Two comic novels I'm particularly interested in discussing are "What's Wrong with Dorfman," and "Millard Fillmore, Mon Amour," both of them classics of contemporary American literature. Unfortunately, I've forgotten the author's name.

Well the books editor in me wants to do recent releases always, because that's all I have time to read. (Ian McEwan's Solar is guaranteed to spark a lively debate, promise.) But it would be cool to do writer's writers, like Paula Fox, or Lewis Hyde's The Gift. Stuff that isn't as well known as it should be....also books that have been turned into good films are always fun because then you can debate the merits of each, like Alice Munro's The Bear Went Over the Mountain (okay not really a book, but such a rich short story it shoudl be) made into the movie Away From Her. Or Little Children.

Those are my suggestion. But I also suggest that you ban me from this book club, because I have all the potential to become the biggest book club bully. I always know EXACTLY how the books are meant to be read, and get very frustrated and in your face, when people don't get it right. So I never join them. Out of respect for humanity.

When looking for a new book, I always review the Mann Booker Prize-winners first.

Love this idea. I'm partial to memoirs. I like the idea of a 'genre book' a month.

Public libraries generally select older books because then they can adequate copies of book club members. If you select brand new books, the poorer among us will probably not be able to check it out of their library and can't afford to buy it.

I agree with Stellaa too but with one occasional addition--what's new in "popular" fiction. For example, Lee Child is about to publish his annual "Reacher" book here in the U.S.--it's already out in the UK and Canada. They sell really, really well. But they're not true "literature"--just good, predictable, escapist yarns. And Tim Dorsey is about to publish his new "Serge Storm" book "Gator A Go-Go". There are a bunch of authors like this. Another of my favorites who can spin a good story as well as write some terrifically literate prose is James Lee Burke.

coupla quick questions? what constitutes a book these days? does it have to be paper between covers?

Thanks all for your input! For some reason, Juliet, I have trouble believing that you're actually a bully -- you're Canadian!

Stellaa, Elisa: Unfortunately, because of the logistics of running a book club, we're pretty tied to the idea of doing only one book a month. But maybe it's a good idea to alternate between fiction and non-fiction from month to month? And the idea of genre fiction is definitely an interesting one.

Songweasel, we're open as far as definitions of books are considered -- though I think when it comes to e-books we'd want to choose ones that also have a print edition (so that people without e-readers wouldn't feel left out).

And Stellaa's comment touches on author participation -- what kind of author participation would you guys like? Would you like to submit questions? See him/her write something in response to your posts?

I like the having a fiction and non-fiction going at the same time, though there is something about an on-line book club reminds me of Bowling Alone, a good choice for the 'club'.
Gotta a soft spot for first novels, maybe cause someday may write one in the meantime make a buck from adaption and always pushing to see what I'm working on get read. I love to read the more literate personals for what the poster is reading.
Samantha Power Chasing the Flame
Barbra Kingsolver A Prodigal Summer

I prefer non-fiction over fiction, as I like to learn something when I read, but I would be OK with alternating between fiction and non-fiction if it's not possible to do one of each every month.

Might I suggest "The History of White People" by Nell Irvin Painter as a non-fiction selection? I haven't read it yet, but it seems to be compelling, especially as the author is a black woman.

Author participation - yes! Not just a list of submitted questions, though, because those are static, and don't invite/allow follow-up. Recommend creating a post just for the author conversation - maybe include a specific time when they'd be online, as is done on the Well.
And if you really want to get this off the ground - make it a contest, with interesting categories, and prizes, of course! (Signed copy of the book? Publication on Salon...etc.)
And finally - check with fingerlakeswandering about what did and didn't work with the last incarnation of the OS book club...

A little bit of everything.

