Books We Never Read Book Club discussion
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Week 3 Thoughts
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So I've learned something about myself in that I will not sit down and read a hard-copy book at this stage in life 😬I listen to audiobooks while cooking dinner, washing dishes, working out, heading to sleep, etc.
There's not quite a point in my day where I'm willing to sit down and only read, and just that alone.
Pardon my blathering, but I had some responses from Week 1:
RE: Dune
I'm not quite lobbying for it as a recommendation for the group, but if you enjoyed the movie even a little, you should read the books - just for your own personal enjoyment. It's well-tread territory on YouTube already, but I would honestly listen to you guys break down Dr. Seuss, so I'm here for it if you decide to do so.
And Nicole, I listened to the Audible version with all the rabble, rabble horrible reviews from loyalists and well...it was great. I wasn't confused in the least and have zero FOMO about anything. To an extent, the numbers don't lie with respect to its high average rating - people enjoyed it. Don't be scared. It's not some sacred text, its just a silly sci-fantasy novel.
Speaking of fantasy (Jason broached this subject). I've read one recently and adored it the whole way through (and fantasy is not my jam, at all). It's called, "Heroes Die" but idk if I can recommend it for the club. It's violent and has a tone of blue language. It's an action film on 10 but has some heart and social commentary to boot. I'll be interested to read any other quality fantasy novels suggested by others.
Mod
And thank you for your thoughts on the Dune audiobook. Because I really, really, really want to read it.
Heroes Die also just popped up on a recommended list for me. Thanks for your thoughts on it!
Listen, I know Heroes Die was good because I was sad when it ended. I'm still missing being in the story a week later. I honestly feel it may be one of my favorite modern pieces up there with Three Body, Children of Time, The Expanse, The Sparrow. It was a really unique reading experience.
Content-wise, I wrote on Social Media that it's the best book that I can't possibly recommend to other people.
Great episode! RE: The discrepancy with ratings vs actual quality
I think that if a book is written by a revered or beloved author who had prior great works, then that can put rose colored glasses on their later works. Also, if the book is published directly after a highly touted release, that after-glow tends to shine onto the next book, regardless of quality. I have no idea if that is the case here. Just making conversation.
Also, there is something to be said for cult followings. Sometimes the passionate and numerous followers of an author or series are enough to boost a score, even if the masses don't feel the same. I recently read a book that was highly rated on Goodreads and...it was not good.
RE: This episode's greatness
It was because it was all gas, no breaks. You had so much to say. And it came from an informed stance. Reasons WHY it was sub-optimal writing. Plus the look of disdain on Nicole's face for 85% of it (I'm joking!)
Sometimes when Jason and Nicole break down why something is not great, and I understand it, it makes me a better and more discerning reader. One that is able to appreciate when an author avoids those pitfalls and churns out something great.
Finally, I am 100% on a PC right now. The app doesn't even give me the discussion board. Regardless, I am pleased that we have a board.
A thread for recommendations & genres, Q&A, older books, etc. will be fun as we progress.
Mod
RE: The discrepancy with ratings vs actual quality
I think that if a book is written by a revered or beloved author who had prior great works, then that can put rose colored glass..."
We always laugh so hard at your reviews. You bring up a great point on the reviews. Of course we are subjective in our reviews-- and our feelings toward the authors can color our feelings about a novel. That makes a lot of sense.
We chuckled that you labelled us "all gas, no breaks" on this one! Hahaha
Okay, you're our test subject on all this. I thought I had made places for all the old books and stuff---alas, I made folders. Lol
I think I have posts for Q&A, Recs, and the new book. I'll get the old books with threads up and running soon, just in case we get folks exploring the old stuff.
I'll take some time to explore other groups to make sure I'm properly organizing this. Thank you as always for your comments and your support. Keep giving us your feedback!!
There was a moment where Jason asked whether we should give this author's other works a try and immediately in the chat there was a resounding, "No" from Peggy. It was before Jason even finished his sentence. Also, Nicole's idea about how if enough of us dislike a reading, we should be able to abandon ship reminds me of this tweet:
https://twitter.com/plume__/status/16...
Anyway, I'm humbled that y'all allow me to be a part of your club each week.
I picked up a few of the books that I missed. Audible is having a sale and I bought 40+ books off my Wishlist. So now I get to read West with Giraffes and Anansi Boys and will have a place to share my thoughts. Thanks for building our little community (I mean the club in general). We are grateful.
p.s. I have no idea how this works either. You're doing great!
Mod
This novel has demonstrated a massive amount of description--of paintings, of chess, of Caesar's ties. Description is essential for readers to feel connected to stories, so why do I feel for discussed? How much is too much, or is there no way to give sufficient descriptions when the readers aren't sufficiently familiar with the topics (art and chess)?