Monthly Group Reads Discussion > Likes and Comments
Hello.With Chels' permission, I'm adding Durma Key and They Thirst to our current group reads so there's as little upheaval for you all as possible. Thanks, Chels, and enjoy your role as honorary moderator until you feel like getting active.
I have a suggestion:Consider leaving the threads open for the BOTM discussion beyond the end of the month. Sometimes we have book holds in the library, so by the time we get our copy of the book, even if we speed read, we miss out on posting anything in the threads because they've been closed. It's annoying and stressful to experience.
My two-cents as a reader and fellow moderator at another group. I know as a moderator, it's stressful to have all of these open threads on book discussions that are in the past. You can always clean it up by moving them to an "Archive" section, but leaving them open for people to "necro-post."
Netanella wrote: "I have a suggestion:Consider leaving the threads open for the BOTM discussion beyond the end of the month. Sometimes we have book holds in the library, so by the time we get our copy of the book,..."
That's a good suggestion, Netanella, I'll leave the threads open for another couple of weeks after the group read finishes and promote/prioritize current monthly reads to the top of the discussion folder. In fact, I'll do that now.
I don't want necro bumping and threads have to close eventually otherwise the group becomes clutter mad and confusing.
Thanks for the suggestions, really appreciated!
the collector by John Fowles is a classic book that, while not overtly horrific I would definitely count as horror. The same for The Stepford Wives which I'm also going to suggest.
After a few discussions, all BOTM threads will remain open for an extra month after the monthly read has finished.This gives us space and time to read the books and comment on them if we wish.
Current books of the month will be highlighted at the top of the BOTM folder as always.
I hope that helps!
New threads are now open in the MONTHLY GROUP READS section for Horror Movie and The Haunting of Hill House. These are our featured books for September 2024.The existing group-read threads for Duma Key and They Thirst will remain open throughout September as well, for everyone to catch up and have their say.
Thanks, folks, please fire away with your comments.
Richard, Brittni, Nicolai & all my fellow members, If you don't know me yet, I began reading horror around '72, yes I'm old.As a young impressionable teenager, I easily fell in love with SK. I've never been a great risk taker, therefore I added and read the majority of the well established writers like King, Barker, Koontz, Rice, McCammon & Straub. I did eventually get around to the classics of Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll....etc., but never fully branched out, essentially missing out on many "one off", more obscure writers that have been penning great stories for the last two or three decades.
When I discovered this group, I was instantly intrigued and excited to join. I was confident I would come in contact with a large group of younger readers, already knowledgeable about the exact books I was missing out on.
So far Horror and Heaven has been exactly what I hoped for. Thanks to the great sharing by all, I now have a substantial list of added reads.
And yet, I want more, more, more. Can we read in heaven? If not, I'm in trouble with my "want to read" list.
Oh well, let's add some more.
I found a great list titled
"The 50 Best Horror Books of all Time will scare You S...less" on Esquire.com/entertainment
In a very "respectful" request of your time, anyone who would like to comment on this particular list, an individual book included, or has any other "must read" suggestions from the 21st century, I'm happy to hear your thoughts. Feel comfortable to dm me also.
I am most intrigued with "The Auctioneer" by Joan Samson.
Richard, I wasn't sure where to best post my request, but thought BotM would be good as almost everything on that list is good.
Tim wrote: "Richard, I wasn't sure where to best post my request, but thought BotM would be good as almost everything on that list is good."Hi, Tim, you're all good.
Thanks for reaching out and great to hear this group meets your expectations.
I see Esquire is really clued up on Horror and Sci-Fi. That's so cool and good to know.
Keep on sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it.
Richard / Alex / Him/Her/IT / You Decide 😅
Tim wrote: "Richard, Brittni, Nicolai & all my fellow members, If you don't know me yet, I began reading horror around '72, yes I'm old.As a young impressionable teenager, I easily fell in love with SK. I've..."
Hello, Tim! I'm glad you like it here. You seem to be very well read, so I'm looking forward to hearing your input moving forward.
That list looks great too. I know many of those title, but not all, and so I think I should check them out, as they might be something I'd love to read, so thanks for that :)
I think you'll eventually find plenty more stuff to read from this group!
The Auctioneer is great, very dark and well written
Happy New Year to you ALL!For some reason (after fiddling) our books of the month are listed as Swan Song, first, followed by The Exorcist, second.
Focus should be on The Exorcist, first.
Does it matter? Not a jot.
Just to let you know...
Just to clarify.We give a couple of months leeway each side for all our group reads.
Current and active reads - LIVE - this month.
This is what most people jump onto.
Up-and-coming reads- two months in advance so you've got plenty of time to order a copy (if you want).
Past group reads, going back two months also for discussion and final discussion.
I hope that makes sense?
Lots of space for you all to read our selected books.
Cheers!
