Matthew’s Comments (group member since Mar 08, 2015)

Matthew’s comments from the Reading List Completists group.

I have loved the musical for years and had this book on my TBR for a long time. When I finally read it I was pleasantly surprised about how enjoyable this was to read - it did not feel like a 1500 page slog!

Finally spring seems to be here . . . need to do some reading outside!

This is a really interesting book, and I do like it a lot, but . . .

Expectation:



Reality:

Moving right through this one! The first time I read it, but this time I am doing audio.

Interesting how, while it is a sci fi book about time travel, it is also very much a vehicle for Wells to give his opinion on where he thought society might be going based on what was going on during his life time. Lots of political and sociological commentary.

Oh, I should grab it off Hoopla too. I read it years ago, but it might be fun for a quick listen - especially since it is the selection this month.

My copy of Les Mis has all the locations spelled out. But, I have seen some copies where the first character we meet is spelled out "The Bishop of D_______". I have seen some other books where locations are listed like that.

Do any literary scholars know why that is done sometimes?

A strong theme in this section is the slowness of communication during this time. While Moscow is burning, people hundreds of miles away think the Russians are winning. Without quick communications and the ability to see images right away, these people don't understand what is going on or the horrors of war.

No, you did fine - right place, silly Matthew! :)

Argh! The stupid Goodreads app and my quick response without looking closer has thrown this whole discussion off. I thought we were talking about Les Mis! Sorry! *embarrassed*

The only version I have read is the abridged and I do plan to read the unabridged this summer worth the group to see the difference. Even though it was the abridged version, it is still my favorite book.

I only have read the unabridged. The abridged version I saw was about 300 pages. Compared to the 1400 or so for the unabridged, I cannot imagine the experience is quite as fulfilling.

Kirstin wrote: " I found it repetitive and over simplified. I get it already! He "thinks he can"."

I know, right! WE GET IT ALREADY! ;)

I really felt like the engine had a chance the whole time, ya know?

Discuss The Little Engine That Could here!

As some of you may notice, I created folders for each section. Since it is a large book, it will help keep discussions on certain plot points from getting lost in the shuffle.

General discussion will be in this thread.

Srividya wrote: "I am definitely planning on reading this with the group but I won't be able to start it right away. Have a few pending ones that I need to finish, which should be done by next week. Planning to start this one tentatively on the 10th. :) "

Sounds great! Thanks for joining!

The Time Machine starts today!

Les Mis starts today!

The fall of Moscow and the aftermath are pretty interesting!

Okay . . . so, who is gonna give this one a shot?