I may have let my irritation for the suburban book clubs choose my language.
I've been to some of those and they are mostly full of housewives who only came for a chat and often haven't even read the books.
So I thought of the B3ta BC - minimal off-subject waffle, thoughts directed to the matter in hand.
Is that too much to ask?
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 10:52, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

Yes.
I read about 5 books a week but I have no interest in discussing them with other people. Also, it would take away valuable time that could be spent reading or posting about biscuits. And it would bug the hell out of me when people pointed out the goddamn obvious.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:02, Reply)

Then I do not ask it of you.

( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:09, Reply)

Five books a week?
And you don't even talk about them? That's well aspergers.
(The Boy Monders I have ginger bits in my beard., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:15, Reply)

I know - exactly the sort of reader whose opinion I would love to hear.
Meh!
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:18, Reply)

But why would I want to talk about them?
The pleasure of reading is that it's a solo actvity - escapism.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:20, Reply)

It can be more than that.
You read in one day what the author took possibly a year to write. Do you ever wonder if perhaps there were unfathomed depths to the book you swam so quickly over? That's where another reader's thoughts might be of value. And another reader would value your opinions.
A focussed circle should draw out so much more from a book.
Just saying.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:31, Reply)

nope
people who read fast don't necessarily skim. When I'm not at uni, I read five or six books (fiction) a week and I personally feel that I get them properly.
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:40, Reply)

Next time you're at Uni
perhaps you could pop over to the EngLit dept and tell them they're wasting their time.

Come on Amberl - tell us a good book to read!
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 11:55, Reply)

the English students don't need me to tell them
they're wasting their time, especially not when I do History. I'm with CHCB though. It's perfectly possible to read fast and well

What sort of books do you like and I'll recommend some.
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 12:30, Reply)

Hey, I just started Memory Keeper's Daughter on a friend's recommendation.
I'm prepared to start anything if you say it's worth it.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 12:37, Reply)

so many books so little time
I just reread Italo Calvino's 'If on a Winter's Night a Traveller' which as always was excellent, and for light fantasy reading, anything by Robin Hobb is fantastic. Though her recent Soldier Son trilogy was disappointing compared to her previous output
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 12:49, Reply)

Did it ever occur to you that I am perfectly capable of reading fast AND understanding things?
I don't skim, I read. Maybe I'm just quicker and more able than you.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 12:21, Reply)

Yes, Good, and possibly.
So share. Or not.
It's not compulsory.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 12:34, Reply)

I'm opting for not.

( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 9 Mar 2010, 13:37, Reply)

And we'll be the poorer for it.
If there is ever a 'we'!
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 9 Mar 2010, 14:54, Reply)