Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion
Buddy Read Trackers
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Hailee's Buddy Read Tracker
A twitter sprint is just a reading sprint hosted on Twitter. A reading sprint is basically an agreement with 2 or more people to read at the same time. For example on Twitter the hosts of Tome Topple will announce on their Twitter account their intention to host sprints at a certain time and so everyone who is free will keep keep an eye out for tweets. The host will say ok read for 30 minutes etc starting at quarter past the hour. Once the sprint is over the host will send out another tweet asking how many pages people read during the time or ask some other question about peoples books for example during some sprints the hosts give challenges like "during the sprint award yourself a point everytime an animal is mentioned". Once the sprint is over the host will ask how many points people got. These steps will be repeated for a long as the hosts are available. Its just a fun way to read at the same time as lots of other people and helps keep you motivated and on track. Sprints can be hosted on other platforms such as Instagram lives and youtube livestreams as well. Hope that explanation makes sense 😅
Yes taking part still totally counts even if you aren't posting on other social media. The whole point of readathons are to have fun. As long as you're doing that it totally counts.That edition of P&P sounds nice, defacing aside (adds a bit of personality to it as well lol). My original copy is kept at the back of my wardrobe for nostalgic purposes. I don't read it anymore to keep it safe. I read the penguin library edition I own
but there are so many lovely editions I think I'll probably buy plenty more over the years.I'm desperate to read The Count but part of me thinks I should read The Three Musketeers first. Everyone says that 3M is good as well but that The Count is better so I'm reluctant to read The Count first and then go backwards in quality and enjoyment, if you know what I mean... I own beautiful matching Vintage Classic editions of both...
and
. I love the bright red spine on a Vintage Classic. I try to get all my classics in either the Penguin Library Editions or the Vintage Classics.I'm a lot fussier about what classics I want to read. I don't read a classic because I think I should, only if I think I'll genuinely enjoy it. As such I only have 5 unread classics on my TBR at the moment that I want to get to (not including my constant rereading of P&P and occasionally Jane Eyre).
I was actually thinking about The Stand the other day laughing because what a time for us to decide to read a 1000+ page book about a virus that brings about an apocalyptic world. Me thinks our timing could have been better 😂😂😂
The summary looks good to me. And yes we'll definitely have to slot in Goblin Emperor. Maybe during the NEWTs? It's bound to fit at least one of the prompts...
Zaara wrote: "is it weird that we are reading almost absolutely everything together...??"We obviously just have very similar reading tastes 😉
Hailee wrote: "The summary looks good to me. And yes we'll definitely have to slot in Goblin Emperor. Maybe during the NEWTs? It's bound to fit at least one of the prompts... "Sure, August (?) for the NEWTs it is. I'm behind on my reads, just finishing Priory. Let me know about when to start P&P.
I've always liked the buttery feel of Oxford World Classics + the annotations and footnotes are superb + and many the cover choices + I actually worked for the University for a while so hefty employee discount :D
I've always heard about the NEWTs. They sound super fun. Is there a sheet for all of the books your supposed to read for that? Like a list of the classes? ^~^ If so please share a link~
Zaara wrote: "Sure, August (?) for the NEWTs it is. I'm behind on my reads, just finishing Priory. Let me know about when to start P&P.I've always liked the buttery feel of Oxford World Classics + the annotations and footnotes are superb + and many the cover choices"
I answered the P&P thing on the One Dark Throne thread. I never actually started Priory. Again the One Dark Throne Thread explains why my read came to a near standstill these last few weeks (making me not read much for Tome Topple either - only about 600 pages altogether 😕) I wasn't sure whether you had got to starting Priory or not (it wasn't on your currently reading list when I checked a week or so ago) so I kept putting off starting. Since you've finished it now I think I'll just concentrate on Final Empire, The Three Dark Thrones short stories, P&P and Deadhouse Gates (I think thats enough to be getting on with lol)
Btw did you read The Final Empire?
Katie wrote: "I've always heard about the NEWTs. They sound super fun. Is there a sheet for all of the books your supposed to read for that? Like a list of the classes? ^~^ If so please share a link~"NEWTs are super fun. NEWTs are the 2nd part of the readathon. The OWLs which took place in April were part one but that shouldn't stop you from taking part in the NEWTs. The reading prompts for this years NEWTs haven't been announced yet. The host G from the Youtube channel Book Roast will probably realease them mid July. Once the video is live I'll let you know so you can check it out.
