Group Reads Thread

I haven't browsed around enough to see what everyone's reading, but I thought I would open up a place to organize group reads. A group read is where two or more of us agree to read a book at the same time and then discuss it online. It's a great way to motivate yourself to read a book you might otherwise put off or be too intimidated to pick up on your own. Or sometimes it's just for fun. Last year, I did a tandem read with VictoriaPL on Storm Front and it was a lot of fun.

So what would you like to propose a group read of?

Thanks Cindy - I enjoyed reading Storm Front with you as well!

This thread for 2010 really helped me actually join group reads because I knew they were coming up and could strategize around actually doing the reading. Thanks cmbohm!

Ooh a challenge and group reads. How cool :)

I'll start with one: Suite Francaise was on my list for this year, but I never got to it. Anyone else interested? It's about living in France during the Nazi Occupation. It's fiction, but based closely on fact.

I have heard great things about that book, so I would definitely be interested in reading along.
--BJ

I'm interested in Suite Francaise too. It's been on my Wishlist for a couple of years now.

I read Suite Francaise about 3 years ago - gave it 5 stars.

That's good to know. I don't have any time frame in mind. Suggestions?

I've already bought the Landmark Thucydides, hoping we'd have a group read to follow up on Herodotus.

Several have expressed interest in reading The Thirteenth Tale together although we have not discussed a timeframe.

@11 -- I'm not 100% sure I'll be reading The Thirteenth Tale, but if I do, I'm definitely up for a group read! It might be fun to do it in October, since there are spooky gothic elements in the book, but ultimately I don't care too much about the time frame.

Anyone interested in a group read of The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields?

I'm in for Thucydides. I think I have a copy bouncing around here somewhere. Even assuming I do, though, I'm tempted to get the Landmark edition. Better maps and notes would be nice...

Anyone interested in the new Rick Riodan series starting with The Lost Hero? It's supposed to be released the end of 2010 so sometime in 2011 would be possible.

15> If I had any hope of being able to afford new books, I would, but college is emptying my bank account so I think I need to stick to my current tbr and the library--and I have a feeling the wait list for that one will be looooong.

I've got a couple of ones on the tbr that I should really get too and this might push it forward. So if anyone is interested in reading any of the following with me let me know :D
Master and Margarita, War for the Oaks, The Player of Games, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel, and Wuthering Heights. Time frame best for me is early January or summer--basically when school is out.

I have been wanting to read Master and Margarita.
--BJ

@16 -- Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel is on my list. I don't really care about the time frame, so whatever works!

Already some great group reads being brought forward!

I would love to join group reads for Suite Francaise, The Thirteenth Tale and, because I own a copy of The Stone Diaries that I haven't cracked into yet, add that one to the list!

I can see this thread adding to my TBR pile considerably..... good thing it is designed to help diminish that mountain of books... or at least try to hold it at bay!

I did the Storm Front read, missed out on the Les miserables read as they started in October. I'm probably ok to go for the Suite Francaise as I have wanted to read that for ages. Anyone up for Oscar and Lucinda?
@16 -- I've read all those books already - enjoyed them all.

I had such a great response to the Atwood in April group read last year that I thought I'd propose another author (also a Canadian one) this year. Would anyone be interested in reading Guy Gavriel Kay's works with me in February or March? I finished Under Heaven recently and am eager to read more of his works. The only other one I've read is Tigana.

I'd also be interested in a group read for Suite Francaise.

Count me in for a GGK group read. Hopefully Under Heaven will be published in paperback by then but if not I would enjoy a reread.

I's also like to read Suite Francaise, it has been on my TBR pile for ages.

and me for the GGK group read. If under heaven isn't in my library by then I'd go for a re-read of one of lord of emperors (including both books of the duology) , tigana or the lion's of al-rassan

22 and 24: Amazon says the paperback version of Under Heaven will be available February 3, 2011. We can set the GGK group read for March, so people will have enough time to get it. Or maybe February is better, so that you can start as soon as you get your hands on it? :-)

You can count me in for Master and Margarita The Thirteenth Tale and Wuthering Heights.

