Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along: Day 1

Welcome to the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along! We're going to be reading and discussing Persuasion by Jane Austen Monday through Thursday for the next three weeks, and then The Prayers of Jane Austen on Friday for each of the three weeks. That should break down to discussing two chapters each active day of the Persuasion read-along, and one prayer each Friday.

There's also going to be a giveaway each week and a Twitter watch-along of the 1995 version of Persuasion at the end of the read-along. (I'm thinking Saturday, July 25th... More details to come!)

Phew! Hope that's not too complicated. :)

Today we're going to discuss the first two chapters of Persuasion. If you were aware of the read-along before today and 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 check out today's reading. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If you're a blogger, please feel free to put together your own post using the button above and linking back to the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along tag, if you'd prefer to participate in the discussion that way. :)

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Persuasion Chapters 1 and 2
Discussion Format: One quote to ponder, one observation, and one question for each day's reading.
Quote to Ponder

"After all, the person who has contracted debts must pay them; and though a great deal is due to the feelings of the gentleman, and the head of a house, like your father, there is still more due to the character of an honest man." ~ Lady Russell

Observation

These first two chapters give such interesting insight into Anne's (the heroine's) family and background. So much is said about her father and older sister (Elizabeth), and about Lady Russell's influence and connection with Anne. It's just so tragic to me that Anne's wisdom and sense of honor are overlooked because she's not the eldest, nor very beautiful, nor likely to win herself a "suitable" husband. The phrase "diamond in the rough" comes to mind, and this section has reminded me how I ought to be careful not to overlook those diamonds in my own family and circles.

Question

If you were an adviser to the Elliot family, what would you recommend they do about their debts?

(Live more frugally and stay in their own home despite the discomfort and blow to their pride? Move to a smaller house in the country so they can stay close to their own home and acquaintances? Or move to Bath as Lady Russell recommends, where they would be far away from gossip and the sorrow of seeing their home inhabited by someone else?)

Giveaway!

Don't forget to log your giveaway entries this week using the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen !

(Giveaway open to US residents only. Prize donated by the book's editor, Terry Glaspey. Thanks, Terry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Join us tomorrow to chat about chapters 3 and 4!