UK Book Club discussion
Genre Challenge 2011-12
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Introducing the genre challenge

I'd have liked to do the historical

Yes, me too. I seem to be getting in to it recently. As I used to read almost entirely non-fiction, I like the mix of fiction with non-fiction. Have also managed to find HF authors that link into my interests or preferences.
Ho hum. Maybe next year! Having picked up a copy of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell I am burining to read it, so have chosen MR (now I know what it means after last month's debate...sort of).

Actually it could be a toss up between the 2 as i've just managed to pick up copy of that too. Not sure what genres that would fit into.
Was a bit dubious it might just be very dark - but dipped in & it made me smile! Am intrigued now!

Yes, me too. I seem to be getting in to it recently. As I used to read almost entirely non-fiction, I like the mix of fiction with non-fiction..."
I read


The Book Tief was a great read moved me to tears in parts. But I have to say i don't share the enthusiasim for Jonathan Starnge i found parts of it really entertaining but it was a real struggle in some parts its a long book.

Was hoping the Genre Challenge poll might make my mind up, as particularly JS may take up quite a lot of my month's reading. Neither will fit into a pocket for carrying around with me & quick reads on passing benches!
[Yes! Yes! I know what my Kindleista friends will say to that, thanks!!]
But looking at the GC running I'm not sure I can shoe-horn either into "Comedy"! So I think it's got to be the magicians...or maybe the thief...hmmm!

Was hoping the Genre Challenge poll might make my mind u..."
I think it depends on what kind of a read you want! As I said I loved both books, but equally I think they could both be described as 'challenging'. The Book Thief for it's subject matter. Jonathan Strange for the sheer size of the thing - I won't lie it took me a while to get into it but I'm glad I stuck with it.
If I had to choose out of the two, I would probably rate The Book Thief higher, as Dave said it was a really moving book and I think the author handled the subject material really well, giving how dark it could be. Not sure if this will help with your decision at all!!

Was hoping the Genre Challenge poll might ..."
Thanks Abi. The truth is I'll end up reading them both...now just need to decide which first...! :)


Strey wrote: "Thanks Susan, Abi & Dave. Currently shuffling the two...trying to decide! Being an emotional soul I am still a bit worried about 'Thief'...
Was hoping the Genre Challenge poll might make my mind u..."
I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - it's certainly a whopper and the style takes a while to get used to BUT it is wonderful (like Dickens on laudanum).
I can't comment on The Book Thief as I haven't read it - but it's on my to read list....
Was hoping the Genre Challenge poll might make my mind u..."
I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - it's certainly a whopper and the style takes a while to get used to BUT it is wonderful (like Dickens on laudanum).
I can't comment on The Book Thief as I haven't read it - but it's on my to read list....
Well, it looks like comedy and horror are currently neck & neck. If you haven't voted yet; go on, you know you want to...

Am around 100 pages in & though I'm enjoying it, I am as yet fairly ambivalent as to the style - I'm sure it's a grower!
To use a nautical analogy I find it sorts of ebbs and flows like a tide of words, but has yet to make it's mind up...but in that it sort of represents an unseen insecurity to the situation. Hmm, anyway...
Once I get Pratchett's Mort out of my head I'm sure I'll be fine...am I that shallow?! Maybe it's just 'cos the tide's out...


I really enjoyed The Witching Hour - hope you do too!


I knew that if Gothic/Horror won I'd go for the obvious choice of Frankenstein which I've never read but I can't quite make up my mind about Comedy... perhaps re-visit some Douglas Adams or P. G. Wodehouse or I could try another Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum novel - I really enjoyed the first one. There again, would like to re-read The Life and Loves of a She Devil which is a v. dark brand of humour but I loved it so much when I first read it, it would be good to have an excuse to read it again. There are others in the running too. Indecisive, as you can see!



Would Chris Evans autobiography count do you think?
Failing that I have New Moon to read (don't ask!!) based on reading the first book that should be fairly humorous.



....Comedy/humour has beaten horror/gothic by one vote!"
Hyman Kaplan it is then.. :0)
Dave wrote: "Hmm no real comedy in my to read pile at the moment.
Would Chris Evans autobiography count do you think?
Failing that I have New Moon to read (don't ask!!) based on reading the first book that sh..."
I have Steve Martin's autobiography lying around somewhere too - I'm sure it'd squeeze into the comedy genre...
(BTW if you really want to laugh out loud, Breaking Dawn had me rolling!)
Would Chris Evans autobiography count do you think?
Failing that I have New Moon to read (don't ask!!) based on reading the first book that sh..."
I have Steve Martin's autobiography lying around somewhere too - I'm sure it'd squeeze into the comedy genre...
(BTW if you really want to laugh out loud, Breaking Dawn had me rolling!)


Nope definitively not the target demographic - my evil friend bought in for me as an xmas 'present' knowing full well that I have to read every book I'm given.
suffering from OCD much :)

I just finished and enjoyed very much. It doesn't get too technical and he covers 'almost everything'..

Glad to hear, it is next on my pile. :)
Ok, the poll results to date:
Currently in the lead with 13 votes is Magical Realism, closely followed by Horror and Spy fiction, both with 11 votes.
If you haven't voted yet, what are you waiting for?
We'll find out which it's to be on 1st Sept.....
Currently in the lead with 13 votes is Magical Realism, closely followed by Horror and Spy fiction, both with 11 votes.
If you haven't voted yet, what are you waiting for?
We'll find out which it's to be on 1st Sept.....


Helen, perhaps you should just read a funny poem for Comedy -
The Owl and the Pussy-Cat perhaps?
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I will look at Liz's post - obviously not doing my homework. Gawd! Another detention.
Hope you're feeling better.