OR people could just forget about all the stuff that will improve their mind and teach them stuff. Let's have a celebrity biography book club! I like this list posted today at Jezebel

I've been running a reading group for over 20 years. The only hard and fast rule is the book must be readily available in paperback. No books that just came out in hardcover, no books that have been out of print for years. That way, members have a decent chance of getting their hands on a copy and reading it in a month. After that, anything goes: fiction/non-fiction, classics/the latest hot new writer. Anything you can convince a group of reasonably bright people to read. Yes, our voting takes a while, but that's part of the fun.

Not too new. Not too old. NY Times picks and the Mann Booker Prize are too high brow for me personally. Is the book club for professional critics or readers? I'd stick with Pulitzer nominees and winners and even some beloved popular authors...

I have a simple suggestion. Why not chose books written by Open Salon writers? Just a thought.

Thomas,
As you may remember, we tried running a "book club" here on OS last summer. It worked for the first book, but things sort of petered out. If you look under OS BOOK CLUB, I think you'll find our original discussions.

I'm always eager to read the "new" stuff, but what I found when we were starting the club last time was that many people cannot afford new hardbacks, and wanted us to choose older books available in paperback.

I think it also seems to help if people take turns being responsible for starting the discussion. Someone is the discussion leader by drawing up a series of questions to pose to the group. The only thing that gets confusing is that dog legs quickly develop, and there can be a number of discussions running through the same thread.

I think the book club is a terrific idea, and I'm glad to see it brought back. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

I like the idea of alternating genres, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Gives a wide range of possibility which may intrigue a different set of bloggers each time.

Having been in several book clubs, I agree with Fingerlakeswanderer, you definitely need someone to jump start the conversation each time. It would be excellent if that could be the author, but of course, that may just not be feasible. I also like to know the questions before we meet to discuss, even if it is only a week before, that way I can consider them prior to the actual discussion.

Great idea - wasn't here the first go around so I'm excited! Oh, and whoever mentioned prizes, YES!

I like the idea of alternating fiction and non-fiction books. The idea of choosing trade paperbacks makes sense to me. I've never been in a book club, online or otherwise, but I'd like to participate.

Actually, I'd rather see a monthly author interview, followed by a discussion with the author participating. The software that supports the comments threads doesn't lend itself to dialogue very well, though. Would be easier to sustain discussion if there were a reply feature.

The book club I'm in only reads fiction -- they found that there wasn't much to discuss with non-fiction (except maybe a rousing argument about the perspective of the author).

And, since I would never enter (much less pay the high prices) of a brand new book store, I could only manage books that have been around long enough to be in paperback, or on the shelves of a used book store.

Re: everyone's concern about affordable books. That's one of the reasons I suggested a book to film club. I moderated one at McGill and one of the greatest things about it is that there is always a trade paperback tie-in to a major release. Plus you can bring in not just authors but directors and scriptwriters. So you get to look at the work from a bunch of different angles. And you can do old stuff too, like The Shining. Or Children's lit, like Coraline.

Oh! And you could start with Julie Powell's book!

Thanks so much for the suggestions, David, Robert, Donna, Trudge, Juliet, Mabel, Robert, MeatMonkey, Torman, fingerlakeswanderer, Sparking, ladyslipper, Billy, and skeletnwmn.

Keep 'em coming!

Books to film would be a cool niche.

I'm new here so I thought I'd jump in on this discussion and sort of introduce myself and say hello ~ "Hello"

I'm intrigued by all the different responses and agree that this would be an exciting addition but speaking as someone who is making a second career of trying to break into the publishing arena, I'd like to see books from first time authors discussed and given a chance to find an audience.

May I humbly suggest: NO MEMOIRS! Seriously, since Open Salon and most of Salon generally, not to mention America's literary culture, is being utterly consumed by the genre, how about making this a preserve for that most endangered of species, the novel.

By the way, I did all the right things after reading this comment from Robert Crook: "I prefer non-fiction over fiction, as I like to learn something when I read."
1. I counted to 10
2. I stifled every snarky comeback that came to mind
3. I got myself into a proper frame of mind so I could channel my outrage into a positive suggestion: Let's make this a club dedicated to exploring all the things we learned in reading a particular piece of fiction.

