"Digression! Digression!" ;)

Kali: "Digression! Digression!" ;) How so?

It's a quotation from Catcher....

Make your choice, adventurous Stranger; Strike the bell and bide the danger, Or wonder, till it drives you mad, What would have followed if you had.

I LOVE C.S. Lewis!

Currently reading Edith Wharton's first novel, "Fast and Loose"...It has some sneaky corollations to "The Buccaneers," her last, with which it is published (Unviersity of Virginia Press).

Just read the Rector's Wife, circa 1990, by a Trollope descendant. Had trouble putting it down.

Title: Les animaux d�natur�s Joan, too, FYI : Author: Vercors Subject: philosophical novel Description: The discovery of a new breed of evolve monkeys lead a man in comitting a violent act in order to force humanity to define what it is to be human ISBN: 2-253-01023-5 Editing : Albin Michel (french edition) Nombre de pages: 315 Comments: Interesting mix of fiction and philosophical analysis aiming at an important outcome.

Myself, I loved Nicholas and Alexandra bt Robert Massie. As far as non-historical books go, I enjoyed Wuthering Heights. I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy Emily Bronte's Jane Eyre. The book itself was fine, the ending just threw me for a loop. The movie was great, though. I *loved* the whole thunderstorm/love confession scene- the lighting guys must have had a field day on that film. Speaking of endings that killed a book, What about A Farewell to Arms? That's one of the joys of American Lit- every book has a social message.

Myself, I loved Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert Massie. As far as non-historical books go, I enjoyed Wuthering Heights. I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy Emily Bronte's Jane Eyre. The book itself was fine, the ending just threw me for a loop. The movie was great, though. I *loved* the whole thunderstorm/love confession scene- the lighting guys must have had a field day on that film. Speaking of endings that killed a book, What about A Farewell to Arms? That's one of the joys of American Lit- every book has a social message.

Sorry about that, I thought I cancelled the first one! :-)

Laura/Alix...Kaff and I are also very interested in the last Czar...I loved Nicholas ans Alexandra...I borrowed it from my world history teacher in high school, and since then i've devoured numerous books on Czar Nicholas and his family, WWI, and the Russian Revolution. I identify with Grand Duchess Anastasia perhaps the most. Such a shame that those girls (and Alexei) had to die! :( The Russian Orthodox church has made them saints - martyrs - as they were devoutly religious. It's scary, but my mother and Anastasia, as young girls, looked virtually identical. I know that Anna Andersen was not Anastasia, but I wonder if perhaps Anastasia did not die with the rest of her family...

Laura (alix) re #109: Funny, I love Jane Eyre and reread it regularly. It was Wuthering Heights that I didn't care for. I have the Jane Eyre with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine on tape and watch it every now and then. The BBC version with Timothy Dalton was also very good.

Favorite books: anything by Scott Fitzgerald, but most especially Tender is the Night and Gatsby. I read Gatsby when I was twelve and still cry(his romantic readiness-the mysterious figure stretching out his arms to the green light on Daisy's dock). Other favorites-anything by Edith Wharton(just read the Children), GWTW, Rebecca, The queen of the night Eustacia in Return of the Native, Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, the Stranger, Their Eyes were watching God, Jane Eyre, Washington Square, Gabrielle Roy's t e Tin flute.....

Favorite books: anything by Scott Fitzgerald, but most especially Tender is the Night and Gatsby. I read Gatsby when I was twelve and still cry(his romantic readiness-the mysterious figure stretching out his arms to the green light on Daisy's dock). Other favorites-anything by Edith Wharton(just read the Children), GWTW, Rebecca, The queen of the night Eustacia in Return of the Native, Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, the Stranger, Their Eyes were watching God, Jane Eyre, Washington Square, Gabrielle Roy's t e Tin flute.....

Sorry about that mistake- Jane Eyre was written by Charlotte Btrnte, not Emily. I'm glad I caught that before anyone else did! Oh, Kali, do you know when the Russian Orthodox Church made them saints? I haven't seen anything at all about it, and neither have any of my friends or teachers. Anyone have a clue?

