Funsters book club (2 Viewers)

[movan]

I think I agree with you - it depends on how you interpret 'god/ God'. I have two SiL's who are both priests, and neither of them believe that there is a 'being' which we call 'god', but that 'god-ness' is an internal sense of rightness and community - or, as you say, strength.

That is interesting. Strange day for me today .. would love to discuss with them their views on souls or energy surviving after death. Must be really interesting having them in the family.

 

[movan]

@Jenben did you read the book? Any views?

 

[CWH]

That is interesting. Strange day for me today .. would love to discuss with them their views on souls or energy surviving after death. Must be really interesting having them in the family.

It is interesting - and a bit challenging too sometimes!
I'll be seeing one of them in the next few days so if you like I can ask her if she'd like to have a conversation with you.

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[Debs]

Thanks for tagging me @movan not making any promises.

I used to read all the time until a couple of years ago when I finally admitted to myself that I needed to wear specs. Reading hasn't been the pleasure it used to be since then.

 

[movan]

Thank you .. that would be good .. but not just at the moment .. going through difficult emotional period at the moment with one thing and another ... relevant to my question. Thank you though .. definitely of interest. @CWH

 

[Allan & Loren]

Well here goes .....

I didn't enjoy the first few chapters as I thought it lacked descriptions of the surroundings and as a non climber I didn't understand some of the climbing jargon therefore without the drama and description I felt it a slow read.

Joe and Simon were so different in character and although experienced climbers their immaturity and hung-ho style before the accident shone through clearly. 2 young men determined to conquer a mountain Sioux proper planning or at times care for safety. A typical "I can do anything and accidents are something that happens to someone else" attitude. I think we all had that when we were younger but then life's experiences often change us.

I felt before the accident they were 2 people climbing quite independently but after the accident they were forced to work as a team with Simon clearly becoming the leader. Simin cutting the rope saved both their lives and had he not had the courage and self preservation to do it, I think there would have been a more serious accident probably killing both of them because I don't think Joe would have cut it. Until this point Simon was by far the stronger person. Joe then finding himself alone found his own inner strength to lead himself to safety. The voices in his head I believe were his guardian angel/inner strength/subconscious (believe what you like) but strangely as soon as he got back to camp and the safety of the others he stopped hearing the voices and reverted back to being needy with Simon clearly stepping up to the mark again.

I great read overall and a book I would probably not have read out of choice but 1 I would definitely recommend to others. I thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions I was put through.

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[CWH]

A typical "I can do anything and accidents are something that happens to someone else" attitude.

Do you not think this attitude is essential for this kind of enterprise? (I agree though that their planning seems to have been a bit lacking!)

 

[Allan & Loren]

tional struggle, and both are candid about their changing feelings towards each other: guilt, blame, finally enduring friendship; and the certainty of death stalking their descent from the mountain adds a piquancy which ensured that a film would follow publication of the book.

You're absolutely right about their changing feelings which is probably because of the desperate position they found themselves in.

@movan I think you're right and don't think Joe would have cut the rope as at the time he was playing the victim and needed to be lead by Simon. I also think he never blamed Simon because of his frame of mind at the time.

 

[Allan & Loren]

Do you not think this attitude is essential for this kind of enterprise? (I agree though that their planning seems to have been a bit lacking!)

Yes I think it is. the total belief that something previously unconquered is achievable is what separates these people from the majority. It is the same belief that doctors and scientist need to continue striving to find cures for deseases such as cancer, MS, etc and where would we be if it wasn't for incredible people like this in the world. People who believe anything is possible!

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[CWH]

don't think Joe would have cut the rope

I struggle with this one: is it easier to cut the rope when it means you cause someone to die, but you can then walk away; or when it means you'll fall to your death? - sounds straightforward, but humans are complex and I think we mostly HOPE that we'd "do the right thing" - but would we? I just hope I'm never in a position to find out!

 

[Allan & Loren]

I struggle with this one: is it easier to cut the rope when it means you can then walk away, or when it means you'll fall to your death? - sounds straightforward, but humans are complex and I think we mostly HOPE that we'd "do the right thing" - but would we? I just hope I'm never in a position to find out!

Never looked at it that way and you're right about hoping to never be in this position.

 

[Portland]

Am I Right in thinking this Grisham book is the 2001 release If so I have read it but as with so many books I find the second read is much better

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[Indy259]

I have just ordered The Painted House from my library, I read loads but have never joined a book club, we shall see!

