Do We Read The Monthly Group Reads or Not?

[Kate]

Interesting subject. I'm a member of a few groups and I don't usually read the group books. I have so many other books that I want to read!

If the group book happens to be one I've read recently (or one I was planning to read anyway) I'll join in the discussion.

[Marianne]

Hello David: I try to read at least one group read, but due to time and the TBR pile, I don't get to them. That is why this month, I nominated a book from my TBR pile, that I wanted to read. Last month, I nominated a book I had already read, because it was so good; I thought the group would like it. Are you getting feedback two books are too much? The value read is a good idea, maybe alternate months, between regular read and value read to increase group discussion.

[Marie-Laure]

I do tend to read at least one. Sometimes both but not on a general basis (there are so many other books I want to read out there, and time is sometimes scarce...)
The one I read can be the standard read or the value read. I just go where my interest guides me :)

[AngryGreyCat]

I aim to read at least one of the books. I will say that there are certain time periods that I am not a big fan of (anything WWII, for instance) so I won't read those. I am currently in the middle of a move, packing, sorting,and selling right now, so not as much time for reading.

I often read the books after the month. I see them as the monthly book and then I pick them up but don't get around to them until the month is up. I have been introduced to some new (to me) authors through this group.

[Mary]

DianeAlice wrote: "I must confess that I don't read the monthly books that often unless its one I already plan to read or have. Being a member of a few groups its difficult to fit them all in. I do still think its ..."


I agree.

[Mary]

Fanficfan44 wrote: "I aim to read at least one of the books. I will say that there are certain time periods that I am not a big fan of (anything WWII, for instance) so I won't read those. I am currently in the middle..."

Yeah, sometimes I wait for the discussion before I read a book if I am doubtful about it and it may be months later. But as far as discussion goes it seems most are reluctant to speak because they might "spoil" for others so it is mostly vague generalities. I would like to see people's REVIEWS of the book maybe beginning the 3rd week of month and discussion with and after that. It might increase participation.

And please do not get rid of Value books. 2 choices /month are not too many. After all it is not required reading.
I found one of my new "favorite" authors on this site...Charles Todd.

[AngryGreyCat]

Mary wrote: "Fanficfan44 wrote: "I aim to read at least one of the books. I will say that there are certain time periods that I am not a big fan of (anything WWII, for instance) so I won't read those. I am cur..."

Yes - I agree. I like having the two choices, that way I can usually find myself interested in one of them.

[Odette]

I read at least one book most months, and have found authors, that I would not have discovered otherwise. Having the 2 books a month is a good idea. Though I have not contributed, I follow the discussions and feel that something more in depth or starting towards the end of the month would be good.

[AngryGreyCat]

Odette wrote: "I read at least one book most months, and have found authors, that I would not have discovered otherwise. Having the 2 books a month is a good idea. Though I have not contributed, I follow the di..."

I agree. I never know what the protocol is...many times I finish the book early in the month and don'w want to comment because I am sure others have not finished. Maybe we should have a dedicated "spoilers" thread where people can go post when they are finished the book without fear of upsetting anyone. Something with Spoilers - prominently in the title. Like "Garnethill Discussions Containing Spoilers" or a whole Topic called Spoilers and then have threads for each book???

[Bill]

I really enjoy reading and commenting as part of a group but too often the books chosen don't attract me. Already remarked that I try not to read anything not worth at least 4 stars. Too many books get nominated, especially on the value list. If you don't have a good reason for believing that all of us will enjoy a book, don't nominate it just because you own a copy or it's on your TBR list. Also we need an AV, so we can vote for 1st & 2nd choices; too often the books chosen have got only a bare plurality amongst several books, which means that most of us who voted actually wanted to read something else. BTW, I'm still immensely grateful to this group for introducing me to Helen Fitzgerald.

[Marie-Laure]

I agree it might be good to limit the number of valye books to choose from.

Redarding the "nominate from TBR or not" debate, I think it all depends on why you put books on your TBR in the 1st place...
I for one don't put books on that list which I don't expect to like and rate at least a 4... unfortunately some books still prove to be a disappointment in the end.

