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1rebeccanyc
Now that we've entered the fourth quarter, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on this year's theme reads and think about how we can make them better for next year. I have a variety of questions which I'll post below, but I welcome everyone's thoughts about what worked well, what didn't, and what you'd like to see next year.
My plan is for us to have this discussion in October; then in November, I'll start a thread asking for ideas for next year's theme reads, and after a couple of weeks we'll vote, so we can know what the 2012 theme reads will be as December begins. (This was requested by people who were thinking about their holiday wish lists!)
These are my questions, but please comment on whatever seems important to you.
1. Did you enjoy the 2011 theme reads? What would encourage you to participate more in 2012? What could be done to improve them?
2. Do you think it's important to read books from countries other than your own and/or works in translation? If so, have the theme reads spurred you to read globally, as opposed to reading books by authors who write in English about foreign countries? If not, how could they do so?
3. Do you think it's important to read books you may not have heard of by authors you're unfamiliar with? If so, have the theme reads spurred you to explore unfamiliar books, as opposed to reading books already on your TBR? If not, how could they do so?
4. How can we generate more discussion on the theme read threads as opposed to just lists of what you've read or posts of reviews?
Discussion and other ideas ENCOURAGED!
My plan is for us to have this discussion in October; then in November, I'll start a thread asking for ideas for next year's theme reads, and after a couple of weeks we'll vote, so we can know what the 2012 theme reads will be as December begins. (This was requested by people who were thinking about their holiday wish lists!)
These are my questions, but please comment on whatever seems important to you.
1. Did you enjoy the 2011 theme reads? What would encourage you to participate more in 2012? What could be done to improve them?
2. Do you think it's important to read books from countries other than your own and/or works in translation? If so, have the theme reads spurred you to read globally, as opposed to reading books by authors who write in English about foreign countries? If not, how could they do so?
3. Do you think it's important to read books you may not have heard of by authors you're unfamiliar with? If so, have the theme reads spurred you to explore unfamiliar books, as opposed to reading books already on your TBR? If not, how could they do so?
4. How can we generate more discussion on the theme read threads as opposed to just lists of what you've read or posts of reviews?
Discussion and other ideas ENCOURAGED!
2StevenTX
1. I haven't participated as fully as I would have wished, but I like the idea of theme reads and the way it is carried out. We are all probably doing other groups and challenges for which we read specific books, so it is nice here to have the flexibility to choose from a range of works and take advantage of overlaps with other groups.
2. & 3. Other than encouraging people to read out of their comfort zones and explore the world--which is the whole point of Reading Globally--I don't know that we should do anything specific like saying you have to read a book in translation or an author new to you. Those who take these themes to heart will do so as a matter of course, while those who, for whatever reason, can't stray from their customary path will at least not be discouraged from participating.
4. Generating discussion when we are all reading different books is a real challenge. What I would suggest is to throw out a few questions in the final month of each quarter that are designed to get readers to bring together what they have read and look for common themes or ideas. (These questions could, of course, be listed in advance to get people thinking of them as they read.)
For example, with "Immigration" a wrap-up question might be: "Immigration is often about finding a new identity. Is the immigrant's experience relevant to the search for identity we all undertake as individuals? Is there a particular time in life when stories of immigration would be most relevant to us?"
If our theme were "Poverty and Social Injustice" we could ask: "Did your reading enlighten you on the causes of poverty and its possible remedies? Can we generalize on causes and solutions, or is each case different?"
And if the theme were "Love and Marriage" you might wrap up with: "Did reading of the mating customs of other lands and perhaps other times change your mind on what is universal and what is culturally acquired? Would you like to adopt any of the attitudes or rituals you read about?"
Ideally these types of questions would, in themselves, encourage people to read more than one book on the theme and to pick works from different parts of the world and types of cultures. And in anticipation of the wrap-ups reviewers might provide such information in the reviews themselves that someone who didn't read the book itself could still draw upon the review in the discussion.
2. & 3. Other than encouraging people to read out of their comfort zones and explore the world--which is the whole point of Reading Globally--I don't know that we should do anything specific like saying you have to read a book in translation or an author new to you. Those who take these themes to heart will do so as a matter of course, while those who, for whatever reason, can't stray from their customary path will at least not be discouraged from participating.
4. Generating discussion when we are all reading different books is a real challenge. What I would suggest is to throw out a few questions in the final month of each quarter that are designed to get readers to bring together what they have read and look for common themes or ideas. (These questions could, of course, be listed in advance to get people thinking of them as they read.)
For example, with "Immigration" a wrap-up question might be: "Immigration is often about finding a new identity. Is the immigrant's experience relevant to the search for identity we all undertake as individuals? Is there a particular time in life when stories of immigration would be most relevant to us?"