How about, instead of assigning one book, we assign a theme and everyone talks about a book they've chosen to read that fits that theme?

I think recent releases and mixed genre is the way to go. Since this is a multi-faceted media, and since some of us will love what others can barely struggle through, perhaps having several books per month would be best, and individuals can choose what they want to read and talk about.

Love the idea. "American Gospel" by Jon Meacham. Meacham tells the "Making of a Nation" in an informative and interesting way that is sure to be a winner with the Salon readers and contributors.

Since Salon is a web magazine, I would like to see a focus upon Internet and technology books like Scott Rosenberg's "Say Everything: A History of Blogging" and "You Are Not a Gadget" by Jaron Lanier; a book which has already been brilliantly reviewed by our own FingerLakeWanderer and Kent Pittman.

As for the library issue RedStockingGrandma brought up, giving us all a one month lead time so that we may place the books on hold would solve this dilemna.

All the discussions should be kicked off with an intro by the Official OS Bantering Team of O'Really? and Blumenthal. Then, once the proper mood - insouciantly snarky - is set, the rest of us can gradually join in until we have the online equivalent of the saloon brawl in Destry Rides Again. Hey, it's a thought...what? You talkin' to me???

I agree with Ruska B. The best books to discuss contain some element of controversy. If everyone loves/hates a book, the discussion isn't very lively.

Well, I suppose what ClarkK's talking about would be lively, but do we want to go that far? I would even think twice about allowing someone like ClarkK to participate. Could this have a members-only restriction? A special password? I mean, to keep the trolls out. This should be for mature, serious adults.

I think one book a month is good enough, regardless of the word count or thickness of the book. Members could read extra on their own if they have more time. My experience with online bookclubs are for reading and discussing novels and I don't know how discussing non-fiction will work. I understand that most OS members are in North America and the books selected will be America-centric. It may be good to include something from other parts of the world occasionally. On themes, perhaps we can nominate books based on themes, but have the discussion mainly on the one book that is finally selected.

Of course, we could just talk about wholesale jordans and cheap jeans.

I think this is a very great idea I will love to discuss about a certain book we all choose. I think we need to figure out how we are all going to agree on the book we all choose. I myself love reading many true event books like the book "Bully" or the " The girl next door" I hope we get to see the book club real soon : )

I'm with Stellaa - one fiction & one non-fiction per month.

And yes, rotating the moderator or host(ess) duties could be fun.

Some ideas for books:
- Michael Pollan's books
- Michael Lewis' new book

Fiction: am currently reading on my ipod/Kindle app:
Secrets of Eden (Chris Bojhalian)

Great idea! Why don't you do a bit of everything since we all have preferences?

A little bit of everything -- and nothing too long.
I vote we start with Sneeches on Beaches and other stories and discuss what ALL the stories mean with regard to communication online. Seriously -- there's a ton of wisdom in those stories. And it would be fun and easy, too.

I would like to add a vote for *cough cough* self published novels. I mean you never know, maybe they aren't as bad as everyone seems to think.

Seconding ChillerPop's recommendation.

I agree with Torman that books can be selected from within OS as well as externally.

We have some award-winning acclaimed authors here (myself included!) and we would participate in discussions. Happily.

More smart ideas! (And no Matt, we won't be keeping anybody out). We're going to look over your suggestions and do some planning. I'm going to leave this thread open for the next few days and I'll check in whenever I can.

Thanks folks!

Great idea! I think mixing it up is the way to go--fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, biographies, new releases, classics. . .there are so many incredible books out there!

I like good fiction including short stories. And I'd love to participate.

I like the idea...think it should be mixed up in terms of genre...and from varied points of view, cultures, etc. When I am reading to gain in skills and insight as a writer, I read books that have withstood the test of time...they also tend to be less expensive or accessible through libraries. Whatever is chosen, some will participate and some won't. You'll never please everyone. If I don't like the book chosen, I'll just wait to see what you choose next time!