Cassandra - I ditto GWTW, Gatsby, and Rebecca...this is getting freaky! ;) --- I don't know, Laura...I read it somewhere, but I can't remember exactly where...

Kali-This really is starting to get freaky! I can almost hear the Twilight theme music. It seems we do have a lot in common-Janeites, Wharton fans, KH admirers, Gatsby, and we are both in love with Mr Knightley! And, I believe you like Hurston's Their Eyes book, another of my all time favorites. What are your favorite moments/images from GG? I think I mentioned that I like the moment he's introduced in the book, stretching out his arms. I love the description of the partygoers, too and Daisy's low thrilling voice. Poor Gatsby-he can remember exactly when they last met-Five years ago. Sigh.

I like that Daisy's voice sounded like money.

The hot day in September, Cassandra, when everything explodes....and Gatsby loses Daisy forever. Sniff. My favorite character was Nick Carraway...the eyes in the sky of Everyman...oh, and Myrtle - BITCH! ;) And the light on Daisy's dock...poor Gatsby...he did so well creating somebody from nothing. And all for that thoughtless little debutante. He would have survived had he done it for himself...but would he have succeeded? Love is blind, and strongly motivational...

On the recommendation of the Aussies on this board (notably Hilary) I read Oscar and Lucinda. I am very glad I did, as it is quite special, though as another reader pointed out, there are some things that one would like to imagine differently. I can't figure out who Ciaran Hinds is to play in the film---certainly not Oscar---perhaps the minister/glass expert whose name escapes me at the moment. Anyway, thanks for the recommendation, as I would never have read it if I hadn't heard about it here.

Kali-I agree completely. Love is blind. For Gatsby, Daisy represented a lifestyle. She was the golden girl(and yes Amy I too love the her voice sounds like money line) on whom he set his entire hopes: He kissed her and she blossomed like a flower and the incarnation was complete. I've always loved that line; the entire book reads like poetry. I love Nick too and even Jordon. I love when Jordon remembers in the book how Gatsby looked at Daisy in a way that every girl wants to be looked at. Sigh. How I hate Daisy(so unworthy) and especially that brainless Tom. The scene in the kitchen with the two conspiring against Gatsby still makes me cringe!!

I also enjoyed Evelina. It's the first non Austen novel that I have realy enjoyed lately.

My top seven:Tess of the d'Urbervilles Madame Bovary An American Tragedy Pride and Prejudice Jane Eyre David Copperfield Lorna Doone Followed by: The Trumpet Major Dracula Persuasion Vilette Les Miserables The Country of the Pointed Firs The House of Mirth The Old Curiosity Shop

Brad; thank you for reminding me of Lorna Doone. I haven't read it in such a long time, but it was very much a favorite of mine way back in high school. However an I to read anything new when people keep reminding me of old favorites to re-read??

And may I had my voice to Mari by you naming some favorites : Madame Bovary and Les Mis�rables (the book not the musical). First I see your name and it's nice to read your post, welcome :)

Yeah, you sound like our kinda guy. How did you find us?

Brad--The Country of the Pointed Firs! What a beautiful, spiritual book! It's rare to find someone else who has read it, much less a man. Have you read Jewett's A Country Doctor? More down-to-earth than Pointed Firs but also wonderful.

I've noticed that a lot of the titles mentioned here are old ones. Are there any recently published books that people have read and were excited by?

Anne3-- Yes I have read A Country Doctor. Enjoyed it but not as much as "Firs". Have you read any of Jewett's short stories? Some of them are very touching. My favorite is "Martha's Lady". Also, I live in the Portland Maine area and have been to South Berwick a couple of times. Sarah Jewett's home is preserved there as a historical site and informal tours are given- just knock on the door! You get an almost eerie feeling walking through the house. The table where she wrote her books is still there, placed near a second floor window overlooking the center of town- now filled with gas stations and gift shops. The guest room was occupied by Mark Twain, Henry James, and other well known writers. If you are ever up this way, take a few minutes and check the place out. -Brad

