Sandy & Colleen - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Sandy & Colleen - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

[Colleen]

Ack..... we're doing this, right? ;)

This is the version I have (an actual PHYSICAL copy for a change).

There are chapters we can use to track where we are since it's pretty likely we'll have different versions.

As always, I can dive in whenever. I'd be willing to start next weekend if you're up for it.

[SandyC]

I have that one, too. I wish I had the ebook instead of the doorstopper. Lol
I may just start Tuesday with at least a few pages. I am not foreseeing getting too far into it by the weekend.

[SandyC]

Do you have the paperback?
Do you want to set chapter goals, or post in spoiler brackets like with the other books? I'm up for either one.

[Colleen]

I could go either way. Although setting goals might help motivate me to get started ;)

68 chapters? How would we group them?
I see it's also set up in three volumes which seem to be approximately 1/3 - the first being the shortest. Do you want to shoot for a volume every 10 days? That would wrap it up in December. That was kind of my loose plan anyway. Or something more frequent like every x number of chapters?

I'll still probably stop by with spoiler tags if the mood strikes

So...... I will try to start before this weekend but it's not likely. Maybe? By this weekend for sure though. :)

[Colleen]

69 chapters. Sorry that was a typo and there's no edit on the iPad app.

[SandyC]

Your plan sounds like a good one
So, roughly speaking:
Volume 1 Dec. 4-14
Volume 2 Dec. 15-25
Volume 3 Dec. 26-Jan.5

I like that plan. I am optimistic about finishing!

[Colleen]

Bring. It. On.
;)

[SandyC]

I read chapter 1 last night. I actually read the footnotes this time. Last time, I didn't. I'm trying to have more patience with this book this time around.

[[deleted user]]

hi! Can I join in ?

[SandyC]

Of course, Karen. Welcome!

[[deleted user]]

Thanks :)

[[deleted user]]

Sandy wrote: "Your plan sounds like a good one
So, roughly speaking:
Volume 1 Dec. 4-14
Volume 2 Dec. 15-25
Volume 3 Dec. 26-Jan.5

I like that plan. I am optimistic about finishing!"

Like your plan!

[Colleen]

Hi Karen! Welcome aboard, the more the merrier!!

[Colleen]

I cracked it open and started, didn't get very far yet.
I'm on page 41, start of chapter 4
(view spoiler)[
I like the time and setting and language the author is using - and it seems to get to some action pretty quickly (I worried it'd start slow). Mr. Norrell is certainly interesting.

I liked the idea of the stones and statues remembering events - like that girl's murder. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyC]

I'm on chapter 4 too.

[[deleted user]]

Hi ! Just started reading :)

[SandyC]

Chapters 1 - 4

(view spoiler)[I like the humor in this book. I don't think I caught on to it when I first tried reading it. I like the scene where the two gentlemen are discussing "facts" about Mr. Norrel, while he's standing right there. I'm curious about Childermass and his ultimate role in the story.

I think it's interesting that Segundus and Honeyfoot are unable to remember with clarity their visit to Mr. Norrell's house. To me, this would indicate that some sort of magic was occurring.

Looking forward to more! (hide spoiler)]

[Colleen]

I agree with both points, Sandy. Definitely more dry humor than I expected, you have to pay attention to catch it sometimes - and because of your note above I've paid attention to the footnotes, which can also be rather amusing.

Up to Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[
Oh no..... Miss Wintertowne's resurrection is not going to end well, that sort of thing never does.

Mr. Drawlight kind of gets on my nerves. He feels like a freeloader without a lot of redeeming qualities. Maybe I'm judging too soon.

Jonathan Strange hasn't shown up yet, unless he created the rain-ships which is the point where I stopped (so I don't know who was responsible).

Enjoying this a great deal! (hide spoiler)]

[SandyC]

Chapters 5 - 10

(view spoiler)[ This is the point where I stopped last time. I wish I would have kept going, as this time around I am enjoying it, too. As for the resurrection, yes I agree it can't end well, especially with fairy involvement. Anytime I've read a book with Fae, there is always some advantage to be had by the fairy. When the fairy agrees to have half her life, I am wondering, which half?? They didn't discuss that, did they? So I am certain poor Lady Pole is in for a rough ride.

I agree about Drawlight. What is his motive? I can't tell yet (hide spoiler)]

[Colleen]

I'm leaving on a work trip and won't be home until the end of the week. Since this book is a doorstop (to steal Sandy's term) I won't be taking it with me. So I'm disappearing until this weekend. :(

[SandyC]

Safe travels!

[[deleted user]]

Happy Travelling!

[[deleted user]]

Im done with the book , sorry once i started couldnt stop!

[[deleted user]]

Sandy wrote: "Chapters 5 - 10

This is the point where I stopped last time. I wish I would have kept going, as this time around I am enjoying it, too. As for the resurrection, yes I agree it can't end well, esp..."

True , The resurrection had to have bad consequences.

[SandyC]

Way to go Karen!

[[deleted user]]

How far in are you sandy? How are you liking it?

[SandyC]

Im only up to chapter 13. I like it but I keep getting distracted by other books.

[Colleen]

I'm up to chapter 13 as well, and like Sandy I'm enjoying it. I got distracted by other books and holiday prep things (ugh).

Karen;
Did your edition have illustrations? I'm on the 3rd page in chapter 13 where Vinculus, a street magician, is berating Mr. Norrell about something and the illustration with it is pretty funny - Mr. Norrell's face either looks like he's surprised or like he just sucked a lemon. Maybe both.

[[deleted user]]

Colleen wrote: "I'm up to chapter 13 as well, and like Sandy I'm enjoying it. I got distracted by other books and holiday prep things (ugh).

Sandy wrote: "Im only up to chapter 13. I like it but I keep getting distracted by other books."

