posted
An Idea, Saying that the majority of us probably do something called "reading." The odd thought just struck me: Why don't we have a book club?
Thusly, I propose to start a reading group, in which people choose a book, or a set of books to read at the same time, and discuss as we read it, and once we all finish it, say in a week or so. For obvious reasons, this takes some sort of coordination in 1) deciding what book(s) to read 2) deciding a time frame to finish said book(s), and a keen eye topics pertaining to said book(s), but I think it would be possible. Of course, everybody will like to talk about different aspects of any book we read, so if needed I'd be more than willing to offer space other than hatrack to do actual discussion in, while we keep updates of books and dates here on hatrack so people can read and pitch in on books that my interest them. I know that Offlead did something of the sort a few years back, but her group focused on sci-fi and short stories, while what I'm imagining wouldn't focus on any genre at all.
I'm just curious if anybody would be interested in such a group, I know a few hatrackers are already in their own local book groups, but because so many of us share an interest in literature, I see no reason why we should have one here. Satyagraha
Posts: 1986 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
They've done this on philotic web. It started out great but I think it floundered a bit although I haven't actually checked back lately. It is still a nice idea. You might look in on philotic web and see if they are still going and if they have any ideas that might facilitate getting a book discussion group going here.
Posts: 2022 | Registered: Mar 2004
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We kind of tried that once, and it pretty much ground to a silent halt. I blame my involvement in the project, and my nomination of the first book to read.
I'll stay far away from this one, and see if it fares any better.
posted
We actually also sort of have a summer reading group going...though it's kinda floundering as well because I'm being very dumb. Some people are reading it though! I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but I don't seem to have time to read anymore. I know it's just cause I'm not making time for it, and I'm sad. Posts: 1635 | Registered: Aug 2002
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I was actually thinking of having everyone pick up books that nobody has ever read before, a little more dangerous...but adventuresome, too. Any new books anybody is really excited to read? Or maybe old books that nobody has heard of... Satyagraha
Posts: 1986 | Registered: Apr 2001
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I'm up for reading something else! Though I'm still in the middle of Brothers Karamazov, and I sort of dropped the ball on the Oresteia and haven't ever finished it.
I highly recommend we pick something a bit fluffier than Paradise Lost, if we want people to actually read it. People will say they will, but in half a dozen or more of these threads over the years, the books that are somewhat lighter seem to be the most successful in terms of people actually reading and posting commentary.
The Glass Bead Game was great, though. That was pretty heavy going, particularly at the beginning, and I would never have persevered past that part and gotten to the end if people hadn't kept posting that it was really good. I'm so glad I read it, too. It did turn out to be an excellent book.
How about the Phillip Pullman series His Dark Materials? The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass. I've had it for a while and been meaning to read it. Everyone says it's excellent.
Posts: 2843 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!
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posted
I agree with ak. I had to read most of Paradise Lost in college, and it was heavy heavy. One author I've been drawn to is Zadie Smith. She's written White Teeth and The Autograph Man. I don't know if she has anything new out, but if you haven't read her it's worth looking her up.
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I'm really slow at stuff, and but I just finished reading the His Dark Materials series again --my heart gets torn out every time I finish it-- and started reading Sophie's World. I've finally sorta started working on enguin.com again, for now, I've created a few more forums, including The Bookshelf, aka, the book discussion forum here. Satyagraha
Posts: 359 | Registered: Jun 2001
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Good idea.
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Some people are reading it though! I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but I don't seem to have time to read anymore. I know it's just cause I'm not making time for it, and I'm sad. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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