For now I'll leave the links to the video for this years OWLs:
https://youtu.be/QRuZ4EBkiKA
And for last years NEWTs:
https://youtu.be/Rq7vFHcngYs
These will explain everything much better than I could 😅
Hailee wrote: "I never actually started Priory. Btw did you read The Final Empire? "😂 oh haha look what we did... I'm sorry I forgot to mark Priory as Currently Reading. I finished Ascendant's Rite and Priory (but on;y after the readathon ended)... so I guess we both didn't topple as much tome as we dared hope to.
I think I superethically read one para of the Final Empire on the 15th but that's semantics really 💪 and the mistborm curse still has me in its thrall. But 😈 have you finished the book, to truly understand what I mean? Can't wait for u to get to that scene and read your thoughts. Soon I'll open you spoilers. How'd you like Kelsier training Vin? Standout scene, no?
P&P next month alongside Malazan (you)/RR (me) is fine... I'll just listen to something completely random in the meantime. I uuuh invited Melissa to join, she was in the mood for a feel good read.
Hailee wrote: "A twitter sprint is just a reading sprint hosted on Twitter. A reading sprint is basically an agreement with 2 or more people to read at the same time. For example on Twitter the hosts of Tome Topp..."
I'm actually laughing hysterically at how farout wrong I got this. Thanks, Mo!
*lurks*|✧ω✧) ...
Did someone say Pride and Prejudice??
|ミ､ヽ(´꒪ヮ꒪)ﾉ *pounces*
A wild Mel has appeared! I'm afraid you may be stuck with me.
Thank you for sharing the OWLS and NEWTS videos Hailee!!! I can't wait to check them out. The challenges seem really fun ^~^
Melissa wrote: "Did someone say Pride and Prejudice??|ミ､ヽ(´꒪ヮ꒪)ﾉ *pounces*
A wild Mel has appeared! I'm afraid you may be stuck with me."
So you decided to come after all... should be fun :)) never listened to it before and the familiar voice makes me smile.
I'm starting tonight.
I'll start P&P tonight myself. Although I'll be reading with my eyeballs.I'm starting to think I should maybe I should set up a thread along the same lines as Charlie's Last Minute Buddy Read thread for these kind of buddy reads so we don't have to bother the mods about them... We could call it the "Emergency Buddy Read Thread". I'm on frequently enough that I can change the info on it if other people need to use it as well 😋
Melissa wrote: "*lurks*|✧ω✧) ...
Did someone say Pride and Prejudice??
|ミ､ヽ(´꒪ヮ꒪)ﾉ *pounces*
A wild Mel has appeared! I'm afraid you may be stuck with me."
I saw these messages before but completely forgot to reply but glad you'll be joining us Melissa!!
Katie wrote: "Thank you for sharing the OWLS and NEWTS videos Hailee!!! I can't wait to check them out. The challenges seem really fun ^~^"You're welcome Katie. I'm just about to pop onto your thread to post the link for the little mini round to the readathon that Book Roast has just announced.
Hailee wrote: "I'll start P&P tonight myself. Although I'll be reading with my eyeballs.I'm starting to think I should maybe I should set up a thread along the same lines as Charlie's Last Minute Buddy Read thr..."
We can use Feel Good books, Hay, if you don't want your tracker cluttered up with random posts...I only suggested it bcuz this was your favourite book evarrr...
That thread is just lying disused....
Zaara I've loved all those kind of scenes in Final Empire. Training Vin and the battle where Kelier breaks in to steal the atium are among my favourites. I've actually stalled at the galfway point in this book due to the mini slump I had. I think I'll focus on Deadhouse Gates and P&P and once P&P is finished I'll go back refreshed to finish it off.
I don't mind using my tracker at all. I was just thinking out loud mainly and thought an extra thread people can jump on might be useful. Although i did forget about the Feel Good Books thread. Lets stick with the plan of using my tracker for P&P since it'll be nice to have all the P&P love here 😍
I actually treated myself to a new copy of Pride and Prejudice in honour of this buddy read. Its this one:
. Its beautiful but it also has deckled edges which I'm not a fan of. Its just so messy looking and makes it really difficult to turn the pages of the book. I'll have to turn them from the bottom I think 😕What are your opinion on deckled edges? I know a lot of people love them. Melissa? Zaara?
Oh, thank goodness I'm not the only one who's not a fan. Normally I love things with a natural or vintage quality, but a deckled edge is not one of those things. Like you said, it makes it harder to turn the pages, and makes them more prone to tearing. I prefer a nice crisp page, thank you.Hearing about Mistborn makes me eager for the 4th Wax and Wayne book to come out. Once it does, I'm going to give the whole series a go again.
