{#NFBookClub} The Sixth Extinction Read-Along, Part 1

Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cataclysm is us.

In prose that is at once frank, entertaining, and deeply informed, The New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert tells us why and how human beings have altered life on the planet in a way no species has before. Interweaving research in half a dozen disciplines, descriptions of the fascinating species that have already been lost, and the history of extinction as a concept, Kolbert provides a moving and comprehensive account of the disappearances occurring before our very eyes. She shows that the sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy, compelling us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.  

Chapters 1 - 8 Discussion Questions

Have you learned anything that’s really surprised you so far? 

Yes! The most surprising thing to learn so far was how quickly the Great Auks were extinguished! It was a real eye-opener to see things from a broader perspective after it had all happened - and it was terribly sad to read about the death of the last two known living Great Auks.

Are the descriptions of how science is done matching your expectations? 

So far, yes. The author really gets into detail while explaining things for readers who may be less familiar with the processes taking place.

So far, do you have any ideas for things people could do to prevent causing more extinctions? How likely do you think it is that we’ll make the necessary changes? 

Not really - this book is rather depressing. It just isn't likely that we can make the changes necessary in time to truly have any major impact - especially when you consider that the majority of the population seems to care more about either money and profit (such as in terms of the agriculture industry, etc) or themselves to really care enough about how their actions are impacting the environment, and what will be in store for future generations. Though, when too many people think that their actions can't make a difference, it also has an impact...

Have the many topics the author has covered made you want to learn about any specific topic in more detail? 

Actually, this book has really made me want to get started on reading Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species.

What location the author visited would you most like to visit? 

Gola del Bottaccione, in Gubbio, Italy. The moment I read about it, I looked up Gola del Bottaccione online and knew I wanted to visit one day. I was fascinated at the idea of getting to see (and perhaps even touch!) actual traces of the asteroid that brought about the end of the Cretaceous period. Plus, the town of Gubbio itself looks fascinating in and of itself!

(as a reminder, she’s been to El Valle de Anton, Panama in a volcanic crater, which used to have golden frogs; the Museum of Natural History in Paris; Reykjavik with the Icelandic Institute of National History and last island of the auks; Gola del Bottaccione, the ravine with the asteroid remains just North of Rome; Scotland with the Dob Linn stratified rock; Castello Aragonese, the castle on an island with acidic oceans; and One Tree Island, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef)

{Sign-Up} The Sixth-Extinction Read-Along!

I've been wanting to read Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction ever since I first heard Michael's recommendation on the Books on the Nightstand podcast earlier this year. To be honest, I don't read as much non-fiction as I would like to, so hopefully this will be the push I need to get me to start reading this one - I already placed it on hold at my local library, so I should be able to check it out and start reading it this week. Here's a synopsis of what the book's about:

Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cataclysm is us.

In prose that is at once frank, entertaining, and deeply informed, The New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert tells us why and how human beings have altered life on the planet in a way no species has before. Interweaving research in half a dozen disciplines, descriptions of the fascinating species that have already been lost, and the history of extinction as a concept, Kolbert provides a moving and comprehensive account of the disappearances occurring before our very eyes. She shows that the sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy, compelling us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.  

If you're interested in signing up for the read-along, you can do so over at Doing Dewey's sign-up post HERE. Sign-ups are open from now through September 26th, and you can follow the discussion on Twitter using #NFBookClub. Here's a copy of the schedule:

Google Doc Opens for Free Form Discussion – September 1

Ch 1-8 Discussion Questions Posted – September 10

Ch 9-16 Discussion Questions Posted – September 24

I hope to see you there!

{Week Three} Don't Fear The Reaper Read-Along

Chapters 11 - 16 Questions

1) I do have a soft spot for Charley's Aunt Lilian. She is sweet and soft while somehow also being a little dirty and I find that hilarious in an aunt. Do you have any relatives dead or alive that remind you of Aunt Lillian? If not, tell me about your favorite deceased relative. 

Not really. I don't really know any of my relatives. I suppose my favorite deceased relative would be my dad? What a strange question...he's the only one I knew, anyway. He was nothing like Aunt Lillian though - I don't think I even know anyone like her...

