to kick it. 

JoanK., I have not read ahead, and I am certain now I did not read this book as I thought I had. I know I planned on reading it after reading the first few pages online a couple years back.   The next three chapters of Part II sound perfect, not too much for me since I don't have much on my agenda.

Leah, I retired a year ago April and I have never been so busy in my life since retirement.  I have tons of baby boomer friends who are now retiring and they are saying the same thing.  Isn't it so much fun to go to bed and get up whenever you feel like it?  I have been doing volunteer work one day a week a few times a month, and now that summer is here I have my grandkids to daycare during the day three days a week, so my hubby and I who is also retired, are enjoying taking them to the movies, park, etc.  Just saw the new movie Alice Through the Looking Glass with them this past Tuesday.  Life is good......
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 17, 2016, 10:27:17 AM
JoanK., to try to answer a couple more of you questions:

2. The author said (somewhere) that Daniel was not a villain. Do you agree?

Definition: Villain, (in a film, novel, or play) a character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot) 

By this definition I do not see Daniel as a villain, unless I find out later he had something to do with Marian Wallace's death.  I am beginning to think Ismay is the villain in this story.  She confronts Daniel and let's him know she knew about Marian Wallace sleeping with him.  pg. 168 "Don't lie!  I know that she came here to kill herself in your front yard.  I know that she left Maya for you, but you either were too lazy or too much of a coward to claim her."  "If you thought that was true, why didn't you do something?"   Daniel asks.  "Because it isn't my job!  I was pregnant, and it wasn't my responsibility to clean up after your affairs." 

So who did bring the baby to the bookstore and write the note?  Did Ismay, Daniel or Marian? 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 17, 2016, 11:13:59 AM
3. We have two authors portrayed in the book: Daniel and the author of "late Bloomer"? How are they the same? How different? Is either realistic?  What about our two authors: Daniel and the author of "Late Bloomer." Which, if  any, seems more realistic? They each wrote a good book at age 26. How do the consequences and their reactions differ? How much of Daniel's womanizing is explained by this reaction? Which of the two is better off?

The Late Bloomeris a book about the possibility of finding great love at any age.  pg. 99

"I know the subject matter could be incredibly corny, but when you see how it's wri__"  pg.12  (Amelia explaining the book to A.J.)

The Children in the Apple Tree "It's about the follies of man.  It's a love story and a tragedy." pg. 113  (Daniel explaining the book to Maya.)

"That does not sound like something I would read,"  Maya says.  "Bit corny, eh?"

Both books are a love story, and things happen to the protagonists later in life they did not expect.  Much like A.J.'s life changing when he least expected it to and finding love after a loss.

As far as the two authors, Lenora is sophisticated and Daniel is a womanizer.  I don't see much similarity, other than neither's book seemed to be very popular and neither of them are well known in the publishing field.  Both plots in their books are realistic as far as I am concerned even though they seem cliche' and corny.  Not sure which are better off, I suppose it depends on their own personal happiness before the accident.  Daniel says he still love Ismay, he didn't see all this coming, yet at this point I fear he is dead.  Lenora seems to be happy and has just read at A.J. and Amelia's wedding, so she would appear better off as far as life is concerned.

So Daniel could represent the woman in The Children in the Apple Tree book, and A.J. could represent The Late Bloomer.

Am I making any sense at all???   

Oh well off to read the next three chapters to see where this craziness is going.

 

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 17, 2016, 11:47:41 AM
Leah, George is my best friend. I've known him for about 30years. He taught me a lot about computers and being an independent person. I've always thought him a bit idiosyncratic, very intelligent, very likeable, and fun to go places with. I am keeper of the keys and housmaid to his five cats when he is away on one of his frequent trips.

BellaMarie, it is hard to believe a whole year has passed since you retired. I wonder if I picked this whatever it is up from my sister. She reports having something similar a few weeks back. I was over to her place on Memorial Day for hotdogs and burgers on the grill. Don't think it is bonchitis, just don't want it to develop into such.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Ella Gibbons on June 17, 2016, 12:13:22 PM
Just read  the GIRLS IN SUMMER DRESSES!  Loved the story, as it could have been told about myself and my husband, who always looked at pretty girls, and when I noted it and perhaps complained (?) he said that it was just a natural inclination and no harm in it.   True.  A woman or a wife would do well to  just smile about it; of course, if you see a handsome man you could point that out to him, haha

Still haven't got back to the book, will...............................I must see how I applies to the characters.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 17, 2016, 03:18:29 PM
Frybabe,  Yes one year ago April.  Funny how time flies.  I was with my daughter in law's mother and she and I came down with this at the exact same time so we assumed one was carrying it.  Her doctor told her it was viral and gave her no meds and she is still suffering with it, my doctor gave me two rounds of antibiotics, claritin script and flonase.  I'm finally feeling back to normal only some drainage.

Ella, I can't wait to hear what your thoughts are on the story.  I am of Italian descent, we see our hubby look at other women and Mama Mia.....not good!!  Yes, what is good for the goose, is good for the gander, or in this case Michael and Frances.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 17, 2016, 04:24:56 PM
FRY: hope you can shake off whatever it is!

LEAH: a new retiree! welcome to this phase of your life. One piece of advice: it's easier to volunteer than it is to "un-volunteer" once you're committed. You might want to add activities slowly until you see you have the right balance (for you) of activities and free time.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 17, 2016, 04:31:27 PM
BELLAMARIE:: I changed the post about the two authors, realizing it wasn't clear. But you had seen the earlier version. The corrected post reads:

Daniel and the author of "The Late bloomer"  "each wrote a good book at age 26. How do the consequences and their reactions differ? How much of Daniel's womanizing is explained by this reaction? Which of the two is better off?"

t seems to me the fact that the Zavin had both authors writing their "best" book at the same age must mean that she is comparing them.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 17, 2016, 04:33:11 PM
Well there certainly isn't any doubt about the relevance of this short story to its chapter.  Michael looks at every pretty girl who passes, and Daniel sleeps with every pretty girl who doesn't say no.  Daniel is one end of a spectrum--looks with the intention of taking.  Michael is the middle, looks, hasn't taken so far, but might some day, and the other end is the man who looks with no intention of taking, just because it's natural to enjoy the appearance of the opposite sex.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 17, 2016, 04:35:22 PM
Some of us are lagging and reeling. It's okay if you haven't read the new section by Saturday. I don't want yo lose anyone. Let's wait til Monday (and I won't complain if anyone wants to comment earlier.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 17, 2016, 06:42:55 PM
Thanks a lot for that golden advice, JoanK! And I like the Monday starting date, too!!
More later.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 17, 2016, 10:17:53 PM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-9  CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 10-15 CHAPTERS 4-6 (Through "The Jumping Frog")

JUNE 16 CHAPTER 7 "The girls in Their Summer Dresses."

JUNE 18 PART II. CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 26. FINISH BOOK

QUESTIONS, END OF BOOK
 

1. AJ hates e-readers and big chain bookstores. How do you feel about them. How do you think e-readers will change the world of books?

