C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Your reviews have a spot for permanent viewing! It's taking a lot of entry but all three of my groups' guests have a menu atop my blog, to re-visit your efforts alphabetically. I hope you're pleased with how mine came out as well: overall books and additionally featuring works by Canadians. www.CMRiedel.wordpress.com

Guests of the two reading challenges "Ethereal" and "Gentle Spectrums": your first prize activity has arrived! Consult the main blog and let's have fun with this. :) Sincerely, Carolyn. http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2014/07...

Many participants of the Canadian challenge wrote a profile. If anyone would like to read mine, it shares a great deal beyond the literary: my concern that many reviews are spoilers, why I love print, trivia my brothers and I played by car and anywhere, even a local ghost story. http://www.bookmineset.com/2013/11/7-...

Something it wouldn't have shared, last November, is about my family's very dear cat who was with us for TWENTY-ONE YEARS. Our most precious Thumbelina Sandy was born on this very day today, in 1982. The only way to celebrate is to share it with people, so I'm shouting it out.
We always remember you and love you, our very dear Thumbelina!
All of the present cats say hello. Happy birthday to you with love, always!

Our dangling conversation, of the end, are the best parts! I'd like to know if you think Henry was pushed on purpose and.... your thoughts on the last few paragraphs here. :)

Here is my non-spoiler review for everyone! http://www.amazon.ca/review/R49OVPZKK...

Hello! I am due to follow-up the first event held at our main blog, 'RIEDEL Fascination' and roll out activities for guests solely in Gentle Spectrums or Ethereal. I'll post them at Wordpress soon. Would those in this Goodreads chat forum like to introduce themselves, if they haven't? There is Vicky, Mave, Sarah, and recently Shonna. (Kristine, Emma, Margaret are unsure they have time to officially take part but are glad to follow along and discuss the same books they read). How is everyone these days? Any updates about reading, yourselves, summer where you live: share. :)

Today we wish our very dear Siamese, McCartney Hendrix: a happy fourteenth birthday! Happy birthday McCartney! With all our love, the whole family.

I merely wondered if Tony was gay because he avoided a proper wedding meal. Who wants to be in a crowd on their honeymoon? I felt the heaviest drinking came later. But you rose a worthwhile point that already having inpotence could spark drinking.

Yes, Eileen was even more a second Mom than the friend's parents I had as a child and still do; albeit being out-of-touch with them. (Except my trusty birthday and Christmas cards. I told you it's my inner workings shooting out the message: "Cards mean you are still friends or with relatives, you are still close"). Because Elizabeth was raised by her during heavily growing years, Eileen *WAS* a second Mom; she didn't just resemble one. Yes, the bedside scenes were poignant. I agree it was because it showed the possibilities of her character, to admit to Elizabeth she guessed about Johnny & Aisling. It was poignant because this was her sole occasion to spend time with Elizabeth's daughter.

I've been so eager to discuss Henry with you, that I was careful not to hint about it in any way. I refused to raise suspicion about him to you so you could be blown away. In one way, I felt that the second-last two chapters were the only ones I didn't enjoy because they didn't match the characters, nor the rest of the book. Aisling would never have goofed up about the abortion; not even an assumption that Elizabeth had divulged it to a family member. What was Maeve Binchy thinking? As for Elizabeth tossing her true love and baby's Father down the stairs; I'm surprise you didn't exclaim about THAT. It felt out of left field like our previous joint read. Self-defense, yes. I love Harry's loyalty to his step-daughter, figuring no good could come of her being mistakenly imprisoned. I don't think she meant for him to hit the stairs, or die at all; just shove him out of the apartment so she could lock it until he sobered.

I don't think Henry really had it in him to commit the r-word (I don't utter it - terrible). Suggesting sex with Aisling at all was a drunked whim, mixed with depression over thinking A JOB is the end of the world (as a woman, I at least view it as something ones does, not who we are). So you get another job. He wasn't even fired; he was merely mistaken about the advancement opportunity. He SHOULD have sought a position elsewhere if he was overlooked, as George once was at his bank's location. Didn't you wonder what Simon's problem was to leave him like that? There were plenty of warning signs that he wasn't right, which is why Simon took him out privately to explain things in the first place. He recognized a freak-out risk while Henry was SOBER.

Don't minimize your 'Victorian' reaction by calling it a fault. Cheating is never okay. My previous post said let the other person go if it isn't working. There is never an excuse to cheat. Dude isn't devoted to the woman expecting a baby? Work out an improvement or separation, as tough as it is. But you don't sleep with someone else until the parameters are settled and feelings are addressed. What's 'Victorian' is being programmed to think of sex itself as naughty. Or to judge someone for doing it without a marriage. Definitions of committed relationships have changed, like mine & Ron's and many feel that just enjoying a booty call is fine too. But cheating; there's nothing Victorian about feeling disapproval about that.

