Classics Without All the Class discussion

We all have a formidable challenge ahead of us for our May book, Anna Karenina. The purpose of this thread is to all brainstorm on how you each intend to tackle this Monster Mash of a Classic. For example, will you start reading it now and read one chapter a day? Or will you begin in May and dedicate yourself to reading it by end of month?

We will not discuss actual content here as we will only discuss how we intend to approach completing the novel.

Remember, anyone can eat an elephant...a little bit at a time.

I tend to get frustrated if I read one book for too long. So, I will plan on beginning this book in April, so I can take breaks in between and read something else for a breath.

That is a smart idea, Angie. My edition is 900 pages. Having started it on March 1st, that is 90 days to complete it so I only need to do 10 pages per day. of course, hopefully I will Get into it so that won't be an issue, but it's good to know there is no pressure with 10 pages a day.

I could use some encouragement to read this one! I've tried it a few times before and just found it tiresome.I think I reached a saturation point with novels about - adding a spoiler here just in case though I think this is obvious from the blurbs - (view spoiler)[unfulfilled, unhappily married rich women and their affairs (hide spoiler)].

But I know it's a true classic, and I would like to want to read it. Fans of the book, or those who are looking forward to it - can you share some of your enthusiasm with me?

LaLaLa Laura wrote: "That is a smart idea, Angie. My edition is 900 pages. having started it on March 1st, that is 90 days to complete it so I only need to do 10 pages per day. of course, hopefully I will Ger into it ..."

I like this idea. I think I will do this strategy with you. And if I get into it, woohoo, I can read more than the 10.

I've read this and my opinion was it was like the age of innocence only 3 times as long. I read it in 3 days to get it over with. Good luck to all

I read this straight through and finished in less than a month. It felt like such a huge accomplishment afterward!

I have a nibbling-away-policy when it comes to monster reads :D. I'll probably start early in April, small bit everyday will get the book done in a month or so. I do multiple reads at a time so that I don't get bored. I'll pick some funny or short reads to go along with AK.

The length of the book does not appeal to me whatsoever. I tend to shy away from such lengthy reads. I am not compelled by the story enough to tackle it. My game plan, therefore, is to enjoy some other book and be happy! :)

I do hope all who take it on enjoy it. Not every book is for every reader.

Robert wrote: "The length of the book does not appeal to me whatsoever. I tend to shy away from such lengthy reads. I am not compelled by the story enough to tackle it. My game plan, therefore, is to enjoy som..."

I like it, at least you are honest.

I will probably alternate from reading and listening on audiobook.

I actually already started reading it for a different group, but other books have taken my attention so I'm expecting to finish by May or maybe even before because I'm already about half way done.

I'm thinking I may even do a "cram session" where I read as much as I can for a certain time period.

For instance, I may read for a few hours straight and shut off the TV and cell phone.

I will mainly stick with doing a little at a time but I may do this once just to see how much I can accomplish.

I just wanted to remind people even if you've previously read the book, please feel free to discuss it on the forum in May. The more, the merrier, of course!

To be honest, I am not sure how I'm tackling this. Maybe swapping off between audio and ebook. Definitely only a bit at a time as my Tator/podcast/mom responsibilities tend to eat into my reading time. Thankfully I have a great support team. :)

Audio will probably be my game plan. I really want an abridged print version for my first time around. Reading an easy version and then the full version is a tool I use with the LitKids and I have tried it a few times for myself when life was busy. I am a slow reader. The first time I read Les Miserables I read a kid's version. The second time was a good abridged version and then the full blown 1600 page version a few years later. Reading is hard for me. So, by getting the skeleton of the story in place on an easy version makes my reading experience is more enjoyable on a longer version. I went on Amazon looking for a solid abridged version and the only ones there were audio books. If I listen to the audio version I'll go ahead and get the unabridged.

I'm going to start it on March because I'll have more reading time during the holidays. I hope to tackle probably half of the book. And from then on I'll just continue until the end of May.
I'll read it in Spanish by the way. That will also make it easier for me.

I know what I'm going to say is not a game plan, but it's more of a comment/suggestion. I really liked it when we broke up the Life of Pi to parts, and put our comments accordingly. I was thinking maybe if we start by breaking up threads for such a big book, it might help members following through and encourage them to read on.

I have been sticking to my 10 pages / day plan and it's working thus far! :)

Marwa wrote: "I know what I'm going to say is not a game plan, but it's more of a comment/suggestion. I really liked it when we broke up the Life of Pi to parts, and put our comments accordingly. I was thinking ..."

Hi Marwa! We will be doing this for all the upcoming books except short stories (e.g. this month's Sherlock stories). We are not opening up the discussion threads for Anna Karenina, however, until May due to previous complaints that it made it confusing and detracted from the books we were supposed to be reading for the given month as in Sherlock for this month and Brave New World for next. I'm glad you like the format of breaking up the book, though. Lots of people agree with you.

Karena wrote: "Marwa wrote: "I know what I'm going to say is not a game plan, but it's more of a comment/suggestion. I really liked it when we broke up the Life of Pi to parts, and put our comments accordingly. I..."

That's great. And I totally understand the confusion caused by opening threads earlier than the month assigned for the read. Thanks a lot, Karena.

