Blog: Mel's Muse :: Mel Menzies

UV Readers' Group & ONLINE BOOK CLUB: The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Discussion Summary

Posted: Friday, 29th January 2010

My UV Readers’ Group met last Thursday, 21st January, to discuss The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid and, as always, we had plenty to say! First and foremost that we had found the book an enjoyable and compelling read, with the sinister elements evident from the start and building to a climactic conclusion.

A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP

The narrative threw up some interesting and topical points and, because one of the aims of the group is to examine life applications for ourselves, we began by looking at the way in which a love/hate relationship might affect each one of us – just as it did the protagonist, Changez.

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist Discussion Questions - MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Posted: Thursday, 21st January 2010

Hi! I’m really excited about this new Online Book Club, which is starting today, and hope that you will be, too. The beauty of being a member of a readers’ group is that it encourages you to read books you might not, otherwise, have picked up.

But reading can be a solitary pursuit. Half the pleasure of being a reader is having the opportunity to enthuse, criticize and discuss the books you’ve read. In his book, Aspects of the Novel, E.M.Forster declares that a novel is a story that takes place over a period of time.

Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group

Transactional Analysis: Getting Off The Drama Triangle Part 1

Posted: Wednesday, 20th January 2010

In any dysfunctional relationship – such as that of the Drama Triangle – knowing and naming the disorder is immensely helpful. In fact, it’s often the biggest step in making the changes necessary for personal growth and peace of mind! The first base of Alcoholics Anonymous is introducing yourself: “Hello! My name’s Druncan and I’m an alcoholic.”

CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCESS

I was speaking to a medical doctor a few weeks ago and she confirmed that the resolution of conflict begins by recognising the problem.

“Patients come to see you feeling terribly unwell: in despair,” she said. “But the moment you name their condition you can see a heavy load lifted from them.

MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB: Precis Of The Reluctant Fundamentalist By Mohsin Hamid

Posted: Thursday, 14th January 2010

THIS PRECIS IS PROVIDED FOR MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB (but may be reproduced by other Readers' Groups – see below). Questions for Discussion will be posted on Thursday 21st January, 2010 when comments will be open for debate for six months.

PROTAGONIST

The story is presented as a first person monologue throughout by the protagonist, Changez, a young man of Pakistani birth and origin, but a graduate of an American university, and resident of Manhattan. Changez has met – by chance? – a nameless American tourist in a cafe in Lahore, and it is here, and to him, that he pours out the details of his doomed love affair with America.

The Drama Triangle & The Games People Play

Posted: Monday, 11th January 2010

I looked, a couple of days ago, at Transactional Analysis – the Drama Triangle in particular:

First as a means of conflict resolution for those experiencing problems with their personal relationships.
And second – for writers and aspiring authors – as an innovative way of creating fictional characters.

THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

The theory of transactional analysis is that in our normal, everyday, relationships, we are all involved in playing one of three roles: Parent, Adult, Child. I’ve explained this in my article titled: Conflict Resolution: Relationship Psychology - And Creating Fictional Characters and I would suggest that you read this before continuing with the article below.

Articles on related themes: Creative Writing; Character; Relationships; Personal Growth; Marriage

Conflict Resolution: Relationship Psychology - And Creating Fictional Characters

Posted: Wednesday, 6th January 2010

What I’m about to tell you will revolutionise the way you perceive your personal relationships. It will also give you immense insight when it comes to creative writing and publishing a book and, in particular, when you’re creating fictional characters.

Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Relationships; Personal Growth; Self Help; Character