If our theme were "Poverty and Social Injustice" we could ask: "Did your reading enlighten you on the causes of poverty and its possible remedies? Can we generalize on causes and solutions, or is each case different?"
And if the theme were "Love and Marriage" you might wrap up with: "Did reading of the mating customs of other lands and perhaps other times change your mind on what is universal and what is culturally acquired? Would you like to adopt any of the attitudes or rituals you read about?"
Ideally these types of questions would, in themselves, encourage people to read more than one book on the theme and to pick works from different parts of the world and types of cultures. And in anticipation of the wrap-ups reviewers might provide such information in the reviews themselves that someone who didn't read the book itself could still draw upon the review in the discussion.
3streamsong
OK, I'm a maverick but I HATE canned questions. We've had canned questions on all of this year's themed reads as well as previous years' reads, and although the moderators have worked hard to come up with relevant questions, these questions haven't generated discussions. Personally, I hardly ever answer then and although I read all the comments on the books, I usually skip over the answers to questions. How often has anyone commented on anyone else's reply to a question?
The most in depth discussion is when one particular book is discussed. But... that also means less people are involved. The broader the theme, the more diversity of what people choose to read but the more people participate. Do we want in-depth or more participants? Would themes such as particular countries give a sharper focus, but still allow enough latitude for people to choose and participate? How about a theme such as Booker prize winners? Again, this would be more focused but some lattitude.
I'd like to suggest a multi-pronged approach if we choose to go on with broad theme reads. For instance--immigration could have three separate threads which could break down into:
Immigration--translated literature
Immigration fiction--English speaking author
Immigration--non-fiction.
Those of you who don't want to stray from the original purpose of the group could ignore the last two catagories. But it may give an entry level to someone who has books on MT TBR and encourage them to read a broader range of authors and books.
Yup, I'm one of those who goes first to MT TBR. Just because it lives on the mountain doesn't mean it isn't a new-to-me-author or country. Most of them have been recommended by people here on LT.
The most in depth discussion is when one particular book is discussed. But... that also means less people are involved. The broader the theme, the more diversity of what people choose to read but the more people participate. Do we want in-depth or more participants? Would themes such as particular countries give a sharper focus, but still allow enough latitude for people to choose and participate? How about a theme such as Booker prize winners? Again, this would be more focused but some lattitude.
I'd like to suggest a multi-pronged approach if we choose to go on with broad theme reads. For instance--immigration could have three separate threads which could break down into:
Immigration--translated literature
Immigration fiction--English speaking author
Immigration--non-fiction.
Those of you who don't want to stray from the original purpose of the group could ignore the last two catagories. But it may give an entry level to someone who has books on MT TBR and encourage them to read a broader range of authors and books.
Yup, I'm one of those who goes first to MT TBR. Just because it lives on the mountain doesn't mean it isn't a new-to-me-author or country. Most of them have been recommended by people here on LT.
5rebeccanyc
Thank you for all the great comments so far. You are perfectly right, streamsong, about the TBR: my TBR is like that too!
As far as different threads for translated/English-speaking author/nonfiction, do you think that would encourage more people to participate? I'm concerned it might reduce the level of participation in any one thread and also make it more difficult for others to follow (three threads instead of one). Do others feel this would help you participate more?
I guess there is a question about level of participation vs. depth of participation, and I'm wondering if there's a way to have both!
As far as different threads for translated/English-speaking author/nonfiction, do you think that would encourage more people to participate? I'm concerned it might reduce the level of participation in any one thread and also make it more difficult for others to follow (three threads instead of one). Do others feel this would help you participate more?
I guess there is a question about level of participation vs. depth of participation, and I'm wondering if there's a way to have both!
6avaland
>2 StevenTX: agree that the kinds of questions you have posted, might be appropriate if general themes continue.
>3 streamsong: Agreed that 95% of the time, the theme reads don't generate real discussion. We have had a few themes over the years that did generate real discussion, the two which most come to mind were "Muslim women" and "Japan". If I remember correctly, there were some disagreements in the early discussion which sparked interest in the threads, which perpetuated the discussion.
We have done many themes on individual countries and only a few generated much more than the routine posting of books read. Of course, I haven't stopped in to every theme. The problem is that most want to just read something that is already in their personal TBR piles, thus the broad themes.
I don't believe you can have a real discussion on a country based on a single book.However, if a literature discussion, a "book" discussion, is the aim, then it could work very well. A book group, of sorts.
Just for those who may not know: the original purpose of the group, which remains the purpose of the group, is to encourage the reading of literature from around the world, focusing mostly on fiction. The original name of the group was: "Reading Globally - Fiction". I actually thought, back in those heady early days of LT, that someone would start a nonfiction counterpart. When it never happened, I dropped the 'fiction' from the name. Our only focus was on fiction, not necessarily translated lit, although certainly it has been encouraged that readers read authors who are native to the countries they are interested and not just read, for example, British authors writing about India or American authors writing about the middle east. These are of course legitimate perspectives; however, it should certainly not be the only one if one is serious about "reading globally".
