Hello book worms! I’m excited to hear what you thought about our February book selection: The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. Did you get a chance to read it? I gave it a 3/5 stars. I’ve got 3 questions below, and Lisa’s got 3 as well over on her blog. Feel free to discuss any or all of the questions in the comment section or link-up your post at the bottom. Lisa and I are sharing the same link-up, so you don’t have to enter on both blogs. The linky will close in a week. Alright, let’s get started!
I’m not a big fan of historical fiction, which is why I gave the book such a low score. I did love the writing style and how the events intertwined throughout the book to make a complete puzzle in the end. I thought the characters were well developed and intriguing which kept me reading.
And now, for the discussion. Before I begin, I’ll remind you that there may be spoilers ahead. Also, feel free to use my questions as jumping points. Ask your own questions and start your own discussions.
- Forrest Gump is my favorite movie, which is why I think I related so well with this story. I especially liked Allen’s belief to not worry about things because ‘whatever happens, happens.’ What was your favorite ‘right place at the right time’ moment in this story (with Allen or any of the other characters)? I enjoyed the end of the book, knowing that he got married (and had sex for the first time) at 101. He’d made friends with Herbert (Albert Einstein’s dim brother) who’d wanted nothing but to be dead but hadn’t the courage to kill himself. As the story went on, Herbert had fallen in love with an equally dim girl from Indonesia, governed the land and had a family. Allen had thought it comical that they were able to accomplish so much but 40+ years later went to visit her for a vacation and fell in love.
- Would you call Allen a role model? Why or why not? I would definitely call Allen a role model. He did everything in good moral standings. He never gave up on people and made sure to always re-pay his debts. Allen was not shy to do things his way, even if it meant possible death! His best attribute was putting faith in people and never leaving a man behind (if he could help it.)
- Who is the oldest person you know? What did you learn from that person and did reading this book make you wish you could hear more about that person’s personal story? The oldest person I know is my Grandma. I’ve only just recently been asking her more about what it was like for her growing up. This book has definitely sparked my interest in learning more about her past and sad that I did not learn more from my other grandparents.
Now, it’s your turn! Answer any or all of the questions in the comment section below. Ask questions of your own. Or, link-up a blog post with your review and/or the answers to these questions. Also be sure to check out Lisa’s discussion questions on her blog. We’re sharing the same linky, so no need to link-up on both blogs.
Remember our March selection is Wonder by RJ Palacio. Though it’s a book for 8-11 year olds, I’m certain it could teach me a thing or two. We’ll be discussing Wonder on March 27.
Hey girl! I had to give the book 5/5 because I think it’s a book worth reading. I was surprised I enjoyed the historical fiction parts :). I blogged about my favorite part :). I was rather surprised that Allen gave no qualms about making the elephant kill the 2nd henchman. That was the only death he incurred that was intentional (besides the blowing-up of that Russian labor camp). Other than that, I enjoyed his laidback attitude and that he never gave up on life. His love of vodka was humorous. The oldest person I knew was my dad. He would have been 100 this year actually. He didn’t remember or tell us much about this past. I knew that he grew up very poor, was in the war as a cook (the Chinese communist war in the book!) and escaped to Taiwan. Then came to America to work as a chef.
I’m a harsh critic with books and movies! I’ll crack up throughout a movie and give it 1-2 stars! 😀 Jeffrey thinks I’m weird. I wish your dad wad able to remember more to tell you. He may have wanted to forget some though…I would if I were in a war for sure. <3
Hello lovely lady! I just finished the book and will hopefully have my post up tomorrow sometime! All I will say for now is that while this is not something I would normally have chosen…I actually kind of liked it! 🙂 Have an amazing weekend, Shelly!
YAY!!!! I’m glad we inspired you to read something out of your norm! I’m excited to see what you thought of the book! I’m already 30% through our next book (Wonder) because it’s such a fast read! I love it so far. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!