Book Club: Poll for March's Suggestions

[abbey]

So I've gone over all the suggestions and narrowed it down to these 8 based on length, potential for discussion, and the overall interest shown by people in the suggestions thread.

Voting: Please only vote for a maximum of 3 books. You're not obligated to vote for 3 books, it's just the maximum. Sorry for not making that clear.

Here are the links to the posts suggesting each book (includes genre, length, synopsis, and review):

The Bus Driver Who Wanted to be God & Other Stories by Etgar Keret (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=373962&postcount=2)

Anthem by Ayn Rand (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=373981&postcount=3)

Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=380019&postcount=17)

Breakfast at Tiffany's: A short novel and three stories by Truman Capote (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=381881&postcount=23)

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=382266&postcount=27)

Born to Steal: When the Mafia Hit Wall Street by Gary Weiss (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=383049&postcount=47)

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=383402&postcount=62)

A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick (http://forums.explosm.net/showpost.php?p=383482&postcount=63)

[timbot]

I voted for Anthem just because it's Ayn Rand, but compared to The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged, it's not that great. Though, it does lend itself to some good discussion.

[Matt]

I voted for Bus Driver and Breakfast at Tiffany's because they'd be interesting and would make for great first month choices. I also tossed in a vote for Survivor, just in case we don't have too many people who've already read it.

[caldwell13]

I picked anthem because I've always wanted to get into Ayn Rand, and Survivor because I've already started that one, and I love it.

[BilkEmDanno]

I voted for Born to Steal seeing as I support it fully. Now that I said that, thought I would have also voted for Anthem, it really seems like an interesting read to me and it's something that I think I would like.

[aFish]

I voted for Anthem, because I'm new here, and a tool.

[CheesePlease]

I voted for Anthem, that book looks rad.

[Not RobD]

I voted for Anthem and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Anthem seems to be winning at the moment.

Reminder: Guys, we are supposed to vote for 3 choices.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/bankamp/)
Reason: Reporting an admin

[Banthis]

I voted right away before reading any of the thread and didn't realize I got three votes and only used one. But I voted for Slaughterhouse Five, because a few good friends, who I know have good taste in literature, keep telling me to read this author!

[abbey]

I voted for Anthem and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Anthem seems to be winning at the moment.

Reminder: Guys, we are supposed to vote for 3 choices.
You don't have to vote for 3 books, you just have the option to.

[green rubber bands]

I voted for Slaughterhouse Five, because a few good friends, who I know have good taste in literature, keep telling me to read this author!

Same reason I did. but I also thought Kite Runner and Born to Steallooked like good choices.

[Soul]

I voted for the Bus Driver, A scanner darkly, and Anthem since they seem like the most interesting to me.

[Hypnotic]

I voted for Anthem, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and A Scanner Darkly.

[Sigevo]

I picked The Kite Runner, Born to Steal, and Slaughterhouse 5 as they all seem like interesting reads. Survivor was also a decent book.

[xJesusx]

I went with Bus Driver, Anthem and Survivor. I feel like there was one that I was really interested in that wasn't on the list, but I am probably crazy.

[BilkEmDanno]

This poll looks like Busdriver, Anthem, Slaughterhouse, and Tiffany's are winning by far.

Slaughterhouse and Anthem look the most interesting to me out of those, and Busdriver just seems like a funny read.

[Soldiers_Princess]

I voted for Born to steal but I've read Slaughterhouse and it is awesome. I would have no issue with reading it again. Kurt Vonnegut is pretty brilliant.

[BilkEmDanno]

Kite Runner is a very sad book, just so you all know. Most of you will probably be crying while reading it. If we do Kite Runner, I suggest we follow it up the month after with a very funny book.

[supersmooth]

Go Slaughterhouse 5 and Anthem! <3 The two books I picked are up front.

BilkEmDanno: And, one of the scenes might be pretty disturbing to a few people.

[Matt]

Regardless of the book that wins, I'm just happy to see we already have 41 people who seem likely to participate in the coming discussion.

