You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Snoozie Suzie wrote: "Am I correct in thinking that as long as book 1 links to book 2 which links to book 3 and so on then I'm ok? There doesn't need to be a theme linking the books for each section (as some have done)?..."

You've got it spot on!

Janice, it's great to be able to read the books in any order while in the same milestone. I have a few recent released books in my list that have waiting lists in the library, and I was wondering how I would manage this.

Snoozie Suzie wrote: "Oh and regarding the thicker chunkier that don't count as two book if they are +1000 pages, if I were to read a 1100 page book and a 400 page book can I count those together then to make 3 books if..."

I guess I need to explain my thought process in creating this challenge. Initially, the challenge was going to be to read books that were over 500 pages - those books that people call chunksters, bricks, or doorstoppers. It didn't matter if it was 500 pages or 1500 pages. The challenge was designed to read the chunksters. The challenge was not designed to read "x" number of pages.

Then, I thought about those people who don't read chunksters, and there are lots out there. I didn't want to exclude people from the challenge. So I thought, "what if they read two or three books to bring the page total greater than 500?" So I created a way to include everyone.

So, the answer to your question - no you may not read a 1100 page book and a 400 page book and count it as 3. Sorry.

And you still get the satisfaction of knowing you read a MASSIVE book (or several) in 2014.

I set myself a page count target every year, and focus on it more than the book count - so the extra-big chunksters go towards that :)

E :) wrote: "I'm happy with whatever Janice decides for the rules. However I completely agree with Suzie. The rules, as they are written now, actually encourage the reading of smaller books, not chunksters. I'l..."

For those in the group who only read books less than 500 pages, this challenge is perhaps larger than those who consistently read chunksters. They will have to read double the number of books.

I personally count a book as 1 book. I don't factor in the number of pages. Because I decided to knock off the Harry Hole series, I ended up with 10 books on Slick Slug's section. (Most of my books are around the 400 page mark, so a combination is running around 800 pages.) For me, that is significant. It means that I likely won't get to Mickey Mouse's section.

I guess I can only say that part of a challenge is making your choices fit within its parameters. Some books simply aren't going to fit and you may have to save it for a monthly challenge, a group read, toppler, buddy read, or "just because".

I totally see where you're coming from Janice. Your rules do make the challenge simpler--otherwise we would run into issues with pages carrying over, etc.

Though I must say that I do not agree that the challenge will typically be longer for those who do not read chunksters. Many chunksters exceed 800 or even 1000 pages. And I guess I just found it surprising that the rules for a chunkster challenge encourage reading of two, paired 250 pages books, but not reading of the books that I personally consider to be chunksters, e.g. Les Misérables

You can indeed read 2 250-page books, but you can also limit your chunksters to those just above 500 pages. Likewise, you can read some 800+ books, and I'm sure people who read two books will end up with at least 700 pages at times as well.

It's a book-count challenge (where two small books equal one larger book) and in my opinion all the rules make perfect sense :)

I made my planning based on which books I want to read, independent of whether they are 550 or 850 or 1050 pages, and we'll see with which mascot I'll end up. Because that's the whole idea, right, to read books you really want to read? All the rest is just some extra fun :)

Ooh, I finally managed to link books for the first three levels, but in the past days I've added several 500+ books that I would also like to include! I foresee changes in my current plans for sure :D

Thanks Peggy for re-explaining the rules. I for one already understood them -- Janice has been very clear and I appreciate this!

I planned my book list in the same way, and did not worry about overshooting the page count. I didn't mean imply that I am overly concerned about the "level" I reach. I was surprised that the chunkster challenge rules did not encourage me to read the chunksters I have sitting on my bookshelf. And that is all. ;)

I'm not being a grouch honest! I do understand your reasons.

Perhaps I'll make a list late on December 31 since as soon. As I begin a list I feel like I must pick one of them up NOW

Travis of NNY wrote: "Perhaps I'll make a list late on December 31 since as soon. As I begin a list I feel like I must pick one of them up NOW"

I know exactly what you mean! I am also still reluctant to tackle that list...

