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Announcing: The White Noise Meander

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15 years ago today, a crew of mighty readers banded together to tackle a handful of tomes of varying complexity. Among ’em: Gravity’s Rainbow, Don Quixote, To the Lighthouse, and At Swim-Two-Birds.

We called these group reads “Deathmarches” and we rejoiced, in bloggy way, as complex books were read, posts were posted, and exciting prizes were distributed. (exciting prizes you ask?! read on!)

These shenanigans slowed to a stroll and then a stop right around 2010. But as we enter “The Troublous Twenties”(™), it seems like a good time to reboot the ole machine and take it for a spin.

So we’re doing this again? Really?
We are!

  • When: The first read starts on Sunday, Feb 2.
  • What: We’ll be tackling Don Delillo’s White Noise, which I’ll put in the category of “novels that might be great, I’m not sure, but I heard a lot about it years ago and I’ve been annoyed with myself ever since for not picking it up.” This is a large category.
  • Why: I’m telling you, the prizes are very exciting!

    • Are there rules? I love rules!

    There are rules!

  • Read the book (50 pages or so assigned per week)
  • Comment every week on the appropriate blog post
  • Make it to the end of the book
  • Get an exciting prize! (typically a magnet, and occasionally a mug)

    • A side note about branding:
    I’m opting to swap out the Deathmarch title this time around for Meander. I dunno. I think I’m just in the mood for a kinder, gentler naming convention.

    So what happens next?
    If you’re interested in joining, feel free to comment on this thread, or wait for the kick off. For now, all you really have to do is get yourself a copy of the book and hide it somewhere so you aren’t tempted until we flip that first page a few Sunday’s hence.

    Questions?
    Drop a note on the thread and I’ll do my best to answer.

    Last thoughts
    I’ll admit, I’ve missed these dang marches/meanders. Looking forward to dusting off my meandering shoes and joining you on the trail!
    -Cecil

    Comments

    24 responses to “Announcing: The White Noise Meander”

    1. xian Avatar
      xian

      Severe Morty voice: “You son of a bitch, I’m in!”

      White noise pounding
      All around me
      Makes me deaf and dumb
      All my senses
      Overloading
      Makes my mind go numb
      Gotta get away
      Gotta get away from

      Reply
    2. Cecil Vortex Avatar
      Cecil Vortex

      Where’s the like button on this dang thing? Woohoo! 🙂
      -Cecil

      Reply
    3. Barbara Avatar
      Barbara

      Me is andering on this journey too!!

      Reply
    4. elsbeth Avatar
      elsbeth

      moi aussi!

      Reply
    5. Shabe Avatar
      Shabe

      Yes

      Reply
    6. Ogami Ittō Avatar
      Ogami Ittō

      Bushido in heart and mind, you have my devoted reading glasses (in preferable lieu of my sword).

      Reply
    7. David Pelovitz Avatar
      David Pelovitz

      I like “White Noise” a great deal and will try to join the meander – BTW, deathmarch was the right name for GR and probably DQ as well. Less appropriate for At Swim & Pale Fire.

      Sorry I missed To the Lighthouse though

      Reply
    8. Dr. Vitz Avatar
      Dr. Vitz

      I will likely use my older edition, so I may need a little help coordinating actual reading assignment

      Reply
    9. Cecil vortex Avatar
      Cecil vortex

      We got you. Glad to have you aboard! -Cecil

      Reply
    10. So-Called Bill Avatar
      So-Called Bill

      I also will be pulling my old copy off the shelf. I have fond memories of reading it… um… 25 years ago? More? Anyway, looking forward to another spin.

      Reply
    11. Alyssa Avatar
      Alyssa

      I’ve always wanted to read this book. I’m in!

      Reply
    12. Computilo Avatar
      Computilo

      I can’t wait to meander! I was a veteran of most of the Deathmarches of yore. In fact, my granddaughter Madeline was born during the Brothers Karamazov March. I was present for her birth, and my daughter and son-in-law are still a bit miffed that I kept stepping out of the labor room to read a few more pages. But who could expect me to concentrate on Dostoevsky with all that moaning and complaining going on! (BTW, all turned out well on the baby front, and I’m back in the good graces of my family.) Thanks, Dan, for getting this started again!

      Reply
    13. Cecil vortex Avatar
      Cecil vortex

      High stakes marching! Really great to have you back…. 🙂
      -Cecil

      Reply
    14. Barbara L. Avatar
      Barbara L.

      You had me at “magnet”. ☺️

      Reply
    15. Rox Avatar
      Rox

      I must confess I don’t have an old copy. White Noise has not been front and center on my radar, but, still, I’m excited for this. Just got my brand-spanking-new copy today …

      Reply
    16. Bluebeard Avatar
      Bluebeard

      I’m meanderin’!

      Reply
    17. Kathy Smith Avatar
      Kathy Smith

      Along for the ride again!

      Reply
    18. Willem Avatar
      Willem

      In! So how do you pronounce the author’s last name?

      Reply
    19. Cecil Vortex Avatar
      Cecil Vortex

      I’ve always heard/said “De” + (like DeBlassi) “Lil” (like short for Lilly) “oh”…..

      Reply
    20. SusanC Avatar
      SusanC

      I just came across a reminder on Amazon that I had purchased this book on August 30, 2010. Maybe it’s time I opened it…

      Reply
    21. Al D. Avatar
      Al D.

      Bought my copy. I’m ready to share some insights: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/white-noise-sparknotes/1104681642?ean=9781411478329

      Reply
    22. Cecil Vortex Avatar
      Cecil Vortex

      Oh al you devil!

      Reply
    23. Rebeccca Stees Avatar
      Rebeccca Stees

      Yes!

      Reply
    24. Cecil Vortex Avatar
      Cecil Vortex

      Welcome! 🙂

      Reply

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