Directly from the online readers guide at fsgbooks.com:
In her conversation with the university vice-chancellor and the creative writing professor, the Queen debates whether reading softens a person up while writing does the reverse. Do you agree that writing makes us tough but reading makes us soft? How does the Queen handle her transition from reader to writer?
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Uncommon Reader - Writers
The Queen talks about her experience in gathering together the writers she had enjoyed reading and finding the experience to be disappointing. On page 51 she notes, "She, who had seldom in her life been intimidated by anyone, now found herself tongue-tied and awkward."
What experiences have you had meeting the author of a book you've read? If you're in a book club, have you ever had an author visit in person or via telephone conference? What author would you most like to meet and what question would you ask?
What experiences have you had meeting the author of a book you've read? If you're in a book club, have you ever had an author visit in person or via telephone conference? What author would you most like to meet and what question would you ask?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Uncommon Reader - Extension
FYI - This little novella is so enjoyable to discuss, we'll be continuing this discussion through September 6. Just click the comments link and write your thoughts!
The Uncommon Reader - Characters
This novella has few characters to follow. Other than the Queen, the primary characters are Norman Seakins the kitchen worker promoted to page/reading guide and Sir Kevin, the private secretary.
How do you feel about the Queen's relationships with these two characters? How do you feel about the interactions between Norman and Seakins? How would the story have been different if Norman was not sent to University by Sir Kevin?
How do you feel about the Queen's relationships with these two characters? How do you feel about the interactions between Norman and Seakins? How would the story have been different if Norman was not sent to University by Sir Kevin?
The Uncommon Reader - Reactions to reading
One of the interesting developments in the story is the way everyone around the Queen reacts to her reading. There's an overwhelmingly negative response in everyone from her servants, colleagues, subjects, even the dogs, "in a short space of time they came to hate books as the spoilsports they were (and have always been)."
Do you find this reaction realistic? Have you had similar negative reactions to your reading from those around you?
Do you find this reaction realistic? Have you had similar negative reactions to your reading from those around you?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Uncommon Reader - Beginning
The Queen is introduced to reading by stumbling upon the Westminster library bookmobile after chasing her dogs and borrowing a book out of politeness. Thus begins a life altering journey.
How were you first introduced to reading? How has the public library influenced your life? Have you had a similar experience of discovering a new passion because you wandered slightly off the beaten path or were trying to keep up appearances?
How were you first introduced to reading? How has the public library influenced your life? Have you had a similar experience of discovering a new passion because you wandered slightly off the beaten path or were trying to keep up appearances?
The Uncommon Reader - General
In the spirit of full disclosure, to choose this book I relied on advice from two great book club resources online: Reading Group Guides and Reading Group Choices. Besides being great starts for choosing books, they also have great discussion questions which I have read and will influence the questions presented here. Feel free to check them out for more thought stimulating ideas.
--
How do you feel about this book as a novella, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel? How would you have shortened or lengthened the story?
The author is known for his sly humor; what evidence of this do you see in the title of the novella and elsewhere in the book?
The notion of a Queen is foreign to us Americans. Could this book have been written with an American President as the main character? How would it have been different?
--
How do you feel about this book as a novella, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel? How would you have shortened or lengthened the story?
The author is known for his sly humor; what evidence of this do you see in the title of the novella and elsewhere in the book?
The notion of a Queen is foreign to us Americans. Could this book have been written with an American President as the main character? How would it have been different?
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Uncommon Reader - Intro
To begin, since this book is such a quick read, we'll vary the format by keeping the discussion to two weeks.
Not that there isn't much to talk about! Starting with the author alone...
Alan Bennett is a renowned playwright, screenwriter, entertainer and author in his home country of England. Probably best known in the United States for the Tony award winning play turned movie History Boys, this actor turned writer has an extensive resume of critically acclaimed works that date back to the early 1960's ; he's even merited two books of critical analysis, Understanding Alan Bennett from the Understanding Contemporary British Literature series and Alan Bennett: A Critical Introduction and a biography, Backing Into The Limelight: The Biography of Alan Bennett.
Have you ever heard of the author previous to reading this book or seen any of his numerous plays, television or movie productions? How does his work compare to any American author's works you have read?
Not that there isn't much to talk about! Starting with the author alone...
Alan Bennett is a renowned playwright, screenwriter, entertainer and author in his home country of England. Probably best known in the United States for the Tony award winning play turned movie History Boys, this actor turned writer has an extensive resume of critically acclaimed works that date back to the early 1960's ; he's even merited two books of critical analysis, Understanding Alan Bennett from the Understanding Contemporary British Literature series and Alan Bennett: A Critical Introduction and a biography, Backing Into The Limelight: The Biography of Alan Bennett.
Have you ever heard of the author previous to reading this book or seen any of his numerous plays, television or movie productions? How does his work compare to any American author's works you have read?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