>3 streamsong: (btw, Booker Prize winners are discussed all over LT, I don't see why we would do it here. The Prizes Group, for example, talks about them each year).
I do crave some real discussion here on LT, but realistically speaking I'm not sure I have time for it:-) On another thread here recently, I posed the idea of a breakout group who might read, say, 3 select books from a region/country (in this case, exploring the country or region would be the aim). An off the top of my head example might be "Nigeria", and books might be Measuring Time by Helon Habila, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and perhaps a Helen Oyeyemi or Chris Abani novel (to keep them all in roughly the same generation). It would require more of a commitment from participants. No posting of reviews, just some starter questions perhaps. Still, I'm not sure this would work (and I keep telling myself I don't have the space in my reading to do this right now). However, the one book idea could work just as well, if the purpose is to generally encourage people to read international literature - together. Just my two cents' worth.
>3 streamsong: Agreed that 95% of the time, the theme reads don't generate real discussion. We have had a few themes over the years that did generate real discussion, the two which most come to mind were "Muslim women" and "Japan". If I remember correctly, there were some disagreements in the early discussion which sparked interest in the threads, which perpetuated the discussion.
We have done many themes on individual countries and only a few generated much more than the routine posting of books read. Of course, I haven't stopped in to every theme. The problem is that most want to just read something that is already in their personal TBR piles, thus the broad themes.
I don't believe you can have a real discussion on a country based on a single book.However, if a literature discussion, a "book" discussion, is the aim, then it could work very well. A book group, of sorts.
Just for those who may not know: the original purpose of the group, which remains the purpose of the group, is to encourage the reading of literature from around the world, focusing mostly on fiction. The original name of the group was: "Reading Globally - Fiction". I actually thought, back in those heady early days of LT, that someone would start a nonfiction counterpart. When it never happened, I dropped the 'fiction' from the name. Our only focus was on fiction, not necessarily translated lit, although certainly it has been encouraged that readers read authors who are native to the countries they are interested and not just read, for example, British authors writing about India or American authors writing about the middle east. These are of course legitimate perspectives; however, it should certainly not be the only one if one is serious about "reading globally".
>3 streamsong: (btw, Booker Prize winners are discussed all over LT, I don't see why we would do it here. The Prizes Group, for example, talks about them each year).
I do crave some real discussion here on LT, but realistically speaking I'm not sure I have time for it:-) On another thread here recently, I posed the idea of a breakout group who might read, say, 3 select books from a region/country (in this case, exploring the country or region would be the aim). An off the top of my head example might be "Nigeria", and books might be Measuring Time by Helon Habila, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and perhaps a Helen Oyeyemi or Chris Abani novel (to keep them all in roughly the same generation). It would require more of a commitment from participants. No posting of reviews, just some starter questions perhaps. Still, I'm not sure this would work (and I keep telling myself I don't have the space in my reading to do this right now). However, the one book idea could work just as well, if the purpose is to generally encourage people to read international literature - together. Just my two cents' worth.
7streamsong
rebeccanyc wrote:
As far as different threads for translated/English-speaking author/nonfiction, do you think that would encourage more people to participate? I'm concerned it might reduce the level of participation in any one thread and also make it more difficult for others to follow (three threads instead of one). Do others feel this would help you participate more?
Yes, it would decrease the amount of participation in any one thread. But if people not reading translated or international fiction are going to feel or be treated like second class citizens in the group, they aren't going to participate long in the group anyway. It's free to start a thread; it's free and easy to mark the thread 'ignore' for those who want to read only comments about international fiction by indigenous authors. If the threads don't have participation, they can easily die away. Am I the only one that feels I need to tiptoe around in the group if I choose a US/Canadian/British author from my TBR pile for the group read?
I know that I won't be posting the books I'm going to read for the immigration theme on the thread. Both are US writers; one fiction, one non-fiction. Instead I'll read that thread and ponder quietly to myself how my authors' experiences fit into what others have posted.
avaland wrote:
3 (btw, Booker Prize winners are discussed all over LT, I don't see why we would do it here. The Prizes Group, for example, talks about them each year).
Just an idea for a broader range read that would encourage more international reading, but still be more focused. I don't want to join any more groups, thank you.
Your idea for a breakaway group is interesting, but I would keep it as a thread here on Reading Globally rather than as a new group. No, I would not have time to join that particular read that you suggest, but I would look at others.
As far as different threads for translated/English-speaking author/nonfiction, do you think that would encourage more people to participate? I'm concerned it might reduce the level of participation in any one thread and also make it more difficult for others to follow (three threads instead of one). Do others feel this would help you participate more?