2) In these chapters, we get a little closer to Reyes and his secrets. Neil, the warden at the prison where Reyes is currently incarcerated - and a high school mate of Charley's - tells a story about how Reyes ended up in the Coma and something he witnessed. What do you think of the story? What does this lead you to think about Reyes?

I believe the story. Reyes is definitely something supernatural, but not something Charley's seen before. Something different. I just don't know what yet....maybe a demon or something?

3) One of the things I love most about Ubie and Charley's relationship is that Ubie aka Uncle Bob has absolute faith in our Charley. Maybe it's because Charley's been solving murder cases for ages and Ubie knows that Charley knows things. If you could pick a super power, which one would you choose? Seeing the dead? Invisibility?

You know, now that I think of it, I would probably choose her powers. It would just be so interesting to see and speak with the dead. Plus, if I could also speak and understand every language that ever existed, that'd be great, too. It'd open up a whole new world to me.

4) Okay, in my opinion, there is nothing better than walking into your living room and seeing the god-like creature of your dreams standing there waiting for you. If you were in Charley's shoes, who would be standing in your living room??

Mmmm....I don't know. The Doctor. Preferably in his Tenth incarnation, but I'm not too picky. Could he have the TARDIS with him? I'll say yes.

5) We get a surprise visit from Rosie's husband and we find out some information about Reyes...that he and The Big Bad are the same guy. What are your thoughts? Were you surprised about Rosie's husband or did you feel that one coming? What about Bad Reyes, had you already made the connection?

I felt it coming. Charley's thoughts keep going back to Rosie in her free time, so I felt there was more coming with that. Maybe there still is. I also had made the connection with Reyes. It was too easy, really.

{Week Three} Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long

1) In the beginning of this section Noah decides to ignore Echo because he's angry and hurt. What did you think of this? Have you ever experienced a friendship that went awry and they started ignoring you?

I think it sucks. Echo ignored him at school, too, but two wrongs don't make a right. They both had their jerk moments. I definitely know what it's like to be ignored by people who were once friends. In elementary school, my group of "friends" would pick a different person each time they felt like it to ignore, and run away from on the playground. I was 'chosen' a few times, so I'd just go play on the tether-ball courts with other kids if that happened. Kids are friggin' mean.

2) Noah has a bit of a false reputation. Everyone thinkgs he's a big druggie and a guy that just randomly hooks up with girls. While some of it is true to a certain extent, we see it's not really him. Have you ever had a false reputation where people draw their own conclusions? Do you think Noah should do something to make people not think that about him?

I was always "the quiet one." Got on my nerves, really, but the only reason I was so introverted and shy in high school was because I had such shitty "friends" in elementary, and in middle school we finally broke apart and I became kind of a loner and spent lunch in the school library (where I discovered Harry Potter). Normally around real friends I'm really loud and funny, but only if I'm with people I'm comfortable with. Otherwise, I'm quiet and unnoticeable. Honestly, it doesn't matter what everyone thinks of Noah. Who the hell cares? He's a good person. If people choose not to see that, it doesn't matter - it's not like he'll see them again. All that matters is that he allows the people he cares about know the real him.

3) Ashley finds out she's having a boy and informs Echo she will have a brother 'again'. Echo took this very personally and was extremely upset. Do you think Echo overreacted? Do you think Ashley meant that the new brother would replace her brother?

I think Ashley annoyed the hell out of me, because she chose to ignore any real issues. I would have been pissed, too, if I were Echo. What they should have done was talk to each other. Then things would have been easier. They were both in the wrong, but Ashley could have tried harder, since Echo was the one going through some tough and emotional times.

4) Echo doesn't remember what happened with her mother and for this reason she has troubles seeing her the way everyone else does. She can't seem to not miss her and still wants to talk to her. Do you think she should pursue finding her mom? Do you think it will help her or do you think she would be in danger?

Of course she should try finding her mom. She's her mom. If you want to solve a problem, you have to start at the root. And Echo needs to do what she thinks is necessary to help herself, because she is the only one who truly knows what she needs. Plus, if she manages to meet her mom, she could always do it in a public place if she feels unsafe.

5) Noah doesn't trust the people who have his brothers because of his own past situations. He decides to seek out a lawyer himself and try to get custody. Do you think this is his best move? Do you think there are some other options he should consider? 

