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1rebeccanyc
Voting is now CLOSED!. The results are IN! See post 51 for results and suggestions.
Now that you've made so many excellent suggestions for possible theme reads for 2013, it's time to select four for next year.
As I did last year and the year before, I'm using LT's voting feature, which allows you to vote yes, no, or undecided on individual questions. I've made each suggested topic an individual post/vote, because that's the only way LT can do it, and I've noted where some topics are variations of others.
Please vote "yes" if you'd definitely read books with a theme, "no" if you definitely wouldn't, and "undecided" if you're not sure. You can vote yes for as many as you like; you don't have to limit it to four because there are four theme reads. When voting is closed, I will add up all the yeses and nos and see if we have clearcut winners (most yeses, fewest nos). If not, we will have either a runoff or a discussion, or both.
Since we have both regional/country suggestions this year and themes, I'm breaking down the voting into a section for each.
I think I have captured all of your suggestions, but if I left anything out please let me know and I'll add questions.
If you would like to discuss your reasons for liking or disliking one of the suggested themes, you'll have to post new posts to do this, since you won't be able to add them to the question post, so to make it easy for people to follow, please provide the post number of the suggested theme when you're making discussion topic suggestions. For example, if you would like to comment on reading books from North Africa, suggested in post 2, you would reference post #2 in your post.
Voting will close next weekend on November 25, because I need to tally up the votes on Sunday as I have a very busy week the following week!
Let the most popular themes win!
Now that you've made so many excellent suggestions for possible theme reads for 2013, it's time to select four for next year.
As I did last year and the year before, I'm using LT's voting feature, which allows you to vote yes, no, or undecided on individual questions. I've made each suggested topic an individual post/vote, because that's the only way LT can do it, and I've noted where some topics are variations of others.
Please vote "yes" if you'd definitely read books with a theme, "no" if you definitely wouldn't, and "undecided" if you're not sure. You can vote yes for as many as you like; you don't have to limit it to four because there are four theme reads. When voting is closed, I will add up all the yeses and nos and see if we have clearcut winners (most yeses, fewest nos). If not, we will have either a runoff or a discussion, or both.
Since we have both regional/country suggestions this year and themes, I'm breaking down the voting into a section for each.
I think I have captured all of your suggestions, but if I left anything out please let me know and I'll add questions.
If you would like to discuss your reasons for liking or disliking one of the suggested themes, you'll have to post new posts to do this, since you won't be able to add them to the question post, so to make it easy for people to follow, please provide the post number of the suggested theme when you're making discussion topic suggestions. For example, if you would like to comment on reading books from North Africa, suggested in post 2, you would reference post #2 in your post.
Voting will close next weekend on November 25, because I need to tally up the votes on Sunday as I have a very busy week the following week!
Let the most popular themes win!
2rebeccanyc
Regions & Countries
Vote: Would you like to read books from North Africa, i.e., Africa IV minus Egypt which was in this year's Middle Eastern theme read: Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Western Sahara?
Current tally: Yes 16, No 7, Undecided 3
3rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read books from Southeast Asia, i.e Asia 4: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Timor Leste, Maldives) plus the Philippines?
Current tally: Yes 18, No 4, Undecided 4
4rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature from India/South Asia NOT originally written in English?
Current tally: Yes 9, No 10, Undecided 4
5rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature from the former British empire (probably excluding Canada and Australia as English-speaking countries)?
Current tally: Yes 11, No 6, Undecided 9
6rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read 20th and 21st century literature from Central and Eastern Europe, i.e., Europe VI: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, plus Ukraine, Moldava, and Romania?
Current tally: Yes 21, No 5, Undecided 1
7rebeccanyc
This is the start of a multipart question about South American literature.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America in general?
Current tally: Yes 23, No 2, Undecided 1
8rebeccanyc
Part 2 of the multipart question.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America focusing on works with magic realism?
Current tally: Yes 10, No 12, Undecided 4
9rebeccanyc
Part 3.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America focusing on colonialism and liberation?
Current tally: Yes 15, No 7, Undecided 3
10rebeccanyc
Part 4.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America focusing on oppression and incarceration?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 9, Undecided 10
11rebeccanyc
Part 5.
