INTRODUCTIONS - 2015

[Tejas Janet]

Sorry you don't like non-fiction, Kandice. I love it!!

[Tejas Janet]

Maybe this group should change it's name to be something more towards the fiction/fantasy realm...

You'll love this only imaginary stuff?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Hey. Lots of us read non-fiction!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Welcome Tammy and Kandice. Glad you found us, and make sure you look at all our activities for June that just started a couple of days ago, and join in!

[Sarah]

Neither of the group reads this month are fantasy. Yes they are fiction this time around but we have had the odd non fiction read. our group is growing all the time and with a diverse interest in genres. Many of us read both fiction and non fiction and I like that our group does not stipulate what genres people should discuss like those which are specifically for crime or fantasy etc. We definitely have interesting conversations because we all have a different take on things.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Good point, Sarah. Looking at the group reads, we even had a non-fiction monthly read a couple of months ago.

Interesting to look back at what we've read this year actually. Nice diverse pick of genres and topics imho.

[Kandice]

I love how active this group is, but I am a bit confused by some of the threads! O_o They all seem interesting, but I need to find a chunk of time to start some at the very beginning and really figure out what they are, like Topplers and a few I saw that looked like places to post words or phrases you've never read/hear before.

I resisted ebooks for so long, but now that I'm addicted my favorite feature is the ability to look that kind of stuff up as I read! Love it!

[Stephanie]

I love that feature as well, Kandice :) but when I read paper books I google words I don't know the meaning of and copy and paste them into the notebook app on my phone :)

[Tammy]

I agree with Kandice. There is much to learn in the group. Feeling like I need a " for Dummies" book to navigate. Know it will come with time. Remember feeling that way about Facebook. Haha so long ago

[Sarah]

We're quite straightforward really. We have 2 books nominated and voted on by our members every month which fit a theme. The nomination stuff is found in the Book Group: Preparation section. the chosen books are discussed in the Book Group: Book Discussions section. If you don't want to read one of the chosen books, you can read any other book in the theme. We then have a monthly challenge, details can be found in the Challenges section. We have a yearly challenge which you can still join which is detailed in the Challenges: Year Long Reporting. Then we have topplers which are read-a-thorns every 2 months which alternate between week long and 24 hour long, detailed in TBR section. We award badges in this group for challenge participation which is why you'll see reporting threads. We all have our own wall of fame where libraries get posted. These are our main activities. We also have Off Topic Chat and Chit Chat about Books section which you can participate in too. We also do buddy reads which members organise between themselves, found in the Buddy Read section. I think that's it. there is a thread in the welcome and introduction thread titled Welcome - Read This First which will go in to more detail.

[Janice, Moderator]

Kandice wrote: "I love how active this group is, but I am a bit confused by some of the threads! O_o They all seem interesting, but I need to find a chunk of time to start some at the very beginning and really fig..."

There is always a learning curve, and with so much going on here, that's understandable.

The Toppler (read-a-thon) is gearing up to start next weekend. We signed up by requesting to be put on a team. Once assigned to a team we go to our team's planning thread and start "gophering" (looking for books that meet the criteria). There is always a lot of chatting generated by a toppler and it can be confusing to a newbie. Best way to figure it out, is to join in. We're a helpful bunch so we'll be happy to assist.

I think you are referring to "Glossing the Glossary" thread? Yes, if you run across a phrase or word that you are unfamiliar with and think is rather cool, add it to the list. It's just a fun thread.

Be sure to ask if something confuses you.

[Sarah]

Doh. Damon autocorrect. Where it says TBR it shoud read TBR Toppler and where it says libraries it should say badges.

[Kandice]

Thanks guys!

I don't tend to use any other electronics while I read actual books, so my MO is to have a gazillion little post its with words, phrases, expressions, etc. to look up when I DO get to a computer. My family says it's the main advantage to my having a Nook...no more post it trail!

And, yes, Glossing the Glossary was what I was referring to. I can't wait to dig in there. ;)

[Sarah]

Welcome to those I've missed welcoming already. Looking forward to discussing books with you all.

[jaxnsmom]

I remember when I joined I felt overwhelmed at first. It was like being the new kid at school, wondering if I would fit in anywhere. But the diversity of books and how it looked like everyone was having so much fun made me want to at least try. It took me a while to get the hang of things, but it's worth it! If you're comfortable enough, jump in and make a big splash. Or take it one activity at a time. Either way, ask questions if you're not clear on something! All of us are still asking questions. One of the best ways to get acquainted with other members is to follow and hopefully participate in some of the non-book conversations, like biscuits vs digestives vs cookies or about our book crushes. And then, without noticing, you'll find yourself helping newbies.

[jaxnsmom]

Life and Toppler planning have overwhelmed me lately, and work is still crazy, so I haven't been keeping up to date here.

A warm welcome to Laura, Catherine, Tammy, and Kandice.

[Tammy]

Thanks for all the advice

[Laura]

Thanks jaxnsmom. I'm loving the group already but there is a lot going on! I'm going to pick one thing to dive into first and work my way up from there. Looking forward to getting to know people a bit more

[Kandice]

I'm planning on tackling one "New" thing at a time like Laura. ;)

[jaxnsmom]

I think that's great. It's so easy to get frustrated and give up if you do things at your own pace. This way you're going to be confident with each new step.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Welcome all! I know what you mean about feeling overwhelmed, It happened to me too. But you'll see how natural it becomes after a couple of weeks. And you'll love to have joined such an active (and warm, and smart, and funny, and supportive) group.

