Danielle The Book Huntress ’s Comments (group member since Jan 22, 2011)

Danielle The Book Huntress ’s comments from the Classics for Beginners group.

Welcome, Miranda!

Welcome to all the newbies!

Welcome to the group, Leslie, if you haven't been welcomed yet.

Optional Discussion Points for February Group Discussion of Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

1. Setting
2. Characters
3. Story/Plot
4. Themes
5. Symbolism/Literary Devices
6. Cultural Relevance/Why do you consider this a classic?
7. How would you rate this book out of 1-10 or 1-5 stars?
8. Would you recommend any other books like this?

No worries. Good to hear from you!

I have been missing you, Kwesi. I hope all is well.

Works for me.

I definitely got that theme from the novel, Jimmy. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't good reading for me, if that makes sense.

I wrote a paper about it, and I saw Budd as a Christ figure. Whether that was Melville's intention? Not sure.

Welcome, Raquel.

I've had Wuthering Heights on my tbr read list for a while. That's what has made me put it off.

Billy Budd was a real chore to read.

Welcom, Miranda and Dalynn.

I think that Henry was a man who was good at talking but not saying anything of merit. If Dorian had more experience, maybe he would have known not to take what Henry said as gospel. However, I do agree that Dorian is accountable for his own actions. In that way, he was a complete failure morally because he refused to own up to his own shortcomings.

Welcome, Parikhit!

I generally try to write reviews spoiler free, but if I have to, I will use them.

You can do it, Melissa!

Melissa, my advice is to just put your thoughts down. The more reviews you write, the more naturally the process unfolds.

Those are really good points, Hugh.

Welcome, Monique, Jean-Francois, Tammy, Myra, and Carrie!

I don't feel that I am qualified for literary criticism, so I don't even try when I write a review. I merely write the review based on my feelings on the book, the writing quality and caliber, and my understanding of the themes of the novel. I believe thematic elements are appreciated subjectively, so I wouldn't tell any reviewer they were wrong if they saw something I didn't see in a book. Even if I disagree with them.

Very good point, Jonathan.