2. "The easiest way to get old is to be technologically behind" says AJ's mother. What do you think of that?

3. When AJ hears what the doctor says, his first thought is "At least I will never have to read the rest" of Proust. What would you love to have an excuse to leave undone? (say I who used these questions as an excuse to leave the dishes undone).

4. Lambiase tells Ismay that she saved AJ's life when she stole the manuscript. What does he mean? Do you agree?

5. "We read to know we're not alone." Do you agree. Why do you read?

6. "we are not quite short stories....In the end, we are collected works." What does AJ mean by this.

7. In the end, AJ discovers what is important, but can't get Maya to understand. What is the author saying here.

8. The end goes back to the beginning. Why?


.
 





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)

=================================================

Yes, JoaK., that is excellent retirement advice.  I jumped into volunteer work a couple of months after retiring.  I planned on once a month.  It's turned into 2-3 times a month and I feel very guilty thinking of cutting it back.

Monday works better for me too, I got busy today and didn't even get back to the book. 

Path., I loved your women watching deduction.  :)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 18, 2016, 06:54:09 PM
OK, Monday it is. Good, I'm still washed out, and maybe Pat, Ella and Steph will be in better shape.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 18, 2016, 08:54:14 PM
Happy news of sorts; it, according to the PA I save today, is all allergy symptoms.  My lungs are clear, which I was what I was concerned about. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 18, 2016, 09:03:42 PM
Frybabe, Good to hear your lungs are all clear!  Sounds like the same stuff I had only I had upper respiratory infection and ear infections, all from allergies.  Hope you are feeling better real soon.  Snuggle in with some fluids, tylenol and read a few chapters of the book. 

Want to wish all you gents in the club a Happy Father's Day!!!!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 19, 2016, 02:43:40 PM
FRY: GREAT! I suffer from both allergies and lots of colds, and I always have trouble telling them apart.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 19, 2016, 03:26:24 PM
I've put the questions for the next part in the heading. here they are also:

Questions, PART II. CH 1-3

1.Is the portrayal of Maya as a fourteen year old writer more realistic than the one of her as a baby?

2. This is the second time the author has given Maya a chapter from her point of view. Is this an effective technique?

3. Does the story she writes about her mother sound like something a 14 year old would write. What is the purpose of the clipped style in which it's written?

4. "After many years of hosting the Chief's Choice Book Club Lambiase knows that the most important thing, even more than the total at hand, is the food and drink." From your experience with book clubs, what would you say is the most important thing to their success?

5. What is the most important thing that determines whether you like a book? Which is most important to you: empathizing with the characters, the setting, learning new things, the writing, the ideas or philosophy, humor, feelings, other?

6. Did the new romance surprise you? How would you describe the character of Ismay? Labiase? Are the realistic?

7. What do you think of Lambiase's decision to ignore a crime? Why did he?

.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 20, 2016, 11:45:44 AM
Good Monday morning or almost afternoon!!!  Well, after a wonderful fun-filled Father's Day with all the family, and fun in the sun I am exhausted today.  I finally finished the three chapters this morning and I am blown away!!!!!  JoanK. you have posted some great questions and I will try to answer with some of my thoughts.  I'm going to start with #3 since it may also include my answers to 1 & 2.

3. Does the story she writes about her mother sound like something a 14 year old would write. What is the purpose of the clipped style in which it's written?

Maya's story was a bit morbid, and unattached with no real personal substance for the characters, from my point of view.  I think it was wise the author did not allow her to win the prize.  For a fourteen yr. old struggling with how her mother committed suicide, and left her in a bookstore as a baby it was realistic for her to try to write about it to maybe express her inner feelings.  The fabrications in her story was a bit much.  Were they her hopes and dreams of what she would have liked her mother's life to be?  I like how Zevin allows Maya the opportunity to show her talent and writing skills.  It seems natural for her to become an author/writer, books have been her whole life, and she obviously has inherited some of her father's genes/abilities to be interested in reading and writing stories. 

This is a joy to listen to A Conversation with My Father reading... I can see why A.J. would want Maya to know this story.  She indeed needed much more insight into her writing skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-HDLXoqWWU
 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 20, 2016, 12:14:27 PM
Okay, I can see why they called this chapter A Perfect Day for Bananafish.  It's about as bananas as A Trip to the Beach!

Phew.....  be back later, this book took a very strange turn, from happy, happy to just plain crazy!!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 20, 2016, 02:37:03 PM
Does it seem to you that Zevin tends to alternate?  Every time things start looking too happy, she throws in something dark.

That is a strange twist indeed.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 20, 2016, 03:16:41 PM
PatH.,  I don't mind life changes in stories, but jeepers creepers, Maya's story was just all over the place, just like A Perfect Day for Bananafish.  It gave me goosebumps. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 20, 2016, 03:43:23 PM
I thought the book's narrative was pretty organic. I found it to be both realistic AND quirky or eccentric - which is pretty much how life events look to me normally. The dialogues often made me laugh out loud which I found very satisfying.

And the "storied" aspect was an invitation to explore it at various levels, from wading to total immersion. Which is why I expect remnants of the stories to keep resurfacing in my thoughts as the seasons roll on and my subconscious reveals new connections and sparks new insights.

It is one of those many-faceted reads that will demand to be read and read again, which ought to be good for sales!

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 20, 2016, 04:34:15 PM
BELLAMARIE: Salinger's story is weird indeed: is that what threw you? We've always known that Maya's mother committed suicide.

LEAH: "And the "storied" aspect was an invitation to explore it at various levels, from wading to total immersion. Which is why I expect remnants of the stories to keep resurfacing in my thoughts as the seasons roll on and my subconscious reveals new connections and sparks new insights."

You said that WONDERFULLY! That's exactly what good writing should do!

Maya's story is only the most obvious example of Zavin describing the most dramatic events, tragic or happy in the driest, most matter of fact prose. Why does she do this? Is it effective?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 20, 2016, 05:41:10 PM
I read Maya's story again and only then did I notice the (mostly) short sentences which is what seems to give it that "clipped" quality JoanK mentioned. A characteristic of Hemingway's style, I've heard it said.

The tone of it has a sort of distancing effect - which fits based on the fact that what she knows about her mother is relayed to her years later. Here I am thinking of the concurrence of distance in time  and emotional distance.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 20, 2016, 11:12:46 PM
'The tone of it has a sort of distancing effect"

I agree. Do others
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 20, 2016, 11:49:22 PM
Maya's story is like Salinger's in the way it's jumping around, and not making a lot of sense, although you can see the characters are in a very sad place.  Maya's ending is also sudden and tragic like Salinger's ending.  That is what creeped me out.  It's as though they ran out of storyline, so they ended it abruptly.

Distancing, or as I mentioned, unattachment, no personal feelings. 

