I know it’s only October, but the year will be gone before you know it. BookBrowse is already working on our End of Year shenanigans, so it’s top of mind right now.
So -
Do you think we should continue our 1000 Books side read in 2027? I’m enjoying it - it’s definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone and I can safely say I’d never have read most of the books we’ve chosen. But I also know ongoing groups like this can start to feel like more of a burden than a joy, so I’d appreciate getting your thoughts about it.
Also, my original thought was that by opening the discussion the month after reading the book, we’d get everyone talking about it at the same time. I feel like that’s not happening, and that it’s just adding to the confusion. I’m therefore considering opening the discussion the same month we’re reading the book (so open the book we’re reading in November on 11/1 instead of 12/1). Opinions?
I’d also originally planned for one member to pick five books each month that the others can vote on. Should we go back to that, or do you think it’s better to just open the topic for discussion & have whoever wants to nominate books?
Anything else you think we should change for 2027?
I haven’t been participating in recent months, and I don’t see that changing. Sorry! Kim, you’re doing a fabulous job running the group and herding the cats.
I may be in the minority on my thoughts, but am throwing them out there.
• I enjoy the side read and hope we continue. I like that it forces me to read books outside my comfort zone and can discuss with others.
• I prefer the “read this month, discuss next month” method. Perhaps we could change to “read this month, discuss by end of next month,” so the folks who read the book early in the month and like to post right away.
• Having members take turns suggest 5 books seems to work well.
Yes, I would like to continue with the 1000 books to read. I am just starting ILL Met By Moonlight and I think I will enjoy this read. I have tried to read this past year’s books and most of them have been interesting and not something I would have chosen. However, I admit I am more of a follower so suggesting books tends to be a problem. It’s been a challenge to find to find the books that meet the criteria—so if that’s not a problem I would love to continue and vote on the books others have chosen.
Side read starting 2027 would be great! Discussion following month gives us time to read and contemplate, like month after plan. Like open forum for book choices, gives other people a voice. Wish more folks would suggest (I know it takes some research time!) but would help in breaking down the list! Thanks, Kim, for all you do with this group and the large book list. I have read books I would not have picked so makes it more fun! Keep up the GREAT work!
I am game to continue with the 1000 Book monthly read. I like the way we have been doing the reads and selections. I also liked the month that the book selections were based on other books receiving high votes from previous months but not chosen at the time (maybe do that in June and December?). The one change that I can get behind is @Lana_Maskus ‘s suggestion that the feedback be open earlier in the month (instead of the first of the following month).
I’m enjoying the stretch of the 1000 books titles. I like reading one month ahead then discussing thoughts. The flexibility is good as life happens, and I know that it’s okay for me to skip a month when necessary. I’m in favor of sharing the task of suggesting titles. This brings different perspectives and flavors to the lists. Runner up titles could be named every few months as someone suggested.
OK, so, right now (October) we’re reading Ill Met By Moonlight. I’ll go ahead and open the discussion topic for that one on November 1.
For the next book, which looks like it’s going to be My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, I’ll open the discussion on November 15, and anyone is welcome to comment on the book on that date or later.
I’m a little overdue for picking books, so given the shorter timeframe I’ll put something together for a December read (discussion opening December 15) and set it up for a vote soon so y’all can work on picking up copies.
