October 26, 2009 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time
Grab a copy of The Believers: A Novel , a glass or mug of your favorite beverage, and join us for the next Twitter Book Club discussion on Monday, October 26 at 9 pm Eastern Time.
Congratulations to these clubbers for winning a copy of the book! @kfzuzulo, @justbooks, @theoccasional, @bookingit, @mincontro, @batpoet, @kwanawrites, @irenenelson, @letterbetty, @Suejustbooks
Questions? Post a comment below, ask on Twitter (@thebookmaven or @booksquare), or even use good old email: bethanne at thebookstudio dot com.
The Twitter Book Club discussion for this book has already past.
Join us next time!
Archived discussion
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
warning: it's my month to drive #tbc, so i'll be extremely chatty for the next hour or so. looking forward to thoughts on "the believers"
October 26, 2009 -- 8:50 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
RT @thebookmaven For the hour of #TBC, I'll be tweeting from @bkpchats -- FYI, Twitter Book Club members.
October 26, 2009 -- 8:51 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
I am ever so grateful! RT @booksquare: its my month to drive #tbc, so ill be extremely chatty for the next hour or so. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 8:52 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
#tbc - you can also add thoughts on our facebook page: http://bit.ly/4kUIqu and at @thebookstudio http://bit.ly/27KBrF
October 26, 2009 -- 8:56 pm
toofondofbooks (Dawn):
@kpma153 are you following @bkpchats and @booksquare for #tbc THE BELIEVERS tonight? (I haven't finished book yet!)
October 26, 2009 -- 8:56 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Just so you know, NOT necessary to follow me at this name to follow #TBC! Just follow the hashtag... #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 8:58 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: #tbc - you can also add thoughts on our facebook page: http://bit.ly/4kUIqu and at @thebookstudio http://bit.ly/27KBrF #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 8:58 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
I tweet from a different name during chats so I don't annoy my patient followers. :) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 8:59 pm
TammiM (Tammi Marcoullier):
Add tweets from foodies @ConsciousBites & @megansmunchies, live book chat with @bkpchats & I've got a full Twitter entertainment system #TBC
October 26, 2009 -- 8:59 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
good evening everyone! grab your books and beverages. it's time to talk about zoe heller's "the believers". lots of questions for you! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:00 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @TammiM: Add tweets fr foodies @ConsciousBites & @megansmunchies, live bookchat w/@bkpchats & Ive got Twitter entertainment system #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:00 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q1 There's a lot going on in this book. Is it altogether too much? If so, which parts/subplots tipped the balance? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:00 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: good evening everyone! grab your books and beverages. its time to talk about zoe hellers "the believers". #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:01 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Hello there @booksquare! Thanks for "driving" tonight. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:01 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: Q1 Theres a lot going on in this book. Is it altogether too much? If so, which parts/subplots tipped the balance? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:02 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
(side note: zoe heller had to make an unexpected trip to london--we know, awful for her!--but she did send some thoughts for us 2 post) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:02 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats it's my pleasure!
#tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:03 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: How long did it take to finish THE BELIEVERS? Zoe Heller: Too long! I had a baby in midst of it...four years, start to finish. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:04 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
i thought the balance was tipped right at the beginning with joel's stroke. things kept teeter-tottering from there. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:04 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Yes, a lot going on in THE BELIEVERS. I could read an entire book about Audrey; she's so complex. Lenny, not so much. @bkpchats #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:04 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
Wasn't too much, as I didn't feel any of the subplots went too deep. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:04 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
Greetings #tbc! For me, there needed to be "a lot going on" to balance out Audrey. My goodness, what a character.
October 26, 2009 -- 9:05 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
@booksquare #tbc I thought the subplots blended well, as reactions to conditioning or neglect, etc. (funny that Rosa didn't like Powergirls
October 26, 2009 -- 9:05 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
hmm, @kfzuzulo says yet, a lot while @mincontro says not too much. debate! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:05 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Heller ties all the bits together w/scenes like the dysfunctional family Chinese take-out dinner party. Very lush; in a gross way. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:06 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Hello @KFZuzulo, @mincontro, @justbooks, @batpoet...thanks for joining us tonight. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:06 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
side question: how does audrey compare to olive kitteridge, the character? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:06 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
RT @KFZuzulo: Yes, a lot going on in THE BELIEVERS. I could read an entire book about Audrey; she's so complex. Lenny, not so much. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:06 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
NICE questions RT @booksquare: side question: how does audrey compare to olive kitteridge, the character? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:07 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@permanentpaper @kfzuzulo talk to us about lenny versus audrey. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:07 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: Which character in THE BELIEVERS is your favorite? Zoe Heller: I love them all, but if I had to choose, it would be Karla. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:07 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@batpoet can you give us an example (yeah, it's like high school around here!) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:08 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I didn't think there was too much going on at all. I felt very connected to all the subplots, especially Rosa's. Fascinating. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:08 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
@booksquare #tbc: I thought about that too, because I thought Audrey's no Olive.
