Christmas 2007 Reading Poll

You know I really made a mistake. I should have voted for "Human Comedy" - that is a really good book about the love of a family and a great Christmas story at the ending. I was the one to nominate it and I failed to vote on it. You all can be mad at me if you want.....sorry....

The reason I voted for "Fathers and Sons" was because I really wanted to re-read the book and when I saw it listed I thought - this is my oportunity. Anyway, whichever wins I will be happy to participate, if I can find the time with the holidays rapidly approaching.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Please, please, please, let us try something new and different this time!

---

Exactly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by motherhubbard

I mind a moldy ham sandwich once in a while, but I really don't want to read the Godfather.

---

Well in my opinion, "The Godfather" is a little too bloody and gruesome to celebrate the Christmas season. Personally I was surprised to see it on the Christmas reading list. I would not say this, unless I felt a little ill at the fact that "Fathers and Sons" has been attacked. That book is a 'masterpiece' of literature.

Quote:

---

Please, please, please, let us try something new and different this time!

---

Scheherazade, I don't mean this degragatorily at all, but could you back up this statement? I really did not understand it. I only noticed it now, when it was requoted, in the post prior to mine. I feel all books nominated would be good ones and I have to respect all the nominators in this case....to me that is only fair.

I don't think anyone is attacking Fathers and Sons.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by motherhubbard

I don't think anyone is attacking Fathers and Sons.

---

Well, I might have used a strong word there, but here is what was said and I am afraid I did take offense to it, considering it is a fine book.

Quote:

---

Fathers and Sons attracts me as much as a week old ham sandwich made with mouldy bread and mayo past its BBD.

---

It is true this is a personal opinion, but I don't think it should have been said until the voting was done. What if something negative was said about all the entries, I don't think that would seem fair or respectful. After the voting I think any opinions could be expressed, if people wished to do so, but now there is active voting going on. Just my own opinion. I don't want to annoy anyone but I really did not understand what was meant by "new and different". Does this mean that authors from another century should not be considered? I am miffed.

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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.

---

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ampoule

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. :thumbs_up

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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.

---

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*.:lol:
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.

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!!

Nobody for Holiday on Ice?:D

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

Fathers and Sons, what else? :)

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 :lol: :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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 :lol: :p

---

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

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).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by manolia

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. :thumbs_up to all nominations, right?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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 :lol: :p

---

Are you afraid of ban? :D

Manolia, yes; I am one of the Sons.

I voted for F&S too, as you know I am feasting on the Russian literature right now, so it is exactly for my current reading list and in addition I wanted to read some of Turgenev's works for a while. I hope I will menage with it though, yesterday I found out that the books i am currently reading could be arranged in two not very large (but not very small too) piles and I am in panic right now :D, especially after I am starting M&M tomorrow :D :D :D

The controversy comment caught my eye and I went back and read. I'm not sure what the problem is, this certainly isn't the first time that people have commented on nominations and probably won't be the last.

Papayahed, is something wrong?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bazarov

Papayahed, is something wrong?

---

Let's just drop all that today. I don't have time or energy for it and all of it is so unimportant now, quite silly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alexei

I voted for F&S too, as you know I am feasting on the Russian literature right now, so it is exactly for my current reading list and in addition I wanted to read some of Turgenev's works for a while. I hope I will menage with it though, yesterday I found out that the books i am currently reading could be arranged in two not very large (but not very small too) piles and I am in panic right now :D, especially after I am starting M&M tomorrow :D :D :D

---

Hi Alexei, You are unbelievable! Now you have 2 piles of books you are currently reading. You put me to shame! So glad you may be taking part in this book discussion. I really admire your concentration. I wish I had as much dedication and apparent energy, as you do. What book is M&M? :confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

What book is M&M? :confused:

---

I'm guessing Alexei is referring to the Book of the Month, The Master and Margarita (hence M and M :) ). It would make sense, anyway.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dori

I'm guessing Alexei is referring to the Book of the Month, The Master and Margarita (hence M and M :) ). It would make sense, anyway.

---

Thanks, Dori, yes - that would make sense.:) Probably exactly what she meant.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Hi Alexei, You are unbelievable! Now you have 2 piles of books you are currently reading. You put me to shame! So glad you may be taking part in this book discussion. I really admire your concentration. I wish I had as much dedication and apparent energy, as you do.

