NYRB Classics discussion

What should our book be? And just what method should we use to answer that question?

I kind of think that we need a champion each month, someone who will prep a few top posts to build up the read and who will work to keep the conversation going. I don't want anyone to feel obligated or to feel like a failure if things don't work out, but I do think some guidance in that direction is always helpful. So, perhaps we can get some volunteers or nominations? Or some other ideas?

As for books, it being October, perhaps something scary-ish? The two books of "cosmic horror" that NYRB Classics is releasing this year are both published on October 6. I've read Shadows of Carcosa , and I'm about 60 pages into The Rim of Morning . I'd love to group-up to share thoughts on The Rim of Morning, and I'd be happy to lead that discussion if it comes to that.

The Rim of Morning is composed of two novels (each about 225 pages or so), the only two novels Sloane ever wrote. Again, I'm only about 60 pages into the first, but it's been fun.

Trevor wrote: "I kind of think that we need a champion each month, someone who will prep a few top posts to build up the read and who will work to keep the conversation going. I don't want anyone to feel obligate..."

The only problem is that the more complicated it all gets then the more that people are put off from joining in. I'm not sure what the answers are really. I'll have a think though.

I'm not that interested in Shadows of Carcosa as a group read, The Rim of Morning would be ok but I've noticed that it's not available in the UK until the end of November so it would be difficult for me. After listening to your podcast I've got to say that I'm interested in reading Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village, especially as it ties in with other books I've been reading lately.

I'd second Akenfield, Jonathan, and would be able to contribute the discussion throughout.

I haven't jumped in here because I won't be around for the first part of October and may have a time catching up in the second half of the month. But I was going to say, Trevor why don't you just pick one this month, and it looks like with Akenfield that might just work. I think Akenfield has been somewhere in the periphery of my vision practically forever, but somehow I've never read it.

Let's do Akenfield, then! I will get the thread going in the next couple of days!

Great. I will try to get on board towards the end of October. I wonder if you want to do a blanket invite to other NYRB enthusiasts, as I don't know who actually sees this thread if they haven't been following along.