You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Feedback requested on new format
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What new format? Do you mean the monthly theme versus the specific book?
I like it but I miss the group reads (even though I was lurking for most of them.) However I really enjoy being able to read several books for a theme. I think that even though the books varied so much and there wasn't a lot of overlap that it worked well because we got to see other books that we may not have known or thought about so I think that the theme should stay as it is and not change a bit.
Honestly I don't think I've ever participated in a group read, so I can't say that I miss them.What I like best about the new format is being able to choose anything off my shelves that fits and making other members aware of books they may never hear of otherwise.
It also means I don't have to appropriate (love that word) books that I don't already own - we all know how big my "tower" is!
I like it. I wonder, maybe if we made the theme a little tighter, so that there was more overlap in the books chosen (both in subject matter and in titles), would there be more intimate discussion?I mean, I loved the creativity, eg of 'Roughin' and 'Ruffin' - but it turned out that we didn't have a whole lot in common amongst our choices. And then the Book Group turned out to seem to be awfully similar to the Monthly Challenge.
Ok, here's an idea. How's about we assign a theme, accept nominations presumably this would give people like me and Amber a chance to work on our TBR piles), vote on them, and then read one of several books.
If you give me either free rein or minimal guidelines I'll take over.
Being fairly new to the group I never got to read a book of the month/group read with you all.I do like group reads as it makes for easier discussions when everyone reads the same the book. I like group reads even more when there is a set group of questions for members to answer upon completing the read. I also realize with group reads it is sometimes hard for members to obtain a specific book, it may be a genre they don't like, or be a book based on a topic they are totally uninterested in. I usually don't participate in group reads where it is a set book unless I already own the book due to limitations accessing books.
On the other hand, I like the monthly theme too. It allows for members to pick a book that not only fits the theme but can be from a genre they like. I don't particularly like to write therefore I rarely write reviews on books as I feel like I am not doing it right lol If there is such a thing as a right/wrong way of writing reviews. With that being said, I like the list of questions Judy provided for us to answer upon completion : ) The questions open up the floor for those who haven't read the book to ask questions or for those who have already read the book to discuss why the individual felt this/that way about the book etc. With the theme based format, I have been enlightened on different genres, added new books to my TBR, discovered new authors and encouraged me to read books that I never thought I would read : ) Normally I just pick up books in my favorite genres and read them. The theme based read is a pleasant change as I have to think about it and search for what will/won't fit. It encourages me to step outside my box which is always a good thing : ) With this format I think more people are able/willing to participate.
I'm exhausted! January has been a looong month, and I'm going to head home for a nap. I'll come back to this thread and respond a bit later.
Okay - nap over. :)I really like Cheryl's idea of nominating on the theme and then having a small selection to read and discuss. I think it's a good marriage between reading one book as a group and reading your own choice based on a theme.
I'll take you up on your offer of help, Cheryl. The group reads are yours. :) Thanks so much!
Ok! Thanks - I hope to prove worthy. Off to set up a poll for March now....
Oh wait a minute - "Learn Something New Every Day" is our March theme already for group reads? I'm still having a bit of trouble distinguishing between group reads and your challenges, I think.... Your challenges are decreed from on high (by you) and for Feb. it's Let's Go to the Movies...?Ok, assuming I've got it figured out, I'll set up a poll for the first step in April's 'themed group read' about the third week of February. So, everyone make Feb and March awesome, and keep your eye out for new adventures to come!
It sounds to me like you've got it figured out! :)
Are we choosing our own book for the monthly theme of Globetrotting? I don't see a thread up for it yet.
Yes Robin that's the idea - reduce your own TBR pile or to-read list, much as we did Roughin' It. March's theme will be similar with the theme of Learn Something New Every Day.
Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "Yes Robin that's the idea - reduce your own TBR pile or to-read list, much as we did Roughin' It. March's theme will be similar with the theme of Learn Something New Every Day."Ok Thanks Cheryl : ) I will pick my book and hopefully get started soon!!!
One more question LOL Sorry...Will we have any questions to answer like we did in Roughin' It?
I haven't decided that for my shift, come April. Janice will have to let you know for Feb. and March.I admit, I have mixed feelings about the questions - maybe we moderators should discuss them?
