SA reads discussion

Hi all, we have a tie for our January poll between Kill Mandela and Firebolt. Additionally The Sabi is annihilating the competition in the February/ March poll.
My suggestion would be to rearrange things so that all three books can be read- like January through March, but I would like the authors and group members to suggest the order.
Whichever book is second to The Sabi on the feb/ March poll can be read in May.
For April, since SA is celebrating 20 years of democracy , we though that reading an autobiography about a struggle hero would be apt- but that's a discussion for later.

Please post your thoughts about the above announcements here.

Then, I need to announce something, I need to take a sabbatical from this group to focus on my studies, my finals are in March and May. Adelle will be leading, every member is encouraged to post topics and welcome new members and lead discussions; I may have started the group, but it is yours. will be around though and may join in from time to time.
All the best

All the best for your exams, Lisa. Thanks, Adelle - you have my full support. Let me know how I can help.
As my book is one of those being considered, I would prefer not to contribute to the discussion as to which book is reviewed when.

My recommendation would be to reopen voting for 48 hours and appeal to members who have not voted to vote. There are 66 Members and only 15 have voted.

Hey, I've been appealing almost daily for the past week- into inboxes.
Wondered about putting all three on a poll- book that wins is January, second is February, third is March?

I haven't voted from lack of knowledge. I rely on the natives to lead and I shall follow.

Lisa, I enjoy your voice and while I understand your taking a break from the moderator job, I do hope we will hear from you not too infrequently.

The other possibility would be for John and Adrienne to both lead discussions in January on two separate threads. And we keep the Sabi in Feb. Thoughts?

My vote would be to have a poll of the three works and then use them for January, February, and March. Hope that you can still pop in now and then, Lisa! :-)

I'm keen on that too Sarah. Anyone else?
Although our group is bigger, the people who participate regularly, and some newcomers, have voted.

Sorry Lisa I responded without thinking! I will go with the flow! Also will miss you on here but will think about you and pray for success in your finals.

Thanks Irene, your suggestion is a good one, which is why I tried it. Then two people would vote nod the tie would remain. I like the tie though, it shows enthusiasm for new authors.
Thanks for your prayers. Will sort this out then hop out.
And still asking for an April volunteer:-)

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/1...

Hi all, this is the link for the tie- breaker poll.

Finished Firebolt yesterday- really enjoyed it.

After our sad, sad news last night, I wondered how the group would feel about reading A Long Walk to Freedom in January, as attribute to our Tata.

Great suggestion, Lisa. Depending on how much the group is enjoying Jock, I would even advocate replacing Jock with ALWTF for December. I feel the need to immerse myself in Mandela's legacy right now, while my heart is sore and open. Jock can always be brought back at a more appropriate time for the group.

So this is the plan for next year, please critique and suggest

KILL MANDELA in January with John Mountford
The Sabi in February with Diane Brown
Firebolt in March with Adrienne Woods

Then in April:
It's 20 years of democracy
We lost Tata Madiba last week, but even before this the moderators were thinking about Long Walk to Freedom, from the feedback last week, I'm sure most people agree.
John has agreed to lead this discussion but multiple leaders would be most welcome.
I'm wondering if this should be read of April & May

Lastly May (or June)
Kringe in 'n bos came second to The Sabi for Feb/March. If I do not include this book in my planning I may annoy my fellow moderator and she doesn't stand for nonsense...
Adele is most likely to lead this discussion, again volunteers are welcome and it will be discussed in English.

For leading a discussion:
Create a thread with the book title
Then it's up to you, you can add anything that's interesting plus weekly discussion threads. There is no right or wrong way to do a discussion thread, different people have different styles.

I second the above reading plan.

Thanks Irene,
I'm excited because there's some awesome books but I know I'm unlikely to join in:-(

Good plan. I'm in.

One of the moderators will send a group reminder about a week before each discussion, were the only ones able to bulk mail.
The first three books are all on amazon and kindle (kalahari seriously needs to get a clue), I'm not sure about libraries. ALWTF is widely available. Circles in a Forest may be hard to source- libraries etc.

Sounds good, Lisa. I would vote for two months to do ALWTF.
I understand from the above that myself, Diane and Adrienne will be leading the discussion on our own books. Is this correct?
I will make KILL MANDELA kindle version available as an Amazon countdown from Dec. 25th; I will do a Goodreads giveaway during January as well.

Thanks John,
Yes I asked each of you who if you would like to lead your own books. I think it will broaden our mindset, digging into the author's mind.
The amazon countdown and giveaway sounds wonderful.

Looking forward to Kill Mandela! Not sure if I'll be able to get the others, but I hope to at least join in next month!

Has anyone read "The Housemaid's Daughter"? I just marked it to-read and realized it was written by a South African author, Barbara Mutch, and that it is set in SA. Exciting! Perhaps we could read it sometime during the second half of 2014! :-)

Sounds like a touching story Sarah. With your previous literary studies in mind, you may enjoy The Sabi.

I would like to read it; it sounds great. It will just depend on my financial status at the time, since the Ohio libraries don't have it (or Firebolt). I am completely broke right now after buying Christmas gifts. Lol!

Just a reminder that our January group read, KILL MANDELA, will be available on an Amazon Kindle Countdown deal from 25th December till the 31st. It is best (cheapest) to get it on the first day, the 25th.
I am also happy to make it available in any other format anyone may want - PDF, MOBI, E-PUB etc. Let me know.
I am doing a Goodreads giveaway for the month of January 2014.
I would be grateful if you could spread the word for me as well amongst your friends. Thank you!

John, I will send this kind offer out when I send the reminder later today.

Great! Looking forward to reading your book John. Who will be leading the discussions?

Thank you, Adele. I will be leading, and will post some thoughts and guidelines as soon as we are done with Jock. You are a brave girl!

Right, I am running amok on goodreads! And NOT studying. I am going to remove it from my tablet and only check once or twice a week.
Please all, questions and issues to Adele or Cecily because it will now take me longer to answer.
I will try to join in on the book discussions, have read the books.
Peace

I just need to write up a reading plan of dates.

I will check in on Fridays.

And the plan for february to june please?

It's up. Separate thread. Under Group reads 2014- Discussion Schedule 2014.
I've hit panic stations.
Will email the concerned individuals.