Challenge: 50 Books discussion

From the May Group Read poll results (http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/20...), it seems that the group read idea is a very popular one. And, hey, why not? Doing something with friends is always more fun.

Since we are a group with diverse reading interests, it's tough to pin down one book that might interest us all. That's why I'm thinking we could aim for 2 group reads per month - to provide options to those that may be interested.

Please list nominate a book for June 2012 group read in this thread and post whether or not you would be willing to moderate the discussion. A selection of nominated titles will be put to the vote and 2 titles of contrasting appeal will be selected from the poll.

Moderating a discussion is fun! It entails:
- determining the timeline for how much of the book should be read each week over a 4 week period
-committing to asking at least one question of the group once per week to stimulate conversation, and
- voicing your opinions about the book in the thread

I look forward to your ideas! Cheers.

I think One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey would be a good group read. I'd even be willing to moderate it if this month's moderation doesn't go down in flames

I'm still up for The Sisters Brothers!

I'd be totally down for that one as well. But I think a really great idea would be like to do one "classic" book and one "contemporary" as well. Set up a separate poll for each one.

But that's just an idea, I thought I might throw out there. What does everyone else think?

Sounds good to me.

I'm so glad you two are into this! It's re-invigorating my challenge for sure.

I traded my used book store credit in today for The Sisters Brothers. Even though I've been wanting to read it for 6 months, I'll sit on it until next month in case we go with it as a group read.

I like the idea of a contemporary and a classic. I also think there is an appetite for non-fiction, though this could possible fall into one of those categories. A balance between male and female authors is worth considering, but too many rules could spoil the fun. I think we should only do one vote so we can ensure the 2 books selected have a good contrast of appeal. The popular vote title would be a given and no book without a potential moderator should be put up for voting. (But don't be put off suggesting a book even if your can't/ don't want to moderate, because someone else may happy to do it.)

Along the new & old lines, some of the other books that have crossed my mind are Lolita, Strange Flesh: A Novel and when it comes out The Casual Vacancy.

I thought about the Non-fiction aspect as well. I just finished reading a very good book called A Pound of Paper: Confessions of a Book Addict that would have made for some awesome discussion.

BTW...I took a look at the poll for May and Oryx and Crake was actually the third place holder. Maybe for July?

I'd like to read Lolita and The Sisters Brothers too!

Tim wrote: "I thought about the Non-fiction aspect as well. I just finished reading a very good book called A Pound of Paper: Confessions of a Book Addict that would have made for some awesome discussion."

Agree! I think I have that one on my shelf, and I'm dying to read it.

What made that one a great read for me was his personal knowledge, and stories of authors that I had loved as a teen. He hung around them, and in some cases knew them for many years so the anecdotes were interesting. His stories of growing up in rural Australia and beginning to collect books were good too.

So of the ones mentioned so far, I wouldn't mind leading the Lolita group read

Great, thanks, Marissa-dono!

i was planning to read the help after I was done with the book I am reading now... which will be in a few days. I doubt I will be able to get that one done in just a couple weeks, unless I just cant put it down. We could do that one, but a lot of people have probably read it. Otherwise I will just wait to read it until later.

Are you willing to moderate a discussion on The Help, Alison? It's a good book.

Tim, Lindsey & Alexia, (I wish goodreads had tagging like fb or earburning like ravelry), are you up for possibly moderating group read in June? If so, what titles?

Faye,

I can do maybe an August one? I just found out that I have 6 weeks to find a new apartment and move so my time is going to be pretty shaken up with that. Not sure I'll even have time to read :-(

That would be great, Lindsey. We can touch base in July. Good luck with your move!

Oryx and Crake

That's my vote!!

faye i thought about being the leader for reading the Help and i dont think i am up for that. good idea though.

Thanks, Alison. The book is a good suggestion.

Kate, are you willing to be a moderator for Oryx & Crake?

What exactly does a moderator do and how?

Hi Kate: A moderator starts the thread explaining how the group read will work and establishing the timeline as to how much of the book should be read by when. I think we're aiming for over a 4 week period, but that could be adjusted if the book was extra short or long. At least once a week, the moderator asks the group a question to generate discussion. Other than that, whatever you can do whatever you like to ensure the readers in the group have fun and feel included. Please take a look at Tim or Marissa-dono's posts in this month's group read threads for as examples. Cheers.

Wow; great explanation, Faye! Sounds like something I could handle. Count me in! Are we looking at July or August?

Hi Kate:

Please tell me if July, August or either works for you.

I had planned to put 4-6 books up for popular vote and select the most popular choice from that vote and also select a book of contrasting appeal from either this vote or lasts month's vote.

In order to include a book in a vote, I'd like to make sure someone is willing to moderate that book's group if selected.

In theory, I think this will work, but we'll have to see if it works for moderators. Cheers.

The new poll is up at http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/20... Vote :)

Hi Faye

I voted for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest as I've read The Help - the other book I would have voted for. I enjoyed it immensely and urge everyone to read it.

I've got my fingers crossed for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, too, as I've already read The Help. Even stevens right now :)

Wow, I am really amazed at how close the poll is right now.

The Help has 28 votes, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has 28 votes, & Lolita right behind with 27 votes!

I think that's the closest poll I've seen for a group read nomination ever!

Happy to mod discussion of Oryx/Crake in July!!!

I can't believe how consistently neck and neck this poll is! Makes me wonder if this is the right way to pick our reads.

Faye wrote: "I've got my fingers crossed for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, too, as I've already read The Help. Even stevens right now :)"

I throw in for "One Flew..." as well. We kind of started this last year during a discussion of whether we would feel the same about books we read in high school, and this would fall into that category for me. Highlight of which would be the spirited reading aloud.

i'm up for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

drumroll.....and the winners are

Lolita moderated by Marissa-dono

Oryx and Crake moderated by Kate

Thank you everyone for your suggestions!

Looking forward to it!

im still going to read the Help. Lolita is on my huge list to read though.

It was a great suggestion, Alison. Thank you.