Northanger Abbey Read-Along: Week 1

Welcome to Week 1 of the Northanger Abbey read-along! You can learn more about our read-along plans in this invitation post .

Today we're going to discuss chapters 1-3. If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts below! Otherwise, feel free to check in later today or tomorrow morning after you've had a chance to read today's chapter. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If you're a blogger, you're more than welcome to put together your own post using the button above and linking back to the Northanger Abbey read-along tag, if you'd prefer to participate in the discussion that way. 

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Northanger Abbey Chapters 1-3
Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.
Favorite Quote

"Now we shall soon be acquainted, as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet, and nothing in the world advances intimacy so much." ~ Mr. Tilney

General Impressions

This will be my second time through Northanger Abbey, and I'm excited to get reacquainted with the characters and know them better because of our discussions! So far, I'm reading the book out loud, and I must say, the humorous commentary and conversations are quite enjoyable when spoken and heard. ;)

I love how Catherine's situation is introduced. Everything is quite...ordinary. Catherine is the heroine of her own story, but she doesn't have any "exceptional" qualities or extraordinary circumstances to make her tale exciting. Perhaps the modern equivalent would be a real-life YA heroine with no super powers, no guys competing for her affection, and no incredible destiny to save the world (see #RealisticYA).

I can totally relate to Catherine's experiences. Her first ball involves annoying crowds, a tragic lack of a dance partner, and no one to talk to but Mrs. Allen. And yet, the night isn't a total loss, because she overhears two gentlemen calling her "pretty."

It's the little compliments and attentions that we tend to hold dear...and it's amazing how even a small display of attention can turn the night around!

And then we meet Mr. Tilney in chapter 3...

He seemed to be about four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent and lively eye, and if not quite handsome, was very near it.

He sounds like my kind of guy!

But what I really love about Tilney is the teasing. No one flirts in such an adorable and gentlemanly way like he does. ;) He pokes fun at convention, engages in witty banter, and makes Catherine laugh.

In my book, I'm quite pleased with these first impressions.

Discussion Questions

Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in a separate blog post!

1. What do you find most endearing about Catherine's character? Do you consider her to be good heroine material?

2. What are your first impressions of Mr. and Mrs. Allen? What sort of impact do they have on Catherine?

3. Has Mr. Tilney already stolen your heart, or are you still forming your opinion of his character? Which of his positive or negative qualities stand out to you most? Do you consider him to be good hero material?

Giveaway!

Be sure to log your entries for the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a DVD copy of Masterpiece's Northanger Abbey! (Giveaway open to US residents only.)

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Join us next Thursday to chat about chapters 4-10!