Proposal 5: 1984 (Literature - George Orwell)

[Moath_H]

I'm excited to see so many proposals for intellectual media sources. Let me join the bandwagon and introduce the famous 1984, a book about a dystopian future by English writer (and socialist) George Orwell.

While 1984 passed by without relative world-shattering incidence, the book itself remains prophetic in the sense that elements and themes present in the book echo into the modern world. While the situation of the book itself is dystopian and most likely extreme, it still mirrors on many aspects of society today.

The book itself is not long. I included an e-book link (complete book!) above from a site that has a wealth of free e-books. It's free, and no account is needed. Let me know what you guys think about this proposal. I'm very flexible with start date and the pace of our coverage (e.g. 1 to 4 chapters a week, etc.).

[Samerron]

1984 is a great proposal Moath! Such a thought-provoking classic is a must. Thanks for the proposal. I read the book almost three years ago, but I'm looking forward to read it again since it's worth reading several times.
I suggest we set the date for it after the Alchemist, since it will take longer time.

As for the pace of our coverage, I am also flexible... let's see everyone's opinion. As a start, I would suggest 3 chapters a week.

By the way, what is the link for the ebook? It seems you forgot to include it.

[Moath_H]

1984 is a great proposal Moath! Such a thought-provoking classic is a must. Thanks for the proposal. I read the book almost three years ago, but I'm looking forward to read it again since it's worth reading several times.
I suggest we set the date for it after the Alchemist, since it will take longer time.

As for the pace of our coverage, I am also flexible... let's see everyone's opinion. As a start, I would suggest 3 chapters a week.

By the way, what is the link for the ebook? It seems you forgot to include it.

Oh, sorry. The link is the word 1984 in my opening post. Here it is again:

http://www.planetebook.com/1984.asp

[voidsoul]

Hahah, yeah the link was a little tricky.
I haven't actually read this book, but I've heard a lot about it, and I'm definitely interested.

As for the order of things (Alchemist first, or 1984), I would have to agree with Samerron since I know the Alchemist is a light read to get us warmed up.

[Samerron]

Ok, lets plan for Alchemist and then we'll come for 1984...

[Moath_H]

I agree as well since Alchemist isn't too long.

[Samerron]

The target date for Alchemist is on the 29th of September. How long would guys like to give time for concentrated discussion for it? Is 10 days good enough? Let's say until 8th of October. Then we will start with 1984 on the 10th (Initial Date), good?

The other thing, how are we gonna deal with the book. We have two ways:

One Go
Which is to read the whole book and then discuss it.

Gradual Reading
We would divide the reading into sections, and then we set a date to finish each section, and then this section can be included in our discussion.
Example, let's say we have three sections (X, Y & Z) and we are currently reading Y, but also discussing X (since we already read it). Once we finish Y, its contents will be added to the current discussions or any new discussions, and at the same time we would be reading section Z. Nevertheless, I might say the bulk of the discussion will be after we finish the whole book.

So, what do you say guys, which is better?

[Moath_H]

I think the three sections is a better idea: if we read it in one go, we can't discuss it in the intellectual depth that it deserves. The sectioning could be arbitrary, but I think the best idea would be to divide it at parts where the plot separates distinctly (eg. the character is in one place in one section, and then in another in the next). However, if you're dividing it that way, I'd like to know what the last words of each section is so I can follow accordingly in the e-book pdf.

[Samerron]

Actually it is good that the book is divided into three sections, we which use in our division.
For the other suggestion; to be to divide it at parts where the plot separates distinctly, I'm not sure we can do this before reading the book. Do you suggest to do it while reading the book?

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