[Tejas Janet]

The people really make this group. Very fun - even if they read too much fiction ; )

[Sarah]

No such thing as too much fiction IMHO :-)

[Sandra, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "No such thing as too much fiction IMHO :-)"

Of course not. That's an urban myth. ;)

[jaxnsmom]

Tejas Janet wrote: "The people really make this group. Very fun - even if they read too much fiction ; )"

Maybe someone (hint, hint) should start a discussion about nonfiction books - great ones, ones that are light and informational, how they've had an impact on you, good ones to start with...

[Kandice]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Tejas Janet wrote: "The people really make this group. Very fun - even if they read too much fiction ; )"

Maybe someone (hint, hint) should start a discussion about nonfiction books - great ones, ..."

Actually, I can think of a couple!

[Janice, Moderator]

You know, come to think of it, I haven't seen a buddy read for a non-fiction book. We may not have had one, but that doesn't mean someone can't start one. We've had group themed reads with NF books. This month's challenge would be perfect for NF. I have an idea...

[Tejas Janet]

Thank you, Janice, for starting a thread about non-fiction!!!!!!!

[Janice, Moderator]

You're welcome. You could have started one yourself, you know. :) We don't have restrictions about members starting threads unless it's spam. So if there's anything on your mind about something you'd like to discuss, go for it. It doesn't even have to be book related.

[Deborah]

Greetings! I tripped over this group somehow and was most taken with your May Challenge, so I joined. I don't fancy the June one whatsoever, unfortunately but am sure I will be joining in with other months to come!

[Kandice]

Black wrote: "I am a Big Science Fiction fan. I love Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica. I love Asian movies: Chinese especially. Kung-fu movies are my favorite genre. As there are not much good Sci..."

I love almost everything you love! Do you also like Wu Xia?

[Janice, Moderator]

Hi Black and Deborah. There's enough going on in the group to fit everyone's fancy whether it's genre preferences or challenge preferences.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Welcome Black and Deborah!

[Sarah]

Welcome Black and Deborah. Feel free to participate in as much or as little as you like. One thing I like about the group reads and challenges in this group is that they have helped me step outside of my comfort zone and read books I would never normally have considered. I have found some real gems too, some of which have found it on to my favorites shelf.

[Tammy]

So if I finish a book that is not one of the challenges where do I report that. I'm not in a toppler group, but maybe that is where?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

If you're reading a book for the Toppler, a Challenge, or a Group Read there will be a reporting thread, Tammy.

If you're doing the Yearly Challenge, you'll have to set your own reporting thread.

If you're reading for a Buddy read with others, there will be a thread set up to discuss in, same with Group Reads as well as the reporting thread.

If you just read something you want to tell us about, good or bad, there is a thread called What are You Reading and Why? Tell us all about it in there! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Janice, Moderator]

Tammy, you've been discussing The Miniaturist with us, right? That is one of the books for the themed group reads and there is a reporting thread in the Group Reads Discussion folder for you to tell us that you discussed the book with the group. At the end of the month, you will get a badge for participating.

Just to add to Rusalka's explanation, there is a "I killed a level so Badge Me" thread in the Year Long Challenge Folder. So it's two steps there. You track your progress in your own personal thread, and then you request a badge in the appropriate thread. The reporting threads help us know who to give badges to in one easy place. We don't have to go hunting.

If you have a question, please be sure to ask. We don't mind answering even if it's been asked and answered before. We're all newbies at some point.

[Sarah]

Tammy, if it was the group read (The Minituarist) that you want to report. it looks like you already have a few days back. Now you just have to wait until the beginning of next month and you'll get a badge on your wall of fame which one of us Mods will create for you.

[Sarah]

I knew I wouldn't spell that right. I was way off. but you know what I mean.

[Tammy]

Thanks Sara. I actually was referring to any other books I finish this month. Finished one on my TBR list. I placed it in the reporting thread for June.

[Cherie]

Hi Tammy.
Other than group reads or challenge books, we don't really track any specific books read buy members. You can mention them in the "what are you currently reading" thread (what you just finished and/or what you are currently reading). That is where most of us post. You can post your reviews too, if you want. You can also join the GR 2015 Yearly Challenge where you decide how many books you are going to read. Your books are tracked there and your progress is tracked as you enter them into the Currently Reading Shelf and then report your status when you are finished. Many of the YLTO members participate in other Groups and their challenges too.

Hope this helps.
Cherie

[jaxnsmom]

Sometimes I get very frustrated with GR. Once again it has lost my post welcoming Black and Deborah. So I want to say Welcome! I hope you'll have fun here.

[Tammy]

Thanks Cheri

[Pandora]

Janice wrote: "Welcome to You'll Love This One! Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you."
hello all;my name is pandora-long time avid reader and happy i found this group--looking forward to good reads and lots of suggestions

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Welcome Pandora! Glad you joined us. We just started our bimonthly readathon (Toppler) today, so there will be lots of discussion for the next week, and most importantly, LOTS of book recommendations. Hope you enjoy reading along with us!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Welcome Pandora! This group is very special. We have many activities going on, and lots of chit chat. Right now everybody is busy reading for a week long Toppler, which is our own readathon, and a favorite around here. We have monthly readings, challenges, buddy reads, and more. Suggestions will "rain" down, you can be sure!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Ooops, Rusalka! I missed your post and I look like a parrot repeating everything! :)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Not at all, you prove I'm not making things up ;)

[Sandra, Moderator]

Ok, I sign below as a witness. :D

[jaxnsmom]

Welcome Pandora! We love reading and we love having fun. Feel free to ask questions about anything, we're all happy to help.