Literary Award Winners Fiction Book Club discussion
General Topics
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INTRODUCTIONS
Hi everyone, I'm Conor. I'm a native Oregonian, but am currently studying English and studio art in Indiana at the University of Notre Dame. I joined this group because I've been spending the last year or so reading a lot of the major classics and want to branch out of this category while still reading quality literature. The books this group reads seem to fit the bill perfectly, so I can't wait to get involved!
Welcome, Jackie and Conor! Good to have you with us all. We will be nominating and voting on the upcoming book, so take a look and feel free to voice your choice!
Hi All, My name is Mary and I'm excited to join this group because the group reads and discusses award-winning literature and the classics. I hope I'm not a literary snob, but as a member of a women's book club, I've been quite disappointed with the quality of contemporary books on the best sellers lists (that many book clubs choose to read). I live in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area and have been an avid reader ever since my teenage years. I'm now well beyond the teenage years and fortunately was able to retire (early) from a career in IT. I've been a Goodreads member for quite awhile and enjoy reading the book reviews as well as rating books. I have over 300 books on my Goodreads bookshelves and am always in search of another great read.
Welcome, Mary! Its great to have you and your snobbery ;) Please feel free to vote on the future read...it's open to do so until the 28th, Mary. Welcome!
Hi Farrah,Kingsolver is also one of my favorite authors. Live "The Poisonwood Bible"
Welcome Farrah and Andreea! It's great to have you with us. We have just started reading Middlesex and the discussionposts should be up today, so enjoy! (Andy, Kamil is this months discussion leader!)
Hi, I'm Angus from the Philippines. I joined this group because I'm a literary awards enthusiast. I am doing my best to read all the winners of the four awards represented in this group (plus the IMPAC and Folio Prize). Here's my progress:Pulitzer - 35%
NBA - 14%
Booker - 38%
NBCC - 38%
My favorite among the four is the NBCC. I just recently completed all its fiction winners (in TP/MMP format) and decided to make 2015 my NBCC year. This coincides with the announcement of its 40th winner so I thought it's a great idea to complete reading them.
Answers to message 1:
Desert island books: Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson, In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust (I may finally finish all seven volumes if I have nothing else on that island), The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction
Author you'd like to be stuck in an elevator with: David Mitchell
Character you have a crush on: Uhm, none?
I don't have a full grasp yet of the rules governing the book selection process, but I gather that I need to be active in the discussions in order to nominate and to vote. See you around the discussion threads then. :)
Mod
Now that you've commented here in the intro thread you are eligible to nominate and vote on all upcoming selections as long as you stay active for 6 months. After 6 months of inactivity you will get a reminder to participate to keep your membership.
So happy to have you! We hope you like our little group.
Hi, I'm Meera from MA. I joined the group because I like to read from prize winners/nominees and I already own the book you're reading for February. If I were stuck on an island, I would probably want a collection of Jane Austen books even though I've read them all. But only if I already have a survival manual because I'm a practical person! I don't want to be stuck with any favorite author in an elevator because what if I don't like them as a person? Then I might not want to continue reading their books.Maybe Harlan Coben because I would like to ask why he stopped writing my favorite mystery/thriller series. My literary crush still remains Mr. Darcy.
Mod
I completely appreciate not wanting to meet any favourite author in an elevator for the reasons you mention. And I'm sure you're not alone in having a literary crush on Mr Darcy!
My Name is Lisa-Alexa and I am thrilled to be with this group! My favorite things are books-all forms, golden retriever 's and cozy book nooks along with interior designing-especially yummy nooks for reading.
I strongly believe in the old adage that reading is a workout for your brain. Even if the selections aren't as enjoyable as other's , they have a purpose and a message worth exploring. These books have made award's for an excellent reason and I'm glad to be a part of a group that wants to find what each book teaches us, individually and collectively. Also, the selections are narrowed down to just the award, prize winning books, making it simple to focus on progressively finishing the task at hand.
Further, I also enjoy historical fiction immensely. Edward Rutherfurd is wonderful for this task. Non-fiction books also interest me as well-mainly anything historical.
You usually grow into other favorite authors or books along the way. Timing and experience usually are the key to bond you to the book so your experience is richer.
