Let’s think about the nature of truth….

Lights can see layers, and through them, others can see the layers too. What is it about truth that demands layers, versions, complications?

The black-eyed man

In a book where sight is so important, what does it mean that Willem Kieft, First Adviser to the Mayor and the Rattle Watch’s fearsome emeny, is always described with a focus on his black eyes?

Read about the real Willem Kieft here: 

http://www.nnp.org/nni/Publications/Dutch-American/kieft.html

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/indianwars/articles/kieftswar.aspx

Sharing Sight

So, as a Light, Rory has the power to give his sight to others; he can show them the way he sees. This happens with Bridget when they’re on their way to the Central Park Zoo; they stop to watch a rat and squirrel engage in a crazy kung fu fest. What do you think that’s all about? What does this power to let others see what you see mean? Have you ever had an experience like this?

Gods of Manhattan–Let’s begin at the beginning!

Hi folks! I’m Mira, from the north fork of Long Island. Thank you for joining our discussion of The Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus. What a great way to start off our summer reading lists–a rollicking fantasy adventure packed with tons of New York City history! There are so many themes to explore in this book–I’m especially interested in the ones that involve truth, history, memory, and sight. What are you most curious about? What ideas are you most interested in exploring?

I really like how this book starts. First, the title–it conjures up so much for me. Who do you think will be remembered enough to become a future God of Manhattan? Tyra Banks as Goddess of Fashion? Derek Jeter as God of Home Runs? Donald Trump as God of Real Estate? Let’s hear your nominations….

I also really like starting an adventure with a map. It makes me think of classics like The Lord of the Rings and Winnie-the-Pooh. Check out Scott Mebus’s site to have a go at an interactive version of the map: http://godsofmanhattan.com/ And, let’s think about what effect(s) the map has on the story? Does it change it? Help it? Hurt it? How? Why?

And, the actual beginning of the story is pretty cool, too. I like the way Mebus starts us right in the middle of the action, without explaining everything  (the fancy way to say that is ‘in medias res,’ which is Latin for ‘into the middle of things’). The effect is super exciting–I was hooked right away! Were you? Which story line was your favorite? Why?

More to come soon….Looking forward to hearing what you think!