Dorian Gray: Introduce Yourself!

Thinking about joining us for February's OLOB selection, The Picture of Dorian Gray? Chime in here!

Oscar Wilde is a particular favorite of mine, though I have not read Dorian Gray in quite some time. I'm excited to take part in this group read and the resulting discussions!

I've never read it myself, though it's been on my TBR for a looong time. This seems like a good excuse to finally take a crack at it!

I'm so glad this was picked, I just started reading it. It's been on my TBR pile for a while :)

Now where did I put my copy of Poe's Complete stories and poems?

So excited to dive back into Dorian. It'll be my second time through, and this time with others (I read it for the first time too quickly and not in a group).

While admittedly this was my third pick for the February read, I'm still looking forward to the group discussion! It has been a while since I read it and the great thing about Classics is that with every re-read there's something more to be gleaned :-)

I'll join in the discussion, but while I enjoyed the book I have no plans to reread it.

I'm Tim, and will certainly be joining in.

My memory is foggy. I know I started it at some point in my teens, but I'm not sure I finished it. I should dig up my copy and see if it has teenage-Tim notes in the margins, like a lot of my books do—always a blast to see. Anyway, it's been at the back of my head to read now for some years, so I'm glad it was picked. I'll almost certainly be audiobook-ing it, so recommendations are appreciated there. Librivox surely has a version, but I'd buy one if I knew it to be rather better.

I will probably join in. I've been curious about Dorian Gray, but never got around to reading it.

I've been wanting to try this one again. I started it five or six years ago, but was put off by the eerie decadence of it all. I'm in a different place now (but sadly, I gave away our family copy via BookCrossing, and now have to buy or borrow another).

I'm Roberta

I've been wanting to read this book. I hadn't thought about listening to it although I listen to books quite frequently. Let's see if I can find a version with an awesome narrator.

Thanks for that idea Tim.

I've never been a fond of most classics, but if I can find a good copy for my Nook, I might just go ahead and read it.

I'll be reading it. I even decided to get the annotated, uncensored edition that's been sitting on my Amazon wishlist for years.

>9 timspalding: What?! You can't find a good recording on Youtube?! Shocking!

In all seriousness and with admitted bias, I would go with the audiobook narrated by Simon Vance. My second choice would be Michael Page.

15 Thanks for the audio recommendations. My library has both narrators.

Count me in. I really enjoyed the discussions about The Circle, and this book should be a good one for discussion as well.

I've only seen the movie, so I'm looking forward to reading the book and discussing it. I'm also pumped that it is old enough that I should be able to download it for free, which is nice.

Count me in. I know my library has a copy and doubt any of the students will check it out.

A comparison of the three major versions (incl annotated) can be read here:

http://www.3pipe.net/2011/05/oscar-wildes-dorian-gray-annotated.html

warning: contains spoilers!

And anyone who hasn't read the book and doesn't want spoilers (I know most know the basic premise, but that review mentions all kinds of particulars that happen throughout the story) should stay far far away from that link until after reading!

oh, ya. Sorry. Didn't read it thoroughly myself :)

I've read it, so no worries here (I'd have been mighty careful if I hadn't! haha), but not everyone has. I know I'd have been annoyed if I read something that told about everything that happens! :P

I just pulled my copy off my TBR shelf and very pleased to see the story is only 180 pages long short. This will be a quick read and I look forward to reading everyone's comments.

lorannen the link to the olob group on the blog leads to the blogpost, not the group.

I am amazed that my two top picks actually won! I've downloaded my free ebook copy of this one.

>25 JerryMmm: So it did! Thanks for catching that, Jerry. It's fixed now.

Starting tonight with this. First time with a bookclub style reading objective. I hope I can get some help with style for doing online reviews.

get the ebook from http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/174.epub.noimages. that should be the epub, if you want another format search it at gutenberg.org

Another option is MobileRead.com. The nice thing about their out-of-copyright books is that they are proofread by humans.

that is probably a plus, i cannot vouch for gutenberg

There are at least 2 editions on Gutenberg

I voted for Dorian Gray b/c I think I skip-read it in high school. I know the plot, I remember studying it, but do not think I *really* read it iykwim :) I think a lot of these classics are better read later in life though. Maybe I will retain more. Look forward to chatting about it.

Hi All, I voted for Dorian Gray so I'm pleased to see it as the group read for February (also voted for American Gods too and so am happy with that!). Hopefully I can remember to read it in Feb. I'm not sure what I'm reading when with my different groups but it certainly is fun! I need a book calendar!