Wondering about the mechanics. Would there be an Open Call or Book Club blog where someone --you?-- would post a review or a precis of a book, people would then read the book and let the comments begin?

What about volunteer hosts/moderators chosen by you guys or lottery or whatever each month to pick a book (with your sign-off) and write a review... something to start the ball rolling. Would give it that special Open Salon je ne sais quoi touch. A wide variety of "types" here with a plethora of experiences, styles and no shortage of opinions.

I think fiction, historical/celebrity biographies, books into movies, specialty topics (Stellaa's suggestion about the brain, e.g.), and OS's own published authors all work best for book clubs, as topical non-fiction tends to disintegrate into political comment screeds and fights.

It would also be great if people suggested personal, seminal books which would probably resonate with many who could read again with new eyes. Okay, will stfu now.

Bookclub Stuff That Makes Me Want To Kill Myself:
Books over 300 pages
Books about the family dog
Books about Republicans
Books that are not available in paperback
Books that aren"t available at the library
I think there should be fiction and non fiction alternating choices.....I tired of always reading fiction at my bookclub.

I'm concerned about the virtual wine and cheese.

That was a silly comment. I wonder how comments will go if this takes off? Since it isn't a "blog" per se, could it have threaded comments? Active discussion can be difficult through comments. But not imposible.
I like the idea of author's participating. I agree with the need for availability of books - libraries or easily purchased used book is important.
Good, revolving conversation starter/moderators is also key.
I'm quite the task master! Good luck - thanks for trying out a great, different way to be on OS.

love the idea of interviewing an author
could switch off fiction and non-fiction
I keep Amazon and B&N afloat all by myself, it would seem, so I'm happy to pass along new books...

Kinda like what Chillerpop said - an issues focus maybe? Like one month is "technology" or "food politics" or "parenting" and the books could be fiction or non-fiction surrounding those topics. Maybe pick one book that everybody discusses or let people do their own book picks and reviews within the topic? I dunno- but- yay books! I'll be watching this space eagerly.

I don't think it should be limited to recent books, as they are not likely to measure up to the classic in the long run.

this is a cool idea. I suggest that there be a pretty liberal way to suggest books, and people can vote on which one to review next, or rank them somehow, & let the group mind/voting determine the winner. maybe every week or two, the one on the top gets reviewed and then they all move up.

I'm with Stellaa on the one non-fiction and one fiction, and also request a few oldies but goodies for economic reasons. Great great idea.

I love sharing, but I love a little competition as well.
I have an idea... forming in my head...
I'll post it on open call.

This is going to be fun!!!

I'd like to discuss translations of fiction from other countries.

Tom:
After about 18 months of writing for OS, to improve my short article writing skills I was offered a contract to write and illustrate, as an independent contractor, OpEd pieces for a news service. They offered to send me to Afghanistan as my first assignment, which a turned down (that is one of my contract perks I get to okay any assignment), but dodging bullets is not my idea of fun.

I was also invited by Amazon to write reviews for their Vine Line Program. It doesn't pay but I get first look at many Uncorrected, Pre-publication books for Critics to review and I can keep the books and since I read 3-5 books a week I will clue you in if anything good comes my way. Right now I am on vacation out west and painting for my new show coming up in Fall, 52 paintings.

Hands of My Father by Myron Uhlberg was an inspiring memoir and thoughtful book full of tenderness and humor. Myron grew up in Brooklyn, the hearing son of deaf parents, at a time when people avoided anyone who was "different." Open Salon member Liz Fox wrote a review of this book.

1: Please can I join Juliet's Book Club for bullies? I, too, can be 'forceful' in my opinions on books!
2: May I suggest a geographical theme: based either on the setting in a particular country or on the author's nationality? Thus we could have: Margaret Atwood, Sebastian Barry, Lee Child... (to be alphabetical and *totally* unbiased ;).

