A People’s Readalong! Join Us Why Don’t You?
by Jenners • 01/03/2012 • A People's Readalong • 30 Comments
Be careful what you say in your year-end book wrap-up posts! In mine, I mentioned that I planned on attempting Howard Zinn’s book A People’s History of the United States in 2012 and then, all of a sudden, Jill from Fizzy Thoughts has organized a readalong for us!
We’re taking a very casual approach—one chapter a week. We’ll start reading next week (or feel free to start now), with the first chapter due on Monday, January 16th. There are 25 chapters (and an afterword that we’ll just include with that last chapter), so if all goes well, we should be able to put this readalong to bed by July 9th. (Yes … you read that right. We’ll be reading this book until July!)
Jill plans on posting her thoughts on each chapter each Monday. I will attempt to do the same. However, there is no obligation to post weekly … you can chime in whenever you feel like it or just leave a comment on Jill’s post.
Of course, it might help if we told you what the book was about—it’s a paranormal romance between a vampire and a werewolf that takes place in Las Vegas. OK, I’m kidding, but I’m sure we’d rope in a few more suckers readers if that WAS the book description. Here is the real description:
Known for its lively clear prose as well as its scholarly research, A People's History of the United States is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of—and in the words of— America's women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor and immigrant laborers.
If one of your reading goals for 2012 is to learn more about U.S. history or read a long book really slowly, this is the readalong for you!
So I ask you: are you in or are you out?
I have personally always found this much-loved book absolutely stultifying. Have fun!!!
I ordered my book and now Im working on my post – love history and I’m looking forward to my first ever readalong!
Have fun reading
If a vampire does make its way into the storyline, do post about it!
My husband hates Zinn for some reason and I’m not allowed to read this book.
Okay, I’m not banned but I don’t want to hear snorts and sighs every time he sees it around. Plus I have a big fat book on London that I’ve vowed to read this year. So, I’ll be spending my time with our ancestors/oppressors instead.
If I can pick up a newer version I may join in in February. Mine was published in 1980!
For some reason I used to have no interest at all in history, but lately I’ve been fascinated by it, specifically U.S. history. I picked up my copy today and will be reading along!
This one looks interesting. I’ve committed to way too many read-alongs for the beginning of the year (including Moby Dick) but I’ll add it to my list for later!
Good luck with this Jenners! If I lived in the US I’d probably join in but I’ll be checking in on your posts instead.
I have already over-committed myself and I’m also participating in the TBR Double Dare so I cannot purchase books to read until April.
Now…if only you were reading a Paranormal Romantic History of the United States… lol
Actually, despite enjoying The Radleys I’m not a fan of vampires, werewolves or zombies!
Happy Reading!
Have fun!
I may jump in April 1st after I’m done with the TBR Double Dare Challenge. I’m really trying to be good and not read any books that I don’t already have. Sounds fun though, and I’d eventually like to read the book.
Wow, it seems like every time I come around, your blog has a new look, it’s almost like being in a different house!
You almost got me there with the vampire bit but then I got to the werewolf part and I said to myself, nah, this can’t be true… You see, I like to keep them separate.
Good luck with the challenge, not sure if I will join but I’m curious to see your posts about the book.
Maybe, just maybe.
If only the challenge didn’t go on until July
But it sounds very interesting and I look forward to hearing all about it. And again, I really like your blog’s new look!
If I hadn’t already felt this sigh of relief at being able to read what I want when I want I would have joined you because I’ve wanted to read this for awhile. Maybe your first couple of posts will convince me to jump in. No pressure or anything…
I will enjoy reading some of your reviews and thoughts, but I have already started on my own book wish list that I want to read!
I’m waiting until your first post review, I can’t buy any new books, or borrow until April 1st so I’ll have to catch up. I love the vampires,wherewolves thing. sounds like that should have been included.
Whew! I’m so glad that the book isn’t *really* about a paranormal romance in Las Vegas because that would have me so confused especially with a title like “A People’s History of the United States”! The actual book blurb sounds much more interesting in my opinion
I want to do this read along but there isn’t a kindle version and I’m not sure I want to add another physical book to my already cluttered house. I contemplated on getting the audible version but it’s $65! I guess if I can find an ebook version, I’ll tag along for the ride!
Am I in or out? Not sure yet! This sounds like something I should read, though–so we’ll see!
Love the bold new blue!!
Actually sounds quite interesting- maybe if I can get it on my iPad I will read it to….maybe
I can’t take on any more challenges but I might change my mind about this one and jump in during the middle. I’ve read this book before, in college, but have not read the updated version and would certainly like to. Great choice for a readalong!
Wimps…they’re all WIMPS! (Well, except for Patti, who’s my new best friend. After you, of course.)
And yes, you really do need to watch what you say…I love to involve others in my book reading misery.
Oh my goodness you made me laugh so hard with the vampires and werewolves bit! I’ve made a point of clearing my reading time for a while so I won’t be joining, but I’ll definitely follow your posts to see if it’s something I want to attempt at a later date.
This books sounds fascinating (especially without the werewolves and vampires). I love the idea of a read-along, although it sounds like way too much pressure for me. I will, however, get the book.
I wanted to read this when I first read about it. Let me check the Kindle purchasing budget, and get back to you!
Way WAY out. And that is saying something because I love you and Jill dearly. I shall watch by the sidelines.
I’m in…ordered my copy this morning
I am on the fence. Need to find out more about the book!
Good luck, I look forward to reading more on this.
I might have considered this if I hadn’t decided not to buy any new books this year (other than a couple in a series that I’m making an exception for). Of course it’s easy for me to say I would have joined in since I know I can’t!
Seriously, it does sound interesting.