JoanK.,  I read Salinger's story after I read Maya's so it had no effect on my thoughts while reading Maya's.  What threw me is that both of them were so dark and tragic.  I did not expect that from a fourteen year old girl who grew up among so many people who have loved her and encouraged her, being positive role models in her life. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 21, 2016, 09:36:02 AM
Maya has been raised lovingly and well, if in a rather eccentric way, and is reasonably happy.  But her mother did just drop her at the place of a stranger and then drown herself, and those around her have told her all they know about it.  Her story is a straightforward fleshing out of what she knows with imagined details to make the story complete, and it ends abruptly with tragedy, like Marian Wallace's life.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 21, 2016, 11:52:13 AM
Maya's story shows us our past can not escape us, and it will affect our future in some way.

4. "After many years of hosting the Chief's Choice Book Club Lambiase knows that the most important thing, even more than the total at hand, is the food and drink." From your experience with book clubs, what would you say is the most important thing to their success?

I recently read, The Jane Austen Book Club, and I think what makes a book club successful, much like this one, is...... the people.  Without the members you have NO "club."  You can serve food, drinks, and hold it anywhere, but without the members interacting, voicing their opinions, and showing up, it can not survive.   I also feel the choice of the book to be discussed is vital, because although members need to step out of their comfort zones and read different genres, they must agree to choose books that will generate interest, and keep the members wanting to be there.  It truly can be no fun if you have a book club of members, and only one or two are willing to voice their thoughts and opinions.  At some point it diminishes the whole reason for having a book club/discussion.   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 21, 2016, 06:19:58 PM
We discussed that book in 2004, and the author joined in.  She was delightful; some of us met her for tea when she did some book talks in Washington, DC.

Did you notice the chapters paralleling the different Austen books?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 21, 2016, 06:24:04 PM
The character I can't seem to get a handle on is Ismay.  I don't seem to be able to figure out what she's really like.  Is anyone else doing better?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 21, 2016, 08:05:10 PM
I'm not! She never comes together as a real person for me. What do others think?

Just noticed a typo:

"Lambiase knows that the most important thing, even more than the TOTAL at hand"

should of course be "the TITLE at hand"

I agree with you, BELLAMARIE: it's the people who make the book club. The title is important, but I've often found, in face to face clubs, the most interesting discussions are when no one likes the book or when we disagree. The discussions are boring when there is no complexity or nothing thought-provoking about the book.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 22, 2016, 12:11:10 AM
Pat and Joan that is interesting you mention not being able to get a handle on Ismay.  Early on when she said she was the bad sister that struck a chord in me.  She does not see herself good, so I for some odd reason felt she may have been envious of her sister Nicole.  I didn't care for her character from the get go, especially when she tried to kiss A.J. after she miscarried in the hospital.  That really got me suspicious of her.

So, let's discuss the shocker in this chapter....The Tamerlane is found after Lambiase and Ismay have sex and he is snooping in her closet the next morning while she is cooking breakfast.  A typical detective I suppose. Which brings us to Joan's questions #6 & 7

So this brings us to the chapter, The Tell-Tale Heart, where we learn more about Ismay.  She and Lambiase decide to date and several evenings later they discuss the type of books they like to read.  This totally was an eye opener for me, Ismay says:  "No children, Children often spoil a story for me."  "I don't mind them in real life.  I just don't want to read about them.  Endings can be happy or sad, I don't care anymore as long as it's earned.  She can settle down, maybe open a little business, or she can drown herself in the ocean.  Finally, a nice-looking jacket is important.  I don't care how good the insides are.  I don't want to spend any length of time with an ugly object.  I'm shallow, I guess."  Then when Lambiase compliments her she says, "Well, I'm warning you.  I could be a bad book with a good jacket."

She really does not mind pointing out her vanity and flaws and how she sees herself as a bad person, but yet she manages to come over to other people as Lambiase points out as:  "Caring teacher.  Godmother.  Upstanding community member.  Caretaker to sister's husband and daughter.  Bad marriage, probably made too young, but tried her best."

"Sketchy," she says.


Why does she mention open a little business or drown herself in an ocean?  It is obvious she is referring to Nicole and Marian Wallace.  Does Ismay see her life as a story and people she knows are just characters in her story?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 22, 2016, 12:41:29 AM
Discussing Ismay and Lambiase brings us to Joan's questions:
6. Did the new romance surprise you? How would you describe the character of Ismay? Labiase? Are the realistic?
7. What do you think of Lambiase's decision to ignore a crime? Why did he?


Yes, I really did not see the Ismay/Lambiase relationship forming so I was surprised by it.  I liked Lambiase from the beginning and can see he was lonely, so it is realistic he would notice Ismay, since they both spend so much time with A.J. and Maya.  I just never saw Ismay dating him because I felt she has a secret love for A.J 

I kind of felt the author brought this about so the Tamerlane could finally be discovered.  I suspected Ismay took it early on because she knew the value, she was with A.J. when he found it and maybe she felt a little entitled to some of the worth since she was there with him.  Who knows her motive, because it has not been revealed just yet.

At this point Lambiase appears to be willing to put it back where it was, and not mention it.  He is a really good guy, so I can't imagine him letting this go.  His statement,  "I've always wondered why Maya's mother chose Alice." leaves me to think he will not let it go.  I guess we will see in the next chapter.  As of now it's like Ismay says in reply to Lambiase, "Who knows why people do what they do?"
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 22, 2016, 12:42:53 AM
In the The Tell-Tale Heart opening letter to Maya, I feel the way A.J. is writing this to Maya truly is like he is journaling for her to read and have as a keepsake.  Especially this part:   

This is arguably the best known of E.A. Poe's stories.  In a box marked ephemera, you'll find my notes and twenty-five pages of my dissertation (most of it concerning "The Tell-Tale Heart"), if you're ever interested in reading more about the things your dad did in another life. __ A.J.F

I have still not figured out who the narrator is in this story.  Have all you figured it out?  I have a suspicion, but that is all it is and I can't even say I feel strongly about it.   :-\  :-\  :-\  :-\
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 22, 2016, 01:38:45 PM
I see Ismay's behaviors as fueled by low self-esteem and a distorted self-image. I have an impression, too, that she often feels invisible; perhaps a consequence of Daniel's inconsistent treatment (or lack thereof) of her. He takes advantage of her and she allows it. What puzzles me is the fact that they still have enough room for physical intimacy for there to have been multiple miscarriages, while their relationship seems like a miscarriage in its own right. Daniel is always on the prowl, she knows it, but they are so freeze-dried with co-dependence (?) that they are incapacitated and don't even consider doing anything to alter it - unless, of course, you interpret Ismay's 'inattentive' driving as such an attempt. She seems to be in a deep state of despair and is not in total control of herself.

Lambiase is observant, which is to be expected of a police chief, but it is informed by his genuine compassionate and thoughtful nature. I liked his deliberation over the Tamerlane affair - It felt compassionate AND WISE. And it got the job done. The worst thing he could have done was to approach Ismay with his knowledge of it in a blaming, shocked, or shaming way. I think he handled it just right, and maybe he could run for president! ❤️

And I was not at all surprised by their getting together. Not sure 'why', I just wasn't.