Which other books are you getting distracted by??

[[deleted user]]

Lol ! No I dont have illustrations , I wish I did.

Have you seen the tv series yet?

[[deleted user]]

At that point I was pretty much going on about where is Strange!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Impatient LOL

[SandyC]

I'm up to chapter 16 now. :-)
I just read Warleggan and I am forcing myself not to buy the next one yet. Highly recommend the Poldark series!

I also read The Pale Horseman (another great series).

Finished Beloved for a buddy read , and also working my way through A Brief History of Seven Killings for another buddy read.

Also Reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Distractions everywhere! Not to mention my knitting project! :-)

[[deleted user]]

Omg so many books!! Im going to check them out :)

What are u making?

[[deleted user]]

The Poldark series is really old!

[[deleted user]]

I have added poldark and the pale horseman

Also the immortal life of henrietta lacks , that sounds really interesting

[Colleen]

Karen;
I have not seen the TV series, I wanted to read the book first. Have you seen the series and how does it compare with the book? Does it follow pretty closely like the 'Gone Girl' movie does or is only loosely based like the 'Longmire' TV series? (not sure if you know either of those, but thought I'd throw out some examples)

Sandy;
I loved reading Henrietta Lacks - I live near Johns Hopkins Hospital, so it was especially interesting for me.

I'm reading 3 at a time right now (I usually do 2 - one book, one audio)

Besides Jonathan Strange, I'm reading Old Man's War for a buddy read and it's pretty humorous. I'm listening to Bitter Is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office and while I find it funny, I don't think I like the woman very much.

Preparing for the holidays, social obligations and just being damned busy are interfering with my reading this past couple weeks.

What are you knitting? I'm trying to finish up some cross-stitch ornaments before Christmas but I don't know if it's going to happen. Bless audiobooks where I can read and stitch at the same time. ;)

[SandyC]

I always find I have 3 - 5 books going at a time. I usually have an audiobook going in the car, too, but I need to go to the library and check one out, or I need to clear some storage on my phone so I can listen that way. LOL

I am knitting a scarf for myself. I am a SLOW knitter, and I have started this one over about 5 times. At this rate I'll be done next winter!

Yes, Poldark was written long ago. I discovered Poldark this past summer watching the TV series starring Aidan Turner (swoon!) on PBS. I then started reading the books which are SO GOOD! I am in love with the characters.

Haven't seen Jonathan Strange series but word on the street is it's really good!

[[deleted user]]

I havent seen the TV Series , In fact I was wondering when we all are done reading why dont we watch it!

[[deleted user]]

Colleen wrote: "Karen;
I have not seen the TV series, I wanted to read the book first. Have you seen the series and how does it compare with the book? Does it follow pretty closely like the 'Gone Girl' movie does ..."

No colleen I havent seen either of those , I know Gone Girl but havent heard of Longmire , is it good>

[[deleted user]]

Sandy wrote: "I always find I have 3 - 5 books going at a time. I usually have an audiobook going in the car, too, but I need to go to the library and check one out, or I need to clear some storage on my phone s..."

Sounds so interesting , will check the TV Series out first!

[SandyC]

I am up to chapter 22! I really like it. I am wondering what the fairy is up to, and it's funny to me how Steven Black is so nonchalant about the whole enchantment situation.

I caved and downloaded the next Poldark book. I'm 80% done with that. Will try harder not to download #6!!!

[Colleen]

I'm almost finished chapter 20 (busy with family showing up and baking, etc). Sandy, you and I seem to be on the same speed this round :)

Steven Black does seem nonchalant, but then again it's a society that readily accepts magic. I wonder what's going to happen to Lady Poole.

We FINALLY met Jonathan Strange. Can't say he made much of a first impression, but his family story and the valet's story was rather interesting.

[Colleen]

I'm up to chapter 28 (view spoiler)[ and find Mr. & Mrs. Strange an odd couple, but am glad that she finds Drawlight as distasteful as I do. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyC]

We are at the same spot! I have a feeling Mrs. Strange may be instrumental in discovering Lady Pole's secret.

[[deleted user]]

Merry Christmas :)
How is it going?

Drawlight was utterly distasteful..

Im sorry I was a bad buddy reader this time:(

[Colleen]

Karen wrote: "Merry Christmas :)
How is it going?

Drawlight was utterly distasteful..

Im sorry I was a bad buddy reader this time:("

Karen, you weren't! You helped motivate us to get going :)

I'm enjoying this book in smaller doses. I don't know if I have the stamina to read it straight through - it's dense and meanders around (especially with the footnotes - which are usually pretty amusing). I'm just about to start Chapter 35
(view spoiler)[Mr. Norrell and Strange are still working together, but there's definitely been a wedge between them since Strange came back from the war.
I really liked the scene with Strange and the King and after the fairy's conversation with Stephen I feel certain that Mr. Norrell's secret about how he saved Mrs. Poole will come out soon. I wonder what Strange's reaction will be.
At the moment, I'm liking Strange more than Norrell. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyC]

I'm up to chapter 32. It's just not keeping my attention, plus there is so much going on with the holidays. Hard to read when my kid wants me to play Mario Kart with him. LOL

I propose we extend this another month.

[Colleen]

I agree about the holidays. My family is in town through this weekend, so it's made a dent in my reading time. No Mario Kart (which would be fun!) but... ;)

I'm going to keep going, so yes to extending. I admit to reading other books in between chapters. I'm still enjoying it, but my attention does wander. I'm up to Chapter 41. The writing style is one I have trouble breezing through, which is both good (better writing) and bad (takes time).

[SandyC]

Yes! The writing is very good and I love the subtle humor, but I feel the story meanders too much. I participate in too many challenges, so I am also always reading other books in between.

Happy New Year!