Sounds like I'm running a dating service.... Anyway, I thought it might be helpful to have a place we could put out a shingle if we're looking for reading buddies.

I'll start.
Blonde, Blue-eyed.... oh, right. *ahem* My edition of The Neverending Story has been whispering to me again so I thought I'd dust it off next year. I've got no particular timeframe in mind. Anybody game?

No, sorry, but this IS a great idea for readers looking for that special someone (who wants to read the same book).

I think we've discussed a group read of Briar Rose and of Storm Front.

And plans are afoot to read Foucault's Pendulum sometime midway through the year, if anyone found that The Name of the Rose was a little too easy...

I think I also saw mention of Anne of Green Gables in January.

ETA: I love it that this thread exists now! It's a lot easier to schedule in group reads when my categories are mostly empty.

Message edited by its author, Aug 13, 2009, 4:48pm.

I'm thinking about something (one or more) by Alexandre Dumas - anyone interested in Three Musketeers, Man in the Iron Mask, Count of Monte Cristo, etc?

Why do you have to tempt me? I had Three Musketeers on my list this year but bumped it for A tale of Two cities. I might be interested but not at the start of the year.

Mssr. Dumas is one of my favorites. I own all of those so it doesn't matter which one. Let me know when you're interested in starting, I'm in!

#7, 8 February-March?

Sounds good! Really, whatever you pick is fine.

I'd be interested in The Three Musketeers, since I already own a copy. That would make 4 group reads that I could do just from my TBR pile!

I can do The Three Musketeers in - February/March. So sign me up.

I'd be in for The Three Musketeers also. It's the only Dumas I own at the moment.

I've always wanted to read The Three Musketeers and that would be a good time of the year for me. I'm in.

"All for one and one for all!"

Sorry, I just couldn't resist...

I'm scheduled to go to Hilton Head the beginning of February, so can we start say the 15th? I don't want to lug that big fatty book in my tote bag. I'll even volunteer to do the setup and question threads.

Message edited by its author, Aug 17, 2009, 1:55pm.

I remember reading The Count of Monte Cristo, but not The Three Musketeers and I actually have a copy (inherited) and it fits one of my categories. I am in for a group read.

I'm off to fill in a blank on my challenge thread.

I could read it while I'm watching the Winter Olympics. I think that's from Feb 12 to 28 or so.

(I love the Winter Olympics and have been known to wake up at 3 am to watch curling.)

DO the Olympics start that early? I may have to get it on Audio just so I can watch and read at the same time.

They're in Vancouver next year so we won't know ahead of time who won.

I can read and watch at the same time, except for the Opening Ceremonies, which I absolutely love.

#18, 19, 20 I totally forgot about the Olympics this winter. I love the Olympics - winter and summer both. I'm a night owl, so I don't wake up at 3 am for anything, but you might catch me STILL up then to watch curling! Maybe we can wait until March 1 to start Musketeers.

I have definitely been wanting to read The Three Musketeers for a while now, so please count me in.

I am also interested in the other group reads. :)

Still have to set up my thread, but I don't know what categories I want yet.
--BJ

Okay, I marked Musketeers for a group read sometime February/March. When we set a date, make sure I'm in. (This was on my list for 999 but I changed to A Tale of Two Cities) I'm definitely going to do it now.

Cheli, are you still willing to set up a Musketeers group read thread? (msg 16) I was going to suggest that we go ahead and set a date, but realized that it's still 6 months away! I've never specifically planned to read a book so far in advance in my life.

This is the kind of craziness I love about LT.

> 18

Curling! One of my favorites to watch.

A couple of people have commented that reading Herodotus' Histories might be easier together, (group read or just support). Any one else interested and how would it be done?
I have the Penguin Classics version and I had planned to just read a book a month starting in January but I am open to other ideas.

re 27: I also have the Penguin Classics version of Herodotus' Histories which has been sitting on my shelf for 4? 5? 6? years, and has been on my list of possibilities for both the 888 & 999 Challenges. It looks like so far I got through the Introduction.

A book a month sounds good to me. I did something similar with Plutarch's Parallel Lives, which ended up taking me more than a year to read -- but I did finally finish it.

I also have Herodotus on my tbr. A group read would really encourage me! :)
--BJ

I'm in on Herodotus.