I think the voice is considered a third person narrative from the 'omniscient' point of view. It does not seem like it is a character in the lineup.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 22, 2016, 03:09:36 PM
We had at least one clue to Lambiase's interest.  At AJ and Amy's wedding he was aware of her going off, realized she was thinking of suicide, and gently eased her away from it.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 22, 2016, 04:02:12 PM
I always thought the voice was the third person also.

Ismay and Lambiase's relationship just flowed for me, a logical outcome in a book, I thought, and expected it to happen. A lot of bits and pieces through the book connect up with others along the way.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 22, 2016, 05:22:13 PM
NLHOME is sharper than me. I'm with those that didn't expect it. Nor did  see, like BELLAMARIE did that Ismy had taken it.

LAMBIASE told Ismay that she saved AJ's life when she stole Tamberlane. What does he mean? Do you agree?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: countrymm on June 22, 2016, 07:04:43 PM
I have almost finished the book. How do I make comments in the main part of the discussion rather than in the pre-discussion area?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 22, 2016, 10:27:55 PM
How do I make comments in the main part of the discussion rather than in the pre-discussion area?
You just did it, countrymm.  We didn't make a separate discussion site because there wasn't a lengthy prediscussion, and there were some links in it that were useful for a while.  This is it.

I'm sorry that wasn't clear.  We'd love to hear your thoughts on all but the last three chapters.  How are you liking the book and what do you think of all the issues?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 23, 2016, 10:59:15 AM
As far as Ismay and Lambiase's relationship, if we can call it a relationship, I feel Ismay is just using him.  I sense Imay has issues with attachment of emotions.  I don't see Daniel to blame for Ismay's actions or feelings, she seems to have issues with being less to Nicole.  She is constantly comparing herself to Nicole.  She even says she is the  bad sister.  How could she keep the fact Daniel was Maya's biological father from Maya and A.J.  That to me is just cruel, and then to accept being the Godmother and be a part of Maya's life like she knew nothing.  Ismay is very strange.

Leah,
Quote
I think the voice is considered a third person narrative from the 'omniscient' point of view. It does not seem like it is a character in the lineup.

I agree, I mentioned that earlier on, but for some reason I keep seeing different possibilities.  Could the narrator be changing at times?  Mostly I see it as spiritual, because it is able to speak the "inner feelings" of the characters, that only the characters themselves are feeling and thinking and not expressing out loud.

JoanK., 
Quote
LAMBIASE told Ismay that she saved AJ's life when she stole Tamberlane. What does he mean? Do you agree?

I did not read this, is it in the next chapters?  The only thing Lambiase says to Ismay at the breakfast table is he wonders why Marian Wallace came to Alice Island.  The chapter ends there.

Are we going on to new chapters? 

PLEASE NO SPOILERS if you have finished the book, I am so anxious to read the final pages and be shocked or satisfied or whatever.   :)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 23, 2016, 06:01:00 PM
COUNTRYMM: WELCOME. Glad you're joining the discussion. Give us your thoughts.

BELLAMARIE: "Could the narrator be changing at times?" I felt that too. I think it's a flaw in the writing. At times, Zavin wants to make a chapter told from someone's point of view, but keeps slipping back into the impersonal narrator.

I think Lamniase's comment is in the third chapter we're reading. No one is talking about that, and it's a shocker! was it not clear it was covered?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 23, 2016, 06:17:54 PM
It's time to finish the book (which doesn't mean we can't talk about Part II, chapter 3.)

Let's hear your reactions to the plot twist in Chapter 3 and Start discussing the end of the book Sunday (is that enough time?)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 23, 2016, 09:25:02 PM
I mentioned my thoughts on chapter 3 in post 2194.  No I did not see Lambiase's comment about her saving A.J.'s life by stealing Tamerlane, it must be in the next chapters. 

JoanK., 
Quote
"Could the narrator be changing at times?" I felt that too. I think it's a flaw in the writing. At times, Zavin wants to make a chapter told from someone's point of view, but keeps slipping back into the impersonal narrator.

I am glad to hear you felt the narrator kept changing also.  At times the author has the narrator speak omniscient, like the voice is telling the story written that is outside the story and knows everything…  then other times the narrator is speaking in the first person, telling present time happenings, and going back and sharing things that happened in the past which clearly for me is A.J. Fikry.

Could the author actually have been flawed in the writing?  That's an interesting thought. 

Okay, I'm off to finish the book!   I have my two very active and chatty grandkids spending the night, so wish me luck.  Sunday is plenty of time for me because I am anxious to finish it, so I'll have it read tomorrow!!   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 24, 2016, 11:53:19 AM
I think this definition explains the impression of a shifting narrator:

"Third person omniscient is a method of storytelling in which the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story, as opposed to third person limited, which adheres closely to one character's perspective.

Through third person omniscient, a writer may bring to life an entire world of characters. For instance, Anna Karenina is told from multiple points of view."
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 24, 2016, 12:46:42 PM
I can't paint Ismay as any more or less of a "bad guy" than her husband or Maya's mother. Daniel and Marian also made some pretty hefty human mistakes - he with his philandering and her for sleeping with him even knowing that he was a married man. Theirs is a triangle of errors, and all are culpable. That said, I think each paid a heavy price for their indiscretions in this life. Lambiase might agree.

Daniel should have had had a pretty good idea that Maya was his daughter, and yet he did not step up to the plate. The actions of each managed to fuel and influence the actions of the others and created a messy triangle that ended up having unexpectedly positive results for Maya - and A.J., too, I suppose.



Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 24, 2016, 02:05:49 PM
Leah, Thank you for the definition of the " Third person omniscient, vs. third person limited" it makes it so much clearer to see how the author did indeed shift from one to the other, flawlessly. 

I agree, all involved made poor choices resulting in very fatal results, yet their choices benefitted Maya and A.J's life.  They all had character flaws, but then again who doesn't?   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 24, 2016, 05:00:57 PM
Thank you LEAH, that was very helpful.

And now we have AJ at the doctor, Lambiase talking to Ismay abouit "Tamberlane, everything changing. Is that realistic?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 24, 2016, 07:16:28 PM
Are we beginning to discuss the last chapters?  A.J. mentions the short stories, Ironhead and Bullet in the Brain.   Both these short stories are sad and deal with death, as this chapter prepares us for A.J. learning he has brain cancer and faces death. 

In Ironhead the boy felt lonely and out of place with his family because they all have pumpkin heads and he has an ironhead.  A.J. seems to be similar in his life, out of place living in Alice Island among Nic's friends, yet they in time become his friends as well.  In Bullet in the Brain the main character feels aloof, until he begins looking back over his years after being shot, and this is where the reader begins to really start caring about him, much like I found myself feeling about A.J. once he is diagnosed.  A.J. struggles with making a decision of either having the surgery, or not spending the money to save for Amelia and Maya after he dies, yet he does want to live as long as possible.  We finally are introduced to A.J.'s mother who he seems to really treat rudely.  I felt bad for the Mom.

