Once again I found myself debating a book on somebody’s blog today. It gave me a small idea: would any of you be interested in participating in a little online book group? I’m sure there are similar things already in existence, but I figured it would be more fun if the group all knew each other. We could pick one book a month (maybe via a poll to be democratic) and then discuss it at the end, either in normal weblog format or even via a group chat. What do you think? Anybody interested or have ideas?
Nicci
July 18, 2002 — 1:16 pm
If I’ve got time to read a book, I’d totally be up for it!
Kris
July 18, 2002 — 1:27 pm
That’s my only concern too. That’s why I figured a month would be a good time, as long as we don’t pick any Tolstoy or anything. 🙂
I was also sorta envisioning us reading a wide range of stuff. Like, I know a lot of people are reading the Lemony Snicket books right now. Those are really short. We needn’t concern ourselves necessarily with the works of “great literature”.
Nicci
July 18, 2002 — 2:06 pm
Thank gawd for that, because, surprising, I’m a girl with a short attention span and not much free time 😀
Can I call you Oprah now?
Kris
July 18, 2002 — 2:12 pm
Only if you sing the theme song too. 🙂
Kristen
July 18, 2002 — 2:49 pm
Oooh, sounds interesting. I’d be up for that.
stefanie
July 18, 2002 — 6:48 pm
kris — sounds great, please count me in! (and yes, short books appreciated…)
TD
July 19, 2002 — 12:06 am
I may be down. Depends on which kind of book. Also, debates could get messy online. But, messiness is fun! Whee!
Moire
July 19, 2002 — 1:02 am
I’m, like, so there, dude! 🙂
Kris
July 19, 2002 — 1:04 am
Any guys interested? Please don’t be intimidated by all us chicks. We’re not going to read books about menstruation or anything. (Although, I could seriously go for some good old-fashioned Judy Blume, ladies…)
Moire
July 19, 2002 — 1:14 am
LOL! We must, we must, we must increase our bust!
Dan
July 19, 2002 — 2:08 am
I took a class on minority women’s lit once so I can handle a lot of girls having debates about girly books, but I have to admit that class took its toll. I needed heavy doeses of kung-fu movies and starcraft to return my brain to normal.
Mia
July 19, 2002 — 4:58 am
I would definitely do it if the book did it for me. I honestly can’t read a book that i have absolutely no interest in. but i think the whole ‘oprah’ thing is the way to go. online book discussions would be cool. i’ll do it. i don’t know if i’ll be as active as the rest of you due to school and work and all that, but i’ll post as often as possible.
Kris
July 19, 2002 — 10:01 am
Well, even that could be cool, Mia. I mean, there’s stuff that I just can’t force myself to get into. (I’m reading Will Self’s “How the Dead Live” – or trying to, rather – for the fourth time. I think I’ve finally gotten over the hump though.) Your opinion on why you thought some book “sucked donkey’s” is just as valid as somebody else’s who loved it. We’re gonna be a friendly group. Even if you don’t like the book, jump right in and tell us why. (That’s how the whole idea started anyway, with me defending a book to Tricia.)
And Dan – were you at Notre Dame? Because I think I was in that class too. 🙂
khay
July 23, 2002 — 10:19 am
I’m kinda interestedin this club but think I’m way too old to enjoy similar books.
Kris
July 23, 2002 — 10:49 am
You’d be surprised, khay. Some of the folks at my site (I’m not sayin’ which) are actual grown-ups! 🙂 But give it a shot anyway. And feel free to suggest “older” books. The whole point is to read some stuff we might not otherwise.
Tricia
July 23, 2002 — 2:49 pm
I’m in! That is, of course, if you don’t mind my psuedo-feminist-literary-snobbish rants.
Hurrah for messy online debates!!!
Thru criticism and challenge I learn and enjoy books, art, music, movies, etc…
Was there Oprah criticism happening here? I’ve truly enjoyed most of the Oprah book club books I’ve read (exception being books by Toni Morrison; I don’t enjoy racists of any colour).
My selection suggestion is “Back When We Were Grownups,” by Anne Tyler. She’s one of my favorite authors, and I’ve yet to read her latest.
(I’m not computer savvy enough to link to the book; sorry!)
Kris
July 23, 2002 — 3:05 pm
Don’t worry; I got your back. Here it is.
No Oprah criticizing here. I think Nicci was just referring to my growing web-goddess media empire. 🙂 I’m glad somebody else hated “Beloved”. Man, that sucked. I’m kinda interested in reading that one where the author turned down the invitation to go on the show, if only to see why he thinks he’s so much better than the daytime-TV-watching masses. What was his name? Jonathan Franzen?