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Count of Monte Cristo schedule
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message 51:
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Lori
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Jun 02, 2009 10:14AM
I've really fallen off with this one too. For me it has been such an easy read that it doesn't really feel like a huge accomplishment to read it. But since I bought a brand new copy and I'm a ways in, I want to finish it sometime soon, but I think I'll be more motivated to finish Anna Karenina and maybe even War and Peace first.
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I just finished the book. I loved it and that amazed me. There are so many twists and turns, so many subplots. Keep reading chickies, it gets better and better.
Mod
Anyone have thoughts for next chunky book read?
I would weigh in on the topic of the next chunky read, but since I'm doing a horrid job at participating in this one, I probably shouldn't.
Mod
How about some of the classic short stories. We could even do some by one author, but I don't know who you've read so far. I know a professor at this last writing conference when someone talked about Moby Dick said that everyo ne should read Billy Budd as the ultimate political novel and says it puts Dan Rather in the dust, so I immediately started looking for my copy.
I'd be interested in Moby Dick, The Fountainhead (or Atlas Shrugged), Vanity Fair, Gone With the Wind (I've read it several times, but learn something new each time), The Once and Future King, East of Eden, Anna Karenina, one of Dickens' novels (I own Oliver Twist, but they're all readily available). Any of those sound good?
Fond with the Wind, The Once and Future King, East of Eden, and just read Ana Karinina - and a lot of the Dickens novels can be listened to on your MP3 through LibriVox.
OK here is my list:Tale of Two Cities
Les Miserables
Don Quixote
Atlas Shrugs
Mod
So lets try to do a quick catch up on COM. I know I am so far behind in the catch up but I am actually right on with my reading so please forgive me. Rather than trying to catch up on all the past I would like to hear how and where you are with your reading?
What is standing out to you?
Do you have any questions or comments?
At this point in your reading you should be seeing the Count as a master of disguise, almost like an original Superman. He is a bit like the ultimate crime fighter with avenging powers. One thing to note he usually makes his enemies pay for crimes they have committed not necessarily on him but on others. He is focused on these men getting what they deserve, what he feels they deserve.
I second Don Quixote. I own it and can never make myself start it. I am intimidated.
I finished the book and loved it. It is filled with twists and plots. I love the character of the count and the women he loves and hates.
Mod
Caderousse was an interesting subject. He never seemed satisfied even though there were many times he was pretty lucky to have or be where he was. When tough times did come to him he resorted to crime to compensate always too lazy or unwilling to do the work to carry him out of his sorry state.
Which translation can any of you recommend for the unabridged version? My neighborhood book club will be reading this one in a few months, so I'm trying not to peak too closely here!
Lisa, I got the Penguin edition and it seems to be a pretty good translation, even though I've fallen ridiculously behind in the reading.
Kelly Jo, Last summer I read about half of the abridged version and then put it down (I can't remember why, but I don't think it was because I didn't like it). This time I wanted to be on schedule with everyone and read about 100 pages, but then I was kind of disappointed with the simplistic language. I guess my problem was that if I'm going to read something that long, I want it to challenge me in some way.
Kelly Jo, That's a good question. I kind of wish I had the original French to read, but I imagine that would take me quite a while to get through. And by finished, do you mean you finished reading it or gave up?
Mod
I'm still reading CoMC. I like it but I must admit to finding some huge cliches in it. Then I wonder, would they have been cliches and so gimicky then or did they become so after books like this?
Kelly Jo and Tera, I'd be fine with Vanity Fair or Anna Karenina. Although, since Tolstoy wrote War and Peace also, I could understand people not wanting to do Anna.
Tera, et al: if I've learned any thing in the past month from hell, it is that cliches are cliches for a real reason: EVERY HUMAN BEING experiences the same thing despite our society's vain values as a whole right now.I think we all found each other for a reason and right now that reason for me is just how much you "Chicks" inspire and humble me with your energy and devotion to your friendships.
