Nominate books to read in December and January

[NancyJ, Moderator]

This is a crazy time of year, when some of us have little time to read, and others have extra time off to snuggle with a good book. (I love winter breaks!) So rather than try pick one book for everyone, let's set up some Buddy reads.

Eligible: GAR books, GAR series books (you don't have to start with book 1), and Holiday spirit books (pertaining to any holidays from Thanksgiving to Valentine's day.) I posted a separate thread for people to suggest their favorite holiday spirit books.

Nominate books that you want to read and/or discuss, or are planning to read anyway. Keep reviewing other nominations for inspiration, and to find a match, and add your support.

New members - this is a good time to dip a toe in the water. Don't be shy about nominating a book that many of us have already read. We have a lot of new members who are interested in Catching up with some great reads.

When you find a small group of interested people, agree on a time frame, and choose a coordinator. The coordinator should confirm agreement with each person to avoid misunderstandings. (Many of us might have an interest in many books, but have time for only 1 or 2.) Submit the names/time period to me, and I'll set up the threads. Each buddy read must have at least two committed participants. Anyone is free to join any buddy read. If you're strongly committed to a book, volunteer to coordinate the read when you nominate the book.

I have some potential changes to discuss for the New Year. I will be looking for people to help moderate. Please let me know if you're interested.

[Ella]

Honestly, I fully plan on taking part in the Gilead thread b/c I adore those books, especially the first one - Gilead. Gorgeous book. I don't think I'll get to Outlander b/c my library always has a really long waiting list for it, and for some reason I forgot to get on that list.

Here are two thoughts I have for the new year 2020 (argh! That went so fast - those two decades...)

1) I think, Nancy, you deserve some help, but I'm a terrible "moderator" so I was thinking how about when people suggest books, if they suggest a book in the nomination thread, that means they would also be willing to lead the group on said book. That way, YOU only have to set up the thread, and other people would be responsible for the discussions - just a thought. It works well in other groups here on GR.

2) Books for 2020: I want to read Don Quixote next year. I plan to read it, so if anyone else wants to, I'm up for doing that, leading it or whatever. Also, I want to read the series of Tales of the City - and I think I may find time to do that next year. I'm happy to co-lead that read too. I would like a partner b/c there are just so many books in the series and that series honestly could take a year to get through in a reasonable manner. So perhaps if we could find at least a couple people to lead that series, we'd have a much better chance of actually getting through it & getting it done.

Otherwise, happy holidays everyone. Enjoy whatever you celebrate. I'm around but this year especially is a bit nuts for me at year's end.

Hugs - Ella

[Janet, series facilitator]

I'm up for co-moderating or buddy reading Tales of the City with you Ella. Since the group has already read the first in the series I am reading that right now so I would want to start with the second book.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

Thanks Janet

It's been a year I think since we read the first one, and others might jump in if we start with #1. You can add comments since it's recent, and take it from there.

I'll set up the folder and maybe the first thread, and you can take it from there!

[NancyJ, Moderator]

The Book Thief - I would like to read this from December to January 15. It's one of the highest rated books on the list and I haven't read it yet, and it fits a challenge I have. Would anyone like to join me?

I would like to read more of the Gilead series, Lila, and Home by Marilyn Robinson. I'm not in a hurry.

[KP]

A Game of Thrones

[Ella]

NancyJ wrote: "The Book Thief - I would like to read this from December to January 15. It's one of the highest rated books on the list and I haven't read it yet, and it fits a challenge I have. Would..."

Nancy, I ended The Book Thief sobbing on my kitchen floor. I read the book, got almost to the end, decided to do the dishes before finishing in bed and just started bawling. I literally was in a fetal position with yellow kitchen gloves on and suds all over me just sobbing REALLY loudly. I was a mess. For a while I feared watching the movie b/c of that, but it turns out the movie didn't do nearly as much for me as the book.

As for the Gilead series, I do think the next books add more to the story - or at least the second one. They don't further the story much, but they tell it from the vantage points of the other characters, and it's just an absolute favorite of mine for reasons I can't explain, but it's pretty close to perfect for me. You should read it if you can.