Getting involved in group book discussions, even if you're not currently reading the book that week.

[Tina]

I'm a slow reader, so I'm not terribly concerned with keeping up exactly with the given weeks, although I am giving it a good hard effort. I am pleased and proud of myself for accepting this challenge and I'm getting so much more out of it than just the content of the books I read. I love these "off topic" discussions too!

But I also love getting involved with the book discussions! I find myself searching threads in this group for books that others are reading, that I have not read in years, just so I can read what others have to say about them and get in on the discussion. So I have been actively involved in several discussions each week regardless of what book I'm actually engrossed in at the time. And it's really enlightening and making me want to re-read some books. Which I never do.

Is anyone else doing that too... searching within the group thread for books you've read in the past to get involved in the discussion?

[Tammy]

I'm doing that too TJ. It's been fun to remember books that I had forgotten. It's interesting to see how one book can have such differing impacts on people!

[Maple]

I try to do that too, especially books that I felt strongly about in some way. Not a lot of my off GR friends are avid, or even causal readers, so I don't get the chance to talk about my latest reads much. I love going into these discussions so I can hear others opinions of the books.

[Berit]

Doing the same thing here :-)i'm also looking at books I want to read and seeing what people are saying about it to decide whether not I should read it ;-)

[Tina]

I think this is one of the many advantages to this challenge and to a group like this. I am excited to be reading again avidly! Having all these group discussions at our fingertips is a gratifying bonus. There is so much diversity here.

[Marina]

I'm doing the same. The tricky part for me is, that I find it easier to discuss a book, when it's fresh in my mind. If it has been too long ago since I've read the book, I can't always put down in words why I loved or hated the book. But it probably also have something to do with the fact that even though I have always loved reading books, I haven't been used to discussing it afterwards. Now I'm being challenged into thinking more while reading and analyzing the book.

When I see others reading some of my favorite books for this challenge, I also want to re-read them, just to be able to take more part of the discussion. But then I wouldn't have time to read all the books I've planned for the year. What a dilema!!

[Adriana]

I do it too! Specially when it's regarding some of my favorite books. I really like to hear other's people thoughts about it. I also enjoy when other people discuss with me books that I'm reading: what they enjoyed most, what they dislike, what I should expect, etc. What I find most useful are threads about books that I want to read but still need a little push. It gets me motivation to start read them right now!

[Tina]

So many books. So little time.

[Zaz, Mood Minion]

Marina did a good summary of my point of view on the subject :D

So big to-read list. So more books to add :p

[Nicole]

I only read book reviews after I've read a book to see how others felt (sometimes they can be too spoilery... even book jacket blurbs!). Thus, I have been doing the same thing. Mostly lurking to see opinions.

[Cait]

I've popped my head into a couple of discussions on books I've read before. I usually dip in at the beginning before the discussion gets too busy so I say what I thought of the book.

Then I might pop back at the end of the week so I can see what people thought of it.

[Katie]

TJ, I enjoy seeing what other people are reading, and yes, finding a discussion on a book I have already read is fun...especially one that has been long forgotten. I have a few books on my list that I have already read in the past, but need a refresher. Love to see people loving to read. My favorite past time. :)

[Katie]

Oh, TJ, let me know when you start the One and Only Ivan, so we can chat.

[Lorraine]

Same here. But now the problem is that my "want to read" list is HUGE. omg... :p

[Jody]

I've been popping in to comment on a few different books - mostly some old favourites or ones I want to read too.