Well, where should I begin??? I have so many favorites. I definitely agree with Kali and Cassandra on many of their picks (We had this discussion in the Pemberley Drawing Room last week). Here is a list of some of my absolute favorites... Pride and Prejudice (of course) and all Austen novels. The Great Gatsby Light in August (My favorite Faulkner novel, but I enjoy all of them). The Hundred Secret Senses and The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan) Song of Solomon (My favorite Toni Morrison book, although I enjoy all). Jane Eyre Gone With The Wind (I still enjoy this book. I know it has caused some discussion, but I agree with Kali and Cassandra...the book is a lot different from the movie.) A Room With a View---E.M. Forester (I know there are a lot of fans on this site)... The Color Purple---Alice Walker Any Shakespeare----However, my favorite is Hamlet and Much Ado... On The Road---Jack Kerouac The Age of Innocence---Edith Wharton (love all of her novels, but also enjoy her many short stories). Lady's Maid---Margaret Forester (This book has not been mentioned, but I have a soft spot for it....It is a "fictional" account of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's maid......check it out...your heart will break for her....) Well, I have rambled long enough. I have many favorites...this is just a sample..... Oh, can't forget O Pioneers by Willa Cather...That story also makes my heart break.....

"Compromising Positions" by Susan Isaacs has been a favorite for years and years. I reread it every couple of years. The movie was such a disappointment; they did it more as suspense than comedy. I always felt that Susan Saint James and Bruce Willis could have done it real justice.

More Favorites: Any Shakespeare(especially Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Julet, Macbeth, the Tempest, and King Lear), Noel Coward's Private Lives, Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac, Moliere(especially le Bourgeois Gentilhomme), Faulkner's Absolom!Absalom!, Kate Chopin's the Awakening, Margaret Laurence's The Stone Angel, Huck Finn, and Anna Karenina.

Anyone want to talk about Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca-characters, favorite parts, or Du Maurier, herself. I just finished re-reading it again and it still amazes me, plus it has one of my all-time favorite opening lines-Last Night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. Love the movie too.

We should do a virtual view together, Cassandra...but I will have absolutely NO TIME until my thesis is finished in April. Can you wait until then?

That's fine, Kali. I'm pretty busy myself now, oral presenations and stuff. What's your thesis topic?

Cassandra, I would also like to hear your views about The Awakening. I finally read this book last month but found it difficult to embrace. Chopin seemed to keep her distance from her characters, almost as though she didn't like them. I know nothing about the author other than the info printed on the jacket.

Elaine-I'm glad to find another person who has read the Awakening. I found your comment about Chopin, not liking her characters really interesting. I know Chopin lived a life similar to Edna-Wife and mother who found herself living in the very different atmosphere/culture of the French creoles. That's where the similarity ends though. The Awakening was definitley her tour de force. About not liking her characters-maybe Chopin was living out her own fantasies the safe way through Edna. I've always had a fondness for the book, partly because one of my favorite teachers adored the novel and she made sure we all did too. One of my favorite parts is when Edna goes sea-bathing for the first time( a kind of re-baptism-before that she's the ultimate prude, shocked by the other women frankness, discussiong their pregnacies). This is the beginning of her transformation-then the part where she s lying down, discovering for the first time the beauty of her body. THe whole book is very skillfully planned-leading to her leaving her husband and children.... The only part of the book I found to be something of a let-down was the end. After going through this spiritual awakening, she gives up fighting and kills herself. Although, I know this has been interpreted as a triumph- rising out of the sea-reborn.

Cass: Upton Sinclair's 1934 Race for the California Governorship as it related to the plight of migratory farm labor. I'm hating it. Truth is, I side with the Associated Farmers over the ag. unions, but only b/c they were communist-run.

Kali: Have you ever read Upton Sinclair's "Lanny Budd" series - I loved them when I read them years ago. First one is called "Worlds End" and starts pre-WWI; the series goes all through WWII and a bit beyond if I remember correctly. It's been about 20 years since I read them.