I started Anna last night. I know it's just March 7 but my boys go on chorus tour in April and my oldest son has graduation in May after which we are going to Florida to rest:) I have always wanted to read this book and knowing the group is reading it too motivates me. Therefore, I'll get it done in small bites.

Thanks for understanding, Marwa! :)

I just looked in to see if anyone else was considering starting early! I'm glad to see I won't be the only one!

Right now, I plan on pushing our reads up. I finished The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes last weekend. I've just placed a hold on A Brave New World at the library -so it's a guess when it's due back. Our little library is not really strong on classics so it's kind of funny to me that the one I want is actually out! So, all this considered, I think I will be starting Anna at the end of March/beginning of April.

At first when it was chosen I wasn't that keen, since I am also taking part in the 50 book challenge this year. However, I've been able to keep up my usual pace this year and am now on my 19th book for the year. Because of that, I'm feeling like I can tackle a door stopper of a book!

Great job, Valerie. keep us posted on your progress!

I;m opting out of the May read as I'm just not going there. Not yet anyways. Anna can wait.
But I run a book club on Facebook and I've made May non-fiction month so Ill be digging into lots of true stories as opposed to classic literature.

I think for those of us who need inspiration, we should okay the Rocky theme song! Eye of the tiger, man! Eye of the tiger!

play* not okay. hahaahaaaa

understood Tanya. still feel free to participate if u can!

good luck with your book club!! :)

Thanks :)
And it's absolutely no disrespect towards the group. I was just waiting for a month that I would opt out to do a non fiction month for myself, this happened to work out well for me.

sounds cool. keep us posted on what you're reading and how it is.

Anyone start our May selection yet ?

Good god, no. lol

But that's just because for the sake of podcast discussions I have to read the books in order of when we're doing them. Starting BNW this week. Hopefully can keep my mind from wandering.

Tanya wrote: "I;m opting out of the May read as I'm just not going there. Not yet anyways. Anna can wait.
But I run a book club on Facebook and I've made May non-fiction month so Ill be digging into lots of tru..."

I'll be reading some non-fiction in April too. Going to read, Into the Wild. It looks so good!

I just got this ordered from my library (I prefer to read paper copies), so I'm not sure what my game plan will be yet. I guess it depends on how long it takes to get to me!

As a fun side note, I spotted this while looking for AK: Android Karenina. Must be by the same people who did Pride and Prejudice and Zombies :)

CassieV wrote: "I just got this ordered from my library (I prefer to read paper copies), so I'm not sure what my game plan will be yet. I guess it depends on how long it takes to get to me!

As a fun side note, I..."

That's pretty awesome. If anyone gets the time to read it after AK, it would make a great comparison thread.

Anna Karenina has been on my "to-read" list for quite some time, but I just haven't taken the time to actually read it. When I found this group, I saw that it was about to read and I am looking forward reading it with all of you. I have just ordered the book, and I hope I will start it as soon as it arrives in a few days. This probably gives me enough time.

I am like Ali, I decided to listen to an mp3, use an eBook and get a hard copy. That way I can read wherever I am &whatever I'm doing. I'm also researching Saint Petersburg and Moscow so I can envision what they look like while I'm reading. Finally I started March 15th and have figured out how far along I should be every week. Hopefully, I will finish by the end of May :-D

I listened to it an audio from the library last year and that was the only way I could get through it. The audio was great, IMHO.

Having read this have downloaded it so I can make an early start! Read War and Peace years ago and can remember having trouble with all the names. May need to rewatch the video!

I just started the audiobook (the BBC version, with David Horovitch reading) because I thought it could be a bit of a slog, but it's turning out to be a masterclass in narration and I'm totally hooked. Another great choice CWatC-ers.

Martin wrote: "I just started the audiobook (the BBC version, with David Horovitch reading) because I thought it could be a bit of a slog, but it's turning out to be a masterclass in narration and I'm totally hoo..."

I just ordered the Horovitch narration myself, based on the sample. Sounds like I chose well! I'm looking forward to getting started on this one.

I've already read this. The book is in two parts. At the end of part one it wanders off into political boredom. Wade your way through it then take a book break if you need to. I nearly gave up and I'm glad I didn't because part two is better.

Well, I finished Brave New World yesterday. I have a book to read for another group I am loosely participating in.... then Anna. I suspect I will begin sometime next week, which will then give me a good long time to read it and hopefully still stay on track!

just checking in on everyone's progress so far. May hasn't even started yet so don't sweat it. we can do it!

I am only a few chapters into it. I am liking it so far. I need to make a plan/figure out what my chapter goal should be for the week. I feel as though I haven't put much of a dent in it.

Angie wrote: "I tend to get frustrated if I read one book for too long. So, I will plan on beginning this book in April, so I can take breaks in between and read something else for a breath."

Same here! I'm so glad we voted for this one for May's reading.

I'm done with Part I already and it's really good. It was soooooooo worth the vote :)

I finally was able to sit down and start today. yay! Since it's April 16th, I'm feeling confident I'll be done in time for our next read! I'm on pg 46, only 750+ to go.....

I've been meandering through. I need to figure out a daily page and/or chapter goal to keep me on schedule now though. I thought I was going to be a lot farther by now. Just have had other projects going on.

yeah I think it helps to have a schedule. but you already have quite a packed schedule, Miss Anna Karena :)