Next Read - December 2016

[Mark]

Carol wrote: "Manda wrote: "Mark wrote: "(It's funny, but from my limited experience with GR's reviews, Moby Dick is one of the most "hated" and I mean rabidly "hated" books ever published?)
So, then, my top te..."
Dear Carol, I apologize for my use of the inflammatory words: rabid and hate and have tried to edit them out of my post. I also apologize for my apparent naivete in implying that in matters of taste only my opinion could be valid. As to the subject of proselytizing, that is an interesting question. I'm probably guilty, when it comes to ULYSSES, my favorite book, of trying to influence others in a positive way. Not everybody likes spinach, but the virtues of spinach are well established and we can all sometimes change our minds.

[Haaze]

I like spinach!

[Laure]

Haaze wrote: "Laure wrote: "Plus the French education system is very 'challenging' that way (well used to be) loads of classics you have to read - French ones anyway. So, nothing really extreme there."

I wish w..."

Yes, true - even my daughters gave up on reading 'Pride and Prejudice'. :( I'm hoping they will go back to classic 19th Century books when older. Maybe .. Shame they were not asked to read more. They both enjoyed reading Shakespeare - but their exam course consisted of only 3 books for the whole year!

The fact is you did not have any choice when you were at school, so you did read what was set. We had to read Moliere and Racine etc. We even had to read a Shakespeare play (Macbeth). We were 14 or 15 at the time. I think French kids (16-17) still have to tackle the classics for their baccalaureate. They have something like up to 20 texts to study for their exams (some are poems). Not a bad thing. :D
Haha, but in France, Philosophy is a compulsory subject in your final exam year for the baccalaureate. lol ... very different.

[Haaze]

Based on your statements I find the French system quite interesting. I like its emphasis on literature and philosophy. Are the sciences emphasized as well or is there a bias towards the arts and humanities? Ideally, both realms are covered equally.

[Haaze]

Being an optimist is healthy for your soul! :)

[Laure]

Haaze wrote: "Based on your statements I find the French system quite interesting. I like its emphasis on literature and philosophy. Are the sciences emphasized as well or is there a bias towards the arts and hu..."

Yes indeed they are - Pupils are asked to specialise for their baccalaureate before their last two years at school. Many choose a math or science baccalaureate of course, but they still have to do their French exam like everyone else. They have less philosophy in their last year I think though.

[Haaze]

Ah, France!

[Laure]

Manda wrote: "Lol, it's great we are all getting on so well!

Shall we decide on Decembers read? A poll for those already suggested perhaps?"

Yes, the poll shows that most people would like to see a monthly/bi monthly read chosen by group members after suggestions in threads.
I am going to gather the books mentioned on this thread and make up a poll tomorrow.
First, I will send a message tonight to everyone in case they have not had the chance to express their views or write in the book they would like to see in the December poll. :)
Let me know what you think.

[Laure]

Manda wrote: "So far nominated books we have Neuromancer, Midnight's Children, The House of Mirth and The Grapes of Wrath

I'm going to nominate [book:A Pas..."

Manda not a bad idea. My only worry is that it would not take into account what the future members of the group would like to read. It could be demotivating for some people - just my two cents. Of course, nothing prevents members from writing in their favourite books every months until they're picked! :P
Maybe we could compromise - the first two books of the poll will be our choices for December and January only and see how it goes.
We could review the modus operandi in the new year?

[Carol]

Mark wrote: "Carol wrote: "Manda wrote: "Mark wrote: "(It's funny, but from my limited experience with GR's reviews, Moby Dick is one of the most "hated" and I mean rabidly "hated" books ever published?)
So, t..."

Oh no need to apologize at all from my perspective. Passion about books is the thing we all share and what brings us together. That accompanied by a great sense of humor and a sprinkle of self-awareness makes for the best forum discussions. With whom else could we discuss our respective delight and hatred of Moby Dick?

@Laure, I like your last suggestion and the thought process of being welcoming to new members going forward.

[Fab]

I'm coming late into the group so I've been reading through the treads and it has been great to read everyone's comments and lists of top books. Moby Dick is definitely on my must read list. I read "In the Heart Of the Sea" about the Essex disaster and how it inspired Melville. I'm really looking forward to reading it! I've yet to read The Brother Karamazov as well. I feel I have so many great books I haven't read :'(
If I can humbly offer my list of the best books I've read:
Crime and Punishment
Don Quixote
The Death of Ivan Ilych
Pedro Páramo
Hopscotch
Conversation in the Cathedral
I can understand Mark's comment about the reviews on GR, last time I looked I was surprised and saddened to see Hopscotch so thoroughly hated when imho it's a literary gem and crucial in Latin American literature

[Mark]

Carol wrote: "Mark wrote: "Carol wrote: "Manda wrote: "Mark wrote: "(It's funny, but from my limited experience with GR's reviews, Moby Dick is one of the most "hated" and I mean rabidly "hated" books ever publi..."
That's cool.