Although Bus Driver and Tiffany's are close, it looks like Slaughterhouse or Anthem will take this month's choice. So we can probably expect the other one to be chosen next month!

[WillJ.]

I'm not bothered which wins, both got my vote they seemed like the most interesting reads out of them all.

[Mdotcooley]

I voted for
Born to Steal: When the Mafia Hit Wall Street
The Bus Driver Who Wanted to be God & Other Stories
Anthem

I didnt really seem taht interested in any of the other ones i really kind of want to read born to steal because it sounds very interesting

[hotdogvendr4life]

I voted for Anthem because I already read Slaughterhouse 5.
I got a whole load of Philosophy books for next month. Didn't know that was the direction the Club was headed, expected a lighter fair s'all

[JCamps]

I voted for Slaughterhouse, cause Kurt Vonnegut is amazing; Survivor, cause Palahniuk is also fairly cool, although Fight Club is probably his best; and Anthem, cause Ayn Rand is awesome. Goddamnit guys, why did three books have to be so awesome.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

Whatever books don't get chosen can always be resubmitted.

Slaughterhouse 5 and anthem are in the lead, and I'm a-ok with either one. I voted for both.

[aFish]

I didn't even see Slaughterhouse 5 on the list, but I would've voted for it. I'll probably read it later anyway, and like the previous poster said: Whatever books doesn't "win" this voting can always be re-submitted.

[Mirrorman]

Anthem and Bus driver. I only hope I get the book thats chosen from somewhere :frown: .

[abbey]

I'm glad we've got so much participation! I voted for Anthem (of course), Slaughterhouse Five, and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

[timbot]

Oh boy, two books I voted for are in the lead. It's so exciting! Of course, I've read them both already...but that's ok.

[Mr.Tea]

I myself voted for Survivor, Scanner Darkly, and the Kite Runner. I read most of the other books, but then again, its been a while. Can someone point me to where the rules are for this and how exactly it works?

[Hypnotic]

Oh boy, two books I voted for are in the lead. It's so exciting! Of course, I've read them both already...but that's ok.

I don't have a problem with this, but why would you want to read something you've already read when there are so many fresh, new choices of fine literature?

I just don't get it.

[person]

I could've broken the tie between Anthem and Slaughterhouse 5 but i want to read them both.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

I myself voted for Survivor, Scanner Darkly, and the Kite Runner. I read most of the other books, but then again, its been a while. Can someone point me to where the rules are for this and how exactly it works?

The stickied book club thread has a list of the rules/schedules/etc.

[McFreddy]

I'll read anyone of them they all look good

[AccidentalMartyr]

I'm gonna go for Slaughterhouse-Five, since I haven't read it yet, but it looks like it could be good.

[Krabby]

Am I allowed to participate in discussions if I read the (if available) dutch translation of the book? I read books in english quite fast but it's sill, of course, slower than the usual, so I'd rather read the translations.

[Matt]

Of course. Quoting might be a little harder for you, but the chapters are still the same.

[abbey]

I just went out and bought both Anthem and Slaughterhouse-Five. I was flipping through Anthem, and it turns out that the actual story is only 105 pages long. The other 100 some pages is the "facsimile verson" which, it seems, is the same story just with writing all in it and stuff crossed out.

The back of the book says: "This volume also includes a complete reproduction of the orinigal British edition with Ayn Rand's handwritten editorial changes and a Reader's Guide to her writings and philosophy."

So that's probably why there are so many different versions with such huge variations in length.

[Matt]

Ah that makes a lot of sense. I planned on picking whichever book won from the library (they carry both Anthem and Slaughterhouse). Good to know info.

And damn, both are so close. It's been neck and neck between those two.

[JamesKPolk]

Voted for both of them. Slaughterhouse five, just because I'm a big fan of Vonnegut, Anathem, because it sounds plain awesome. I've read slaughterhouse-five in Latvian, but I've waited for an excuse to read it English, so, either way it goes, works for me.