Vote: Would you like to read crime novels from South America?
Current tally: Yes 6, No 13, Undecided 5
12rebeccanyc
Part 6.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America involving mythology and folklore?
Current tally: Yes 14, No 10, Undecided 3
13rebeccanyc
Part 7.
Vote: Would you like to read award winners from South America?
Current tally: Yes 15, No 7, Undecided 3
14rebeccanyc
Part 8
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South America focusing on indigenous peoples and peasants?
Current tally: Yes 11, No 8, Undecided 6
15rebeccanyc
Part 9.
Vote: When reading literature from South America, would you like to look separately at works written in Spanish, Portuguese, and indigenous languages?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 17, Undecided 4
16rebeccanyc
This is the start of a two-part question.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Mexico?
Current tally: Yes 15, No 3, Undecided 6
17rebeccanyc
Part 2.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Mexico and Central America, i.e., Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama?
Current tally: Yes 20, No 3, Undecided 3
18rebeccanyc
This is the start of a two-part question.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South Africa?
Current tally: Yes 12, No 11, Undecided 1
19rebeccanyc
Part 2.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from South Africa and other southern African countries, i.e., Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland?
Current tally: Yes 13, No 7, Undecided 5
20rebeccanyc
This is the first part of a two-part question.Note: Some people remember a previous theme read on Sweden from some years ago.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Sweden?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 12, Undecided 8
21rebeccanyc
Part 2.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Scandinavia generally, i.e., Sweden plus Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland?
Current tally: Yes 13, No 11, Undecided 2
22rebeccanyc
This is the first part of a two-part question.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Nigeria?
Current tally: Yes 11, No 10, Undecided 5
23rebeccanyc
Part 2.
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Western Africa generally, i.e., Nigeria plus Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo?
Current tally: Yes 19, No 4, Undecided 3
24rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature form countries that are peaceful, prosperous, and free?
Current tally: Yes 3, No 7, Undecided 13
25rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature from Francophone countries?
Current tally: Yes 23, No 3
26rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read German literature?
Current tally: Yes 18, No 3, Undecided 4
27rebeccanyc
Themes
This is the first part of a two-part question.
This is the first part of a two-part question.
Vote: Would you like to read genre fiction from around the world?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 14, Undecided 6
28rebeccanyc
Part 2.If you vote "yes" for this option, please write a post suggesting the regions and genres that interest you.
Vote: Would you like to read genre fiction from a particular region, e.g., Asia, with lots of Japanese crime, fantasy, and sci fi, Chinese martial arts novels, etc.?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 15, Undecided 5
29rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read books that have been banned?
Current tally: Yes 14, No 5, Undecided 6
30rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature focusing on colonialism/postcolonialism?
Current tally: Yes 10, No 10, Undecided 5
31rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature focusing on racism?
Current tally: Yes 4, No 13, Undecided 6
32rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read debut novels?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 12, Undecided 7
33rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read novels published since 2000?
Current tally: Yes 10, No 6, Undecided 9
34rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read novels by emerging young writers?
Current tally: Yes 5, No 13, Undecided 8
35rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature involving magical realism?
Current tally: Yes 12, No 12, Undecided 4
36rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read biographical fiction?
Current tally: Yes 12, No 9, Undecided 5
37rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature involving surrealism?
Current tally: Yes 8, No 12, Undecided 5
38rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read retellings of mythology or folklore?
Current tally: Yes 13, No 8, Undecided 5
39rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read national/regional award winners/longlists, etc.?
Current tally: Yes 17, No 3, Undecided 7
40rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read graphic novels?
Current tally: Yes 9, No 16
41rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read literature about civil wars, narrowed by combining it with an interesting geographic area, e.g., sub-Saharan Africa?
Current tally: Yes 6, No 8, Undecided 10
42rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like to read family/generational saga novels from around the world?
Current tally: Yes 12, No 13, Undecided 1
43rebeccanyc
Vote: Would you like read literature that explores the representation of masculinity across a particular century or region?
