TheLoveBandit
BL Emeritus
Growing up, I never read much. I'd read the cliffnotes for any school work (even got by watching videos instead, and once just looked up some titles...but that's another story). I understand HS people, and some college people (to a degree) don't have time or interest in reading something that isn't required. Leisure reading is done in the bathroom or in bed with an active hand.
I also recognize that the majority of this forum is filled with people pouring out their emotions or practicing their artistic communication skills. That's great, and I enjoy reading that stuff.
But part of being a words forum, I would think, is to also work on being smarter about words. I'm wondering how well recieved it would be to have a 'book of the month' going in here. I have heard several BLers swapping books for personal enlightenment and education, and thought 'why limit it to so few people'. I've also reached a point where I no longer read because I have to, but because I want to expand my mind. Personally, I alternate between something that is entertaining and something that would aid my social interaction or career (kinda one serious, then fun, then serious, etc).
The point is that an entertaining book can offer something different to each reader. There are so many levels to be taking in the information, allusions to other aspects of life, symbolism and subtle commentaries. I propose the mods select a book and those with the time and inclination can read a novel and then come back and share insights and revelations. Readers can discuss the author's technique, and perhaps offer suggestions on similar works for those who become engulfed in a story or genre or style.
Just a thought. And I suggest a mod or two lead the story selection (or nominate a well respected member) to limit the flood of people shouting "Read this, I loved it." and also to screen the books a bit to keep out the fluff. Anyone can buy and read fluff, but I was hoping this thread could help us casual readers become more attentive, more cognitive of all the things a book can offer that we missed before. Perhaps raise the literary intellect of people like myself.
Any comments?
I also recognize that the majority of this forum is filled with people pouring out their emotions or practicing their artistic communication skills. That's great, and I enjoy reading that stuff.
But part of being a words forum, I would think, is to also work on being smarter about words. I'm wondering how well recieved it would be to have a 'book of the month' going in here. I have heard several BLers swapping books for personal enlightenment and education, and thought 'why limit it to so few people'. I've also reached a point where I no longer read because I have to, but because I want to expand my mind. Personally, I alternate between something that is entertaining and something that would aid my social interaction or career (kinda one serious, then fun, then serious, etc).
The point is that an entertaining book can offer something different to each reader. There are so many levels to be taking in the information, allusions to other aspects of life, symbolism and subtle commentaries. I propose the mods select a book and those with the time and inclination can read a novel and then come back and share insights and revelations. Readers can discuss the author's technique, and perhaps offer suggestions on similar works for those who become engulfed in a story or genre or style.
Just a thought. And I suggest a mod or two lead the story selection (or nominate a well respected member) to limit the flood of people shouting "Read this, I loved it." and also to screen the books a bit to keep out the fluff. Anyone can buy and read fluff, but I was hoping this thread could help us casual readers become more attentive, more cognitive of all the things a book can offer that we missed before. Perhaps raise the literary intellect of people like myself.
Any comments?
lol. Ive got a few books from suggestions off this board and never been dissapointed, VURT by Jeff Noon was a great read that I got off here. but I honestly cant think of any books to discuss, I generally read fantasy and those arent really the sort of books that can really have their content discused, theyre sort of no-brainers. however any suggestions would be good, I think we could make somthing decent out of this if anyone could come up with some decent books.
Nice job reid 
