December / Bulgakov Reading Poll [Archive]

Scheherazade

11-02-2007, 06:03 AM

Please vote for the Bulgakov book you would like to read in December by November 30th.

The aim of the Book Club is to read and discuss new books together with other members.

Please try to avoid from voting for the books you have already read and/or do not intend to (re)read with us.

The Heart of a Dog (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heart-Dog-Panther-Mikhail-Bulgakov/dp/1860466400/ref=sr_1_2/202-3597701-9886222?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193997260&sr=1-2)

A Country Doctor's Notebook (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Country-Doctors-Notebook-Mikhail-Bulgakov/dp/1860461654/ref=sr_1_7/202-3597701-9886222?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193997260&sr=1-7)

The Fatal Eggs (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fatal-Eggs-Modern-Voices/dp/1843914115/ref=sr_1_8/202-3597701-9886222?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193997260&sr=1-8)

The Master and Margarita (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-Margarita-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141187794/ref=sr_1_11/202-3597701-9886222?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193997260&sr=1-11)

Book Club Procedures (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?p=57103#post57103)

B-Mental

11-02-2007, 06:39 AM

I've never read anything at all by Bulgakov, so count me in. Regardless of which book is chosen, you can count me in on this month.

Alexei

11-02-2007, 07:10 AM

I have read only "The Master and Margarita", but I am planning to reread it this year. I would prefer to read one of the others but no matter which one it is I will read it. I will wait with my vote for a while, because I am not sure which books are available to me in the moment. I know I have all his works, but the problem is that they are in Russian and I have to check which one I have translated since I can't read Russian. The only one I know for sure is "The Master and Margarita".

bazarov

11-02-2007, 12:40 PM

I planned to reread Master and Margarita, so they got my vote.

Virgil

11-02-2007, 01:10 PM

I have never read Bulgakov and i have wanted to. Unfortunately I have to finish Don Quixote first. I don't think I will by next month. But we'll see.

Scheherazade

11-02-2007, 01:23 PM

M&M is the only Bulgakov book I have read and I would like to read something different this time.

Alexei

11-02-2007, 02:11 PM

M&M is the only Bulgakov book I have read and I would like to read something different this time.

Yes, me too. That's why I have to search a lot through my library :)

manolia

11-03-2007, 06:20 AM

I voted for M&M too..(sorry sher :p )..it is a book I bought a while ago and was planning to read it much later but it is always a nice experience to read books and discuss them ;)

Alexei

11-03-2007, 06:24 AM

It seems like M&M will be the book after all, but I will vote for one of the other.

bazarov

11-03-2007, 06:31 AM

I've read recently his short novel Black Snow and I can't say I was very pleased. But, that's not on the list so I really don't know why I wrote this...

Alexei

11-03-2007, 06:37 AM

I've read recently his short novel Black Snow and I can't say I was very pleased. But, that's not on the list so I really don't know why I wrote this...

:lol: well, that's an opinion. I would be really disappointed if I decide to read something else and it isn't on the level of my expectations. After M&M I have serious expectations.

bazarov

11-03-2007, 06:41 AM

Well, yes; that's a serious problem. So I don't want to take any risks!

Idril

11-03-2007, 10:21 AM

I've read recently his short novel Black Snow and I can't say I was very pleased. But, that's not on the list so I really don't know why I wrote this...

I've read 4 of his novels, including Master and Margarita, Heart of A Dog and Black Snow (the other being White Guard which is about the Russian revolution and Civil War. It takes place in Ukraine so it's a slightly different perspective and it's incredible!)...anyway, my point was, out of those 4, Black Snow was easly the least impressive so don't let that worry you. He's really a much better author than that book would suggest.

Scheherazade

11-03-2007, 12:10 PM

I voted for M&M too..(sorry sher :p ).. I see...

I think I will take out my KitKat box for future voters! ;)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3066/kitkatns2.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kitkatns2.jpg)

Alexei

11-03-2007, 12:15 PM

I finally voted for "The Heart of a Dog". I am not sure if it really matters, the votes now are for M&M and I suppose this wont change till the end.

Scheherazade

11-05-2007, 06:59 AM

Come on, boys and girls! Let's move out of our comfort zone and read something different (ie other than M&M)

B-Mental

11-05-2007, 07:03 AM

Umm, how is that within our comfort zone?

thelastmelon

11-05-2007, 07:09 AM

I've never read Master and Margarita, so it's not a comfort zone for me. I'd gladly read it.