Maybe a "genre" category so that such crackerjack mystery / thriller writers as Lee Child & James Lee Burke (also nominated by Walter Blevins) can get the attention they deserve . . .

Hey - I didn't know I'd be echoing psychomama's bid for Lee Child, but there it is -- that's three votes and counting.

I would like to see some poetry included in the mix. Is poetry categorized under "nonfiction"?

Kind of looks to me as if those of us (3 by my last count) who are interested in the light, entertaining fiction of "genre" writers like Lee Child or James Lee Burke are being resoundingly ignored. Reading is fun and entertaining. After long days of work "light fiction" is often a welcome distraction. I also confess to a penchant for historical fiction and biographies. I shy away from self-serving, ghost written autobiographies which hit the best seller list and which are rarely autobiographies but mostly justifications. And while my taste may be more proletarian than some of the other scribes here, it's like my Cheap Bastid personna--unpretentious.

Pick books with pretty covers, please! This is so important. Because I wouldn't want to be caught dead reading a book with an ugly cover! It would ruin my reputation.

Pick books with pretty covers, please! This is so important. Because I wouldn't want to be caught dead reading a book with an ugly cover! It would ruin my reputation.

Can we get cartoons! I love the OS cartoonists.

For those who like the intersection of politics, culture, and sports, you can find no better than THE LAST GOOD SEASON, by Michal Shapiro. It chronicles the on-and-off field machinations that led to the Bums leaving Brooklyn along with their last glorious summer there. You'll be surprised at the underlying causes of the move to Los Angeles.

I was planning on starting an actual book club- where we would actually have a gathering... but that might be hard for most OS members as I now live in a small village in England.

The first book I was going to suggest was "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. Reading it had a dramatic impact on my life- as in, I am no longer physically able to eat meat. I feel ill at the thought, and quite disgusted.

If someone asks now, "Do you wear leather shoes?" Yes, I do have leather shoes. This isn't just about animal rights- though I do care for animals. This is about people ingesting hormones, antibiotics and pesticides through the meat they eat.

Anyway, that's my suggestion!

I also want to read more of the classics as I am completely overwhelmed by the history of Britain.

This is a terrific idea. How about one club for classic fiction and classic non-fiction. I recently read The Catcher in the Rye after Salinger died and A People's History of the United States adn Zinn died. I would love to wrap about these with a large group that has also read these.

Ideas? I think the right idea would be to contact Lorraine (FingerLakesWanderer), who has experience with the one people have done, and collaborate with her. I think it's sad to see a notice about this that does not acknowledge that this has been tried and that doesn't suggest having contacted the parties involved. It suggests Open Salon doesn't follow what people are doing in it and makes it feel like these efforts compete with rather than complement what people are doing.

I'd love to have heard that the story had someone at Salon ask “Why don't we do a book club at Open Salon?” and then you or Judy would respond, “Oh, that's been done. They had some technical or administrative difficulties.” and then someone might ask, “Really? Is that something we could help with or learn from?” And then there could be a bunch of back and forth email between the original people doing i before any public announcement was done so that it didn't look more like the discussion had gone like: “Why don't we do a book club at Open Salon?” followed by “Wow, great idea. I bet no one has thought of that. Let's tell people we have this great plan for something they've never thought to try.” At least, that's how the announcement above reads, I'm afraid.

It's frankly disheartening. People are out here all the time trying to make stuff, crying out for help and support,and a lot of it feels like it falls on deaf ears. Talk to Lorraine. And don't blame her for me being critical—she didn't put me up to this. She's got good ideas and experience and you should be working with her, not competing with her.

allbooks. I like Stellaa's idea of one each, fict and non-

And here's a thought: re: the classics: do an Open Call for writers to re-purpose/interpret/re-do/write in the style of.

Like the recent Austen/zombie books.
And, ahem, er, for example: http://open.salon.com/blog/greg_correll/2010/04/03/odeezeus_lost_in_the_wyandotte_c-store

But count me in! An OS book club/group thing has my vote!

