A Brief History of Time - pre-read

[Joanna Loves Reading]

This discussion is for the September 2018 Modern Classic/Popular Read of A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. SPOILERS ARE NOT ALLOWED. For the spoiler discussion, please see the SPOILERS thread.

[Kerri]

I started this early to make sure I could get through it in time. It is really interesting so far, though a lot is going over my head. My brother read it a few years and said that it just reconfirmed how awesome the universe and life is, and that seems to be my approach so far too.

[Cheryl]

I tried to read it forever ago, didn't make it through for some reason... I think maybe because I was busy with diapers & nursery rhymes.... I look forward to trying again.

I did read Astrophysics for People in a Hurry with this group and enjoyed it, and I do find relativity, black holes, and Science Fiction interesting.

But I'm not sure what the relevance of a spoiler-free thread is?

[Kerri]

Cheryl, I think it is mostly for consistency :) Also, the pre-read threads seem to be where people say stuff like “I am excited to read this book” or “I read this book awhile ago/recently....” while the spoiler thread seems to be where actual discussion takes place and reactions to the story.

This is just what I thought when I saw the spoiler thread for this book though; it did make me laugh a little!! (What’s to spoil? That the Universe exists?? XD)

[Marcos]

Good question, Cheryl. Yes, consistency, mostly. It's a standard organization of all the discussions. And a general communication between members has a place in the group as well. A kind of a general chat, like Kerri noticed. Otherwise, how would we hear about that great story of diapers and nursery rhymes of yours? :-)

Nevertheless, there are some discussions that may be held outside of the contents of a book, so it also makes sense. For instance, discussing if Paulo Coelho is a good author or not can be done without having to go into specific details of one of his books.

[[deleted user]]

First group read, as A Man Called Ove is on hold at my local library. Never heard of this book, but I'm excited by the stellar reviews!

[Renee]

I am not sure I will read this one. Its too much like work.

Since I have become homebound I have been "working from home". What they have had me doing is reading various research papers, grant proposals ect ect.

I want nice fiction for my entertainment. I will read this someday. Good thing the discussions stay here forever

[MissLemon]

For those finding this hard going I recommend listening to it rather than reading.

[Cheryl]

Ty for your patience with my question. The reasons for spoiler vs. pre-read threads make sense.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I read this book in college or just after, probably less than 5 years after it was originally released. I liked it, but I remember feeling a little lost about halfway through, so I'm looking forward to a re-read in order to see if my comprehension is better this time around.

Looking for a way to get pumped up for this read? Check out Stephen Hawking singing Monty Python's Universe Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfcC6...

[Summer]

This has been on my TBR for years. Hopefully I'll have enough time to get to it this month!

[Cassie]

Very excited to read this one. Won't be until later this month, but I have a feeling this is going to be absolutely fascinating.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Randy wrote: "I read this book in college or just after, probably less than 5 years after it was originally released. I liked it, but I remember feeling a little lost about halfway through, so I'm looking forwar..."

Fun video share! Thanks Randy!

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Fun video share! Thanks Randy!"

You're welcome!

By the way, there is a "Brief History of Time" documentary directed by Errol "Thin Blue Line" Morris that is well worth watching. The documentary is more about Hawking's life although it also touches on some of the ideas in the book. It makes a great companion piece to the book.

[Cheryl]

I've given up... from what I've learned since, the newer sources of this information are more up-to-date and easier to understand.

[NancyJ]

Kerri wrote: "
(What’s to spoil? That the Universe exists?? XD)
"

Yeah, I guess if he discovered time travel was possible, we would have heard about it by now.

[Stephanie]

Hmmm... I've joined this rather late. Hopefully I'll make it in time!

[Jerome]

It'll come back around to the start eventually. ;)

[Satrina]

I'm on chapter two and really struggling as physics is not a dear subject to me... :(

[NancyJ]

Given that the vote was so close for this month, I'm disappointed that few people seem to be reading this book. 131 people voted for this book, but there are relatively few people posting about it. This seems to happen a lot. I recall the same issue with the Japanese themed month. Perhaps people get overly ambitious when voting, and then realize later they really don't want to read that 1000 page book, or the book about physics after all.

Or worse. During the voting for this month, I got the distinct feeling that someone was punking us by putting in fake votes. (We already read a current physics book this year, so I was surprised by the sudden interest in an old one. Maybe I've become too cynical due to all the talk in the last two years about fake news, hacked accounts, etc.)

Anyway I'd prefer to focus on fiction books, though I did like the non fiction theme month last year,

[Renee]

Nancy, Jane Eyre has 29 posts. This has 25. Should we stop reading classics? This group does not require members to read every book. You don't have to read it if you don't want to read it.

Please stop trying to limit others peoples choices

Please respect this group. If you don't like it go form your own group.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

When these books were voted on, there were quite a few options in the poll. Marcos and I decided to revert back to an earlier system of 4 (5 if there is a tie) books in the poll going forward. This should help with voter dispersion. Yes, people vote that don’t participate in the discussion, but I think that happens in most groups. I have certainly done it in the past.

We have not been featuring themes in the last couple of months, but we will again. and At that time, we will limit to what is theme appropriate.

[Audrė]

I think that not everyone is participating in discussions even if they read along. I'm a good example of that. I'm here since January and I think from all the books I read along and am currently reading, I've only commented twice. I think everything is alright with the system!