[Liteboy]

slaughterhouse 5 and Survivor are both Excellent.
so i didn't vote for them

Vonnegut is my favorite author.

[Tanktunker]

Slaughterhouse 5.

Just wondering, is Freakonomics a suitable book?
It's not a novel, but it's interesting nonetheless.

[Phrozt]

So I've gone over all the suggestions and narrowed it down to these 8 based on length, potential for discussion, and the overall interest shown by people in the suggestions thread.

Why was mine eliminated? Someone showed interest in it right off the bat.. it was pretty short... and not only did an editor say, "This book needs to be not just read, but discussed," but it also *came* with a discussion guide...

Would it have been everyone's cup of tea? Maybe not.. but why was it totally eliminated?

[_cynosure_]

I only voted for A Scanner Darkly and The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God since I've recently read Kite Runner, Anthem, and Slaughter-House Five, and all are not good enough to warrant a reread in my opinion. Hopefully we'll get less well-known books next month, since it looks like Slaughter-House Five is going to win.

[_cynosure_]

Why was mine eliminated? Someone showed interest in it right off the bat.. it was pretty short... and not only did an editor say, "This book needs to be not just read, but discussed," but it also *came* with a discussion guide...

Would it have been everyone's cup of tea? Maybe not.. but why was it totally eliminated?


Probably because no one really cares to debate about god and it could get really ugly pretty fast. It's like selecting an abortion book. It would definitely be hell.

[abbey]

Why was mine eliminated? Someone showed interest in it right off the bat.. it was pretty short... and not only did an editor say, "This book needs to be not just read, but discussed," but it also *came* with a discussion guide...

Would it have been everyone's cup of tea? Maybe not.. but why was it totally eliminated?
It's not a story, it's a conversation. It sounds boring to me, and there would only be one thing to discuss about it: whether God exists or not.

The book club discussions are going to include characters, plot, theme, and other elements you can't find in a simple interview.

Does it really matter that it was eliminated anyways? You can read it without the book club and post a thread about it, you know.

[Matt]

Gotta agree with Abbey on this. We've had enough religion/god's existence debate threads to last us for a long time. We don't need to dedicate an entire month to the subject again.

slaughterhouse 5 and Survivor are both Excellent.
so i didn't vote for them

They're both excellent so you DIDN'T vote for them?

[Antisaint]

They're both excellent so you DIDN'T vote for them?

Maybe because he's already read them and wants to expand his reading experience?

It looks like Slaughterhouse 5 has it won.

[abbey]

There's still 5 days left on the poll, you never know.

[Phrozt]

It's not a story, it's a conversation. It sounds boring to me, and there would only be one thing to discuss about it: whether God exists or not.

Ahh.. so that's the reason, this is "Abbey's Book Club," not the Explosm book club.

And it actually covers other philosophical topics that were specifically mentioned in other books that made it to the list - like yours for example.

Doesn't really sound like you even read the synopsis of my suggestion... and ignored the fact that others were interested in it.

[abbey]

Ahh.. so that's the reason, this is "Abbey's Book Club," not the Explosm book club.

And it actually covers other philosophical topics that were specifically mentioned in other books that made it to the list - like yours for example.

Doesn't really sound like you even read the synopsis of my suggestion... and ignored the fact that others were interested in it.
Well, if you had actually read the rest of my post, it doesn't have a story line, it's just a conversation. Anthem has a story line. Also, we don't need any more God debates on here, and there wouldn't be much else to discuss about that book.

I had to cut out a lot of books and yours was one of them. Deal with it.

[Matt]

I had to cut out a lot of books and yours was one of them. Deal with it.

Ahe. Abbey makes a good club president.

[ComboMove]

I'm putting my vote in for Slaughterhouse 5

[John Travolta]

You know, guys, the point of this is to broaden your reading horizons, not to vote on the best book that you've already read a dozen times.