Also: this book club should encourage and value the Close Read. At least two books a year should be chosen 1 each for 6 months reading. Challenging works, that deserve the focus and engagement.

1 per month is fine for some works, but some books aren't Big Macs.

See Francine Prose "Reading Like a Writer" and most of Susan Wise Bauer's books viz this. We need to learn to dig deep again. The rewards last a lifetime

Anything by Ann Coulter.

And lets build in Amazon.com fee-splitting with OS. We can start to add books links to ALL our pages and OS + writers will have a small revenue based on the quality of our book reviews. Win-win.

Discussions of current non-fiction books that examine topics of cultural relevance would interest me. The latest that I am reading, and would love to discuss with others, is "The Authenticity Hoax - How We Get Lost Finding Ourselves," by Andrew Potter (M&S publisher). Anyone else out there reading this?

Well how 'bout instead of just one a month suggest one for each week in the month, and draw from the whole pool of writings? That way everyone should find something of interest to comment on during the month :).

How about something completely new and different, a self-published book (all genres are out there: how to, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, bio, history....) made available through Smashwords on B&N, Amazon, Sony reader, many more, soon on the iPad--some free, all at minimal cost. It's the publishing wave of the future, for both readers and authors. BTW, have a look at my blog, www.verdis-dream.com for an historical novel set in Milan in 1945 based on a true episode: the Secret Surrender (Operation Sunrise) of the Nazi command in Italy to Allen Dulles, head of the OSS (which became the CIA in post-war USA). It's a passonate love story, an Italian Jewish partisan and an American secret agent.

But aside from my own novel, there is a wealth of great material out there, some free some not, some published in paper, some not, some both ways. As a former editor in NY publishing (at HBJ, Trade Book Department), and an experienced translator (screenplay of Life is Beautiful for Miramax Books) and editor, I am thrilled to pieces with eBooks of all kinds and what they mean and will mean to us all. It evens the playing field for everyone, and all who love books, from authors to readers to publishers, are taking note. Honor it by choosing an ibook once in a while.

Should Salon be far behind?

I feel like such a nerd. I'm a big fan of the classics. Ancient philosophers and myths make me randy. But then again I'm an aspiring fantasy novelist, so I guess that's understandable. So I'll put my vote for anything that would be interesting to a cultural anthropologist.

Is this still in the works? Sounds great and there are a lot of great ideas.

Carry Me Down by MJ Hyland- a very tall Irish kid that gets really weird. A Man Booker Prize finalist. I can't get this book out of my head - especially the title. It's a great read that sticks like velcro.

This could be a perfect salve for the chronic dust up problem.
I like what Juliet said.

Alan Furst has just released a new novel, always cause for excitement.

Goodness gracious, I missed this when it was first posted.

I lead one of the book club discussions here on OS last year through the OS BOOK CLUB account. It's entirely possible I'm a bad book club leader (in fact, I know I am), but no one really got involved with my discussion. It was a damn good book, too, and I really wanted people to read it. I knew the author personally and I had wanted to have him present for an online Q&A, but I got the impression that not many people were reading the book and I didn't want to waste his time. It was a small, unknown fiction novel called Tinkers, which, incidentally, just won the Pulitzer Prize.

Aaaaaaaaaand now he's too busy/too famous to return my emails. We could have had him!

I hope an officially sanctioned OS Book Club fares better than the unofficial one, and I certainly hope you look over the old discussions to avoid the pitfalls of the past. It is a bit disheartening to see you presenting this as a new, never-before-tried idea, but I understand you can't really pitch this as "Hey! Remember that old Book Club that didn't really get off the ground?! We're doing it again!!!" So again, best of luck.

There seems to be a lot of good, published writers on this site so why not review their books?

Gee, if nothing else maybe Dr. Amy wrote something... :eyeroll:

that is great idea thomas..thanks

It would be nice if Open Salon writers were picked to write a review of the book (maybe through an Open Call selection). You could then use the review as the lead post for any discussion thread.