I belong to 2 book groups. We do not read "currently popular" books; how curious that one would think that would be a de facto requirement of a book group! Each of the groups I belong to has a different but democratic procedure in place for choosing books. We read plays, poetry, short stories, classics, new titles, fiction, non-fiction, etc. We have very rarely ended up reading a book that has qualified as "chick lit" (whether "currently popular" or not), and when we do, I don't mince words about how I feel about it. The point of the group is to have a vigorous discussion about the merits of a book, its relationship to the body of literature, to history, about translations (if applicable), to our other readings, etc. I have only once set aside a book and did not finish reading it, finding it lightweight, poorly written, and manipulative--and I did say so.

i finish most books that i start, but i have no trouble stopping one if i really don't like it!! it is interesting how some books really appeal to some people and not at all to others! one of my fav books is crime and punishment- probably only because i took a class in college that analyzed it in depth and reading it that way was really amazing!! i loved it and read it a couple of times-- but, i'm sure that i would have put that book down if i had just picked it up and started to read it...

Thank you Ann. Our local library seems to be getting rid of older books at an increased rate in order to make room for digital readers(computers) and related materials.

Hi everyone, I started the discussion threads for August. Unfortunately I haven't finished either book yet but I can look up some discussion questions when I get home. If anyone wants to jump in and get it going, please feel free!