I think he believed it was the best thing to do at the time, but I really wish he would just think things through rationally. He's acting purely with his heart, and not much of his head. He was in no position to provide for those kids. What really should have happened was that he should have gotten together with the foster parents and had a long discussion. But he didn't think things through, and once again, he wasn't the only one to blame: the foster parents were acting like jerks, and that one social worker was a pain, too, with a false image of Noah.

6) Echo finds out that Noah and his parents built houses for Habitat for Humanity. Have you ever volunteered for something like that? What is a cause that you feel strongly about?

I would like to volunteer for them, but I haven't yet. In high school I used to volunteer at the Region 19 head-start every other Friday for a semester. I also volunteered regularly for a few years at a non-profit store that gave all proceeds to the Child Crisis Center. And in college I volunteered for a semester to help teach kids in an under-privilaged neighborhood how to read. I really enjoyed that. Illiteracy is a major problem, and I'd like to do more to help with that cause.

{Week Two} Don't Fear The Reaper Read-A-Long

Chapters 6 - 10 Questions
*This one is a tad late*

1) Shiny objects and old family stories are told in this chapter, including an old nickname for our dear Charley. What was the nickname her uncle Bob gave her when she was little? Do you have an old nickname from when you were a kid? You can share it, and if it's really embarrassing we won't mind. *wink*

Charley's old nickname was Calamity Jane, which is why her father named his bar Calamity's. I never really had a nickname, but while I was in the first grade some of my classmates called me the pink ranger (since my name's Kimberly), and anytime power ranger valentine's cards were given in elementary school, I always got the pink ranger.

2) In this chapter we met someone. A really special guy named Rocket. Now, my memory is not what it used to be, and I just can't remember what makes him so special. Can you tell me what makes this particular ghost unique among all the others? And how about you? What can you do that makes you special? Anything? Jump on one foot for a really long time counts. *giggle*

Rocket knew the moment someone died, and never forgot a name. Before he died, he was able to see the departed, just like Charley. I don't really have any special skills or talents, but I am good at solving puzzles and logic problems, if that counts.

3) Charley is really *cough* not your ordinary girl. She does something that, well, there's no way around it. She named parts of her body and the names are... oh crap, I forgot. Just my luck. *sigh* But I'm sure you guys can say what part of her body she named and what the names were. And, since we are on the matter, have you ever named a part of your body? If so, what was it and what was the name? Come on, don't be shy. *wink+crooked smile*

She named her boobs! Her right breast is 'Danger,' and her left one is 'Will Robinson.' Reading that really cracked me up! Who names their boobs after a 1960's catchphrase? Charley Davidson. It actually fits her, though. I can easily say that I have never named a part of my body. 

4) We all have our little secrets. Things we don't tell anyone, not even our bff. Char (we became close :P ) is no different, but in this chapter she shared her little (big) secret (S) with her bff. What did you think about her reaction? What would be yours?

I love Cookie! She actually wants to know, and she's trying, which is a lot. I'd like to think I'd be the same. My friends are important to me, and nothing they would say could make me stop being their friend. I'd probably be more cool about it, though. I mean, once I already believe, then nothing else I'd learn would really come of that much surprise.

5) In this chapter, Char continues her heart-to-heart with her BFF and comes up with some theories about our fave badboy/possibly ghost. What do you think of it? Can it be? What do you think about him? Hot? Double chocolate hot? Super duper caramel chocolate cake with a cherry on top hot?

I think Reyes and The Big Bad are one and the same. I don't know what the heck he is, but he's supernatural all right. I don't know what I think of him though. It's disturbing that he has sex with Char in her sleep, when she doesn't know who he is, or that it's more than just a dream. It's creepy, actually. Plus, when she met him that one time in her teens, he was a complete ass. He may be major eye-candy, but I'd be wary. Liking him seems like it would be destructive, and possibly stupid, given the circumstances and the creep-factor. I'd have to wait and read more in order to formulate a better opinion.

{Week Two} Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long

1) Noah and Echo create a plan to read their files. What do you think of this plan? Would you read your friend's file first knowing you might not have time to read your own? Would you want to read your own file?

I can say right now that I'm too much of a chicken to even think of doing something like that, so I'm not crazy about that plan. I would for sure read my friend's file first, if the situation ever arised, because as I said, I wouldn't be too keen on the idea in the first place, so if it's more important to my friend, then sure, I'd put them first.