[Julie]

I really like the fact that we have the two choices and I usually aim to read both. Life does get in the way though and on average I probably read just one. I agree with previous comments that I have been introduced to several new authors through the value reads and I would really miss these monthly selections. Even if a choice does not suit us one month, I believe that the chance of meeting a new favorite author outweighs this risk. We can always choose to stop reading if we really don't like something.
This group is my favorite one, but I really would like to see more opinions and discussion. What is it that stops members from wanting to add comments if they have read something? In some other groups I feel intimidated and like my opinion is too low brow for the other members. I don't feel this at all about this group, but does anyone out there feel like this?

[Julie]

Well said David. We all have opinions and it's surprising how many others think like you when you voice them. Even if they don't, it forces you to think about your opinions and opens you to other points of view. The point of reading to me is to illuminate life as well as the joy of the language used and the story told. I love to hear how others think and feel and as long as we are all respectful, I see us as all being winners.

[Mary]

Marie-Laure wrote: "I agree it might be good to limit the number of valye books to choose from.

Redarding the "nominate from TBR or not" debate, I think it all depends on why you put books on your TBR in the 1st plac..."

I put many, many on TBR list--when I read the title only sometimes, or that an author has a new book or I see someone I respect gave it a 5. Lots of reasons but I do INTEND to read them. My list has gotten out of control though and at some point I intend to trim it down. Sometimes I glance at it and don't know why some books are on it. I also don't like the way Goodreads now combines TBR with READ for count...seems dishonest in some way. They didn't used to do that.

[Mary]

Julie wrote: "I really like the fact that we have the two choices and I usually aim to read both. Life does get in the way though and on average I probably read just one. I agree with previous comments that I ha..."

I know what you mean Julie and have resigned from the groups that I am uncomfortable with or just glance but I guess I am mostly a "lurker" as I don't say much-- like a club for Dean Koontz--keeps me up to date
on what he is writing and when new books are coming out but don't really participate much. Disappointing because he is one of my favorites. Also read many of the books so long ago or I find a lot of spirituality and political humor in his writing that got shot down immediately...HA -Maybe I was the highbrow? I have also learned not to join the very large groups with thousands of members, nothing wrong with them but they are just not for me.

[Mary]

David wrote: "Bill wrote: "I really enjoy reading and commenting as part of a group but too often the books chosen don't attract me. Already remarked that I try not to read anything not worth at least 4 stars. T..."


I would have to think about the limit to two Value books for a vote. Would that end up meaning the first two nominated would BE the two books voted on? Something about that doesn't sit quite right with me. I think US is about 6 hours behind England... Hmmm, yeah-need to think about that. :) (hope that hurt no feelings out there.)

[Nikkiplans99]

I'm pretty new to the group and this is my group only goodreads. All of the others I looked at had so many rules! I'm a terrible rule follower. :). I enjoy the options but I don't always have time to read both books. If the books that month don't interest me or I don't have the extra money to buy it I still find new authors on the currently reading tab. I don't vote unless I'm going to buy or get the book from the library. I don't want to taint the vote.

I was and still am nervous to comment on books. One being a lurker is much easier :) also because I don't always have what I consider to be deep thoughts on the books. Also being in the USA I'm always hours behind the convo and sometimes I feel like I'm lagging behind. But I really enjoy reading the comments and talking about books. I don't know that I would ever nominate a book for fear of having to lead the discussion.

[Mary]

Nikki wrote: "I'm pretty new to the group and this is my group only goodreads. All of the others I looked at had so many rules! I'm a terrible rule follower. :). I enjoy the options but I don't always have time ..."

Nikki, David is very lenient...I had to back out twice as moderator and he was understanding-no big deal.. And when I was moderator it was not a big deal once you realize you are only there to stir the pot. The members take the discussions where they want to go. Also have noticed that whenever new members or at least new speakers come in the discussions are much more interesting. You and Diane might be the next two to spice things up!
PS I am from Texas and have found the members not from here to be responsive to comments from Americans-no real problems with the time zones or lagging behind.