I'm Jen. I recently read this so I'll be joining in.

Hello! I recently read The Picture of Dorian Gray because of my earlier win with Wilde Passions of Dorian Gray from Early Reviewer. To have it fresh in my mind, I will read it again!

Hi, my name is Sorcha

Read this a loooong time ago, so am glad it got chosen, so I can read it again!

Managed to pick up a free ebook version of it and will be starting into it soon

Hi everyone! I've never been part of a book club discussion before, and while I know the basic storyline for Dorian Gray, I've never actually read the book. First time for everything I suppose! I'm looking forward to the experience.

I am in - had not read Dorian since high school... so time for a reread :)

Ditto

I'm in. I, too, know the basic story, but I can't recall if I've actually read it. I'm eager to know the story in more detail.

I'm in. I haven't read it but know the story from the 1940s movie so it should be fun. I found it at MobileRead.com thanks to @krazy4kats.

I'm Bobbi. I just listened to the Simon Vance narration of this from Audible, so I'll be interested in following along with the discussion.

I don't believe that I have ever read it, but I downloaded it, so I am in!

Anyone have suggestions on an audio-book version? I've found two on librivox, and find the older one a tad better.

I'm Konika, I adore Oscar Wilde and I've read PoDG many times. So, Im in too.

I'll be joining, or at least lurking.

Already read it twice but that was quite a while ago so I'll reread it in the next couple weeks.

I'm a big Wilde fan and was given the annotated version a year or so back. I've not done a book club style read before and am looking forward to joining in.

Not read The Picture of Dorian Gray for some time but my LT notes show that I enjoyed it. Looking forward to joining and reading it once again.

Hey! KJ here. Excited to read this as I'm incidentally on a "classic gothic tales" kick right now. I really liked Wilde's short stories (esp The Happy Prince), as well as The Importance of Being Earnest. Like many, I am pretty conversant with the plot, but haven't, um, actually read the book yet.

Interested in perhaps discussions on contemporary reality tv shows, celebrity culture, performativity, etc.

Although this was my third pick for this discussion (I'm sorry, Frankenstein will always have first place in my heart) I'm looking forward to a chance to reread and dissect Dorian Gray. I know I've read the book at least once, but I suspect that the last time was in high school, so hopefully I'll get more out of it this time. :)

I've read Oscar Wilde: A Certain Genius some time ago and am curious if I'll see the story with different eyes with all that background knowledge. I have The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray laying around here, so I'll be reading this.

I haven't read The Picture of Dorian Gray in a very long time. Looks like I'll be able to pick this up in a more timely fashion than I did "The Circle". Now to decide between text and/or audio. At my local libraries, I have a choice of standard or uncensored text, and audio versions by Steven Crossley or Simon Vance. Decisions, decisions.

Update: I had library books due at the library with the Vance audio edition and so I went with that. I don't often go with audio books, but I've read this in the past and I'm doing plenty of reading and computer work at the moment, so it will be a welcome change.

This remarkable summary of Dorian Gray includes some spoilers (because, after all, it is a summary): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8iAuBdQJUg

Hello group, I'm looking forward to the Dorian Grey group read. My edition will be from an omnibus Collected Works of Oscar Wilde. I may have read the first few pages a couple of times, then wandered off to other genres.

Picture of Dorian Grey is represented in a couple of "must read" lists, including Clifton Fadiman's Lifetime Reading Plan and Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, both of which I use for suggestions when I run out of inspiration for what to read next.

I'm looking forward to the read and discussions!

Definitely will be following this group! Have always admired Oscar Wilde, but don't believe I have read the book. I'm looking forward to it.

I have read it before, in high school, 35 years ago, but I think this is a good excuse to revisit it. In fact, I think I still have the paperback I read at school somewhere in the library. If I can find it, I'll read that one again, if only for my handwritten notes in the margins!

I haven't read it before but started yesterday.

An excellent choice for a group read and discussion. Read thoughtfully. Wilde is a great author, and he's packed a lot of meaning into his novel. More than most people realize.

I'm CJ, and I'm in. I've not read The Picture of Dorian Gray before; it sounds like an interesting one to pick up for February...and even better that there will be others discussing it at the same time I'm reading it!

I was so excited to see this one was picked for February, it's been on my "To Read" list for some time now.

