[vortexreader]

I'm not sure if this has been done here before...but is anyone interested in starting up a thread for a reading group?

Basically, we'd agree on a book to read then all report on it after a set amount of time. Obviously, it will be difficult to find a book that everyone wants to read but there's no reason why there can't be separate threads for 2 or 3 different titles every month or so.

[AuntiePam]

I always say I'd like to do this but when it gets right down to it, I'm usually reading something else.

But yeah, I'm up for it, probably. Nothing too huge, and something in print.

[vortexreader]

AuntiePam, I was thinking of setting some guidelines such as: no multi-volume works, easily found titles.

If people are interested my suggestion would be to settle on a book before the end of February and report on it at the end of March.

[Alai]

Sounds interesting.

Maybe we could divide into about 4 groups that read different kinds of SF. Like post apocalypse and alien attacks books. That way it's easier to decide on a book. Depends on how many are interested of course. But sign me up as it.

Two months is about time enough. You have to read books at school too and there isn't enough time. About that "series rule", some first books can be read anyways, like Ender's Game, wich by the way would be a great start for the group! It's not to hard for our younger members and it has a SUPER good story. The books make you feel like it's not only a book, but your life.

Looking forward to more interested readers!

[This message has been edited by Alai (edited February 12, 2002).]

[Kamakhya]

Yes, count me in! I have been looking for a reading group, but have so far only found one for feminist sci-fi. I actually read two to four books a week, so two months seems like an awefully long time. I would rather do a book of the month club kinda thing, but heck, any kind of discussion like this would be great.

Kamakhya

[vortexreader]

OK, it looks like there's at least a couple of people interested. Let's start working on choosing the first title. I'll offer up a couple of suggestions:

The Secret of Life - Paul J McAuley
Perdido Street Station - China Mieville
Earth Abides - George R Stewart
Stand on Zanzibar - John Brunner

Any other suggestions?

[vortexreader]

Kamakhya,
I think we are aiming at a book a month...it's just going to take a little while to get enough people on board to settle on a title for March. Then, during March, we decide on a title for April and so on...

[Alai]

Sounds good. What do you guys think we should start of with. Ender's Game is a book that most people like so why don't we start with that one?

[vortexreader]

Alai, I think the only problem with Ender's Game is that most people will already have read it! But if that's what the group wants to do then let's go for it.

I think we should give this thread until Monday to generate some more interest...then we might just have to arbitrarily decide on a title (or two).

[Kamakhya]

Thanks Vortex. I did misunderstand the time frame.

I've read Perdido Street Station and Stand on Zanzibar (both are must reads if you haven't read them), but the other two are unknown to me. I am happy to read any of them assuming they are not out of print or anything. Here is a list of ten books I have on my to read list. Maybe one of them would strike people's fancy:

Moving Mars - Greg Bear
Glory Season - David Brin
Babel 17 - Samuel Delaney
Brown Girl in the Ring - Nalo Hopkinson
The Road to Mars - Eric Idle
The Moon and The Sun - Vonda McIntyre
The Terminal Experiment - Robert J. Sawyer
Green Eyes - Lucius Shepard
Revelation Space - Alastair Reynolds
American Gods - Neil Gaimon

I haven't checked to see if these books are available, but most, if not all, should be.

I, too, have read Enders Game, but it is not a bad thing to me to reread something for the sake of discussion.

I think Monday evening provides enough time for others to throw out some suggestions. Then perhaps a vote? Maybe vote for three books and see if any one (or two?) book(s) gets more votes than any other. Perhaps one book for the main discussion and the second as a discussion for those of us who have too much time on our hands? <hehehe>. Or we could simply pull a name out of a hat. I'm always up for randomness! Whatever you want...

Kamakhya