Beatles1964

I would love to join in on Group Reads of Suite Francaise and The Thirteenth Tale, and I am also a hugh Guy Gavriel Kay fan, so would love to join in on that one as well.

I haven't even gotten around to thinking about categories yet, but I am certain I could fit all of the above in somewhere!

@25 I was slightly disappointed in Atwood April (I read a book noone else read, making this group read a rather solipsistic experience), but will happily try another "broad scope" group read. I have the two Sarantium books planned for my 11 in 11, so I'll read at least the first one in March.

Another fan for the GGK group read.

@9
Can do any time frame for Suite Francaise - it's wide open!

I have two longer works I would love to read as a group to keep me motivated:

Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History by David Christian - Big History is history told across long time frames (Big Bang through modern times) using a multi-disciplinary approach and focusing ultimately on the human experience. Christian's book is THE book to read.

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James M. McPherson

>15 cyderry: I'm interested in Riordan's new Olympic series, Cheli. And also his Egypt series: The Red Pyramid is the first.

Two authors that I haven't read but would like to try (and feel like I should, which is maybe why I haven't) are Toni Morrison and Doris Lessing. Is anyone else interested in them for 2011?

I'd be willing to do Master and Margarita. I tried it solo this year and didn't get far. I need help. Doesn't really matter when - I just need a couple of months to psych myself up.

I'd also love to do Maps of Time if I can find the book.

I would be willing to take on a Doris Lessing and eager to do a Toni Morrison. Any Toni Morrison.

Count me in for Master and Margarita too, I keep meaning to read that.

@28 I like the Lord Of Emperors duology I think I might keep you company and read them too. Any excuse :)

I'm ready for another Toni Morrison after reading A Mercy for this year's challenge. Beloved is on my list of library books TBR.

Having checked Master and Margarita out (wiki not library), I am interested too.

I wish I hadn't read The Master and Margarita last year, so that I could read it with the group. I really liked it, but it's so dense with symbolism, I know I missed a whole lot. I don't think I want to re-read it, but I'll probably follow the discussion to see what I didn't pick up on.

I'm glad to see some interest in Doris Lessing and Toni Morrison! I'm not particular about which books or when... just enough time to get ahold of the books, since I don't have any yet.

I am adding to the group read wish list: I'd really like to try something by Salmon Rushdie.

I'm another one who is keen to do Suite Francaise. I started it earlier this year and was enjoying it, but about a 1/3 of the way through I got distracted by other books and never finished it. My time frame is also wide open.

I've read Master and Margarita four times (most of them in my late teens), so I'll pass on this read :). But it's really excellent regardless on what level you read it, and has long been one of the answers to the question "What would you bring to a desert island?" for me. I'll follow the discussions though, even if it's been too long for me to chip in on a detail level.

Claire, I'd love to group read with you!

I would be interested in The Red Pyramid - didn't realise he had started a new YA series. Has gone on my wish list anyhow :)

43>> Sally, Rick Riordan also has another new series that starts with the Lost Hero. I'm planning on both next year.

For 11 in 11, I have a chunksters category (books 500 pages or longer). Bleak House by Charles Dickens is one such book I'm planning for in 2011.

I'm in for The Thirteenth Tale (doing a gothic fiction category) and some Toni Morrison!

I've been meaning to read Bleak House for a while now so I'm definitely in for a read in 2011.

I'll do The Thirteenth Tale too. It's sitting here right on my TBR pile.

I'm in for Bleak House.

I also am planning on A Murderous Procession the latest in the MOAD series. Anyone want to read that one too?

I am up for joining A Murderous Procession group read. I enjoyed the first three books in the series!

My 2011 challenge includes two to-be-determined works by Dickens, so I'd be happy to make Bleak House one of them for the company.

And in theory I won't misplace it in a move like I did with Anna Karenina.

