To satisfy #10 of the 2009 Novel Challenges Mini Challenges, I participated in a group read of The White Tiger, by Aravnd Adiga (read my review). Two of my online book groups (21st Fiction and Booker Prize) read and discussed this book in January.
I thoroughly enjoy my Yahoo book groups. Even if the book is not one I loved, I always walk away with a greater understanding or appreciation of it after reading the discussion in the group. The White Tiger is a weighty book about the divide between the rich and poor in India and there are many cultural and political references which I may not have understood without the input of other more informed readers. For example, one member of the group posted information about how Indians view feet – this is important in the book as the main character is forced to wash his master’s feet. Yet another member provided great information about caste in India. These were things I could have looked up on my own, but perhaps would not have done so…so the group discussion enhanced my understanding of the novel.
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
You know, I’ve been rummaging about for an active Yahoo book group for ages and yet all I can find are ones full of spammers
What am I doing wrong?
(and hello!! random blog hoppage, lol)
I would love to find a group that actually discussed the book. I’m part of a few but no real discussions are happening…yet!! I’m still hopeful
Zoe and Staci: I’m sorry you haven’t had as good luck as I have with my Yahoo groups. I’m in several and most of them are great. I would recommend 21st Fiction andBookies Too very highly…and anyone can join.
Whoops, let me try that link for Bookies Too again.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s nice you had a group to discuss it with.
Sandra: I agree – it was one of those books which I think helps to discuss in order to understand all the subtle stuff.