---

Huh, I can't believe it either. I just get too impatient, I hope the next time I decide to make stunts like this someone will tell me to stop and not being foolish :D I have no idea how I am going to menage with all this stuff :bawling: So now I am really ashamed :lol: :lol: :lol:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

What book is M&M? :confused:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dori

I'm guessing Alexei is referring to the Book of the Month, The Master and Margarita (hence M and M :) ). It would make sense, anyway.

---

Yes, I am sorry, I meant The Master and Margarita. I get used to writing/reading the title M&M in the Book Club December poll discussion. I read it a few years ago and I am impatient to reread it.

Hi all

I was going to try to actually participate in this for the month of December but I wasn't sure what the book is - does it say somewhere what we've decided on?

(I was going to try to do something on Lit Net other than post in games and blog about my cat so let me know)

Edit: Nevermind. I see the poll doesn't close until the 9th. I was thinking the vote ended in Nov for some strange reason. :goof:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shalot

Hi all

I was going to try to actually participate in this for the month of December but I wasn't sure what the book is - does it say somewhere what we've decided on?

(I was going to try to do something on Lit Net other than post in games and blog about my cat so let me know)

Edit: Nevermind. I see the poll doesn't close until the 9th. I was thinking the vote ended in Nov for some strange reason. :goof:

---

The book for December is The Master and Margarita. This poll is for the Christmas read.

Papayahed,

Shalot probably does mean the Christmas read; she voted on one of the books.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Scheherazade, I don't mean this degragatorily at all, but could you back up this statement? I really did not understand it.

---

I am not sure what "degragatorily" means, Janine, but I would like to state that I was simply expressing my unwillingness to read F & S at this point: I feel like reading something more recently written, not a "classic" in its traditional sense.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

It is true this is a personal opinion, but I don't think it should have been said until the voting was done. What if something negative was said about all the entries, I don't think that would seem fair or respectful. After the voting I think any opinions could be expressed, if people wished to do so, but now there is active voting going on. Just my own opinion. I don't want to annoy anyone but I really did not understand what was meant by "new and different". Does this mean that authors from another century should not be considered? I am miffed.

---

As you have stated, this is your opinion; however, I am, like all the members of this Forum, entitled to my opinion as well. Having said that, I did not say that F & S was not a good book; I simply said that it did not attract me (especially at this point in time). The fact that I am not keen on reading it does not mean I do not think it is a good book but even if I did think so, that would be my opinion and we would merely have to agree to disagree on the merits of this particular book.

During the book club polls, we always have (and will) discuss our choices and try to "encourage" each other to read certain books (even offer bribes!). These are, I would like to believe, very light-hearted banters and rarely affect the outcome of the polls or aim to offend anyone.

OK, now... Who feels like having some KitKat? ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scheherazade

I am not sure what "degragatorily" means, Janine, but I would like to state that I was simply expressing my unwillingness to read F & S at this point: I feel like reading something more recently written, not a "classic" in its traditional sense.As you have stated, this is your opinion; however, I am, like all the members of this Forum, entitled to my opinion as well. Having said that, I did not say that F & S was not a good book; I simply said that it did not attract me (especially at this point in time). The fact that I am not keen on reading it does not mean I do not think it is a good book but even if I did think so, that would be my opinion and we would merely have to agree to disagree on the merits of this particular book.

During the book club polls, we always have (and will) discuss our choices and try to "encourage" each other to read certain books (even offer bribes!). These are, I would like to believe, very light-hearted banters and rarely affect the outcome of the polls or aim to offend anyone.

OK, now... Who feels like having some KitKat? ;)

---

I wish you'd offered the KitKat before I voted.:bawling:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scheherazade

I am not sure what "degragatorily" means, Janine, but I would like to state that I was simply expressing my unwillingness to read F & S at this point: I feel like reading something more recently written, not a "classic" in its traditional sense.As you have stated, this is your opinion; however, I am, like all the members of this Forum, entitled to my opinion as well. Having said that, I did not say that F & S was not a good book; I simply said that it did not attract me (especially at this point in time). The fact that I am not keen on reading it does not mean I do not think it is a good book but even if I did think so, that would be my opinion and we would merely have to agree to disagree on the merits of this particular book.

During the book club polls, we always have (and will) discuss our choices and try to "encourage" each other to read certain books (even offer bribes!). These are, I would like to believe, very light-hearted banters and rarely affect the outcome of the polls or aim to offend anyone.