October 26, 2009 -- 9:08 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Heller's character narratives r so intense that I was able to identify w/them; tho they were all so different. @booksquare @mincontro #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:08 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
lots of q's tonight, so rolling them out quickly. Q2 Much has been said about the 9/11 novel (or absence thereof). 1/2 #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:08 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
@booksquare I agree on perhaps too many subplots. I could have done with less Jean, personally. Audrey + kids were intsg enough. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:09 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
@booksquare #TBC Audrey had to find a new role for herself & grow out of the one she'd stayed with since she was 19. Did Olive change?
October 26, 2009 -- 9:09 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
@bkpchats #TBC I was so happy for Karla at the end. Character I liked least was Mike.
October 26, 2009 -- 9:09 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
HAHA RT @justbooks: @booksquare #tbc: I thought about that too, because I thought Audreys no Olive. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:09 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@permanentpaper have heard others disliked jean. i sorta liked her. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:09 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@batpoet olive changed at the end. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:10 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @EdanL: Its clear to me that Heller likes Klara the best. She is treated the most carefully and tenderly, I think. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:10 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Jean, so frumpy! RT @booksquare: @permanentpaper have heard others disliked jean. i sorta liked her. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:10 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
@justbooks and I even talked about this earlier-Audrey is no Olive! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:11 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Ugh, Lenny. Whadda brat! Heller makes relationship tween A&L believable tho. Audrey takes pride in irrationality of it @booksquare #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:11 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
#tbc: I liked Rosa the best but it took me until p. 320! (I am sorry if you object to the rabbi blessing, but deal with it)
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
The only reference to 9/11 was Audrey's view that the US deserved what it got. Wouldn't call this a 9/11 novel.#tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
I kept wondering if family sensed sea change beneath post-9/11 world -- Joel represents dying breed? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I taught the prologue to my beginning students last week. We talked a lot about how assumptions propel the narrative. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @KFZuzulo: Ugh, Lenny. Whadda brat! Heller makes relationship tween A&L believable tho. Audrey takes pride in irrationality of it #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
@booksquare for someone with so much sympathy and patience for Lenny, she had none for Rosa/Karla, for anything. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Ditto. Mike ranked down there w/Lenny. Male characters not at all sympathetic @batpoet #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @EdanL: I taught the prologue to my beginning students last week. We talked a lot about how assumptions propel the narrative. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:12 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
Lenny was one-dimensional, great takeoff on 60s liberal thinking. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:13 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@mincontro so you think 9/11 was more in the background than a driving force (i agree, btw)? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:13 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
RT @EdanL: It's clear to me that Heller likes Karla the best. She is treated the most carefully and tenderly, I think. #tbc -> Yes!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:13 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
@bkpchats my issue with Jean was her utter acceptance of a load of bad treatment from friend. Always wondered what she got from Aud. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:13 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@mincontro Yes, Lenny is such a symbol of liberal guilt! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
interesting thread about male characters, particularly mike and lenny, not being sympathetic. why do you think this is? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I interviewed Heller for The Millions, btw: http://tinyurl.com/ykalyuh #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare @EdanL What were some of your students' reactions? Did they get all of the assumptions in there? A LOT in prologue! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
I liked Jean, too. She has a tough job, being a friend to Audrey, but she sticks in @booksquare: @permanentpaper #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @bkpchats: I kept wondering if family sensed sea change beneath post-9/11 world -- Joel represents dying breed? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@booksquare I really do. Saturday was a 9/11 novel. This one, not so much. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:14 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
RT @KFZuzulo: Ugh, Lenny. Whadda brat! Heller makes relationship tween A&L believable tho. Audrey takes pride in irrationality of it #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:15 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @EdanL: I interviewed Heller for The Millions, btw: http://tinyurl.com/ykalyuh #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:15 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q3 Many of the chars are not likable--shades of "The Corrections". How does likability impact reading experience? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:16 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