[supersmooth]

I voted for Slaughterhouse 5 specifically because I haven't read it yet, and have heard a ton of good stuff about it.

[person]

You know, guys, the point of this is to broaden your reading horizons, not to vote on the best book that you've already read a dozen times.

well señor, i personally voted for Slaughterhouse Five and Anthem because i've heard good things of Slaughterhouse Five and haven't read it like you make it sound like we all have. as a side note: boobs.

[Dodger]

I voted Anthem because I've already read it and won't have waste time by reading another one.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/bankamp/)
Reason: Chode.

[Matt]

I voted Anthem because I've already read it and won't have waste time by reading another one.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/bankamp/)
Reason: Chode.
Thanks for helping out! Enjoy your ban!

[BilkEmDanno]

Thanks for helping out! Enjoy your ban!
That made my day. I hope to god he wasn't being serious, because that would make me sad for the future of this forum.

[timbot]

I don't have a problem with this, but why would you want to read something you've already read when there are so many fresh, new choices of fine literature?

I just don't get it.
A few reasons, actually.
1. I've read them, but never really discussed them with anyone.
2. I haven't read Slaughterhouse 5 in a long time, so I don't really remember it well at all.
3. Both are pretty brief. Especially Anthem. They're not going to take up too much of my time.
4. I'd really like to see Anthem get picked just because I want everyone to read Ayn Rand.
5. I rarely read books twice, but sometimes reading a good book again can be an almost completely new experience. You notice different things, and as a reader, you can bring different thoughts and standards to the book each time you read it.
6. Because I can read whatever the hell I want! :lol:

[CheesePlease]

I hope Bus Driver or Anthem win. Slaughterhouse just doesn't look that interesting to me, but if it wins I'll still read it and I'll probably be proven wrong.

[diableri]

*snip* it doesn't have a story line, it's just a conversation. *snip

This isn't the case, but I do understand how it would be assumed by someone that hasn't read it. Great other choices regardless.

I'm looking forward to the discussions. I've read almost all of these already but it's been a while for most and I always seem to get new insight from other people's experiences films, plays and books. Great idea, thanks for setting it up!

[Mirrorman]

Am I allowed to participate in discussions if I read the (if available) dutch translation of the book? I read books in english quite fast but it's sill, of course, slower than the usual, so I'd rather read the translations.

You wouldn't be the only one. If possible, I'd try to get the Estonian translations if it exists.

[Phrozt]

Ahe. Abbey makes a good club president.

Gotta love how much cooler people on the internet are when they have tits and a vagina...

[Oofie]

Quit whining, no-one wants to read your crappy book :mad:.

Seriously though, Abbey's president, let her do her job. She couldn't put everything on the poll.

[abbey]

Quit whining, no-one wants to read your crappy book :mad:.

Seriously though, Abbey's president, let her do her job. She couldn't put everything on the poll.
Thank you.

Honestly I don't know why it's such a big deal, Phrozt. Read it on your own and make a thread about it.

[Matt]

I'd just like to let everyone know that it's entirely possible for me to ban people from specific forums. The choices were made. Quit bitching and deal with it. I'm 100% sure your suggestion would have been voted down anyways, so let's not waste any of our time and move on.

That said, it looks like Slaughterhouse will take the win this month. Anthem and Bus Driver are both very close, so we can expect both to return in next month's poll.

[Cross]

I voted for Anthem, because it has a very interesting and inspiring scenario, and for Slaughterhouse Five, because it is sayed to be easy to read (which is advantageous, cause I am German and I prefer to read the original) and because most of the reviews were positive.
Since it seem that Slaughterhouse Five is winning I hope Anthem will be next months choice.

You wouldn't be the only one. If possible, I'd try to get the Estonian translations if it exists.

I Hope for you the Estonian translation is not as bad as the German one. They actually translated "blow job" with "Duensflugzeug" (German vor "Jet")

[Audioslave]

I'd just like to let everyone know that it's entirely possible for me to ban people from specific forums. The choices were made. Quit bitching and deal with it. I'm 100% sure your suggestion would have been voted down anyways, so let's not waste any of our time and move on.

