Chicks On Lit discussion
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Books and timing question
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It's hard because some people have read the books before they are even nominated and others pick up the book when they can because librarys are hit and miss so some have read ahead.
I think both discussions right now are trying to not skip to the head with their discussions but it's hard. Do you think we should break discussions down to like the first half and second half discussions or maybe the read and reading discussions?
I think both discussions right now are trying to not skip to the head with their discussions but it's hard. Do you think we should break discussions down to like the first half and second half discussions or maybe the read and reading discussions?

My only other thought is that too many limitations might discourage some readers. Reading ahead works for me because I average about 15-20 books a month in my reading. I plan for the ones I am going to discuss. If they are library books (most are) then I only have about 3 weeks to hang on to the book so that has to be figured in too. One week to read and two weeks to reference for the discussion. After that and more reading the thoughts start to fade in the old brain. Not sure what the answer is but this seems to work so far.


To me, since this is a discussion group , is seems that The Book for that month is the one that will be discussed that month starting from the 1st of the month. That would mean that we need to have read it by the 1st of the month. (or thereabouts)
Maybe if the book schedule for upcoming months was decided at least one month earlier - that would ensure chicks have enough time to read it before the discussion month.
I'm sure if everyone is on the same page - either way would be great.
Just my newbie two cents!
Maria
For me personally, I'm just an obsessive type of person who wants to have the book read ahead of time, so I'm not worried about trying to keep up with a schedule during the month that book is discussed. Such as I finished The Heretic's Daughter in mid-January, and am now reading Edgar Sawtelle for the March discussion. But that is just me. I like to be done ahead of time.
I am the same way although now with two books a month me and my library are going to have to come to some terms! I think i need to talk them into preference for frequent readers. A frequent readers card!
I do think unless there is a clear break in the book like part 1 2 or 3 then it would be hard to divide it up to talk about it.
Perhaps as we always remember to put *spoilers* on threads that will discuss further out and for those with a thought or question about the book that hasnt read it I would encourage them to start a thread about a specific point and just mention you are only half way through or 3 chapters in and for people NOT to spoil it but just talk on that point?
I do think unless there is a clear break in the book like part 1 2 or 3 then it would be hard to divide it up to talk about it.
Perhaps as we always remember to put *spoilers* on threads that will discuss further out and for those with a thought or question about the book that hasnt read it I would encourage them to start a thread about a specific point and just mention you are only half way through or 3 chapters in and for people NOT to spoil it but just talk on that point?

Myself, I really like breaking it into chapters for every week of the month and then basing the questions off of those chapters only so there aren't any spoilers but I think you and I may be the only ones who think that's a good idea. LOL


I agree that putting the *spoilers* warning would be good.


I wanted to get ahead for this month by reading The Heretic's Daughter because I'm going away for 4 days and I've been pretty busy for this 1st part of Feb as a result.
With everyone reading ahead so much as of late, I have been feeling rather behind and have felt a bit (self) pressured to plow through reading just to finish books which has completely defeated the purpose as to why I read in the 1st place! I love reading, it's not supposed to feel like a chore!
So, I'm backing off, reading what I want to when I want to and, unless there's a reason like this month (or I'm leading a discussion), I'll be reading each month's selection as that month progresses!



