Reading Buddies (Erin Reads) discussion

After a fierce format debate, I've decided to listen to this one, though I do have the print version on my shelf just in case. The narrator so far is fantastic, though I feel like I'm missing some of the gorgeous writing by not reading it myself.

If you're reading along, have you started yet? What do you think?

I'm listening to the audio version too. I'm not very far, just on disc 3, which is around the end of Book One. I'm really liking it so far, and I agree -- the narrator is amazing!

I'll read the book. Or at least, I'll try as soon as I'll get my copy back. I'll be moving out (and in) next week and the book unfortunately is already in one of the numerous boxes. I thought I had put it aside, but can't find it right now. I had read only half of part one, but it looked good so far! But I'll follow the discussions with great interest!

I'm listening to the audio as well - about halfway through disc 3. Sometimes I'll pick up the book and read along, but as mentioned, the narrator is great and I'm finding audio to be the best way to read when not feeling so well.

Wow, three of us taking the audio approach! I'm halfway through disc 6 at this point and have gotten used to listening. I'm loving it. I've heard people talk about how cool the descriptions of historic Detroit are, but now I see what they mean!

Virginie, I hope you recover your copy! It's so hard to keep track of things while moving. I hope all goes smoothly!

I just tried to start writing my midway post for Friday. There's so much in this book to talk about, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed (in a good way)! How's it going for everyone else?

I'm way behind you, Erin, and going pretty slowly, but really loving the book so far. I just started disc 4 a day or so ago. I'm not sure what it would be like actually reading the text, but listening to the narrator read that whole section about when Lefty starts working in the factory was absolutely amazing. The repetition ("Wierzbicki reams a bearing and Stephanides grinds a bearing and O'Malley attaches a bearing to a camshaft..."), and the increasing urgency of his voice, and the whole effect, made it almost like some kind of performance poetry rather than like a passage in a novel. I had to go back and listen to it again, it was just so good.

Eugenides is an amazing writer -- I'm so glad I'm finally reading him!

Oh wow, I'm about where Anita is, and just realized the 14th is SOON! I have much to read/listen to...

Anita: YES, I completely agree about that factory section! There have been a couple spots similar to that, but none so powerful. It felt like I could actually hear the sounds of the factory in the way the narrator read. I'm glad I'm finally trying something by Eugenides, too!

Both: It's okay if we're not at the same place for the discussion. My post avoids specific spoilers and goes for more of a sweeping overview and my general impressions than individual events. I don't want anyone stressing about Reading Buddies :-)