In this chapter I am finding myself feelings so many different emotions for all the characters.  I am extremely sad for A.J. who finally has a loving wife, Maya, a successful bookstore, a new home, friends and yet now he has to face this horrible life threatening cancer.  It shows how in a split second your entire life can come to a halt and you have little to no control of it.  Ughh.....  I really did not like this chapter. 

Will be back later to talk about Tamerlane.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 24, 2016, 08:51:50 PM
I was just talking with JoanK, and she accidentally posted a future comment too soon, so hold your other comments for a bit.  But she has asked about things being realistic, and that brings up something I have felt.  For me, the whole book has a slightly dreamlike quality--not that it couldn't have happened, but it's somehow slightly ethereal.  Does anyone else feel this?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 24, 2016, 09:55:21 PM
I GOOFED!, I somehow thought our reading included one more chapter than it did. I've been waiting, wondering why no one was talking about the next chapter.

I'm so sorry. Go on with your reading, and we'll talk about the rest Sunday. (and I''ll repeat the questions  that shouldn't have been in this section).
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 25, 2016, 05:46:53 PM
The Book Club Online is the oldest  book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone.  We offer cordial discussions of one book a month,  24/7 and  enjoy the company of readers from all over the world.  Everyone is welcome.

June Book Club Online - Starts June 6

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zeven


(http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/fikry/fikry.jpg)


You'll fall in love with Fikry, who owns a bookstore.  Does he have a future?  Will there be any bookstores in the future? Let's discuss it!

Join us in June.  This book is perfect for the lovely month of June, you'll laugh!  Yes, you will - OUTLOUD - We did.

If you are interested please post, we will post our discussion schedule shortly.



SCHEDULE

JUNE 6-9  CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 10-15 CHAPTERS 4-6 (Through "The Jumping Frog")

JUNE 16 CHAPTER 7 "The girls in Their Summer Dresses."

JUNE 18 PART II. CHAPTERS 1-3

JUNE 26. FINISH BOOK

QUESTIONS, END OF BOOK
 

1. AJ hates e-readers and big chain bookstores. How do you feel about them. How do you think e-readers will change the world of books?

2. "The easiest way to get old is to be technologically behind" says AJ's mother. What do you think of that?

3. When AJ hears what the doctor says, his first thought is "At least I will never have to read the rest" of Proust. What would you love to have an excuse to leave undone? (say I who used these questions as an excuse to leave the dishes undone).

4. Lambiase tells Ismay that she saved AJ's life when she stole the manuscript. What does he mean? Do you agree?

5. "We read to know we're not alone." Do you agree. Why do you read?

6. "we are not quite short stories....In the end, we are collected works." What does AJ mean by this.

7. In the end, AJ discovers what is important, but can't get Maya to understand. What is the author saying here.

8. The end goes back to the beginning. Why?

9. What (if anything) is the moral of the story?





Discussion Leaders:  Joan K  (joankraft13@yahoo.com) and Pat H (rjhighet@earthlink.net)

=================================================

Maybe the ethereal quality that PatH mentioned is partly created by the omniscient narrator! I got that feeling, too.

Ah-ha! Way back when A.J.'s "absence seizure" was first mentioned, I remember thinking that it was NOT an alcohol-related blackout. It was when he was in the police station and he told Lambiase that he had experienced them as a child and there was the suggestion that they were stress related. (Maybe a blackout would have been preferable as opposed to being brought on by brain disease!☹️) Sad song!!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 25, 2016, 05:52:15 PM
Yes, PatH., "ethereal" is exactly what I have felt throughout the story, that is why I kept saying I thought the narrator was a spirit.  Leah and I have used the word "omniscient." 

I'll hold off posting anything else til tomorrow.  No problem JoanK., those things happen.  :)

Leah we are posting at the same time!  :)

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 25, 2016, 07:32:02 PM
I posted the last set of questions above in the heading.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 25, 2016, 08:59:56 PM
Great Minds, Bellamarie!🤗
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 26, 2016, 09:45:20 AM
[5. "We read to know we're not alone." Do you agree. Why do you read?

It is inevitable that the roster of characters in a book or short story, memoir or biography all act as mirrors that offer opportunities to get a clearer view of all the 'parts' of myself. I read the narrative, and one 'part' or another has a response. It could be a knee jerk reaction accompanied by any number of emotions, or a less obvious one like pity or empathy. I might be surprised by a flare-up of fear disguised as anger or judgment. If my internal (dare I say, my more 'omniscient'?)  😇 observer self is in play, I may be able to become more aware, more open, more able to perceive my own inner workings: like conflicts, assumptions, prejudices, defenses, sensitivities, among other tendencies. I can do this all in private so when I go out into the 'real world' I can take what I've learned from Amelia, A.J., Ismay, Lambiase, and even the inquisitive customer in the bookstore and use it to inform the interactions I have with the characters in my world! Yeah!

I see that this also addresses question 6. "we are not quite short stories....In the end, we are collected works." What does AJ mean by this?

7. In the end, AJ discovers what is important, but can't get Maya to understand. What is the author saying here.
Maybe that the ineffable-ness of LOVE cannot be expressed in words, but by gazing into another's eyes in silence?

Active Reading makes me a better person - how's that?

(Just noticed that the time on my posts is an hour ahead of WI time.)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: mabel1015j on June 26, 2016, 05:04:16 PM
I got very far behind in the reading, but maybe I can answer some of the opinion questions. I do feel sorry for the effect that ebooks and big-box stores are having on small, local bookstores. However, I have never been much of a book buyer, except for those non-fiction books I have used as resources for teaching, and an occasional fiction book that i loved. I love, love, love libraries.

And two winters ago we had terrible weather. Not wanting to go out, I found, and now love, borrowing ebooks from the library. I live only 3 blocks from our library and still love holding a book in my hands, so I am still there every two or three weeks. But either way I'm not helping any bookstores. It's a conflict I have not resolved for myself.

I read to escape, to learn about other people and other places and other times. I like reading about people making decisions that would never have been on my list of options, for whatever reason. I believe having more information makes for better decisions. Seeing the limited options that women have had in past history makes me very grateful that I've lived in the latter 20th century and the 21st century. Reading about the drama and perils that others have had in their lives makes me grateful that I've lived in two relatively drama-free households. Thank you Mom and Dad, siblings, husband and children!

Jean
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 26, 2016, 05:23:37 PM
To my frustration, my internet was down this morning, which is why I'm so late coming in. It just came up.

LEAH: how well you put it. I don't know which part to quote:

" when I go out into the 'real world' I can take what I've learned from Amelia, A.J., Ismay, Lambiase, and even the inquisitive customer in the bookstore and use it to inform the interactions I have with the characters in my world! Yeah!"

