January 09, 2018
First Meeting of 2018
Hello fellow book enthusiasts!
I hope you all had a refreshing break, ready to rock this semester. We'll be arranging our next meeting for the end of January/beginning of February, and your votes are needed to decide on the date and time. The Doodle below will be active until Wednesday January 17th.
https://doodle.com/poll/uzcv88gubdcq98wd
Memory Jog: The book for January is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
To a better year,
Annoj
December 22, 2017
Book Selected for January
Hey Bookenders!
The vote for January was quite tight, but the winner (by just a single vote) is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Hard copies and e-books of this historical fiction/mystery can be obtained through the Toronto Public Library. I hope you all enjoy your break to the fullest, and we'll see each other again come the end of January!
Hurtling into the future (that is 2018),
Annoj
December 16, 2017
Book Selection for January
Hey Bookends!
If you're reading this right now, you're still surviving the drought of exams (this is fantastic news!).
An overwhelming number of amazing historical fiction nominations have been suggested for January's read. Of these five have been shortlisted for voting, and were selected to best diversify themes as well as setting. The link for voting is below, and you are free to vote for up to two of your favourite books.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CYX7CKL
The survey will be open until Wednesday, December 20th, so make sure to get your votes in by then! Descriptions of each novel can be found below.
Choose wisely,
Annoj
If you're reading this right now, you're still surviving the drought of exams (this is fantastic news!).
An overwhelming number of amazing historical fiction nominations have been suggested for January's read. Of these five have been shortlisted for voting, and were selected to best diversify themes as well as setting. The link for voting is below, and you are free to vote for up to two of your favourite books.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CYX7CKL
The survey will be open until Wednesday, December 20th, so make sure to get your votes in by then! Descriptions of each novel can be found below.
Choose wisely,
Annoj
Memoirs of a Geisha
Arthur Golden, 434 pages, 1997
An alluring tour de force: a brilliant debut novel told with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism as the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love, always elusive, is scorned as illusion.
The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson: A Novel
Jerome Charyn, 348 pages, 2010
Channeling the devilish rhythms and ghosts of a seemingly buried literary past, Charyn removes the mysterious veils that have long enshrouded Dickinson, revealing her passions, inner turmoil, and powerful sexuality. The novel, daringly written in first person, begins in the snow. It's 1848, and Emily is a student at Mount Holyoke, with its mournful headmistress and strict, strict rules. Inspired by her letters and poetry, Charyn goes on to capture the occasionally comic, always fevered, ultimately tragic story of her life-from defiant Holyoke seminarian to dying recluse.
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern, 387 pages, 2011
The circus arrives at night, without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within nocturnal black and white striped tents awaits a unique experience, a feast for the senses, where one can get lost in a maze of clouds, meander through a lush garden made of ice, stand awestruck as a tattooed contortionist folds herself into a small glass box, and gaze in wonderment at an illusionist performing impossible feats of magic.
Beyond the smoke and mirrors, however, a fierce competition is underway - a contest between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood to compete in "a game," in which each must use their powers of illusion to best the other. Unbeknownst to them, this game is a duel to the death, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will.
The Wonder
Emma Donoghue, 291 pages, 2016
A village in 1850s Ireland is mystified by what appears to be a miracle--a little girl seems to be thriving after months without food. An English nurse and an international journalist try to get to the root of why the child may actually be the victim of murder in this psychological thriller.
The Passion of Dolssa
Julie Berry, 478 pages, 2016
In mid-thirteenth century Provence, Dolssa de Stigata is a fervently religious girl who feels the call to preach, condemned by the Inquisition as an "unnatural woman, " and hunted by the Dominican Friar Lucien who fears a resurgence of the Albigensian heresy; Botille is a matchmaker trying to protect her sisters from being branded as gypsies or witches--but when she finds the hunted Dolssa dying on a hillside, she feels compelled to protect her, a decision that may cost her everything.
Arthur Golden, 434 pages, 1997
An alluring tour de force: a brilliant debut novel told with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism as the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love, always elusive, is scorned as illusion.
The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson: A Novel
Jerome Charyn, 348 pages, 2010
Channeling the devilish rhythms and ghosts of a seemingly buried literary past, Charyn removes the mysterious veils that have long enshrouded Dickinson, revealing her passions, inner turmoil, and powerful sexuality. The novel, daringly written in first person, begins in the snow. It's 1848, and Emily is a student at Mount Holyoke, with its mournful headmistress and strict, strict rules. Inspired by her letters and poetry, Charyn goes on to capture the occasionally comic, always fevered, ultimately tragic story of her life-from defiant Holyoke seminarian to dying recluse.
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern, 387 pages, 2011
The circus arrives at night, without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within nocturnal black and white striped tents awaits a unique experience, a feast for the senses, where one can get lost in a maze of clouds, meander through a lush garden made of ice, stand awestruck as a tattooed contortionist folds herself into a small glass box, and gaze in wonderment at an illusionist performing impossible feats of magic.
Beyond the smoke and mirrors, however, a fierce competition is underway - a contest between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood to compete in "a game," in which each must use their powers of illusion to best the other. Unbeknownst to them, this game is a duel to the death, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will.
The Wonder
Emma Donoghue, 291 pages, 2016
A village in 1850s Ireland is mystified by what appears to be a miracle--a little girl seems to be thriving after months without food. An English nurse and an international journalist try to get to the root of why the child may actually be the victim of murder in this psychological thriller.