Yes, it would decrease the amount of participation in any one thread. But if people not reading translated or international fiction are going to feel or be treated like second class citizens in the group, they aren't going to participate long in the group anyway. It's free to start a thread; it's free and easy to mark the thread 'ignore' for those who want to read only comments about international fiction by indigenous authors. If the threads don't have participation, they can easily die away. Am I the only one that feels I need to tiptoe around in the group if I choose a US/Canadian/British author from my TBR pile for the group read?
I know that I won't be posting the books I'm going to read for the immigration theme on the thread. Both are US writers; one fiction, one non-fiction. Instead I'll read that thread and ponder quietly to myself how my authors' experiences fit into what others have posted.
avaland wrote:
3 (btw, Booker Prize winners are discussed all over LT, I don't see why we would do it here. The Prizes Group, for example, talks about them each year).
Just an idea for a broader range read that would encourage more international reading, but still be more focused. I don't want to join any more groups, thank you.
Your idea for a breakaway group is interesting, but I would keep it as a thread here on Reading Globally rather than as a new group. No, I would not have time to join that particular read that you suggest, but I would look at others.
8rebeccanyc
#7 streamsong But if people not reading translated or international fiction are going to feel or be treated like second class citizens in the group, they aren't going to participate long in the group anyway. . . . Am I the only one that feels I need to tiptoe around in the group if I choose a US/Canadian/British author from my TBR pile for the group read?
I know that I won't be posting the books I'm going to read for the immigration theme on the thread. Both are US writers; one fiction, one non-fiction. Instead I'll read that thread and ponder quietly to myself how my authors' experiences fit into what others have posted.
I for one didn't realize people felt this way, as I've seen many recommendations for books by English-speaking authors, as well as reviews and comments about them. For example, if you go to last quarter's theme read on The Sea, you will see that not only were most of the recommendations for books by English-speaking authors (including several that I made), but that virtually all of the reviews posted were of books by US/UK authors. Perhaps I'm not sensitive to this, but I don't recall comments that were critical of people who read these books. Are there others who feel this way and do you or they have any ideas about how to improve things?
Personally, I am interested in reading books in translation, and in reading about them, but I'm also interested in a lively, participative group and don't think other books should be excluded, or people should feel "second class" for reading them. There is actually an In Translation group, but it is mostly moribund, so that I feel this is the best venue on LT now for people interested in reading books, whether translated or by US/UK authors, that take them on global journeys.
I know that I won't be posting the books I'm going to read for the immigration theme on the thread. Both are US writers; one fiction, one non-fiction. Instead I'll read that thread and ponder quietly to myself how my authors' experiences fit into what others have posted.
I for one didn't realize people felt this way, as I've seen many recommendations for books by English-speaking authors, as well as reviews and comments about them. For example, if you go to last quarter's theme read on The Sea, you will see that not only were most of the recommendations for books by English-speaking authors (including several that I made), but that virtually all of the reviews posted were of books by US/UK authors. Perhaps I'm not sensitive to this, but I don't recall comments that were critical of people who read these books. Are there others who feel this way and do you or they have any ideas about how to improve things?
Personally, I am interested in reading books in translation, and in reading about them, but I'm also interested in a lively, participative group and don't think other books should be excluded, or people should feel "second class" for reading them. There is actually an In Translation group, but it is mostly moribund, so that I feel this is the best venue on LT now for people interested in reading books, whether translated or by US/UK authors, that take them on global journeys.
9lilisin
Definitely anything that allows for discussion instead of just review posting would be best but yes, the question is how? Before, we would have one person lead a theme read who was fairly well versed in the theme at hand and would sort of try to shuffle the discussion one way or ask a question that would initiate more conversation. I know I tried to do that when leading the Japan thread. Discussion was also aided when people would actually do further reading based on more recommendations I would make meaning they would come back to discuss their new points of view on the subject at hand.
The problem with the leaders, however, is that sometimes the themes (although good) just don't have an "expert" available. Also, when we started planning the theme reads so far in advance (already knowing all the themes for the year at the beginning of the year) it meant that sometimes, by the time it was the turn for someone to lead who had volunteered earlier in the year, something had perhaps happened in their personal lives and they were no longer available to lead the discussion. Thus, being left without a leader.
So perhaps going back to the more spontaneous thread planning would be more inducing of discussion?
We could plan out various themes that seem interesting at the beginning of the year and just pop them in when we're ready instead of officially declaring that Oct-Dec of 2012 is The Sea, for example.
Also, perhaps we shouldn't have a time set for "ending" the discussion. We always state that people should feel free to continue discussion after the thread is closed but that never happens. The thread just closes and any attempt at adding new material is usually overlooked. Perhaps if a discussion really is going, really heading somewhere, we should just let it flow until it naturally fizzes out. And once it fizzes, then introduce the new theme.
