Q3 Nonfiction! - Should we read 2 books this time?

MadArchitect

I didn't vote for any of the options, because, honestly, I don't know. That there are people showing interest in both books is a good sign, but I don't know if we could garner participation for both books. I think the worst case scenario would be that half the group would read and discuss one book, half the group would read and dicuss the other, and there'd be no real overlap between the two. To my mind, it's better for the site if the majority of us are reading the same book -- I'd rather see that than an even split not really interacting with one another. But then, it might not pan out that way.

I probably won't read the Dennett book any time soon -- I've read some negative reviews by reputable critics, and I'm pretty burned out on arguments for religion as a genetic anomoly. Beyond which, "Peace" is over 600 pages, which is more than enough to keep me occupied for most of the quarter. I guess the real test is to try running two discussions concurrently, but if you're seeing a lot of people saying that they'll read one or the other, and very few people saying they'll read both, then I'd consider whether or not that's really good for the community.

riverc0il

for the record, i threw in x3 votes for peace in the poll...

GOD defiles Reason · Sophomore Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 283 Gender:

Hmmm...

Your chad musta been hangin'

We may have to take this to court.

Chris OConnor

Riverc0il

Woops. You're right. I think I missed yours somehow. $:\$ So Peace won by even more votes.

Any other opinions on this matter?

JulianTheApostate · Sophomore Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 289 Gender:

I voted for two discussing two books. That should lead to more overall discussion, since less dedicated readers can discuss the book that interests them more, while fanatics like me can read & discuss both. Also, with a single book, someone who doesn't care for the selection might disappear for the quarter and never return.

FYI, I read Peace a couple of years ago and don't plan to re-read it. However, since I've read several Middle East history books since then, I should have plenty to say.

Chris OConnor

Quote:
Also, with a single book, someone who doesn't care for the selection might disappear for the quarter and never return.

To me this is the biggest benefit to offering two nonfiction and one fiction selection. More choices increases the odds that we'll have something to offer to those picky or selective visitors that stumble across our site. Well said, Julian.

tarav

I say let's do both.

Mr. Pessimistic

I now have both "Breaking the Spell" and "Peace to End all Peace" in my possession.

Mr. P.
::72

The one thing of which I am positive is that there is much of which to be negative - Mr. P.

Once you perceive the irrevocable truth, you can no longer justify the irrational denial. - Mr. P.

The pain in hell has two sides. The kind you can touch with your hand; the kind you can feel in your heart...Scorsese's "Mean Streets"

I came to kick ass and chew Bubble Gum...and I am all out of Bubble Gum - They Live, Roddy Piper

Loricat · Graduate Student Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 446 Gender:

Ah! New books in hand...what a lovely feeling. Mine are enroute.

::80

"All beings are the owners of their deeds, the heirs to their deeds."

Loricat's Book Nook
Celebrating the Absurd

Chris OConnor

Let's do both books this quarter and approach this as an experiment. Both books received plenty of votes so I don't see why we can't handle two books concurrently this next quarter. We'll take a new look at the multiple book format a few months into Q3. ::01


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