We're taking a break...

It seems to have been a busy summer for everyone at WordRampage. For this reason, the book club took a vacation for the months of August and September. We'll update soon with the selection for our next discussion.

July Book Discussion

The July book selection is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. The picture to the left is from the original book cover that was published in the late 1990s. However, you are probably more familiar with the picture below it, which originated as a theatrical release poster when the book was made into a movie of the same name in 2005.

The book discussion will take place in the WR Beginner's Room on Saturday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m. EDT. If you let Marla, Anissa, Faith, Cross or Janet know ahead of time that you will be participating in the discussion, they will make sure you get a copy of the discussion questions prior to that date, but feel free to just stop in and join the conversation.

Here is an excerpt from the original book jacket:

Sayuri's story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. Through her eyes, we see the decadent heart of Gion--the geisha district of Kyoto--with its marvelous teahouses and theaters, narrow back alleys, ornate temples, and artists' streets. And we witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it. But as World War II erupts and the geisha houses are forced to close, Sayuri, with little money and even less food, must reinvent herself all over again to find a rare kind of freedom on her own terms.

Author: Arthur Golden; Publisher: Random House, 1997; 320-448 pgs.

June Book Discussion

The June book selection is Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The discussion will take place in the WordRampage Beginner's Room at 9:00 a.m. EDT (that's 11:00 p.m. for Cross) on Saturday, June 27th. Some consider this book merely a work of science fiction, while others see it as a social criticism warning against the dangers of censorship. It's a short book , so grab a copy to read then come share your view with your WR friends. If you are interested in participating, please either email or speak with Marla, Faith, Anissa, Cross or Janet (if she ever shows up!), and we will make sure you get a copy of the discussion questions prior to that day. Otherwise, feel free to just drop in and join the conversation.

Here is an excerpt from the book taken from the author's website:

Guy Montag was a fireman whose job it was to start fires...

The system was simple. Everyone understood it. Books were for burning ... along with the houses in which they were hidden.

Guy Montag enjoyed his job. He had been a fireman for ten years, and he had never questioned the pleasure of the midnight runs nor the joy of watching pages consumed by flames... never questioned anything until he met a seventeen-year-old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid.

Then he met a professor who told him of a future in which people could think... and Guy Montag suddenly realized what he had to do!

Author: Ray Bradbury; Publisher: Del Rey, 1953; 179 pages

May Book Discussion

The May book selection is Not without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody. We will meet in the WR Beginner's Room at 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 23rd. An interesting discussion should ensue with both positive and negative opinions about the book, the story it tells, and relevant topics. If you are interested in participating, please either email or mention it to Marla, Faith, Anissa, Cross or Janet and we will make sure you get a copy of the discussion questions prior to that day. Otherwise, feel free to just drop in and join the conversation.

The following is a synoposis taken from the publisher's website:

Betty Mahmoody and her husband, Dr Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody ('Moody'), came to Iran from the USA to meet Moody's family. With them was their four-year-old daughter, Mahtob. Appalled by the squalor of their living conditions, horrified by what she saw of a country where women are merely chattels and Westerners are despised, Betty soon became desperate to return to the States. But Moody, and his often vicious family, had other plans. Mother and daughter became prisoners of an alien culture, hostages of an increasingly tyrannical and violent man.

Betty began to try to arrange an escape. Evading Moody's sinister spy network, she secretly met sympathisers opposed to Khomeini's savage regime. But every scheme that was suggested to her meant leaving Mahtob behind forever...

Author: Betty Mahmoody, Publisher: Transworld Publishers, Ltd., 2004; 521 pages

Let's try that again...

It seems several of the "regulars" didn't make it to Saturday's book discussion...either because they didn't read the book (Janet clears her throat), they forgot (Faith averts her eyes), they were busy (Donna checks her to-do list), or they were too tired (Cross pours another cup of coffee).

In any case, a second discussion has been arranged for Thursday, April 16, at 9:00 a.m EDT. Feel free to join us in the Beginner's Room, regardless of whether or not you read the book. We always have some very interesting conversations on topics loosely related to, but not necessarily specific to, the book in question. The next book selection will also be announced at that time. Everyone is invited!

Our First WR baby

One of our newer friends has recently given birth to a beautiful new WordRampage baby. As far as we know, he is the first baby born to a "practicing Rampager" since the site originated in June 2008!

Maygan, who has been playing at WR for a few months, gave birth to baby Ryan on March 5th. He's an adorable little guy who entered the world at just 6 pounds 12 ounces and a smidgen under 19 inches.

