Book of the month club

Hi everyone,

I would love to start a book club where we all read the same book and get together once a month to discuss it.

We could nominate a book for the club and take a vote for the most popular.

Any one interested?

Oooh me! I am definitely interested.

Sorry to sound like a killjoy but have you really not got anything better to do with yourselves.
I am not an ignorant anti bookie, I am an avid book reader but my advice rather than sitting around discussing a book a month is to get out more and get a real life.
Is it only me who thought 'What sad people!'?
englishrose

Wow that's a bit harsh isn't it. What would you say is a more suitable activity for a real life? If people enjoy being social and discussing books then what the hell is wrong with that?

Okay people, let's not turn this into a discussion about what activities merrit worthy of "real life." But I can't help saying:

@ Englishrose - Part of the topic header was "Anyone interested?" If you're not interested, why not keep it to yourself instead of trying to start petty fights with people online? "Don't you have anything better to do with yourself?"

@ Everyone else: I personally think this is a nice idea. I used to have a friend who was as avid a reader as I was and we shared all our books. Some nights we'd get together for coffee or chat on the phone and the conversation naturally ambled toward the books we had read and enjoyed. Obviously I'm not really going to want to discuss a book that I am not interested in, but I have read so many amazing books that I want to share with other people, and when a book is that good, people want to talk about it. This is what college professors do in classes - open discussion to get people to actively think and process what they've just read, rather than it just being an amusing entertainment and then forgotten.

the new year has begun

@efab - thanks, we noticed about 10 days ago.

@marymanu - very well put!

@steph - so before narrowing it down to one book, what genres are you interested in?

I love to read fiction of many genres and some non-fiction, mostly interested in stuff about the environment, eating and living ethically, etc. Wouldn't mind my horizons being broadened a bit by other peoples interests.

I am with marymanu - I would say my preferences is fiction and biographies.

I often find that winners of the Man Booker Prize are great books, but I am open to suggestions...I would love to be turned on to the best of new genre and new authors.

I'd be interested for sure.

And well said Marymu, I won't waste my time replying to englishrose as I think you've put it very well indeed! (remind me not to get on the wrong side of YOU!

Bren

Well it seems we've got 6 people interested right now - Steph, Piggy, Silty, me, my husband and a friend. Shall we start talking about a book and a time to meet?

My friend was talking about a book she got for Christmas written by the same person who wrote Life of Pi. Her daughter said it has a lot to do with what is going on in Afghanistan right now. It might lead to some interesting discussions even outside of the book itself. Would anyone be interested in that?

Hi all,

I am new to Hamburg and this is my first post on this forum. I am always looking for an excuse to read and talk about a good book. I like most types of books, although more keen on contemporary writing than classic stuff.

Marymanu, I believe the author was Khaled Hosseini who wrote the Kite Runner and the book that you are thinking of is A Thousand Splendid Suns.

I would be interested in reading this book alternatively, I have also heard The Secret Life of Bees is really good.

Would anyone else like to nominate a book?

P.S. CLR - welcome to Hamburg and the more the merrier...this is a pretty friendly bunch and we would love to have you join in.

Yeah, welcome. I think Hamburg needs more Scots
Just yesterday my (English) partner and I were counting the Scots we know in Hamburg. We ended up with a meager 3.
Sorry, off-topic.

If I ever get to read the book you pick in time for your meetings, I'd be in, but I don't get to read as much as I'd like to.

Anyway, just stumbled across the book Planet Germany about an English expat-Family moving to Germany. It got phantastic reviews at Amazon.co.uk, I'm definitely going to order it.

Came across the book cos the author posted The book "Planet Germany" for sale, written by me on Toytown.

@Stephanie, thanks for the correction. You are right.

I'm also interested in the book Hammonia mentioned. I think we should pick books that might lead to an interesting discussion beyond just the plot line, etc. What do you all think?

ooooh, book club! what a wonderful wonderful idea!

i love almost every mann booker winner and am going through a significant Indian author phase (actually I've been in it for almost 3 years so it may be safe to say it's more than passing ) although i will read pretty much anything i pick up.

when and where do you guys meet?

@zoe - We actually haven't had a meetup yet. We've been chatting about it but haven't picked a book or a place or date yet. The author of the thread is out of the country right now so maybe we can get together when she gets back?

BTW, has anyone else read EAT PRAY LOVE? It's amazing! It would be a great one for group discussions.

well count me in when you decide!

A Thousand Splendid Suns was quite good as it gave a good history of the politics in Afghanistan prior to when most of the western world started to paying attention (i.e 11 sep). The story was a pretty gruesome and heart wrenching but realistic account of women in that society. I think it's a good (slightly heavy) choice. I haven't read The Kite Runner but would like to before i go see the film.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

I told Steph I was interested too and she said she would organize the first meeting when she got back. We did talk about doing A Thousand Splendid Suns s well.