Those are just some personal thoughts based on observing the successful vs. least successful threads.
The problem with the leaders, however, is that sometimes the themes (although good) just don't have an "expert" available. Also, when we started planning the theme reads so far in advance (already knowing all the themes for the year at the beginning of the year) it meant that sometimes, by the time it was the turn for someone to lead who had volunteered earlier in the year, something had perhaps happened in their personal lives and they were no longer available to lead the discussion. Thus, being left without a leader.
So perhaps going back to the more spontaneous thread planning would be more inducing of discussion?
We could plan out various themes that seem interesting at the beginning of the year and just pop them in when we're ready instead of officially declaring that Oct-Dec of 2012 is The Sea, for example.
Also, perhaps we shouldn't have a time set for "ending" the discussion. We always state that people should feel free to continue discussion after the thread is closed but that never happens. The thread just closes and any attempt at adding new material is usually overlooked. Perhaps if a discussion really is going, really heading somewhere, we should just let it flow until it naturally fizzes out. And once it fizzes, then introduce the new theme.
Those are just some personal thoughts based on observing the successful vs. least successful threads.
10Cait86
I'm an infrequent participator in Reading Globally in general, and haven't really posted in the Theme Reads. I agree with what you say, Lilisin, about planning things so far in advance that, when life changes, plans can no longer be met. That was certainly my experience this summer with the Sea - I posted some lists at the beginning, but was unable to participate in actually reading any books.
I also think that our themes are too broad, and I like the idea of countries or smaller regions much more. Regions in Conflict, for example - the lists at the beginning of the thread demonstrate just how extensive the theme can potentially be. Narrowing the theme to Conflict in Africa, or 20th Century Conflicts, etc., would help with overlapping books and a more focused discussion, I think. However, I think single country discussion is still the better idea, and I like what Lois wrote in #6 about selecting a short list of books to pick from. I get wanting people to have choice, but that inevitably means less discussion and more listing, and I think our group is already an excellent venue for lists of books, with the various threads on regions. If the aim of the theme reads is to have actual discussion, like a book group, then we need to be more specific in our selection of books. Members of a face-to-face book group all read the same book, after all.
Realistically, I think the group has about 30 or so active members, and if even 10 managed to participate in a theme read where they all read the same book, or the same three books, I think that would be a fantastic discussion, and quite the group accomplishment. The thread would offer an interesting introduction to the country, and would be a resource for anyone who couldn't participate at the time, but would like to read the selected books at a later date.
I think the 4 theme reads a year is better than the old model of 12, but my vote is for narrowing the topic and book choices.
However, as someone who fully admits to a lack of participation, I will continue to follow along with whatever the group decides!
I also think that our themes are too broad, and I like the idea of countries or smaller regions much more. Regions in Conflict, for example - the lists at the beginning of the thread demonstrate just how extensive the theme can potentially be. Narrowing the theme to Conflict in Africa, or 20th Century Conflicts, etc., would help with overlapping books and a more focused discussion, I think. However, I think single country discussion is still the better idea, and I like what Lois wrote in #6 about selecting a short list of books to pick from. I get wanting people to have choice, but that inevitably means less discussion and more listing, and I think our group is already an excellent venue for lists of books, with the various threads on regions. If the aim of the theme reads is to have actual discussion, like a book group, then we need to be more specific in our selection of books. Members of a face-to-face book group all read the same book, after all.
Realistically, I think the group has about 30 or so active members, and if even 10 managed to participate in a theme read where they all read the same book, or the same three books, I think that would be a fantastic discussion, and quite the group accomplishment. The thread would offer an interesting introduction to the country, and would be a resource for anyone who couldn't participate at the time, but would like to read the selected books at a later date.
I think the 4 theme reads a year is better than the old model of 12, but my vote is for narrowing the topic and book choices.
However, as someone who fully admits to a lack of participation, I will continue to follow along with whatever the group decides!
11rebeccanyc
#9, lilisin That's an interesting idea about more "spontaneous" theme reads, "popping them in when we're ready," and keeping them going on without ending. That made me think that maybe we should adapt the idea you've used in the Author Theme Reads group and have maybe two or three year-long themes and occasional shorter themes. What do others think of this idea?
I also appreciate what you're saying about "experts," but I think we're more likely to have "enthusiasts." Of course, if an expert comes along, he or she would be very welcome.
#10 cait The question of broad versus specific always comes up, with the concern about broad being just what you say and the concern about specific being it leaves people out who aren't interested in the more narrow definition of the theme. I'm not sure what is the ideal balance. Do others have thoughts about this.