I read this last year, but hey, I'm always up for a reread! I think I'll be joining in on this one :)

I started this book that was on my to do list long ago. Excellent timing! Hope we can explore it together and enjoy it even more!

I'll join the group. Looking for a kindle version.

My wife and I will be joining, once we've got our other books for the month sorted out. (I, at least, am in a LOT of other reading groups/challenges.) We have the free kindle version. I would have preferred the audiobook, but our library's copy was checked out. On the waiting list, maybe I'll catch it before we start with the text. :)

Hi everyone! I read about half of Dorian last year, but got distracted with another book and let it fall behind. Excited to pick it up again and discuss.

Fellow readers,

I am very happy to join this group discussion on Wilde's 'The picture of Dorian Gray'. I read this piece when I was 17, so it has been also a long time since then. However, the scenes and dialogues are still vivid in my mind, for this is a remarkable and unforgettable book.
I sincerely hope I can add important points to the discussion.

Artie

I'm flirting with the idea of ordering the Penguin Classic Couture Deluxe Edition with the cover by Ruben Toledo.

Then I saw while shelving books on Friday that my school library has it in Great Illustrated Classics form. The temptation to take that home and read it didn't last long.

>66 mirrani:
Librivox.org has free audio. The books are read by volunteers, and I don't know how well Dorian Gray is read, but it might be worth looking into.

Hello! While I certainly don't need to be joining yet another book group, I can't help myself. My name is Cathy & I live in beautiful Southern California. I just finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray & am looking forward to discussing it. I'm not a true fan of the "classics," I don't think, because to me they are too wordy. But more about that in the discussion!

I dearly love to read & do it as often as I can, mostly on my Kindle. I always have it with me. My favorite books are To Kill A Mockingbird, The Mists of Avalon, & The Shadow of the Wind. I am a sucker for series & must start with the first book & read them in order.

I've just reread The Picture of Dorian Gray from a book that is entitled "The Collected Works of Oscar Wilde." I'm sure glad this book was picked to be the one in the discussion. I will definitely take part.

I read this ages ago but will pick it up again as I do recall enjoying it.

Came across this video summary of the story done in rap/gangsta style (sorry, not up on the lingo) that is hilarious. Warning: There be spoilers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8iAuBdQJUg

Edit to add - just saw that someone else has also posted the video. Sorry - should have read the entire thread before my post.

Hi my name is Melissa! I have always wanted to read this book and this is a good a reason as any! I downloaded the project gutenburg one so looks like I can join!

I'm in and looking forward to the discussion.

Susan here: Count me in for Dorian!

>29 Clancy.Coonradt: I just downloaded the free kindle version from Amazon.

I wasn't aware there was an "uncensored" version. Betcha that is not the one I'm reading.

>9 timspalding: I agree with >15 Tanya-dogearedcopy: that Simon Vance would do a terrific job. I'm not --yet-- familiar with Michael Page.

Reading Dorian now and planning on seeing the discussion

I got my Penguin deluxe edition from Amazon today.

Hi everyone,
I wasn't in time for the vote but I'm glad that Dorian Gray was chosen. As many have said before it has been on my reading list for years. I've just finished it and I'm very much looking forward to the discussion.

Hello. Joined the group today (31 January) giving me 10 days to read the book to be able to join the discussion and not read any spoilers... although I have seen the film.

Started reading today. It's going pretty quickly.

I'm about halfway through, reading the Modern Library version. Love those books, the fit in the hand so perfectly.

Ack! All caught up in reading The Luminaries which is HUGE! Still have to start Dorian Gray, but hopefully will be ready to chat next week :)

Hello,

I've read Dorian Gray a couple times when I was in high school, long time ago. Wilde was a hero to me and his Lord Henry impressed me tremendously, I even copied out ALL HIS DIALOGUE into a special notebook... in purple ink.

I'm curious to re-read it after all this time, although it feels weirdly like I already know too much about it. If it's a reading of discovery, it's probably that of connections and influence, presumably more apparent to the older, more experienced reader.

I got a copy of the "annotated, uncensored" recent edition of the book.

I just finished TPODG, finally! Now, I can join the other discussions.

Hello all. I wanted to read this book because I've tried in the past to like Oscar Wilde's works and just couldn't get into them. I'd hoped this book would change my mind. It didn't. Although I'm glad I finished it, I find his style of writing tedious. However, I have to say that the man has a way with words and his descriptions of anything far excelled any other writer's ability.