Melissa wrote: "Oh, thank goodness I'm not the only one who's not a fan. Normally I love things with a natural or vintage quality, but a deckled edge is not one of those things. Like you said, it makes it harder t..."Yeah I really don't understand the appeal, either visually or practically. I can't wait to get further into the Cosmereverse books.
I'm currently on chapter 6 of Pride and Prejudice:The thing that always strikes me in this chapter is that this is the first time we see that Elizabeth is quite as good a judge of character as she likes to think. (view spoiler)
Chapter 11 of Pride and PrejudiceI find it a real shame that this quote is said by Caroline Bingley. It is such a famous quote from the book but it said by a person who doesn't value reading in the slightest.
Poor Darcy. I think we can all sympathize with the annoyance of someone talking at you while you are trying to read. A readers top pet peeve 😂
I started listening yesterday while cooking, and followed along with the first few chapter alright, mostly because the story is so familiar. (In case I didn't mention, I don't do audio, so this is something of a stretch challenge for me.) Between the chopping and running water however, it was more like background noise that cut in and out. Like overhearing a familiar movie from the TV in the next room.Anyway, I didn't feel like I was doing the book justice or fully present, so I started from the beginning again, this time watching. Heh, she starts Chapter 2 with an American accent, and then stops herself with the apology, "Wrong continent." :)
Melissa wrote: "I started listening yesterday while cooking, and followed along with the first few chapter alright, mostly because the story is so familiar. (In case I didn't mention, I don't do audio, so this is ..."I know, Mel. I love how organic it is (😂 at one point in Part 3 her battery runs low and she's all...hahaha ooops just before it conks out) + how much love she has for the book + how she takes a small pause to chat with us for a second... at the end of the first video she says "shall I carry on or shall we have a bit of a break?" It's actually like having a friend read you the story you love.
Hailee wrote: "Chapter 11 of Pride and Prejudice"
I'm listening too so we won't be as fast as you, Hay. I've done three of the Youtube sections, so I'm at the end of Ch 8. I dunno that I can listen while doing the dishes but while folding laundry...etc...
Ch 1 and 2 I love Mrs Bennet in these opening chapters... I think the actress in the 1980 BBC version was brilliant...if you've seen it, she had that irritating "twittering" quality down pat and oh the way she pursed her lips...
And I love Austen portrays the quality of a twenty+ year marriage in just a couple lines...
Ch 3 the first meeting 😂 and all that flitting between the different POVs.
One of my favourite scenes is the duo of conversations at the end of Ch 6, (view spoiler)
Hailee wrote: "Zaara I've loved all those kind of scenes in Final Empire. Training Vin and the battle where Kelier breaks in to steal the atium are among my favourites. I've actually stalled at the galfway point ..."Clubbing ALL the replies (to the comments on my tracker too):
Oh, all the best for your ambitious June tbr, Hailee. Hope you had fun picking things out. I watched the readathon announcement video, but I think I will just see if I'm in the mood nearer the time. Definitely I will have one prompt done...to read a book that's part of a trilogy...😂 definitely the prompts do push you to read a lot in one week.
Actually I don't remember anything much abt Mistborn really, save those couple standout scenes. It's been a few years.
Hailee wrote: "What are your opinion on deckled edges? I know a lot of people love them. Melissa? Zaara?"
Deckled edges... hmmm... I don't mind the messiness but don't own many and feel they are only for when you have a book that you want to linger and savour in terms of a tactile experience... i.e. you don't read the book at one stretch.
Melissa wrote: "Heh, she starts Chapter 2 with an American accent, and then stops herself with the apology, "Wrong continent." :)"😂😂
Zaara wrote: "I'm listening too so we won't be as fast as you, Hay. I've done three of the Youtube sections, so I'm at the end of Ch 8. I dunno that I can listen while doing the dishes but while folding laundry...etc..."No worries. Although I can read this fast when I'm actually reading it I have to not touch this for several days at a time since it takes me soooooooo long yo read even ine chapter of Deadhouse gates lol
I've obly ever seen the 1980s version once and that was probably close to 2 decades ago now so I remember nothing about it. Considering I watch the 1995 versions several times a year I should probably give it another go.
Thanks Zaara. Although I'm picking some options so I know which books fit each prompt I think I'll leave it open for this readthon so that I can read what strikes my fancy as I get to each prompt. I'm going in the order that Harry visits each shop throughout the series...
