Question about book selection process

[Eric]

Before I ask my question, I want to assure everyone that while I am newer to this community, I did look in the FAQ first, and am aware of the two listopia lists for suggesting future picks.

- I see that the next two picks are "dictorial." Is there any rhyme or reason to when there are polls and when the hosts pick? I have no objection, I'm just curious. Also, when will next month's pick be released? I'm hoping its well before the end of the month.

- Also, what are alternative picks? Were there two books picked those months? What is the reason behind these picks?

Thanks in advance for clearing up my confusion.

[Andy]

The rhyme or reason for dictatorial verses democratic is at the whim of our benevolent overlord, Veronica.

They tend to announce books about 1-2 weeks before the month begins, I have had no trouble getting the book from the library and reading it over the month.

Alternate picks - I will refer to my first paragraph, it is a decision of Tom and Veronica.

By the way, welcome! We have fun and read good books.

[Tassie Dave, S&L Historian]

No rules to whether it is a poll or a dictator pick. The Dictators make the rules then bend them to suit their mood ;-)

There have been various reasons for the alternate pick.

When World war Z was chosen there was a minor anti-zombie reaction from some members. So "The Blade Itself" was offered as an alternate.

There was a group that wasn't going to read "A Dance with Dragons" and had a revolt and selected their own alternate selection for that month.

Occasionaly T&V are reading a certain book and throw it in as an alternate to the official pick.

Rules, what rules :-)

[Eric]

Thanks, that all makes sense now.

[toria (vikz writes)]

Main rule - Veronica is the all knowing ruler ;). However she, occasionally, gives her subjects free reign. She might even let Tom decide (but she seems to avoid this as much as possible) ;)

[Richard]

Rhyme is for poets, reason for philosophers, and rules are for throwing out the window.

[James]

The alternative picks are also for people who read the books faster and finish before the wrap up episode and want something else to read and discuss with other members during the meantime.

[Agrajag]

Where have the upcoming "dictatorial" picks Eric mentioned been announced (in writing)? Is the "to read" bookshelf not used for announcing upcoming books?

Yeah, another new member here. Yup, I've read the FAQ.

[P. Aaron]

Hail Veronica as the Ultimate Arbiter, but do not discount The Hand of the Autarch. Tom has dispatched heretics, trolls, and inconsistent critics in their whiny thousands without mercy in his role as Imperial Assassin. Fear Tom, Her Divine Shadow.

[David(LA,CA)]

Agrajag wrote: "Where have the upcoming "dictatorial" picks Eric mentioned been announced (in writing)? Is the "to read" bookshelf not used for announcing upcoming books?

Yeah, another new member here. Yup, I've ..."

In the most recent audio podcast, they mention that the next two months are going to be "dictatorial" picks. What those picks are has yet to be revealed.

Although we do know that another dictatorial choice has been made for December: The Hobbit.

[Rhenus]

Really? The hobbit?! Good choice (I know this is blasphemy but I prefer the hobbit to the lord of the rings.)
I've been looking around and a few little groups think they know what the next book is... it’s one of veronicas favs I think and with good reason, it reads beautifully.

[terpkristin]

Samurisloth wrote: "Really? The hobbit?! Good choice (I know this is blasphemy but I prefer the hobbit to the lord of the rings.)"

I believe it's intended to coincide with the movie, or be the selection just prior to the movie's release.

[Tassie Dave, S&L Historian]

Samurisloth wrote: "I've been looking around and a few little groups think they know what the next book is... it’s one of veronicas favs I think and with good reason, it reads beautifully. "

It has been confirmed on the latest show. Assassin's Apprentice is the August pick.
I will read the 2 sequels as I have already read and loved Book 1 of the trilogy.

[Kevin]

Tassie Dave wrote: "Samurisloth wrote: "I've been looking around and a few little groups think they know what the next book is... it’s one of veronicas favs I think and with good reason, it reads beautifully. "

It ha..."

Nice, I'm hoping for a while this would be the book of the month.

[Keidy]

@Tassie Dave: Thanks for saying so! I was going to the book store tomorrow to get Leviathan Wakes and it's awesome I can get the book for August at the same time. ^_^

[Kevin]

I actually first read Assassin's Apprentice for a fantasy class two years ago, which I read Royal Assassin's and Assassin's Quest directly afterward. I read ate up Royal Assassin, finishing it up in a day, but could not get finish Assassin's Quest until four or five times afterwards in the fall.

[terpkristin]

Keidy wrote: "@Tassie Dave: Thanks for saying so! I was going to the book store tomorrow to get Leviathan Wakes and it's awesome I can get the book for August at the same time. ^_^"

But what if it's not what Tassie Dave thinks? (I think he's right)

[Keidy]

Then I'll just have to keep the receipt because I already bought it. ^_^;

I guess I'll find out on Friday. ^_^;

[David(LA,CA)]

Keidy wrote: "Then I'll just have to keep the receipt because I already bought it. ^_^;

I guess I'll find out on Friday. ^_^;"

or you could check the goodreads group main page.

[Keidy]

Keidy wrote: "David(LA,CA) wrote: "or you could check the goodreads group main page."

Hey! That wasn't on there yesterday! And I totally didn't noticed until you said so. Boy do I feel dumb. In any case, I don't have to return the book. Yay! <3

[Kirsten]

Keidy wrote: "Keidy wrote: "David(LA,CA) wrote: "or you could check the goodreads group main page."

Hey! That wasn't on there yesterday! And I totally didn't noticed until you said so. Boy do I feel dumb. In an..."

Don't feel bad, I didn't notice it either, and I check the forums every day. Must not have looked very carefully. Meanwhile, super excited about this book!! It's one of my favourites (and now I have an excuse to read it again - not that I really needed one).