So about three weeks ago I posted on the future of Hubski book clubs. The discussion there was varied and helpful, but the important distinction for me was that "fiction" and "non-fiction" were more useful than "book" and "all things sci fi."
In light of zebra2's observations, I'd like to put forth a few ground rules:
1) Book must be available free online or for less than $10.
2) Book must have at least 4 endorsements - if you see something good, recommend it, don't come up with something else, because we fragment too easily. Champion that thing. Make a guess as to how long it'll take to read, and why we should bother. "Because I've had it on my shelf for a while" does not cut it; "I added this to my shelf eight months ago because" is a much better place to argue from.
3) person who suggests the current book gets to run the club the next time.
4) Book must be something that a reasonably busy person can plow through in 4-5 weeks.
5) Fuck the shoutouts. Subscribe to the tag.
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I'm a let this congeal then judge whatever gets the highest vote.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I read it a few years ago and it was absolutely fantastic. 4 out of 5 stars on goodreads with 198,387 votes. I don't know if it's free anywhere, but amazon has it at $9.06. I'm sure libraries will have it too. It is right around 300 pages.
I was the one who suggested it. Thought it might fit well here too.
I'd rather not fragment, and in regards to #2, is an added spoke to a hub count as an endorsement, or is it a reply like this?
It's been a long long time since I've read it, so I'd be happy to re-read Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman.
I was planning on reading Homage to Catalonia if others may be interested.
I must suggest a book I read recently called The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation. It is about Bell Labs, as you probably guessed from the title. Moreso, however, it is about how Bell Labs facilitated an environment that was conducive towards innovation, and how innovation involves much, much more than the " Eureka!" moment of discovery.
Hell yeah on #2. I don't read much and rarely watch tv series, unless I am convinced they're really good / totally worth it. Only started Game of Thrones two days ago (already on ep 6). They're a damn timesucker so I need to know they're worth the time: once I really like something, I want to read / watch it all immediately. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a must-read for everyone who's ever felt like they could amp up their social interactions. While I dislike the books format (IDEA! Example Example Example...IDEA! Example etc) I found his lessons quite good. Maybe not really fit for this book club though. Maybe a good Bill Bryson book? I still need to read Neither Here Nor There or The Lost Continent. The way he tells stories is amazing if he's at the top of his game.
I've been slowly making my way through Legacy of Ashes at your suggestion. Somehow I think that hubski ain't down for 800 pages, but I'm throwing it out there, since I'll be reading it in either case.
I just started Managed by the Markets if anyone is down.
Biography fanatic reporting for duty! suggesting Carlos Santana's bio. Its a wild ride (ie 70s and 80s) and just fabulous entertainment in the life of a rock star that didnt get there the traditional way.. at all. Cant imagine a good reader taking much longer than two weeks.