I'm also hoping to read The Old Curiosity Shop next year, too, but Bleak House is a higher priority for me.

I don't want to start the year with something "Bleak" so can we read it in February or does anyone else have a time they prefer?

I'm also anxious to start A Murderous Procession so is January a good time?

You are okay to start the year with 'murder' but nothing 'bleak'? :)

#53 Any time is fine with me for Bleak House.

Danielle,

I am chomping at the bit to read A Murderous Procession, waiting until next year is hardship enough, I want to read it as soon as possible!

I would also like to read A Murderous Procession. Loved the other books.
--BJ

I am watching my planned reading being overtaken by great group read opportunities. Don't know whether to say YAY or hmph.

A group read may be the only way I will get to Bleak House, so I am definitely in. February also seems appropriate.

Wow, I love all these group read discussions! :) When you decide on a group read and time period, send me a message and let me know -- I'll make a list on the challenge home page so that everyone will know when the group reads are!

I'm in for A Murderous Procession. Anytime is fine...

#56 - Heh... never get between a woman and her murder/mystery!

I am up for murder or bleakness any time so just let me know and I will join in (I seem to only make time to read the bigger ones when someone pokes me with a stick so poke away)

What about Major Pettigrew's Last Stand? I really want to read that one. I know some folks read it this year, but does anyone want to do it next year?

I would be interested in reading Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I have heard good things about it.
--BJ

I'm interested in Major Pettigrew's Last Stand also.

I have Major Pettigrew's Last Stand on my list for next year.

I, too, would be interested in Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.

Great! Maybe we can do that one in January, to sort of kick off the year, if that works for everyone.

January works for me for Major Pettigrew's Last Stand! I'm flexible though.

I read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand for ER earlier this year. It's a really quick read.

I'd be interested in The Master and the Margarita and The Stone Diaries group reads.

I plan on reading A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel next year. Would there be any interest in that?

I would like to read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as well (hmm wish list getting longer!!!) January sounds good as it is not a heavy read I am lead to believe :)

I thought I'd take the opportunity to "bump" this thread and remind everyone that if you'd like to do a group read of a particular book, make a note of it here! That way, everyone in the group will have a chance to participate in the group read.

Also, once you create a thread for a particular group read, please send me a message and let me know about it; then I'll post that thread to the challenge info page so that everyone can see what group reads are going on!

How did I miss this!

Of the books already mentioned I have

The Master and Margarita
Bleak House
and A Place of Greater Safety

as possible reads for next year. I'll happily fit them in whenever anyone else wants to read them.

I might take part in a group read of GGK's books - I think I've read everything he has written already but I am planning on a re-reads category next year. So at least they will fit:)

I will second Bleak House (or any other Dickens - I am waaay behind).

Bleak House for me. Gone with the Wind would be a re-read but I'm eager to re-read that one.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner is another I'd like to read next year.

Thanks for making me aware of this thread, calm. Even though neither book fits in one of my 11 in 11 challenges I would be interested in reading The Master and Margarita and A Place of Greater Safety, as I bought both books this year. Several of us (Carmenere, Nickelini, RidgewayGirl, CatyM, lkernagh and I) have also expressed interest in a summer read of 100 Years of Solitude, probably in July.

I've started a new discussion thread for the Guy Gavriel Kay group read. I hope the month of March is OK for the people who are interested.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/102053

I'm still in for Bleak House, did we say February?

#79 Yes, I think we put Bleak House down for Feb.

I have a chunkster category for 11 in 11 so I hope to read a lighter chunkster one month and a heavy-duty one the next.

For those interested in a group read of The Stone Diaries, how does March sound to you? It seems like Women's History Month might be an appropriate time for it.

March is good for me for a group read of The Stone Diaries.

I'm in for Bleak House in February. Just somebody remind me!

I'm thinking Master and Margarita for January. There has been interest shown, but no suggestions of timing. Let me know if that works, k? :)

I would like to read Master and Margarita and January would be great for me!
--BJ

I'd also love to read The Master and Margarita. January is fine with me (and so is any other month).