I, too, wondered what Jean got from relationship with Audrey. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:16 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
I agree that 9/11 was more in the background-after Joel's stroke it was hardly mentioned. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:16 pm
thebookmaven (Bethanne Patrick):
We're having a very lively discussion of THE BELIEVERS by Zoe Heller for Twitter Book Club -- come join us! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
Not so much 9/11--except perhaps the outdated desire for simplistic answers, binary oppositions no longer possible, politically. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@Suejustbooks so more device to set time and place than instigating event? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: Q3 Many of the chars are not likable--shades of "The Corrections". How does likability impact reading experience? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Male characters aren't given as much "screen time." Women are portrayed as much more analytical/thoughtful. @booksquare #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare Interesting, b/c Heller said she really didn't think of ANY of them as unlikable... #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:17 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
I thought the Corrections characters were far more multi-dimensional. Something sympathetic about each of them. Didn't get that here. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:18 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC For me, the book had an underlining theme of tolerance to all kinds of people; & that means adjusting to them & seeing own hypocrisies
October 26, 2009 -- 9:18 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Though I really liked Khaled. What a doll! I like the fact that he was always eating/ relishing bits of life. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:18 pm
BookingIt (Laura de Leon):
Trying to make dinner & get ready for book club discussion of THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Sorry I'm missing #tbc tonight-- have fun everyone!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:18 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: Does Berenice represent "liberal guilt?" Zoe Heller: No, I hate the idea of a character "representing" anything. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:18 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @bkpchats: TBC: Does Berenice represent "liberal guilt?" Zoe Heller: No, I hate the idea of a character "representing" anything. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:19 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@permanentpaper ha! is fine, love the perspective on this character. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:19 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@BookingIt You're missed, but that's a good reason to skip out on us! ;) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:19 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
@booksquare I told @thebookmaven earlier--it reminded me of Hugo in EPICURE'S LAMENT...they were enjoyable unlikable people. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q4 Heller is examining many different kinds of hypocrisy in "The Believers." What seems to be the worst hypocrisy overall? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
With all the big shots caught with their pants down lately, I didn't think Berenice was a symbol of anything but lust. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@BookingIt food is always perfect excuse. we'll see you next month! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
Although I didn't really LIKE any of the characters, I loved this book for some reason.#tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
RT @bkpchats: RT @EdanL: I interviewed Heller for The Millions, btw: http://tinyurl.com/ykalyuh #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@permanentpaper Reminds me of this week's #litchat re "grit lit." ;) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @permanentpaper: @booksquare I told @thebookmaven earlier--it reminded me of Hugo in EPICURES LAMENT...enjoyable unlikable people. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:20 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
@bkpchats #TBC Was wondering if Berenice, who seemed enigmatic, got off the hook in terms of everyone else being clearly flawed.
October 26, 2009 -- 9:21 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@Suejustbooks i skimmed amazon reviews this afternoon--many reacted same way: loved book, hated characters. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:21 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
worst hypocrisy: Audrey's being too good to understand her children's needs, weaknesses. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:21 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @mincontro: With all the big shots caught with their pants down lately, I didnt think Berenice was a symbol of anything but lust. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:21 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Worst hypocrisy overall was depiction of the billowing standard of liberal inclusion. e.g. Audrey just out-&-out hates people. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:22 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@batpoet I think she did. I think Heller kind of abandoned examining Berenice. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:22 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
nice! RT @mincontro: worst hypocrisy: Audreys being too good to understand her childrens needs, weaknesses. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:22 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
And Berenice was pretty self-righteous. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare @mincontro M., I think you may be right about Berenice/symbol of lust! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
#tbc: but even Berenice had crappy books on her shelves! That is a flaw, no?
