Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Young Man, Muddled by Robert Kanigel

Young Man, Muddled by Robert Kanigel

Young Man, Muddled

A Memoir

by Robert Kanigel

  • Readers' Rating (11):
  • Published:
  • Oct 2022, 248 pages
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. Kanigel writes that "[I]t's more true than not that memoirs today turn their backs on the ordinary and the familiar" (p. 2). Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? Is "memoir" a genre you read often, and if so, which memoirs have you enjoyed?
  2. The book covers the author's life through his early 20s, but he's recording his experiences decades later. How much do you trust his version of events? Why do you feel some people can clearly recall their early years while others can't? Which are you?
  3. The author quotes Petula Clark's song, "Downtown" when relating the thrill he felt when visiting downtown Baltimore, opining that "Downtown was where it was happening, baby" (p. 12). Have you ever felt this way about a city's core? Are some large cities more vibrant than others? Do you feel the association of downtown with excitement and activity has changed over time? How do you think one's age plays into one's opinion of downtown, if at all?
  4. The author writes that he "didn't get groups," that they baffled him, "their social force fields impossible to navigate" (p. 29). Why do you suppose he felt such isolation from his peers as a child? Could you relate to his feeling of loneliness? Do you think being an introvert or extrovert is a product of nature or nurture?
  5. What did you think of Kanigel's intention to go to Canada to avoid the draft (p. 84)? If you were around during the time period, do you recall what you thought of the draft at the time? Do you know anyone who was drafted, or who managed to avoid the draft? What would you have done in Kanigel's shoes?
  6. The author reports being influenced by the movie, Wild Strawberries. "We were one and the same," he writes of the protagonist, "his fate was mine unless I did something to alter it" (p. 105). Why do you suppose the film affected him the way it did? Do you recall ever being similarly influenced by the plot of a movie or book?
  7. On p. 108, Kanigel states that he believes "those born just a few years later than I, in the early and mid-1950s, often had quite a different experience" of the late 1960s. What did you think of this assessment? Do you think this holds true for all generations across the decades? Did the world "need" the 60s, as Kanigel writes?
  8. If you lived through the Vietnam era (roughly 1964 – 1975), what is your impression, looking back at the period? If you don't personally recollect the time, what impression have you formed reading about it or listening to others? Do you think the era was truly different in some way, and if so, how?
  9. The author claims to not believe in fate or karma, but that "[T]he West Virginia trip baffles me and, if I didn't know any better…I might be led to think its sole purpose was to propel me…into the arms of Maura McNair" (p. 118). What do you think led him to West Virginia? Do you believe in fate or karma?
  10. On p. 131 Kanigel states that "Government support for basic research left scientists free to explore whatever they wanted, regardless of how relevant, or irrelevant, it seemed." Do you think this was the case in the 1960s? And is it still the case today? Is it productive to allow scientists the freedom to research whatever interests them? How much direction should the government provide?
  11. Kanigel writes often about Maura's depression. How well do you think he understood the condition at the time? Do you think he'd have reacted differently if he'd been older? If their relationship had taken place today, do you think he would have been more understanding?
  12. The author says that there were activities he never experienced, like dancing, because they were simply unimportant to his parents. He feels they taught him that "Some parts of life had weight and worth, others you could ignore" (p. 144). Do you think his parents did him a disservice? What was important or unimportant to your parents, and how did this influence you?
  13. Maura writes in a letter to Kanigel that "To take this life seriously is stupid…It would mean that you really believed that there was a purpose to it and rules to be played by" (p. 149). What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with her?
  14. Kanigel spends some time in Paris but fails to enjoy the experience, largely blaming the language barrier. Why did he end up isolating himself to such a great extent? What would you have done in his place?
  15. Maura speaks at length about many subjects. "But during such rants, I sometimes felt as if I'd disappeared," Kanigel writes (p. 187), and he wonders if she even noticed he wasn't paying attention. What did you think of his growing resentment? Were you surprised the couple lasted as long as they did? What kept them together, in your opinion? Are you surprised that they still stay in touch?
  16. The author states that he never decided to become a writer, he became one by simply starting to write (p. 192). At what point do you "become" something? Is it the day you start, or when you look back later and realize that's what you are? Do you think Kanigel would have become a writer if he hadn't met Maura? How much of what we become is due to the people around us?
  17. Kanigel frequently sees himself as standing on the sidelines, particularly as he was growing up (watching his peers play together, being asked to play basketball, etc.). Why didn't he join in? What do you think would have happened if he had? Are there times when you've stayed on the sidelines but wish you'd acted? Are there times you've acted in spite of being afraid to do so?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Bancroft Press. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Debugging Information
ColdFusion Server Developer 2021,0,13,330286
Template /bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
Time Stamp 01-Jun-26 05:20 PM
Locale en
User Agent Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Remote IP 127.0.0.1
Host Name 127.0.0.1