Current tally: Yes 3, No 22, Undecided 1
45whymaggiemay
#30 by colonizing power (e.g. Britain, France, U.S., etc.)
#31 South Africa
#41 Virtually any country on the continent of Africa has within the last 20 years undergone at least one civil war -- pick any/all and I'd read about them
#31 South Africa
#41 Virtually any country on the continent of Africa has within the last 20 years undergone at least one civil war -- pick any/all and I'd read about them
46lilisin
I'm still concerned about the overlap between this group and Author Theme Reads if Francophone books is chosen but I obviously won't/can't deny it if both groups decide to do the same theme.
Otherwise, thanks for setting this up. There were some really interesting choices!
Otherwise, thanks for setting this up. There were some really interesting choices!
47rebeccanyc
We are only doing quarterly themes, lilisin, so there would only be one quarter's overlap, but we will see how the voting turns out!
48AnneDC
#30 colonialism/postcolonialism: I would be interested in this as an ongoing theme that might apply to more than one quarterly theme, especially regional themes
#41 civil war: again, I'm not interested in a particular region but see this as a potential lens for looking at any number of regions/countries
#41 civil war: again, I'm not interested in a particular region but see this as a potential lens for looking at any number of regions/countries
49rebeccanyc
LAST TWO DAYS! Please vote!
50rebeccanyc
LAST DAY!
Last year we had more than 40 people voting, and this year so far there are just over 25.
Please participate now so we can read what you would like to read during the year.
Last year we had more than 40 people voting, and this year so far there are just over 25.
Please participate now so we can read what you would like to read during the year.
51rebeccanyc
Results and Suggestions
With some 27 people voting, we have some clear-cut, and not so clear-cut, results. I'll post the results and my ideas for how we could structure the theme reads and then solicit your suggestions!
There were four topics that received 20 or more Yes votes. In the results below, the first number is Yes votes, the second number is No votes, and the third number is Undecided, i.e., Yes/No/Undecided. Obviously, it's desirable to have as many Yes votes and as few No votes as possible.
1. South American literature (23/3/1)
2. Francophone literature (23/4/0)
3. Mexican & Central American literature (20/4/3)
4. 20th & 21st century Central and Eastern European literature (20/6/1)
And there were two with 19 Yes votes.
5. German literature (19/3/4)
6. Western African literature (19/5/6)
As you can see, most of these involve books written in European languages. So, to look at the highest scorers from non-European-language countries:
Southeast Asian literature (18/5/4)
North African literature (17/7/3)
Here are my suggestions, but I welcome your thoughts. Remember, in order to do any theme read, we will need one or two of you Global Readers to lead it.
I suggest we combine South American and Mexican/Central American literature into one theme read; it wouldn't make sense to do both of them and they each garnered 20 or more Yes votes.
I suggest we do Francophone literature, with a nonexclusive focus on West African Francophone reading since so many of the Western African countries are Francophone. I note that the Author Theme Reads group is focusing on French writers this year, so I suggest we restrict our focus to Francophone writers from outside France.
I suggest we do either the Central/Eastern European read OR the German read, but not both, and would like our thoughts on which you'd rather do and which someone would be willing to lead.
I suggest we do Southeast Asian literature to broaden our global scope, but I'm certainly open to North African literature instead. What do you think?
So, please comment on these ideas, make your own suggestions, and step up to volunteer to lead a read that particularly interests you.
Thanks for all your ideas and your participation, and I'm looking forward to another great year of Reading Globally theme reads!
With some 27 people voting, we have some clear-cut, and not so clear-cut, results. I'll post the results and my ideas for how we could structure the theme reads and then solicit your suggestions!
There were four topics that received 20 or more Yes votes. In the results below, the first number is Yes votes, the second number is No votes, and the third number is Undecided, i.e., Yes/No/Undecided. Obviously, it's desirable to have as many Yes votes and as few No votes as possible.
1. South American literature (23/3/1)
2. Francophone literature (23/4/0)
3. Mexican & Central American literature (20/4/3)
4. 20th & 21st century Central and Eastern European literature (20/6/1)
And there were two with 19 Yes votes.