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: nice! RT @mincontro: worst hypocrisy: Audreys being too good to understand her childrens needs, weaknesses. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats @batpoet does this get back to the "too many subplots" question? so much going on, so little time? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@justbooks (@booksquare looks at her shelves in shame) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:23 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
@bkpchats What is grit lit? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:24 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
I thought Berenice was one of few w/real dignity. Karla had smatterings of it. @batpoet @bkpchats #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:24 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I thought Notes on a Scandal was much better, b/c even though narrator was unlikeable, she was fun in her snarkiness, & empathetic. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:25 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
btw, since i'm throwing out a lot of questions, just answer what you want, when you want. loving tonight's discussion. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:25 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q5 Do you believe Rosa will continue along as a "ba'al teshuva?" #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:25 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: What is Rosa looking for? Zoe Heller: I think she envies Carol's religious life, but she's alarmed by idea of rejecting modernity. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:25 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I, however, love unlikeable characters. I found Audrey just awful, but the prologue redeemed her somewhat. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:26 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @EdanL: I, however, love unlikeable characters. I found Audrey just awful, but the prologue redeemed her somewhat. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:26 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@EdanL "Grit lit" coined by @litchat, I think; seems to mean gritty realism? I suggested IRONWEED as a fit... #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:27 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
I understodd Rosa's search for religion, but not abandonment of modernity. Nothing in her character foreshadowed that. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:27 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
I like what @batpoet says about Berenice testing everyone's ethics/prejudices/ideas. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:27 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
RT @EdanL: I, however, love unlikeable characters. I found Audrey just awful, but the prologue redeemed her somewhat. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:28 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Agree w/you re: Jean. She's kinda like girl in the corner @ the dance when all the action's on the floor. Not adding. @permanentpaper #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:28 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@bkpchats Oscar Wao = grit lit. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:28 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@mincontro can you go further with that? i thought she was seeking anchor, tradition. am i wrong? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:28 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
@bkpchats Interesting...I get "gritty" sometimes for my own work, and it's not clear if it's a compliment, insult or neither/both! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:28 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@EdanL If it were from me, it would be a compliment! :) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:29 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@EdanL gritty is a compliment, trust me! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:29 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @mincontro: @bkpchats Oscar Wao = grit lit. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:29 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
RT @EdanL: I thought Notes on a Scandal was much better; even though narrator was unlikeable, she was fun in her snarkiness, empathetic #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:30 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I felt like Rosa needed a community, one that had certain values that you couldn't stray from--hard to find in post 9/11 word. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:30 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@booksquare I think you're right, but to go totally orthodox, seclude herself when menstruating, not realistic. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:30 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
though discussed a bit already, Q6 What did you think of the character Berenice? Was she necessary? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:31 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
I think Rosa is simply looking for God. She's unable to reconcile her life exp (Cuba) w/intellectual advocacy of atheism. @bkpchats #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:31 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
#tbc: I loved Rosas challenge. Tradition and a sense of truth on the one hand vs. modernity. I trusted her to figure it out.
October 26, 2009 -- 9:31 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
@booksquare Good to know! :) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:31 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @EdanL: felt like Rosa needed community, one that had certain values that you couldnt stray from--hard to find in post 9/11 world. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:31 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@mincontro i think of people i know who go deep when they embrace new things--overboard to my mind, but believable. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:32 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @KFZuzulo: I think Rosa is simply looking for God. Shes unable to reconcile her life exp (Cuba) w/intellectual advocacy of atheism. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:32 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
RT @KFZuzulo I think Rosa is simply looking for God. She's unable to reconcile her life exp (Cuba) w/intellectual advocacy of atheism. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:33 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: Did you like adaptation of "Notes on a Scandal?" Zoe Heller: I enjoyed it; by no means faithful, but actors fantastic. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:33 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
If there is one character that I feel is unnecessary, it's Berenice. I did not feel she added anything. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:33 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@booksquare Guess it's a question of how far you'll go and, as someone said, Roda wd probly figure it out. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:33 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
I thought adding Berenice made Joel more interesting than how he was understood until B showed up. @booksquare #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:33 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I thought the adaptation of Notes on a Scandal sucked! Fine on its own, but adaptation was so serious! Lost all humor of the book. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:34 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Hard to keep track tonight, but like thoughts re Rosa & community. Is that what Audrey sought when she took up w/Joel at start? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:34 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@mincontro have a friend who swings between religion and addiction. completely immerses self in both worlds to point of crazy. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:34 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
I agree. RT @KFZuzulo I thought adding Berenice made Joel more interesting than how he was understood until B showed up. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:34 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @EdanL: I thought adaptation of Notes on a Scandal sucked! Fine on its own, but adaptation was so serious! Lost all humor of book. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:35 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
Joel was pretty unnecessary, in a coma for the whole book. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:35 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @bkpchats: like thoughts re Rosa & community. Is that what Audrey sought when she took up w/Joel at start? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:35 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@mincontro But had to be reason why his coma-ridden figure was there...death of old ways? Sacrificial "old goat?" #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:36 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
ha! RT @mincontro: Joel was pretty unnecessary, in a coma for the whole book. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:36 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q7 While it seems like satire, I've known many sixties liberals. Audrey and Joel are not far off from real people. 1/2 #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:36 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC @booksquare @EdanL Rosa says she resented time Joel spent with Berenice--time that could've been spent w/family (i.e. her); god=father?
