Subject
Re: What does VN rail against? (fwd)
From
Date
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*** I happen to have heard yesterday that books recommended by
Oprah Winfrey in her TV version of a book club increase in sales by over
40%, if I remember the number correctly. She is yet to recommend
Nabokov, though... GD***
From: Mary Krimmel <mary.krimmel@fanciful.org>
Change of subject, but a response relevant to topic of book clubs. I too
would be interested to know the effect of the current popularity of book
clubs on publishing.
I believe that many clubs are sponsored by booksellers such as
Harcourt-Brace and hold open discussions. (I've never attended such a
one, speak from hearsay.) "My" club is sponsored by the local branch
library where it meets. It is also open; books are selected by
consensus. A main criterion is that "enough" copies of the chosen book
are available in the San Diego Public Library system. This eliminates
very new books because of purchase delay. It leaves most classics,
however they are defined, as possible choices. Books assigned and
studied in high school are in plentiful supply and in general so are
books which have been popular a year a year or more previously and have
declined in popularity.
Length is a consideration but I (like to) believe that literary value
is at least as important. This group may be atypical; our choices even
much multiplied could hardly have any effect on the publishing business.
The group chose Lolita, which was new to most attendants and produced a
good discussion. I think that we found no other Nabokovs to be in
sufficient supply.
Mary Krimmel
Oprah Winfrey in her TV version of a book club increase in sales by over
40%, if I remember the number correctly. She is yet to recommend
Nabokov, though... GD***
From: Mary Krimmel <mary.krimmel@fanciful.org>
Change of subject, but a response relevant to topic of book clubs. I too
would be interested to know the effect of the current popularity of book
clubs on publishing.
I believe that many clubs are sponsored by booksellers such as
Harcourt-Brace and hold open discussions. (I've never attended such a
one, speak from hearsay.) "My" club is sponsored by the local branch
library where it meets. It is also open; books are selected by
consensus. A main criterion is that "enough" copies of the chosen book
are available in the San Diego Public Library system. This eliminates
very new books because of purchase delay. It leaves most classics,
however they are defined, as possible choices. Books assigned and
studied in high school are in plentiful supply and in general so are
books which have been popular a year a year or more previously and have
declined in popularity.
Length is a consideration but I (like to) believe that literary value
is at least as important. This group may be atypical; our choices even
much multiplied could hardly have any effect on the publishing business.
The group chose Lolita, which was new to most attendants and produced a
good discussion. I think that we found no other Nabokovs to be in
sufficient supply.
Mary Krimmel