Brittany's comments (member since Jul 07, 2008)

Brittany's comments from the Chicks On Lit group.

In response to your earlier questions, I do think that Offred was as a reliable narrator as any other person could have been. The truth in this story is different for every character, but Offred has to be one of the more pathetic and endearing. For example, Moira's telling would have been harder for me to absorb just because of her personality.

I don't know how I feel about the ending. At first I thought it was optimistic, but I thought more about it, and decided it was very likely a sad untold ending.

Sheila wrote: "...the women who were there acting as prostitutes seemed to have so many more rights and freedoms than the wives and the handmaids."

I totally agree with you there. That was what I was thinking of when I wrote the question.

Okay, I have a few discussion questions:

What part of the story do you think was the most sad? What made you angry? Was there anything you found ironic?

I just am annoyed because none of the backstory was told... just now and flashbacks to then and nothing about how it happened. The only thing I recall was a reference to women not having money- that it was the first step, and she was upset when they froze her account.

Lovely. Missed that, too. In the audiobook I used, everything has already been done, and anything prior to the RofG is in flashbacks. Very little information about the massacre and transition was communitcated through it.

cakewrecks.blogspot.com
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No, the version of the book I listened to did not open with any of that. Seeing the CliffNotes for the 3 epigraphs, I understand better how they fit in with the story. The story of Jacob and Rachel is the only one I was familiar with, and I think the fact that the Handmaids in the book literally bear children upon the knees of the wives because of the excerpt from Genesis is a prime example of the theme of taking religous causes to the extreme.

I completely agree with Atwood that the term Science Fiction is not the most appropraite for this story. Speculative is perfect. As absurd as the storyline seems to us, I don't think the underlying issues are too far removed from other societies and cultures today. Fortunately, we have not had to experience such a lifestyle.

I really liked the story overall, but none of her other works appeal to me on synopsis alone. I do want to actually read it sometime, since I feel like I didn't absorb everything with the audiobook.

I really liked it, but I listened to it on BBCRadio audiobook, and feel like I missed a lot in translation. My library lost all the print copies in loan- so I guess that's a good sign!

October 09-
43 Beyond Tuesday Morning Kingsbury, Karen
44 One Tuesday Morning Kingsbury, Karen
45 Divine Kingsbury, Karen
46 A Dream to Call My Own Peterson, Tracie
47 The Handmaid's Tale Atwood, Margaret
48 A Love to Last Forever Peterson, Tracie
49 Midwives Bojhalian, Chris

man, i knew i missed so much by listening to the audiobook!

I was thinking about this thread the other day, and even though Babysitter's Club is outdated, I would not let my daughter read them at the age I did! They were about 11-13 year-olds, aimed at about the same audience, but I was reading them at about 8-10 years old. The characters acted and looked (in the sporadic illustrations) to be about 17, with all the flirting and kissing and unaccompained cross-country trips they took.

Sheila wrote: "Just finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Looking forward to discussing it with anyone who was still interested in having this as a read for November. "

I listened to this in audiobook format by BBCRadio. Very good audiobook, but I am sure a lot of the book got lost in translation. I would be interested in discussing it next month, though.

Tanja wrote: "Brittany -> Sorry. I actually don't have that issue. Have you hit Loews or Home Depot to check out their paint samples? I recently re-painted my room (honeybird) using the Paint & Primer from Home ..."

Thanks. I will try to find it online. I wanted to tear the page out to keep in my inspiration folder, but passed it on to a friend before I got a chance. :)

Nadia wrote: "Hey Brittany! I really enjoyed Midwives when I read it quite some time ago. I have just gotten into reading Picoult's books and I never really thought about it, but you are right - this book is ver..."

I agree, it was more 'real' than most of Picoult's works; a little less melodramatic. I think it was very good.

Just finished Midwives. Those who like Jodi Picoult would like this.

Tanja wrote: "I kinda flop tween Glamour and Cosmo depending on the articles or the fashion. Better Homes & Gardening appeals to me sometimes..."

Would you happen to have the issue of BH&G that is all blue on the front, maybe July or August? I am looking for a paint color from that issue- the royal blue bedroom.

Kirstin wrote: "Brittany..I've thought of reading American Wife. Is it good so far? I have it on my TBR list, but I would love to know if you think its worth reading."

I really liked it. I liked it much more than Sittenfeld's other novels.

I adored the American Girls collections, as well as The Babysitters Club series.

Sarah wrote: "I've been thinking about getting Real Simple (or something like that) too, since it seems like there'd be a lot of good cleaning / decorating tips in it. But I don't know. Any ideas?
"


Do it! I got a 3 year subscription. I LOVE Real Simple. Home and cleaning, meal ideas, beauty, lifestyle, etc. My favorite ever.

Julie wrote: "I am thinking about starting to read some of Phillipa Gregory's books...does anyone know if there is an order to her books, should I start with one in particular? Keep hearing about The Other Boel..."

I have read TOBG, and loved it. The movie was different, but also good in my opinion. I have yet to read her others, and I think some are chronologically linked but still stand-alone titles.