Frankenstein. Best book ever. I taught it a few years ago as part of women in lit course. It’s a fascinating work that has a lot going on in the background between Percy Shelley and Mary.
I am really enjoying War & Peace especially given world events. I bought the book after Putin's invasion and then felt daunted by its sheer size when I went to start it. I fortuitously Googled 'why should you read War & Peace' and stumbled across your post of nearly the same name. I signed up in April and had quite a lot of catching up to do, but it was totally doable given the pace of the assignment. I'm now up to date and really enjoying the weekly posts which give great insight, observations and historical context (more links welcome in that area!). I would definitely pursue this project again with another book. I have never read "Frankenstein" and with all the recent political references, that would top my list, but the others all seem good as well. Thank you Jeremy!
Thank you! Good point about the history content ebbing and flowing in the book. I admit to knowing little to nothing about the Napoleonic wars so this project is very educational along with being entertaining.
I like the idea of multiple books throughout the year and would sign up again next year for The Big Read! What are the options for the book you are undecided on? You could always send out a poll to the current Big Read Subscribers to see what book would be preferred out of a list of options you have curated? Added benefit to those already subscribed!
Great idea! I'd love to do a classic non-fiction book by a woman. Eleanor Roosevelt, Nellie Bly, and Maya Angelou are on my list . . . I'm still exploring though. I'm not sure I've found the perfect title yet.
This years read has been amazing. My first read of Tolstoy and not disappointed. Following your commentary and additional outside tidbits has added to the enjoyment.
Your list of books for 2023 is great. Familiar with titles via many venues but have it read. Looking forward to it.
Will you do another round of war and peace starting Jan? If so I’d love to sign up for that. Wish I could for these books but grad school this semester is priority. :(
Hi Tatiana! I won't be doing another "formal" round of War and Peace, but you could always sign up and still go through it week by week — the recaps will always be available here on the site.
Good idea of multiple books throughout the year, May sign up again next year for The Big Read! An inspiration to all of us newcommer sto serializations of books. Thanks
I would definitely join you for multiple books in the Big Read for next year--great idea. Two of the potential books you listed are on my TBR list anyway (Lonesome Dove and Count of Monte Cristo).
Really enjoyed being apart of the first BigRead in 2021. Looks like an interested list of titles. My wife really enjoyed MonteC and encouraged me to read it. I must confess I've been holding out hoping to go through it with this group! As a primary NF reader- excited to see what you pick. Will definitely look forward to details on how to join next year. Great Mid-Year "tease" Jeremy Enjoy the remainder of WP everyone.
Love the idea of multiple books and Lonesome Dove being one of them. Missed having the War and Peace weekly recaps and info. Started Nicholas and Alexandra based on your recs. I’m all in for 2023!
Absolutely adore The Count of Monte Cristo. Even bought a kids version in audiobook for my elementary aged kids to listen and it was a hit, they won’t soon forget the story of Edmund Dante.
I started reading War and Peace maybe ten days ago, after joining the discussion a few weeks ago. I have always wanted to read it and the measured sections followed by discussion make it almost easy. Surprisingly I enjoy it and generally read more than I need to. I am trying to catch up. I think I will enjoy next year’s books too. I did read East of Eden in 1968 and was not impressed. Probably I’ll have a different perspective now.
Thank you for your good idea to run a reading group, Jeremy Anderberg.
Frankenstein. Best book ever. I taught it a few years ago as part of women in lit course. It’s a fascinating work that has a lot going on in the background between Percy Shelley and Mary.
I am really enjoying War & Peace especially given world events. I bought the book after Putin's invasion and then felt daunted by its sheer size when I went to start it. I fortuitously Googled 'why should you read War & Peace' and stumbled across your post of nearly the same name. I signed up in April and had quite a lot of catching up to do, but it was totally doable given the pace of the assignment. I'm now up to date and really enjoying the weekly posts which give great insight, observations and historical context (more links welcome in that area!). I would definitely pursue this project again with another book. I have never read "Frankenstein" and with all the recent political references, that would top my list, but the others all seem good as well. Thank you Jeremy!
So glad you found The Big Read and that you're enjoying it! With Napoleon coming up, there's a lot more contextual information coming. ;)
Thank you! Good point about the history content ebbing and flowing in the book. I admit to knowing little to nothing about the Napoleonic wars so this project is very educational along with being entertaining.
I like the idea of multiple books throughout the year and would sign up again next year for The Big Read! What are the options for the book you are undecided on? You could always send out a poll to the current Big Read Subscribers to see what book would be preferred out of a list of options you have curated? Added benefit to those already subscribed!
Great idea! I'd love to do a classic non-fiction book by a woman. Eleanor Roosevelt, Nellie Bly, and Maya Angelou are on my list . . . I'm still exploring though. I'm not sure I've found the perfect title yet.
A female author, non-fiction or fiction, would be great.
This years read has been amazing. My first read of Tolstoy and not disappointed. Following your commentary and additional outside tidbits has added to the enjoyment.
Your list of books for 2023 is great. Familiar with titles via many venues but have it read. Looking forward to it.
Glad you've enjoyed it, Jean!
I'm loving reading War & Peace and looking forward to next year's list!
Yay! Glad to hear it, Virginia!
Will you do another round of war and peace starting Jan? If so I’d love to sign up for that. Wish I could for these books but grad school this semester is priority. :(
Hi Tatiana! I won't be doing another "formal" round of War and Peace, but you could always sign up and still go through it week by week — the recaps will always be available here on the site.
This is a great idea, I loved the first round of War and Peace and I'm so looking forward to this!! Can't wait!
Good idea of multiple books throughout the year, May sign up again next year for The Big Read! An inspiration to all of us newcommer sto serializations of books. Thanks
I would definitely join you for multiple books in the Big Read for next year--great idea. Two of the potential books you listed are on my TBR list anyway (Lonesome Dove and Count of Monte Cristo).
Definitely in for 2023, will keep an eye out for when to sign up!
Really enjoyed being apart of the first BigRead in 2021. Looks like an interested list of titles. My wife really enjoyed MonteC and encouraged me to read it. I must confess I've been holding out hoping to go through it with this group! As a primary NF reader- excited to see what you pick. Will definitely look forward to details on how to join next year. Great Mid-Year "tease" Jeremy Enjoy the remainder of WP everyone.
Love the idea of multiple books and Lonesome Dove being one of them. Missed having the War and Peace weekly recaps and info. Started Nicholas and Alexandra based on your recs. I’m all in for 2023!
Huzzah! Thanks Derrick! I'll be glad to have ya back.
Super excited to participate in mini-big reads!
Glad to hear it Stan!
Absolutely adore The Count of Monte Cristo. Even bought a kids version in audiobook for my elementary aged kids to listen and it was a hit, they won’t soon forget the story of Edmund Dante.
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it! That's a great idea.
Cannot wait! I've been catching up on War and Peace and it has been such a delight.
I started reading War and Peace maybe ten days ago, after joining the discussion a few weeks ago. I have always wanted to read it and the measured sections followed by discussion make it almost easy. Surprisingly I enjoy it and generally read more than I need to. I am trying to catch up. I think I will enjoy next year’s books too. I did read East of Eden in 1968 and was not impressed. Probably I’ll have a different perspective now.
Thank you for your good idea to run a reading group, Jeremy Anderberg.