My concern about a read focusing on a single country is that the other "side" of Reading Globally is the wonderful regional threads that Lois/avaland has created, and I wouldn't want to take anything away from them. On the other hand, and going back to lilisin's comment about experts, if we had an expert on a particular country it could be fabulous to have that person lead a country theme read.
On the reading the same book idea, I know that for me that rarely works, because there are just so many books I want to read and I'm such an opportunistic reader it's difficult for me to plan to read the same book at the same time as other people. I don't know if the membership of RG is big enough for this, but maybe we could created a "book club" section separate from the theme read section if enough people are interested in that and feel they could pick a book or books and commit to it. Any interest in the book club idea?
I also appreciate what you're saying about "experts," but I think we're more likely to have "enthusiasts." Of course, if an expert comes along, he or she would be very welcome.
#10 cait The question of broad versus specific always comes up, with the concern about broad being just what you say and the concern about specific being it leaves people out who aren't interested in the more narrow definition of the theme. I'm not sure what is the ideal balance. Do others have thoughts about this.
My concern about a read focusing on a single country is that the other "side" of Reading Globally is the wonderful regional threads that Lois/avaland has created, and I wouldn't want to take anything away from them. On the other hand, and going back to lilisin's comment about experts, if we had an expert on a particular country it could be fabulous to have that person lead a country theme read.
On the reading the same book idea, I know that for me that rarely works, because there are just so many books I want to read and I'm such an opportunistic reader it's difficult for me to plan to read the same book at the same time as other people. I don't know if the membership of RG is big enough for this, but maybe we could created a "book club" section separate from the theme read section if enough people are interested in that and feel they could pick a book or books and commit to it. Any interest in the book club idea?
12whymaggiemay
I have generally been a participator in this group, and have weathered its change from country to theme reads, embracing them because they allowed me to read from my very considerable Mt. TBR as and what I wanted. I primarily read only those things I'm in the mood for at the time, so allowing me a wide variety works best.
I do read books in translation but, again, only when I'm in the mood for them. For instance, I've set aside six books as possibilities for the immigration/migration theme, but they are a range of authors and places. Only one is translated, but two are Nobel winning authors, and one is American. Besides, insisting on books in translation would (to me) smack of the kind of anti-UK/US snobbery of which the Nobel committee is accused.
I'm already involved in one RL book club (classics) and two on-line clubs. I've discovered that with the on-line clubs I only participate if they are reading something I've an interest in. I'm sure it would be the same here.
I'm open to whatever this group does, but will no doubt continue to embrace only those things that fit my current interests.
I do read books in translation but, again, only when I'm in the mood for them. For instance, I've set aside six books as possibilities for the immigration/migration theme, but they are a range of authors and places. Only one is translated, but two are Nobel winning authors, and one is American. Besides, insisting on books in translation would (to me) smack of the kind of anti-UK/US snobbery of which the Nobel committee is accused.
I'm already involved in one RL book club (classics) and two on-line clubs. I've discovered that with the on-line clubs I only participate if they are reading something I've an interest in. I'm sure it would be the same here.
I'm open to whatever this group does, but will no doubt continue to embrace only those things that fit my current interests.
13lilisin
11,
Yes, "enthusiasts" is the word I was looking for! A great description of the person needed to lead a thread. Someone who will not only set up the thread but also pop in regularly to maybe lead people into conversations.
I don't think doing a country specific thread would hurt the region threads at all. Considering those haven't really been generating too much conversation either.
Yes, "enthusiasts" is the word I was looking for! A great description of the person needed to lead a thread. Someone who will not only set up the thread but also pop in regularly to maybe lead people into conversations.
I don't think doing a country specific thread would hurt the region threads at all. Considering those haven't really been generating too much conversation either.
14Samantha_kathy
This message has been deleted by its author.
15rebeccanyc
We are nearing the end of October, and in November I'll start soliciting ideas for next year's theme reads. Before I do, if anyone has any additional ideas for improvements that would lead to greater participation and discussion, please post them here.
We've had several interesting ideas, and I'd love some feedback on them. Specifically, I'd love to know if anyone has any strong feelings about the following.
1. Separate threads for translated works and works written in English, versus one thread for all.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Speak up! Would any of these ideas work for you? Would they encourage participation and discussion?
I'd like to get a sense of what format most of you would like before I start asking for your ideas for 2012 topics.
We've had several interesting ideas, and I'd love some feedback on them. Specifically, I'd love to know if anyone has any strong feelings about the following.
1. Separate threads for translated works and works written in English, versus one thread for all.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Speak up! Would any of these ideas work for you? Would they encourage participation and discussion?
I'd like to get a sense of what format most of you would like before I start asking for your ideas for 2012 topics.
16Samantha_kathy
This message has been deleted by its author.
