Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

Will do :)

Tintinnabula wrote: "So, I nominated The Monk as October Old School read, but it got just a dozen votes. I'm really interested in reading this, especially in English, so any native speaker willing to join ..."

I voted for it, but am snowed under atm so would actually prefer to wait til November, but could do October at a push...?

If the reading of The Monk were in November, I would be in. I'm just overbooked until then.

Pink, Darren and Sara I don't plan my readings too much, so either October or November is fine with me!
I can try and nominate the book again for November and if it doesn't win we can just choose when to start our buddy read!

Tintinnabula wrote: "Pink, Darren and Sara I don't plan my readings too much, so either October or November is fine with me!
I can try and nominate the book again for November and if it doesn't win we can just choose ..."

That sounds good to me :)

Cant we read any modern classics?newly hit good literary fiction of classics?

Barkskins,the girls or la rose types are very interesting

Debashis wrote: "Cant we read any modern classics?newly hit good literary fiction of classics?"

Debashis wrote: "Barkskins,the girls or la rose types are very interesting"

In terms of group reads, our cut off date for modern classics is books published before 2000. However there are no date restrictions if you want to buddy read something newer. If you have a particular book in mind then you can suggest it here and see if anyone else is interested in joining you. Just remember that as we're a classics group, our general focus is on older books that have stood the test of time.

Ok

I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like to be able to discuss it.

Would anyone be up for a buddy read of it this fall?

Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like to be able to d..."

Yes.

I'm unsure on the timing but you guys talking about it and nominating it the last couple of months has put me in the mood to read the whole thing.

Even if I don't have time to read all three parts, I've read Inferno multiple times and would happily lurk in any discussion thread.

Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like to be able to d..."

I might be interested in this Sarah, depends on when because the fall/autumn is a very hectic time for me and also, isn't there a buddy read for War and Peace? I'd truly love to read both but in all honesty, I don't know if I can do that!

Loretta wrote: "also, isn't there a buddy read for War and Peace?..."

In September/October - which (yikes) starts tomorrow.

Here's the current schedule:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


The Divine Comedy is in 3 parts of 250-300 pages each and you don't have to read them together. So for anyone who can't commit to the whole thing at once, you can always read it one part at a time.

Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like to be able to d..."

Okay Sarah, let's do it!!! :)

Melanti wrote: "Loretta wrote: "also, isn't there a buddy read for War and Peace?..."

In September/October - which (yikes) starts tomorrow.

Here's the current schedule:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

Thanks Melanti! :)

Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like to be able to d..."

I'm in, but I'm slow. I would probably take three months- one for each part, or a canto a day.

Phil wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like t..."

I think that's fine Phil, especially the way Melanti explained it! I also have other books on the horizon too. What do you say Sarah??!!

Loretta wrote: "Phil wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd k..."

Phil wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like t..."

I like the idea of tackling one part at a time, with anyone who wants to popping in when the can. I have a feeling I'll need awhile to read it myself. Two to three months sounds good, as I've heard this can be a hard read.
With War and Peace starting tomorrow (how is it September already?), maybe an October start? Not really sure what will work best for others. I need to finish it by the end of the year for the challenge but that doesn't mean other people can't come in later.

Melanti wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I think I'm giving up on The Divine Comedy winning in the polls (its all set to lose again). Its one of the books on my challenge list for the year, but I'd kind of like t..."

I lurk often when a book I've read comes up for a group read and I chime in on occasion even if i don't do a reread at the time.

I thought War and Peace was in October?

It officially says sept/oct. I was supposed to participate but I'm not doing any heavy reading until November. With back to school and then holidays, I decided on lighter reads the next two months. Not sure who is doing the W&P group read.

Whatever is decided, I'll try to do. I have books from the library that have to be read. Nothing for group reads but for my own personal challenge of classics that I want to read. There are just soooo many classics that I haven't read! I need to pick and choose carefully. I'm sure you all understand.

We all have many classics and other books we want to read. We set goals and challenges for ourselves. Sometimes the reading schedule works out and sometimes it doesn't. So many books and too little time.

Loretta wrote: "Whatever is decided, I'll try to do. I have books from the library that have to be read. Nothing for group reads but for my own personal challenge of classics that I want to read. There are just so..."
I think we all find ourselves there, Loretta. I have stacks and stacks of books that I REALLY want to read but never get to. We all have to chose...only so many hours in a day.

I had intend to participate in the War and Peace buddy read but have ended up behind on reading for my challenges because of all the good books my groups keep choosing.

I'm going to say an October start for The Divine Comedy. At the beginning of October I'll see if anyone is still interested. If so, I'll start a thread. If not, I'll just start slogging through it on my own.

Reading is supposed to be fun, not stressful!

I just hate to disappoint the people I've promised a buddy read to. It just makes me sad because I want to read allllll the classics!! There are just too many that I haven't read....

