All of the above, well except for the sucky moderator part. The few hours I've had to relax this season, I've craved something easy, escapist and short, and from the first few pages of DQ I read, it's a definite project. A worthwhile project, but it has the misfortune of being up against the entire rest of the chaotic work/personal background that makes up the latter sixth of the year.

Terribly sorry, Sarah. Feel free not to read the next book I moderate. :-\

Rich | December 12, 2002 9:54 PM

Actually, you got me there -- I didn't have time to read Noir. So we're even now.

Or you could send beer. That would work, too.

Sarah | December 13, 2002 1:26 AM

Sarah, other than the bit about the sucky moderator, I'd have to say that all of those things played a part in my not finishing this book. Due to travel, holiday obligations, and increased workload at the office, it just didn't happen for me yet.

But the book is still sitting on my shelf, on the top of my pile of books, staring at me and daring me to pick it up and read it. I do intend to finish it at some point...

kara | December 13, 2002 8:38 AM

I started DQ. I suppose initially I was overwhelmed at it's size (pitiful confession for a lit major) but I was finding a way into the story. So whay didn't I progress? Ultimately, my pathetic excuse is that I have been drinking. Soon as I get home, I uncork a bottle of wine...and my concentration and motivation has suffered as a result. This is a temporary course of behavior and is probably a direct result of your suckinesss as a moderator. Then again it could be that I don't handle life's disappointments very well.

barbara | December 13, 2002 8:50 AM

Dude! I drove Barbara to drink! I'm so proud.

Sarah | December 13, 2002 10:44 AM

glad I could help out.

barbara | December 13, 2002 1:34 PM

Yes, all but the sucky moderator part here too. Holidays demanding things, drinking, busy as hell at work. It's a little pathetic that a writing MFA can't get through DQ, but there you have it. The length is certainly daunting. I initially thought the blog would inspire me to finish, as I had started it months ago, but alas, alack, DQ now sits next to Moby Dick on my shelf of books to read someday.

I wanted to say thank you thank you thank you to Sarah though, for excellent moderatorship amidst a minor mutiny.

kathy | December 15, 2002 3:17 PM

While the size of the book was daunting, my main issues were (1) work-home-kids, (2) tepid motivation to read these days, (3) stressful things happening right now, (4) both sets of parents visiting in November. Plus I happened to be listening to Baudolino on tape, which is set in the 1100's, and found the two stories clashed as far as characters, settings and plot details. So I stopped after 40 pages or so. I do plan to try again some day.

It had absolutly nothing to do with you as a moderator. I would have slipped even if I had moderated. :^)

As an attempt to prevent another month/book slipping past, I started reading January's book at my son's wrestling tourney this weekend. So far it has been enjoyable - might have to dig up earlier Fry novels. I have liked him on Black Adder, had no idea he wrote.

Hunter | December 15, 2002 9:50 PM

Sarah -
You are not sucky! I am also embarrassed to admit that I have not read DQ. There has been a lot of things going on at my house and I find I don't have much time to read lately!

Kate | December 16, 2002 12:35 AM

Hey fellow bookbloggies: Everyone knows I was just teasing Sarah about her role as moderator...in a weak attempt to deflect my shame/guilt in not reading the book. It was an ambitious selection and I failed the challenge. Sarah, Mary...y'all have made a noble effort to keep this puppy up and running. Next Month....NO EXCUSES from me. I'll kick book blog butt! promise.

barbara | December 16, 2002 12:09 PM

Well, I moderated, I didn't finish it. I will someday, I promise.... but it's not something I want to bring to Vegas with me, you know?

Sarah | December 16, 2002 11:38 PM