Happy reading Everyone!
I strongly believe in the old adage that reading is a workout for your brain. Even if the selections aren't as enjoyable as other's , they have a purpose and a message worth exploring. These books have made award's for an excellent reason and I'm glad to be a part of a group that wants to find what each book teaches us, individually and collectively. Also, the selections are narrowed down to just the award, prize winning books, making it simple to focus on progressively finishing the task at hand.
Further, I also enjoy historical fiction immensely. Edward Rutherfurd is wonderful for this task. Non-fiction books also interest me as well-mainly anything historical.
You usually grow into other favorite authors or books along the way. Timing and experience usually are the key to bond you to the book so your experience is richer.
Happy reading Everyone!
Mod
Great to have you back with the group, Lisa-Alexa! I completely understand your comments about the purpose and message of all books, even if they are not all equally as enjoyable. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts in the discussions.
Janine wrote: "Lisa Alexa wrote: "My Name is Lisa-Alexa and I am thrilled to be with this group! My favorite things are books-all forms, golden retriever 's and cozy book nooks along with interior designing-esp..."
Janine,
Thank you for your personal warm welcome. As well, all your time and effort along with personal sacrifice Mods put in assimilating this group. I appreciated that you gave me an individual, not that Mods don't , but an interesting comment to my garrulous intro.
Best of Luck to you and all member's included with their individual reading goals for this year. I personally look forward to finding long unadulterated time to read with wonderful discoveries of knowledge and fun doing it , both collectively and personally! For me, not marathoning a book schedule, but truly enjoying the novel's message presented. Life is too short not to!
Thanks again,
Lisa Alexa :-)
Janine,
Thank you for your personal warm welcome. As well, all your time and effort along with personal sacrifice Mods put in assimilating this group. I appreciated that you gave me an individual, not that Mods don't , but an interesting comment to my garrulous intro.
Best of Luck to you and all member's included with their individual reading goals for this year. I personally look forward to finding long unadulterated time to read with wonderful discoveries of knowledge and fun doing it , both collectively and personally! For me, not marathoning a book schedule, but truly enjoying the novel's message presented. Life is too short not to!
Thanks again,
Lisa Alexa :-)
My name is Behnam and i am from Gorgan,Iran.i love reading history and politics.also love novels.
Behnam wrote: "My name is Behnam and i am from Gorgan,Iran.i love reading history and politics.also love novels."
Hi Behnam, I'm not a mod, but what is your favorite novel? Favorite Historical event and where? What in politics interests you the most? If you could change something what would it be?
By the way, I'm Lisa-Alexa and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Where is Gorgan within Iran? Is it large? What is the temperature today? Today is Wednesday, Febrauary 11th. Tomorrow we celebrate a president's birthday-Federal holiday, who fought a civil war between the North and the South in the USA. Union -North, & Confederacy, South. Union was free. South was locked down with slaves, families separated from each other! Horrible ! Lincoln, President of US , freed the black slaves and won! It was between 1861-1865. It seems al US wars last about 4 years. Just an observation. But, it was the bloodiest war in history and Lincoln was assassinated 5 days later shortly afterward while watching a play, by an actor and spy.
In The USA, North East, I hope that fuzzy ground hog came out because the novelty of chapped skin and very cold temperatures is loosing it's fun. Now it's dirt, ice and snow. Along with more of the same!
:-)
Hi Behnam, I'm not a mod, but what is your favorite novel? Favorite Historical event and where? What in politics interests you the most? If you could change something what would it be?
By the way, I'm Lisa-Alexa and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Where is Gorgan within Iran? Is it large? What is the temperature today? Today is Wednesday, Febrauary 11th. Tomorrow we celebrate a president's birthday-Federal holiday, who fought a civil war between the North and the South in the USA. Union -North, & Confederacy, South. Union was free. South was locked down with slaves, families separated from each other! Horrible ! Lincoln, President of US , freed the black slaves and won! It was between 1861-1865. It seems al US wars last about 4 years. Just an observation. But, it was the bloodiest war in history and Lincoln was assassinated 5 days later shortly afterward while watching a play, by an actor and spy.