If I had to answer what Maeve's point was with the book, what would it be? Best friends forever, through think and thin? People come & go or change, elders pass away, jobs are transferred around and we retire from them. What's important is that you keep being YOU and that we never forget to cherish those we love most closely. Henry was a very poor sport about his career disappointment (there were likely numerous other firms at which he could work too). He had an adoring wife and baby. She had plenty of money to sustain them and George was going to join them, with his retirement fund. I imagine instead of Henry, Aisling would move in with Elizabeth and her Dad and daughter. That much makes me smile.

I hate spoiling even slightly. I avoid reviews for the possibililty of a hint and tactfully ranted in an article about how most people do them incorrectly. It's the latest on my Wordpress blog. I swear, I thought the hitting part was near Eileen's messy house confrontation. I got the impression you'd reached much futher. With my apology for what you took in very good stride, the explanation I can think of is that I zoomed through that book for the reasons I explained further above in this forum. Part worry about how long a chunkster would take, close to scrounging for the Canadian challenge and partly because I couldn't help how great the book was. I'm glad it only jarred you a moment and that enjoyment remained raised.

Yes, my own Mom said her parents being divorced, with fighting and separation well before, seemed really off at that time. Not one member of my distant family on either side is catholic. The times are strong influences as it is. The one thing in my paragraph I was itching to ask you a long time, I'll have you re-read because I still do. Is it possible Tony was gay? And everything I said about the ruined honeymoon and how I would have spoken up much sooner "I'd rather have a fancy supper at the hotel". It didn't even need to be a fight. Those two things you could have legitimately discussed. ;-) Alcholism might bring impotence, or while one has that much alcohol in their blood at any rate but at the start of their marriage? Before they tried to even eat supper? I wondered he was avoiding the moment. A stretch but that's what musing is for.

I looked forward to discussing is Harry, who I didn't name. We love his personality and think it's about time Johnny were kicked to the curb, with or without a more special person. Imagine having to tell Johnny sex was out! So used to cheating! I even consider it a bigger deal than our author, who often incorporated it as 'normal'. She didn't seem as outraged of the topic as I deem it. You want to be with someone else, excuse yourself from the relationship ship and set THEM free too.

Yes, I remarked kindly about Mrs. Murray in previous paragraphs. From honeymoon to Christmas, in our family you don't go anyplace else on certain occasions! It appals us that my youngest brother bowed out often enough to have formed a tradition with a friend on Christmas day, which he now cites as an excuse. Even though he does so later, we have always felt this is THE ONE DAY we should be able to count on him sharing the whole night with us. I stopped the morning thing years ago - it made no sense (before I was an hour out of the city) when everyone else left for a while in between. But once I arrive for supper, that's it. I mentioned how devoted Aisling was to the faux-marriage by being without her big family bash. She stepped into her never-felt role, ensured her new relative wasn't alone or unhappy. She was very good to everyone. The sister who was once her friend could have shared Christmas at home if not the other brother.

I forgot the horrible parts where Aisling understandably wanted someone to feel for the child nearly hit by a car. I don't see her parents thinking well of that - perhaps they weren't told of that. At that point, surely it isn't about following rules of religion and it's more important to keep their streets free of danger. And they wouldn't expect a young, beautiful soul to remain married to a prisoner. Not if her adoration of him was fleeting and that she could have done without the marriage. That's right: I had wanted your take on my explanation of their marriage too. A few additions when you have a second to glance up, unless you recall my propositions of course. :)

The question I wanted to ask: might it be, with the author keeping the inclusion discreet in 1982, that Tony was gay? Either that or alcoholism impotence. When you read her WONDERFUL Christmas stories and "The Lilac Bus" stories, you'll see she treated homosexuality kindly.

You picked up cues about Eileen I didn't retain. Another case of being lucky to have a reading buddy. I was shocked by her treatment of Aisling. She cleaned like mad, certainly with nothing else to do and SHE gets in shit because Tony turned her care into a hovel? On one hand I 'got' the tough love: "You needn't accept it as a hovel, never mind he did it. Give your husband as many reasons as possible to come home". Also that other people would give their eye tooth for a modern house. But I work better with encouragement and coddling so I lost respect for Eileen on that. I *did* figure 'slut' was an expression, to her, of 'lazy ass'.

What I would have lost respect over too, even if it doesn't appear they did much of this; is if her family insisted Aisling stay with the bastard AFTER he accidentally struck her twice. It's for each spouse to decide to work around it, forgive, or whether or not it's a deal-breaker for them. I'm bewildered Eileen, Sean, or Aisling's brothers didn't tear into Tony for that. The explanation can only be that they regarded it as the act of someone who was sick.

