Hosting

[Tim Strzechowski]

In the "traditional" sense of the P-list (whatever that means), a group
reading usually consists of one (or sometimes two) listers acting as
discussion leaders for a portion of the book.

If you look back to the archives  http://waste.org/mail/?list=pynchon-l
you'll see that in most cases "hosting" means that you are responsible for a
brief synopsis of the chapter, followed by a bit of research on passages
that might be of interest, commentary, discussion questions, etc.  In
effect, you become a bit of an "expert" on your selected chapter. Years ago,
when I was part of the James Joyce list, many of the listers stated that
they liked to print the notes, commentaries, discussion questions, etc. and
keep it all in a binder, for future reference.  As an educator myself, I
like to think this reading of _Vineland_ might reap some resource material
to help the novel get taught somewhere.

Although it sounds more intimidating and time-consuming than it really is,
I've found it to be fun because each host tends to bring a unique style to
his/her section.  Some offer links, while others provide passages of
analysis, while still others bring interesting questions to the reading.  I
participated in the group read of V. some time back, and it can be quite
enjoyable and rewarding, especially when people are not intimidated back
into the shadows.

Davmarc offered some good ideas yesterday for alternative methods of
conducting the reading, which might be worth looking at more closely as
people gear up for a _Vineland- and (maybe) a _Pale Fire_ read.

http://waste.org/mail/?list=pynchon-l&month=0306&msg=81233&sort=date

Anyways, I invite anyone who'd like to give it a go to sign up for a portion
of the Vineland read.  I and Paul N. will be handling the opening chapters,
no anyone who's not acquainted with hosting is welcome to structure his/her
hosting in a similar fashion.

I'm sure your freshman-level D makes you a worthwhile host regardless.  : )

Others' thoughts on hosting?


----- Original Message -----
From: "Glenn Scheper" <glenn_scheper at earthlink.net>

>
> What means "to host"? As one who squeaked out of his last English
> course, freshman remedial, with a D, and looks out on a sea of
> expertise, I don't want to be writing a "book report".--That's probably
> a grade school term. I plan to go buy whatever or both you read.
>