Hello happy readers! It's getting close to discussion time... and I'd like to make a call for questions. Here's how it will work:

Use the comment section on this post to submit a question or topic.

I will turn that question or topic into its own post. This will allow topic threads to stay separate... and hopefully keep discussions organized and focused.

I have a few (hopefully) good questions already to go... but I'd love to add yours. Please submit!

I would also like to extend our reading time just a little... so discussion posts may not go up on the 15th exactly. But soon, I promise!

Historical fiction is hugely popular... but how about reading about long ago in a book that was written, um, long ago? Modern historical fiction seems to take into account our modern sensibilities. This is not a criticism; just an observation. "A Town Like Alice" is an interesting read -- forward-thinking and retro at the same time. It cannot take into account any of our modern sensibilities, but somehow manages to pull just that off in places. Other times, you will find it absolutely necessary to put happenings and attitudes into context.

Let's talk about it... Read along with me. 

"A Town Like Alice" is a book about an extraordinary ordinary girl that is perfect for bookish ones. And, hey, it even made BBC's Big Read Top 100 Books.

Come visit Alice with me. Check back for discussion around November 15th.

Part One: Non-Contradiction

I understand that Dagny and Hank and Ellis are the heroes of this book and I can see many of their virtues. But why so cold? Dagny's mother acuses her of being "incapable of emotion" and I'm for sure not getting any warm and fuzzy feelings from Hank. The man is ice! Is this lack of emotion part of Rand's philosophy on happiness? And is it a necessary part?

Next week, we'll start talking about Book One of Atlas Shrugged. Chime in if you've got a question or topic you'd like to discuss.

As threatened, er... promised, we are starting Atlas Shrugged. If you're my dad, you just read it in the last couple of weeks. If you're me, this may take a lifetime.

I'm trying, I swear.

The format will be a little different this time. I will set up a loose reading schedule which you may choose to follow or ignore. (Likely, I myself will ignore.)

As we go, we may want to ask each other questions (or more specifically my dad, because he actually understands it) and start discussions based on these questions.

The questions need not be traditional "book club" questions. We're mostly just looking for a chance to discuss as we go. Clarify. Share. Converse.

Look for a schedule in the next few days and in the meantime buy your baby one of these funny onesies here.

Question 3

This question is from the author's website.

Did it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart's faults so that she can get married, and that it's not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?

Hello, readers! We will post two questions a day for the next three days on Kathryn Stockett's The Help.

The questions today have been provided by Kelly (despite the "posted by" with my name on it at the end of the posts). So, thanks, Kelly!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more questions...