Sounds good. It'll actually encourage me to read my TBR stuff.

Travis of NNY wrote: "Perhaps I'll make a list late on December 31 since as soon. As I begin a list I feel like I must pick one of them up NOW"

Exactly, I want to start reading them now! :)

If I read ... listen to only audio books what edition do I use for this challenge?

I did not see this in the rules. Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere.

E :) wrote: "And I guess I just found it surprising that the rules for a chunkster challenge encourage reading of two, paired 250 pages books, but not reading of the books that I personally consider to be chunksters, e.g. Les Misérables ..."

I do what I can to make the challenges inclusive for everyone. I don't think the challenge discourages people from reading the monster chunksters. Everyone is able to do the challenge according to their preferences.

Edit to include that I do understand what you are saying about encouragement. If I put a ruling in about 1000 plus paged books giving you some kind of a bonus, you would feel more encouraged to read the monsters. I get that. But, that's where you will need to fit your own goals into the challenge. My experience with this group is that many of us make the challenges more difficult all on their own. :)

Peggy wrote: "You can indeed read 2 250-page books, but you can also limit your chunksters to those just above 500 pages. Likewise, you can read some 800+ books, and I'm sure people who read two books will end u..."

You've got the idea and intent behind the challenge nailed. Thanks for wording it a bit more succinctly than I did.

Snoozie Suzie wrote: "I'm not being a grouch honest! I do understand your reasons."

LOL! I didn't take it that way. :)

Travis of NNY wrote: "Perhaps I'll make a list late on December 31 since as soon. As I begin a list I feel like I must pick one of them up NOW"

I can relate! I've decided to plan out just Slick Slug's section so that I don't get tempted by the next group of 6.

Tea wrote: "Sounds good. It'll actually encourage me to read my TBR stuff."

I'm glad you're going to join us, Tea.

Shirley wrote: "If I read ... listen to only audio books what edition do I use for this challenge?

I did not see this in the rules. Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere."

It is in the rules, but there's so much information that it's easy to miss. Go with the hardcover issue.

Thanks Janice - I am really looking forward to the challenge and working through my list in the new year! I'm still hoping to read Les Misérables as part of this year's challenge. The copy I have on my bookshelf was a 2006 Christmas gift, so it's about time ;)

My reading list is going to be based solely on books I already own, either in print, on my Nook, or in audible format. That is my plan and I am cataloging them now. I am amazed at the number of doorstops there are. I almost have a 2nd complete alphabet list of titles.

Now, I have to figure out how to link the ones I want to read first. It may take me until January to do it.

I have been amazed to see how many titles we all seem to have "in common". At least from the posts I have seen.

Janice wrote: "Shirley wrote: "If I read ... listen to only audio books what edition do I use for this challenge?

I did not see this in the rules. Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere."

It is in the rules, b..."

Thanks

It's says Ebook/kindle but not audiobook - I just looked as I wanted to check about Ebooks.

What if there is more than 1 hardcover edition?

I usually use the first one in the list. :)

I think my question (msg 150) got missed! Just wondering as I'm also thinking of buying the first three books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series combined in one book but if they only count as one book I might buy them separately (unless it works out more expensive).

Sarah wrote: "I think my question (msg 150) got missed! Just wondering as I'm also thinking of buying the first three books in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series combined in one book but if ..."

I'm sorry, Sarah! It did get missed. I had logged out and realized that I didn't address your question and then promptly forgot. Too many things going on.

The answer is yes, you may do that. I am with 3 of my selections.

Snoozie Suzie wrote: "It's says Ebook/kindle but not audiobook - I just looked as I wanted to check about Ebooks."

6. The page length of the books is based on the edition you read. If you are reading an ebook/Kindle, we will accept the page number listed on the ebook/Kindle Edition, if available. If no page numbers are available, we will go with the hardcover edition.

While it doesn't specifically say audiobook, it does say "If no page numbers are available... " I was thinking in terms of audiobooks.

You guys can't read my mind by now?? ROFL! I guess us Madame Tutti Fruiti types think that everyone can read minds. I mean - sheesh!

