2018 Reading Group - January: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - *Spoilers from 25 January*

[Plentyoffishnets]

Hi, lots of interest on a different thread for starting a 2018 MN reading group.
Aim is to read one book a month, finishing by 25th of each month then discussing and selecting the next month's book.
For January we have gone for North and South by Elisabeth Gaskell.
So this thread is for those who want to join in, all are welcome

[OCSockOrphanage]

I shall download it forthwith. I have always intended to read Mrs Gaskell and not done so, so thanks for the spur!

[IrisAtwood]

I am finding this so easy to read. Although its not a thriller it is still compulsive reading.
I also had a look at this website which is fascinating: www.victorianweb.org/authors/gaskell/index.html
So much information about the period and about Elizabeth Gaskell. It has really developed my experience of reading the novel.

[IrisAtwood]

I forgot to add that there is a whole section on North and South too: www.victorianweb.org/authors/gaskell/n_sov.html

[TimbuktuTimbuktu]

I'm in. I have read this book a few times but it is a favourite so I will have another read through to refresh my memory.

[ClashCityRocker]

I'm relieved to find it's very readable!

Thanks for the links given the writer and her work a wider context too - I always find it helps me get more out of a book to read around it as I have a habit of just taking things at face value when reading.

[Forevertimes]

Downloaded and about to start.

[earlofhell]

on it, determined to read more this year.

[Plentyoffishnets]

this is great - I've just counted numbers and looks like there's 43 people on here and 30 on the old thread who haven't made it over here yet!
I ordered my copy off eBay a few days ago and am waiting for it to arrive. Hopefully will get here in time for me to read it.
this group has already given me the kick up the arse that I needed though- I started a book on 31st and finished it early hours of this morning (Insomniac!)
Want to start another but then if n and s arrives I'll feel the pressure!

[runwalkrun]

I'm in as well.
I downloaded it last night and am up to Chapter 6.
I agree with a pp that it's very Jane Austin. Reminds me a bit of Sense and Sensibility.

[PhoebefromFriends]

I found the free version and will start it once I finish my current book which might take a few days.

I'm new to this, I take it we all read it then discuss it on here on the 25th? How do the books get chosen?

I'm a bit excited, I gave up Netflix last year and it's helped me clear out clutter in my flat and read more, which can only be a good thing.

[Chillywhippet]

Welcome Run and Phoebe.

Phoebe, it's a new group so nobody knows how we do things and we are making it up as we go along

The other books on the suggested list from memory are Fatherland, Eleanor Oliphant and The Essex Serpent.

There was a question about spoilers upthread. So we decided no discussion until 25th of month but then do we try to have discussion without giving away all the plot? Not thinking of us but people browsing later? Or would that be too restrictive?

[PhoebefromFriends]

Thanks for the warm welcome Chillywhippet. I think it would be difficult to have a good discussion on the 25th without revealing spoilers but I'm interested what other people think, I'm sure we could work around it if the consensus is not to discuss spoilers.

[Littlepleasures]

Found it on my kindle. I’m in!

[ClashCityRocker]

Maybe when we get to the 25th we could ask MNHQ to add a spoiler warning to the title?

Or start a new thread on the 25th called something like 'MN book club North and South discussion - spoilers'.....

I think it would be hard to have more than a vague discussion about it after the date without spoilering.

[Plentyoffishnets]

I think that mn putting a spoiler alert on is a fab idea as i think it would be really hard to discuss the books without giving things away and would stop a full discussion.
I am not sure how's best to sort out the following months book choices. I guess coming up with a shortlist then everyone who has participated in that months thread having a vote would be one idea - but not sure where we could shortlist from?
It'd be good to read a variety of different book types - so this month's is a classic, we could do a more modern one, non fiction and other type of categories in sequence?
I think discussion of the book plus shortlisting and voting could be complicated if all on same thread- but may be hard for people to find if all on separate threads - argh! So it'd be good to know what everyone thinks.
My mum's book group has 6 months worth of books planned out so that could be another idea. Could pick 6 categories, shortlist for each type and then vote. if that was all on one thread it could work?

[runningoutofjuice]

Ooh glad I clicked this thread! Used to enjoy the MN swap book clubs but my group fizzled out. This looks more resilient Loved North and South and will enjoy re-reading.

[AiryFairy1991]

I would also like to join. I’ve never read it but loved the Richard Armitage TV adaptation . Have always meant to actually read the novel too!

[LucyLastik]

@Plentyoffishnets what about a link to an online poll?

www.strawpoll.me/

Posters could suggest books and they can be added to the poll?

[LucyLastik]

Or we could PM a volunteer with ideas and then they can create the poll.

[JuiceInAWineGlass]

I’m in! Just downloaded the book. Haven’t read much at all recently so really looking forward to having a book to get into (and a deadline!)

[mamapants]

Definitely need to discuss properly, if we are all trying not to reveal anything it would be really difficult to discuss. I'm fairly sure people will realise a book club thread will be discussing the book and stop reading before they get to the spoilers.
The choosing of books sounds really complicated, we need a random generator from a Pre compiled list or something otherwise will become really time consuming.
Is there a list of say ten recommended books in various genres on goodreads or something that can then be put in a hat?
Really enjoying the book so far, very engaging and easy reading with some nice descriptive writing, especially when they arrived in the North.

[IrisAtwood]

Anyone else bemused by the event between Margaret and Henry?
Were you convinced by Margaret’s thoughts about it after her conversation with her father and its consequences?

[ElizabethBennettismybestfriend]

Hi. It’s on my reading list for this year so I would love to join.

[Rockmeamaryllis]

Hi, I'm in. Just waiting for my copy from Amazon to arrive. Looking forward to reading it.

[KiteyDelighty]

I am downloading it tonight. Looking forward to joining in.