I have been wanting to read Middlemarch for some time now. And since it’s a doorstopper I thought it would be much more enjoyable if I did it with others who want to read it too! And so behold a Middlemarch Readalong or #MiddlemarchAlong! (or should we go with #MarchAlong?)
I have never participated in a readalong before or been the originator of one so I’m really not sure what my hostly duties are. I’ll probably learn as I go along!
Here’s the stuff you need to know in case you’re interested in joining me or https://bigreadinglife.wordpress.com or http://bluecastleconsiderations.com or https://louloureads.wordpress.com . . .
Middlemarch is divided into eight sections with essentially 100 pages to each section. We’ll be spending two weeks on each section at the end of which everyone who’s joining in can will post thoughts about that particular section up on their blogs. Two weeks is going to extend this readalong to FOUR MONTHS (!) I know (!!) but I’d rather have this stretched out than feel rushed. Especially since one of my main intentions with this thing is to actually ENJOY reading and thinking about Middlemarch! (And also because I need a way to be able to wedge in other books too!)
Other than that there are no rules really. At the beginning of each period I will put up a place-holder kind of post with the linky thing that allows everyone who’s participating to share their blog links—Oh wait, I think this post is going to have one too so if you’re joining in please do click on it and link up (and leave a comment)!
I haven’t really thought about social-media-ing this thing (I’m still having a hashtag though!) but we’ll see how it goes.
That’s about it. I think. Feel free to jump in with your thoughts or suggestions!
Oh, a guide that you can use to marshal your thoughts thanks to Rohan Maitzen of Novel Readings: https://middlemarchforbookclubs.wordpress.com.
We start on March 15th.
Schedule:
| March 15 – March 31 | Prelude & Book One: Miss Brooke |
| April 1 – April 15 | Book Two: Old and Young |
| April 16 – April 30 | Book Three: Waiting for Death |
| May 1 – May 15 | Book Four: Three Love Problems |
| May 16 – May 31 | Book Five: The Dead Hand |
| June 1 – June 15 | Book Six: The Widow and the Wife |
| June 16 – June 30 | Book Seven: Two Temptations |
| July 1 – July 15 | Book Eight: Sunset and Sunrise & Finale |
Nooks & Crannies - ’cus they’re perfect for a book lover 
If I weren’t already committed to another long-term project, I’d join you. Middlemarch is one of my favorite novels. I’ll definitely be following your progress.
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Oh, do feel free to join in at mid-point if that works better for you! Would love to hear from those as well who’ve already experienced Middlemarch!
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I’m excited to participate in this, Juhi! I think this year I will be focusing on my quality of reading experience vs. sheer quantity of books. (So I see my reading numbers being down a bit – but I don’t care!) Thanks for hosting.
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Yay! So glad we’re doing this together Laila! And good for you! Do what works best for YOU! 🙂
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This sounds like great fun. 🙂
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Oh, do join in if you feel so inspired Deepika! It should be fun! 🙂
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Woohoo! I will probably have to join in a bit late on this, but I’m super looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks! It’ll be good to have accountability buddies to make me actually finish Middlemarch.
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