OK, now... Who feels like having some KitKat? ;)

---

OK, no problem. Sorry, I used those words 'degratory' and I forget the other one. I probably was just feeling grumpy that day and didn't like the thought of your moldy sandwich. But your statement was pretty funny and creative; I have to admit that. I was actually going to respond with a phrase like "I don't want to read a book that is a 'human blood-bath' at Christmastime", (that would merely be my opinion), but I really thought I was not allowed to say that, so I changed it. Seems I would have been more justified from what you explained above.
I didn't know about 'bribes' were allowed either; seems strange to me, but I will keep that in-mind from now on.
I guess I still have a little difficulty with your statement and your wording of the phrase - "let us choose something new and different". I underlined 'let us' not you. I am not sure they were your exact words, but I know they were close to that. It sounds like a command or at least a strong suggestion; I guess that is allowed though.

Scheherazade, when does the offical voting end? Some one mentioned the 9th, someone else mentioned the 10th to me. It will be fun to get underway with the novel.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

OK, no problem. Sorry, I used those words 'degratory' and I forget the other one. I probably was just feeling grumpy that day and didn't like the thought of your moldy sandwich. But your statement was pretty funny and creative; I have to admit that. I was actually going to respond with a phrase like "I don't want to read a book that is a 'human blood-bath' at Christmastime", (that would merely be my opinion), but I really thought I was not allowed to say that, so I changed it. Seems I would have been more justified from what you explained above.
I didn't know about 'bribes' were allowed either; seems strange to me, but I will keep that in-mind from now on.
I guess I still have a little difficulty with your statement and your wording of the phrase - "let us choose something new and different". I underlined 'let us' not you. I am not sure they were your exact words, but I know they were close to that. It sounds like a command or at least a strong suggestion; I guess that is allowed though.

---

Of course, English is my second language and I often make mistakes but I have always thought that "let us", used in this sense, expresses a suggestion and a wish rather than a command. Eg, "Let us have a cup of tea." or "Let us watch a movie tonight." When I said (quoting myself directly) "Please, please, please, let us try something new and different this time!", I was simply expressing my desire not to read another classic, another Russian book (since we are reading Bulgakov in December as well).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janine

Scheherazade, when does the offical voting end? Some one mentioned the 9th, someone else mentioned the 10th to me. It will be fun to get underway with the novel.

---

It depends in which part of the world you are but we have another 9 days to vote.

PS: What does "degratory" mean? I cannot seem to be able to find it in Cambridge online.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Of course, English is my second language and I often make mistakes but I have always thought that "let us", used in this sense, expresses a suggestion and a wish rather than a command. Eg, "Let us have a cup of tea." or "Let us watch a movie tonight." When I said (quoting myself directly) "Please, please, please, let us try something new and different this time!", I was simply expressing my desire not to read another classic, another Russian book (since we are reading Bulgakov in December as well).It depends in which part of the world you are but we have another 9 days to vote.

---

Ok, I will buy that. Perfectly stated. It does sound more like a 'suggestion' or 'wish', you are right. I can't really explain why I was thinking of 'command', so I will just drop it...hardly seems important now...probably was not important then, either. Let 'peace' reign.
Sorry, you are reading another Russian author presently. Thanks for the voting time update.

Scheherazade, I never knew English was your second language - you write so fluidly. That is wonderful. I always admire the people who learn several languages and really master them. I have enough trouble with proper English!

Quote:

---

PS: What does "degratory" mean? I cannot seem to be able to find it in Cambridge online.

---

That is because I spelled it wrong ;) ...I am a terrible speller! I would rather we just drop that, too, if it is ok with you. I don't think I was feeling well the other day, so maybe I was being too tiresome or irritable. I seriously now think your original 'moldy sandwich' statement is funny and clever. You just stated your opinion, as it came to you, spontaneously.

I voted Fathers and Sons. I have always wanted to read this novel!! School will be out and I will yet again be on a plane for the holiday so I am hopeful I will be able to participate.

Oh, you guys... :(

Better go and order F & S.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scheherazade

Oh, you guys... :(

Better go and order F & S.

---

We still have 5 days....I'm holding out that everybody is going to rush the polls for "Holiday on Ice" in the last hours:D .

I have ordered F & S but since I am finishing the book I have been reading, I will read Behind the Scenes at the Museum meanwhile and that's that! :-/