5. German literature (19/3/4)
6. Western African literature (19/5/6)
As you can see, most of these involve books written in European languages. So, to look at the highest scorers from non-European-language countries:
Southeast Asian literature (18/5/4)
North African literature (17/7/3)
Here are my suggestions, but I welcome your thoughts. Remember, in order to do any theme read, we will need one or two of you Global Readers to lead it.
I suggest we combine South American and Mexican/Central American literature into one theme read; it wouldn't make sense to do both of them and they each garnered 20 or more Yes votes.
I suggest we do Francophone literature, with a nonexclusive focus on West African Francophone reading since so many of the Western African countries are Francophone. I note that the Author Theme Reads group is focusing on French writers this year, so I suggest we restrict our focus to Francophone writers from outside France.
I suggest we do either the Central/Eastern European read OR the German read, but not both, and would like our thoughts on which you'd rather do and which someone would be willing to lead.
I suggest we do Southeast Asian literature to broaden our global scope, but I'm certainly open to North African literature instead. What do you think?
So, please comment on these ideas, make your own suggestions, and step up to volunteer to lead a read that particularly interests you.
Thanks for all your ideas and your participation, and I'm looking forward to another great year of Reading Globally theme reads!
52kidzdoc
I wonder if it would be better to do South American literature in 2013, and possibly Central American literature in 2014, or vice versa.
I'm all for reading Francophone literature, especially if authors from outside of West Africa are not specifically excluded and if we don't read North African literature next year. I agree with excluding authors who are currently living in France.
I agree with reading either Central/Eastern European literature or German literature, but not both. I'd have to look at my library closely to determine which theme would be preferable to me, but I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other.
I agree with a Southeast Asian literature theme over a North African theme, especially if we are mainly going to read West African Francophone literature next year.
Thanks for all of your hard work with this group, Rebecca!
I'm all for reading Francophone literature, especially if authors from outside of West Africa are not specifically excluded and if we don't read North African literature next year. I agree with excluding authors who are currently living in France.
I agree with reading either Central/Eastern European literature or German literature, but not both. I'd have to look at my library closely to determine which theme would be preferable to me, but I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other.
I agree with a Southeast Asian literature theme over a North African theme, especially if we are mainly going to read West African Francophone literature next year.
Thanks for all of your hard work with this group, Rebecca!
53katrinasreads
I also agree with merging South American and Mexican literature. I'm taking part in the Author Reads group so it would be great to read some Francophone literature as a compasrison.
Central and Eastern European would be great as I have several TBR books from those countries.
I think South Asia is a great idea, so that we have a nice variation.
Central and Eastern European would be great as I have several TBR books from those countries.
I think South Asia is a great idea, so that we have a nice variation.
54StevenTX
I agree with kidzdoc's comments.
Even doing all of South America at once is a vast amount of literature, to say nothing of adding Mexico and Central America. Just out of curiosity I compared the level of activity on our 26 regional threads. South America II, which is the southern part of the continent, is our second most active thread with 52 messages. The most active is Europe I (France & Low Countries) with 53. South America I is also above average with 27 messages on its thread. So there's no shortage of books to read without adding yet another region.
Francophone literature from West Africa alone, on the other hand, is a pretty small universe. Of the 16 messages in our West Africa thread, only one pertains to work written in French, so allowing non-West African Francophone writers is a good idea.
My thoughts on Central/East Europe versus German-speaking countries are the same as Darryl's. Combining them is too much. I have plenty to read either way.
Southeast Asia is our least active regional thread with only 7 messages, so it's high time we turned our attention that direction.
Even doing all of South America at once is a vast amount of literature, to say nothing of adding Mexico and Central America. Just out of curiosity I compared the level of activity on our 26 regional threads. South America II, which is the southern part of the continent, is our second most active thread with 52 messages. The most active is Europe I (France & Low Countries) with 53. South America I is also above average with 27 messages on its thread. So there's no shortage of books to read without adding yet another region.
Francophone literature from West Africa alone, on the other hand, is a pretty small universe. Of the 16 messages in our West Africa thread, only one pertains to work written in French, so allowing non-West African Francophone writers is a good idea.
