Saturday, April 11, 2009

Middlemarch, George Eliot

Hi Guys,

I never assigned a May book club book on my blog, because I think reading here is going to be my new focus.

So, since Middlemarch comes on most of our lists, I thought I'd propose those who'd like to read en groupe start the first week of May.

Alas, it looks terribly, terribly long. Editions range from 800 to 1000 pages. So here's what I was going to propose: reading it over 8 weeks, so May and June, and reporting in on designated chunks here once a week. I'm going to get my hands on a copy and confer with my Eliotian Spiritual Adviser to see if there are natural/recommended chunk breaking points. Then, people who want to read along at the same pace can; people who read faster/have read and log in and chat, and people who fall behind can have plenty of nicely paced time to catch up.

What do you guys think? Basically, I'll do this as long as one other person wants to play. This should not preclude other "book groups" here if other people want to read other books, too! Heck, I might do those, as well.

Kisses,

mr

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Count me in - I'll have finished Moby Dick by then (hopefully. Why I started with MD I will never know)

Moonrat said...

you're a good woman, briony. frankly, i assume that Moby Dick is going to end up being one of my 25 misses. ha! so you don't have to worry about that!!

Unknown said...

I'm in. I think it will help me to stick with it to read along with others.

Unknown said...

moonrat, have you ever used google groups before? I'm wondering if that would make for an easier discussion? anyone who wants to join can become a member. then everything we do is searchable, etc. I've never actually used it before, i just thought it would be interesting to try it out. if you want to try it shoot me an email at gimmemorebooks10 at gmail dot com, I'd love to help organize or just help out.

Emily Cross said...

I'm up for it!!! :)

Jen A said...

I'm totally in. Now I just have to get the book...

moonrat said...

oh, you guys all rock. excellent.

Laza--I'll look into the google groups.

PurpleClover said...

okkkaaaaayyyyyy

I guess I'll go look for it at B&N or on Amazon...

*drags her feet*

PurpleClover said...

alright, just hit the "order" button. hopefully it'll come before may. :)

(they actually have some really good deals on amazon...just sayin')

Alyssa said...

I had it on my list... and then took it off, because I don't want to face it again. I got about halfway through years ago. Maybe I'll catch up and join in at some point though!

PurpleClover said...

my order just shipped from amazon...should get it tomorrow or tuesday??

moonrat said...

yeah, im still waiting on mine (it's been awhile!!). i was going to break it up into reasonable chunks once i got my hand on it. but i was also really hoping to suggest a reading sched before May so people could buy books! i think we should call it Middlemay. cute?

Emily Cross said...

Middlemay - i love that name!!

Going to head to the bookshop today and get my copy. :)

Emily Cross said...

Got my copy there, a nice penguin copy that won't blind me.