Turn Up The Heat

"A book is the only place where you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face." --Edward P. Morgan, American journalist

Do you enjoy a heated discussion about...books?

Years ago, after choosing T.C.Boyle's "Tortilla Curtain" for a library-based book discussion group, I had a woman fly into the room, slam the book on the table and declare she'd hated it. Then she proceeded to rage about the book almost nonstop and practically hijacked the group discussion.

I felt I had made a really good choice.

Yes, she said she hated the book; however, the plot and characters profoundly affected her. As a group, we talked about whether the book made us feel uncomfortable.

Boyle's story demands the characters meet, head on, with people that make them nervous. Was it Boyle's assertion that merely writing a check or verbally supporting a group (or an idea) simply isn't enough that made the reader uneasy?

When talking about books, we often reveal our true selves. Which characters made us laugh or weep? Did we sigh or roll our eyes at the end? Mock or defend?

There are books guaranteed to provide the fire and get the conversation started with any book group.

Books for Heated Discussions 

Tortilla Curtain - Boyle, T.C. Published in more than 24 languages, Boyle's crowning achievement shares the story of various segments of society converging. (F)

Dear American Airlines - Miles, Jonathan. This is the grouchy complaint letter you wish you could/would write. Throughout the novel, we learn about the life of Bennie Ford. I dare you to not feel uncomfortable at times. (F)

Going Gray - Kreamer, Anne. To go gray or not? As baby boomers continue their march into the middle ages, the questions pile on. Author Kreamer was surprised by people's reactions to her decision to stop coloring her hair and going naturally gray. (NF)

Middlesex - Eugenides, Jeffrey. Arguably one of the best opening lines in many years..."I was born twice: first as a baby girl on a remarkably smogless Detroit day of January 1960; and then again as a teenage boy, in an emergency room near Petoskey, Michigan in August of 1974." Please read the story of Cal Stephanides. (F)

Destiny of the Republic - Millard, Candice. You will be thankful for medical breakthroughs of our lifetime after reading the story of President James Garfield's death. Garfield was shot by a would-be killer, but what really shortened his life? (NF)

You Know When The Men Are Gone - Fallon, Siobhan. A series of connected short stories that tell the story of life at Fort Hood, Texas. Well-written and poignant without being sentimental. (F)

Paris Wife - McLain, Paula. I've never been a huge fan of Papa Hemingway and this book doesn't change that feeling. However, McLain's skilled storytelling brings to life the acclaimed author, his wife, Hadley, and their life in Paris. I'll be reading Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" this summer. (F)

Invisible Bridge - Orringer, Julie. One of my favorite books of 2011. Orringer tells the story of a Europe on the brink of WWII through the eyes of a young man dreaming of being an architect. Beautiful writing! (F)

Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Skloot, Rebecca. Ms. Lacks' cells have lived on long past her death from cancer in 1951. Great medical strides have been made from using these cells; however, no consent was requested of Ms. Lacks and no monetary compensation was offered. (NF)

Lucy - Gonzales, Jeffrey. Lucy is a bonobo chimp with an interesting past. Discover the shocking truth along with Jenny Lowe, primatologist, as she struggles with the question of what truly makes us human. (F)

Mall - Bogosian, Eric. Described as "outrageous & dark," this is the story of five people at a suburban mall. A young man with serious mental problems heads to the mall with a weapon. Guess what happens next... (F)

Mrs. Kimble - Haigh, Jennifer. A winner with my book group. If you have ever wondered why a smart woman could ever fall for such a questionable guy, this is the book for you. (F) 

Independence Day - Ford, Richard. My book group had a lively discussion after reading this Pulitzer Prize winner. Ford's character, Frank, produced strong feelings among us. Will you find Frank flawed but likeable (as one woman did) or an exasperating character (as another woman did)? The second book in a trilogy. (F)



Thanks to Hilary Price for her lighthearted look at book groups and for her
willingness to share this on the blog. Please check out Hilary's website: www.rhymeswithorange.com.