My thoughts on Central/East Europe versus German-speaking countries are the same as Darryl's. Combining them is too much. I have plenty to read either way.
Southeast Asia is our least active regional thread with only 7 messages, so it's high time we turned our attention that direction.
55SassyLassy
Rebecca, thanks for all your work on this.
I like the idea of separating South America from Mexico and Central America and would be more interested in South America.
I like the idea of Francophone writers from countries other than France. Here is a list of members of the International Organization of La Francophonie that might give people ideas on where to look for non French francophone authors: http://www.francophonie.org/English.html French is an official language in thirty-two of these countries.
I would prefer Central/Eastern European to German literature.
I like the idea of Southeast Asian fiction. Interesting work steven.
I like the idea of separating South America from Mexico and Central America and would be more interested in South America.
I like the idea of Francophone writers from countries other than France. Here is a list of members of the International Organization of La Francophonie that might give people ideas on where to look for non French francophone authors: http://www.francophonie.org/English.html French is an official language in thirty-two of these countries.
I would prefer Central/Eastern European to German literature.
I like the idea of Southeast Asian fiction. Interesting work steven.
56banjo123
Regarding Francophone writers, I think that part of the interest could be in seeing how French colonialism plays out similarly/differently in different parts of the world. So I would encourage a wide range of countries. (Frantz Fanon, anyone?) It actually would be interesting to include books written in France, for comparison, but I am afraid that these would then overwhelm the discussion, which would be unfortunate.
I think we should separate Central from South America, and whichever we don't do in 2013 could be a priority for 2014. I'm interested in both.
I'd prefer Germany to Central/Eastern Europe, but it's a slight preference.
SE Asia would actually go well with the francophone theme, so I am in.
Again, thanks so much for your work, Rebecca!
I think we should separate Central from South America, and whichever we don't do in 2013 could be a priority for 2014. I'm interested in both.
I'd prefer Germany to Central/Eastern Europe, but it's a slight preference.
SE Asia would actually go well with the francophone theme, so I am in.
Again, thanks so much for your work, Rebecca!
57lilisin
Rebecca, I am responding very positively to your suggestions. I think they are a great way to combine all the different interests. And I also agree that adding SE Asia would add an additional global interest.
Thanks for the work you've done.
Thanks for the work you've done.
58Samantha_kathy
I suggest we combine South American and Mexican/Central American literature into one theme read
I actually agree with the people above who suggest doing either South America or Mexico/Central America, but not both. And I would vote for doing South America.
I suggest we do Francophone literature, with a nonexclusive focus on West African Francophone reading since so many of the Western African countries are Francophone. I note that the Author Theme Reads group is focusing on French writers this year, so I suggest we restrict our focus to Francophone writers from outside France.
Agreed on excluding French writers. Since you're suggesting doing a West African focus that's nonexclusive, maybe it's easier to just say Francophone literature excluding French authors and let the focus come about naturally, either because of a region the theme leader is interested in/knowledgable about, or because multiple readers gravitate towards a specific region?
I suggest we do either the Central/Eastern European read OR the German read, but not both, and would like our thoughts on which you'd rather do and which someone would be willing to lead.
I agree on doing only one of these, and vote for Central/Eastern Europe, because just German literature feels too restrictive to me. As an aside, would Germany be included in Central/Eastern Europe? If yes, then everyone who voted for German literature can still read that within the Central/Eastern Europe theme.
I suggest we do Southeast Asian literature to broaden our global scope, but I'm certainly open to North African literature instead. What do you think?
I'd rather do Southeast Asian literature, but would be good with North African lit as well.
I actually agree with the people above who suggest doing either South America or Mexico/Central America, but not both. And I would vote for doing South America.
I suggest we do Francophone literature, with a nonexclusive focus on West African Francophone reading since so many of the Western African countries are Francophone. I note that the Author Theme Reads group is focusing on French writers this year, so I suggest we restrict our focus to Francophone writers from outside France.
Agreed on excluding French writers. Since you're suggesting doing a West African focus that's nonexclusive, maybe it's easier to just say Francophone literature excluding French authors and let the focus come about naturally, either because of a region the theme leader is interested in/knowledgable about, or because multiple readers gravitate towards a specific region?
