March's Book!!!!

Okay, over much deliberation, I have made a decision. I am not going to lie to you, I have been stressing about this. I thought about modern books and classics. I didn't know if we just wanted to stick to classics (I hope not), but I picked a classic anyways. I hope you guys like it, and that you guys haven't read it before (although, if you have you liked it). Ugh! Picking a book for others to read is not easy. Basically, I wanted intrigue and adventure, so I picked The Scarlett Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy Emmuska. I hope you all enjoy it!

Let's Talk About Northanger Abbey

Alright, so I'm a little nervous about this post because I'm not an intellectual, and I'm really not sure what to discuss in relation to the book.

1.)I really enjoyed it.
2.)It ended pretty abruptly.
3.)I LOVE Jane Austen's sassiness in this book.

Those really are the points I kind of want to discuss, and then we'll see where all your thoughts ultimately lead the discussion.

Now for point 1. I loved it for several reasons... one being that it was easy to read. I have always had a fear of the classics, mostly because I wasn't sure I would be smart enough to understand the language. But it hasn't been the case with the two Jane Austen's that I have read. I am instantly connected to the characters she creates, and the world she sees. I LOVED HENRY TILNEY. I already said that I thought of him as a Bingley like character, but not as oblivious. Tilney is wonderful, and has a great sense of humor, and it was so very easy to fall for him. I also liked the heart of Catherine. I had to keep reminding myself that she is only seventeen, and is trying to make her way in the world. Catherine has a good heart and a good temperament. She isn't as judgmental as some of Austen's other heroine's, and I liked reading about her becoming a woman. I also enjoyed the humor in this book. I smiled through most of my reading.
On a side note: I loved how Mr. Tilney related marriage to dancing! I loved that discussion, and wonder anyone else's thoughts on it.

Point 2: The book ended so suddenly. I felt as if I had just hit the third quarter when Catherine is rushed off of Northanger Abbey, and then it's 15 pages to the end. It really felt rushed, and quickly patched up. I'm happy at the happy endings, but they just seemed rushed, and wrapped a little too neatly. And I still just don't understand Henry's father. It just seems odd to me.

And finally point 3: I absolutely ADORE Jane Austen's voice in this book. It is so witty and youthful and wonderful. This book felt so like an non-angsty. I loved her asides to the reader, and her sarcasm. I don't know next to anything about Gothic novels, but she really had me intrigued and wanting to read one.

I'm sorry my thoughts are a jumbled mess, but over the course of the last hour I have overdosed on Dr. Pepper!

Those are the thoughts from Sarah! (Now if you're an author you can just add to the post if you like, or you can make a comment.) And everyone else who isn't an author on the blog, please let me know your thoughts, and feelings on the book!

Ready.... DISCUSS!!

March options. . .

So, I figure I should be making a decision as to what our next joint literary adventure should be. I am not finished yet with "Northanger Abbey," so I am having a hard time choosing. There are so many books out there that I have always wanted to read, but have never had a chance, or the "push" to do so. I have narrowed it down to three, and I would like some input please.

First of all is "The Scarlett Pimpernell." The book I read before "Northanger Abbey," was a Victorian era spy novel and I thought this might be fun since I loved the other modern book so much.


The next thought is "The Wizard of Oz." I love a lot of the adaptations and I have always wanted to try reading the original book(s), but have never taken the time.


My third idea came to me as we watched "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory," in class today with my kiddos. I grew up on the movie and can quote the entire thing, but have never read the book(s). So Perhaps "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory," might be fun?



I have also thought about, "The Woman in White," and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." What excites you guys of theses options? Does anything spark your fancy?

P.S. all of the pictures are hyperlinks to their Amazon listings in case you want to find out more about them.

Quick Question Readers

Alright... how many of you have finished the book? Just wondering when we can start talking about it, before I forget all my brilliant thoughts. (sarcasm)

I'm thinking about re-reading it, because I can't seem to get into "Under The Greenwood Tree."