17avaland
Och, there is a lot to respond to here and clearly I'm not going to have time to do so. I'll mostly stay out of it, but a few comments:
>9 lilisin: I think I'd prefer an "enthusiast" over someone who considers themselves an "expert" because I think the former is likely to produce a more community-like atmosphere.
>7 streamsong: I'm sorry you have have felt that way at times. The pull to read our own country or culture's authors is very natural and strong, and so we have always encouraged or pushed back against that natural pull (and perhaps we haven't always gone about it in the best way), but the point of the group is to encourage the reading of literature outside our own, of exploring cultural perspectives outside our own. This doesn't invalidate, for example, Pearl Buck or Lisa See's perspectives on China, Paul Bowles's perspective on Morocco, Barbara Kingsolver's perspective of Mexico or Maggie Gee's perspective of Uganda, but we would encourage ourselves and others to move beyond that to other perspectives.
All that said, certainly some general themes are appropriate for any literature, "The Sea" seems a good example of that. Your comments on this are quite astute. The question then is, what do these types of themes do to encourage global reading?
----
I could only realistically commit to one theme read over the course of a year, mostly because I am like Rebecca --- very much an opportunistic reader, but also because I expect my professional life to direct more of my international reading this year. So, I'm content to see what you all come up with and join in if I can.
>9 lilisin: I think I'd prefer an "enthusiast" over someone who considers themselves an "expert" because I think the former is likely to produce a more community-like atmosphere.
>7 streamsong: I'm sorry you have have felt that way at times. The pull to read our own country or culture's authors is very natural and strong, and so we have always encouraged or pushed back against that natural pull (and perhaps we haven't always gone about it in the best way), but the point of the group is to encourage the reading of literature outside our own, of exploring cultural perspectives outside our own. This doesn't invalidate, for example, Pearl Buck or Lisa See's perspectives on China, Paul Bowles's perspective on Morocco, Barbara Kingsolver's perspective of Mexico or Maggie Gee's perspective of Uganda, but we would encourage ourselves and others to move beyond that to other perspectives.
All that said, certainly some general themes are appropriate for any literature, "The Sea" seems a good example of that. Your comments on this are quite astute. The question then is, what do these types of themes do to encourage global reading?
----
I could only realistically commit to one theme read over the course of a year, mostly because I am like Rebecca --- very much an opportunistic reader, but also because I expect my professional life to direct more of my international reading this year. So, I'm content to see what you all come up with and join in if I can.
19arubabookwoman
I have a few seconds of computer access here in Sydney, so I'll try to briefly respond to Rebecca's questions. As for my overall perspective, I think that it's often difficult to provoke ongoing discussions in groups like this unless everyone is reading the same book. However, I do not want to make this a "book club" group where we all read the same book.
I also don't think that whether someone posts comments as a "review" or as responses to specific questions is determinative of whether a discussion follows. I think that what a reader initially posts about the book read should be left up to that reader. This can include posing questions for others to respond to--something to discuss, or something puzzling or provocative.
I personally prefer to read primarily translated works for this group, and if possible works by authors that are new to me. It may be totally irrational, but I feel that I am getting a more authentic perspective on a region or nationality when I read a local author.
I'd like to continue the quarterly division for topics/themes, and continue to keep the older topics open for discussion indefinitely. In terms of topics/themes, I prefer the broader themes, as this gives a greater range of books to select from, and may lead to the discovery of similarities and interrelationships not previously considered.
Finally, while of course discussion is great, for me the greater value of the posts on the various topics and threads is as a resource for more books to read!
I also don't think that whether someone posts comments as a "review" or as responses to specific questions is determinative of whether a discussion follows. I think that what a reader initially posts about the book read should be left up to that reader. This can include posing questions for others to respond to--something to discuss, or something puzzling or provocative.
I personally prefer to read primarily translated works for this group, and if possible works by authors that are new to me. It may be totally irrational, but I feel that I am getting a more authentic perspective on a region or nationality when I read a local author.
I'd like to continue the quarterly division for topics/themes, and continue to keep the older topics open for discussion indefinitely. In terms of topics/themes, I prefer the broader themes, as this gives a greater range of books to select from, and may lead to the discovery of similarities and interrelationships not previously considered.
Finally, while of course discussion is great, for me the greater value of the posts on the various topics and threads is as a resource for more books to read!
20Cait86
1. Separate threads for translated works and works written in English, versus one thread for all.
I'm against this - to me, the more threads we have, the less discussion. Things get too broken up.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
I still maintain that if we all read the same book or books, discussion will be better. But, I get that not everyone is into this. My suggestion - theme reads as we did this year, with the person leading the quarter listing 1-3 novels that he/she will personally read, in hopes that others will join in too. Everyone can still read whatever they want, but the option of shared reads will be there too.
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
Well, as that was me, I'd say I'm supportive of that!