The other thing is if you are reading a book that is from the library, many have a set time of check-out. Mine is 3 weeks. If you have the book on order from the library you might or might not get it in time to split it up in to sections or if you do have it you might not be able to hang on to it long enough to finish the reading section and then discuss it.
Just some of my 2 cents.
I worry that dictating how someone leads may turn people off from doing them. Some books fit beautifully with breaking it down by chapters other books don't even have chapters. Some people read ahead, some people have read the book years ago and some people are currently reading the book. Asking the people who have read the book months ago to limit their discussion to a certain number of chapters might be hard too. We can put it up to a vote but consider both sides of that coin.
As far as when to read the book I tend to agree with KrisT, as a library user I am often limited to reading the books when I can, especially if it's a new release. If I see a book that is nominated at my library I pick it up regardless of if it's for this week or two months out because I don't want to risk not being able to read it when the discussion is going on. Then there are those that do books on CD and can be done with the months book in an afternoon or the fast readers that can wait until the month begins but are still done in two days.
My personal feeling is there should be no pressure when it comes to reading (unless it's the manual to my cell phone and I still cant figure the dumb thing out). Read when you can, how you can, and when you want to. I feel bad that Jo was feeling pressure to read fast but I am really proud that she recognized that and decided to do what is best for her. That is how it should be. Do what works for you. If you read fast, if you listen, if you've read it before or if you are reading it through the month don't worry. Those that lead the discussion are just glad that you are reading the book and for any comments and thoughts you have regardless of if you make them the first day or the last.
To those that lead the discussion let the book guide you. You've read the book you, you nominated it enjoy sharing and discussing it with those that are taking part. If you want or you feel like it's best to break it down then go for it. If you feel there are no distinct breaks or youre not sure how you would divide the discussion up no worries... do what works for you.
I would recommend to those that are reading the book and haven't yet finished but really want to discuss a certain point or topic without getting spoilers feel free to start a thread forum about your thought or question. Put spoilers on it if it might spoil it for someone else but I think it would awesome if more people started threads in the BOTM discussions. Discussion leaders are there to lead off the month it doesn't mean anyone is limited to the thoughts and questions they bring up. If you read up to the 3rd chapter and you are hating Bob Wagadoodle and wondering why in the heck he wears a blue suit every third friday then start a thread. *3rd Chapter Question* ____________________ If you are in the 8th chapter and you think that Mary Snoodlebottom reminds you of Scarlett OHara and you're wondering if anyone else noticed a similiarity but you havent finished it so you dont want to jump into the main discussion start a thread *Mary Snoodlebottome reminds me of .... * and see what comes of it. I imagine it will make the months books even more interesting and the discussions so much fuller and well rounded if people allow themselves the liberty to do those things.
However, if I'm talking out of my blow hole and you guys want a pole we can totally make one and get a chickcensus (i just make that word up its like concensus only with.. yeah you get it.) :)
As far as when to read the book I tend to agree with KrisT, as a library user I am often limited to reading the books when I can, especially if it's a new release. If I see a book that is nominated at my library I pick it up regardless of if it's for this week or two months out because I don't want to risk not being able to read it when the discussion is going on. Then there are those that do books on CD and can be done with the months book in an afternoon or the fast readers that can wait until the month begins but are still done in two days.
My personal feeling is there should be no pressure when it comes to reading (unless it's the manual to my cell phone and I still cant figure the dumb thing out). Read when you can, how you can, and when you want to. I feel bad that Jo was feeling pressure to read fast but I am really proud that she recognized that and decided to do what is best for her. That is how it should be. Do what works for you. If you read fast, if you listen, if you've read it before or if you are reading it through the month don't worry. Those that lead the discussion are just glad that you are reading the book and for any comments and thoughts you have regardless of if you make them the first day or the last.
To those that lead the discussion let the book guide you. You've read the book you, you nominated it enjoy sharing and discussing it with those that are taking part. If you want or you feel like it's best to break it down then go for it. If you feel there are no distinct breaks or youre not sure how you would divide the discussion up no worries... do what works for you.
I would recommend to those that are reading the book and haven't yet finished but really want to discuss a certain point or topic without getting spoilers feel free to start a thread forum about your thought or question. Put spoilers on it if it might spoil it for someone else but I think it would awesome if more people started threads in the BOTM discussions. Discussion leaders are there to lead off the month it doesn't mean anyone is limited to the thoughts and questions they bring up. If you read up to the 3rd chapter and you are hating Bob Wagadoodle and wondering why in the heck he wears a blue suit every third friday then start a thread. *3rd Chapter Question* ____________________ If you are in the 8th chapter and you think that Mary Snoodlebottom reminds you of Scarlett OHara and you're wondering if anyone else noticed a similiarity but you havent finished it so you dont want to jump into the main discussion start a thread *Mary Snoodlebottome reminds me of .... * and see what comes of it. I imagine it will make the months books even more interesting and the discussions so much fuller and well rounded if people allow themselves the liberty to do those things.
However, if I'm talking out of my blow hole and you guys want a pole we can totally make one and get a chickcensus (i just make that word up its like concensus only with.. yeah you get it.) :)



But how do you say no to writing inspiration, the new president, a newly-found fantasy author, super duper parenting advice and some silliness about someone - I don't know, maybe you've heard of her? - called the wicked witch of the west.
lol


I'll take a look at Mr. Sanderson. I could use a new fantasy series.
When the the books are picked for the months ahead, I look at our library and see if they have the book and if anyone has it on hold already. If so, I get myself on the hold listing so I can get it in time. It worked for this months. I finished reading the Heretic's Daughter and I have the next group read on my desk. I'm reading one other between the two.