I actually like the idea of subgroup. This sounds like a really meaty book, and maybe a slower pace like the one in the essay @Mary13 linked? Well, maybe not years, but with some time to sink in? I say this mostly from a daunted place. 
It helps me with long books is to figure out how many pages a day or a week I need to read. When I started it was 10 pages a day or 70 a week. I put the weekly goals into my journal and track that I am on target. (I’m actually 20 pages ahead.) It’s the only way I got through Proust one summer!
Does anyone else have the overwhelming urge to purchase the Cliff notes for this book? I am trying to read 2 chapters a day. My book has 86 chapters. Thank goodness we have two full months.
Don’t forget about “Middlemarch for Book Clubs” – it’s both a word press site (middlemarchforbookclubs.wordpress…you know the rest, CC won’t let me post it) and a free download: https://www.amazon.com/Middlemarch-Book-Clubs-Reading-Discussion-ebook/dp/B01EXRTUBK
Question: Does it make any difference which edition of “Middlemarch” I get? I’ll be getting a Kindle edition, but there still quite a few choices. Is there any reason to spend $$, or is a free edition OK?
I just finished the BBC miniseries and am wondering if the characters in the book end up the same as in the series. No spoilers, just a general “yes”, “no”, or “some of them”. I realize that books sometimes undergo major changes on the screen.
Still not sure about reading the book but I may try it if DH ends up needing shoulder surgery (again) and we’re stuck at home.
@CBBBlinker, I got the free Gutenberg project edition for my Kindle and it seems to be fine. I have an old paperback at home and have done some “spot-checking” along the way and see no difference at all.
Having read it twice (voluntarily!), I think I will find the miniseries … and free up my eyes/brain for reading other things on my list. So many books, so little time. I do think it’s worth reading “for real.” As I recall, it’s easier going once you get involved with the characters.
I’m a few chapters in, currently sleep-deprived due to interrupted nights for the last week (THANK you, neighborhood coyotes!), and it’s flowing nicely. About a chapter or two at a time works for me, with a little bit daily being better than longer sitting with longer break between.
I have a free edition from Amazon prime. It has a few typos that are not in my print edition, it doesn’t set off the quotes at the beginning of the chapters, and it doesn’t number chapters the same way. I’ve made a few notes about things I want to compare, but haven’t gotten around to. (What I suspect are missing italics for example.) It’s still much easier for me to read the Kindle on the subway, especially since I don’t always get a seat.
I’m almost a third of the way through and have run into several quotes that I know I had in my quote collection notebook I kept at the time.
I have to say it’s growing on me. But how I wish I was reading rather than listening, so I would know when to skim…
I’ve started reading - and listening (Audible, Juliet Stevenson reading). I’m not far into the book but I think I’m really going to like it.
I have to remember to find a new copy and get this re-read! Can’t find my old one, sadly. I will say, I get that people like to skim, but this is as much about HOW Eliot says things, as what happens. A lot of wonderful stuff can be lost by skimming.
My attention span is shot. I’m only progressing a few pages a day. How’s everyone else doing?
I finished it - all 28 CDS - just in time to have the library close and not be able to return it. A slow start but it improves and there are some moments of brilliance.
I finished last week. All 800 pages and 86 or so chapters. Thank goodness I finished that one!!!
I’m on page 572. I was on track until this week, I had been reading it on the train. I plan to sit down with it tomorrow. I also told DH we are watching the mini-series!
I’m halfway through ch. 37. I hoped to be further at this point but life keeps interfering. I like the book.
I started it but just can’t get into the book. I did watch the series and also read spoilers on how it differed from the book. But as we “stay at home,” I may try again.
I’m with @HouseChatte – “my attention span is shot.” I spend the day thinking about how I’m going to keep mutant insects out of my cave after all this is said and done.
But I intend to finish, even if it means a heroic push in the last few days. I’m halfway through. I’m looking forward to watching the mini-series.
My heartfelt congratulations to @stradmom and @silverlady! You are my role models.