That said, it looks like Slaughterhouse will take the win this month. Anthem and Bus Driver are both very close, so we can expect both to return in next month's poll.

Guy-who-isn't-rob-guy, you really oughta mod Abbey/whoever the current president is so that they can do their job effectively.

[drpencil]

Just putting this out there but I think a cryptozoology book, if it holds peoples interest, could be very discussable (if that is a word).

[Pachycephelosaurus]

Just putting this out there but I think a cryptozoology book, if it holds peoples interest, could be very discussable (if that is a word).

O_O...

Seriously? A cryptozoology book? Please tell me that's a joke.


Anyway, three cheers for Vonnegut!

[abbey]

What is cryptozoology? Something that has to do with codes and animals?

[NVM]

What is cryptozoology? Something that has to do with codes and animals?

It's people who believe in Big Foot and sea monters.

[abbey]

It's people who believe in Big Foot and sea monters.
Oh. Doesn't sound like book club material.

[horni-horse16]

My vote goes for Slaughterhouse Five and Anthem. A book club on Explosm sounds like a gay ol' time.

[drpencil]

Oh. Doesn't sound like book club material.

It's not just bigfoot and stuff. It debates the existence of things like living dinosaurs in Africa (but some other things are kinda weird), and some people make a serious career in cryptozoology. I now it doesn't sound very interesting, but if you looked it up, you could find something that really gets you thinking and it might actually appeal to you.

[Matt]

I don't wanna start throwing limitations around, but we're gearing towards actual literary works. Stories with characters and developing themes, not a debate on whether aliens exist or not.

[Homemaster]

i was just in my uni bookshop and the bus driver short stories was there, i laughed cause its for my course.

[Matt]

Haha. What class is having you read it? And what story or stories are assigned?

[Oofie]

I don't wanna start throwing limitations around, but we're gearing towards actual literary works. Stories with characters and developing themes, not a debate on whether aliens exist or not.

You could restrict it to novels.

[History]

There is some good non fiction out there that can be discussed. I don't think that option should be knocked out so early.

[abbey]

We're not going to rule out all non-fiction books, just the ones that either don't have enough potential for discussion or just aren't what we're looking for.

[BilkEmDanno]

Shit ends tonight.

EDIT: Kind of a spam post, might as well be useful- I think Non-Fiction is discussable, since not all non-fiction books are not novels.

[Matt]

We're not going to rule out all non-fiction books, just the ones that either don't have enough potential for discussion or just aren't what we're looking for.

Abbey laid it out as simple as possible. There's no need for discussion on this. Fiction and non-fiction are both fine, just as long as the book has potential for discussion in the sense that it follows story lines.

Biology books have plenty of discussion potential, but no story. See the difference, here? Now shut up and go get Slaughterhouse.

[timbot]

But, if it's non-fiction, how discussable (not really a word) is the story? Can't really talk about character development or symbolism...I suppose if it were a mystery story...a true crime or something, then you could discuss who you think did it...
And, also...what ARE we looking for? I'm just trying to get this stuff clear so that I don't get flamed for making a bad suggestion next month. Don't want to waste my time writing up a book that doesn't stand a chance.
Also:
since not all non-fiction books are not novels
Actually, by definition a novel is fiction.

[Matt]

There's plenty of non-fiction that works. The first example that comes to mind is Into the Wild, the true story that was recently adapted into a really good movie.

All that matters is that it's leads to meaningful discussion. Tucker Max's stories are entertaining, but there's not a whole lot to talk about past "the poop story made me laugh." Books about religion, especially those focusing on the existence of God, would just polarize two groups and result in arguments rather than discussion. Plus, real literature has so much meaning behind everything. It has depth.