I suggest we do either the Central/Eastern European read OR the German read, but not both, and would like our thoughts on which you'd rather do and which someone would be willing to lead.
I agree on doing only one of these, and vote for Central/Eastern Europe, because just German literature feels too restrictive to me. As an aside, would Germany be included in Central/Eastern Europe? If yes, then everyone who voted for German literature can still read that within the Central/Eastern Europe theme.
I suggest we do Southeast Asian literature to broaden our global scope, but I'm certainly open to North African literature instead. What do you think?
I'd rather do Southeast Asian literature, but would be good with North African lit as well.
60rebeccanyc
Thanks everyone for all the good ideas. I still would like to hear from others, but so far there seems to be some consensus for just doing South America and saving Mexico and Central America for another year.
I think just doing Francophone writers from outside France (and maybe from outside Europe generally, i.e., not Belgium, Switzerland, etc.) is fine, and that those who wanted to could focus on Western Africa to bring that theme read in.
I wasn't including Germany in the Central/Eastern Europe 20th/21st century theme read; I think there's probably enough if we just look at Europe VI: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, plus Ukraine, Moldava, and Romania. If we do this, I could help contribute some ideas, but I don't have time to be the actual leader. There seems to be a slight preference for this, versus German literature, but I'll wait for more people to respond.
So far, everyone seems OK with Southeast Asia.
Steven, thanks for your research on the "popularity" of different regions. And that's an interesting idea about focusing on Francophone literature around the world, but I think both that it would be a little restrictive and not in keeping with the spirit of the ideas people had when they proposed those regions and also that it would have too much overlap (in spirit if not in fact) with the Author Theme Reads French theme for 2013.
So, everyone, start thinking about whether you would be willing to lead one of these theme reads. We can't do them without one or two people taking the lead to introduce the theme with suggestions and a little background. (Note: don't be intimidated by the fabulous job wandering_star and Steven did on introducing this quarter's China and Its Neighbors theme. You can provide plenty of information to get a thread going without going beyond the call of duty as they did!)
I think just doing Francophone writers from outside France (and maybe from outside Europe generally, i.e., not Belgium, Switzerland, etc.) is fine, and that those who wanted to could focus on Western Africa to bring that theme read in.
I wasn't including Germany in the Central/Eastern Europe 20th/21st century theme read; I think there's probably enough if we just look at Europe VI: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, plus Ukraine, Moldava, and Romania. If we do this, I could help contribute some ideas, but I don't have time to be the actual leader. There seems to be a slight preference for this, versus German literature, but I'll wait for more people to respond.
So far, everyone seems OK with Southeast Asia.
Steven, thanks for your research on the "popularity" of different regions. And that's an interesting idea about focusing on Francophone literature around the world, but I think both that it would be a little restrictive and not in keeping with the spirit of the ideas people had when they proposed those regions and also that it would have too much overlap (in spirit if not in fact) with the Author Theme Reads French theme for 2013.
So, everyone, start thinking about whether you would be willing to lead one of these theme reads. We can't do them without one or two people taking the lead to introduce the theme with suggestions and a little background. (Note: don't be intimidated by the fabulous job wandering_star and Steven did on introducing this quarter's China and Its Neighbors theme. You can provide plenty of information to get a thread going without going beyond the call of duty as they did!)
61avatiakh
I'm happy to go with what seems the consensus:
Francophone (outside of Europe)
South America
Central Europe
South East Asia
Francophone (outside of Europe)
South America
Central Europe
South East Asia
62StevenTX
#60 My suggestion in msg 59 must not have been very clear, because I wasn't at all proposing to change the themes people voted on, in fact it was a little closer to it since we voted on all of West Africa as a region. But that's neither here nor there at this point since a consensus seems to have been reached, so I retract the idea.
64arubabookwoman
I'm in agreement with the quarterly themes avatiakh has stated: South America, Central Europe, Southeast Asia, and Francophone (other than European).
65rebeccanyc
Thanks for clarifying that, Steven, and thanks everyone else for your thoughts.