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
Well, if we narrow the topics, then I don't think it needs to be limited to a specific country.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
I actually think the "drop-in" method will discourage discussion and shared reads, because we will be all over the place.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Yes, I totally agree with this! I think I follow the main threads of almost everyone in this group, so I rarely reread the posts that are just reviews.
I'm against this - to me, the more threads we have, the less discussion. Things get too broken up.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
I still maintain that if we all read the same book or books, discussion will be better. But, I get that not everyone is into this. My suggestion - theme reads as we did this year, with the person leading the quarter listing 1-3 novels that he/she will personally read, in hopes that others will join in too. Everyone can still read whatever they want, but the option of shared reads will be there too.
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
Well, as that was me, I'd say I'm supportive of that!
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
Well, if we narrow the topics, then I don't think it needs to be limited to a specific country.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
I actually think the "drop-in" method will discourage discussion and shared reads, because we will be all over the place.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Yes, I totally agree with this! I think I follow the main threads of almost everyone in this group, so I rarely reread the posts that are just reviews.
21StevenTX
I agree with everything Cait86 just said with just one further comment.
4. No reason we couldn't do topics (but narrower) half the time and individual countries half the time.
4. No reason we couldn't do topics (but narrower) half the time and individual countries half the time.
22kidzdoc
1. Separate threads for translated works and works written in English, versus one thread for all.
I agree with Cait; more threads equals less discussion, IMO.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
I'm in favor of the leader of the theme choosing ~5-6 books that are recommended, while allowing members to read any of those books or any others that are applicable. I would prefer to read books that I already own, or ones have wanted to read, but I would be willing to acquire a recommended book instead. However, these recommended books should be ones that are available to most if not all of us.
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
I completely agree with more specific themes, as we will likely run out of interesting topics sooner if we continue to choose broad themes.
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
As Cait said, if we choose more specific themes, country specific themes may not be necessary. And, some of us may not be particularly interested in reading about particular countries for three months.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
I'm with Cait again; I think we would generate more discussion with four quarterly reads versus spontaneous theme reads.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Definitely!
I agree with Cait; more threads equals less discussion, IMO.
2. Focusing on 1-3 specific books versus letting everyone choose what he or she wants to read versus adding a separate "book club" read to the general theme read
I'm in favor of the leader of the theme choosing ~5-6 books that are recommended, while allowing members to read any of those books or any others that are applicable. I would prefer to read books that I already own, or ones have wanted to read, but I would be willing to acquire a recommended book instead. However, these recommended books should be ones that are available to most if not all of us.
3. Making themes much more specific, as suggested in #10, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th century, versus broader themes like Regions in Conflict.
I completely agree with more specific themes, as we will likely run out of interesting topics sooner if we continue to choose broad themes.
4. Using a specific country, rather than a topic, as the focus of a theme read.
As Cait said, if we choose more specific themes, country specific themes may not be necessary. And, some of us may not be particularly interested in reading about particular countries for three months.
5. Having 2-4 topics that are year-long and that people can drop into whenever they want versus 4 quarterly reads versus a few year-long reads and occasional, maybe more spontaneous, shorter theme reads.
I'm with Cait again; I think we would generate more discussion with four quarterly reads versus spontaneous theme reads.
6. Encouraging people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than just posting a review.
Definitely!
23rebeccanyc
Thank you all for participating in this discussion about how to improve the theme reads for 2012, with a special focus on encouraging discussion.. It seems that of those of you who have offered opinions, there is more or less a consensus that:
1. We should continue having four quarterly theme reads in 2012.
2. We should try to narrow the focus of each read, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th Century, rather than just Regions in Conflict.
3. We should encourage theme read leaders to pick 3-5 recommended reads, preferably some of which the leader will read himself or herself. Participants interested in being able to discuss specific books with others could then choose from among these recommended reads, but everyone would be able to read any book that fits the theme.
4. We should encourage people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than simply posting reviews.
So, now that it's November, it's time to start suggesting theme reads for 2012. Come on over to this new thread to give us your ideas.
1. We should continue having four quarterly theme reads in 2012.
2. We should try to narrow the focus of each read, e.g., Regions in Conflict - Africa or Regions in Conflict -20th Century, rather than just Regions in Conflict.
3. We should encourage theme read leaders to pick 3-5 recommended reads, preferably some of which the leader will read himself or herself. Participants interested in being able to discuss specific books with others could then choose from among these recommended reads, but everyone would be able to read any book that fits the theme.
4. We should encourage people to discuss the books they read in the context of the theme rather than simply posting reviews.
So, now that it's November, it's time to start suggesting theme reads for 2012. Come on over to this new thread to give us your ideas.
24avaland
>23 rebeccanyc: My only suggestion, related to #3: any small list of "recommended" reads for a group should include books offering a variety of perspectives.