October 26, 2009 -- 9:36 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @batpoet: Rosa says she resented time Joel spent with Berenice--time that couldve been spent w/family (i.e. her); god=father? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:37 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC @EdanL So true about the film Notes on a Scandal!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:37 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@bkpchats Right, of course. Coma Joel was there for the others, esp Audrey, to play off. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:37 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: What are you reading? Zoe Heller: I am reading The Wrong Set, a collection of short stories by Angus Wilson. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:38 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
btw, answer to q7 in perspective, was a bit painful. like seeing people i knew on the page, seeing their lives skewered. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:38 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@mincontro "Coma Joel." HAHA! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:38 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
@batpoet People who haven't read book seem to really like the movie, though. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:38 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare Yep. Esp. when you knew they really tried. I think Audrey and Joel did, too, despite their myriad flaws. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:39 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
RTmincontro:Coma Joel was there for the others, esp Audrey, to play off. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:40 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats former boss was (puerto rican catholic) liberal 60s new york jew (yeah, she laughed too!). always fighting her ideals. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:40 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
I know we still have some questions, but no one has mentioned Karla's paramour! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:41 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @bkpchats: I know we still have some questions, but no one has mentioned Karlas paramour! (let's talk khaled!) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:41 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats i thought he made karla the character i wanted her to be. prior to that, she was too doormat for me. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:42 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
@bkpchats Did Karla love Khaled or the fact that he loved her fat? Don't mean to be harsh, but seemed that way. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:42 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
This was a story -- Karla and Khaled's -- that I just loved. Could've read many more chapters about them. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:42 pm
paperhaus (Carolyn Kellogg):
I'm following only one person in the Twitter Book Club (#tbc); right now it looks like she's having a detailed conversation with herself
October 26, 2009 -- 9:42 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
Paramour is nice antidote to her mean, sanctimonious husband and mom! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:43 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
I did. I said I thought Khaled was a doll! (only have read 2/3 through though) @bkpchats ONe of few sympathetic males. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:43 pm
EdanL (Edan Lepucki):
Time for dinner. It's been lovely chattting about The Believers with you all! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:43 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
circling back to audrey, where does she go from here? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:44 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
#tbc: Pardon the expression, but it's not over till the fat lady sings. Go, Karla!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:44 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
@booksquare:I agree completely with you about Karla.Khaled made her the character I wanted her to be. Before,she was too much a doormat #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:45 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@EdanL is karla saved? does she escape? (i know, you're off to eat). #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:45 pm
permanentpaper (Permanence Matters):
Ditto. RT @bkpchats: This was a story -- Karla and Khaled's -- that I just loved. Could've read many more chapters about them. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:46 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@EdanL Thanks so much for joining us tonight, Edan! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:46 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC @KFZuzulo You will like the end!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:46 pm
MizMisk (S.P. Miskowski):
#tbc I hope it's OK to jump in & say: Notes on a Scandal is one of my favorite books & the film over-simplified relations between characters
October 26, 2009 -- 9:47 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
Q9 Why so important 4 Heller to dissect a Jewish liberal family, as opposed to, say, a Dorothy-Day-esque Roman Catholic liberal family? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:47 pm
mincontro (Mary Incontro):
Night, folks. Yankees kept me up too late. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:47 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@mincontro thanks for joining us. great thoughts, as always. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:47 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: Who is your greatest literary influence? Zoe Heller: George Eliot, Jane Austen, Nadine Gordimer, Joseph Roth, Henry Green... #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC Anybody imagining how this book might be cast if it became a movie? Karla, Rosa, Audrey, Berenice... juicy women's roles!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Oh, good! My interest in the characters/book has picked up as the story has progressed. @batpoet #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
MizMisk (S.P. Miskowski):
#tbc Have not read the latest Heller but I certainly will!