I'm interested in group reads of:

The Master and Margarita
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
The Stone Diaries
Big Rock Candy Mountain
100 Years of Solitude

I set up a thread for Master and Margarita in January here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/102174&newpost=1#lastmsg

Check it out. I hope everyone that wants to can participate :)

If there's still interest in Suite Francaise, I'm still up for the group read, I have a couple of categories where it fits. Can I suggest it for May sometime.

I am interested in Suite Francaise if I can find it at the library. I have heard lots of good things about that book.
--BJ

I'd be interested in a group read of Suite Francaise. I've been trying, and failing, to get my book group to read it for a few years now.

I, too, am interested in Suite Francaise, May would be fine for me - or any other time for that matter.

May works for me too!

I am still interested in a group read of Suite Francaise and it looks, after a quick skim of this thread, May is perfect for me too!

May for Suite Francaise works for me too.

Getting back to a timeframe for The Thirteenth Tale... do we want to do winter (maybe February) or Spring (April or May)? I'm open...

I am open for when we read The Thirteenth Tale and will second the suggestion for February as a possibility.

I definately want to join in The Master of Margarita and The Suite Franciase read-a-longs, if i can't fit them in any of my other categories I'll use them in my recommended reads category

I'm going to set up a thread for a Thucydides group read.

> 99

Thanks. I have an old trade paperback of Thucydides and will probably join you.

>99 auntmarge64:
Yay! I'm in.

I don't think there's any need to start a thread yet for Suite Francaise, but if anyone wants to then go for it.

I would love to join in on The Thirteenth Tale and February would work for me.

Has it been decided for sure that there will be a Group Read of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand? I think January was mentioned.

Also has a date been set for the Group Read of Suite Francaise?

I would be up for Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in January. I was originally planning to read The Thirteenth Tale, but I've shifted some categories around, and now it won't fit in my challenge. I know several other people were interested though!

I'd also be interested in Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as a group read. It's definitely going to be one of the first 3 books I read next year, so January's perfect for me.

#104 - Several of us are set to read Suite Francaise in May, but I don't think there's a need to start a thread yet.

Excellent - I will plan on Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in January and Suite Francaise in May.

I might read Major Pettigrew later in the year, but Amazon.co.uk says the paperback comes out in February, and I don't want to order the hardback.

You can still jump in on the thread and post your thoughts on what you read.

I think I'll join in on Suite Francaise, too. I've tweaked my chunkster category a bit (after realizing how long many of my Civil War books will be) and so it'll fit.

Is anyone up for a group read of Wallace Stegner's The Big Rock Candy Mountain? I was thinking about April or so, though I'm open as to time.

I'm interested in The Red Pyramid and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Any time of the year works for me - I'm a full-time student and taking summer classes in 2011, so one month is really no less busy than another.

Linda, I'd love to do a group read of The Big Rock Candy Mountain. Right now I've committed to 3 group reads for January but anytime after that would be fine for me.

#113 Why don't we say April for The Big Rock Candy Mountain then?

Looks like January, February, March, and May are already taken.

#114 I'll put it on my "list" for April. Looking forward to it.

I'm in for Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in January, Bleak House for February, Suite Francaise for May, and The Thirteenth Tale for whenever.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in January works for me.

Should I go ahead and post some more of these group reads to the challenge's home page? Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in January, Bleak House in February, Suite Francaise in May?

Yes, also see message 99.

OK, I've added all the group reads mentioned in #118, and also Thucydides (thanks, hailelib!). If any other group reads have been officially decided, please send me a message and let me know! I'll add them to the challenge info page.

One more group read to add - The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields in March.

Has a time for The Thirteenth Tale been decided?

No one has countered the suggestion of The Thirteenth Tale for February so I am all for making it February..... VictoriaPL, does that still work for you for the group read?

Works for me, shall we make it official?