Yes, I'm very proud of Aisling walking away. As we have said: it isn't about reasons, or the person not meaning it, the sick being unable to control it. It's about stopping ill treatment ~ period. She walked away in the 1950s, in a small town, despite catholic rearing. It isn't that she didn't try for two years. She was very good to Tony's Mother too and accepted her wife role, having dull Christmases alone with them and whatever else. How did you find my assessment of why she married Tony?

It's delightful you used the expression bartering/trading; I've intended to inquire about that in a future letter. I'm thrilled you loved "Light A Penny Candle" from the get-go as I did. The best part for me, was seeing the best friends together in the same town. It's where they belong and it brightens the entire book, doesn't it? So does talking it over with you. :-)

Good evening, Margaret. :) I never would have figured out Violet, the way you explain it. I didn't want to imagine it was terrible timing, of someone who was ill all along. Gritting the teeth of unease, which doubled as a lid on sanity? THIS is the gift of 'buddy reading' and I applaud having help sorting that out. It feels less tragic. I wish Maeve had let her enjoy her new husband permanently but I see how freedom could loosen other things too.

I felt bad for Maureen but she's such a bitch whenever Aisling attempts to be a sister or friend, I was unable to like her. The portrayal of religious-thinking showed us why she couldn't say "This marriage wasn't what I signed up for" and march off. But later she declines to take a trip, that makes me feel she isn't playing the victim more than she needs to.

No, you'll be a little further along when I pose a question about Tony. Wasn't her honeymoon enraging? I'd be furious but I would open my mouth BEFORE the first bout of bar-hopping and say "A hotel supper is what I wanted for a wedding meal". I couldn't fathom Aisling keeping quiet about something that might be a long-recalled disappointment. Why did she marry him? I hadn't thought of delving there. He seemed to answer the questions / hesitations she had at the time. He seemed fun, movies and walks. He was much older though and she, not very attracted to him. I didn't find my first boyfriend good-looking. It was more that we were both available and I felt like dating. Would someone as beautiful, young, vibrant as she do that with a marriage? There was no other suitor at the time, so "might as well be him"? I guess I didn't get it either. She had ample time.

My general question to you is: do you see what I mean about being swept away by Maeve right away? Do you see why she breaks me "the kinds of books I like" rules? This is your first time with her and I'd love to know what your experience of enjoyment is.

I'm careful not to spoil. I figured you knew of Elizabeth's art courses already. Knowing of her business acumen a little early is fine. We tiptoe as much as we can until we're both done. :)

Yes, we lost respect for Elizabeth's abortion because Johnny wasn't capable of a relationship that deserved a second glance. My previous boyfriend was similar with his time. He insisted I went in knowing he belonged to this or that sport and it would be an outrage to smother someone's activities. Smother was harldy the word. I made excuses for him so often about not bringing him places, people asked if he lived out of town. It was when he ceased those original activities, that I put my foot down. "Hey, I accepted the crazy schedule you started with but if space has opened up for us to actually BE a couple; you don't fill it with other shit"! Anyway with regards to abortion I'm a mix. Pro-choice so that the option exists but pro-life in the hope that such a decision is not made at a whim. I'm pretty big on 'thou shalt not kill', even vegetarian. ;) I get what you're saying about Elizabeth's age giving her a pass, even though Johnny wasn't worth maintaining. For me, it was the absurdity that she had an income and parents who wouldn't freak out. Even church-going Aisling said: "Forget marriage and just have the child". It was a dire choice without verifying how Johnny would infact be. Maybe *if* he threatened to throw her out but even still; not a just cause.

Yes, about Violet. I've wanted to ask you why Maeve would create that circumstance for her. She did what it took to regain happiness and succeeded. She was radiant with Harry; reborn. How on Earth does it make sense for her to fall ill?

The first question I meant to ask you is: how do you find Maeve? Do you agree, without ghosts or mystery, doesn't she sweep you away? I don't care for multi-perspective narration either but it works! I understand all of the characters and couldn't picture it any other way. She defies, genre and style, the usual components of why I love the books I love. I love this one to 5 stars.

Nobody would guess. ;) But I admired that you dared and am honoured that you did. I hope my reply comes across well because I went for it without editing. Hoping all good things got across.