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@MizMisk you may jump in and say it! and you did. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@MizMisk 'Course is OK to jump in! Any time. I have NOT read Notes yet, but bought it last week. Have seen movie. Will be interesting. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:48 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @batpoet: #TBC Anybody imagine how this book might be cast if it were a movie? Karla, Rosa, Audrey, Berenice... juicy womens roles! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:49 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@KFZuzulo i think it's a book you have to stick with and absorb, didn't love all of it, but was involved (@bsandusky!) #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:50 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Audrey should volunteer in a soup kitchen! @booksquare #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:50 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare Hmmm, for Audrey...what about Imelda Staunton? #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:51 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
my final thought on audrey: she lived in joel's shadow but didn't see it that way. now she's faced with reality, something hard for her #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:51 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Queen Latifah as Berenice! @booksquare #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:51 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats oooh, interesting. love her face. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:52 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @KFZuzulo: Queen Latifah as Berenice! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:52 pm
MizMisk (S.P. Miskowski):
@bkpchats I love Heller's willingness to go for the not pretty and not admirable aspects of human nature. Notes is so witty. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:52 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@KFZuzulo that made me laugh out loud! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:52 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@KFZuzulo HAHAHA. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:52 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@MizMisk am ashamed to say haven't read either, but will based on your description. @bkpchats #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:53 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
man, these hours go so fast. starting housekeeping already. first, next month's book is Tethered by Amy MacKinnon. November 30, 6p/9est #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:54 pm
batpoet (Louise Strecker):
#TBC @KFZuzulo "The Believers: The Musical"
October 26, 2009 -- 9:54 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: starting housekeeping already. first, next months book is Tethered by Amy MacKinnon. November 30, 6p/9est #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:55 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
: > @booksquare @bkpchats How about Jessica Lange as Audrey... #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:55 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
Given how much I enjoyed the writing & dialogue in BELIEVERS, I too am going to read NOTES ON A SCANDAL.#tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:55 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
@bkpchats yeah, that would make a huge difference. this story required the american vernacular. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:55 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
give us your ideas on future books for discussion: #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:56 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
oh, that url should have been http://www.thebookstudio.com/twitterbookclub #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:56 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
haha! RT @batpoet The Believers: The Musical... ---> "w/Tony Bennett in the Role of Joel" #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:57 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
facebook page is here (we check all sources of input): http://bit.ly/175UKa #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:57 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
TBC: Tell us what you're working on? Zoe Heller: Writing intro to new edition of The Good Soldier. New novel, but too soon to discuss. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:58 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
RT @KFZuzulo: haha! RT @batpoet The Believers: The Musical... ---> "w/Tony Bennett in the Role of Joel" #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:58 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
Ann Hathaway for Rosa in a Rachels Getting Married Kind of Way #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:59 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
Thank you, all! Thank you, @booksquare! Really enjoyed discussing THE BELIEVERS with everyone. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 9:59 pm
booksquare (Kassia Krozser):
really thoughtful, interesting discussion tonight. both @thebookmaven and i love twitter book club. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:00 pm
thebookmaven (Bethanne Patrick):
@KwanaWrites Glad you dropped in! Audrey really is a fantastic character. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:00 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
RT @booksquare: really thoughtful, interesting discussion tonight. both @thebookmaven and i love twitter book club. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:00 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Check out http://bit.ly/Ub20Q @ShoeGal007 Part of twitter book club #tbc. Ea month, we chat about a particular title. It's fun!
October 26, 2009 -- 10:00 pm
bkpchats (Bethanne Patrick):
@booksquare Sorry, not trying to get last word, just smiling at your last tweet. #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:01 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Oh right.... tonight was discussion about THE BELIEVERS by Zoe Heller. @ShoeGal007 #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:01 pm
MizMisk (S.P. Miskowski):
#tbc @booksquare & @Suejustbooks I think you will like Notes. It's a much more subtle portrait of envy and lonely hunger than film captured.
October 26, 2009 -- 10:01 pm
Suejustbooks (Sue Kowalski):
Thanks to @booksquare and @thebookmaven. I love twitter book club, too! #tbc
October 26, 2009 -- 10:01 pm
thebookmaven (Bethanne Patrick):
Also want to thank Zoe Heller for answering questions to include in discussion. #TBC
October 26, 2009 -- 10:02 pm
KFZuzulo (Kellyann Zuzulo):
Thanks you two #tbc Captains!! Great job! I'm a believer : > @bkpchats @booksquare
October 26, 2009 -- 10:03 pm
justbooks (margie at justbooks):
Another fun and interesting #tbc, thanks!
October 26, 2009 -- 10:08 pm
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