When do you want to read this?

[Geoff]

So I'm not abandoning the W&M group, but I might aim for a Halloween starting date for my reading. I'm finishing up the last of Boyd's 1400 page Nabokov bio this week and am not eager to just jump right into a 1200 pager immediately after. I think I'll do a few of the slimmer Nabokovs I haven't read and maybe Sorrentino's Little Casino and then join y'all in the McElroy fest on All Hallow's Eve.

[Geoff]

You might say I'm taking a breather BEFORE the beginning! Ha! Ha? heh? meh.

[Nathan "N.R.", James Mayn]

Geoff wrote: "You might say I'm taking a breather BEFORE the beginning! Ha! Ha? heh? meh."

Start dates will vary. I do hope that folks don't get themselves into this mess out of any sense of obligation or begin before they've got their readerly minds properly tuned. For those who are putting off beginning W&M for a few weeks, I would suggest spending a bit of time within the first two chapters in order to have it rattle around in your mind for a little bit. Slow beginnings, a breather right here.

[Aloha]

Geoff wrote: "You might say I'm taking a breather BEFORE the beginning! Ha! Ha? heh? meh."

*groan* Well, I'm breathing thick and fast now. It's pulling together for me. I'm enjoying it. I can't wait to get deeper into all these quick notes I've made for myself. Lots of stuff. BTW, thank you for the Nabakov references. I just got those two bios. Nabakov is one of my favorites.

[Nathan "N.R.", James Mayn]

A coupla folks have finished our trek through the White Mountains of Choor just in the past few weeks. Sean and Ali, I believe are somewhere within, and Stephen M is indulging himself over xmas break.

For those with intention to pick up this (post)modern day war and peace whether sooner or later, when might you think you'll be able to start? Nothing formal (but of course not!) schedule-wise, but if I'm not off my branch, those of us who recently finished found it of some assistance knowing that others were reading simultaneously (simultaneously reincarnated!) and being fairly close to each other within the text and capable of exchanging somewhat real-time notes within the threads.

My guess might be that most folks won't see this happening until perhaps well into spring/summer (northern hemi bias!) given the various groups currently reading other mammoth and worthy tomes. Unfortunately, I still have nothing positive to report about a possible realization of a new paper edition, but the e-edition should be available some time this summer.

So but anyway, enjoy whichever form of end of year ritual might occur to your bad self in which to indulge!

[Aloha]

Nathan, W&M wind speak is flowing smoothly through you. (smile) Hopefully, I can simultaneously reincarnate when others start to read. I was hoping to add some more summaries, but I've given in to my holiday and other distractions. I'll chill out after this is over to be more than a hypothetical W&M reader. I have a big Proust year coming up. Besides the 2013 Proust shelf, I have a 2013 encyclopedic novels shelf, and a 2013 Faulkner shelf to tackle. How will these hypothetical reads (e)merge when I'm in the future?

[Aloha]

BTW, for anybody who is struggling or is hesitant about digging into W&M, the book has strengthened my reading muscle. There is a certain comprehension ability that you have to tweak in order to be able to understand the book. It's been a trip tweaking that, but it made my ability to read stronger. I am still only at the beginning of tweaking that, but I notice the difference. If for nothing else, you should try W&M just for that.

[Aloha]

Ali wrote: "so fuck yer and yer desert island, I'm taking as many books as I want, motherfucker, as I believe the kids these days would say. "

You go, Ali! LOL.

[Drew]

I still don't have a copy, but Stephen's offered to take it out of the college library for me here in Boulder. That means I'll probably be starting late January when I get back from my own desert island.

[Stephen M, Tome Terminator]

Yeah man, just let me know when you want me to check it out. I already scoped it out in the stacks. It looks beautiful.

[Aloha]

Which Jonathan is this? My W&M reading compadre Jonathan? Where's your artsy photograph profile?

If I read anything McElroy this year, it will have to be his other books. My reading plan is very, very full. I would like to write a summary, but I haven't done any writing lately. Too busy with the visuals.

[Nathan "N.R.", James Mayn]

Jonathan wrote: "Man, I'm itching for a reread while I have the whole in mind. Anyone starting this maybe in the fall?"

Excellent question. I'm out; no question. But we should have the ebook published by then, and possibly lower prices on the hd and pb.

[Aloha]

Aren't there other people about to embark or in the middle of reading W&M? If Jonathan's reading it again, this is the best time if you're new to this. Jonathan, the one that's my compadre even if he's missing an artsy photo, is the best person to read this with.

[Nathan "N.R.", James Mayn]

It would appear quieter than it is. I estimate a minimum of five readers reading and BREATHING Women and Men at the moment. Others are flitting around the periphery. Speak up and out if you like; remain silent too should you prefer.

[Aloha]

J Frederick wrote: "I added an arty film still for you Aloha. I'm going to change my name too...too many Jonathans. I'll probably start working slowly through W&M sooner rather than later, after I finish T.Rec, betwee..."

Freddy Mercury, I love the Three Colors Trilogy! Thank you. Hopefully, the BREATHERS will respond so we don't see a VOID.