I think the challenges on goodreads have made reading more of a chore than a joy. I have eclectic interests and belong to a bunch of groups and sometimes there's books left out that I feel guilty about. I haven't read a guilty pleasure in months. Maybe it is time that I should.

Brina wrote: "We all have many classics and other books we want to read. We set goals and challenges for ourselves. Sometimes the reading schedule works out and sometimes it doesn't. So many books and too little..."

Yes indeed!

I'm planning on War and Peace in October.

Brina wrote: "I think the challenges on goodreads have made reading more of a chore than a joy. I have eclectic interests and belong to a bunch of groups and sometimes there's books left out that I feel guilty a..."

Reading one now -- do it. And no guilt!

Kathy wrote: "Brina wrote: "I think the challenges on goodreads have made reading more of a chore than a joy. I have eclectic interests and belong to a bunch of groups and sometimes there's books left out that I..."

That's what I've been doing Kathy but buddy reads come up that I really want to participate in. Pick and choose, I guess....

Thanks. I just canceled a few heavy group reads and requested one of my favorite mystery series. I am looking very forward to it.

Kathy wrote: "Reading one now -- do it. And no guilt!.."

Definitely!

This is why I'm a horribly unreliable Buddy Read partner, especially when thing are planned far in advance. I'm forever changing my mind about what I want to read at the last minute.

If a challenge has a set list of specific books to read, I count it as well-done if I finish half in a year. If it's a flexible list, I usually end up reading something completely different from what I had intended to read at the start of the challenge.

I'd love to read Les Mis with you guys, but it's probably not going to happen this year, and I'm fine with that. There's always next year, or the year after, or the year after that. It'll still be there when I'm ready to read it. The great thing about classics is they don't generally get any more dated than they already are.

Melanti I don't feel so guilty anymore. My mood of what to read also changes pretty much daily. Thank you.

Melanti wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Reading one now -- do it. And no guilt!.."

Definitely!

This is why I'm a horribly unreliable Buddy Read partner, especially when thing are planned far in advance. I'm forever chang..."

Thanks Melanti. Your words really resonate with the dilemma I put myself in....pick and choose....

I've never tried doing a challenge before, especially one with set books in it already, because I probably wouldn't be able to complete it. I would get sidetracked reading something else and forget all about the challenge. I really like reading the group reads though because they introduce me to books I might not have read on my own, or give me a push to read one that's been on my list but I haven't gotten around to.

I guess you could say mysteries are my guilty pleasure read. I love them and belong to an Agatha Christie group here on Goodreads, so I get at least on per month to read. I find that some classics are a little slow in catching my interest sometimes, but mysteries I always enjoy.

Wow, 26 new posts here since I last checked, you've all been busy talking! It looks like I'm not the only one who over commits, or who's looking at the War and Peace buddy read that officially starts today and thinking aghhhh, already?!

Since War and Peace already has it's own discussion threads, broken up into different sections, it will be easy for everyone to comment on the relevant parts at different times, without giving away any spoilers. So it should work out for everyone, whether you start reading in Sep/Oct or beyond. I'm looking at next month now myself, but I'll leave the schedule list up for both months incase anyone wants to start sooner.

So.....The Divine Comedy!?! I see it came second in the polls again, so there's definitely lots of interest in reading this. Does everyone want it put on the buddy read schedule for October? Or do you want to give it another whirl for Nov polls? (Old School nominations are about to open, just as soon as I get to it!)

And everyone remember....there's no pressure or commitment to read anything here. I know we all feel bad that we vote on group reads, or agree to buddy reads, but then find we don't have time to read every book we want to! We're all in the same boat, trying to read everything, but as already mentioned, our reading should be a pleasure and not become a chore!

It's September! Yikes! I've created a buddy read thread to The Wanderer: or, Female Difficulties. Those who might read it, do check in to keep me from feeling all lonesome, even if you're not sure you'll get around to reading it. I haven't started yet either, but at least the discussion thread of encouragement is ready. lol!

Leni wrote: "It's September! Yikes! I've created a buddy read thread to The Wanderer: or, Female Difficulties. Those who might read it, do check in to keep me from feeling all lonesome, even if yo..."

Leni wrote: "It's September! Yikes! I've created a buddy read thread to The Wanderer: or, Female Difficulties. Those who might read it, do check in to keep me from feeling all lonesome, even if yo..."

I'll add the link to the buddy read schedule....I think we all need a thread of encouragement from time to time!

Pink wrote: "I'll add the link to the buddy read schedule....I think we all need a thread of encouragement from time to time! "

Thanks!

There are so many good group reads for this month, I don't know if I'll be able to get around to War and Peace. I should be able to in October though. This is one I really want to read and reading it with others in the group might make it even more enjoyable.

