"Writers Require Their Groups"
As this was my first online book club, I had no preconceived notions about what it was going to be like. Progressing faster than I expected, the book and the group itself made me feel like the "rising tide" (p. 236). I love reading electronically and as an author myself, I feel that the future of publishing lies in the electronic medium. The rising costs of publishing is like the rising tide itself.
Gillian was easy to dislike. "As if she was too horrible to touch" ( p.194) I never had any empathy for her or her ego. Bernard was annoying. I sensed something was going to happen to Paul. The first chapter really threw me off. I didn't remember it at all until I read the posts online. Reading what others thought was fascinating and I am sure I'd been better at posting if I'd had discussion questions at the beginning. It felt disorganized but I think now that so many of the others in the group were experienced with this type of book club and I was an outsider, like Nancy, looking in.
Plagiarism is the worst kind of slap in the face to a writer. It continues to be a problem for everyone. As a teacher and student in graduate school, it was a hot topic. Many young people are just shrugging it off.
I don't write fiction so I am not sure that writers require group feedback but in this case it shows just what a problem sharing can be. It was a relief to see the others angry at Gillian's ethics.
I would recommend this book to others. I am glad to have had this opportunity to read it and to "hear" what others thought. Thank you.
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