66Polaris-
I'm looking forward to the four themes which seem to have emerged from the voting process and the discussion above. Many thanks to Rebecca for such a slick operation!
67rebeccanyc
Thanks all -- for your thanks.
Now it's your turn! Step right up and volunteer to lead a theme read; we can't have these great reads unless someone hosts them. First come, first served as far as which quarter we do it in.
Now it's your turn! Step right up and volunteer to lead a theme read; we can't have these great reads unless someone hosts them. First come, first served as far as which quarter we do it in.
68wandering_star
I've been away for three weeks but I like where the results have come out! I am happy to lead the Southeast Asia theme read as I have quite a lot of books which fit the theme... second quarter of the year would be best for me, although I could potentially do the fourth quarter as well.
69whymaggiemay
What kidzdoc said, but I'll roll with whatever everyone decides. I can always find something interesting to read on any subject or area. I'd actually like to read about Mexico (especially since I live within 40 miles of the border), but I can always do that on my own.
I love the idea of a Southeast Asia read.
I love the idea of a Southeast Asia read.
70rebeccanyc
Thanks, wandering star! Traveling and on my iPhone but will post update tomorrow when back on my computer.
71rebeccanyc
OK, here's what I'm thinking, and I welcome your thoughts -- or more volunteers!
We have two theme reads with volunteer leaders, one that someone is willing to lead or co-lead but only in certain quarters, and one that I'm willing to contribute to but can't lead. Based on when people can do things, this is what I'm proposing.
Jan-March: Francophone countries (Banjo123 is willing to co-lead this but can't do it this quarter, which seems the logical quarter for it based on other scheduling needs)
April -June: Southeast Asia (wandering_star is willing to lead or co-lead this and can do it this quarter)
July-Sept.: 20th/21st century Central/Eastern Europe (I can contribute ideas to this but can't lead it, and the summer is the best time for me)
Oct-Dec: South America (SassyLassy is willing to co-lead this and this is the best quarter for her)
So, with thanks to all, we need leaders for the Francophone read and for the Central/Eastern Europe read, and co-leaders if possible for the others.
If we don't get leaders/co-leaders, I think we could try "crowd-sourcing" and have everyone post their own ideas, but I don't think that would be as rich an experience as what we have come to be used to.
Thoughts and volunteers welcome!
We have two theme reads with volunteer leaders, one that someone is willing to lead or co-lead but only in certain quarters, and one that I'm willing to contribute to but can't lead. Based on when people can do things, this is what I'm proposing.
Jan-March: Francophone countries (Banjo123 is willing to co-lead this but can't do it this quarter, which seems the logical quarter for it based on other scheduling needs)
April -June: Southeast Asia (wandering_star is willing to lead or co-lead this and can do it this quarter)
July-Sept.: 20th/21st century Central/Eastern Europe (I can contribute ideas to this but can't lead it, and the summer is the best time for me)
Oct-Dec: South America (SassyLassy is willing to co-lead this and this is the best quarter for her)
So, with thanks to all, we need leaders for the Francophone read and for the Central/Eastern Europe read, and co-leaders if possible for the others.
If we don't get leaders/co-leaders, I think we could try "crowd-sourcing" and have everyone post their own ideas, but I don't think that would be as rich an experience as what we have come to be used to.
Thoughts and volunteers welcome!
72Rise
i can help contribute to southeast asia, but limited only to recommending works in English from the Philippines where i'm from.
73StevenTX
I could contribute to either Central/Eastern Europe or South America, but I can't lead a 3rd quarter discussion because I'll be traveling most of the month of June when everything would need to be set up.
74rebeccanyc
Thanks, Rise and Steven. Steven, if you could co-lead South America with SassyLassy, that would be great!
Still looking for a Francophone leader and a 20th/21st century Central/Eastern Europe leader.
Still looking for a Francophone leader and a 20th/21st century Central/Eastern Europe leader.
75banjo123
Rebecca, thank you so much for all this work. You are amazing.
I am sorry that I can't do the first quarter.
Quick idea, maybe for future years--what about going to a longer period for the theme reads--maybe 4 months? I am just now getting into the China, etc. theme and everything I read makes me want to read something else. So I could use more time on a theme.