I believe a few of us are planning to read Naked Heat by Richard Castle. It would be fun to make it a group read. I don't have any particular time frame in mind, although Jan and Feb are filling up quickly. Thoughts?

Good, February it is for The Thirteenth Tale.

>125 VictoriaPL:-Victoria how is March looking?

127 - March is great for me!

March works for me I'll need a lighter read if I decide to dive into the Guy Gavriel Kay read that month!

>125 VictoriaPL: March is fine for me, too, providing that I can get ahold of a copy for less than the hardback price. I want to read it, but not that much...

I've got to get it (Naked Heat) but I'm good for March too.

Yay! Feb for The Thirteenth Tale, and I'll join in the Naked Heat group read in March too. (I had it out from the library, but I couldn't read it in a week, so I only read the first 10 pages.)

So excited for 2011 to get here!

VictoriaPL and I are planning to read Agnes Grey for the 11 11, since we enjoyed The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Would anyone like to join us?

I'm in for Agnes Grey. It's on my list of library books I want to read, and it will fit in my Victorian category.

I'm in for Agnes Grey as well. It fits into my Proper Name category (books whose titles are a person's name). One request, though: Could the timing of when we read it not be in January? I've got a couple of group reads lined up for then already.

re: Agnes Grey, January's not the best for me either. I was looking at Anne's biographical info. She was born in January but died in May. Would May do? Is that too late for anyone? Thoughts?

May is good for me for Agnes Grey.

May sounds good.

May works for me.

I would also like to read Agnes Grey.
--BJ

Sure I'm in too. I have Agnes Grey on a book shelf and have been meaning to get around to reading it.

Beatles1964

Count me in for Agnes Grey also. This will fit my In Color category nicely.

Mayhap someone else is interested in reading Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche? I'm finishing re-reading Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and wonder if another reader would like to read the next book in line with me sometime perhaps January or February?

Several people on my thread have expressed interest in a group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, and I've proposed holding it in July.

I'd be up for Beloved and maybe interested in Agnes Grey. It isn't on mount TBR, so it would depend on how it fits in with my schedule (& the library's).

144> Oh, dear, that's not the one my son read in English last year. I want to read the ones he left here, and hoped this would fit.

I am interested in Agnes Grey AND Beloved.

I'm interested in One Hundred Years of Solitude. July sounds great.

143: Anyone?

I suppose not.

I am definitely interested in 100 Years of Solitude. I haven't been able to get through it on my own.

#149> I might be interested in Beyond Good and Evil, but I won't be able to start in January. I haven't read the other book that you mentioned.
--BJ

>45 lindapanzo: Bleak House is one of my books from the 1010 I wanted to read this year (and that I have no hope of finishing now), so count me in.

>125 VictoriaPL: I'm in for Naked Heat, I think it'd be a lot of fun.

Fingers crossed pesky things like uni and work don't get in the way.

I'm in for Agnes Grey, Beloved and 100 Years of Solitude.

Beatles1964

I may decide to go for Bleak House as well.

I'd be willing to try Bleak House as well, depending on when scheduled.

OK I'm in for Bleak House in February and Naked Heat in March. I'm also joining Women in White in October.

155> A bunch of us will be joining the Women in White read. It looks to me like there's enough interest in it, and in Beloved to put them on the group calendar. September for Beloved?

Having noticed Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld on several threads, I drummed up some interest in a group read. Most of those contacted said that neither January or March was a good time. I've already got three group reads in February... how is April?

April is good for me!

April works for me as well for a group read of Leviathan!

April sounds great!

Fantastic!

Christina - can you add Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld to April on the master list? Thanks!

@161 -- Will do!

Are there any other group reads that should be added to the master list?

Naked Heat has been mentioned for March, Beloved for September. Those are good for me, but I'm not sure if there's a consensus yet.

> 20 I have Oscar and Lucinda on my TBR shelves. I would be happy to read this with you. I have already read Suite Francaise- brilliant and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand- very enjoyable.

@163
I'd be in for Beloved in September as well (which I have not yet mentioned.

