Forgotten Classics and Other Lesser Known Books (or No One Has Read this but Me!) discussion

Nominations are now open for our September selection. Usual rules apply (I have tidied this because I think that having two categories that may overlap is too confusing!)

Rules
1. One book per person and the nominator must lead the discussion
2. Must have 5,000 ratings or less
3. Nominated books must be 10 years or older (cut off 2008)

Note that since the group is now being "managed" on a more informal collective ad-hoc basis, this thread may extend beyond the September discussion if there is a reasonable degree of agreement.

I will start by carrying forward the nomination from Erato for Beyond the Rocks by Elinor Glyn

I nominate Blues for Mister Charlie , a 158 page play loosely based on the murder of Emmit Till, by James Baldwin. It has an average rating of 4.04, but only 1,433 ratings and far fewer reviews.

If we're doing 'seconds' I second Blues for Mister Charlie... sounds like something that ought to be more widely read.

Maybe let’s do a poll in late July with the nominations members make through say July 15, and we’ll slot the 1st, second and third place “winners” for September, October, and November? Just an idea that I’ve seen work well in another group with small numbers and good, consistent participation... thoughts?

Sounds good to me.
Just note that July is a popular month for vacations, so please leave the poll open for at least two weeks and send out announcement and reminder. :)

Sounds good to me

And Dont forget Erato's nomination "Beyond the Rocks" by Elinor Glyn. Forwarded by Hugh - see post 2.

Could I please nominate Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze

Ooh, Cordelia, that looks so interesting... and it would take me quite far out of my comfort zone, which would be terrific!

Cheryl wrote: "Ooh, Cordelia, that looks so interesting... and it would take me quite far out of my comfort zone, which would be terrific!"

Yes. I think it looks absolutely amazing too

I second the Uninvited. Read the book, then watch the movie.

Cordelia wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "Ooh, Cordelia, that looks so interesting... and it would take me quite far out of my comfort zone, which would be terrific!"

Yes. I think it looks absolutely amazing too"

I read this with the Literary Darkness Group last year and was glad I did. It’s squarely in my wheelhouse, though, so no surprise.

Given that we'll be voting for 3 months, e.g., our top 3 winners will be read in September, October and November, I propose that we permit each member to nominate 2 books.

Yes, sure, as it happens, I'd nominate The Death of the Gods by Dmitry Merezhkovsky, if I can add a second nomination.

Thoughts?

I am not sure more than one per person is a good idea - it is hard enough to keep track of future reads as it is...

May we set up the poll? Since we have only 5 nominees, perhaps we take our top two vote-getters and designate them for September and October (ideally, the October choice is horror/creepy/gothic)? We can also carry over to our next poll in October any nominated books that don't "win" but get at least two votes. A mere suggestion.

It might be helpful in increasing awareness and participation to start sending out a DM to group members when we set up a poll. I'm not a big fan of leaving a poll open for more than a week because I'd like to see members have at least 3 weeks to obtain a book, but that's just my one opinion.

Yes. I agree. We should set up a poll. Sept and Oct should be good and then later take it from that point.

All,

I set up a poll for September only, because I could figure out how to do that. I did not include The Uninvited because we want to read it in October, the Month of Creepy Group Book Reads. I hope this is okay with everyone. I was concerned that inaction was getting us so close to month-end that we wouldn't have a September group read plan, so am seeking forgiveness rather than permission.

Also, because it's so late in August and people need time to obtain the book, this poll ends August 20th. Vote early and often, if you plan to participate.

Please comment on whether we want to:

(a) designate The Uninvited our read for October and tee up our next poll, late September, to select our November read, or
(b) solicit nominations for October specifically, to be included in a poll with The Uninvited?

I could go either way. I'd be perfectly delighted to read The Uninvited without considering alternatives.

Sandy wrote: "Carol wrote: "All,

I set up a poll for September only, because I could figure out how to do that. I did not include The Uninvited because we want to read it in October, the Month of Creepy Group B..."

There is an annoying feature of polls - if you create one and don't click the button to feature the poll on the group home page, it appears at the bottom of the list instead of the top. I have just edited the one Carol created and it is now at the top of the list.

I have to admit that I have not been giving this group much attention recently - I would be happy to assign moderator rights to anyone who wants to take a more active role, and I am quite tempted to assign them to the most frequent contributors regardless.

I'm happy with "The Uninvited" for October

Sandy wrote: "Carol wrote: "All,

I set up a poll for September only, because I could figure out how to do that. I did not include The Uninvited because we want to read it in October, the Month of Creepy Group B..."

I’m sorry, Sandy. I should have at least shared a link. I was moving a bit too fast earlier this week.

Hugh wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Carol wrote: "All,

I set up a poll for September only, because I could figure out how to do that. I did not include The Uninvited because we want to read it in October, the Month of ..."

Thanks, Hugh. Who knew?

One more day to vote — if anyone who plans to participate in a September group read and discussion hasn’t done so. Here’s a link to our poll:

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/2...

Our group read for September is Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze, a fast and interesting read. Get your copies now if you plan to join us — September 1 is right around the corner and Black Wings generally isn’t found at one’s library.

Hugh wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Carol wrote: "All,

I set up a poll for September only, because I could figure out how to do that. I did not include The Uninvited because we want to read it in October, the Month of ..."

@hugh - I don't believe I have access to this button to feature a poll, and am endeavoring to feature poll #15, for our November read, created earlier this pm.

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

I've reviewed the poll creation form several times and looked for info in group mod tools and guidelines on the home page as well. It's, of course, always possible that I'm looking right at it, so if you can direct us after you fix it, or if you think I'm able to adjust it, I'm glad to with some direction on where exactly the box is located.

Thanks in advance for your guidance and help!

Carol, I have updated it for you. It is possible that you need moderator rights to feature it.

Hugh wrote: "Carol, I have updated it for you. It is possible that you need moderator rights to feature it."

Thanks, Hugh.