Dear Moderators, Finally starting to catch up, finished Horror Movie today. Wondered if there might be an advanced method of accessing an archived discussion thread as a "Read Only" file?I prefer reading our groups' comments rather the general comments on GR. They're more insightful. :)
If not, I fully understand the need for a discussion end date
Tim wrote: "Dear Moderators, Finally starting to catch up, finished Horror Movie today. Wondered if there might be an advanced method of accessing an archived discussion thread as a "Read Only" file?Hi, Tim.
Of course, just open up the thread and read the comments.
Are you suggesting that we reopen the thread so that you can comment?
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
"No" to reopening. I just wanted to "read" everyone's comments.....and I've located the thread👍,
TY
Tim wrote: ""No" to reopening. I just wanted to "read" everyone's comments.....and I've located the thread👍,
TY"
Glad you found it, Tim! :)
Our group reads for April 2025 are:🖤 Horror
The Elementals by Michael McDowell
💚 Sci-Fi
Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill
So which are people starting first...Bone White or Intercepts?
Dave wrote: "So which are people starting first...Bone White or Intercepts?"
I haven't decided yet, still reading The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Which one do you fancy first?
Bone White was my first read of 2023, and my favorite read of that year as well. So, I'll likely read Intercepts. It's funny, I joined this group thinking I'd be more firmly rooted in the horror genre, but I've read far more from the sci-fi group reads since joining. And loved them all, I must add!
Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem) wrote: "Bone White was my first read of 2023, and my favorite read of that year as well. So, I'll likely read Intercepts. It's funny, I joined this group thinking I'd be more firmly rooted in the horror ge..."I too have already read Bone White, and while it was good, I don't think it's worth a re-read. I started Intercepts last week and I have to say, I am enthralled in it so far! It's going to be an interesting one to discuss for sure.
I'm going to be starting Bone White after I wrap up my current romance, but I'll be skipping Intercepts.
Ronald Malfi is one of my favorite authors! Having already read Bone White, I’m going to dive into Intercepts one week in March. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks of Malfi’s book. Unfortunately for me, Bone White was my least favorite of his. But still totally worth the experience. Happy reading everyone!!
Janette wrote: "Ronald Malfi is one of my favorite authors! Having already read Bone White, I’m going to dive into Intercepts one week in March. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks of Malfi’s book...."Oh wow. Bone White was the first Malfi book I read and I loved it. I feel like I might be in the minority here. I'm also interested to see what everyone thinks. I need to read more of his books. I also read Black Mouth, which was good. But I still liked Bone White better.
I love comparing bookish thoughts and opinions with others! ☺️
Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem) wrote: "Janette wrote: "Ronald Malfi is one of my favorite authors! Having already read Bone White, I’m going to dive into Intercepts one week in March. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks ..."Hi Theresa. Black Mouth is still in my tbr stack. But I’ll get around to it. I’ll take a look at your review on that one. My favorite Malfi read so far is December Park. Less horror and more coming of age/slow burn, thriller?
I so agree with you! So fun comparing likes and dislikes in books here! 📚❤️
Ok, so my review of Black Mouth claims that I liked it as much as Bone White. 😂 Let's just say it was a very close second to Bone White. I'm just unapologetically enthusiastic over Malfi's writing, really. 🖤
As April quickly approaches, I’m looking forward to reading both Sea of Rust AND The Elementals! Which book are y’all reading first?
Janette wrote: "As April quickly approaches, I’m looking forward to reading both Sea of Rust AND The Elementals! Which book are y’all reading first?"I'll be reading both, I bought a copy of The Elementals a few days ago and I've had Sea of Rust for a while. I don't know when or what day, but probably Sea of Rust first for a sci-fi fix.
I was thinking Sea of Rust first also. That one I own. The Elementals is on hold at the library. Excited for both books next month!
Didn’t know how I felt about this turning into a horror and sci fi group at first. But now I’m so glad. Like you’ve said Richard, the two genres blend and cross over so often. I’m really enjoying the ride!
Janette wrote: "Didn’t know how I felt about this turning into a horror and sci fi group at first. But now I’m so glad. Like you’ve said Richard, the two genres blend and cross over so often. I’m really enjoying t..."Cheers, Janette.
Sci-fi often explores the expanse or unknown and dystopian themes that I really love, which is another type of horror. Traditional horror seems to focus on a known place with an unknown element, often supernatural, whereas sci-fi is broader physically with the horror coming from not knowing what's out there. How would you define Lovecraft? Seems sci-fi as much as anything else?
I am reading Annihilation now. I misread the emails. Will review without spoilers and will read one if the April books in May.
Steve wrote: "I am reading Annihilation now. I misread the emails. Will review without spoilers and will read one if the April books in May."
The Goodreads notification issue, Steve?
Try logging out, clearing your cache, logging back in and see if that works?
Annihilation looks good.
It's early drawers yet, but in June it looks like we'll be reading:🖤
Dracul
💚
Sea of Tranquility
...if you want to book library copies or find accessible versions to read.
Great news - those are both high on my TBR pile!
A quick recap in case you're not receiving group broadcasts.Our group reads for May 2025 are:
🖤
The Troop
💚
Annihilation
And for June 2025:
🖤
Dracul
💚
Sea of Tranquility
Here's the to-read bookshelf.