We're so happy that Maygan was kind enough to share pictures of her little man with us. The first was taken the day after Ryan was born, and the second is at almost a week old. Congratulations, Maygan!

By the way, Ryan wouldn't happen to be your new son's middle name, would it? I'm thinking William Ryan or Walter Ryan or even Wesley Ryan would be nice. Anything that would give him the initials WR!

April Book Discussion

The Handmaid's Tale led to interesting conversation on topics from conformity to suffrage to religion at today's book club meeting. For April, Marla has chosen The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. This book was originally written in Portuguese but has since won the Guinness World Record for the most translated book by a living author, having been translated into 67 languages! The discussion for this book will be on Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m. EST. If you are interested in participating, please speak with Anissa, Cross, Faith, Janet or Marla so you can be sent a copy of the discussion questions via email prior to the meeting.

This is a synopsis taken from the Reading Group Guides website:

Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, has a dream about finding a treasure in the pyramids of Egypt. A gypsy woman and an old man claiming to be a mysterious king advise him to pursue it. "To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation," the old man tells him. "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

This story, timeless and entertaining, exotic yet simple, breaks down the journey we all take to find the most meaningful treasures in our lives into steps that are at once natural and magical. It is about the faith, power, and courage we all have within us to pursue the intricate path of a Personal Legend, a path charted by the mysterious magnet of destiny but obscured by distractions. Santiago shows how along the way we learn to trust our hearts, read the seemingly inconspicuous signs, and understand that as we look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find us, if we let it.

Author: Paulo Coelho; Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993; 197 pages

Limericks

We have a talented new member of the family here at WordRampage. Mad Giraffe had been boggling at another site for a couple of weeks. Then, about a week ago, Marla invited her to join us at WR. She's been hooked ever since...and why not? We're pretty much irresistible! During a conversation earlier this week, Marla and MLO encouraged Mad Giraffe to write a limerick about her experience here. She did such a great job, we just had to share it with everyone!

There once was a sane giraffe
Who boggled just for a laugh
Many a 3-letter word
She found quite absurd
And now her poor brain's split in half

My life now just isn't the same
And boggling takes all the blame
I'm in a huge rut
Husband thinks I'm a nut
But I just can't stop playing the game

Vern is apparently an aspiring poet as well. The parents of each student in his daughter's third-grade class were asked to write a limerick about their child. Here's what our clever WR member wrote.

A glass-slippered princess named Allison
Had a pumpkin to ride to the palace in
But it didn't suffice
'Cause her cats ate the mice
So she rode in the car that her pal was in

March Book Discussion

Please double-check the date. It has changed since the original post.

It was decided last month that we would take turns choosing the book for our monthly discussions. For our March selection, Anissa has picked The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. The discussion for this book will be on Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m. EST. If you would like to join us, please let Anissa, Cross, Donna, Faith, Janet or Marla know so you can receive a copy of the discussion questions via email prior to the meeting.

Here is a synopsis of the book from the Random House/Anchor site:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.

Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now....

Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

Author: Margaret Atwood; Publisher: Anchor, March 1998; 325 pages

THE RAMPETTES THEME SONG

Created by Janet and Dorrit
(to The Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song tune)

Come and listen to a story ‘bout Mike and JB
Made a website and found Leap, then there was three
First thing you know they was tootin' their own horn
Within the first month, the Rampettes were born

Gals, they is...classy ones...fast typin'

The word soon went out all over the ‘Net

They came from Australia, New York and Tibet

They formed them a bond as strong as any glue

And now they chat and play...it's what the Rampettes do

Multitask...chewin' the fat...'n bogglin'

The words bubble out from a grid of sixteen
Those Rampettes sure seem nice, but they play really mean
I've heard it said they're the best Bogglers around
And they talk themselves to death, but they never make a sound

Brainy gals...quiet too…ceptin’ their keyboards

February Book Discussion

We had such a great discussion about January's book selection, Nineteen Minutes, that we are planning to meet in the Beginner's Room again this Saturday morning, January 17, to continue our conversation. We have also chosen the book for our February discussion. The next book we will be reading is An Unquiet Mind, by Kay Redfield Jamison. The discussion will be on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. EST. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Anissa, Cross, Donna, Faith, Janet or Marla to be added to the list of those who will receive the discussion questions via email prior to the meeting.

The following is a synopsis of the book:

For years, Kay Redfield Jamison led a double life. An international authority on manic-depressive illness, and one of the few women who have achieved the status of full professor of medicine at an American university, Jamison was harboring a secret: she herself suffered from manic-depression. In her memoir, An Unquiet Mind, Jamison tells of her battle with the illness: the joy of the manic highs, which gave her an omnipotent feeling of cosmic connectedness, and the terrifying depressions, when she wanted only to die. [The author] used her zeal and intensity, and her impressive intellectual gifts, to bring the complexities of manic-depressive illness to the world's attention. Her work has helped save countless lives.