I have not, Inko...but I will make note of them in my "To Read" notebook...I'm still stuck reading and rereading "My Race for Governor of California and How I got Licked" and various other campaign-realted works. Lemme tell you, this man is not the literary genius I once thought he was. We write better stuff here... He did write a few gems regarding "The University of California and UCLA" - he refers to college students as fledgling imperialists who hate everybody and everything, and who are encouraged by the university to fight and kill in intercollegiate sports, especially in events at which the Stanfurd Axe is at stake. He's not wrong, ya know...;)

PS - Are they anything like Dos Passos?

Hate to say it, Kali, haven't read any Dos Passos. My American lit. has been sadly neglected as I stuck mostly to English and European lit. Lanny Budd is actually historical fiction -- historically accurate, but very much fiction as well. Lanny Budd never existed - he couldn't have; he was in all the right places at the right times to see historic events!

The Dos Passos America trilogy is fictional as well...I read THe Big Money , which deals with the windup to the Great Depression.

I'll have to add Dos Passos to my reading list. It's getting longer all the time, and I seem to spend so much time on the computer right now that my reading has been sadly neglected!

Me too...and there's always school...;(

I've been writing all these books and authors down furiously!!!!! So much to read, so little time! I love Rosamond Pilcher. Her novels always seem so...quiet. I like Maeve Binchy, too. Has anyone read Charms for the Easy Life? (Kate Chopin?). I enjoyed that. I took a JA course last semester for fun, and we read Evelina, which I really enjoyed the first time around. The second time, I liked the story, but got tired of Madame Duval and Captain Minivar (is that his name?). Lord Orville and Evelina I liked very much. We also read Cranford, which I really enjoyed (haven't quite finished it yet) -the little scenes of this little village are great. I am in agreement with those that said they loved Jane Eyre. I think I shall ahve to reread Wuthering Heights, as I haven't read it in almost 10 years. I have started Barchester Towers, and think it is very funny, but had to stop when the JA class started, and haven't had a chance to pick it up again. has anyone read Maria Edgeworth's The Absentee? I am in the middle of it now, and like it pretty well. Good description of those Irish nobility that lived in England and were (some of them) ashamed to be Irish.

I didn't like Evelina all that much, especially in comparison with Austen, and Edgeworth's Castle Rackrent didn't to very much for me, but I did think that Edgeworth's Belinda was nice (until it got heavily involved in the ridiculious "Virginia" sub-plot right at the end)... Read The Warden and could take it or leave it; may read Barchester Towers some day....

] I love Rosamond Pilcher. So do I, especially her collection of short stories The Blue Bedroom. I also loved The Shell Seekers. Her shorter novels aren't as good, but are pleasant enough in their own way. She's a comfortable read.

I love Rosamond Pilcher. I recently finished September, the first novel by her I've ever read, and liked it a great deal. She's one of those writers who can make even mundane details seem interesting. She really made me get involved with the characters.

Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but has anybody read Fay Weldon's Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen? It's a very entertaining novel about an aunt who's a writer trying to get her sister's daughter to enjoy reading Jane Austen, told entirely through letters to her. Lots of JA info and trivia and an interesting read in its own right.

I just found an adorable little book called "JA's Little Advice Book." Gives advice on everything from men, and "Jane, at her very bitchiest!" Really cute--uses quotations from her novels.

I bought that book for my only Jane-Austen-loving friend for her birthday last November (after reading it myself). I agree; it's great!

Did any of you Wuthering Heights fans read Heathcliff? I forgot who it is by but it tells about Heathcliff's life for the time he was away. I found it one of the better sequels I have read. What do you think?

Susan, Yes I read Fay Weldon's book at the end of last year. It is an interesting read, but rather odd, don't you think? A bit too contrived, or too 'you'll understand when you're older', or somethimg like that?

I agree with your comments about Fay Weldon's book, Hilary. I actually skipped through all the parts where she isn't talking about Jane Austen -- that was the part I found interesting. That and the comments about how the author's sister's husband (Alice's father) didn't like her -- those were great! The rest I would call pretentious.

Hello, I am new to this conference session. I am here looking for some assistance. I hae an AP English due on Monday on "Darkness at Noon', a book written by Arthur Koestler. If you are familiar with this author, the writing, or this period in Russia, please "jump" in.