Still plenty of time to get copies and join in if you want.
In August 2025 we're having THREE books of the month.This is due to the equally massive popularity of The Haar and The Black Farm.
You should have received a broadcast about this.
Shout out if you need anything.
Our two group reads for July 2025 are now Live ⚡.Please post in the corresponding discussion threads for:
The Fisherman
&
The Girl with All the Gifts
Remember that next month, August 2025, we've got the following books coming up:🖤
The Black Farm
🖤
The Haar
💚
Project Hail Mary
Plenty of time to plan and get hold of the books if you want.
In the meantime here's In Bloom..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbgKE....
Thanks Richard! I've already read Project Hail Mary and 5star loved it! I'm onboard, for and very much looking forward to, the other two novels. Any suggestions for where to obtain a copy of THE HAAR? It is nowhere to be found in the Vermont, USA library system 😧, Thanks🧚♀️🙋🏼.
Valerie Book Valkyrie wrote: "Thanks Richard! I've already read Project Hail Mary and 5star loved it! I'm onboard, for and very much looking forward to, the other two novels. Any suggestions for where to obtain a copy of THE HA..."That's the thing, the public library considers The Haar a little bit too spicy for general consumption!
Shocking!
I bought a copy alongside Maggie's Grave a while back because I've seen this book bandied about so much.
You can get the audio book on Amazon.com for $ 0.99 ($ 7.49 to buy) at the moment! I have no comment on the quality of narration.
For some reason the Kindle version is "from" $ 2.99, which means it's not currently available!
Valerie Book Valkyrie wrote: "Thanks Richard! I've already read Project Hail Mary and 5star loved it! I'm onboard, for and very much looking forward to, the other two novels. Any suggestions for where to obtain a copy of THE HA..."If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is free through that.
Libby app is good to me. I've read (12) of our group reads for FREE.Negative-you might have to wait due to availability since it is generally through county libraries. I have The Haar on hold, 4 weeks out, no cost.
Vickie wrote: "If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is free through that."Cool, if leasing books as a service is your thing, much like Netflix for movies, this is a good option.
Libraries are free, though, or bargain hunt like I do to own forever (unless Amazon does something majorly self-destructive and weird).
Tim wrote: "Libby app is good to me. I've read (12) of our group reads for FREE.
Negative-you might have to wait due to availability since it is generally through county libraries. I have The Haar on hold, 4 ..."
Cheers, Tim.
Thanks for the suggestions! I may just try to find a used print copy🧚♀️🙋🏼.
Richard Alex wrote: "Vickie wrote: "If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is free through that."Cool, if leasing books as a service is your thing, much like Netflix for movies, this is a good option.
Libraries are free, ..."
Yeah, I get it and understand. For me, I don't need to own a ton of books, and I have zero patience to wait for a book from the library, lol. So for the cheap monthly price of KU, it works perfect for me. I more than get my money's worth each month through that.😊
Vickie wrote: "Yeah, I get it and understand. For me, I don't need to own a ton of books, and I have zero patience to wait for a book from the library, lol. So for the cheap monthly price of KU, it works perfect for me. I more than get my money's worth each month through that.😊"I'm a huge fan of KU. I have a Goodreads shelf set up with all the KU books I come across that I want to read. Of course, they don't stay on KU forever, so I remove them if I see they're no longer available. Between KU, my library and the Libby app, I do a lot of reading for very little money. 😊
Please use this thread to discuss Book of The Month suggestions, ideas and anything relevant to these monthly group reads.
If you want to discuss a specific book, please use the corresponding Book of The Month thread and try to remain on topic.
Here are some topics that tend to arise:
Not being able to get hold of a specific book and read it within the fixed one-month timeline.
This is a minor issue for some and the reason we have at least two books each month instead of one.
These books are suggestions, not man
While a distinct possibility, it's not always practical, clogs up the homepage, feels spammy and is also a bit desperate by covering too much.
It's impossible to please everybody so we will be sticking to two BOTM, occasionally three.
The BOTM Poll churns out generic or unpopular results.
Some people are vocal about not liking the books chosen, as generic, mainstream, or other factors.
It's a valid point, but please remember that new members join Goodreads all the time who would love to read the complete works of Stephen King, for example, so it's important to regurgitate titles at times.
The need for a BOTM theme.
Yes, we may well do this in the future, probably by systematically going through Horror Subgenres such as splatterpunk, possession, gothic horror, etc.
This is now in force!
Have a moderator-choice BOTM
In other words, myself and a few close cohorts choose one of the books for us every month?
This might happen in the future.
We might even call Reese Witherspoon and get her advice 😂.
Any books that you strongly suggest or can't wait to read can go in the Buddy Reads section. Post a new topic and see if anyone wants to join you.
---
Apologies in advance if you don't agree with some of our books, but it's best to be as consistent and fair as possible.
Post your comments, thoughts, criticisms and suggestions below.
Cheers,
Alex