Anna Karenina jumped to the top as favorite novel; Brothers Karamazov as best novel...The difference between the two adjectives tells more about me than anything else. :-)
Gentle note - I participated in one of the Catherine Project's events - a two hour session on Genesis 1-5. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone involved came prepared, asked good questions, and listened thoughtfully to what others had to say. I'd cheerfully participate again.
I don't understand the skepticism either. If people want to engage a great text with a community, what's the harm?