I agree Nina. The rare time I hurried, like December 31st, I haven't gone back to fill those few in. So 14 books wait for my usual 300-word write-up. Now that you've seen our challenge review pages, I hope you like how they are set up. I will catch-up with yours soon too. :-)

Here's another discussion block, so it's easy to dive into the ones we wish to. :) It turns out Elizabeth's Dad had a fun side that an enthralling game of bridge, new friends, and Aisling could bring out. Elizabeth took very good care of her Dad and was right to learn the game with him as a hobby. Notice Violet lit up and was a whole other person after shaking off whatever bogged her down. When you arrive, I'd like to mull over why Maeve Binchy proceeded as she did. Violet became bubbly after solving her problem and extremely happy. I adore Harry and love that he became an invaluable member of Elizabeth's family. I love the antique couple and Elizabeth's business ideas, like an art tour. Both girls grew up well.

Did you, like me, find yourself enthusiastically swept away by this story quickly? I loved almost every part of it, which is extrememly rare in a book. The most poignant parts of this whole novel for me were when Aisling visits England and when Elizabeth returns to Kilgerrin. It was joyous to bursting. You would be at that spot. When you get further with the Tony section I have a question.

Concluding between what we've discussed: I agree George's personality remained a wet blanket. He'd been though a war, a displaced daughter to ensure she was safe, and his wife no longer felt a flame for him. But I think Elizabeth yells at one point: why blame her? Did you do anything to keep her? If my own spouse acts a bit snappy I say hey, we don't want to live among harsh tones. Let's keep that flame happy. But my fiancé is my kind of person most of the time, George just wouldn't be.

The point of the whole tale seems to be not to let something you're dissatisfied with, ruin your whole personality and outlook. And that everything is all right with these two friends having each other. When I was younger I had a best friend but it became a sprinkled assortment, which worked better because *she* could be a wet blanket. ;) Now that she's broadened her mind she's running in other circles but was always too flaky for me to bear anyway. The kind who too frequently answered "I'd love to come out but can't this time either because...." A sprinkled assortment worked out better, then I came to regard my mate as my BFF. We all have a lifeboat. :)

It's a relief you didn't *see* my attempt at conversation. And our tabby seems back to normal today, although one wonders why they might have an upset stomach in wee hours. Feel free to e-mail on anything you might wish be private. Yes, sometimes I separate comment chunks. Well met with the conversation fodder today!

Obvious discussion, what of Elizabeth's decision in the story? Story wise, one part is glad she has no trace of Johnny. But it is obvious to you and I, above thirty, it came from a young mind to drastically 'keep a guy'. Aisling had the wilder personality but Elizabeth had parents who would react calmly. There was no reason for this decision and desperation seemed out of character for her. Spiritual influence shows disparity of thought process best here. Her choice was businesslike.

Given Aisling's faith, I admire her when she said Elizabeth didn't give Johnny a chance to clarify how he would swing. Even she said: why not have a child - marriage or not and Johnny or not? I lost a bit of respect for Elizabeth. Not for the topic of abortion itself although she had ample support, including her own career. It was a dire viewpoint to take, for a cheating guy. Do we give her points for immaturity? I believe she was 20.

A "reply to one thing" person, is a squirmy thought for someone who *never* goes to the effort of writing anything rhetorial. ;-) Surely you'll be glad to know my kitty is improving. Man, I loathe worrying about them. I hope you enjoyed all the other observations above.

I'm not picky, I'm fun. :-) Honestly, if you just write one line to create a review page URL, it doesn't matter if you fill in a larger essay later. There are ways to shortcut, when you and I read so many and do so many!

I also hope my guests feel it's helpful that we party all the way to February 28, 2015. Woohoo!!!! I'm reviewing for your challenges too. I can't believe how many "Guilty Reads" are suprising me, to not be the pieces of shit they looked like. Hahahaha! To my surprise also, I am finding many "Out Of This World" situations.

Yes, our Goodreads threads are for posting whatever we wish. Such original titles! As you know only 1 of each 10 is needed to finish. But if you find extra subjects or colours, keep on linking those reviews! I'm sure we all like to see more ideas and my members shouldn't feel extra books they read, have no place to fit. I need to post a prize activity for "Gentle Spectrums" and "Ethreal" so I'll do that shortly.

Hello Nina!!!! :) Yes. RIEDEL is German, after all. Canadian ancestors come from all over the place, so RIEDEL challenges = all languages! Nice move, hitting both games with one book. :) You can list everything you have in mind, even if it isn't reviewed yet (I am behind 14 reviews). Review links only matter, when you put it on our Wordpress review pages anyway. xoxo, Carolyn. http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/gentle-...

When you reach Johnny, of course we'll talk about what Elizabeth considered. I'm sure we'll agree the guy wasn't worth beans but I too am guilty of spending too long, with two guys I knew weren't "it". When you reach Tony, I look forward to running an opinion by you about what his problem was. Be well Margaret. It's very good to find your thoughts today. I wanted to tease and ask how in the fleef & flarn you ended up with an 800-page version! Let me know if you've been swept up with the novel immediately, too. Happy reading.