Jessica’s Comments (group member since Jan 02, 2013)

Jessica’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

Andrew wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I discovered, randomly, a book called Carmilla the other day. Early gothic fun from what I have gathered. Anyone on here read it? Thoughts, chastisements?"

I've read Carmilla years..."

I will have to research some of his other pieces to add to my to-read shelf. I am very intrigued by him. THe Adventures of Dr. Hesselius sounds interesting. Thank you for the info. :)

I had no idea that was a series! I read Bunnicula as a child and loved it. I will have to look into the others.

I discovered, randomly, a book called Carmilla the other day. Early gothic fun from what I have gathered. Anyone on here read it? Thoughts, chastisements?

Karena wrote: "http://www.etsy.com/listing/84313037/..."

Yum! I love me some vintage especially with scrabble in the mix! My money is asking to be spent. :)

Travis of NNY wrote: "I have been wanting to re-read the Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings trilogy. I own all of both so I'm flexible with time frame. Just need dance partner(s). Any takers?"

I am tempted to do this with you, however I am a slower reader and am involved in one other book group outside of this one. We should chat. I will send you a friend request and we can discuss. :)

Well, it was not a series but a friend of mine and I read some works by the Bronte sisters, recently. We wanted to compare/contrast the styles, characters, and themes of Charlotte and Emily.

We read Wuthering Heights and are halfway through Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is a reread for us and is out favorite book. So we have found the characters Jane and Heathcliff interesting. We found that both are victims of abuse in their childhood, yet both have extremely different outcomes in the ways they let the abuse affect or not affect them.

I guess that could count as variation... :)

I finished this group of chapters last night. I was entertained by Pi's encounter with the three wise men. I was touched by his honesty in the midst of this arguement, "All I want is to love God." I believe Holly Rose and Karu were touched by it well. It is such a beautiful statement.

The pace started to pick up as we started getting closer to the incident. So, I am guessing some tears might be coming on soon.

I finished this group of chapters last night. I was entertained by Pi's encounter with the three wise men. I was touched by his honesty in the midst of this arguement, "All I want is to love God." I believe Holly Rose and Karu were touched by it well. It is such a beautiful statement.

The pace started to pick up as we started getting closer to the incident. So, I am guessing some tears might be coming on soon.

Gosia wrote: "True, but to me mixing comes more naturally if it is part of your heritage/culture rather than sudden decision to take it up."

I think the point is. There isn't really a "right" or "wrong" answer. Belief and spirituality are part born of the heart and soul. It doesn't and isn't supposed to make sense. Some of the most intense emotions we feel as humans can't really be put into words, let alone be explained. Every person is different.

"I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both."

and
"
If you stumble about believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?"

Karu wrote: "I saw the movie first. I liked it but I was suprised that it takes a looong time to get to the "important part". However, reading the book I see that the movie actually cuts a lot of this.

I foun..."

I have enjoyed Pi's reflection of God as well. I have always found religion/world religion extremely interesting. I enjoyed seeing the different religions through his child-like eyes. I wish humanity could be as accepting of one's faith as he was of so many.

Ever since I was a child, I have adored animals. I was actually a vet tech for a little while. Reading the zoology and animal care parts have awakened that passion in my heart again. It is one thing to be a pet owner but it is completely different level when you are a caretaker providing medicine and doctor care for one.

My view of zoos has always teetered but I found his points on why they should exist pretty powerful. While I love seeing animals in their natural habitat, his point about them not being infested with worms/ starving made me think differently.

Great book! Can't wait to read more!

What about something by Thomas Hardy? I didn't see anything on the shelf by him. He's one of my favorites so I am a tad biased. But there a quite a few to pick from. Jude the Obscure or Tess of the D'urbervilles ?

There are quite a few on there that are on my to-read shelf. I did notice Great Gatsby on there. That might be a good one to consider soon since the movie comes out in May.

Jeane wrote: "Angie wrote: "Jeane wrote: "You know I LOVE telling my 2 author run in stories!
Author run in #1-Brandon Sanderson-
So this was about 6 years ago, I used to belong to a Scifi/Fantasy bookgroup at t..."

I have become such a fan of his. What a thrill it must have been to meet him at the point. I hope one day to shake that man's hand. He is so talented.

I just wanted to say...Thank you so much for providing such a great group. I joined in January. I am having fun reading and learning so much about literature. My English teachers would be so proud. You guys are great. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to read Life of Pi with everyone!

Karena wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Tanya wrote: "OK, so I have a question for other readers.
Recently, I've been reading Roots-Thirtieth Anniversary Edition: The Saga of an American Family. I found myself very attac..."

He is one of those characters that just never got enough respect and yet it could have been him instead of Harry. He is the one character I saw the most change in. By the last book he has become so brave in the face of fear and darkness. Love him :)

Thank you for the suggestions Angie. I will be adding then to my shelf tomorrow. I am excited to read her stuff.

I am interested in Flannery O'Connor. I have no idea why I haven't read her stuff sooner. I like the creepy things in life.

Anyone read anything by her that liked it? If so, where would you suggest someone begin? Favorite?

Tanya wrote: "OK, so I have a question for other readers.
Recently, I've been reading Roots-Thirtieth Anniversary Edition: The Saga of an American Family. I found myself very attached to Kunta Kinte. So much so..."

You and I share quite a bond. I am extremely attached to Tyrion. I have been taking my reading with that series slow due to how long it takes to get one out (lol). I say this every time a friend brings up the series, "As long as Tyrion is not dead yet...I will be okay."

My husband makes fun of me because if there is a character I do not like it pretty much disdain. But if I like one they have the most ridiculous loyalty they could hope for from me.

Other characters I have gotten attached:
Hareton from Wuthering Heights
Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter
Arya Song of Ice and Fire
Szpilman from The Pianist >/u> is one the most memorable characters I have ever read.

Might be considered a cop out but it deserves to be noted

Green Eggs and Ham