 

[CWH]

Am I Right in thinking this Grisham book is the 2001 release

Yes

If so I have read it but as with so many books I find the second read is much better

I agree! This will be at least my fourth reading...

I read loads but have never joined a book club, we shall see!

My first time too! so we can practice together

 

[movan]

Am I Right in thinking this Grisham book is the 2001 release If so I have read it but as with so many books I find the second read is much better

I think so Portland. We tend to suggest books for the month which are not particularly new so that they can be ordered cheaply from Kindle or Amazon, for example. It makes your read books which you would not normally choose @Indy259 .. I normally avoid John Grisham like the plague .. wasted so many hours trying to read him and given up so looking forward to trying this as will HAVE to complete it to comment at the end.

New members please remember when you finish the book don't comment until the end of the month what you think .. in case someone still reading and it gives the end away.

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[CWH]

MORE REVIEWS AND COMMENTS PLEASE on Touching the Void

 

[movan]

@Jenben @The Old Man @Jim @archie2000 did you read it and what do you feel about our slightly varied opninions

 

[The Old Man]

No sorry, not yet.

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[Allan & Loren]

As you've got this @Portland I'll download it now to my kindle. I can't remember reading any John Grisham books before so looking forward to this.

 

[movan]

Ordered it today .... roll on the November read ....

Let's hope we get some more members .

 

[Allan & Loren]

Ordered it today .... roll on the November read ....

Let's hope we get some more members .

I hope so too. Be good to get lots of different opinions.

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[movan]

@hilldweller would you consider joining our club, please?

 

[mjltigger]

Can I come play? Mind you I'm not brilliant at deadlines....

 

[Allan & Loren]

Can I come play? Mind you I'm not brilliant at deadlines....

Of course you can, the more the merrier.
Loren x

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[Hils and Glenns]

Hi All as I said on the other thread I've downloaded the John Grisham book from the library. I can't start it yet though because I'm in the middle of reading a Ruth Rendell. I need to put a bit more time aside for reading.

 

[Allan & Loren]

Hi All as I said on the other thread I've downloaded the John Grisham book from the library. I can't start it yet though because I'm in the middle of reading a Ruth Rendell. I need to put a bit more time aside for reading.

I've just got to finish book4 of my Jason Bourne books. I downloaded the whole set so feel compelled to read them. I loved the movies but OMG the books are awful to read! 4 chapters left of this one, I think then I'll start the John Gresham book.

 

[archie2000]

Touching The Void

I am not comfortable reading factual stuff based on someone putting their life on the line for no other reason than a thrill.

Despite the authors impressive style of writing, edge of the seat one minute, tear inducing the next, my overwhelming thoughts were for their mothers.

My opinion of the rope cutting, self preservation would be at the forefront of most people's thoughts. If a loved one was at risk, your child or parent it would be a completely different ball game. They are an extension of yourself, I think your survival instinct would include them. The rope would be far more likely to stay intact. Umbilical cord so to speak.

Joe's journey down the mountain to a place of safety and the conversations with his other self are really well described.
I think this is a process the mind goes through when the flesh is getting weak and death is creeping ever closer. I base this opinion on personal experience and conversations with others who have had physically traumatic experiences.

All in all, it was a good read. I would rather it had been work of fiction.

I truly believe that life is too precious to challenge nature for fun.

Anne

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[CWH]

the conversations with his other self

I think that's a brilliant way of describing it Anne. And I like your explanation too (not that I 'like' that you and others have had traumatic experiences of course...)

 

[movan]

I have a male friend from years ago who went more like difficul fell walking than mountain climbing with a group of male friends ... the arrangement was that as they all walked at different speeds they would meet in the local pub when they reached their destination at the other side of the hills.

My friend and one other got left behind. It started to go dark .. one of them fell down a cliff edge and broke his leg. Jim could not reach him. He sat with him shouting encouragement and hoping someone would come by who could go for help..(no mobile phones in those days).

No-one came and a mist fell. It was pitch black and Jim set off to get help .. he wandered for ages as he couldn't see a foot in front of him
Long story short .. he eventually got to the bottom .. and he too needed medical attention. The shock came when the emergency service found his friend .. he was dead. Jim could not and still cannot talk about it. It affected him for life. A tv programme was made and it was inclusive of this.

I agree Anne @archie2000 I get angry too. I cannot see the sense in some pastimes that result in others, emergency teams, having to then risk their lives.

 

[Allan & Loren]

Finished my Jason Bourne book so will start reading A Painted House tonight. Looking forward to it.

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