I have only just started trying to write good reviews: I say good in that they don't just say I liked/didn't like the book. I'm finding it tough as I always struggled with this even at school. Perhaps I like to just read a book and. It analyse it. Anyway, as such the discussion is at present a bit beyond me but I have enjoyed reading all the chat this month even though I didn't get involved. My TBR didn't grow too much because of the low mood of many of the books read. I quite like the idea of having a small number of titles to choose from - I would probably never read a monthly book as I hate being told I have to do something! But agree discussion may flow better. Saying that I may still be reluctant to join in for fear of 'being wrong' - silly yes but there we are.
Thanks for all the hard work put in by everyone especially judy and Janice, and good luck Cheryl.
Suzie you won't be wrong. This month's theme of Globetrotting is pretty easy - basically read something about someone who travels, or that takes place in a country other than your own. Or justify something creatively. Non-fiction counts too.For people who would like a little friendly help with reviews, I have another (quiet!) group and I'd love to have any of you join: More than just a Rating
Chiming in a bit late - I liked the monthly themes read whatever you like as I can always find a book that can fit - when it comes to setting books to read you lose me because if I can't get the book (and spending is limited) then I may not always be able to participate. Really it is 6 of one and half a dozen of the other, as they say you can;t please all of the paople all of the time :)
I will make every effort to join in - and you're saying a more than one title to choose from - so odds are I should be able to lay my hands on at least one of them :)
Thanks for taking over Cheryl - you're doing well :)
I kind of like being able to choose a book to pick the theme, because I've got so many books I have to read for classes & offline book clubs, that I can always find something to fit. I found the group discussion discouraging because in my experience nobody discussed.
I think you'll like what I've planned. :)
Oooooh surprises. I love surprises! :)
I confess the monthly theme concept doesn't work for me. However, I realise that more people may get involved than in discussions of a specific book, and if that is the case, so be it. I will continue to lurk, but I'm not sure I'll be joining in much any more, which is already the case actually.
Cecily wrote: "I confess the monthly theme concept doesn't work for me. However, I realise that more people may get involved than in discussions of a specific book, and if that is the case, so be it. I will conti..."What would you like to see in the group that will bring you out of lurkdom, Cecily? Was it the group reads that you favoured?
Yes, I prefer reading the same book at the same time as others. I didn't do all monthly reads by any means, but when I did, especially when leading the discussion, I got a lot out of it because we could go into more depth.Although I'm probably not the only one to slip into the shadows since this change, there are probably at least as many others who have become more active as a result.
The group should do what works best for the majority, and that is probably a looser theme like now, rather than an individual book as in the past.
Please lurk attentively, Cecily - my plan is a compromise that might appeal to you. Look for a poll in a couple of weeks, especially, as we start things rolling. I know I can't set up the monthly read to be ideal to everybody, but I'm trying to support as many perspectives & desires as possible.
It's interesting how different we all are. I, personally, have had fun with the single book and with the loose theme, both. To me, it's all an adventure, and since my real life is pretty routine, books are my chance to try new things. Of course, busier people would have a different pov. :)
I'm hoping that the Buddy Reads will take on a new life and fill that void for people who like to have a group read.
Excellent point. To make sure everyone understands, I'm going to restate what (I assume) you mean.If there's a book you wish the group would read and discuss together, set up a Buddy Read for it in the buddy read folder. It doesn't need to be part of a Toppler, Theme, or Challenge - you can do it at any time, for any book. Anybody can join you just by commenting on the topic you start. You can set dates (for example, if you need to because it's a school book) or you can negotiate a time frame with other interested readers.
The discussion can be as formal or as informal as you like. There are discussion questions for a lot of books on the web (I've heard, but I don't know where), or you can just share thoughts that strike you as you read.
Do I have all that right?
Exactly what you've written, Cheryl. There are several buddy reads happening right now. They are all classics that people are reading for the February TBR Toppler.There is a schedule set up for reading War and Peace scheduled for March 1 - 15th.
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We have had one month using the new format. I would like your feedback on how you like this new format. Please tell us what you really think and what you really want! If you are shy, you may PM me.