Execution Time

Total Time Avg Time Count Template
1780334414955 ms 1.78033441496E+012 ms 1 /root/website/app_server.cfm
2595 ms 2595 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
1763 ms 1763 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm
243 ms 243 ms 1 /root/website/app_layout.cfm
194 ms 194 ms 1 /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm
155 ms 155 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_right_column.cfm
150 ms 50 ms 3 /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm
140 ms 140 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm
102 ms 102 ms 1 /root/website/app_globals.cfm
76 ms 76 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone6.cfm
66 ms 66 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_footer.cfm
64 ms 64 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/showcase_track.cfm
56 ms 56 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_first_impressions.cfm
55 ms 55 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm
51 ms 51 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm
36 ms 36 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm
34 ms 34 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm
31 ms 31 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm
21 ms 21 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm
20 ms 20 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm
15 ms 15 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm
14 ms 14 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_header.cfm
12 ms 12 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone11.cfm
12 ms 12 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_menu.cfm
11 ms 11 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/membership_advantages.cfm
10 ms 10 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm
9 ms 9 ms 1 /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm
8 ms 8 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm
8 ms 8 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm
7 ms 7 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm
4 ms 1 ms 4 /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/act_check_login.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/head.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm
2 ms 2 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_bottom_block.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/act_libraryIPLogin.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_top_brief_block.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/Application.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/banners/ad_594.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/formurl2attributes.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/js/fbjavascriptsdk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/act_book_view_tracking.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_booktalk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_header_newsletter.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_wordplay.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/email_modal.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/google_tags.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/header_announcement.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_search.cfm
2 ms  STARTUP, PARSING, COMPILING, LOADING, & SHUTDOWN
2597 ms  TOTAL EXECUTION TIME
red = over 250 ms average execution time


SQL Queries

spidercheck (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm @ 17:20:14.014
SELECT	a.bot_number
        FROM	bots a
        WHERE	charindex(a.bot_name, ?) > 0
		OR a.bot_ip = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Parameter #2(cf_sql_varchar) = 127.0.0.1

get_member_info (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm @ 17:20:14.014
select 	a.*, 
    		b.member_account_type_name, b.member_account_type_charge, b.member_account_type_charge_frequency,  b.member_account_type_months, 
            c.member_chargetype_name, c.member_chargetype_number, a.member_classification_number, a.member_book_format
	
    from members a, member_account_types b, member_chargetype c
	
    where a.member_account_type_number = b.member_account_type_number
	and a.payment_method_id = c.member_chargetype_number
	and a.member_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

adactive (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=8ms, Records=2) in /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm @ 17:20:14.014
SELECT	viewby, section
    FROM	adsystem 
    WHERE	active  = 1 
    AND		start_date <= GETDATE()
    AND 	(viewby = ? OR viewby = 'all')
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = non

get_current_ezine (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=1, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm @ 17:20:14.014
select		top 1 ezine_number, ezine_dt, ezine_image, ezine_brief_description, ezine_introduction
from		ezines
where		ezine_active_flag = 1
and 		ezine_type_number = 4
and			ezine_dt < getdate()
order by 	ezine_dt DESC
get_current_wordplay (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=7ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm @ 17:20:14.014
SELECT		a.wordplay_number, a.wordplay_dt, a.wordplay_name, a.wordplay_intro_text, b.wordplay_puzzle_number, b.wordplay_puzzle_question
    FROM		wordplays a 
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzle_mapping c on c.wordplay_number = a.wordplay_number
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzles b on b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
	WHERE		a.wordplay_number = (	select top 1 a.wordplay_number
                                from wordplays a, wordplay_puzzles b, wordplay_puzzle_mapping c
                                where a.wordplay_number = c.wordplay_number
                                and b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
                                and a.wordplay_dt < getdate()
                                and a.wordplay_expiration_dt > dateadd(day, -1, getdate())
                                order by a.wordplay_dt asc
                                )
get_ComNo (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 	TOP 1 	x.competition_number, x.bb_briefs_flag
	from			competitions x
	
