TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

Library Computer => Archive => Book Club => Topic started by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 08:20:54 AM

Title: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 08:20:54 AM
I has been suggested that we form a book club here on the forums. Who all is interested in this idea?? Lets also discuss what kind of format we will use.  A couple of ideas or we pick a book and allow a couple weeks to read it, and then discuss it.  Another idea is that we map the book out over a few weeks, and everyone reads a few chapters every week, and discuss it as we read it.

Chime in on what you think.

Oh, Rico I hope you don't have any headaches with this idea. Please let us know if you have any have any wishes one way or the other on this idea.


Duffster
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 08:27:01 AM
I am absolutely in support of this idea. I also kinda like the chapters/week idea since it'll help us keep on the same track and allow us to discuss spolier free up to the point we are supposed to be at.

I think we could start with Star Wars/Star Trek novels and then expand if we want to.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Rico on November 06, 2007, 08:31:22 AM
More than happy with the idea.  I can create a special section on the forum for it as well if you want.  Just let me know.

P.S.  I nominate the Duffster to run it too!  Of course - if he is willing.  ;)
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 08:35:06 AM
I read slower than most...I like to think it's because I'm a visual person and like to picture the scenes, but it's probably because I read at night and I fall asleep after about 30 minutes. Reading a chapter at a time and discussing sounds better to me. But we should give folks more time to read that chapter.  :)

I agree, Star Wars and Star Trek novels to start.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 08:35:37 AM
You can second it Rico...we already nominated him. ;D
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Ktrek on November 06, 2007, 08:51:51 AM
I'd love to be a part of a book reading club but my preference would be to read and discuss classic sci-fi titles like Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", Asimov's "I Robot", H.G. Well's "War of the Worlds" etc. There are so many great sci-fi books out there that are more worthy of discussion than TV and movie spin off novels. And don't think I'm dissing that totally as I have around 700 Star Trek novels in my collection and read most of the newer ones as they come out. I am not much of a fan of the Star Wars novels. From what I have read I don't see how they could provide a lot of discussion matter.

As for time schedule I would think the best approach would be to start out with a book of the month. Give a month to read said book and discuss the following month. While discussion is taking place about the current book of the month you will be reading the next month's announced title etc.

Kevin
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 08:55:11 AM
I say we do this like the Star Wars Action News Book Club does. If a book we're proposing interests you, sign up to read it with us...if it doesn't, wait for the next title.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 08:58:02 AM
Makes sense. Also I like starting out with Star Trek/Star Wars because it kinda fits with the podcast. Also it'll help us to choose the first few books if we limit ourselves.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 09:51:41 AM
I read a lot, so this is from my viewpoint. How bout if we have both a book of the month, and a book that we read a few chapters a week?? This way those that want to have an ongoing discussion can have a new weekly discussion, and those that would rather talk about something monthly can do so also.

As a lot of you know, I am big into the SF classics, so I would love to throw some of them in from time to time.

I would also like to suggest that we can take turns deciding on the next book. I think that would expose a lot of us to novels we normally wouldn't have read.


Duffster
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jobydrone on November 06, 2007, 09:54:32 AM
I love the idea, and think it will be lots of fun.  Looking forward to being a part of it.  I think it makes sense to focus on Star Trek considering our theme on Treks in Scifi, but not to neccessarily limit ourselves if we find this idea takes off and continues for a long time.  Plus I have a pretty extensive digital collection of Star Trek novels I need to delve into and this would be a great reason to do so (not that I really need one)    
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 06, 2007, 10:03:30 AM
Sounds good to me.  I like the idea. 

King Linksr
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Rico on November 06, 2007, 10:07:43 AM
Some good thoughts going folks.  I do think for something like this you do have to set a certain schedule, chapters per week or whatever to keep it moving.  I'm ok with pretty much any book content.

P.S.  I'll also plan on putting a short segment/commercial about the book we are currently reading in the podcast once we get it all up and started.

P.S.  Moving this topic to the new book club section then
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 11:45:14 AM
Any suggestions for a first book? I just started a novel (currently two chapters in)... SW: Death Star.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 11:58:02 AM
If we want to get on something good with Star Wars, we could do the Legacy of the Force series from the beginning. That was next on my list. Though maybe a stand alone book would be better.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 12:22:51 PM
I haven't kept current on either the Star Wars novels, nor Star Trek novels. I am neutral on which one we do first. Also remember we need to give a week or so for people to procure the novel we will be reading. Lets get 4 or 5 suggestions, then we can put up a take a vote.

Duffster
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 12:34:13 PM
I think that this is a great idea; sign me up! 

I think for starters, we should stick to Star Trek (or Star Wars) books.  Perhaps we could post suggestions, then Duffster could post a poll listing the most popular suggestions.  The winner of the poll becomes the book of the month, and those who wish to read it can sign up for the discussion; those who don't can wait for the next selection.

As far as the discussion format goes, how about using a weekly discussion schedule?