Herodotus is a great idea! I've read parts of the Histories and really enjoyed them. I'll try to join in for at least part of the group read, struggling through in my purist way and ultimately failing to finish the book.... Ah well.

#24 Sandy,

I have put a note on my caldendar to pop up on 1/1/10 to check on the Musketeers date for the start of the group read. I can setup the group then and we'll still be early if we are starting in February or March. Okay?

ETA In the mean time, I'll be checking into questions, etc. for the read.

Message edited by its author, Aug 28, 2009, 5:09pm.

#32 Cheli, that sounds perfect - you're a peach.

I've been talking with some people about doing group reads of Briar Rose by Jane Yolen and John Adams by David McCullough. I'm happy to start threads for both of them (unless someone else would rather do it!), but I'd like to wait until 1/1/2010 to set them up...no point in starting the thread now if we're not going to read the book until next year, right?

I'm interested in a John Adams group read and a Three Muskateers group read as well.

#34 Christina, I'm interested in joining a Briar Rose group read. next year.

I'm definitely interested in the Briar Rose, Three Muskateers, and Foucault's Pendulum group reads.

Several of us have Margaret Atwood books on our lists, so I'm proposing an "Atwood in April" group read, where you can choose any of her titles to read in that month.

How could I say no to "Atwood in April"? Great idea mathgirl!

Message edited by its author, Sep 5, 2009, 2:36am.

And April is perfect!

Fantastic!

ETA - I'm reading The Handmaid's Tale

Message edited by its author, Sep 4, 2009, 7:06pm.

Love the idea of Atwood in April!

Nice to see so much interest in Margaret Atwood! I'll start an "Atwood in April" thread closer to that time, or maybe I'll start it a bit earlier, so we can discuss what we'll read in April. Choosing is half the fun, right? :)

I've had The Handmaid's Tale on my TBR pile for at least 7 years now. It would be great to finally have that read, as it's been talking to me from its shelf on high recently. "Don't you want to read me Laura? I'm really really good!" Funny how it has been there so long and now suddenly I feel the need...the need for speed. Er, sorry...the need to read it.

Atwood in April - count me in!

I'll be blowing the dust off Flea's copy of The robber bride in April. Count me in!

Well I have never read any of Margaret Atwood's books so if it's ok count me in!

This is getting to be a problem. None, but none, of the books suggested for a group read so far hasn't triggered an "Oh, yes, me too. I want to read that." response. Somebody please, please suggest a group read on a book or author I am NOT interested in.

On the other hand, I love the fact that there are so many good ideas for group reads! I may actually get around to participating in some of them this time--especially since planning them so far in advance means that they can actually be on my challenge list from the beginning, so I don't have to worry about fitting them in. Keep 'em coming!

That said, NeverStopTrying, I'll try to help with your request: I'm planning to read Euclid's Elements, Volume 1 (the Heath edition, which consists of the first two books and lots of commentary). Are you interested in a group read?

_Zoe_ If must say that if I had a copy of Euclid readily available I might take you up on that, I will see if I can find one by next year! (I don't know how many others would be interested in a mix of ancient history, Greek philosophy and maths)

OOPS = I just opened up another tab to investigate the Heath edition I have read the existing review and discovered that that version is probably not for me -I do not read the four languages which seem necessary. I pass:)

Message edited by its author, Sep 9, 2009, 4:17pm.

@47. I'm reading Vägar och möten, Dem oss skyldiga äro and Regnspiran amongst many others. How's your swedish? :)

>49 Oh, too bad :(. It would have been fun if someone did actually want to read it. I did try to choose the most challenging book on my list, but I think you could probably still get a lot out of it just by reading the English. I'm not sure myself how carefully I'll read through the long Greek and Latin quotations in the notes.

>50 You win.

Message edited by its author, Sep 9, 2009, 4:30pm.

_Zoe_ I was serious when you said Euclid my immediate thought was "that would be good". I think it is over twenty years since I looked at Euclid. But unfortunately languages are my blind spot - no matter how I try I am stuck with English (and a tiny bit of welsh) and translations. The frustration of having part of a text that I just cannot understand would be too much for me.

Are you still on for a slow read of Herodotus?

Message edited by its author, Sep 9, 2009, 4:57pm.

Yes, I'm definitely on for a slow read of Herodotus. It will be good for me.

