Christmas 2007 Reading Poll

[amalia1985]

I have read almost every book of the list, here, and they are all in a class of their own, trully unique, and real gems of Literature.

I voted for Fathers and Sons, because I have a paricular fondness for Russian Literature, I love this novel for many reasons, but I don't want to tire you with them.

[Janine]

I have read almost every book of the list, here, and they are all in a class of their own, trully unique, and real gems of Literature.

I voted for Fathers and Sons, because I have a paricular fondness for Russian Literature, I love this novel for many reasons, but I don't want to tire you with them.

Hi Amalia, I see you voted. I had been wondering if you were going to do the Christmas read. Wow, you have read nearly all the books on the list; that is truly impressive! I voted for "Fathers and Sons", but then I thought maybe "Human Comedy" would fit the time of year; being about a close family and the 'ties that bind' and the ending deals with Christmas specifically. "Fathers and Sons" certainly did impress me, when I read it years ago. I have never forgotten certain aspects of that fine story, plus it gave me a few chuckles throughout concerning the generation gap. This was one of my father's books and I one day resurrected it from my basement. Was I glad I did.

I think we have a number of good nominations, don't you?

[ampoule]

For some strange reason my 'fer real' bookclub, Prose and Cons, takes a break in December, so, if I may, I would love to join you. I've read quite a few of the books listed and the rest I think I will read whether they are chosen or not. I voted for the Human Comedy for selfish reasons I suppose. I spent many years in the San Joaquin Valley and that's where my parents live today.
I would like something on a lighter side for the holidays but I will be happy to ready whatever is chosen.
I guess I should have read the rules first. I will look for them.

Fifth...thank you for the heads up on The Christmas Mystery. I'll definitely try to find that one.

[Janine]

ampoule - I don't see your vote in "The Human Comedy" - are you sure it went through?

Glad you are joining our reading/discussion group. It should be fun and interesting.

[Dori]

If Fathers and Sons wins, I'll be reading Russian novels for both of the book clubs which I participate in (The House of the Dead by Fyodor Dostoevsky, my nomination, won at my other book club).

[ampoule]

Thank you Janine. I guess I didn't hit 'vote now', but now I did.

[Quark]

I thought Fathers and Sons was a great novel, but it seemed more about generational shift and the difference between radicals and conservatives than it did about family. The Corrections is a book very much about family, and the plot centers around a Christmas plan. I have to give it my vote. Besides, I like Franzen's stuff too much not to vote for it. His books are usually intelligent and charming in their own way. Well, the first two were somewhat boring, but The Corrections certainly deserved the National Book Award. I hope it wins. I wish I could vote twice, though.

[Janine]

Thank you Janine. I guess I didn't hit 'vote now', but now I did.

I have done that with posts. Glad you could vote at last.

I thought Fathers and Sons was a great novel, but it seemed more about generational shift and the difference between radicals and conservatives than it did about family. The Corrections is a book very much about family, and the plot centers around a Christmas plan. I have to give it my vote. Besides, I like Franzen's stuff too much not to vote for it. His books are usually intelligent and charming in their own way. Well, the first two were somewhat boring, but The Corrections certainly deserved the National Book Award. I hope it wins. I wish I could vote twice, though.

Quark, what you say is true and now I have been actually re-thinking my choice of vote, but like you, I know I can only vote once - no cheating ; program won't let you anyway -*The electronic eye knows all*.
I didn't know anything about the book "Corrections" - now it does sound interesting and of course, it is too soon to predict which book will win. I think I might have voted on "Human Comedy" and I gave my reasons in another post. But your book seems to center around Christmas and family and that would have been nice. It is a hard choice this time. I feel torn between different books.

[amalia1985]

I will join the discussion in any case. I voted for F&S, but I love every book in the list, and I cannot wait for us to begin!!

[papayahed]

Nobody for Holiday on Ice?

There's a crisp dollar bill for anyone that votes for it.....

[bazarov]

Fathers and Sons, what else?

[manolia]

Baz, i am thinking of voting for F&S too..but i'll do so only if i am sure that i'll find the time to participate I am thinking of poor Scher..it's like we have combined forces to disappoint her

[Janine]

Baz, i am thinking of voting for F&S too..but i'll do so only if i am sure that i'll find the time to participate I am thinking of poor Scher..it's like we have combined forces to disappoint her

manolia, it would seem that way, but I have said nothing to anyone participating in the voting as to what to choose. It just seems we all think alike. I just laughed to myself that Bazarov voted for F&S; isn't his user name one of the characters in the book?
I guess, knowing the time limitations of the holiday season, I would prefer to see a shorter read win. Otherwise, I don't see how I can particapte either fully, but I certainly will try to.

[manolia]

manolia, it would seem that way, but I have said nothing to anyone participating in the voting as to what to choose.

Don't worry Janine i know you didn't
I am just joking since we will be reading Master and Margarita for the December read . I don't usually vote if i don't intent to participate to a reading hence the joke
Besides i only noticed the last two pages of this thread just now so i wasn't aware of the controversy.
Bazarov's nickname is from F&S (i haven't read the book but i am acquainted with its contents).

[Janine]

Don't worry Janine i know you didn't
I am just joking since we will be reading Master and Margarita for the December read . I don't usually vote if i don't intent to participate to a reading hence the joke
Besides i only noticed the last two pages of this thread just now so i wasn't aware of the controversy.
Bazarov's nickname is from F&S (i haven't read the book but i am acquainted with its contents).

manolia, I know you were just joking; just not sure others did. I read the book F&S, probably about 10 yrs ago, and I recall being impressed with it, at the time. I do recall that it is not a difficult read and it goes quickly enough; it is not a long book, either. I think you would enjoy it, if you could fit it in, but let me say that in this list there are other good choices, as well. to all nominations, right?