Votes for the next book for a group read....?

Our Mutual Friend has been suggested as the next CD book, after we finish NN. How do people feel about that?

Fine with me (even though I am pitifully behind in my reading of NN.....:-((

Yes, I am fine with it and will start looking for a copy to purchase.

I'm happy to do Our Mutual Friend but maybe give everyone time to seek out a copy and to finish NN....

I am happy to read whatever people choose but I am still only half way through NN and give it 2-3 hrs a day on the audio book.

If you haven't "done" it already, I vote for Pickwick Papers. It's hilarious, endearing, full of memorable characters, and is, in my opinion, Dickens' best work. (And yes, I've read all the others.)

I am really open to all suggestions here as I want to read them all eventually. (As previously mentioned I have only read Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and now NN.) So I will defer to whatever the majority decides.

I finally got going with NN and, what can I say if not that.....I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Once again, as with all the other Dickens' I read, I am transported into his world and have real feelings for all the characters. I wish all the books I read could stir my feelings like that...

I've checked the shelf of Dickens we inherited recently, and I don't have the Pickwick Papers but I do have Our Mutual Friend - I'd definitely join in with a group reading of that if you publicise the start date.

Yes, let's go for Our mutual friend!!!!

So, is it Our Mutual Friend and when does it begin or have I missed this boat, too?

I have a copy on order, it should be here this week or next.

It arrived this morning! Should we set a date to start?

What about August 1?

That's good for me. Anyone else?

Sounds good to me.

I'm new to this and interested in doing this, but a little short on time lately. I see that this book is like 900 pages. What's the timeline for completing it for the group read and discussion? Will there be set assignments and discussions or just talk as you go along?

I actually read OMF a few months ago so I won't be taking part very actively. Just wanted to tell you that you are in for an excellent read. Enjoy!

#17> fannyprice, the group is really very flexible on the timeline. I don't even think we set one for Nicholas Nickleby, or did we?

No, there was no deadline for NN. I think we should remain flexible to include as many as possible. What do you think? :)

Sounds good to me.

Sounds perfect to me too!

Well, it looks like it's been two months since we chose OMF for a read. What's next, or did I miss the next book? I suggest David Copperfield, a Dickens I've never read.

Yes to David Copperfield, of course.

Of course most of us have read it but it improves with the rereading.

And besides, ya get ta meet Rosa Dartle again, the likes of which have never been written about by any author, anytime, anywhere.

Ya Rosa Dartle!

I have never read David Copperfield, either. Count me in! :)

David Copperfield!!!!! My favourite!!!!!!!!

I read David Copperfield earlier this year after Urquhart posed the question "Is there any book as good as David Copperfield?".... or something along those lines :) His question and the discussion that followed really piqued my interest!

I think you'll find David Copperfield so much more engaging & fun than Our Mutual Friend :)

So, what do you think, Urquhart, David Copperfield? (amazing Treasure Island by RLS comes up when I touchstone David Copperfield. Go figure.

I'm going to try to participate again this time! Does anyone have a recommendation on an edition that I should get?

Hi fannyprice ~

I found the Penguin Classic edition to be excellent (i.e it has very useful notes at the back). Its the one with the black cover (ISBN-10: 0140439447; ISBN-13: 978-0140439441).

It seems to me that we have 3 questions on the table:

1)Which book?
2)When to start?
3)How to discuss the book in a way that people will feel that we are all moving along and not spoiling it for anyone else.

My own suggestions are as follows:

1)Which book?>>David Copperfield
2)When to start?>>In One Month''s time...
3)How to discuss >>This is difficult and I believe it is impossible to please everyone. However, I think it can be very easily done ......Thematically.

That is one can discuss themes as you read the book without giving away the plot, or the actions of a certain character. Examples:

-Have you noticed yet in the bk that Dickens continually treats the topic of how the strong prey on the weak, of bullies and how much damage they cause?

-Or did you enjoy the humor in some such scene.

-Or were you schocked by his discriptions of man's inhumanity to man in the school scenes? Was it believeable?

Hopefully by speaking generally, we can allow people to proceed at their own individual pace.

Excellent suggestions, Urquhart.