Scheherazade

11-06-2007, 06:17 AM

Umm, how is that within our comfort zone?Like this:
Well, yes; that's a serious problem. So I don't want to take any risks!:p

Seems like M&M is the most popular Bulgakov book and everyone is willing to read that one rather than giving his less known books a try. :)

B-Mental

11-06-2007, 06:24 AM

I honestly hadn't heard of any of these books, and seeing how I was the first one to vote, just picked one...because you wouldn't let me vote for book club regulations....I didn't think everyone would follow my lead....I'm so sorry...*runs off and sniffles in the dark closet under the stairs*.

Scheherazade

11-06-2007, 06:53 AM

I knew it was all your doing... With all your talk about M&M and chosen one!

*locks the closet door and throws the key into the well in the back garden*

B-Mental

11-06-2007, 06:56 AM

Lqtm!!

Boris239

11-07-2007, 10:54 PM

Why "White Guard" is not included in the list? It is a bit less known than "M&M" but it absolutely brilliant. Btw, the play "Day of Turbins" that is based on "White Guard" was Stalin's favorite and was probably the reason Bulgakov didn't end up in Gulag or worth.
I voted for "Heart of the Dog" because I know "M&M" by heart- I read it both in Russian and in English, and actually did some research on it.

Scheherazade

11-08-2007, 07:13 PM

Why "White Guard" is not included in the list? Even though Bulgakov has other "good" books, I am trying to limit the number of books included in the polls because more options usually means that no book gets the majority vote. So, we are trying to include couple of more popular works of the authors (amazon's commentaries are a good guide for this).

applepie

11-08-2007, 11:40 PM

I had to go with The Fatal Eggs. I'll be interested to see how the book plays out if it wins.

Boris239

11-09-2007, 12:20 AM

Even though Bulgakov has other "good" books, I am trying to limit the number of books included in the polls because more options usually means that no book gets the majority vote. So, we are trying to include couple of more popular works of the authors (amazon's commentaries are a good guide for this).

I am not sure about amazon's commentaries but it is a fact that "White Guard" competes for the second most popular Bulgakov book in Russia ( with "Heart of a dog") being superceded only by "Master and Margarita"

bazarov

11-09-2007, 06:36 PM

Today I bought golden hard covered copy of Master and Margarita, so I hope it will win!:banana:

Pensive

11-10-2007, 04:55 AM

Anyone else for The Heart of a Dog? It's a bit short and is available online.

Idril

11-10-2007, 11:20 AM

I am not sure about amazon's commentaries but it is a fact that "White Guard" competes for the second most popular Bulgakov book in Russia ( with "Heart of a dog") being superceded only by "Master and Margarita"

And just from personal experience, I would agree with Boris. White Guard is incredible. Heart of a Dog is a wonderful, scathing satire, I laughed out loud on several occasions but White Guard is so heart wrenching and it was fascinating to see the Civil War from a different perspective. It doesn't quite have the scope of Master and Margarita, it's just a different kind of book but I think if you're a Bulgakov fan, you have to read this book so even if it isn't on the list, if you like whatever book is chosen for the book club, go out and buy this one and read it on your own, you won't be disappointed.

Boris239

11-10-2007, 05:16 PM

If M&M is chosen there is a very good site for non Russian speakers to better understand the novel

http://cr.middlebury.edu/public/russian/Bulgakov/public_html/

There are descriptions of various themes, characters, soviet realities, etc.

Scheherazade

11-14-2007, 06:05 PM

It is so close! Come on, folks; I need to order my book before we start reading!

manolia

11-15-2007, 06:29 AM

What?!?! A tie?? Scher i bet this is all your doing..:lol: you've been giving away chocolate, haven't you?

Scheherazade

11-15-2007, 06:31 AM

:brow:

B-Mental

11-16-2007, 11:25 AM

I never know whats gonna happen with work, so I am going to go out and buy the two leading novels....I am hoping I like them too.

Scheherazade

11-16-2007, 01:30 PM

I will wait for another week before I place my reservation requests at the library.

Etienne

11-16-2007, 02:16 PM

Ok I voted for Heart of a Dog (I was the last voter, damn me) I'll take back my vote. Even though I already read M&M I'd like the discussion on this book.

Scheherazade

11-16-2007, 02:23 PM

Hi Etienne (there is a character named in the book I am reading at the moment as well! :)),

There are some on-going discussions on M&M already if you would like to have a look:

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12896&highlight=margarita

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27565&highlight=margarita

manolia

11-18-2007, 03:03 PM

Someone plz break the tie :D

bazarov

11-19-2007, 03:42 PM

Ok I voted for Heart of a Dog (I was the last voter, damn me) I'll take back my vote. Even though I already read M&M I'd like the discussion on this book.

