[LMB] Which Bujold for book group?

[Jim Parish]

Tora asked:
> What Bujold would you suggest for a book group to discuss?

Mm. I have no experience at all with book groups, but I'd suggest 
_Shards_ first, if it's available as a standalone. (I don't have _Cordelia's 
Honor_ as such, but _Shards_ and _Barrayar_ together, omitting 
"Aftermaths", look to total about 700 pages.) I suppose _Barrayar_ by 
itself could also do; it was my introduction to the series, after all, and I 
still rank it very high within the canon. Most of the others require quite a 
bit of backstory. _Komarr_ is a partial exception; that's the book I used 
to hook my sister Ellen, and it might do as well. _The Warrior's 
Apprentice_ also doesn't require much backstory, but I don't see it 
being quite as appealing. (I personally am less fond of it than I am of 
most of the series.)

Jim Parish