[timbot]

real literature has so much meaning behind everything? That's kind of an ambiguous statement. What kind of meaning? And behind what exactly? If we read Into the Wild what meaning would we be discussing, and what would it be behind? We couldn't really talk much about "why would the author do...X." Or talk about "did you like how the author resolved this conflict?" Or "what point do you think the author was trying to make here?" Basically, anything pertaining to authorial intent is mostly out the window. Of course...maybe there would still be enough to discuss with the right book...

[jewishjosh]

Now shut up and go get Slaughterhouse.

Off my bookshelf?

I'm thrilled that you're all getting into Vonnegut. I read this book in September and I may re-read it to refresh my memory because it's awesome, a quick read, and I'm currently in between books. Apart from the fact that I've already read it, this is one of the best books we could've chosen. I really look forward to hearing what you guys think of it.

[runningman88]

I never had to read slaughter house five for school... but I secretly envied all of my other classmates that did read it. I would be happy if that was the chosen book for the month. Anthem doesn't sound too bad either, so if that won, I wouldn't be disappointed.

[Mdotcooley]

So is the book officially slaughterhouse 5?

[abbey]

The book is officially Slaughterhouse Five. Go get the book, and then discussion will open on March 1st and go until the end of the month.

[Matt]

real literature has so much meaning behind everything? That's kind of an ambiguous statement. What kind of meaning? And behind what exactly? If we read Into the Wild what meaning would we be discussing, and what would it be behind? We couldn't really talk much about "why would the author do...X." Or talk about "did you like how the author resolved this conflict?" Or "what point do you think the author was trying to make here?" Basically, anything pertaining to authorial intent is mostly out the window. Of course...maybe there would still be enough to discuss with the right book...

Do you really not see the difference here? Even though Into the Wild is non-fiction, it's still a character-based story. Every situation is a talking point. Rising conflicts, thematic decisions, everything is being retold, but done as a story, emphasizing struggles and triumphs. Authorial intent is still there. Good story-tellers do that regardless of if the story is true or not.

[schlachthof.funf]

Slaughterhouse Five is an excellent novel (though you could probably tell my opinion from my name), but it's too bad I already read it. I think it's Vonnegut's best.

[person]

Slaughterhouse Five is an excellent novel (though you could probably tell my opinion from my name), but it's too bad I already read it. I think it's Vonnegut's best.

I couldn't tell that from your name. Actually, i have no idea what your name even says. But in any case, I'm looking forward to reading it!

[abbey]

I'm guessing his name is Slaughterhouse.Five in German.

[INTUNEevolution]

Really? People voted some book of short stories over Anthem, Slaughterhouse 5 AND Survivor!?

Christ.

Oh EDIT, thank god you guys went with Vonnegut.

[tunacake]

Jeez. So much debate about what the club should be about. How 'bout we read what Abbey tells us to read or go make our own book clubs.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

Jeez. So much debate about what the club should be about. How 'bout we read what Abbey tells us to read or go make our own book clubs.

This is the internet. People will argue about any and everything. Just ignore it and start reading Vonnegut. :p

[opn4bzns]

I'm guessing his name is Slaughterhouse.Five in German.

Correct.

Slaughter House 5 seems like a good choice. It's very... different, but still quite accessible, so I think it will have a fair bit of discussion potential.

[timbot]

Do you really not see the difference here? Even though Into the Wild is non-fiction, it's still a character-based story. Every situation is a talking point. Rising conflicts, thematic decisions, everything is being retold, but done as a story, emphasizing struggles and triumphs. Authorial intent is still there. Good story-tellers do that regardless of if the story is true or not.

I'm not sure what things I'm supposed to be seeing the difference between.
But, with that aside, you do make a good point. There could be discussion about whether the author of the book paints the decisions of the character in good or bad lights and if you agree, etc.
I'm not trying to start a fight or argue for the sake or arguing. I just like things to be very clear for my own sake.

[Matt]

Without the long-winded explanation, an easy way to judge whether a book is worth suggesting or not is a single question you can ask yourself: Will this book allow a majority of the readers to discuss it for an entire month?