I am sorry that I can't do the first quarter.
Quick idea, maybe for future years--what about going to a longer period for the theme reads--maybe 4 months? I am just now getting into the China, etc. theme and everything I read makes me want to read something else. So I could use more time on a theme.
76DieFledermaus
I can lead or co-lead the Central/Eastern European theme read. Would we be able to switch the Central/Eastern Europe and Francophone reads? First quarter (Jan-March) would be better for me and if Banjo could do third quarter, there would be at least one person for all four theme reads.
77rebeccanyc
That's great, DieF. I'd be happy to switch the Central/Eastern European theme read to the first quarter, although I won't have time to help as much with it then. I think Banjo was good only for the second quarter, but Banjo, can you chime in here if the third quarter would work for you?
So now we have:
First quarter: 20th/21st century Central/Eastern European literature (DieFledermaus, with some contributions from rebeccanyc)
Second quarter: Southeast Asia (wandering_star, with contributions from Rise on the Philippines)
Third quarter: Francophone excluding Europe (Banjo)
Fourth quarter: South America (SassyLassy and Steven)
Thanks, again, everyone!
So now we have:
First quarter: 20th/21st century Central/Eastern European literature (DieFledermaus, with some contributions from rebeccanyc)
Second quarter: Southeast Asia (wandering_star, with contributions from Rise on the Philippines)
Third quarter: Francophone excluding Europe (Banjo)
Fourth quarter: South America (SassyLassy and Steven)
Thanks, again, everyone!
78banjo123
I can probably do the 3rd quarter, but if anyone would like to help, that would be great,
79rebeccanyc
Thanks, Banjo, that's terrific!
80StevenTX
...and maybe Steven -- need to confirm
That's fine with me if it's okay with Sassy. I'll help wherever needed, but a 4th quarter theme is best.
That's fine with me if it's okay with Sassy. I'll help wherever needed, but a 4th quarter theme is best.
81SassyLassy
Definitely okay with me!
82rebeccanyc
South America is definitely the fourth quarter, Steven. Thanks!
I've updated the list in post #77 to reflect Banjo leading the third quarter Francophone read, Rise contributing to the Phillippines for the second quarter Southeast Asia read, Steven co-leading the fourth quarter South America read, and me contributing to the first quarter Eastern/Central Europe read.
If anyone would like to help DieFledermaus with 20th/21st century Eastern/Central Europe, wandering_star with Southeast Asia generally, or Banjo with Francophone countries, speak up!
I've updated the list in post #77 to reflect Banjo leading the third quarter Francophone read, Rise contributing to the Phillippines for the second quarter Southeast Asia read, Steven co-leading the fourth quarter South America read, and me contributing to the first quarter Eastern/Central Europe read.
If anyone would like to help DieFledermaus with 20th/21st century Eastern/Central Europe, wandering_star with Southeast Asia generally, or Banjo with Francophone countries, speak up!
84rebeccanyc
I've added the 2013 theme reads to the group page, and I'll add links when the quarterly threads are set up.
85wandering_star
Just to let everyone know, I've got something keeping me busy at the moment but plan to post the second quarter thread next weekend - look forward to hearing about others' planned South East Asia reads.
86rebeccanyc
That's great, wandering! Thanks. I'm looking forward to it! And I'll add a link on the group page once you set it up.
87kidzdoc
>85 wandering_star: Great! I look forward to your thread, as I've already begun to select TBR books for this theme.
88banjo123
Awesome, wandering! PLEASE try to not do too good of a job, because I am signed up for the 3rd quarter and don't want to look completely lackadaisical in comparison.
89AnneDC
I always feel like I'm a quarter behind around here! I'm just getting going on Eastern Europe and I'm not sure I'm ready to switch to SouthEast Asia (though I certainly have some candidates). And I'm still working on a book from the fourth quarter of 2012.
90rebeccanyc
Anne, I think all the themes encourage people to keep reading after the quarter is over. That's why we keep links to the threads on the Reading Globally group page and you, and others, are welcome to keep them active even long after the quarter has ended!
