Question for You Guys Regarding IQ84 GR

[Selena]

Hi guys!

So, our next group read is 1Q84. So I have a question for you guys!

So the only US release I could find for IQ84 is an omnibus edition that contains three books at 925 pages.

I know nothing about IQ84. So I'm asking you all, our group members, what you all think.

First, to everyone who has read this book: is it quick to read or a slow read?

Second, and this one's for everyone, how many books do we want to read of this one? There are books 1 through 3 in the English omnibus edition. Should we just read the first book? First and second? All three?

Please leave your opinions here. I'll make a poll when we get a better idea of how easy a read this book is.

[AllisonWonder]

I've got this version with the three books in one and I read them one after another. I believe that if you like Murakami's writing style you can read it really fast... but if you don't like it you might struggle with it.
As I have already read the book I believe it to be important to read the three books to get the whole'feeling' the writer wants to give his lector by creating this special world. If you don't decide to read the three books at least read the last chapter of the third book it is important to get the whole story and it is really poetic. I just loved it!

[Fanta]

We read the first book as group read, and then for second and three we make the schedule but don't read them as group read (like buddy read?), how about this?

[Ashley]

Keen tor ead this, haven't picked it up yet. I could definitely start on the first book and go from there too?

[Selena]

Everyone brings up good points. I just fear that we might alienate those who aren't interested in this book if we do the full group read for all three.

I kind of like Fanta's idea. We can have the thread and schedule set up for the three books, but only the first one will be the official group read.

That way, we can adjust the schedule if we find everyone's reading it at a fast pace, with the buddy read schedule being updated as well, all in one thread.

How does that sound to everyone?

[Allison]

I think Fanta's idea is cool, too. Then we can, as a group, move on, while interested people stay put. (I'm so excited this is the group read! I'd read the last couple chosen, but not this.)

[AllisonWonder]

Yes, I love Fanta's idea too. It is a nice idea with the 'buddy reading'. This also does give the readers who stopped after the first book the opportunity to follow the concepts and ideas developed in the last two books.

[C.R.]

I'm impressed you tackled that monster! Even as an avid Marakami fan, I had trouble with 1Q84. First attempt, my main thought was it needed a really good edit which could easily cut 25% of the verbal diarrhea. But I endured. I just reread it recently and enjoyed it thoroughly. It's one of his only books with a happy ending.

[Megha]

C.R. wrote: "I'm impressed you tackled that monster! Even as an avid Marakami fan, I had trouble with 1Q84. First attempt, my main thought was it needed a really good edit which could easily cut 25% of the verb..."

Agree. I read book 1 & 2 back to back and then took a break. Now currently reading book 3. But... really.. I have dropped and picked, I think atleast 3 times...

[C.R.]

book 3 gets weird as he adds another character's point of view. Moves a bit faster though with more suspense.

[Megha]

C.R. wrote: "book 3 gets weird as he adds another character's point of view. Moves a bit faster though with more suspense."

Hmm, for me the 1st 2 books were faster. The plot is interesting no doubt, wish Murakami had cut some 10% of it.

Also I see a shift in Aomane's character, she speaks of love, heart, something out of character compared to the previous books. Maybe it's her hormones working, given she is pregnant :)