In The USA, North East, I hope that fuzzy ground hog came out because the novelty of chapped skin and very cold temperatures is loosing it's fun. Now it's dirt, ice and snow. Along with more of the same!
:-)
Mod
Welcome to the group, Behnam! I hope you enjoy the books the group chooses and I look forward to hearing your views on the discussion threads.
Lisa Alexa wrote: "Behnam wrote: "My name is Behnam and i am from Gorgan,Iran.i love reading history and politics.also love novels."Hi Behnam, I'm not a mod, but what is your favorite novel? Favorite Historical ev..."
well Gorgan is north of Iran.there is desert at its north side and mountainous forests at its south side,also Gorgan is about 30 km far from caspian sea.it's weather is semi-dry.it is the capital of Golestan province with population less than 300,000.today is wednesday,february 18th ,its 18C,pretty hot for middle of winter.
my first novel and probably best novel was "the secret garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.i read it when i was about 12 and it had great influence on me.
i like history.and my first priority is history of Iran.from ancient to contemporary time.in 1906 we had "the constitution movement" in order to change the absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy,in wich you americans also participated in people's fight against dictatorship,read this : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/18/opi... .
after that we had nationalized oil industry and take it out of british hands,done by Dr.Muhammad Mosaddeq,iran's PM at the time.a few months later SIA and MI6 launched a coup and overthrow his covernment.(a trajedic day in iranian's memory,that still after 60 years its so much alive that like it was yesterday).and 25 years after that we had 1979 revolution.
i studied about US civil war in the book "freedom and organization" by Bertrand Russell.the process of independence and pre-civil war congress elections and the situation in north and south states are mentioned in that book.
also read "uncle tom's cabin" that takes place in the time of tensions between north and south.i know that north people had more liberal thoughts than south and of course that was maybe because of fertility of south lands and sugar and cotton plantations and need of labour force for south,so the slavery was more common and backed in south.
Hi, I'm Karen and I retired last June from a wonderful job as a high school librarian. Now I have more time to read adult books and I love award winners. I try to keep up with award winners and also enjoy going back to read winners I have missed. Right now I'm anxiously awaiting the Pulitzer Prize announcement. I'm looking forward to reading with you!
Mod
Welcome!! And look forward to hearing your thoughts too.
Hello everyone! I'm Taide and I live in Barcelona. I don't have a favourite genre or author, I enjoy any good and well-written story. I'm currently reading The Blazing World , To Kill a Mockingbird and Nostalgia. All three amazing!
Mod
Thank you Janine! Wolf Hall is next on my to-read list, I already own the book, so I hope to be able to join you very soon.
I'm still catching up with the group to learn how everything works before voting, but I'm sure I'll be happy with the book you all chose for June!
Hi, all.I'm Runrun Pan and I am a Chinese. I'm an English major, so I read a lot, especially fictions. Currently I have two favorites: The Road by Cormac McCarthy and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullen. I'm also a fan of Wislawa Szymborska.
I've been following this group all the time since I signed up for Goodreads. Sorry that I'm not an active participant. I'm working for my doctoral dissertation and it requires a lot of academic reading. Anyway, I'll try my best to catch up.
Mod
Welcome to you both! Runrun, I understand the challenges of balancing reading for enjoyment and reading for study or work. I'd love to have more time to read for fun. And Myra, it sounds like you certainly will now. Lucky you!! I look forward to hearing your views on the books we read and any contributions you make to the monthly discussions.
Hi, my name is Dave, and I live in Fresno, California. I use reading as an escape from work (which requires non-escapist reading). A couple of my favorite books are "The Brief Wondrous Life Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz (one of my favorite authors) and "I Know this Much is True" by Wally Lamb (another of my favorite authors).I like fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and graphic novels. But a few years ago, after reading (and loving) "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" I decided to read award winning novels, and here I am. I'm new to Goodreads, never done any type of book club, so I'm looking forward to interacting with you all.!
Mod
Given your focus on the award winning books, it sounds like you'll enjoy the reads that this group discusses.
I look forward to your thoughts in the discussion threads!
