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Our 2023 series group read ends this month with The Last Orphan. It’s been an extremely challenging year for me personally and I’m still recovering. My apologies for not keeping up with the discussion questions and I’m fully committed to finishing them for this series because these stories were SO GOOD! I might abbreviate the number of questions but will provide context to jog your memories.

I see others who are attempting to catch up on their group reads and am suggesting we take a pause until the new year. Before I open that up for recommendations, I thought it might be prudent to check in with you to get your thoughts and opinions. You are all great members and I value you and your participation.

Some random thoughts to consider��.

�� One or more series at a time?
�� Shorter series (10 books or less?)
�� Maybe vote on a genre first and then nominate series?
�� Perhaps give participants two months to read a book or alternate �� series if we do two instead of one?

All suggestions/questions/recommendations welcome! Much gratitude for your infinite patience this year.

I'm glad we're taking a pause until next year. Seems like I have a few too many group reads this year.

I don't care what size the series is. It can be five books, ten, even twenty. Just so I can get my hands on the books.

I'd like to stick to one series per ŷ������ group. But, I do like the idea of alternating between series if we do more than one.

I don't really participate in the series anymore, not as much time for me, so not sure if my voting will count but I do like pick a genre first and then series afterwards. And I like two months to read a book as I might actually be able to participate that way.

I'm with Robin. I don't care the size. One series is plenty. We started more series after or author of the month reads, and it's hard. I've been better at just saying no, but then I feel like im missing out. Reading troubles. Lol. Especially if you're in multiple groups.

Thank you! Your input is helpful. It felt like doing more than one series at a time became too much, at least it did for me. And, looking at others who are in some of my other groups, I sensed the same. So many seem to be getting behind and that starts feeling like pressure. Takes the fun out of reading.

Allowing two months for each book…is that a preference?

I'm good with two months. Especially if it a book you have to wait for from the library.

I too am not concerned about the length of the series. I also agree that two simultaneous series are a bit overwhelming, and I like the idea of a book every two months which allows people to catch up.

I'm happy to pick a genre and then a series.

If we did 2 months to read a book, I think I could participate. The length of the series doesn't matter as much as the time to get it read. Good point about the library wait time, Shelby.

Yes I agree with 2 months to read a book, I don't mind how long the series is.

I'm often not able to participate because of too many group series reads and being over committed. But I love group discussions on series and would have a better shot at participating if it was only one series at a time per group. And I like the idea of allowing two months per book. It would help alleviate the feeling of always being behind and feeling like you have to rush through books. Frankly, it's taken some of the joy out of reading for me. It's definitely a plus to know the genre before you pick a series imo.

I'm with Vicki, I'd like to vote on genre first then select the series. I love the group reads and would vote for one series and one book a month. I like to read the book close to when the questions are posting. The Oldtimers makes the details fade if there is too long a time between reading and the questions.

What if the questions could go up in the first month? Would that be a good compromise?

That would work.

Thanks, Anita. Now that I’m keeping pace with current reads, I can keep that commitment.

I really like the idea of two months to read a book, for all the reasons listed above. Plus, sometimes reading books in a series too close together takes away that sense of anticipation for the next book.

I'm in the minority, but I would like some thought as to the series length - maybe alternate long and short series?

Like the idea of questions being posted the first of the month.

Jonetta, thanks for all you do! It's greatly appreciated!

I like the idea of a shorter series personally. 10 books or less seems more doable somehow, much less of a huge commitment. I definitely do like the idea of one series at a time. :)

Thank you everyone! Your feedback is immensely helpful. I’ve loved our years of book discussions and don’t want that to end.

Here’s my takeaway:

1. One series at a time
2. One book every other month (two months for each book)
3. Vote on a genre, then solicit nominations
4. Post discussion questions during the first month

Most of you don’t have concerns about the series length but maybe be mindful of that when posting nominations (that okay, D.L. and Jo Ann?).

Let me know if I missed anything.

I’m going to work on a broad genre list for consideration. Once we align on that, we can start that voting process. It would be nice to have our next series selected by the end of November to give everyone enough time to secure them from libraries.

Looks good to me. Thank you, Jonetta, for all your work. The discussion questions make reading so much more fun.

Thanks, Anita. I’ve missed them.

Here’s the proposed genre list. Any changes or questions?

Contemporary Romance
Contemporary/Womens Fiction
Historical Fiction/Mystery
Historical Romance
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Science Fiction
Horror
Romantic Suspense
YA
Paranormal/Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Sounds good to me, thanks!

What about Paranormal/Urban Fantasy as a genre?

Oops! Knew I missed something.

Are we ready to vote on genre?

I'm ready

I just thought I'd add my two cents worth, as one of the older readers, I'm sure. My memory is shot and I'm a fast reader. As long as I have the book in hand, I can read even a Karen Rose book in two or three days. But if I had to wait weeks to answer questions, I would not have a chance.

It's fine with me to add to my reading from other sources. If the group chooses paranormal, I usually won't care to read an entire series of that. Science Fiction and Horror are not genres I usually read, unless the author is terrific and the book "takes" for me.

Still, I realize I am in a very small minority, so I'll keep reading -- whatever it takes :-)

Ready to vote!

Charlene wrote: "I just thought I'd add my two cents worth, as one of the older readers, I'm sure. My memory is shot and I'm a fast reader. As long as I have the book in hand, I can read even a Karen Rose book in t..."

Charlene, I’m mindful of those who plan to read the book quickly and that’s why the questions will be created in the first month.

I tried to be comprehensive in listing the genres. Knowing this group, I think the chances are high we will collectively choose a genre that most of us will embrace😏

The poll is now open!

/poll/list/1...

For some reason, my notifications are sporadic right now. This is the first time I have read this thread.

I like everyone's comments and input. I'm on board with whatever works for everyone. I love the discussions because the group often makes me see the story or characters differently.

I need to catch up, too so the pause is perfect. It seems this was a bad reading year for many in the group.

I am okay with any length of the series selected. However some smaller series are nice every so often. Also, having two months will work better for my pocketbook. I need to wait longer to get books from the library these days. I'm not sure what changed locally. Also, the two month pause will allow me to catch up on series that I started reading outside the group reads.

Sharon, when Overdrive/Libby got rid of that recommendation feature, it really messed stuff up for me. I used to be first or near the top of the wait list. And, I’m noticing the library is purchasing fewer copies, even when the queue is outrageous. Not sure if the publishers have changed their pricing models or what but both of these factors are wreaking havoc for me.

Thanks for weighing in!

Thanks Jonetta. I noticed fewer copies especially audio books. It is frustrating. I'm wondering if they cut back because the Covid quarantine is ended. Maybe they thought people would stop using the library online services. I'm going to stop by our local branch this weekend with questions.

If you learn anything, please share.

I'm slowly learning how to use Libby. Not a fan, but I'm adapting. If you want to "recommend" a book, search for it with the full title and the author's name. If it comes up tag it as "Notify Me". I've had good luck so far with this.

Example: Karen Rose's new book "Cheater" publication March 25, 2024

Search: Cheater Karen Rose

I don’t use Libby…still on Overdrive.

The first round of voting has ended and the top five have advanced to the final round. Voting will end on December 7. Here’s the link:

/poll/show/2...

And the winner is��.

Lucas Davenport by John Sandford!

I’ll get the topics up shortly.

Sounds good. I've read some of the books in this series, it will be nice to start at the beginning instead of the current release every four or five years.

I’ve only read the first book but have collected all of them!