topic BB Book Club in BB Social Zone

BB Book Club

lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 04:30:17 GMT

Hello all,

I have noted that there are a few readers on these forums. And, at the times we find it a struggle to read, we at least like the idea of reading. So, I thought I would start this Book Club thread, whereby we first throw out some genres, come to a consensus and read for as long as it takes us to read. No pressure. And should the whim take us, we can start discussing said book on here. How much we all hate/love that character. The feels the book is giving us, etc. Plus, a good excuse to take us out of our heads and into someone else's, even if it is fictional (or perhaps not?).

So, my genres:

A particular favourite is historical fiction, and next to that is post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction. I read the classics, fantasy, philosophy and science books. And my version of a quick read is something with adventure with a bit of history there (come full circle), and maybe crime. I have never got into law based fiction books. But law based non-fiction I can do for some reason. Anyway, that's me. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. I have a "To read" list, and if anyone wants whatever is on there, let me know.

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Lost_Girl — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 05:07:54 GMT

This is a terrific idea Joelle. I typically favour science fiction and fantasy but until I became ill I ran a real life book club where we read from a wide range of genres.

The only books I have had a problem with are autobiographies by people who are fascinating subjects but dreadful writers.

I am happy to be guided by others choices in what we read.

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lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 06:31:06 GMT

Ah, a more experienced lady then. How did you go about picking the books? I think the fairest thing to do would be we each just take turns.

Just for reference, can you name some of the authors whose books you have read? So I know what kind of fantasy/sci fi you have read. And perhaps, maybe authors whose books you liked while venturing out of those genres? I can look them up, maybe we can find a compromise.

As you can see, I am winging it.

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james1 — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 06:40:03 GMT

I'm totally in. The only thing I don't read are romances and autobiographies (or biographies). I think the last time I finished a novel was about 5 years ago!! So unfortunately I won't be much help with picking books because it's been a while.

Does anyone also know any short stories? I got really into magic realism for a while (predominantly Angela Carter) but I've been struggling to find another good author to get into. And I'm the biggest sucker for old gothic fiction.

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Clues_Of_Blue — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:39:44 GMT

Sci-fi, fantasy, and classics are my predominant choices in reading. Also some horror (haven't read any in some while though) and humorous stuff like The Hitchhiker's Guide. I'm open to most genres to some extent, except (like many of you, it seems) romance.

If I can talk anyone into at least starting The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont, I shall be very happy. I've gone on about it in a few different threads, but to sum up for those who don't know, it's kind of an epic fantasy, full of war and politics, and ancient races and gods, and grumpy soldiers and mages. It throws you in running and it takes a while to figure out exactly what's going on, but that's what I love about it. It takes the reader on a journey and doesn't dumb anything down. I will warn though, that it addresses serious wartime atrocities and general abuse (from the perspectives of both victims and perpetrators) and could be distressing to some.

I've read my share of short stories, James, but mainly sci-fi and horror. I love Steven King, if not for his plots, then for his characters. And Isaac Asimov is great for short stories. I mean, who doesn't like robots?

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Lost_Girl — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:48:25 GMT

Hi Joelle, sure:

Terry Brooks, Katharine Kerr, Raymond E Feist, David Eddings, Robin Hobb, J.R.R Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, Isaac Asimov, Janny Wurts, Ursula LeGuin, Laini Taylor, Isobelle Carmody, Suzanne Collins, Douglas Adams, Stephen Donaldson, Margaret Atwood

Book Club books we read. Each person nominated one or a few and then we read based on consensus.

Markus Suzak - The Book Thief

Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows - The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

Kristin Hannah - Winter Garden

Donna Tartt - The Goldfinch

Hugh Laurie - The Gun Seller

Kate Morton - The Secret Keeper

M.J.Stedman - The Light between Oceans

Douglas Adams - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Ian McEwan - Atonement

Gillian Flynn - Gone Girl

F.Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

Tessa de Loo - The Twins

Other genre authors

Duane Swierczynski, Vince Flynn, Dean Koontz, Jane Austen, Jodi Picoult, Sarah Addison Allen, David Baldacci

I will read pretty much anything though 🙂

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Music_Freak — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:12:51 GMT

I'd like to be a part of this, or at least try, not sure how I'd go though

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lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:28:10 GMT

Welcome Music

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Lost_Girl — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:32:24 GMT

Great to see you here Narelle,

James, Neil Gaiman has short stories. I haven't read them but I really like his novels and dark sense of humour so I assume they would be good. Ray Bradbury is also well known for short stories they are early fantasy/sci fi.

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lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:39:51 GMT

James, the shortest book I have read (I think) is Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. Loved every moment.

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ahw309 — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:09:41 GMT

What a good idea 🙂 Is it alright if I joined?

I love reading but I haven't read a full book in a long time! I mostly read classics, but I like almost any genre, and I'm open to anything!

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Emmy. — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:18:34 GMT

Can I be part of the group 🙂

I was part of a reading group we'd read a book that was about to be released as film. Then compare the two. Book v movie. It was good fun.

Here's a few we did: Serena, Dark Places, The Martian, (a Nicholas Sparks novel can't remember the name sorry).

My favourite authors are: Jodi Piccoult, Marian Keyes, Nicholas Sparks, Gillian Flynn (but I find these a bit scary).

I really like classics too.

Looking forward to this.

Emmy

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james1 — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:50:41 GMT

Thanks for the short story ideas guys 🙂 I'll put them down.

Sounds like most people are down with classics? Should we start with one of them (maybe a shorter one to get in the groove)?

Sorry if we're still waiting on people...I'm just really keen, haha. I can be patient.

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lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:59:58 GMT

ahw309 and Emmy, of course it's okay that you join. Looks like classic or fantasy is the go. I will look into a few suggestions. Does anyone mind starting off small (as far as classics or fantasy can go that is...)

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Lost_Girl — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:13:03 GMT

Sounds good

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Clues_Of_Blue — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:13:40 GMT

I think most of us would find something small the way to go.

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Emmy. — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:15:29 GMT

Sounds perfect

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lookingforme — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 23:16:33 GMT

Hey everyone,

I don't think I hit post when I replied last...I can't be sure, I was quite tired. Anyway, here are some books after a quick search. These are quite popular so you may have each read one or not. Forgive me, that I haven't added links, have to fit in a study session before work and lifting my head off the table is tough work. When looking for books, I can go on and on, and I know too many choices can be just as overwhelming as having no choice, so there are 6 or so books.

Here is the list, they meet the requirements of having sci fi/classic area; let me know:

1. War of the Worlds: H G Wells;

2. The Time Machine: H G Wells;

3. Lord of the Flies: William Golding;

4. 1984: George Orwell;

5. The Man in the High Castle: Philip K Dick; and

6. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? : Philip K Dick.

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Clues_Of_Blue — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:16:55 GMT

I'd be happy with any of the above, but "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" has been on my list a long time, so that's where I'm casting my vote.

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james1 — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:48:17 GMT

For me, in order of highest to lowest preference: 6, 5, 1, 2 - and i read 3 and 4 a while ago, but I don't remember them well, so I'd be happy to read them again.