MidCoast Libraries Better Reading Bookclub discussion

now that we've had a month to get a few things sorted out I'd like to put a proposal to the bookclub members. As a book club (though maybe not the most traditional of ones) would you be interested in all of us reading one title? And then we could have a discussion around it.
I'm well aware we've all got plenty on our plates and some already belong to book clubs, so I'm planning to keep it quite achievable.
Some communities set themselves to all read one title. Other book clubs generally do this to, typically on a monthly basis. Why don't we go half way?
Would you be prepared to agree to read one shared book title, maybe in the next sixth months? Then we could discuss it online, or even at a gathering if people felt so inclined.
I really don't want to badger people into this and I'm very happy if people indicate otherwise but I thought we should give the topic an airing. As for what title that could be (and any other logistics), I'll leave that for the moment until we resolve if we're happy with the idea.
So, what do you think about agreeing to read the same title?

I would be happy to read one title and discuss it online. Just one request that the book be available from the library as it can be expensive to have to buy new books.
Jenny

Happy to participate! Good idea that it be in the library's collection too.

I like the idea too - thanks Chris.

I'll be in on that!

I'm in. I rarely get bored of books. And am happy to go out and buy one so I can add it to my collection.

Sounds like a great idea.

Right ho. That's enough support for us to think a bit further about this.
I appreciate what you're saying about having access to the title through the library and I'm sure we can sort something out. Our new model for the bookclub collection involves having 10 copies in a kit and 2 copies on the shelves. I'm sure this will give us close to what we need, especially if we give ourselves an extended period of time. I'll take this back to the library staff and see what sort of model we can nut out.
We'll also have a look at some title options.
Now, back to all of you. Do you have any suggestions for a specific title, a specific author, or even just general guidelines (e.g. contemporary Australian)?
Cheers

Chris wrote: "now that we've had a month to get a few things sorted out I'd like to put a proposal to the bookclub members. As a book club (though maybe not the most traditional of ones) would you be interested ..."

Sounds good.

Hi Chris that sounds like fun. Prefer an online discussion rather than meeting as I'm time poor. My fav genre is contemporary Australian but I always enjoy any recent award winning books! I'll give anything a go....

Right, I've been caught up with a whole range of things including study so I haven't given Goodreads much time in the last week.
I've also been trying to investigate the best way to support this idea.
The good news it that we should be able to do this through the library's bookclub service. What I'm planning to do is acquire a title that our online bookclub has exclusive access to for, say three months (details will probably change once we've implemented it and we know how many people in this club are interested). I'd keep the collection in my office and people could borrow and return from there. There's a few operational aspects to sort out but it should all work.
The other hard part of this is that I have to choose a title. Are people happy for me to choose something that is a) current b) sounds versatile c) would be good for a book club?
Contemporary Australian fiction is a good choice but that depends on what's out there at the moment. At present I haven't found anything Australian that fits the bill, but there are certainly some interesting novels emerging. One on my radar is: Relativity. This was recommended by the local bookshop (Sitting Wombat). Can you please have a look at this and see what you reckon.
Cheers Chris

Hi I would give "Relativity" a read!

Mel wrote: "Hi Chris that sounds like fun. Prefer an online discussion rather than meeting as I'm time poor. My fav genre is contemporary Australian but I always enjoy any recent award winning books! I'll give..."

Mel wrote: "Hi Chris that sounds like fun. Prefer an online discussion rather than meeting as I'm time poor. My fav genre is contemporary Australian but I always enjoy any recent award winning books! I'll give..."

Relativity sounds great!

I would like to read 'Relativity" it sounds interesting

Thanks Jenny, Mel and Lesley. I think we might make it so. This week I'll finalise some arrangements and when that's done I'll send out a general message and we'll get the ball rolling.

Looking forward to the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone and reading some interesting genre here. Online discussion would be great as I'm from Hawks Nest.....let me know when you decide on the title so I can grab a copy...Melissa

Hi Melissa,
The novel will be Relativity. We are buying a bookclub kit for it (hopefully have it in a week or two), and our online book group will have first go at it. I will put the collection aside for three months to give people a chance to read it.
We also have a copy at Forster Library, which I've just finished and I can reserve it and send it down to you if you like. We're also getting another print copy of the book and maybe even an eBook copy.
I think it will be an interesting change for people. I'm not going to pre-empt anything or give any spoilers but it is certainly a good book for discussion, well written, current and very much set in Australia. Also, fairly quick to read (at least I ripped through it and it's less than 400 pages).
It may take people out of their comfort zones but hopefully it will be rewarding as well.
Cheers Chris

Hi Chris, the book sounds interesting but as I am away on holiday from April to June, won't read this one. I will however follow the discussion online.
Thanks, Louise