#164> I'll haven't been following this thread and only now seen your post. I'd love to do a tandem read of Oscar and Lucinda, will have to find my copy which is no doubt lurking at the back of one of my bookcases. I suggest later in the year as I'm a little busy for the next couple of months. Let me know.

Regarding Suite Francaise - I'm all up to read this in May but as I'll be away from the internet for several weeks from the end of this month I won't be able to start a thread or join any discussion till midway through May. So is anyone else able to set up this group read please.

> 166.That will be fine. Let me know when you think you can manage it. Plenty to go on with. LOL. 8-)

I see quite a number of us have Dystopian categories. Is anyone interested in a group read of The Road or Alas Babylon? I am open to other suggestions. Any month is fine :)

168- I read The Road last year, so I wouldn't reread this year, but I would probably join in the conversation. I haven't read Alas Babylon though. I'd join in that one if it were in the summer. And I'd need a little heads up before it starts as I need to get it through inter-library loan.

I would have to order Alas, Babylon, as the local library doesn't have it, but might be interested.

Hello, all you who are planning to read Leviathan in april! Are you planning on starting right away? I think I might get some reading for work done, and possible a thin book or two, before going into it. So I guess I'll start about ten days into april or so.

I'd be up for Alas, Babylon since I need to fill up my Dystopian category! (I also read The Road too recently to re-read it.)

>171 GingerbreadMan: Hey Anders... The library brought in Leviathan quicker than I expected, so I'll be starting on it right away.

At my current reading pace, I think I have another week or so of Lord of emperors left to go, Victoria. I'll join you guys after that. Take notes!!! :)

Alas Babylon it is! What does everyone think of a June start date? If that is too early July or August works as well.

175--Any of them work for me

Should work.

Fine for me.

June it is! :) Glad you guys are joining me!

June it is. Just ordered from BD, so I should have it in plenty of time.

For everyone joining the group read for Leviathan, and for those that just want to lurk, I have created a Spoiler discussion thread that can be found here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/113896

Alas Babylon just arrived.

For anyone interested in the MAY group read of Agnes Grey, I've created a general thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/115295

182: I found a kindle copy! June will be fun! :)

Is anyone still interested in reading Suite Francais? I have it next to me and would like to start. Should I start a group read thread?

I think I am going to have to pass on Suite Francais at this time. I have overdosed on WWII books recently and I think I would appreciate this one better if I wait awhile for reading it.

ACK! I forgot all about this group read. I can certainly add another book to my "currently reading" pile, or if there aren't enough of us, that's okay too.

I'm still interested in reading Suite Francaise, I'm planning to start it tonight :-)

I'm finally back from my trip and can start a Suite Francaise thread later tonight. I'm ready to start reading it this week.

I have set up the discussion threads, hope that is OK.

Here is the General Discussion thread.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/115875

Part 1
http://www.librarything.com/topic/115876

Part 2
http://www.librarything.com/topic/115877

Oh great, saves me a job and I can get back to watching the first 3 episodes of Game of Thrones tonight.

I think I can get my hands on it tomorrow. If so, I will join in, too.

Some of us are ready to start reading Alas Babylon

http://www.librarything.com/topic/118673

Beloved is here: http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=123246

I think you mean here: http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=123246

@195. Yes. Thanks!

Is anyone still up for reading The Woman in White? I have my copy ready :)

I think I'm up for reading it. I read it several years ago and have been wanting to re-read it ever since. I promise not to give anything away that I remember from my first reading in the group discussion! I'll be ready to start it early next week.

I'd say YES YES YES as I do want to read it, but I've already got an overflowing book plate for October. :(

I am looking forward to the Woman in White group read as well. It's a huge commitment so we can encourage each other as we go along. Should I set up a discussion thread for us?

I'm interested.

I've been planning on Woman in White. I can start reading it October 16.

Great! I really enjoy our readalongs :)
Re DQ50 - please do!

I have started the thread for The Woman in White Group Read.

Please Click Here