Any other suggestions for the first book to be discussed?
If not, we'll create a poll so that people can vote on which book should be the first one read and discussed by the group.
Also, any other suggestions / comments in addition to those that Nancy has made regarding how the book club should be organized?
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Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
I'd be interested in the reading club, sounds like a cool idea.
I read the Emperor of All Maladies when it came out, and it is one of the two best books I have ever read.
Another book that you might consider for the club is The Cancer Chronicles by George Johnson. In my opinion, it's another good book (partly) about the science of cancer, but a step or two below The Emperor of All Maladies.
On a tangential topic, some of you who are interested in reading/learning might also be interested in this. EdX, which is one of the organizations offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), just started an introductory Biology course from MIT on June 17 (http://www.edx.org/course/mitx/mitx-7-00x-introduction-biology-secret-1768). It is a free (if you audit it like I'm doing) 12-week course and registration is still open. I've gotten through the first week's worth of material and am finding it very interesting. I'm hoping to improve my understanding of Biology fundamentals in order to better comprehend what I read about the science of cancer in general and multiple myeloma in particular, since I did not take any Biology courses in high school or college -- big mistake.
I read the Emperor of All Maladies when it came out, and it is one of the two best books I have ever read.
Another book that you might consider for the club is The Cancer Chronicles by George Johnson. In my opinion, it's another good book (partly) about the science of cancer, but a step or two below The Emperor of All Maladies.
On a tangential topic, some of you who are interested in reading/learning might also be interested in this. EdX, which is one of the organizations offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), just started an introductory Biology course from MIT on June 17 (http://www.edx.org/course/mitx/mitx-7-00x-introduction-biology-secret-1768). It is a free (if you audit it like I'm doing) 12-week course and registration is still open. I've gotten through the first week's worth of material and am finding it very interesting. I'm hoping to improve my understanding of Biology fundamentals in order to better comprehend what I read about the science of cancer in general and multiple myeloma in particular, since I did not take any Biology courses in high school or college -- big mistake.
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
Nancy,
You have posted quite a good list of books to consider. I've read most of them already and wouldn't mind reading them again.
I just finished reading "A Fault in Our Stars". I decided to read it instead of going to the movie since the movie reviewer said that the theaters should issue boxes of tissues to each ticket holder as they enter the theater. I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel that it is a good read for anyone living with cancer, or their family/caregivers, for the way the characters dealt with their imminent death at such a young age.
I also feel that "The Emperor of All Maladies" is a must read. It amazes me that the author was an oncology fellow at the time that he wrote it. It is very well researched with multiple literary references. It is an easy book to read and a tremendously interesting book.
So many good books. How to choose an initial selection of 3 to vote on for the first selection? Nancy and Steve, I leave this in your hands to begin with.
Nancy in Phila
You have posted quite a good list of books to consider. I've read most of them already and wouldn't mind reading them again.
I just finished reading "A Fault in Our Stars". I decided to read it instead of going to the movie since the movie reviewer said that the theaters should issue boxes of tissues to each ticket holder as they enter the theater. I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel that it is a good read for anyone living with cancer, or their family/caregivers, for the way the characters dealt with their imminent death at such a young age.
I also feel that "The Emperor of All Maladies" is a must read. It amazes me that the author was an oncology fellow at the time that he wrote it. It is very well researched with multiple literary references. It is an easy book to read and a tremendously interesting book.
So many good books. How to choose an initial selection of 3 to vote on for the first selection? Nancy and Steve, I leave this in your hands to begin with.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
We can always do a two-stage vote. First, list all the books mentioned so far, and let everyone vote for their 2 or 3 top choices.
Then have a final vote, one vote per person, for the top three choices coming out of the first round.
This might be better than a single round of votes on all books, and also better than forcing Nancy and Steve to select just 3 or 4 books for everyone to vote on.
Just some additional suggestions ...
Then have a final vote, one vote per person, for the top three choices coming out of the first round.
This might be better than a single round of votes on all books, and also better than forcing Nancy and Steve to select just 3 or 4 books for everyone to vote on.
Just some additional suggestions ...
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
Wow, I never guessed that my 'summer reading' column would start a book club. I think it's great!
I like the Beacon's idea of a vote in a poll. Maybe that's how online book clubs work, or maybe that's how they should work anyways! Then I will vote too. Thanks Beacon staff! Will look forward to the poll.
Nancy, I didn't know that the book that Joyce mentioned was also made into a movie. Maybe I will see it at home sometime. Dilip and I have watched lots of movies that way.
I like the Beacon's idea of a vote in a poll. Maybe that's how online book clubs work, or maybe that's how they should work anyways! Then I will vote too. Thanks Beacon staff! Will look forward to the poll.
Nancy, I didn't know that the book that Joyce mentioned was also made into a movie. Maybe I will see it at home sometime. Dilip and I have watched lots of movies that way.
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
Nancy - Do you prefer a single poll with all options, or a two-step poll approach (one poll with all options, and then a second poll with just the top 2-4 options)?
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
You can decide, MB staff ... I just thought that if we had a book planned for July 1, for example, (which happens to be Canada Day!), then all could read it in time to start discussions for August 1.
Of course, others can join in between when the poll comes out and when we discuss the book.
I note that Christine has posted a comment about online book clubs, and she probably knows more than I do about how they run.
Thanks so much, this sounds like a nice project for us regular readers!
Of course, others can join in between when the poll comes out and when we discuss the book.
I note that Christine has posted a comment about online book clubs, and she probably knows more than I do about how they run.
Thanks so much, this sounds like a nice project for us regular readers!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
To be honest, we think a two-step approach will give a result that is more likely to please the most people.
Also, the polling can still be done relatively quickly. Each of the two polls could be open, for example, for about 3 days, which would enable a final choice to be made by July 1.
Also, the polling can still be done relatively quickly. Each of the two polls could be open, for example, for about 3 days, which would enable a final choice to be made by July 1.
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
We decided to do the selection of the first book club book in two rounds of polling.
The poll for the first round is up and ready for voting. Go to this link:
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/tmb-book-club-first-book-poll-round-1-t3505.html
Please vote only if you intend to participate in the book club.
This poll will be up for three days. The four books getting the most votes in this poll will be voted on in the second (final) poll. The winner of the second poll will be the first book the club reads and discusses. (At least that's the plan!)
The poll for the first round is up and ready for voting. Go to this link:
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/tmb-book-club-first-book-poll-round-1-t3505.html
Please vote only if you intend to participate in the book club.
This poll will be up for three days. The four books getting the most votes in this poll will be voted on in the second (final) poll. The winner of the second poll will be the first book the club reads and discusses. (At least that's the plan!)
Re: TMB Book Club - Organization & book suggestions
I would be interested in joining. Reading is my best distraction.
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cyom22
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