General

The book discussion group's goal is to focus discussion on a particular book at a particular time to get as many people participating and enjoying the group as possible. The books are discussed on the email distribution list FeministSF i.e. to participate one has to join that list.

The BDG is only hosted by the FeministSF list i.e. the nature of the FeministSF list should not be changed by the BDG!

Upcoming books, with the date discussion begins:
 

14 Jan 06	The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman (further info)
18 Feb 06	The Child Goddess, by Louise Marley (further info)
18 Mar 06	Life, by Gwyneth Jones (further info)
15 Apr 06	We Who Are About To... by Joanna Russ (further info)

Note: The next round of selection will be in May 2006.

Join the discussion!

New book discussions begin monthly on the first Monday of the month, directly on the FeministSF list.

Book group discussion messages should include the string "BDG" (for Book Discussion Group) in the subject. It would also be helpful to include the title or initials of the title in the subject, so that particularly enthusiastic discussions can spill over into the next month. As long as "BDG" is included in the subject spoiler disclaimers are not necessary once discussion has begun.

Members are encouraged to follow the general list rules such as quoting only the necessary parts of original messages in responses to reduce excess bandwidth, and any off-topic discussion should be kept to a minimum. Furthermore members should take to heart some suggestions for discussing books.

Discussion can be literary and theoretical or more concrete discussions about plot or character development. There's enough of a mix of people on the list that we can each participate in the aspects that interest us and ignore those aspects that don't. Remember, the group's purpose is to encourage rather than discourage discussion.

Other works can of course be discussed at the same time on the list.  Also, it's fine to discuss a book before the scheduled date, just remember to include spoilers in your early postings.  If you want to initiate discussion about a book the group has already discussed that's OK as well, but it's polite to look through the archives first.

Participants are encouraged to suggest a bibliography of essays or other works pertaining to the book currently under discussion or the following month's book. A list of URL links to online reviews is always helpful!