For example-  Once a book is selected, the club members are given a week to read the first chapter.  After the week has passed, a thread is started to discuss Chapter One.  The group could then discuss that chapter for the next week, while they read chapter two.  At the end of week two, a Chapter Two thread is started, and so on.  That way, the members could be free to post in either the most current chapter thread, or if they haven't gotten to that chapter yet, they can post in the earlier threads.  This would allow folks to return to discuss earlier parts of the book, regardless of which chapter the club is focusing on.  It would also give members the freedom to discuss the chapter they are on without worrying about having later chapters spoiled. 
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 12:36:56 PM
The problem with one chapter for week is it could take a year to read a book! Maybe we need an approximate page count, say 100 pages, corrected to the closest end of chapter.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: KingIsaacLinksr on November 06, 2007, 12:37:52 PM
Hmm.  The only issue I see with this is the time scale.  Unless I'm mis-reading all this, we would be rushing some people and some people would be done quickly.  Me, I read fairly quickly.  /yawn  Wow, I'm way too tired.  Anyway, to me this just seems something like the RPG has become.  Are we going to do the same thing of it just being an exclusive thing that other people have to sign up for?  (I'm not saying its bad, I'm just trying to clarify what this book club is about)

King Linksr
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 12:53:50 PM
Quote from: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 12:36:56 PM
The problem with one chapter for week is it could take a year to read a book! Maybe we need an approximate page count, say 100 pages, corrected to the closest end of chapter.

That's a good point.  Maybe we could divide the selected book into 4 sections (one quarter is read each week)?  I don't want to make things too complicated, just throwing out ideas.

QuoteHmm.  The only issue I see with this is the time scale.  Unless I'm mis-reading all this, we would be rushing some people and some people would be done quickly.  Me, I read fairly quickly.  /yawn  Wow, I'm way too tired.  Anyway, to me this just seems something like the RPG has become.  Are we going to do the same thing of it just being an exclusive thing that other people have to sign up for?  (I'm not saying its bad, I'm just trying to clarify what this book club is about)

King Linksr

You bring up a good point as well.  I don't see why the discussion shouldn't be open to whoever wants to discuss the book. 

P.S.- Get some sleep. ;)

QuoteI haven't kept current on either the Star Wars novels, nor Star Trek novels. I am neutral on which one we do first. Also remember we need to give a week or so for people to procure the novel we will be reading. Lets get 4 or 5 suggestions, then we can put up a take a vote.

Duffster

Here are some suggestions:

Star Trek: Resistance
Star Trek: Q&A
Star Trek: Before Dishonor
Star Trek: Imzadi

While I'm thoroughly enjoying the Star Wars: Legacy of the Force series, I think that it is too problematic to be used here.  The books are all to tightly woven together, and require the reader to have a pretty extensive background in the Star Wars EU to fully understand what is going on.  If Star Wars books are chosen, I think we should stick to Stand-Alone books which are easily accessible to folks new to the EU.  Some suggestions:

Star Wars: Allegiance
Star Wars: Death Star
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jen on November 06, 2007, 02:21:40 PM
I've finished 3 out of 7 of your suggestions Wraith.  :) And I started on Death Star... if we add Death Star to the list we vote on, I'll stop where I am (two chapters in) until the vote is over. If another book wins the vote I think I may sit out on the first book everyone reads. Regardless of which book is chosen,  I'll be happy that we have finally started a Treks In Sci-Fi book club!  :cheering
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 02:30:08 PM
Not sure if people can still get thier hands on it, but Prime Directive by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens is an amazing original Trek book.

http://www.amazon.ca/Prime-Directive-Judith-Reeves-Stevens/dp/0671707728/ (http://www.amazon.ca/Prime-Directive-Judith-Reeves-Stevens/dp/0671707728/)

I'm not too up to date on Star Trek so other can suggest some compelling Star Trek stuff.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 03:31:45 PM
I just thought of another Star Trek book that might be a candidate for the book club- Star Trek: Federation.  It's been a while since I read it, but I remember enjoying it.  It features both the Next Generation and TOS crews,as well as characters and events from the Zeke Cochrane Pre-Federation era.  Part of the story gives some background on how the United Federation of Planets may have come into existence, and I think the Romulan War plays a part.

  I'm not sure if any of the future-historical events have been overruled by Star Trek: Enterprise, but I think it would be interesting to see whether or not the story still fits in with Star Trek canon.

QuoteRegardless of which book is chosen,  I'll be happy that we have finally started a Treks In Sci-Fi book club!

Same here, Jen.   :)
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 03:43:15 PM
Well since length of books, ease of reading, and other factors vary from book to book, we will just need to adjust our reading schedule, based on the book. I will put a poll up right now listing all the books that have been talked about so far.

I think we should try to have a decision by this weekend on the first book, at that point we can figure out how many chapters per week. I am looking forward to this also, it's always fun to get everyones viewpoint on the book you are reading.