I have always been good with those closest in proximity, but my 3 BFF's in the Universe live the furthest away! I am trying though!
Thanks to all of you (whether you know who I am or not), because you all literally and figuratively: Get me through the days and nights!
Peace! xo
We love you Courtney and are happy that we can get you through the dark days.I think I would love to read Vanity Fair next. I am not ready for another Tolstoy just yet. But, I will go along with the group.
As for cliches, that is a really interesting observation. I think what I loved about the Count is that it was such an easy novel to get through as compared to War and Peace. I loved the adventures and style of Dumas, I really did love early French Literature. I would be willing to read another Dumas book soon.
You totally should! I'm a fan too and though I love Tolstoy as well; you HAVE to be in the mind set 2 enjoy...kind of like reading James Joyce, "Portrait..." or "Ulysses". I'll have to check my shelves on next best Dumas.MEG: Do you use text or pix messages on your cell? Holli saved my sanity in nursing home with cheerful messages about innocuous stuff like "Young & the Restless". [I'm currently giving "rest-LESS" new meaning with the all of my NEW lexicon. "Breathing" is #1 though, LMAO. Evidently if you don't breathe (and CLENCH like I was doing through pain waves), you are in much more severe pain than you need to be! Ha ha.
xo
That is so funny. PM your cell # and we can text and/or twitter (you would love it!) I wish I knew you were so ill and in a nursing home.
I skipped Count of Monte Cristo to read Anna K., but never got to it. I'd love to read Vanity Fair though!! I've also never read Atlas Shrugs, Meg. Have you read it and want to re-read it?
When I attempted Atlas Shrugs years ago I only got to about page 350. I am certainly willing to try again.
Ditto on Atlas, gals.Meg, cell all programmed and nursing home was HUGE wake-up call: Humbling and sad, I was afraid to bother anyone because I'm so used to just "getting on with it" by myself (why I broke hip!). Of course they all misunderstood that I was doing ALL I could by myself or when friends/family came. So, every time my nurse or therapist saw me I was crashed out flat on my back exhausted (I actually only slept on average 2 hours a night) and by the time my "Independence Day" came on July 3 I'd been up for close to 72 hours. My manic-panic(I was given updated psych RX of Bipolar 2) terrified them, but since my son Ben is BP 1 I'd always joked I was "depressive" but mania was 3,4,5...Haha on me! "Queen of research" missed the field through the trees due to chronic pain & my son's "more urgent" needs. He turned 13 on 7/5 and is doing very well, & I promised him I'd lose the "fear" if he did! Cliche #637: Everything happens for reason. LMAO.
Vanity Fair is well-worth time takes. Enjoy Beth!
Peace 2 all!
Well gals, I could be ready to start Vanity Fair August 8th (after my grueling summer course ends) Does the book and timing work for anyone? everyone?
Courtney if you want texting or twitter let me know.
I'll be fine to start Vanity Fair then. It will give me a little over a week to read before school starts.
Meg, Twitter too much for me, but I love texts because I'm attached at "hip" to cell phone...hahaha. xo
OK don't forget we are starting our next "chunky" Vanity Fair August 8th. Can people just let me know who is in? I am going to read it as my first novel on my brand new kindle, I hope I can do it.
I can't find my darn copy, even if I could be a "responsible participant" before...hmm, New Year 2010. LOL.
There are a few places downloading Vanity Fair for free. If you have a kindle it is free. Also a lot of libraries are doing downloadable books as well. If you are a member of paperbackswap, they have a few copies too.Kelly Jo, that is fine about not being able to chat until the 17th, this will probably be a long chat period!
Meg, count me in for Vanity Fair also, I ordered my copy so it should be at my house before the 8th.
I'm in too! I'm so excited! I've been wanting to read this one for a while. I'll have to make sure I finished anything I start before then, but at the rate I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife it shouldn't be a problem.Who is leading and how are we breaking it up?
I just finished CoMC, that was an interesting book, so many plot twists and loved the characters. I really felt for Dante'.I will try Vanity Fair too :)