JEAN: I love libraries too. And I feel guilty that I love my e-reader so much. I'm afraid it will change the world of books in ways I don't like. But Amelia is right: I CAN ENLARGE THE TYPE! And I can get books when I can't get to the library. It's easy to exhaust the library in any one particular area that you're interested in, and there's so much more available on e-readers.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 26, 2016, 06:21:16 PM
Holding a REAL book in my hands calls on all of my senses - I especially like the smell of a book. My main gripe about ebooks is that the text shifts around which makes it harder than
I want it to be to relocate a particular passage. With a 'static' book it's easier. I remember whether it was on the left side of the spine or the right, and whether it was near the top, middle, or bottom of a page. Much more user-friendly! 🤓 It seems essential especially when you are part of a book discussion group, eh?

I am comforted by the presence of books.  Oh, and I am fond of pointing that the technology world has hijacked the word "digital" - it used to be a direct reference to human fingers - anatomically WE are the ones with digits!! 👌

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 26, 2016, 06:25:58 PM
Ahhhhh....finally a quiet moment to myself after a very busy day with church, shopping, visiting with family & friends.  It just amazes me how time flies, being retired I really thought it would drag on and on. 

JoanK., I am going to tackle questions 1 & 2 since I think they go hand in hand.

1. AJ hates e-readers and big chain bookstores. How do you feel about them. How do you think e-readers will change the world of books?

2. "The easiest way to get old is to be technologically behind" says AJ's mother. What do you think of that?


One of my most favorite movies of all time is "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.  They begin emailing each other not knowing they live close by and see each other in public places often.  She owns her mother's small quaint bookstore on the corner and is struggling to keep it going, while he and his father have just built FOX BOOKS a huge Barnes and Noble type bookstore around the corner.  This movie makes me cry everytime I watch it when she has to finally close the little family owned bookstore.  I absolutely LOVE bookstores, I frequent our Barnes and Noble, I go to Books A Million and to my surprise today I found Ollie's has discounted books by the thousands!!!!  Jean I have no problem buying books.  They are my treasures even after reading them, glancing at them reminds me of how I felt when I read them for the first time.  So........ when Barnes and Noble came out selling the NOOK, me being the addictive techy person I am had to go out and buy the Nook Color!  Oh wow what joy to be able to have tons of books at my fingertips.  I learned how to borrow from my local library on my Nook and purchase books.  But........ I much like A.J. was a bit disappointed in the thought of how these devices were going to affect our bookstores.  Needless to say in time that is exactly what has happened.  I can totally relate to how A.J. was so upset with his mother giving then all these e-readers.  Imagine they will not be spending as much time together in the bookstore, browsing and talking about what books to read.

I am torn between owning e-books on my nice beautiful ipad, (the Nook color sits now reminding me of the toys in the movie Toy Story :(  ) Okay sorry, I digress....anyway, I too love the feel of books, the smell of books, browsing in my library or bookstore picking one up, glancing, placing it back down and just interacting with these objects which bring me so much joy when I read.  So, my conclusion is this, I never want to get too far behind with technology, I love my laptop, iphone, ipad, and ipod.  Yes, at times I need my very bright grandkids to show me certain apps, and ways to change settings when they update or is it upgrade things.  But I will happily enjoy all the devices I own, and continue to browse Barnes and Noble as long as they are still in business, and continue to take my grandkids to the local libraries.  We don't have to choose either or, we can have the best of two worlds. 

Jean, living three blocks from a library is a dream come true for me.  But, as you said, there are times you need a book and weather does not permit you to get out so you can borrow it from you library online.....or give into purchasing.  Or not!   :)

My dream when I retired was to own a small bookstore/coffee shop where people could come in and hang out with their computers, books, devices whatever and just enjoy time there.  I can see realistically today, that is not going to become a reality for me.  People walk holding their devices, and drink their StarBucks coffee on the go.  It's a fast pace world today, and the younger generations I feel will never experience what we all have with the love of slowing down, relaxing with a book and cup of coffee beside you...... and maybe your pet curled up at your feet. 

A.J. and his mother were right with how they saw things.  Look how the e-reader helped him later on. 

Leah, once again we were posting at the very same time.  Once again I agree with you, it is so much easier to find a spot in the actual book vs. the tablet.  One false move and you can lose track on the e-reader and take a while to find your place.  I love having my books stacked next to my favorite chair.  People come over and say, "Wow do you read a lot?"  I say, as often as I can!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 26, 2016, 10:00:10 PM
Love libraries, buy books, read books, as I find the readers, even the basic Kindle that my husband uses, hard on my eyes. I also learned, from watching my husband, that I can drop my book, sit on my book, lose my book, and I'm only out the cost of that one book, not the cost of the device; also, I don't have to remember to plug my book in, it's always ready to read. A Kindle without a charge is a whole library with a locked door, although my husband has learned to have a couple of books loaded to his IPhone as well for those times.

Today Parade Magazine has its "Summer Reading Issue." Ann Patchett picked 75 books that represent the best of the past 75 years (Parade's 75th anniversary, I believe). I was interested to see that she included several books of short stories, among them A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 27, 2016, 02:21:14 AM
nlhome, You are so right, about a non charged ipad/kindle is like a locked library.  Interesting to hear A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories on the summer read list. 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on June 27, 2016, 07:03:57 AM
I certainly wouldn't call it summer reading.  I've got her complete stories; they're masterpieces of character description, and mostly not as arbitrarily brutal as A Good Man, but you can't read more than one or two at a time without feeling that jumping off a cliff might be less painful.  I'm slowly working through the book over the years, but vacation reading it isn't.

I bet it's easier to keep track of where you put down a Kindle than a book.  For some reason, Fikry seems to have protective coloration, and I'm always looking for it.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 27, 2016, 06:23:33 PM
"it is so much easier to find a spot in the actual book vs. the tablet."

I agree. There is this wonderful bookmarking feature on my kindle, so, if I know when I read it that I'm  going to want to go back to it, it's actually easier. But I'm not always that smart.

I'm sure your husband has found the ways to stretch out a charge as long as possible (turning off the Wi-Fi connection the minute you've finished, always turning the kindle all the way off by holding the slide til the screen goes completely blank).
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 27, 2016, 06:24:37 PM
On to OUR BOOK! Who's finished it? Who hasn't?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 27, 2016, 06:40:57 PM
I have finished the book!

3. When AJ hears what the doctor says, his first thought is "At least I will never have to read the rest" of Proust. What would you love to have an excuse to leave undone? (say I who used these questions as an excuse to leave the dishes undone).