		WHERE	x.competition_dt <= getdate()
		AND		x.competition_expiration_dt > dateadd(d,-1,getdate())
get_current_competition (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 	x.competition_number, x.book_number, x.competition_teaser_title, x.competition_teaser_description, x.competition_intro_text, x.competition_expiration_dt, x.bb_briefs_flag, x.competition_full_info_flag, x.competition_type, x.competition_optin,x.competition_optin_text, 
				a.book_title as "title",
				(b.author_first_name + ' ' +  b.author_middle_initial + ' ' + b.author_last_name) as "author",
	            f.edition_publish_dt AS "hardcover_publish_dt", f.edition_jacket_image as "hardcover_jacket_image",
				g.edition_publish_dt AS "paperback_publish_dt", g.edition_jacket_image as "paperback_jacket_image"
	
		FROM 		competitions x
		INNER JOIN	books a on a.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	book_author_mapping c on c.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	authors b on c.author_number = b.author_number
		LEFT JOIN	editions f on a.book_number = f.book_number and f.edition_paperback_flag = 0
		LEFT JOIN	editions g on a.book_number = g.book_number and g.edition_paperback_flag = 1

		WHERE		x.competition_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

get_previous_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 	a.arc_number,a.arc_client_url,a.arc_active_dt, a.arc_off_ad_dt,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publisher, 
		b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, b.ezine_preview_bb_comments, b.ezine_preview_isbn13,
		c.ezine_preview_category_name AS "ezine_preview_category",
		(select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) as "reviews",
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating,
 			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,1))) AS numeric(12,1)))from arc_allocator where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS "decrating"

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
INNER JOIN ezine_preview_categories c ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = c.ezine_preview_category_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt

ORDER BY a.arc_on_ad_dt DESC
get_future_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text, arc_on_ad_dt,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages, ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	
	WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1

	AND 		getdate() < arc_on_ad_dt
	
		ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_active_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=8ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE 		a.arc_obc_flag = 1
	AND			a.arc_active_flag = 0
	AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND 		getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND 		getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_recent_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=31ms, Records=4) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE a.arc_number IN (select top 4 arc_number
							from		arcs
							WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1
							AND			arc_active_flag = 0
							AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
							AND 		getdate() > arc_off_ad_dt
							ORDER BY	arc_on_ad_dt DESC)
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_preview_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
select 			a.ezine_preview_number,
				a.ezine_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_category_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_title, 
				a.ezine_preview_subtitle, 
				a.ezine_preview_author, 
				a.ezine_preview_publisher,
				a.ezine_preview_publish_dt,
				a.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, 
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_image,
				a.ezine_preview_reviews,
				a.ezine_preview_short_summary,
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_desc,
				a.ezine_preview_reading_guide,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_comments, 
				a.ezine_preview_isbn,
				a.ezine_preview_isbn13,
				a.ezine_preview_rating,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_link,
                a.ezine_preview_bb_author_link,
                a.ezine_preview_firsts_flag,
                a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
                a.ezine_preview_paperback_flag,
				b.*,
                c.ezine_dt, c.ezine_description
,(select publisher_holding_company from publishers where ezine_preview_publisher like publisher_imprint AND publisher_holding_company LIKE 'Harper%') AS "publisher_holding_company"		
 				
from ezine_previews a 
inner join ezine_preview_categories b ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
left join ezines c ON c.ezine_number = a.ezine_number

where ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_author_name (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT author_number, 
        CASE WHEN datalength(author_middle_initial) > 0 then author_first_name + ' ' + author_middle_initial + '. ' + author_last_name
            ELSE author_first_name + ' ' + author_last_name
            END "author_name"
        FROM authors 
        WHERE author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 634

get_preview_awards_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
select a.book_award_number, a.book_award_name, a.book_award_image, c.book_award_dt
    from book_awards a 
    inner join book_awards_category b on b.book_award_number = a.book_award_number
    inner join book_awards_mapping c on c.book_awards_category_number = b.book_awards_category_number
    where ezine_preview_number =  ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_briefs_reader_rating (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=140ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT	(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) >= 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
			ELSE 0
			END) AS "avrating",
            count(rating) as "ratcount"
            
	FROM (
		SELECT reader_review_rating AS rating
		FROM reader_reviews
		WHERE ezine_preview_number = ?
		