Hey - I'm Aaron. I live in Winnipeg, Canada. I work in emergency medicine, and like to read non-medical things every once and a while. I read a mix of non-fiction (science and history) and fiction in alternating spurts that seem to last a few years at a time.I noticed a while back that a lot of the books that I enjoyed reading (Illuminaries, Sense of an Ending, Oscar Wao, American Pastoral, etc.) were either Booker Prize winners or Pullitzer Prize Winners... so I decided I was going to read every Booker and Pullitzer Prize winning novel. This was unfortunately encouraged by recently signing up for an amazon prime account, which makes impulse buys a little too easy, and I have subsequently developed the need for a new bookshelf.
Favourite book? I think the books that have changed how I think and see the world the most would be Heart of Darkness, Satantango, Catch-22, The Selfish Gene, Blackstrap Hawco, The Prospector, Nemesis, and The Sense of an Ending. Favorite author is always changing. At the moment it would probably be Krasznahorkai, Ian McEwan, or Joseph Conrad.
Hi, I'm David. I live in Quebec City, Canada. I enjoy reading classics, science fiction, fantasy. I don't like confining myself to those genres though so I'm always on the lookout for other books I might enjoy especially newer books but I find myself lost amidst all the choices and not knowing the authors, whether I'm looking at a quality book, etc. So, for a short while I've been looking to the top book prizes to get ideas for my reads. Favorite authors of mine (or maybe just books I've really enjoyed) Albert Camus, Kingsley Amis, Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall series and others I can't think of. :)
So that's about it! I'll be getting in on the next read, hope we enjoy it.
Little disclaimer, my first language is French though I think my English is pretty good too, but I will make some mistakes or sometimes my sentences just have a French "structure" to them so they sound weird. Thanks to all!
Mod
Welcome to you both and good to have two new members from Canada! It sounds like you've come to the right group with your lists of favourites.
One of the things that I've really enjoyed since joining this group is the opportunity to read a range of books that I might never have chosen myself. Some are great, others don't appeal. But the discussion is always interesting!
Next month is the True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey, which I haven't read. Kamil is leading the discussion - and it should be a good read.
Hello:
I am interested to learn why certain books become winners. I look forward to discussing some of the award winners with the group.
My favorite books are mysteries and thrillers so I have read many award winners in these genres.
I like that I will be introduced to books that I would not pick for myself.
Kudos to the mods for the wonderful organization of the files and events.
I am interested to learn why certain books become winners. I look forward to discussing some of the award winners with the group.
My favorite books are mysteries and thrillers so I have read many award winners in these genres.
I like that I will be introduced to books that I would not pick for myself.
Kudos to the mods for the wonderful organization of the files and events.
Hi! I am Marie Claude, but usually people refer to me as Mariec on the net. I live in the Province of Québec, live in French, but over half my reading is done in English (I don't enjoy translations at all, and stay as far away as I can LOL).I've been married for over 20 years with a man who does not read much (he has other qualities, don't worry) and don't have people around me who do, so I wanted to find a place to discuss books :)
I'm glad you accepted me in your group and am sure that I'll meet interesting people who share my tastes in reading.
Mod
Like you, MsG - one of the things I enjoy about reading groups is reading books I might not otherwise have chosen myself. Some I've really loved, others have made me think and some I've had to work hard to make it to the end.
And I agree with you Marie Claude, it's good to have discussions with a group of like minded people interested in reading the award winners. It's rare that my partner and I would be reading the same book at the same time!
I look forward to your views on the books that we read each month!
Hello - I am looking forward to the discussions here. A few years ago I was traveling and found myself reading a Stephen King novel. It was not great, and I decided that life was too short to be reading second tier nonsense. Don't get me wrong - I love a little bit of fluff some times (my choice is usually old Sci-Fi), but that should be deliberate. So, when I got back I started in on the Nobel Literature Prize winners, Pulitzers, Man Booker - and I have found a ton of things that make me excited. Hoping that this group has some of that interest as well. My favorites - different authors for different things - but I love Tagore, Oe (A Personal Matter), Szymborska (View with a grain of sand), and Canetti (Auto-De-Fe).
HiMy name is Linda Burgess and I live in Pretoria, South Africa. I work as a systems developer.
