Buddy Read Requests

[Terry]

Savita, I understand. The year starts filling up fast, doesn’t it?It may take more than a month for me to read Our Mutual Friend. If you find yourself ahead of schedule, feel free to make a last minute decision to join us.

[Terris]

Well, Sara, I said I wasn't going to do a lot of planning in 2026 -- but, best laid plans... -- it seems that 2026 is planning itself! haha!

So, I am asking you to put My Brother Michael on the schedule for April 15th since there are three or four of us interested in it! Thanks!!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Believe me, I understand! On the schedule it goes (and penciled into my own personal calendar--because who can resist Mary Stewart?)

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Believe me, I understand! On the schedule it goes (and penciled into my own personal calendar--because who can resist Mary Stewart?)"

I know, right?! Thank you, Sara :)

[Klowey]

Sara wrote: "Positively Dickens at his best! Added to the schedule."

:-)
Also, for Savita, can we read OMF over April and May?

[Sara, New School Classics]

Absolutely, Klowey. The threads don't ever close, so the read can continue as long as you guys need it to. I think OMF will probably require more time for most readers.

[Kimberly]

Ascanio wrote: "Sam wrote: "Ascanio wrote: "...like Diderot's Nun for example"

Thanks for your interest, Sam. I read Satantango last week, but I could still take part in a discussion. I'm just popping in to remin..."

I will also participate in reading The Nun.

[Ascanio]

Kimberly wrote: "I will also participate in reading The Nun."

Glad to have you on board, Kimberly!

[Wobbley]

Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories. Any time in the first half of 2026 is fine with me, but to start I'll suggest March. Any takers?

[Cynda]

Wobbley maybe we can do the I Sing the Body Electric buddy read in April because some of our reading friends are busy in March with two novels and whatever group reads. If we wait until April, we may have a better chance of our friends joining us. Would that work for you?

[Wobbley]

Hi Cynda. I suggested March because it only has one buddy read scheduled at present, whereas April has two. But whatever works for people is fine with me, as long as it's in the first half of the year.

[Savita]

Thanks, Terry and Klowey ! I have downloaded the book , and this month ( November) , as well as in coming January, I'll just start off with reading it , so that in April and May I'll, probably, not lag too far behind the other members ( Klowey, I read like a 🐌 ... Terry would know 😊 ! ) .
Reading Charles Dickens for the first time in a Buddy read and looking forward to the comments by all the participating members.

[Shawn]

I am going to try and join Our Mutual Friend in April.

[Savita]

Sara wrote: "Believe me, I understand! On the schedule it goes (and penciled into my own personal calendar--because who can resist Mary Stewart?)"

So , so nice , Sara , that you'll be reading My Brother Michael too with us 😊

The reading schedule ahead , in the first half of next year , is nothing less than plain enviable 🤔

[Cynda]

Wobbley wrote: "Hi Cynda. I suggested March because it only has one buddy read scheduled at present, whereas April has two. But whatever works for people is fine with me, as long as it's in the first half of the y..."

My eyes crossed Wobbley. Then March definitely. I do want to read this book.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Wobbley, I added it to the schedule for March. Sounds like everyone is planning away!

[Wobbley]

Thanks Sara! I hope you'll join the Bradbury buddy read, if you're able to. I so enjoyed doing The Illustrated Man as a buddy read this year. I think Bradbury is well suited to it. :)

[Sara, New School Classics]

I wish I could find time to re-read Leaves of Grass first. I would love to explore Bradbury's choice of this title and how it relates to Whitman, and Leaves of Grass has been on my wish list to get back to for ages.

[Sam]

Daryl wrote: "Sam wrote: "Daryl wrote: "Ascanio wrote: "Daryl wrote: "Hello, would anyone be interested in reading The Nun by Denis Diderot."

Just to remind, so that it doesn't get l..."

I am in!

[Kathleen]

Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories. Any time in the first half of 2026 is fine w..."

I can't resist this one, Wobbley--count me in. We are certainly busy planning, aren't we!!

[Wobbley]

Sara wrote: "I wish I could find time to re-read Leaves of Grass first. I would love to explore Bradbury's choice of this title and how it relates to Whitman, and Leaves of Grass has been on my wish list to get..."

Yes, there are always more books to read, aren't there? :)

[Wobbley]

Kathleen wrote: "I can't resist this one, Wobbley--count me in. We are certainly busy planning, aren't we!!"

Great! Glad you'll be joining, Kathleen and Cynda.

[Terris]

Cynda wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Hi Cynda. I suggested March because it only has one buddy read scheduled at present, whereas April has two. But whatever works for people is fine with me, as long as it's in the fir..."