I told Steph I was interested too and she said she would organize the first meeting when she got back. We did talk about doing A Thousand Splendid Suns as well. The Kite Runner is very good.

Hi all,

I'm new to Toytown (not so new to Hamburg), but would love to join a book group. Is there room for one more?

There is always room for more. We'll probably get this started in the next two weeks. Check back for dates, locations and books.

Hi Everyone,

Is anyone still interested in this?

I would like to organize something for the day time as I have plenty of evening commitments already, but would enjoy hooking up during the day time for coffee and book discussions.

The first book I would like to start with is either:

A Thousand Splendid Suns or Eat Pray Love

Anyone keen, let me know.

Cheers,

Stephanie

Steph,
I'm in, and I think both books would be good for a discussion. I've already read EPL but would read thru it again before the discussion, and I've got Thousand Splendid Suns on my to read shelf. What do others have to say?
Laurel

Count me in.
I'm currently reading Pillars of the Earth, but I'll read either of the other suggestions too.

yep, add me in too. during the day sounds good... do you have any particular cafè or other space in mind?

I think the Cafe would be the Reise Bar in Altona. It's one of my favourite in terms of locations and they make yummy drinks.

How long does everyone need to read a book? From there we can determine how soon we can have our first meeting.

Marymanu do you still have your copy of EPL? I still have mine and would be willing to lend it out if anyone would need it.

@ Steph - Yes I still have my copy. I would need a week or so to read a book, maybe more time this time because I'm having guests for Easter. How about we choose a time to meetup after Easter?

haven't read eat pray love but give me a week and i can take care if that. what's the author's name? i've already read a thousand splendid suns so any time after easter works perfectly for either choice.
i'm still pretty new in town and haven't heard of the reise bar... altona is home turf though so shouldn't be a problem.

hav a great long weekend everyone. see you soon!

I have an idea. Since most of us have read one (or both) of the two books suggested, why don't we select a date to meet and talk about BOTH books at the meeting. I think our first meeting will also be about getting to know one another and talking about book tastes in general. We could all come with a list of books we'd like to read and compare. Ideally I'd like for us to all read the same book at the same time. I can still gush about why I loved my favorite books, but it always helps when they are fresh in your memory.

So, let's talk about dates! The week of Monday the 31st would be good for me.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I was having the same thoughts.

Our first meeting we could all just meet and discuss books and perhaps choose the book we would all like to read.

Might be an idea to bring along the book(s) you would like to nominate, so that we can pass it around and have a look.

The 31st works for me. Shall we say 11:00 am?

31st at 11 works for me. See you there!

(Thanks for that Marymanu... will try and find it at Thalia this afternoon)

Would it be possible for us to meet on Wednesday the 2nd at 11 instead? I've got work on Monday.

Wednesday would be OK for me.

Wednesday it is. April 2nd - Reise Bar, Altona @ 11am. See you then.

So who all is planning on joining?

Me
Steph
Figgy
Zoe

Anyone else?

Hi all,

I'd like to attend, too. Looking forward to meeting you! I've read both books and have a copy of Thousand Splendid Suns to lend, should anyone need it.

(I live in Altona near the English Book Shop, should it make a difference for pick-up/drop-off...)

D'oh! Nevermind - I just saw that the meeting is at 11 am, and I work weekdays.

I can still lend the book, however.

Sorry you won't be able to made it Sprudeln. If you want to be apart vicariously, I would be happy to let you know what book we will reading and if we every have meet ups on weekend you might be able to join us.

Hi bookworms,

I'm new to Toytown but have been in HH for 7 years. I'm interested in this group and can make the first meeting - but I haven't read the book(s)... can I come along anyway just to get a feel for it?

Thanks,
Karen

Karen of course you are most welcomed to join us.

We haven't actually chosen the book that will be our first book up for discussion. At our first meeting we thought it would be best to actually just talk books and nominate a book for us all to get stuck into. So please bring your suggestions and recommendations.

I will pile a bunch of books up on the table so you know which group of women to look for in the restaurant. I am hoping to stay on the first floor in the back corner.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Stephanie

Cool, I'll be there!

I nominate the book: BONK

From that recomedation I am assuming that your reading level is that of a 7 year old...

See you all tomorrow folks.

I've got a head cold settling in so I may not make it. Just in case you're on the look out for me.

Sorry you couldn't make it CaliforniaCrocus. If you are still interested. PM me and I will let you know what book we have chosen.

Hello Bookworms...I am new to Toytown and have only been in HH for 6 months. I just stumbled across this link and would love to join your book club!
Could someone please let me know the latest book you are reading, when the next meeting is and confirm you are still meeting at the Reise Bar in Altona.
I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Hello everybody,
my name is Beata. I am very curious about your club.
Could I join you for the next meeting of the Book of the Month club?
I would be happy to hear from you.

All the best

Beata