		AND reader_review_rating > 0
		
		UNION ALL
		
		SELECT reading_list_book_rating AS rating
		FROM reading_lists
		WHERE book_number LIKE 'p%'
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) = ?
		AND reading_list_book_rating > 0
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) IS NOT NULL
	) combined_ratings
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=34ms, Records=6) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.reader_review_number, a.book_number, a.ezine_preview_number, a.reader_review_approved_flag, a.reader_review_dt,
				COALESCE(NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(m.discourse_username)), ''), NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(a.reader_review_reviewer_name)), '')) AS reader_review_reviewer_name,
				a.reader_review_reviewer_email_address, a.reader_review_reviewer_from_locale, a.reader_review_recommended, a.reader_review_rating, a.reader_review_title, a.reader_review_description, ISNULL(a.like_count, 0) AS like_count,
    			b.ezine_preview_title,
    			ISNULL(e.edit_count, 0) AS edit_count,
    			e.last_edit_dt,
    			a.member_number AS review_member_number
    FROM 		reader_reviews a
    INNER JOIN	ezine_previews b ON a.ezine_preview_number = b.ezine_preview_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN (
    	SELECT reader_review_number, COUNT(*) AS edit_count, MAX(edited_dt) AS last_edit_dt
    	FROM   reader_review_edits
    	GROUP BY reader_review_number
    ) e ON e.reader_review_number = a.reader_review_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN members m ON m.member_number = a.member_number
	WHERE 		a.ezine_preview_number = ?
    AND			a.book_number = 0
    AND 		a.reader_review_approved_flag = 1
    

	ORDER BY a.reader_review_rating DESC, a.reader_review_dt DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_arc_idfk (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 17603

get_arc_idfk_legacy (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=33ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:15.015
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1 AND a.discourse_flag = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 17603

obc_discussions (Datasource=booktalk_new, Time=1564ms, Records=21) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:16.016
SELECT 		t.name,
                m.title, m.body,
                u.username, t.id,
				(SELECT COUNT(*) from booktalk_messages where threadidfk = t.id) AS	"responses"
                
    FROM 		booktalk_forums f
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_threads t on t.forumidfk = f.id
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_messages m on m.posted = t.lastpostcreated
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_users u on u.id = m.useridfk
    
    WHERE 	f.id = ?
    AND 	f.active = 1
	AND		t.active = 1
    
    ORDER BY t.name, t.messages DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = D1E1244D-0487-9EB5-EF0DA6FD9195CF63

searchResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=157ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT book_number, post_id, topic_id, blurb, username, topic_title
					FROM DiscourseSearchResults
					
        WHERE 		book_number = ? 
                    AND topic_id IS NOT NULL
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p17603

ya_check (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select ezine_preview_reading_level 
from ezine_previews 
where ezine_preview_number = ?
and ezine_preview_reading_level = 2
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_books_by_brief (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=20) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select 			top 20
				a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
				b.category_name,
				c.category_number, 
				d.book_number, d.book_title,
				f.author_number, f.author_first_name, author_middle_initial, author_last_name
				
from 			ezine_previews a 
inner join		categories b on b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
inner join		category_book_mapping c on c.category_number = b.category_number
inner join		books d on d.book_number = c.book_number
inner join		book_author_mapping e on e.book_number = d.book_number
inner join		authors f on f.author_number = e.author_number

where			a.ezine_preview_number = ? 

