World, Writing, Wealth discussion

And is every good book worth discussing?

I do like discussing good books I've read, but I've found that discussing online can be frustrating. I can ask a question or make a point and, when I come back to the discussion, there's no response as there would be in real life. The next poster just goes on to post his/her point of view.

Scout wrote: "I do like discussing good books I've read, but I've found that discussing online can be frustrating. I can ask a question or make a point and, when I come back to the discussion, there's no respons..."

Understand the feeling. It's probably less frequent on book specific dedicated threads...

I love to discuss books, but GR has proved to be a disappointment in that aspect. Maybe it works better for people who read bestsellers, but not for the stuff I read. The threads for specific books can be interesting, but too many of them are clogged up with trolls who didn't like the book and want to harass people who did. One series I enjoy is very popular and for discussion of those books I prefer to go to fan specific sites. Right now I am engaging in a re-read project with the emphasis on the arc and development of one certain character which is quite scholarly and in-depth.........really enjoying it.

Do you discuss read stuff afterwards?

Yes, but not on Goodreads. I have a good friend who swaps recommendations with me, and we discuss the books. If not for him, I'd have no one to discuss with, as most of my friends don't take reading seriously. On Goodreads, you might want to discuss a certain aspect of the book and then the next post sends everyone in a new direction. Very unsatisfying. In person is best.

I think I'm more likely to read GR reviews than to enter into discussions of books on Goodreads. The exception would probably be GR groups devoted to classics, Jane Austen or Conan Doyle. I'm really not into group reads on GR, mostly because I've got a few books on my own TBR pile at any given time, and that takes priority.

I don't do group reads or "pick it for me" on Goodreads. Like others said, I've got my own stack of books I'm working through. I've also noticed that a lot of these "celebrity driven" book clubs (Jenna Bush Hager, etc) just seem weird to me. I mean, would she read a book I recommended? I think I am willing to try anything, prefer fiction, but it's more about stuff I don't read - extreme violence, etc.

As a reader, if I fall in love with a book or series and know one of my adult family members (usually my kids) will like it, I tell them about it and often buy it for them. Generally, my daughter will like what I choose for her in sci-fi. A close friend, who died last year, it was the same for other genres. They know I have to be really wrapped up in it and impressed to talk about it or buy it so they read it. In general, most people I know don't read the sci-fi I do.

Writing about a book in GR or elsewhere, just takes away from my reading time. If I truly wanted to write about it I would put the effort into writing reviews instead of trading thoughts in posts that often go off in other directions, as Scout mentioned.

Feel free to discuss your current reads here :)