We Have Always Lived in the Castle ~ Books 1-5

[LaLaLa Laura]

Let’s discuss books 1 through 5 only.

So what are your first impressions of the book?

Any favorite quotes or favorite moments?

How is it compared to what you thought it would be?

[LaLaLa Laura]

just got my copy from the library a few days ago. I'm psyched about starting it!

[LaLaLa Laura]

Here is a Wikipedia Summary about the book.
But there are spoilers within that summary.

[Teresa]

I am SUPER excited to see this book chosen as a group read!!! I read it years ago, and look forward to reading it again!!!

[Candace]

We are starting this in October, right?

[LaLaLa Laura]

yes but if you can start talking about it now if you like :)

[Pip]

I've just read the first few pages and all I can say so far is... Intriguing! Thank goodness we have a month to read this, as my reading agenda is rather plumped up:-)

(Thought for the day: Do I have a plump reading agenda because I have a skinny social agenda, or is it vice versa?)

[LaLaLa Laura]

haha Pippa! good question. it's like what came first the chicken or the egg?
but I believe our social agendas are skinny *because* we prefer the company of a good book. :)

[Tammy]

I just downloaded this book. I have to finish the book I'm currently reading though first--Home by Toni Morrison. This is my first book in an on-line book club. I'm really looking forward to the discussions!!

[LaLaLa Laura]

Tammy wrote: "I just downloaded this book. I have to finish the book I'm currently reading though first--Home by Toni Morrison. This is my first book in an on-line book club. I'm really looking forward to the..."

HI Tammy! :D

[LaLaLa Laura]

I just started the book myself and so far there is definitely a creepy feel to it. Katherine is a recluse, although she does manage to go into town for "Books and food." Ahhhh, woman after my own heart :D

[LaLaLa Laura]

I'm only on chapter two. so far it reminds me of avoid episode of The Twilight Zone!

[Melanti]

I read this last year and loved it... It's like reading a book narrated by the River from Firefly.

Listening to you guys talk about it is making me want to reread it though... It is a short book, and it is the month of Halloween, after all.

[jennifer]

I also read this last year and loved it. Shirley Jackson was so good at creating foreboding atmospheres.

[LaLaLa Laura]

this is the first book of hers I am reading and I'm liking it!

[Candace]

I'm devouring this. A perfect October read. I'm nearly finished!

[LaLaLa Laura]

good. glad we all picked a good one!

I finished my library book today so I can start and finish this one!

[LaLaLa Laura]

spoiler for chapter 2

definitely creepy children! I was floored finding out that instead of seeking help after (accidentally?) poisoning her family, Cassandra finished washing the bowl of sugar!

[LaLaLa Laura]

this article is fitting for this thread. books with creepy children http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/ki...

[LaLaLa Laura]

do you notice how food is a theme in the book? Constance is always gardening and cooking? food was their source of life and death?

[Teresa]

I'm used to a schedule to keep me on track! LOL...I haven't even started yet :-( But I'm ONLY taking this one with me to work tomorrow...I remember how enrapturing it is so I'm sure I won't have any trouble breezing through the first half ;-)

[Tammy]

This book made me feel like I was taking a trip down the rabbit hole!! So creepy!! The story is told very well. I'm glad that I read it at a slow pace so that I caught a lot of the comments that Mary Katherine makes early in the story (ie. shopping for the leg of lamb). I finished it in 2 days though!! This was a great book that I would probably not have found without this group. One of the big things that stood out for me was that as much as this house and family seemed crazy, there was such an order to their lives. Everything has a place and they kept to a very rigid schedule.