order by 		d.book_number DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 17603

get_author_bookcount (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=7ms, Records=2) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select		b.book_title as "title", 1 as "bb_flag", b.book_number as "number"
        from		book_author_mapping a
		inner join	books b on b.book_number = a.book_number
        where		a.author_number = ?
union
    	select		c.ezine_preview_title as "title", 0 as "bb_flag", c.ezine_preview_number as "number"
        from		ezine_previews c
        where		c.ezine_preview_bb_author_link = ?
        and			c.ezine_preview_bb_link = 0
		
order by title DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 634
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 634

get_obc_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=36ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select a.arc_forumidfk
    from arcs a
    
    	where a.ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_numeric) = 17603.0

existingResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=72ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT id, last_updated
        FROM DiscourseSearchResults
        WHERE book_number = ?
        ORDER BY last_updated DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p17603

get_member_account_types (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=2) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_account_types.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select member_account_type_number, member_account_type_name, member_account_type_charge, member_account_type_charge_frequency, member_account_type_postscript, member_account_type_months, member_account_type_stripe_lookup_key
from member_account_types
where member_account_type_number = (select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 12
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
or member_account_type_number =		(select top 1 member_account_type_number
									from member_account_types
									where member_account_type_months = 3
									and member_account_type_public = 1
									order by member_account_type_charge ASC)
									
order by member_account_type_sort_order ASC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone11

get_bio (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=91ms, Records=1) in /root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/dsp_main.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT 	a.author_number, author_info_biography, author_info_image, author_info_copyright_info, author_info_interview, author_pronunciation, author_info_url
	                        FROM 	author_info a
	                        inner join authors b on b.author_number = a.author_number
	                        WHERE 	a.author_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 634

get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=13ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT 	top 10 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1
and getdate() <= dateadd(day,1,a.arc_off_ad_dt)

ORDER BY NEWID()
get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=40ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT 	top 3 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
			b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
					(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
					 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
					 ELSE 0
					 END)
				from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

	FROM arcs a
	INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

	WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND arc_obc_flag = 0
	AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1

	ORDER BY a.arc_off_ad_dt DESC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=34ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=23ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_quotes (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=17ms, Records=1) in /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
select top 1 ezine_number, ezine_quote, ezine_quote_title
	    from ezines
	    where len(ezine_quote_title) > 1
	    order by newid()
get_free_newsletters (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=4, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT 	*
    FROM 	free_newsletters
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
		 	AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #4(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=29ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        		AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=11ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 17:20:17.017
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 594


Scope Variables

CGI Variables:
AUTH_PASSWORD=
AUTH_TYPE=
AUTH_USER=
CERT_COOKIE=
CERT_FLAGS=
CERT_ISSUER=
CERT_KEYSIZE=
CERT_SECRETKEYSIZE=
CERT_SERIALNUMBER=
CERT_SERVER_ISSUER=
CERT_SERVER_SUBJECT=
CERT_SUBJECT=
CF_TEMPLATE_PATH=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
CONTENT_LENGTH=
CONTENT_TYPE=
CONTEXT_PATH=
GATEWAY_INTERFACE=
HTTPS=
HTTPS_KEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SECRETKEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SERVER_ISSUER=
HTTPS_SERVER_SUBJECT=
HTTP_ACCEPT=*/*
HTTP_ACCEPT_ENCODING=gzip, br, zstd, deflate
HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE=
HTTP_CONNECTION=upgrade
HTTP_COOKIE=
HTTP_HOST=dev.bookbrowse.com
HTTP_REFERER=
HTTP_URL=
HTTP_USER_AGENT=Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
LOCAL_ADDR=127.0.0.1
PATH_INFO=/ezine_preview_number/17603/young-man-muddled
PATH_TRANSLATED=/root/website/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
QUERY_STRING=
REMOTE_ADDR=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_HOST=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_USER=
REQUEST_METHOD=GET
SCRIPT_NAME=/bb_briefs/reading_guides/index.cfm
SERVER_NAME=dev.bookbrowse.com
SERVER_PORT=8500
SERVER_PORT_SECURE=0
SERVER_PROTOCOL=HTTP/1.1
SERVER_SOFTWARE=
WEB_SERVER_API=
Client Variables:
cfid=4109452
cftoken=b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
hitcount=1
lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 17:20:14'}
library_user_flag=0
member_active_flag=0
member_logged_in_flag=0
member_number=0
order=p
timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 17:20:14'}
urltoken=CFID=4109452&CFTOKEN=b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
view=books
Cookie Variables:
CFID=4109452
CFTOKEN=b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
Session Variables:
cfid=4109452
cftoken=b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
sessionid=BOOKBROWSE_4109452_b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
urltoken=CFID=4109452&CFTOKEN=b4e4d4eb750515f9-2A00FC5C-981A-4A51-77AB9FAD21CFCD02
URL Parameters:
ezine_preview_number=17603
young-man-muddled=
Debug Rendering Time: 14 ms