I love reading. Lately I've been reading mostly science fiction and fantasy, working my way through the Hugo Awards, but I feel the need to 'expand my horizons'. There are so many excellent books out there, so starting with the award winners is logical!
I studied some English Literature at university. I'm looking forward to discussing books and hearing other people's viewpoints. Reading literary award winning books can a be lonely experience without a chance to discuss your impressions.
My home language is Afrikaans, but I read mostly in English, and I love my Kindle to bits! It enables me to get hold of any book at any time! It's 'ready to go' now, with about 120 unread books loaded already!
I have re-read The Road this week and will post a comment on that thread. And, I have Lila ready to start with! Looking forward to reading it.
Mod
I'm impressed with your 120 books ready to go Linda! And great to hear your commitment to the award winners, Peter.
Looking forward to hearing both of your views as we work our way through the monthly reads.
Hi, everyone!I'm Sarah from the Philippines. I signed up in GR recently because I felt like I'm starting to fall back on my reading habits because of other responsibilities. I'm glad that I was able to discover and join this group, which I believe will motivate me to read more critically-acclaimed books.
I have loved reading ever since I was a kid. Generally, I prefer classic and contemporary fiction. I'm simultaneously reading four books right now and I plan to add The Hours to the list, although I'm not sure if that's "healthy" but I guess it can't be helped.
Anyway, I hope to join the group discussions and get to know the readers here. Have a nice day, all!
I´m Margarida from Portugal. I signed up in GR more than one year ago. I do read a lot, and have the habit of writing down the books I read. I belonged to a book club in Lisbon, but people enjoyed more to have dinner than to discuss books, so I have started to follow GR comments and have discovered a few interesting things. GR has motivated me to read more and I would like to discover new authors. I read a lot of fiction, crime and I follow all man booker suggestions. I would take with me to desert island Alice in wonderland and I would love to be caught in a lift with John Grisham. I have started in 2015 to go deeper on african authors and I had very good surprises. Anyway, I would love to see new angles and share mine you you. All the best, and a great 2016!
Mod
Hi I am Lulu and very glad I got to join! I am currently trying to branch out readingwise as I've been kinda stuck in YA for the past three years, when my reading was way broader before that. I am very intrigued by prize winners, wether it be because they can be discussed with so many people or because I like finding out what merits they have. :) Looking forward to some great discussions in this group
Mod
I'm Katie - originally from England but now live in Thailand. My favourite authors are Ian McEwan and Haruki Murakami. I think that the short stories of Raymond Carver are amazing. When I visit London I like to see lots of theatre and art. When I'm not working I read, write stories and visit the beach. I like the idea of this group widening my reading material beyond my favourite authors and joining some conversations of course.
Hi my name's Jim, I live in Sydney, Australia with my wife. We both love reading and my favourite book would have to be Blood Meridian.
Mod
It's been great to hear some of your views already on the reads that the group has been discussing. I've really enjoyed being part of this group and hope you do too. So far I haven't read a great deal of Cormac McCarthy - including Blood Meridian - but interesting to hear it's a favourite for you, Jim. As someone's favourite, it always makes a book more intriguing.
I've haven't tended to read many short stories, but when work becomes all consuming and it gets difficult to read (which has been the case for a few months now), I might just consider picking up a short story by Raymond Carver, on your recommendation Katie.
My name is Omar. I live in Cairo, Egypt. For me reading is a passion. I mainly read for two reason. I read for education and entertainment. My favorite author is Paulo Coelho. My favorite book so far is "The White Tiger" by Avid Adiga. I joined Goodreads because I've been looking for a community where I can have intellectual discussions and gain a better understanding of the books I've read.
Mod
Welcome!
Mod
Mod
Welcome George! We've had a few Australians join us recently and have an Australian read coming up next month. Look forward to you participating in upcoming discussions!
Literary Award Winners Fiction Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (other topics)The Return of the Soldier (other topics)
Lila (other topics)
The Road (other topics)
Wolf Hall (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Richard Flanagan (other topics)Haruki Murakami (other topics)
I just finished Thousand Autumns and was BLOWN AWAY by how good Mitchell continues to be. What an amazing gift he has for making us feel pretty much anything he wants us to feel.