I'm also interested in The Divine Comedy, but won't be able to get to it until at least November. When does that read start, or has there not been a time set yet?

Brina wrote: "I think the challenges on goodreads have made reading more of a chore than a joy. I have eclectic interests and belong to a bunch of groups and sometimes there's books left out that I feel guilty a..."

I hear you so much, Brina and Melanti. Goals are good when they push me and bad when they become work.

Catching Up On the Classics is a great group, and has led me to reflect on myself as a reader, and what I hope to get from reading.

I created a thread in the personal challenges folder, and that's the challenge I take most seriously. Filling it in has caused me to think more about why I choose thE BOOKs that I do, and what I HOPETo get from them. (Sorry, my 1yo is playing with the caps lock.)

These thoughts caused me to draft a mission statement for reading, and I plan to organize my goals around it in 2017. I think I'm reaching some new level of neediness here...

Renee wrote: "There are so many good group reads for this month, I don't know if I'll be able to get around to War and Peace."

Renee, I definitely want to do W&P, but I'm gonna be realistic. That's a 3-6 month commitment for me. If I read it, it'll be the only hard book I read that year. The rest of my time will be devoted to P.G. Wodehouse and Daniel Pinkwater.

So if someone wants to pick a year other than 2016, I might join you in it.

Phil wrote: "Brina wrote: "I think the challenges on goodreads have made reading more of a chore than a joy. I have eclectic interests and belong to a bunch of groups and sometimes there's books left out that I..."

Phil--Really, a mission statement? Too funny. Except, hmmm. Yeah, I just may copy that idea! I certainly could use some direction since I dived into this sea of tempting reads. Maybe it'll keep me from drowning. (Oh, and have you really read Daniel Pinkwater? I used to hear him on NPR--bet his books are fun.)

Kathleen wrote: "Phil wrote: "(Oh, and have you really read Daniel Pinkwater? I used to hear him on NPR--bet his books are fun.) "

Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy from Mars changed my life, no bull. It's weird to me that so many people know Pinkwater mainly from NPR when I grew up with him as a writer. He is the sole resident of the genre of "Sci fi bildungsroman based on Zen Buddhism." Some fans describe him as "The YA Thomas Pynchon," but I would lean more toward Douglas Adams.

Phil wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Phil wrote: "(Oh, and have you really read Daniel Pinkwater? I used to hear him on NPR--bet his books are fun.) "

Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy from Mars changed my life,..."

Oh, this sounds great. I had no idea! I've gotta read these now. (I'm sure I'll find a way to fit them into my mission statement)

To those who are feeling intimidated by War & Peace, I just want to say that it reads well. Not a chore at all.

I love the challenges because they force me to read books that I keep pushing back because they are too long, they are intimidating, something new has caught my eye...you know the list. If it is on the challenge list, it gets read. Some of the best reads of my life have come to me that way.

I want to read The Divine Comedy as well, but know it can't happen before November. I will keep an eye on what goes on with that one and I will join in if I can.

I refuse to allow anything to take the joy out of the read. I quit when I need to, I over-commit like everyone else. It is like being in a candy store. You want to sample it all, especially if you see someone else is having a piece that looks delicious.

Love this group!!!!!

Sara wrote: "To those who are feeling intimidated by War & Peace, I just want to say that it reads well. Not a chore at all.

I love the challenges because they force me to read books that I keep pushing back ..."

Sara that was said very eloquently! I do feel like I'm in a candy store, screaming like a two year old, "I want it, I want it"! Pretty much every book (well, truly, there are some that I couldn't be bothered with!) I see other members reading and enjoying, goes on the list and then it comes home from the library. Can you say piles? Someday, maybe I'll get to them all...but maybe not! :)

Sara wrote: "To those who are feeling intimidated by War & Peace, I just want to say that it reads well. Not a chore at all. ..."

Now I'm embarrassed! I really meant to say War and Peace earlier, not Les Mis. I even wrote a sentence about the current group read, then deleted it when I realized that it made no sense since Les Mis isn't by Tolstoy. And yet, it still didn't register that I'd named the wrong book.

I intend to use The Death of Ivan Ilych as a test case for Tolstoy, and depending on how much I like it, I might move up War and Peace... But I have a million books I wanted to get read by the end of the year, and I would have to choose between several of those and War and Peace. I guess I'll see how I feel after the group read.

Phil wrote: "I created a thread in the personal challenges folder, and that's the challenge I take most seriously. Filling it in has caused me to think more about why I choose the books that I do, and what I hope to get from them...."

Filling in the challenges and doing research about which books might be suitable is half the fun. That's generally the times when I start contemplating books that I might not have considered before, or, in some cases, haven't even heard of before.

Same here. But then I start contemplating and juggling and it becomes a chore to fit everything in. I was going to play bingo next year but I'm wondering if I should scale back on challenges altogether.