Yes, I'll read it with you! I love Bradbury, and though I've read 11 of his books, this is not one of them! Looking forward to reading with you in March :)

[Luffy Sempai]

Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories. Any time in the first half of 2026 is fine w..."

I'm in for this book.

[Wobbley]

Terris wrote: "Yes, I'll read it with you! I love Bradbury, and though I've read 11 of his books, this is not one of them! Looking forward to reading with you in March :) "

Yay! Glad to have you, Terris. :)

[Luffy Sempai]

Savita wrote: "Thanks, Terry and Klowey ! I have downloaded the book , and this month ( November) , as well as in coming January, I'll just start off with reading it , so that in April and May I'll, probably, not..."

Hi Savita. I was wondering on what device do you read the e-book. I'm thinking of giving my e-ink e-reader away (a Kobo 1 year old). Tell me if you're interested in having my Kobo. Send me a word here or by PM.

[Savita]

Luffy Sempai wrote: "Savita wrote: "Thanks, Terry and Klowey ! I have downloaded the book , and this month ( November) , as well as in coming January, I'll just start off with reading it , so that in April and May I'll..."

Luffy , I'm using a kindle reader and am quite comfortable with it, so I wouldn't be interested in the kobo , but thanks all the same !

[Luffy Sempai]

Savita wrote: "Luffy Sempai wrote: "Savita wrote: "Thanks, Terry and Klowey ! I have downloaded the book , and this month ( November) , as well as in coming January, I'll just start off with reading it , so that ..."

Glad to hear you read on e-ink, and not on LCD tablets. Happy Reading!

[Wobbley]

Luffy Sempai wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories..."

I'm in for this book."

Yay, glad you'll join us Luffy!

[Luffy Sempai]

Wobbley wrote: "Luffy Sempai wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories..."

I'm in for this ..."

My pleasure.

[Cynda]

Terris wrote: "Cynda wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Hi Cynda. I suggested March because it only has one buddy read scheduled at present, whereas April has two. But whatever works for people is fine with me, as long as i..."

Excellent Terris! see in March.

[spoko]

Tempted to join the BR of Our Mutual Friend, but wary as well. I’ve really enjoyed a couple of Dickens’ shorter works (Tale of Two Cities & Christmas Carol) but couldn’t stand David Copperfield. I’m not opposed to long books per se, but when they’re unpleasant, they are unpleasant indeed.

So I might well join, but give up on the book if it doesn’t turn out to be something I enjoy reading.

[Terry]

I got my hard copy of Our Mutual Friend today, and it is indeed a long doorstopper and with small print. Here is some information that may help you plan.

Book One. 209 pages in 17 chapters
Book Two. 196 pages in 16 chapters
Book Three. 196 pages in 16 chapters
Book Four. 183 pages in 17 chapters plus postscript
(Not including introduction, notes and appendices)

Realistically, it will take me at least two months (or more) to get through books 1-4 because I will want to be reading some other books at the same time. I am thinking it may help if I listen to an audiobook in tandem, assuming one is available.

[Klowey]

Terry wrote: "I got my hard copy of Our Mutual Friend today, and it is indeed a long doorstopper and with small print. Here is some information that may help you plan.

Book One. 209 pages in 17 chapters
Book Tw..."

There is a fabulous audiobook narrated by Simon Vance. I listen-read it 4 years ago and will be rereading for the upcoming discussion. I am a very slow reader but did not struggle with this one, probably because of the audiobook. I recommend "reading along" while listening. The book can be a little complicated in that he jumps into situations that only later unfold so that you understand the details. I loved the book and found it to have many modern stylistic techniques. I did have to keep notes on characters until I became more familiar with them, but I think that may be typical of Dickens.

Link to audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd/Our-Mutual...

[Klowey]

spoko wrote: "Tempted to join the BR of Our Mutual Friend, but wary as well. I’ve really enjoyed a couple of Dickens’ shorter works (Tale of Two Cities & Christmas Carol) but couldn’t stand David Copperfield. I’..."

I've only seen the film "David Copperfield," but while OMF does have social commentary, I think it's very well done and most of the plots include cleverness and some comic relief that is quite witty.

My 2 cents.

[Terry]

Thanks, Klowey. I love Simon Vance’s narrations, so I will look for that one.

[spoko]

Klowey wrote: “I’ve only seen the film ‘David Copperfield,’ but while OMF does have social commentary...”