2) Mrs. Collin's starts to earn Noah's trust by taking him to see his brother win a writing contest. What do you think of how she's handling Noah? How would you feel if you were in Noah's position, hearing that your brother sees you as his hero?

I think she's "handling" him great - she's doing what she can to ensure he see's his brothers more, and that particular visit really helped him to see that his brother's love him just as much as he loves them. If I were in Noah's position, I'd feel very touched, and also proud.

3) Echo is starting to draw and paint again. She's starting to express her feelings as she remembers what happened that day. Art therapy seems to be a popular way for people to deal with their feelings. Why do you think Echo's dad didn't want her to continue with art since it was such a big part of her, and is part of so many people's therapy in dealing with similar issues?

Echo's dad seems torn about whether or not he wants Echo to really remember what had happened that day. He mistakenly seems to think he's doing what's best for her by controlling her class schedule and extracurricular activities.

4) We see how crazy Beth's home life is and we start to understand why she is not as keen to be trusting with people in her life. At the same time, we get to see how fiercely loyal Noah is. What do you think of the way Noah reacted to Beth being beaten by her mother's boyfriend? Do you it's showing bad behavior that could get Noah in more trouble or the act of a true friend?

Noah's a great friend in that he truly cares about his friends, but he was acting off his emotions at the time, rather than with his head. It was a stupid move, in that getting caught would probably have kept him from seeing his brothers again, but you can't really blame him. Still, I wish he would have just called the cops on that douche-bag instead.

5) Echo has an unusual name. What do you think of the story behind it? Is there a Greek myth or other story that would inspire you to name a child after a character?

I think she has an awesome name - and I liked hearing about the story behind it! Granted, it was a rather depressing story, what with Echo losing her voice and being forced to only repeat others, but it was unique. I haven't come across any particular names in Greek mythology that I'd care to name a kid after. In books, I do love the name Hermione, but I don't think I'd be able to use that name for a kid, as it'll probably just cause a lot of rolled eyes.

6) Echo's big thing is trying to find "normal" again. She doesn't want to be the scared girl or the girl who can't remember what happened to her, she just wants to be normal. This goal impacts her relationship with her family, friends, Noah and her ex, Luke. But at the end of this section, Echo is starting to figure out that there's no going back to old normal and she's going to have to find a new normal. How big of a step is it for Echo when she realizes she's not "in" love with Luke and figures out that she does need to find a new normal?

I was so happy when she finally figured this out! She was really starting to get on my nerves a bit. It was an extremely important realization, and pretty much changed her whole course in life. No more acting shallow!

{Week One} Don't Fear The Reaper Read-A-Long

Chapters 1 - 5 Questions

1. We meet some of Charley's ghostly "buddies," do you believe you have ever had a ghostly encounter?


I don't think so. My family used to joke that we have a ghost in our house, because sometimes weird things would happen, but I don't think I've ever actually had any encounters with ghosts.


2. Charley named her jeep Misery. Have you ever named your vehicles? What did you name them?


I've never had a car. I'm actually looking to get my first one soon, but I know for sure I will be naming it. I mean, I had named my Kindle "Lex" when I first got it, because it was sleek and awesome and I had been watching a lot of Smallville at the time.


3. Charley says her name "...brooks no opposition. It takes shit from no one." What do you think your name says about you to strangers? Is there a different name that you think would suit you better?


My name is Kimberly, but it's hard to guess what it says about me. In first grade, it meant I was called 'the pink ranger' by my classmates, which I didn't mind because she was awesome, and got to be with Tommy. Now it seems that my name is associated with hot and popular girls, which I'm definitely not. Still, I like my name. It's not too common, and it's mine.



4. Charley says her best friend Cookie is "like Kramer from Seinfeld, only not so nervous, like Kramer might have been on Prozac." Give us your best description of your best friend. How would they describe you?


I would describe my best friend as being a lot like a female version of Neville Longbottom - she's low on the self confidence, but surprises herself at how awesome she really is, which is pretty BAMF. I have no idea how she would describe me, though. Probably like a funny, slightly crazier version of Hermione.