I don't see his vote in Master and Margareta section :lol: Scher, you have rights to solve Manolia's problems. :lol:

Etienne

11-19-2007, 06:09 PM

I don't see his vote in Master and Margareta section :lol: Scher, you have rights to solve Manolia's problems. :lol:

yes, yes, I'm switching my vote! You guys hadn't realised yet?

bazarov

11-20-2007, 04:17 AM

yes, yes, I'm switching my vote! You guys hadn't realised yet?

OOOOOO, he realized but he don't like the result of that! :lol:

Etienne

11-20-2007, 11:29 PM

Do you think I made the forum book club crash? :p

Walter

11-21-2007, 05:57 AM

You all have definitely convinced me that I should read White Guard. But, first, I know I want to finish M&M because I already know it has some great scenes in it, actually fantastic in the literal sense of the word. Started it twice; third time will be the charm.

Scheherazade

11-22-2007, 10:45 AM

Anyone else for The Heart of a Dog? It's a bit short and is available online.You've heard Pensive, folks!

Think of all those members who do not have access to a hardcopy and vote for something that is available online!

:D

PS: Vote changing is not technically possible, I am afraid!

Pensive

11-23-2007, 04:18 AM

You've heard Pensive, folks!

Think of all those members who do not have access to a hardcopy and vote for something that is available online!

:D

:lol:

Thanks for the support, Scher (now get some KitKats ready and that would be even more appreciated :D )! There is still a tiny flicker of hope left in me. :p

Walter

11-23-2007, 09:12 AM

The little blue bird's wings seem to be going faster. :)

plainjane

11-24-2007, 12:46 PM

Between the lot of you I have been convinced to order both Master and Margarita and White Guard. :D
It'll be an interesting discussion!

bazarov

11-27-2007, 06:00 PM

I am already on page 80. :D

Scheherazade

11-27-2007, 06:58 PM

I am already on page 80. :DOf The Heart of a Dog, no doubt!

:D

Walter

11-27-2007, 07:15 PM

Making progress here toward a Dec. 1 start. Finished this afternoon on third try. YAY! Going to look at those links.

manolia

11-28-2007, 05:08 PM

I am already on page 80. :D

Of The Heart of a Dog, no doubt!

:D

:lol: :lol: :lol:

80 pages :eek:

Scheherazade

11-29-2007, 06:41 AM

Going once...

bazarov

11-29-2007, 09:42 AM

80 pages :eek:

It's 150 by now. What? Too slow? Too fast? Or should I wait December?

Pensive

11-29-2007, 10:25 AM

Seems like would have to find Master and Margarita now! *bawls*

The little blue bird's wings seem to be going faster.

Do you notice a slight shiver in them at the moment?

I am already on page 80.

Of The Heart of a Dog, no doubt!

:lol:

manolia

11-29-2007, 03:46 PM

It's 150 by now. What? Too slow? Too fast? Or should I wait December?

Too fast!! Geez...i have only read the cover page :lol: :lol: I am a slow poke :D

thelastmelon

11-30-2007, 01:53 AM

Too fast!! Geez...i have only read the cover page :lol: :lol: I am a slow poke :D

I haven't started either. I must finish the book I'm reading right now before I even think about it.

bazarov

11-30-2007, 05:36 AM

I started, and then I just couldn't stop!

Boris239

11-30-2007, 10:48 AM

Well, I usually read "M&M" at least once a year (usually much more often)

Scheherazade

11-30-2007, 02:05 PM

Going twice...

manolia

11-30-2007, 02:09 PM

I haven't started either. I must finish the book I'm reading right now before I even think about it.

Hehe. Nice. That makes two of us :)

I started, and then I just couldn't stop!

Well, I usually read "M&M" at least once a year (usually much more often)

It must be a great book :) Can't wait to start :D

motherhubbard

11-30-2007, 02:21 PM

I had to go with The Fatal Eggs. I'll be interested to see how the book plays out if it wins.

me too, but unless 14 people suddenly show up and vote with us we don't stand a chance

thelastmelon

11-30-2007, 04:17 PM

me too, but unless 14 people suddenly show up and vote with us we don't stand a chance

Haha. :p Good luck.

motherhubbard

11-30-2007, 04:47 PM

M&M looks good too, but I like the short ones so I can get more in. I'm one week away from a short freedom and I've been working on my reading list in the back of my mind. I'm so excited!!