[Hypnotic]

A good example of a non-fiction book that is discussable is The Autobiography of Malcolm X. The things from the book that would make up discussion are his insights and views about periods of his life and how they carry throughout the book, how going to prison reformed him, what his life was after prison as a religious figure. That book offers much to discuss.

Now do you understand how non-fiction can be up for discussion?

[timbot]

Oh, I realize that a non-fiction book can be up for discussion. But, then why not bring in philosophy books? I don't think that's the point of this book club. In fact, I'd imagine that The Autobiography of Malcom X would not be considered for the book club.

[abbey]

If someone suggested it, I'd consider it. I wouldn't eliminate it just on the grounds that it's non-fiction.

[CharlieH]

Oh, I realize that a non-fiction book can be up for discussion. But, then why not bring in philosophy books? I don't think that's the point of this book club. In fact, I'd imagine that The Autobiography of Malcom X would not be considered for the book club.

Matt also mentioned storylines.

If the book doesn't have a storyline, then it's not going to be read.

[runningman88]

Oh, I realize that a non-fiction book can be up for discussion. But, then why not bring in philosophy books? I don't think that's the point of this book club. In fact, I'd imagine that The Autobiography of Malcom X would not be considered for the book club.

You could suggest some philosophy book if you like, but good luck finding one in the 250 page range.

[tunacake]

Jeez. So much debate about what the club should be about. How 'bout we read what Abbey tells us to read or go make our own book clubs.

Good point, tunacake.
No, I certainly did not quote myself.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/bankamp/)
Reason: Don't quote yourself.

[abbey]

I'm the president. For now I decide what gets into the poll and what doesn't. Whether what gets in includes non-fiction or not is for me to worry about. I don't know why people are getting so wrapped up in this. I've already summed it up:

We're not going to rule out all non-fiction books, just the ones that either don't have enough potential for discussion or just aren't what we're looking for.

End of discussion.

Now go get Slaughterhouse-Five!

[timbot]

we're getting wrapped up in it because of the very ambiguous phrase "just aren't what we're looking for." :nerd:

No need to get snappy, abbey.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

So how about a new thread for this month's book? I got it in the mail today.

[abbey]

Discussion was supposed to start March 1st, but since we're just getting started and don't have a book to discuss this month, I might start it early.

Go ahead and start reading the book though.

EDIT: I'm going to go ahead and move the discussion up to Feb. 23 for this month. Not everyone has to already have the book and be reading it by then though.

[Pachycephelosaurus]

Discussion was supposed to start March 1st, but since we're just getting started and don't have a book to discuss this month, I might start it early.

Go ahead and start reading the book though.

EDIT: I'm going to go ahead and move the discussion up to Feb. 23 for this month. Not everyone has to already have the book and be reading it by then though.

Ah, that's right, I forgot we were delaying the discussion. I was under the impression we were going to have the thread open while reading the book, but whatev'. I'm not about to start any debates on minutiae of the clubs' rules. :nerd:

[abbey]

No we will be discussing it as we read the book. So unless you're about to read the whole book in three days you can discuss it while you're reading it.

[phrysen]

Okay, I just ordered the book. Now if I'm lucky I'll have it this Saturday.

[abbey]

You're not obligated to have the book by Saturday, you can start reading whenever you want over the next month.

[Scottish_Scholar]

So.....um Slaughterhouse Five won, right?

[abbey]

So.....um Slaughterhouse Five won, right?
Yes it did.

[Scottish_Scholar]

Yes it did.

Thanks mucho, I know it was a stupid question to ask, but I didn't want to be discussing a completely different book and look even more retarded :]

[Hypnotic]

What is the process of discussion? Is the book being broken down into sections so we have to read a certain amount by a certain time? Is someone leading the discussions about themes, characters, or whatever becomes the topic of discussion?

Answers pleeeeeease Abbey!

[Matt]

No, just open discussion. Start each post with the chapter you're discussing so as to not ruin it for anybody else.

[abbey]

Discussion is open in the other thread!