Laundry!   I used to do my laundry every Saturday when I worked, now I procrastinate and never know when I will go down to the laundry room to get it done.  Thank goodness it's just me and hubby and we have tons of clothes and underwear!!  :)

4. Lambiase tells Ismay that she saved AJ's life when she stole the manuscript. What does he mean? Do you agree?

To be honest I am not sure what Lambiase meant by this, I wonder if he was just trying to help Ismay not feel so guilty since she knows he found out she had it.  I think Maya saved A.J.'s life, if it needed saving.  He seemed to have been drinking himself to oblivion, so once Maya came into his life he seemed to get himself together.  It really did not seem to matter to him Tamerlane was no longer his way out of Alice Island, he found reason to remain there, fit in, and find happiness.  I am glad Lambiase told Ismay how important it is for A.J. to have the book back to help him with his brain surgery.   
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 27, 2016, 06:46:38 PM
JoanK.,  There is this wonderful bookmarking feature on my kindle, so, if I know when I read it that I'm  going to want to go back to it, it's actually easier.

Yes, there is also a bookmark, a highlight, and a notepad feature to the ipad so you can actually keep track of places in your book, and save important ideas you want to refer back to.  But....and this is very important, when using the ipad or kindle it is very difficult to post to this site without using another device such as your computer while using those features on the ipad or kindle.  There are pros and cons to tablets vs actual books and I think we have room in our lives for both.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 27, 2016, 06:56:04 PM
I agree!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Frybabe on June 27, 2016, 06:58:06 PM
I finished it a while back. I was left with the vague feeling of something unfinished at the end. Certainly I wanted to read more about Maya after AJ' s death. For example, what her were thoughts when she read his notes.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 27, 2016, 07:11:38 PM
Yes, the author leaves Maya and Amelia up in the air, doesn't she. No tidy ending for this book. What do you think of that?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 28, 2016, 07:00:37 AM
5. "We read to know we're not alone." Do you agree. Why do you read?

Gosh I never thought about this before.  I don't think I have ever read to know I am not alone.  I read when I am alone and enjoy the time to myself.  I read for so many reasons, first and foremost because I simply love reading, I read to enrich my knowledge,  to relax, to enjoy the writings of authors, to keep my mind alert and to keep up on what is going on in the world.  I like all genres, mythology and science fiction are my least favorites.  I like books similar to how I like movies, I want them to be realistic, I want to be able to relate to them in some way and when I finish reading a book even if I didn't care for it, I want to close it feeling a little like I just spent valuable time with the characters, events, and places.

6. "we are not quite short stories....In the end, we are collected works." What does AJ mean by this.

I like this quote!  I think he means we evolve, we take from people, places and things and collect from them and we become a collection of them.  Life experiences along the way, in the end, appears to be a whole collection of our works and what our life was about....... becoming our life story.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 28, 2016, 11:55:33 AM
Zevin left an opening for a sequel.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 28, 2016, 02:00:21 PM
So we finally find out why Ismay took Tamerlane.  Marian Wallace has come to her with Maya asking for Daniel to help her financially.  Ismay takes Tamerlane to give to Marian in hopes she would take it, sell it and go away for good.  But I thought his was interesting:

One night, I go in.  A.J. is passed out as usual.  And Tamerlane is sitting on the table.  I should say here that I was with him the day he found Tamerlane.  Not that he ever offered to split the money with me, which probably would have been the decent thing to do.  Cheap bastard never would have been at that estate sale if not for me.  So I put
A. J. to bed, and I go out to the living room to clean up the mess, and I wipe everything down, and the last thing I do, without even really thinking about it, is I slip the book into my bag. 


So she did resent the fact A.J. had the book and never so much as offered to split the value with her.  This is why I had suspected she took it from the very time it was taken.  After hearing her explanation of Marian Wallace, Daniel and her part in the entire Maya situation, I don't feel as much dislike or blame toward Ismay as I did earlier.  They all made their choices in life, many not so good choices, so they all paid a price.  Some paid higher prices than others.

Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 28, 2016, 02:20:01 PM
7. In the end, AJ discovers what is important, but can't get Maya to understand. What is the author saying here.

This part was heart wrenching for me.  "Maya, we are what we love.  We are love."  Maya is shaking her head.  "Dad, I'm sorry.  I don't understand."  "We aren't the things we collect. acquire, read.  We are, for as long as we are here, only love. The things we loved.  The people we loved.  And these, I think these really do live on."  She is still shaking her head.   "I can't understand you, Dad.  I wish I could.  Do you want me to get Amy?  Or maybe you could try to type it?"  He is sweating.  Conversing isn't fun anymore.  It used to be so easy.  All right, he thinks.  It it's gotta be one word, it's gotta be one word.  "Love?" he asks.  He prays it has come out right.  She furrows her brow and tries to read his face.  "Gloves?"  she asks.  "Are your hands cold, Dad?"  He nods and she takes his hands in hers.  His hands had been cold, and now they are warm, and he decided that he's gotten close enough for today.  Tomorrow, maybe he will find the words.

When my mother was lying in her hospital bed with a respirator, tubes in her unable to speak, I saw her look into my eyes trying so hard to communicate with me through her eyes.  The love we had for each other was so strong that I knew even though she could not use words to speak to me, I knew what her heart felt.  "LOVE." 

A.J. in the end realized that ultimately, love is what life is all about. 

8. The end goes back to the beginning. Why?

If A.J. were here, I suppose he would have answered this with: Shakespeare's King Lear Act 5, scene 3, Edmund, "The wheel is come full circle."


Or as the song goes........... "The Circle of Life"
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 28, 2016, 04:55:16 PM
BELLAMARIE: you made me cry, remembering a similar time with my dad.

"A.J. in the end realized that ultimately, love is what life is all about."

I don't think you can tell anyone that: everyone has to discover it for themselves.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 28, 2016, 08:28:23 PM
JoanK., You are so right.  We can never convey it to another person, everyone has to discover it for themselves.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 29, 2016, 12:01:21 PM
9. What (if anything) is the moral of the story?

I had to take a day to think about this question.  A moral (from Latin morālis) is a message conveyed or a lesson to be learned from a story or event. The moral may be left to the hearer, reader or viewer to determine for themselves, or may be explicitly encapsulated in a maxim.

I saw so many lessons and messages to be learned in this story.  It begins with A.J. being incredibly rude to Amelia when she comes to show him the upcoming list of books.  He is determined to not like her favorite book, he is not open to her suggestions and mostly because he is so set in his snobbish way, that he doesn't even consider how he is treating another human being.  It is ironic how The Late Bloomer becomes a common link later.  Talk about.... Don't judge a book by it's cover.

Then there is how A.J. has to learn to change his life once Nicole dies, just as he seems all comfy in this little town bookstore, ignoring people around him, in comes Maya who simply turns his world upside down.  He allows himself to start caring for someone other than himself.  He goes from destructive unhealthy behaviors to wanting to give Maya a structural, good, healthy life and allows others to enter his heart and home.  Expect the unexpected, and be ready for anything.

Just as A.J.'s life seems to be all perfect with Maya, marrying Amelia, the bookstore is thriving, he has family and friends and they have bought a new home to look forward to fixing up for the next fifty years of their lives he gets hit with brain cancer.  Now he has to reassess everything.  He has little time left and he wants so badly to leave as much knowledge for Maya to help her in her future without him.  Make every minute count.

