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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 -- Dave Eggers

--Abby

Alright, it's time to stir things up. As the creator and maintainer of this blog, I used all executive power to choose this book, and what I'm referring to as "Stage 2" of the UBC.

I'd like to have a more interactive, involved section of the blog. I still like the independent selection of books and reviews (and they are helping me choose my new reading material), but I want everyone on the same page of something. Hence "The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007". This is a collection of essays, poems and short stories which I think will fit our needs nicely. The length should make pieces easy to read in one sitting, and since there is no continuing plot, busy kids like us don't have to sweat if we miss one. Finally, the extreme mix of authors, formats, fiction, non-fiction, investigative news, poetry and nonsense should provide a little something for everyone. I've read the introduction (by Sufjan Stevens) and it tickled me.

As for discussion format, I propose having a separate entry for each work, and multiple contributors to each entry. I'm putting up an Example Entry. I'll go ahead and kick this off doing two entries on the first two pieces August 1st. Thus, anyone who wants to try this out should get their hands on a copy of the book by then. I picked up my copy (in paperback) at B&N for $15.



A schedule and more detail are on their way, try and feel the excitement :)

1 comment:

PennyB said...

Random Dave Eggers facts:

Wrote A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.

I read the book and discussed with Alex Blanchette.

Eggers went to Mellie's high school in Lake Forest. She was younger than him and recalls he was weird.

Said high school was featured in Breakfast Club.