I don’t mind the social commentary. Honestly, my biggest problem with DC was the utter unlikability of the title character himself. When I started noticing that I kind of wanted bad things to happen to him, I gave up & DNR’d it. So it wasn’t strictly the length of the book either, but if it had been shorter I might not have gotten so tired of him.

[Luffy Sempai]

spoko wrote: "Klowey wrote: “I’ve only seen the film ‘David Copperfield,’ but while OMF does have social commentary...”

I don’t mind the social commentary. Honestly, my biggest problem with DC was the utter unl..."

What things annoyed you about the character?

[spoko]

Luffy Sempai wrote: “What things annoyed you about the character?”

It began with the obtuse self-importance with which he regards people, especially Peggotty. The point where he tells her that she should get married, so that she can see him more often, or better yet when he’s happy to discover that she’s been crying like mad in his absence. Then too, his romance with Dora is exasperating. She’s no fun at all to spend time with either, but every time he adoringly indulges her, it just makes me respect him less and less. He’s an utter dunce of a character, who seems to spend the entire novel blindly walking into brick walls just to prove that he can. Or at least, whatever portion of the novel I got through before DNFing it.

Honestly, there weren’t many characters that I did enjoy spending time with. Uriah Heep was interesting, but Dickens doesn’t allow you to revel in that enough to carry the novel. And there are moments with Davy’s aunt (I think?) that were pleasantly surprising. But again, it’s just not enough.

[Sara, New School Classics]

I love that you guys are having a conversation, but perhaps you could set up a thread and talk about David Copperfield & Dickens in the Chit-Chat section?

[Luffy Sempai]

Sara wrote: "I love that you guys are having a conversation, but perhaps you could set up a thread and talk about David Copperfield & Dickens in the Chit-Chat section?"

It's okay. I don't have the memory of the book to back my opinion so I will refrain naturally from diverting the thread.

[Luffy Sempai]

spoko wrote: "Luffy Sempai wrote: “What things annoyed you about the character?”

It began with the obtuse self-importance with which he regards people, especially Peggotty. The point where he tells her that she..."

Thanks for the reply spoko!

[Klowey]

spoko wrote: "Klowey wrote: “I’ve only seen the film ‘David Copperfield,’ but while OMF does have social commentary...”

I don’t mind the social commentary. Honestly, my biggest problem with DC was the utter unl..."

I found the main female protagonist in OMF to be a little annoying, but there are enough other characters to enjoy and . . . . without giving away spoilers, it's a very satisfying plot, if a little manipulated.

[April]

Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories. Any time in the first half of 2026 is fine w..."

I didnt realize this was a short story. I could probably do this, or at least the main title. I do want to read more Bradbury and this one in particular.

[Wobbley]

April wrote: "I didnt realize this was a short story. I could probably do this, or at least the main title. I do want to read more Bradbury and this one in particular. "

That's terrific April! Yes, I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories is a book of short stories, and you're welcome to read as few or as many of them as you have time for. We'll be happy to have you join us. :)

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I may check this one out. I have not read any of these stories-
I Sing the Body Electric!

The Kilimanjaro Device (1965)
The Terrible Conflagration Up at the Place (1969)
Tomorrow's Child (1948)
The Women (1948)
The Inspired Chicken Motel (1969)
Downwind from Gettysburg (1969)
Yes, We'll Gather at the River (1969)
The Cold Wind and the Warm (1964)
Night Call, Collect (1949)
The Haunting of the New (1969)
I Sing the Body Electric! (1969)
The Tombling Day (1952)
Any Friend of Nicholas Nickleby's Is a Friend of Mine (1966)
Heavy-Set (1964)
The Man in the Rorschach Shirt (1966)
Henry the Ninth (1969)
The Lost City of Mars (1967)
Christus Apollo (1969) (poem)

[Wobbley]

Bob wrote: "I may check this one out. I have not read any of these stories- I Sing the Body Electric!..."

It will be great if you can join us, Bob!

[Lynn]

April wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Can I interest anyone in buddy reading a book of Ray Bradbury short stories? I'm leaning towards I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories. Any time in the first half o..."

I may pop in for a couple of the stories. I still own my hardback copy from the early 1970s. It would be a reread for me.

[Wobbley]

It will be great if you can join us Lynn, for as few or as many stories as you like. :)

[Terry]

Kathleen and I want to do a Buddy Read of The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner (1976) 214 pages. It is a National Book Club Award-winning novel about a retired literary agent who reflects on his past after receiving a postcard from a friend. The story explores themes of regret, mortality, love and the complexities of life lived on the sidelines.

We would like to read this book next year. I can do any month other than January or April. Who would like to join us and what timing would you prefer?

Kathleen, please weigh in on timing for you.