Suggestions for future book group discussions

[Bill]

Please feel free to make suggestions here for books to discuss in the upcoming weeks / months.

These can be fiction or non-fiction, new or old. There is no reason at all, given the interest, why more than one discussion can't go on simultaneously.

This was one of the core ideas behind this website, and I'm pleased we are in a position, now that Christmas and the New Year celebrations are behind us, to put it into practice.

[BrumB]

I'm currently reading Rohinton Mistry's Family Matters. It is well written and easy to read. The story is about a 79 year old Parsee professor who has become dependent on his family. So far I have only read up to the point where he has broken his ankle and will be forced to move from the larger home of his rather remote step son and step daughter to the very small home of his much loved daughter Roxana, her husband and two lively boys.

Other readers may know that the Parsees form a very small group in India but have a fascinating history and culture. The story is written with compassion and humour. Although it may not appeal to everyone I think it would be interesting to discuss it in the book forum both from the point of view of the cultural and geographic perspectives and from the story itself.

Has anyone else read it or have an interest in reading it??

[Kate Allan]

The Lady Soldier by Jennifer Lindsay ~ out in May

www.jenniferlindsay.com

I'd been very happy, along with the co-author of the novel, Michelle Styles, to pitch in to any discussions, answer questions etc.

(The catalogues are in UK libraries now so your local library should be ordering a copy - ask, and if not request they do)

[BrumB]

Sounds good - perhaps we could get a few books lined up for the future.

[Leander]

I have posted a message in the general discussion point forum - I was wondering whether I was too late to join in with the current book being read (I would have to get it first!) or whether I should join in when the next one has been decided....I am thrilled to see a book club online - I think its a great idea!!!!!!! Keep me posted as to what the next book might be....

[Bill]

You're not too late, Leander. It hasn't actually started yet, and I believe there's still time to read it. You can order the book from Amazon by clicking on the links on this website (which will help us a little with our bandwidth costs, as we receive a small proportion of any purchase made through this site). Either go into the forum below this one, called The Plot Against America by Philip Roth, or follow this link: http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showthread.html?t=448

Incidentally, I think it is best for members to take the lead in suggesting a start date for discussing The Plot Against America (and other aspects of the book group, eg setting up polls for the next book to discuss). It probably needs one member to push themselves forward and volunteer. Any offers? Please don't be shy.

My feeling too is that members need to say if they are planning to take part so we have some idea of numbers. I will write something on the aforementioned thread to that effect.

[Leander]

I will order the book straight away - as for volunteering - I'm happy to help out in whatever way I'm needed - you're right - first of all I think we need everyone who wants to take part to say so, so that we can get numbers and then we need to set a date for discussion to begin (to make sure the plot isn't spolied for anyone). The most important thing is that everyone is posting in the same place as I've noticed several threads on this subject dotted about the forums. I then think we poll any books suggested in order to pick the next book. I could set up the poll once we have numbers and we have a date set for the first discussion.

[Leander]

I think we should use this thread to discuss new book ideas and the actual book threads to discuss the books - that way we can keep everything in the same place!

[Granny weatherwax]

Hello :) I joined here yesterday after seeing the post on digital spy about this forum.

Anyway I'm really chuffed to have found an online reading group and just wanted to ask is this where we put suggestions for future books?

[Bill]

You're very welcome, GW. Tell your friends!

Yes, this is the place to put your suggestions for future books. It's not too late to join the discussion on The Plot Against America (see forum below this one).

[Granny weatherwax]

Thanks, I'm still finding my way around, there's lots here, I love it! :D

[Colinj]

I would really like a forum on Dickens. We could discuss the writer & his works.