5. Garrett is reluctant to believe in Charley's abilities, how would you react if a friend divulged to you that they can see and speak with the dead?


I don't know if I'd believe them right away - they would have to find a way to prove it to me so I wouldn't think they were pulling my leg. But it depends on the friend, because I'm sure I have a couple whom I'd believe off the bat. I'm always hoping to be shown that the world is more exciting than it appears to be. I'd probably be pretty jealous at first, though, but then maybe I could be the Robin to their Batman.

{Week One} Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long

1) The story starts out with Echo's thoughts on how she wants to answer her therapist's questions (snarky and caustically truthful) which are quickly juxtaposed to how she does (milque-toasty and banal). Who do you think she hides the truth for more, her parents or herself?

I think that Echo hides the truth more for herself. She doesn't seem to want to face the truth, which is why she chooses to go along with what she believes her father and stepmother want from her. It doesn't help that her father seems to be ignoring the truth as well.

2) We see Mrs. Collins, the school therapist, interact with both Echo and Noah in the first few chapters. From those interactions, what do you think of her? Is she a prototypical caricature of state care? Or do you think she's there to make an honest difference in the lives of those she's there to help?

I like her! She's already come across as someone who really looks deep into her patients' lives, and comes to her own conclusions about people rather than just adopting the conclusions of previous therapists or social workers. This, combined with setting up Echo to tutor Noah, shows that she really does want to help, and comes up with ideas that'll allow for real progress.

3) Noah has two friends, Beth and Isaiah, who have his back no matter what -- through thick and thin -- and he has theirs. Consequently, his life is a little easier because he has two people who know about his situation. Echo's closest friend prior to the accident, Grace, will barely speak to her in school. Do you think Echo would have had an easier time coping and moving on if she had friends like Noah does?

I'm not sure. Her friend Lila tries to talk to her, and that doesn't seem to have worked. Her issue is really very internal, and she has to be willing to accept help from others before she can benefit from it. Of course, her friends seem rather superficial, and it may be that she feels like she can't talk to them because they don't really listen to her. It does seem a bit like Lila would rather she skip the coping and just start moving on.

4) Echo fixates on a colorful ribbon that sits on the school counselor's desk during their one-on-one sessions. Do you think this is a case of "Oh. Look at the pretty ribbon. Let me zone out while staring at it," or could it have a deeper significance?

I don't know the significance, but obviously it holds meaning to her. Since she doesn't seem to know why she got a nagging feeling when looking at the ribbon, my guess is it has to do with the accident. Her brother did die during deployment, so my guess is it may have to do with a ribbon or honor they received for that (purple heart?), which may have to do with her mom flipping out on her. Let's find out...

5) Noah and the jacket....Already when Noah and Echo meet for the first time, Noah got angry when Echo forgot her jacket (p. 34). Then at Echo's birthday party Noah gave Echo his jacket when he saw that she forgot hers (p. 54). There is a significance behind his anger when Echo has no coat and it tells already so much about Noah!

• Why is Noah so fixated on Echo and her Jacket, and what does it say of his character?

Noah's reaction to Echo and her jacket seems like a reflex. That does show he's a good person, because if he truly were the troubled stoner everyone assumes he is, why would he care or even notice about such details?

• Show us your favorite jacket! Either with you having it on or alone!

My black, zipped hoodie I got from the university bookstore! It's already falling apart with a hole on the wrist, but it's so comfy!

Crappy close-up - you can at least see
the logo. It's otherwise a plain black hoodie,
but that's what I love!

6) Echo wears gloves all the time to hide her scars - not only for her sake, but obviously also for the others. When Noah sees Echo's scars for the first time he's shocked.

• Do you think this was the moment he began to see Echo in a different light?

Probably. He just assumed prior to seeing those scars that she was little miss perfect, and didn't understand what real problems were. Now that illusion had been shattered, and he began to notice Echo as an actual person with actual problems.

• Show us your favorite pair of gloves!

I don't really wear gloves. It would annoy the crap outta me to have something covering my fingers, so if I did wear them they would probably be in this style:

But I haven't really worn those either, so who knows. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to certain things, and the reason for me not wearing gloves is the same reason I can't stand wearing those socks that have separate compartments for your toes (like those rainbow socks). I just hate the feeling I get from them - drives me nuts.