The Euclid sounds like fun, but I guess I'll pass. The German is easy. The other three I have only a smattering of, and while the subject is interesting, not interesting enough to cope with all that, even if I had a copy of the book...

I'd be in for "Atwood in April". It fits into All Things Canadian :) I haven't read any of her books yet, so I'm totally open to suggestions of where to start.

I will definitely pencil in for Atwood in April! I do not think I have been disappointed with any of her books (the few I have read!)

I have Alias Grace that I was thinking of reading in either my mystery or historical fiction category (There is a murder according to the back cover- I do not know if that makes it a mystery but I am being generous in my definitions!) or I was thinking of reading the sequel to Oryx and Crake (F&SF). Offhand can't remember the title!

Handmaids Tale is also possible as a re-read!

Wow, lots of Atwood love. Now I can't wait for April!

#55 - Bella_lee, when it comes to Atwood, you really can't go wrong. If you like dystopian novels, The Handmaid's Tale is quite good; her earlier stuff is shorter, while her more recent novels are a bit tome-like. I really loved The Blind Assassin, Alias Grace, and Cat's Eye.

@ #48 _Zoe_
Thank you. Just what I wanted. I will confess that I clicked throught to check out the Euclid, but I am definitely a candidate for a highly edited, thoroughly footnoted version with a massively helpful Introduction. Plus perhaps another year.

@ # 50 GingerbreadMan

That's a no hoper for me. You definitely win.

>48, 58 Of course if Zoe was willing to translate the Latin and Greek quotes for us, it would be easier.

Message edited by its author, Sep 11, 2009, 5:02pm.

@51, 58 Feels like I cheated somehow...

I would be interested in the group read of Briar Rose as well. I will watch for the thread to start in January.

I've just flipped through the book, and I'm really not seeing all these untranslated phrases. There seems to be an English translation just before or after every bit of Greek, suggesting that he's actually put in an effort to make it accessible.

For example, from a random page (187, if anyone cares):
The latter part of this definition, distinguishing three-sided, four-sided and many-sided figures, is probably due to Euclid himself, since the words tripleuron, tetrapleuron and polypleuron do not appear in Plato or Aristotle (only in one passage of the Mechanics and of the Problems respectively does even tetrapleuron, quadrilateral, occur). By his use of tetrapleuron, quadrilateral, Euclid seems practically to have put an end to any ambiguity in the use by mathematicians of the word tetragwnon, literally "four-angled (figure)," and to have got it restricted to square.

The Greek words are written in Greek characters rather than transliteration, but the italics are there in the book.

The most that I've seen untranslated are the titles of papers by modern scholars and one Latin phrase that had (apparently) come into common usage in English--I didn't know what was meant by petitio principii, but a quick Google search reveals that it's "begging the question"; no actual knowledge of Latin required.

Belva and I are planning to read The Picture of Dorian Gray starting the first week of January. Thought I would make a note here in case anyone else wanted to join us. It's not too long and we thought a classic at the start might be nice.

After Linda's wonderful review, there are at least three of us *waves to RidgewayGirl and jonesli* interested in reading The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny. We haven't discussed a time frame. If anybody else is interested, let us know.

I would love to but not until next year(?) after I have read the 2 that come before it (which I have) but I also have to wait for Tutu to bring it to me when she comes south. So I don't want to hold you up because I probably won't be ready until February or March.

Message edited by its author, Sep 25, 2009, 1:11pm.

VictoriaPL, I'd love to talk about it with you when you do read it.

Cheli, Dorian Gray also sounds good. I'd like to read more "classic" type books next year. I think I can fit classics into my "not my usual" category since I so rarely read any.

I would like the reading of The Brutal Telling to fall at least a few months into the challenge, but will read it whenever is decided.

Yes, I was thinking of later in the challenge too. Gives me time to read the others in the series!

Can we postpone until April?

I'm sure after April will be fine.

I'll put on my schedule

Love to do Atwood in April

Anyone up for joining me to read Les Miserables (unabridged)?

OK. So far, Foucault's Pendulum, The Three Musketeers, Margaret Atwood and The Picture of Dorian Grey are all on my "want to" list. Looks like I will be editing my 2010 Challenge a little. Doesn't mean I am not interested in some of the others ... but more than enough is enough.

Typos.

Message edited by its author, Sep 29, 2009, 12:24pm.

