Lisa’s Comments (group member since Sep 23, 2009)

Lisa’s comments from the Should have read classics group.

I think that it might be that both of you might have hit on some of the reasons. I do tend to read quickly and the structure does not lead to a quick read, plus that time frame between the wars is not in my interest. I never noticed it until last weekend at a bookclub that I attend. Someone had brought the 1000 books that you should read before you die, and as I perused the 20th century, I realized that many of the books were ones that I started and never finished or really disliked. Go figure! I'm trying though ladies!

I have noticed that I tend to have a harder time getting into book from the early twentieth century. I'm not quite sure why, between this book, and the Edith Wharton books, I just can't keep myself interested. I'm trying to figure out if it is a writing style or a subject thing. Does anyone else have this problem with books from certain time periods?

I was hoping that they would be able to make the third part, nice to know that!

No, I just thought that we were going to have some discussion of the book relating to current events. Although it would be interesting to note the comparisons and differences in the two countries. I just found it interesting that the EU decided to take money from "rich" people's bank accounts without much warning. I also understand that many of the larger accounts in Cyprus banks are reportedly held by Russian mafia.

Any initial thoughts or comments?

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/0...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/de...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/0...

These are just a few news articles about it.

I'm picking up my copy today from the library and hope to get started tonight, if the weather will cooperate and be cold.

This is the children's group read for April. Please remember to post spoiler alerts. Happy reading!

So, what does everyone think of what is happening in Cyprus?

This book was just rather funny, but I could see how a kid would really like this story. My daughter just loved how Pippi was so strong and had a horse living in her house. I enjoyed how she kept apologizing for her terrible behavior, but never seemed to get it right.

It did mention a wireless radio that Stephen bought for Cassandra, although she liked the gramophone better. Speaking of the music, I really need to brush up on my classical. I had not heard of any of those pieces that were discussed.

Must keep life interesting Everyman! LOL!

Everyman wrote: "Lisa wrote: " Although I did seem to forget the time period during much of the book, not sure why. "

Now that you mention it, so did I. It seems as though it could have happened even fairly recen..."

I was thinking about this and wondering since the book was written in England during the 30's the focus is not on the Depression. It seems that most books in America during that time period focus upon that and even though the family is very poor, it is based more upon his choice than outside factors.

This is the group read for April. Please remember spoiler alerts and happy reading!

Alright, let's read Brideshead Revisited. We can then try to read Custom of the Country in the fall or winter. Thanks everyone!

So are we going to stick with "Custom of the Country" or are we doing "The Brideshead Revisited?"

How did Simon put it? Charmingly naive, or something like that? She was innocent, considering that Topaz apparently told the girls about sex. I guess Victorian books are not really ideal for courting in the 1930's. Although I did seem to forget the time period during much of the book, not sure why.
One of my favorite scenes was the description of the Midsummer Nights event. It is poignant to think about those moments that change from wonderful, childhood memories to forced, adult memories that seem to lack something when we try to relive them again.

Everyman wrote: "Works for me, took, though not being a lover of Wharton I may take April off.

Getting such a quick schedule just shows that there are times when dictatorship is the most effective form of governm..."

Sometimes it is good to be king!!! :)

☯Emily wrote: "Has this group read Brideshead Revisited? I'm going to be reading this soon, so maybe others can join me. My paperback copy has 331 pages."

We have not read that one. I don't really weigh any member's voice more than another, although, I will say that I would rather use a nomination from members that participate in most discussions, than one that picks and than runs. I'm fine with changing the April group read.

This is what is on the dustcover of my book. "ICTC is finally back in print! Lovingly passed down from generation to generation and long unavailable in American stores, ICTC has become one of the most requested items of used book dealers. However, in the author's native England, the novel has vener been out of print." I don't know how true any of that is, but it might explain why the book has such different followings in both countries?