The Passion of Dolssa
Julie Berry, 478 pages, 2016
In mid-thirteenth century Provence, Dolssa de Stigata is a fervently religious girl who feels the call to preach, condemned by the Inquisition as an "unnatural woman, " and hunted by the Dominican Friar Lucien who fears a resurgence of the Albigensian heresy; Botille is a matchmaker trying to protect her sisters from being branded as gypsies or witches--but when she finds the hunted Dolssa dying on a hillside, she feels compelled to protect her, a decision that may cost her everything.
November 30, 2017
Call for January Nominations
So, while we did get to engage in some rowdy Jeopardy brawls at our meeting (congrats Gargle Blasters!), what we did not do was decide upon our book of the month for January. (In case you're wondering, course notes are the 'book of the month' for December.) Nominations for breathtaking Historical fiction novels are welcome until December 13th. Preferences for nominations include being less than 500 pages in length, strong reviews online, and copies available at the Toronto Public Library.
Best of luck with exams, and I'll see you all on the brighter side!
Towel in hand,
Annoj
November 25, 2017
Meeting of the Month - November
Hello Bookends!
I hope you're all well and keeping your heads above the storm of evaluations. Our meeting of the month has finally been set for Wednesday November 29th from 5-6 pm at University College Rm. 53. It's a cosy round table-styled room in the basement of UC, and its closest entrance is across from the UTSU office. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there, and in the meantime...
Don't panic,
Annoj
I hope you're all well and keeping your heads above the storm of evaluations. Our meeting of the month has finally been set for Wednesday November 29th from 5-6 pm at University College Rm. 53. It's a cosy round table-styled room in the basement of UC, and its closest entrance is across from the UTSU office. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there, and in the meantime...
Don't panic,
Annoj
November 09, 2017
Book of the Month - November
Hello Bookends!
First off, thanks to everyone that showed up Monday in full spirit to discuss the book, and congratulations to Team James for taking the win in our Jeopardy-styled trivia of Silence of the Lambs! Somewhere in between the cookies and the game, we got to vote on what will be our book of the month for November: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! It's a relatively short read (~160 pages) and hard copies can be found at the Toronto Public Library. For online readers, a link to the entire series can be found below:
https://aufbix.org/~bolek/download/guide1.pdf
I'd also like to post a Doodle for our upcoming meeting come 3-4 weeks from now. The poll will be up until November 17th, so make sure to have your say by then.
https://doodle.com/poll/hgnui84tyt7c78iy
Again it was great to see everyone at our meeting yesterday, and I'd love to meet those who weren't able to make it. Happy reading (week), and best of luck with midterms, essays and the rest of the stew.
Cheers,
Annoj
November 04, 2017
Selections for the month of November
These are the shortlisted nominees for the month of November. A big thank you to everyone that contributed to this list! We will be voting at our meeting this Monday, November 6th at SS2101 from 5-6 pm. Alternatively, if you will not be able to make it to the meeting, feel free to e-mail your vote to bookendsuoft@outlook.com by 4 pm this Monday with subject heading "November Vote."
Cheers!
Cheers!
Blackwing
Ed McDonald, 360 pages, 2017
Under a cracked and wailing sky, the Misery is a vast and blighted expanse, created when the Engine, the most powerful weapon in the world, was unleashed against the immortal Deep Kings. Across the wasteland, teeming with corrupted magic and malevolent wraiths, the Deep Kings and their armies are still watching—and still waiting.
Ryhalt Galharrow is no stranger to the Misery. The bounty hunter journeys to a remote outpost, armed for killing both men and monsters, and searching for a mysterious noblewoman. He finds himself in the middle of a shocking attack by the Deep Kings, one that should not be possible. Only a fearsome show of power from the very woman he is seeking saves him.
Once, long ago, he knew the woman well, and together they stumble onto a web of conspiracy that threatens to unmake everything they hold dear and end the fragile peace the Engine has provided. Galharrow is not ready for the truth about the blood he’s spilled and the gods he’s supposed to serve…
Ender’s Game
Orson Scott Card, 324 pages, 1985
Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?
Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions?
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams, 179 pages, 1979
It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace bypass and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed with the big, friendly words: DON'T PANIC. The weekend has only just begun...
Cold Burn of Magic
Jennifer Estep, 323 pages, 2015
It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival families killing each other for power.
I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.
But then some nasty characters bring their family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her...
Ed McDonald, 360 pages, 2017
Under a cracked and wailing sky, the Misery is a vast and blighted expanse, created when the Engine, the most powerful weapon in the world, was unleashed against the immortal Deep Kings. Across the wasteland, teeming with corrupted magic and malevolent wraiths, the Deep Kings and their armies are still watching—and still waiting.
Ryhalt Galharrow is no stranger to the Misery. The bounty hunter journeys to a remote outpost, armed for killing both men and monsters, and searching for a mysterious noblewoman. He finds himself in the middle of a shocking attack by the Deep Kings, one that should not be possible. Only a fearsome show of power from the very woman he is seeking saves him.
Once, long ago, he knew the woman well, and together they stumble onto a web of conspiracy that threatens to unmake everything they hold dear and end the fragile peace the Engine has provided. Galharrow is not ready for the truth about the blood he’s spilled and the gods he’s supposed to serve…
Ender’s Game
Orson Scott Card, 324 pages, 1985
Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?
Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions?
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams, 179 pages, 1979
It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace bypass and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed with the big, friendly words: DON'T PANIC. The weekend has only just begun...
Cold Burn of Magic
Jennifer Estep, 323 pages, 2015
It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival families killing each other for power.
I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.
But then some nasty characters bring their family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her...
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