#73 Katrinasreads - I'm up for a group read of Les Miserables as long as the scheduling doesn't clash with the other reads.

I have Wilderness Tips by Margaret Atwood in my tbr pile and will switch one out of my misc. catagory so I can read it in April with everyone reading her other books.

I'm planning to at least attempt Les Misérables next year, though I'm not sure I'll actually get through it. I just hope it's not too soon after the Trois Mousquetaires--I think I've already signed up for way more French than I can handle!

I would love to read Les Miserables. It's been on my TBR list forever and I would love an excuse to finally read it. Plus it's on the 1001 list which is one of my categories so that would be and added bonus for me.

Hola Katrina. I'm tempted by Les Miserables too.

I'm in for Herodotus.

And I need to finish Les Miserables so I'll join that one too.

I put up a post for the Les Miserables read-a-long looking for input about schedule its here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/74336

Would anyone be interested in reading Crime and Punishment sometime next year? I'm going to try to read it for my "Recommendations" category, but if The Brothers Karamazov is anything to go by, I may need support to be able to finish it. :-)

I'm in for Herodotus (and Foucault's Pendulum too, if I can find my copy...)

I had Herodotus planned anyway (I even named my history category after him!) and Foucault's Pendulum should fit into my books in translation category. I'll check back next year for dates!

@82
Crime and Punishment is already on my list for my transgressive fiction category, so I would definitely be interested in having people to discuss it with. Any time of the year is good for me!

Picture of Dorian Gray is on the TBR pile (although several piles would be more accurate!) and is also in my 101010 challenge so a definite read for me next year...

also interested in Les Miserables possibly

and never read any Atwood so Atwood for April sounds like a plan :-) I like a bit of Dystopia now and then so will try the handmaids tale I guess - although am happy to go for other recommendations...

Message edited by its author, Oct 14, 2009, 3:22pm.

>85 Glad that you'll be joining us for Atwood in April! There are plenty of recommendations in the group read thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/72961.

@82 The way I recall it (though it's been like ten years) Crime and punishment was a much smoother read than Karamazov. Bit of a page turner even!

Edit: Getting the brothers' last name spelled right. It's bedtime for swedes, I think...

Message edited by its author, Oct 14, 2009, 5:20pm.

>84 hmm...I tend to find winter or summer best for longer classics (probably a leftover habit from college semesters), but I'm open to suggestions if anyone has a preference.

>87 good to know it might be a bit easier reading! I liked Brothers Karamazov pretty well once I was into the story a bit, but found what was in my edition books 5 and 6 particularly daunting.

I haven't read Brothers Karamazov, but I didn't have any trouble with Crime and Punishment. And I'm not a heavy lit person at all. Well, I threw the book across the room at one point. But in response to a plot point rather than it getting too headachey.

Brothers Karamazov is on my top ten novels ever written, make sure to get the Pevear translation. Give this novel a good try.

Here is some help with Brothers Karamazov...

http://www.librarything.com/topic/56544#...

@88
That's fine with me! I can start as soon as mid-January.

I'm in for Crime and Punishment. I remember it as a shorter, easier read than the brothers, and a bit of a thriller. I have a book in my 1010 about the investigator (The Gentle Axe), so it would be good to reread this one beforehand.

>91 mid-January sounds good to me - maybe we can set up a "Group Read" thread a bit closer to the end of the year.
>92 does that start time sound good to you, too, RidgewayGirl?

Message edited by its author, Oct 15, 2009, 4:25pm.

I'm in for Atwood in April (already signed up for Three Musketeers) and I'll jump in here and there on Herodotus. I've read about half of it before, but I'd love to peruse it again in the company of others.

I'm in for the Three Musketeers and for Atwood in April.

I'm flexible.

So many wonderful choices! I am also interested in Crime and Punishment and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
--BJ

48> I find I can't get Euclid out of my mind. I'll have a go at finding a copy to look at while in the US next week. (We're visiting a bunch of colleges, and I would hope one of the libraries would have it on hand.)

>98 Oh, I'm glad! I found that, despite suggesting it only half-seriously, I ended up really hoping that someone else would be interested too.

I know I can order it from amazon.co.uk, but this is one I really want to look at first, so I'll let you know my decision when I get home again. (Three colleges for son 3 and son 2's wedding in just over a week. It may take a while to get myself back together afterwards.)