One thing I am worried about though is the depth of the conversation. SW/ST books have never really been categorised as "deep" books. I hope we have enough depth in these books to keep us talking about them from week to week. We may find we need to move to some more serious SF to keep things interesting. No don't go thinking I am being snobbish against these books, some of them are fantastic. I just think we many need to be selective on which ones we pick to read.

Duffster
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Rico on November 06, 2007, 03:47:54 PM
I would suggest to alternate the type of book and mix it up a bit from time to time.  I certainly wouldn't just stick to TREK or SW books.  Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: jedijeff on November 06, 2007, 04:18:24 PM
I am looking forward to this. I am a bit of a slow reader like Jen as well, but hopefully I can keep up. I agree with mixing it up as well, as from reading through the comments, some like the Star Trek/Star Wars books and other Like traditional type sci-fi books. I will admit I mostly read Star Trek/Star Wars books, but this looks like it might be a good opportunity to learn and read some other books outside of those.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 04:28:17 PM
Well we can start with ST/SW. A fun book I read awhile back but wouldn't mind re-reading is Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton.

http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Star-Peter-F-Hamilton/dp/0345461622 (http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Star-Peter-F-Hamilton/dp/0345461622)
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 04:56:32 PM
Quote from: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 04:28:17 PM
Well we can start with ST/SW. A fun book I read awhile back but wouldn't mind re-reading is Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton.

http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Star-Peter-F-Hamilton/dp/0345461622 (http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Star-Peter-F-Hamilton/dp/0345461622)
I've been thinking about re-visiting some of Peter Hamilton's books lately.  I read the Reality Dysfunction way back in high school, but never managed to pick up the rest of the Night's Dawn Trilogy.  I remember being captivated by the whole Adamist / Edenist split in humanity.  Also, being a big space-ship geek, I thought the idea of having living, sentient ships- the Voidhawks- was just too cool. 

...Man; I think I'm going to have to check out Half Price Books tomorrow. :D
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 05:02:06 PM
Quote...Man; I think I'm going to have to check out Half Price Books tomorrow.

Probably my favorite store ....EVER!!!!!


Duffster
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: wraith1701 on November 06, 2007, 05:09:07 PM
Quote from: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 05:02:06 PM
Quote...Man; I think I'm going to have to check out Half Price Books tomorrow.

Probably my favorite store ....EVER!!!!!


Duffster

I hear you, man.  When I lived in Austin, there were 4 within a 10 to 30 min. drive from my home.  I could go on a book run knowing that at least one of them would have the book I was looking for, no matter what it was.  Here in Louisville, we only have one.  Still, even if the particular book I'm looking for at the moment isn't available, I know that I'll find something worth picking up.  Definitely a very cool store.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Ktrek on November 06, 2007, 05:45:39 PM
Quote from: Duffster on November 06, 2007, 03:43:15 PM
One thing I am worried about though is the depth of the conversation. SW/ST books have never really been categorised as "deep" books. I hope we have enough depth in these books to keep us talking about them from week to week. We may find we need to move to some more serious SF to keep things interesting. No don't go thinking I am being snobbish against these books, some of them are fantastic. I just think we many need to be selective on which ones we pick to read.

Duffster

I think that is what I was trying to suggest earlier when I mentioned I would much rather read some classic sci-fi. Star Trek and Star Wars books do not really lend themselves to thoughtful or provacative conversation. And I'm not trying to be negative. Remember I have over 700 Star Trek books in my library and buy everything as it's released.

Kevin
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: Jobydrone on November 08, 2007, 12:33:33 AM
Quote from: Ktrek on November 06, 2007, 05:45:39 PM

Star Trek and Star Wars books do not really lend themselves to thoughtful or provacative conversation.

Kevin

Umm, I dunno about that.  Our buddy Rico has been able to come up with some pretty thoughtful and insightful things to talk about Star Trek for his podcast for more than two years now.  I think we might be able to manage to come up with something to discuss, especially considering some of the absolutely great ST books there are out there.  Frankly, I am not that interested in being involved in a deep conversation anyway.  Fun, entertaining, and enjoyable are okay with me, deep I can do without.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: billybob476 on November 08, 2007, 05:36:37 AM
Star Wars-wise I can get into some pretty involved discussion regarding new jedi order, the thrawn trilogy, black fleet crisis, etc. Some of these books do actually have something to say.
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: markinro on November 08, 2007, 06:44:09 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on November 06, 2007, 12:36:56 PM
The problem with one chapter for week is it could take a year to read a book! Maybe we need an approximate page count, say 100 pages, corrected to the closest end of chapter.

I read all the Dan Brown books in about 2 weeks.   How about 4 weeks max/book ?
Title: Re: Treks in Sci-Fi Book Club
Post by: turtlesrock on March 24, 2011, 08:32:34 AM
sounds good to me! peter david books are great. maybe q squared or vendetta? ;)