Author:Kay Redfield Jamison; Publisher:Picador, May 1997; 240 pages

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS!

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS!

Happy Birthday to Janet who celebrates her special day on January 19th! May your day be wonderful and most of all, may there be many, many more!

Update to January book discussion!

UPDATE TO JANUARY BOOK DISCUSSION!

NEW TIME & DATE: SAT. JANUARY 10, 9 A.M. EST

Janet would like everyone to know that the book discussions are open to everyone - please let Janet, Faith or Marla know if you're interested in attending as I believe there may be discussion topics emailed to folks before the 10th!

Just as a refresher the book is: 19 minutes by Jodi Picoult.

I've read it and it's an excellent book as most of hers are. You can't go wrong reading something by Jodi Picoult!

Happy New Year to all and may the book discussion be lively and well attended!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Word Rampage has so many visitors from all over the world and while we are a diverse community, there's come to be a friendship and strong bond between many members.

Keeping that in mind I'd like to wish all of our friends, visitors and their families a very happy holiday season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukah, Diwali or something different ~ may your celebrations be happy and may there also be many, many more!

BOOK CLUB NEWS!

Book Discussion News!

Word is that the WR book discussion went well this Saturday, but will also be held again on December 10 at 8 a.m. EST so that some other members can attend. Just as a refresher the book being discussed is EAt, Laugh, Pray.

January's book will be:

19 Minutes

by Jodi Picoult

It is a novel about a teenager who endures years of bullying by schoolmates before going on a shooting rampage at his high school. This book will lead to discussions about many topics including bullying, peer pressure, school violence and prevention, and other moral and social issues.

Initial discussion for this book is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 3, at 9:00 a.m. EST.

(Note from Leap: I have read this book and most by Jodi Picoult and it is a great book! Would highly recommend it!)

Janet, thanks for the update and ladies, I hope a good time was had by all!

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI, MLO & Rebeccacdm!!!

We have 3 November birthdays!

Lori's birthday is Nov. 23rd ~~ happiest returns to you with many more!

MLO's birthday is Nov. 24th ~~ blessed day to you & many more!

Rebeccacdm's birthday is Nov. 26th ~~ happy birthday & here's to lots more!

P.S. Apologizes from the blog mistress for mistakenly forgetting to add MLO's birthday at first. Sorry my friend!

P.P.S. Thanks to MLO for informing me about Rebeccacdm's special day also!

Change to book discussion date!

The first book discussion has been changed to Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 AM EST. Thanks all!

Marla's great idea!

Marla's grrrrreat idea!

Marla had this awesome idea that maybe we could put a google-earth type map on the blog with a marker for people's locations! How cool is that? We can just glance and see people's lives that we've touched all over the world! It also might interest others in joining our little community.

So if you want your marker placed on the map please let one of us know. Marla is keeping a list and if you'd rather email, contact me: leapfrog0202@msn.com

Thanks ~~ and let's keep those great ideas coming!

Breaking news ~ 1st WordRampagers Meeting!

1st IRL WordRampagers Meeting took place on 10/15/08!

Lots of excitement on the WR site lately as Anissa, Marla and Faith have recently met each other IRL (in real life in Leap/web shorthand). These 3 Rampagers were said to have had a great time together!

We're hoping this sets a precedent & many more IRL meetings are in our futures ~ shoot, Cross, Chr & our other non-USA located friends should start planning trips right now!

Book Discussion Group Anyone?

Attention all readers!

Faith, Marla, Cross & Janet (mentioned in no particular order) were thinking of starting a book discussion group so if anyone is interested please continue reading!

This idea is still being tossed around but since I'm just the messenger I will let Faith's email to me do the "talking":

We would choose a book & on the first of every month, we would 'meet' at a prearranged time (we discussed 9 am est since we represent a wide range of time zones & that is just a time that Janet, Marla, Cross & I could make it fairly predictably - we are open to other ideas on time). We thought that others might want to join us. We would use the beginners room so we wouldn't annoy anyone who was playing the game.

The first book we want to read & discuss is

EAt, Pray, Love

by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Anyone interested please let Janet, Cross, Marla or Faith know. Or you can email me at: leapfrog0202@msn.com and I will pass along the message!

If this becomes something that is popular we can certainly find another "place" to have the discussions ~ more of a "chat" room so we don't use all WR's bandwidth, but this is a good starting place for now. Please come join the fun!