This story shows us we can change, there are second chances in life, you can learn to love again even when the first love seems like the perfect love, it shows us how books become a part of our lives and how we carry them with us once they have been read.  This story shows how small towns are about the people and their idiosyncrasies.  There is a reason people live in small towns, they want that feel of being a bit unreachable to the big city life, which ultimately becomes intimate with those living there.  When A.J. faced his cancer and dying I felt the town was going through it with him.  His mark on the town will be everlasting.  I like how Ismay and Labiase decided to buy the bookstore and expand it to other possibilities to keep people coming.  Change can be good.


I did not feel the author let the story it end without closure.  A.J. dies and will be remembered on Alice Island. Amelia decides she does not want to run a bookstore, sells it to Ismay and Lambiase, leaves Knightley Press and takes a job as a book buyer for a large general retailer in Maine.  Maya said she would get a scholarship to college and I have no doubt she did, and we know A.J. says on pg. 246, As he is reading, he finds that he wants to make a new list of short stories for Maya.  She is going to be a writer, he knows.

The very last sentence in the book takes us to the very beginning of the book..... Jacob walks down the history aisle and holds out his hand to the middle-aged man on the ladder.  "Mr. Lambiase, have I got a book for you!"

Life goes on...Love to the fullest, because you never know how much time you have on this earth.
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Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 29, 2016, 05:38:26 PM
A good summation, BELLAMARIE.

AAACK! I can't believe the month is over tomorrow.-- although don't stop posting if you still have something to say.

I'd like to hear at least a word from each of you. How did you find the book?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on June 29, 2016, 06:37:07 PM
Good overview, Bellamarie! Nicely done.
This story will stay with me for a while yet.

It brings to mind the beginnings of the sourdough starter in my kitchen. Just a couple of ingredients common to every pantry are brought together and over a period of a couple of weeks it expands and develops unexpected qualities that will be combined with a few other ingredients to which significant heat and humidity are applied to produce unique new forms (characters) with their own unique characteristics in color, flavor, size, and form - and all are equally beautiful, valuable, tasty, and life-giving.

I plan to read it through again soon at a slower pace.



Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 30, 2016, 11:57:12 AM
Leah, I like your sourdough analysis.  It only takes a few main ingredients, mixed with a few spices to make a wonderful recipe.  Apply that to life......   :)

I thought when JoanK., and PatH., announced we would be reading this book I had already read it a couple of years ago.  As we began reading it I did not recognize anything except the first few pages, so as I had said, I think I may have read the pages Amazon allows you to read before purchasing their books.  I do know now that I have read it with this book club, it will stay with me a very long time as well.  Thank you JoanK., and PatH., for the choice, and for moderating the discussion.  I really enjoyed this, and thank you to all who popped in and posted.  I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into preparing the questions that help with the discussion.  You ladies are wonderful!!



 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 30, 2016, 05:38:34 PM
Leah: wonderful analogy. I hope you're up for other book discussions in the future. You've added a lot to this one.

Bellamarie: thanks. I agree I'm wonderful, but not sure I'm a lady ;) Thanks for your thoughtful contributions.

It was ELLA, not us who picked the book, and then was unable to lead. She hasn't picked a bad one yet, and she's leading next month, so get ready to join.

In the meanwhile, BARB will be posting a different Shakespeare sonnet every day, until we have read them all. It starts tomorrow (July 1st) in Poetry.

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=176.msg283585#msg283585
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 30, 2016, 05:44:58 PM
But we're not finished here. We still need a moral!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: nlhome on June 30, 2016, 06:50:02 PM
I've been out of the discussion for a bit - family from out of state here.
I enjoyed the book, was sad about the ending but thought it ended well. Loose ends are a part of life. This was a book I'd looked at and decided not to read, then got it for this discussion. I'm glad it worked out that way.

Not sure about a moral.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on June 30, 2016, 08:53:43 PM
Hmmm....  I posted a few morals I took away from the story in post 2231.  Anyone else care to share?

This is a really lovely article I found on small town bookstores, thought you all would enjoy!
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/12/the-bookstore-strikes-back/309164/
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on June 30, 2016, 10:11:13 PM
NHOME: glad you liked it.

BELLAMARIE: interesting bookstore story.

yes, you did give a moral. Any others?
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on July 02, 2016, 11:03:27 AM
Bellamarie thoroughly summed up those possibilities, I think.

Rather than morals of a story, I find myself looking on that aspect to be more like 'advice received from friends' as I watched their life experiences unfold, merge, stagger, and finally discover the sea of love they were in all the time.

This has been a very friendly read all around. Thanks, Every One!
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on July 02, 2016, 05:14:14 PM
I'm going to take a stab at a moral: when Zevin describes all these life events in the same flat tone, I hear "Life is a mixed bag: wonderful and terrible, depressing and funny, profound and trivial. No sense making a fuss about it: that's just the way things are. And they'll go on being that way after you close the book: there is no neat "The end.""
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on July 02, 2016, 05:18:55 PM
LEAH: thank you! You added a lot. See you in another discussion.

And thanks to all our wonderful participants. You make leading a discussion fun.

I'll leave this open for another day or so. Off to read Shakespeare in poetry.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on July 02, 2016, 05:42:33 PM
This article (link below) contrasts 'moral of a story' with 'theme' in fiction writing - maybe that is what you meant by the moral.
I think of it more as what this article calls the "current underneath the characters" - I like staying with that current or feeling and am not very good at trying to snag a succinctly expressed moral from it.
Anyway, this was a pretty interesting piece that I hope you all enjoy.
https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/ask-writer/does-a-story-have-to-have-a-moral (https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/ask-writer/does-a-story-have-to-have-a-moral)
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: Leah on July 02, 2016, 05:46:29 PM
Thanks for taking the lead, JoanK. Being the book discussion leader might be a little like what a friend of mine calls "herding cats."😺
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on July 02, 2016, 05:49:37 PM
LEAH:  "current underneath the characters."

That expresses it perfectly! Zavin's current is like the tornado scene in "The Wizard of Oz" where all kinds of things come floating by the window, stay awhile, and disappear. Except Dorothy's house comes to rest, and this  house doesn't.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: JoanK on July 02, 2016, 05:51:30 PM
LEAH: we were posting together. You all are my favorite cats. Meow.
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: bellamarie on July 03, 2016, 12:01:56 AM
Leah, Thank you for the link.  I especially like these few points in the article:

Quote
So don’t get caught up in excavating theme and holding it up to the light for inspection. In fiction, theme is best implied, running as a current underneath the characters and actions on the page.

Sometimes people get too caught up in analytical thinking of fiction stories they forget to "feel" the characters and events happening.  I especially enjoyed this discussion because we allowed ourselves to really feel and get to know each of the characters.

Again, I will say thank you to everyone who participated.  Happy 4th of July!!!  *  *  * 
Title: Re: Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ~ Gabrielle Zeven ~ June Book Club Online
Post by: PatH on July 03, 2016, 05:10:13 PM
Thanks, Joan, for a super discussion, and Ella for suggesting it.