#98, 99 I'm not seriously interested in the Euclid book, but out of curiousity when I saw MJ's intention to find the book, I looked to see if the library has it (no - not a surprise), but found another book about the history of mathmatics by Stephen Hawking that includes a chapter on Euclid which went on my wishlist. About that time, my son and his buddy wanted a ride over to the music store to pick up some guitar strings and look around - so off we went. Not caring about the music store, I left them there, told them I'd be back in half an hour or so, and wandered over to the library which happens to sit in the parking lot of the shopping center. Still thinking about Euclid and math, I wandered over to the 500's aisle and started browsing the shelves. Forty-five minutes later my cell phone rang with the boys wondering where I was and 13 science book titles jotted down in a notebook for my wishlist.

So, let this be a WARNING to everyone here: Just innocently reading this thread and seeing a conversation about a book I didn't have a particular interest in resulted in 14 new books being added to my wishlist this afternoon, and it could happen to you, too! :-)

>101 Ha, great story! So what are the 14 titles?

I'm not really a fan of Stephen Hawking, so I'm only at risk for the other 13....

Oh, and it distracted me from my other reply:

>100 MarthaJeanne, take your time making a decision! There are still a couple of months to go. Congratulations on your son's wedding!

I was wondering, is there a master schedule somewhere of when all these group reads are taking place?

#103 I was wondering the same thing about a master schedule. If I compile a list, I wonder if Cindy would post it on the group page?

I don't see why not. Unless it's very long, in which case I think she'd at least post a link to a Talk post or wiki page with the details. Your compiling efforts certainly wouldn't go to waste, and would be very much appreciated!

OK, then. Here is a list of the books that seem to have at least some interest (2 or more people).

Briar Rose - January?
Foucault's Pendulum - not sure of the timing, only comment I noticed was "plans underway"
Anne of Green Gables - January
Three Musketeers - Feb or March
Herodotus Histories - beginning in January, reading one book per month
McCullough's John Adams - no time mentioned
Margaret Atwood - April
Euclid's Elements - no time mentioned
Picture of Dorian Gray - first week of January
Brutal Telling - no time decided (Feb-Mar, April, Fall were all mentioned)
Les Miserables - beginning in Oct '09, one book per month
Crime and Punishment - mid-January

Have I missed anything?

#102 Zoe, since the list of my new wishlist books is longer than the list I just posted, I'm going to go to your profile page to leave it.

Thanks for both lists!

For the Foucault's Pendulum people, how does June sound? Or, more accurately, starting in June?

I finally read this thread...I have Herodotus Histories scheduled for 2010. Wouldn't mind starting in January.

I am interested in reading The Neverending Story. I don't think that anyone in my family has read that one yet, but I think that we would all like it.
--BJ

Hi BJ - fantastic! I don't have any particular time frame in mind for The Neverending Story but I'm not starting my challenge until January. Let me know when you want to start in.

Hey, Victoria,
I am not starting until January either. I am still trying to finish up the 999. Anytime in 2010 is ok with me. I will go ahead and order my copy now so I will be ready to go. :)
--BJ

Sorry, I've been AFK for a while. I would be happy to add that schedule up on the group page.

#114 Thanks - that looks great! I think Les Miserables already has a thread set up.

ETA - would you consider posting a link to this thread in case someone is interested on one of these books and doesn't know who to contact, or someone who wants to suggest another book?

Message edited by its author, Oct 21, 2009, 12:59pm.

I'd like to participate in the John Adams group read -- I'll keep a lookout for the thread after January 1.

I have a question.... are we restricting participation in the group reads to members of this group only? Suppose someone doesn't want to do the 1010 Category thing, but does want to read a book with the group...we won't turn them away, will we?

#117 cyderry I wouldn't! I think that if anyone wants to read a book and join in the discussion the more the merrier:)

We are all here because we want to read but some people don't want a structured challenge. This year I have been invited to and taken part in group reads from challenges that I am not doing.

June sounds good for Foucault's Pendulum.

I'll add that to the list. Any others I missed?

#118 I don't think we should, but I thought I'd ask.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my top books of all time... but I don't think I'm QUITE ready for another re-read yet. Might be in for 'Atwood in April' (I have Blind Assassin and may have The Handmaid's Tale by then), The Three Musketeers, Crime and Punishment and Anne of Green Gables. Depends on my reading mood nearer the time, methinks!