And actually, I picked up A Brief History of Time couple of days ago, even tho, I don't think it was the book I voted in that category. And so far I'm loving it, so I think it's actually a great opportunity to also discover the books you never had an interest in. 😊

[Satrina]

Yes, I agree with Audré. I got here almost a year ago and I've only participated in a couple of book discussions even if this is the 14th book I read with the group.

Oh, and just so you know, I'm now on chapter 5 :)

[Karen]

Ditto! I also joined about a year ago, and of the 3 titles, I always select one book per month to read with the group. (Sometimes I participate in the discussions and sometimes I don't.) Also, I've never voted for a particular book. I just enjoy sitting back and seeing what titles the group decides upon.

PS I wish we had a type of rule that prevented members from naming and/or calling out other members they disagree with. It seems to me to be a form of cyber "shaming" that makes me cringe.

[NancyJ]

Karen wrote: "Ditto! I also joined about a year ago, I've..."

Satrina wrote: "Yes, I agree with Audré. I got here almost a year ago and I've only participated in a couple of book discussions even if this is the 14th book I read with the group.
..."

Audrė wrote: "I think that not everyone is participating in discussions even if they read along. ..."

Thank you! That's really good to know! I sometimes feel bad for a book (or a missed opportunity) when it looks like no one is reading a book. Sometimes it feels like you're talking to yourself when no one responds to a post. Thank you for jumping in. I appreciate it.

[NancyJ]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "When these books were voted on, there were quite a few options in the poll. Marcos and I decided to revert back to an earlier system of 4 (5 if there is a tie) books in the poll going forward. This..."

Thanks I think that's a good idea. I'm glad people are reading the book.

[Megan]

NancyJ wrote: "Given that the vote was so close for this month, I'm disappointed that few people seem to be reading this book. 131 people voted for this book, but there are relatively few people posting about it...."

I enjoyed Astrophysics For People in a Hurry enough to look forward to this read. It's possible there were others who felt this way.

I'd also like to point out that due to the nature of these books, it's possible it doesn't lend itself to discussion as fiction will.

Personally, I'm not someone who tends to read a lot of non-fiction, so it gets me out of my comfort zone to do so.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Renee wrote: "Nancy, Jane Eyre has 29 posts. This has 25. Should we stop reading classics? This group does not require members to read every book. You don't have to read it if you don't want to read it.

Please..."

Hi Renee,

I don't think that Nancy was disrespecting the group with her comment. There were a couple comments above from members deciding not to read this one, and you indicated a preference for fiction also. The vote was very close and participation for this one has not been very high, but as you pointed out not much different from others. Your contributions and opinions are valuable to the group and to me, and I certainly don't want to discourage your future participation. I do think, however, that these comments could be perceived as personally attacking, and I would appreciate it if you refrain from such in future. Diverging opinions are perfectly acceptable, but I hope that we can keep it civil.

Thank you for your cooperation!

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Hi all! If you have suggestions or ideas for the group, please post it in the Suggestion Box, the thread is here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

If you have feedback for how the group is ran, please bring it up to Marcos and I here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Cassie]

Unfortunately due to the semester starting and taking up most of my time, I won't be able to get to this one this month. I will be finishing Jane Eyre late, and will likely begin this one in October. Hopefully people will still be attentive to the spoiler discussion thread in the coming months as I will be falling behind. Still looking forward to it though.

[Renee]

No problem Johanna. . I will forward all posts to the Good Reads Community team member who is looking into this person. I will keep it out of the group. It is their job not yours to deal with this.


Just to let you know, My feeling that she disrespected the group comes from her statement that someone was plunking the group.
Creating fake votes.


Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Renee wrote: "Nancy, Jane Eyre has 29 posts. This has 25. Should we stop reading classics? This group does not require members to read every book. You don't have to read it if you don't want to rea..."

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Thanks for the extra info, Renee, and for your cooperation. My goal is simply to protect morale and encourage civility here.

I understand there is history here, but personally, you both have been two of the most supportive and encouraging members for me as a mod.

I don’t think anymore need be said at this time, however, I would request further discussion occur in the Moderator Support and Feedback thread.

[Ashleigh]

Hi guys- I’m new to the group (and Goodreads groups in general) so forgive me if this is the wrong place to ask a question.
I have always been interested in reading this, but it’s always struck me as a book that would require a lot of time and commitment. I love reading, but I often only get a chance to read on my lunch breaks or if I’m travelling for work.
How long would you - roughly - say this takes to read? It strikes me as something I would lose interest in halfway through if I didn’t get a chance to pick it in a while (though I could be wrong).

[Kerri]

Hey Ashley! I think this thread is a good a place for your question. I read this book pretty slowly and it took me I think 2-3 weeks? It’s one that definitely makes you think (especially if you are like me and don’t do a lot of physics) and is good to take slowly to let your brain cool down :) I found it fascinating. A lot of people in the group seemed to have positive reactions to it, and you can check out the “spoilers thread” to see more how people read it and reacted to it there. That might give you a better idea of what you are asking, if you haven’t checked it out already at least.

Welcome to the group!

[Renee]

I am still working on it Ashley. It is an interesting book. I just need to do it in small doses. I like it but my mind wanders if I read it for too long

[Ashleigh]

Thanks guys. Like you mention, I’ll probably break it up into small doses. It doesn’t strike me as something that can be binge-read!