I have long been wanting to read Moby Dick, and Brona’s plan seems just about perfect: three to four chapters a week beginning August 1, which is Herman Melville’s 200th birthday. The reading could be followed up with a listening to the chapters on audio at Moby Dick Big Read.
Here is a screenshot of the site, as the name almost sounds…ridiculous:
So, it’s a plan. I have time to finish Lucky Per which was to be May’s read-along, and locate my leather bound, gilt-edged edition of Moby Dick. Perhaps you will join us as well.
I don’t think I’ll manage another reading of a large novel, having just finished Lucky Per. It’s many years since I read Moby-Dick, and recall a more positive response than Woody Allen’s famous dismissal of it. Yes, there are long stretches of tedium, but for me they worked in the grand scheme of things. Not sure if a rereading would endorse this view…
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I think probably one reading of this whale would be sufficient, at least for me. Glad to know you’ve already got this one covered. 😊
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Delighted you’ll be joining us. I’m really looking forward to reading this tricky (by all accounts) but fascinating classic with a group of friends.
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You have given me the motivation I have lacked, for as you said, it is good to read with a group of friends.
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A great book looking forward to your thoughts
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As one who calls herself a reader, I really need to have read this classic. Okay, all classics. I’m getting to them one by one…
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This sounds enormously fun. I’ve had a fresh copy on my shelf for the last year but haven’t cracked it. August, eh? Verrry tempting. And thanks for the link to the Big Read!
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We have to give credit to Brona for the read-aloud find. I listened to Tilda Swinton read Chapter 1 last night, and it was marvelous. That might be the way to get through this tome!
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There’s a substantial chunk of the novel before Chapter 1 that is not well-suited for audio. Just to warn you. No perfect substitute for paper.
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Now that’s interesting…the audio doesn’t even cover that! I will have to resort to my text, which is always a good idea anyway. As you said, no perfect substitute.
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I hosted a read along for Moby Dick and many people signed up but only myself and one other finished it! I enjoyed it. It was humorous which I was not expecting but long. Very long.
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I’m sorry I didn’t notice your read-along of this very same novel, Ti! I would have at least attempted to join in as I am now. The length should be manageable, as we don’t finish til February 2020, as long as I don’t get bored.
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Well, it seemed like it wasn’t so long ago but I just looked at the post and it was nine years ago! That’s why you didn’t see it. Hehehe.
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Ah, while I was blogging 9 years ago, I don’t think I knew you. That’s a relief; I’d hate to be rude!
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I tried to read this several years ago, as it is my husband’s favorite book. He used to teach an English class in which he showed the students both Moby Dick and Jaws (films). There are quite a few similarities, I’m told. 🙂 I tried to read the book, but failed, stalling somewhere around chapter 9, I think. Perhaps this will be the way for me to actually read the entire book. I do like the idea of a read/listen combo.
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Les, I would have loved to have been in Rod’s class! He would make it so interesting, I can just tell. And to compare the two films? Fascinating idea! I have never tried this, so I can’t say I gave up on it. But, as you say, listening to it could be the saving grace while reading. Xo
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I started reading several months ago and stalled and I promised myself I will finish it. Maybe this is how I will do it with a group read with you.
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Splendid, I’d love to read with you, too. All these tales of stalling don’t bode well, though, for sustaining one’s interest.😉
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It is definitely a “chunkster”. I haven’t read it, but I’ve read (very short) snippets from it. I cannot join in this summer, but look forward to reading about this read-a-long, Bellezza.
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I think I have to read it for the name Starbucks, alone! 😉 Even though I now prefer Peet’s Coffee by far. It will be fun to see what everyone thinks of Moby Dick; I am hopeful to at least listen to it.
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I am joining in as well. With some dread I must admit!
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Well, I guess it wouldn’t be such a chunkster classic if we didn’t approach it with some trepidation. 😌 I’m so glad that you are joining in, too, Lisbeth!
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