Happy Holidays Gentle Readers.
As we've passed the first 13 months of this very special book club, I have a proposal that might help the book club blog continue and develop. I think everyone should make of this book club what they want of it. We should think of it as a way to create situations to discuss books with people we normally wouldn't and challenge ourselves to read and experience new things. However, it should not be like homework. That's why I say for 2010 we both tighten things up and loosen things up at the same time. Here's the proposal:
At a regular interval (once a month or every five weeks, six weeks or whatever) a contributor announces a book club selection. Then, at some point after that, the same contributor posts a review/analysis of the book. This follow-up could be as detailed/vague, long/short, and timely as the contributor feels is appropriate or can make happen. After that, everyone can feel free to participate in the discussion or not, whenever he/she feels like it. Regardless (and this is important), a new book get's put into the reading list at regular intervals.
This, obviously, may lead to some overlap, but I don't really think that matters. Some books may elicit long responses and participation by a bunch of people, others may create only sparse discussions amongst a few. In the end, this will allow the everyone to participate as they'd like. However, the structure of such a convention will will help to create an online environment for anyone to come in and discuss what they like, when they like, at the pace that they like. Everything keeps happening, even if it's just new books being announced. Basically, no one is waiting on the book club, the book club is always waiting on you.
This most probably will lead to not everyone reading every book, myself included. I can live with that. I've discussed/developed versions of this idea with several participants and I think it could work. If you think so, just post your "I'm in, you crazy book reading Mofos!" as a comment here. Or, of course, sound off with any ideas or observations--most notably what pacing you think would work for the selections. I'm happy to create a "schedule" of when the selections should be posted if that helps.
Peace, y'all.
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Sounds good to me. I'm in, you crazy book-reading mofos!
ReplyDeleteI think that's good. It's difficult to aquire 2 copies of a text and have both of us read it at the same time. Usually either Courtney or I get left out. We would probably participate a little more, just at different times.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly willing to give the new system a try. I'll freely admit that I don't necessarily understand the ins and outs of it, or how it's different than before and whathaveyou, but I am always willing to go along with the flow. Plus: I like the "not homework" part of any plan. And as the original crazy ass mofo, I'll say "sounds good to me" as well.
ReplyDeleteThoughts by others?