Here is a question, do we have to plot the books out, or can we come up with connections 'on the fly' as we progress?

Janice
I am reading your mind .... this will be the best challenge you ever dreamed up for us.

Daniel - I've got the first two, written down, but I'm far more likely to read on the fly than plan. I tried a major plan for this year's alphabet challenge and it fell apart by about letter D!

Helen wrote: "Daniel - I've got the first two, written down, but I'm far more likely to read on the fly than plan. I tried a major plan for this year's alphabet challenge and it fell apart by about letter D!"

I will probably start with one, and see where the road takes me. It will be fun :)

I'm going to wing it too since I never know what I want to read until I come to pick the book (and I like nothing better than sitting in front of my to read pile and browsing my options!) :-D

I can't quote on my phone, but someone commented that a lot of buddy reads could take place because many people have similar books on their list. Is it an idea to somewhere make an inventory of which books will be read by many and who would be interested in buddy reading them? I'd be quite happy to make some changes in my plans if that means being able to read a book as part of a buddy read. Or do you think it will all work out during the year and I should just make a request somewhere at some point?

I don't have much experience with buddy reads :)

Thank you for getting back to me Janice - that is good to know.

Daniel wrote: "Here is a question, do we have to plot the books out, or can we come up with connections 'on the fly' as we progress?"

Alright, so I planned. It was fun coming up with ways to trim down my TBR list....who am I kidding, I will just add more books.

Daniel wrote: Alright, so I planned. It was fun coming up with ways to trim down my TBR list....who am I kidding, I will just add more books..."

I am rolling on the floor laughing, Daniel. You will see that this is ALWAYS the way, no matter that you try not to.

Peggy wrote: "I can't quote on my phone, but someone commented that a lot of buddy reads could take place because many people have similar books on their list. Is it an idea to somewhere make an inventory of whi..."

That was me. Not an idea to make an inventory as such. I don't have the time to trawl through all our lists, and some people might not want to. But if a few people comment on someone's thread/list that they are all reading such and such book this year, I'd highly suggest heading over and making a buddy read thread.

Reading with people is always fun, and even if you don't read it all at exactly the same time, it may be a good place to have people discuss some of these books. I'm assuming most of them will have some things we want to chew over and discuss with people (otherwise they will be really boring 500+pp reads!!).

TL;DR - no official plan. Make buddy reads if there is interest in one, and as you see fit. Keep an eye on the Buddy Read folder during the year as well, for ideas for reads.

While it would be kind of cool to have a master list of all the books being read, it would be a full time job. Part of me wants to say, "I'll do it!" But who am I kidding. I can't seem to force myself to go Christmas shopping.

I agree with Rusalka. The buddy reads will just happen as people read each other's lists and discover commonalities. Anyone can start a buddy read. Just pop over to the Buddy Read folder and start a thread.

Okay, thanks for your opinions :)

Question...when we get to the top level (only asking because I am a planner you see), does it just go on forever, or does it still go in groups of six. And if it does not go in groups of six, how do we do the "connect 6 but read in any order" feature? Does that make sense?

Jkmays wrote: "Question...when we get to the top level (only asking because I am a planner you see), does it just go on forever, or does it still go in groups of six. And if it does not go in groups of six, how ..."

You will get a badge after 6 books, but you can keep reading to "infinity and beyond". You never know, there may be a special badge for those lost in space at the end of the year.

Reading will be a pleasure when all the research and connecting is done. Janice you really made a good one.

Oooh... I may just have to join this one. I must focus on finishing my last Alphabet challenge book for now though :)

Got my first six connections set up.

Added Covers/Links and put page numbers that I got from goodreads and my local libraries site.

ok I understand that we can go on forever. But...after we have reached and completed the top level, and we keep on going, do we still plan six books at a time and have the freedom to read them in any order, then six more books and read them in any order, etc. or just go one book at a time? Does that make sense?

I assume you can do both, whatever is easiest for you. Within the first levels you are also free to either link 6 books and read them in any order, or to come up with a new book only when you finished reading the previous one.