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

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

That is a great point Gilles! Cruelness and lack of empathy do not have to go together. In individuals, most of us can probably agree that lack of empathy is a big problem. In the larger context, where do you think that empathy belongs in systems of government? Is it the role of government or should that come from individual entities?

Kerri wrote: "I have only read a few chapters so far but really like this book. I thought the part about the red hair was interesting and funny. Why is it that so many feisty, tom-boyish girls in books have re..."

It is interesting how many characters in children's books have red hair. Somehow, impetuous, strong-willed, hot-headed comes to mind when you think of red hair.
I finished it last night and I thought the ending was quite different. Lots of growing up and patriotism in the final chapters. Plus, add in an amazing journey and all is well. I must say the jokes that the kids played on Annabelle were very funny, although the horse incident could have ended much worse.
It seems that people remembered when and where they were upon hearing that Lincoln was assinated.

Caddie rather reminds me of myself as a kid. I was a huge tomboy and although my hair is not fire red, rather strawberry blond, it still makes me think of growing up. I hated to wear dresses and picture day was the worst day of the school year, IMO. It does seem that every sibling group has a "tattletale". The one who always say "I'm going to tell mom". Some things never change.
The part about how the Indians were amazed with the children's hair color was funny. Could you imagine having to feed that many people that just came to stare at your hair?

Old books are great for just that reason. Nice find, hope that you enjoy it!

Thanks for the ideas everyone! My fireplace has a gas insert and with the burn bans that are in place around my area, it is hard to get any burning done. I have registered with the bookcrossing web site, but I have never left any books anywhere. I always thought that it sounded like fun to track books and where they end up. Although not for text books.

Gilles wrote: "Of course, another thing that bugs me in this book is the subtext: It`s alright not to care about the suffering of others. Live long and prosper (i.e. pursue your dream and f... the rest). Amen

Wh..."

I have been thinking of this idea since I read the book. the characters that I enjoyed, Dagny, Eddie and Rearden, constantly had that charge leveled at them , yet I never really noticed them being cruel. What about them elicits such a response? Besides being driven and believing that everyone has the choice to make for themselves what they want. Believing in individual responsibility does not make a person callous toward others, just as believing in the collective does not make one morally superior to others either.

Michael wrote: "It puzzled me that, at first reading (and younger age), I found it sardonically amusing, definitely a little subversive, and fun to read.

Whereas, on the second time around, I found it just deadly..."

Why do you think that is? Just the perspective with time or something else? That has been the interesting and fun thing about doing this group, it has forced me to reread some of the "nightmare" reads from my younger years and many of them have become some of my favorite books after the reread.

I would have to agree with the "preachy" nature that Hugo gets into during parts of the book. It does drag many parts on and on.
On a separate note, I really must see this movie! Wouldn't you love to break into song during parts of your day? Ha, sorry, but that would just awesome!

Have you ever read ? If you want to read about adventures by pioneer children, that will make your mouth drop open with what he did as a young boy. Sometimes I wonder if we(as a general society), shelter our children too much? Freaking out when there is a teeter-tooter on the playground and not letting them experience life. Times are different, I understand and the news does not help the crazy factor, but there are times that I have to just say to myself "chill, they will be alright." Just my ramblings.

I would have to agree with you Gilles about the characters. I enjoyed the book but most of the people seemed like caricatures of what a certain type of person would be. I had never thought about that before, how over the top most of the people were. Maybe, that was Rand's point to try and show what certain ideas are to the extreme?

Gilles wrote: "Hi Dustin,

I'm also reading this and just started Part II. It's turning out to be what I expected and that's not a good thing. After reading about Rand and not agreeing with her ideas, I was still..."

I was wondering the same thing as Dustin. What do you not like about the book? I had no idea that it was ranked behind the Bible in being that influential. I would love to know how that was judged.

I didn't finish it either. Moved it back to my TRP also. I got about 50 pages in and just could not get into it. I'm not sure why, although the writing did drive me crazy toward the end. I think that is why the discussion fell off, I guessing that people just didn't finish it.

Suzanne wrote: "I think the way it was designed made the choice really difficult! The defendant didn't seem very innocent, and Valjean had so many responsibilities. I would like to think I'd do the right thing, ..."

I think that is why I felt guilty with my choice. I have been flipping back and forth between my choice and then I feel guilty for being so callous toward another human. Very thought provoking.

Ana wrote: "i have started the book this week. i like it so far but it is a pretty slow read"

I agree with the slow part, it has taken me forever to get where I'm at.

This is the group read for February. Please remember to post spoilers if the discussion is early in the thread. This is a true should have read for me, I read this in high school and do not have pleasant memories. I will try the reread however, since I have found that my tastes have changed greatly in that time! Happy reading everyone and I hope that you enjoy the book!

This is the group read for March. Please remember to post spoilers if the discussion is fairly new and early in the read. I hope the you enjoy this one and happy reading!

I have added the new books for the next two months, if you would like a vote I can change things, but since the interest of those posting went to these two books, I good with this call.

I'm in the middle of the court scene that has M&M watching the evidence presented against Champmathieu and how the court is against the defendant from the beginning. I must ask, what would you do in Valjean's shoes? Could you send a man to jail for you by justifying it with "he seems like he deserves it?" Or would you freely give up yourself to the authorities knowing what would be in store for your life?

Got my book yesterday and was surprised to learn that this story is based upon the author's grandmother and the stories that she told her grandchildren. Is adds a new dimension to this book.
I agree Suzanne, hard to imagine when Wisconsin was "wild".

Alright, how about this..reading Heart of Darkness for February and I Capture the Castle for March? Does that sound like a plan?