Chapter 12 of Pride and PrejudiceBless Darcy for thinking that his ignoring Elizabeth was cared about or even noticed by her 😂😂
Hailee wrote: "I'm currently on chapter 6 of Pride and Prejudice:The thing that always strikes me in this chapter is that this is the first time we see that Elizabeth is not quite as good a judge of character as sh..."
Yass!! And to think she's known Charlotte since they were kids...so... that streak of ruthless (or rather unsentimental) pragmatism must have shown up in other places, other behaviours.
But I think that contributes partly to what makes Elizabeth so relatable and one of the most enduringly popular female heroines ever written. She was so genuinely flying blind/out of sync with her feels/wishes and the situation... it is a timeless problem... I swear!! Every time I read this book it seems so fresh and damn... still RELEVANT.
I noticed it even more in Chapter 10 when she and Darcy have their first (or was it second? Or third? 😂) disagreement...look how she was sooooo fierce about protecting Bingley's sweetness of temper and malleability/obedience towards taking advice from one and all. Whereas Darcy is saying he should much rather take his own call on things. She's all on Bingley's side for now but when this event/behaviour ACTUALLY happened (him being so easily persuaded that abandoning Jane was best for everyone) she HATED IT and she was pissed with Bingley for caving so easily.
😂😂😂 esp this line: "We may as well wait, perhaps, till the circumstance occurs before we discuss the discretion of his behaviour thereupon."
+ when the flamin' is flying so hard they actually have to literally call a ceasefire and/or have it called for them!!
+ when you think how much Lizzie must have thought about this precise line/argument/self-fulfilling prophecy later whenever she watched Jane cry/pine/suppress the crying/pining.
What I love most are her (Jane Austen's not Elizabeth's) *kicks*
It takes a skill not many ppl have.
Hailee wrote: "Chapter 12 of Pride and PrejudiceBless Darcy for thinking that his ignoring Elizabeth was cared about or even noticed by her 😂😂"
😂 and he was so harsh...
I think she notices but at this point doesn't really care and just wants to get outta there.
Gotta love how it gets all gets blown almost to hell before it starts to change, and that's probably only bcuz they're both essentially decent people.
Listened to a couple more sections (that's videos 4 and 5) so I'm just thru Ch 13
Mr Collins...😜😂
Hailee wrote: "I've obly ever seen the 1980s version once and that was probably close to 2 decades ago now so I remember nothing about it. Considering I watch the 1995 versions several times a year I should probably give it another go."Several times a year?? Woop now you make me wanna...been ages since I watched either. The reread is more like a nostalgic reunion with a childhood bestie and really has me wondering why I left this so long...
The 1980 versiom (again) I have a kinda nostalgic affection bcuz it was the first one I watched (with that unforgettable teacher of English I am always on about...your first time drinking whiskey and watching P&P is something you will never forget... a heady combination) + Mr & Mrs Bennet were superb in it + it seemed kinda "homely" and natural with the repeated outfits etc. Garvie wasn't bad either and Rintoul kinda ok (he literally seemed strangled by his
Tho Firth and Ehle will always be Darcy/Eliza for me... have you watched Greer Garson? 😜
Thoughts on Keira Knightley version? Melissa likes it in swoony ways...and I don't hate it but I'm too much a purist... 😂😅 I guess.
Hailee wrote: "Thanks Zaara. Although I'm picking some options so I know which books fit each prompt I think I'll leave it open for this readthon [...] I'm going in the order that Harry visits each shop throughout the series..."
O wow, you added another layer of difficulty...💪 I did not know you were that much of Potterhead, Hay. Wish you'd joined in 2018 when I last reread the whole series. I joined Siobhan for a couple books when she did her full reread this year but that was more for the quick points.
Zaara wrote: "The reread is more like a nostalgic reunion with a childhood bestie and really has me wondering why I left this so long...Tho Firth and Ehle will always be Darcy/Eliza for me..."
Agree 100% with both these points. I could probably reread this every year and be happy with it. I do read a lot of P&P sequels and variations inbetween times so I'm never very far away from this story. I will undoubtedly read a few once I've finished this.
Do either of you ever read P&P sequels or variations? Got to admit I'm slightly addicted. Sequels are a lot harder to come by than variations though... well ones I like anyway.
Zaara wrote: "Thoughts on Keira Knightley version?..."I enjoy the Kiera Knightley version. While my heart always lies with Firth and Ehle the Kiera Knightley version is useful for whenever I want to devour the whole story in a few hours. No matter how much I love it, its hard to find time to watch the whole 1995 BBC adaptation in one day.
Zaara wrote: "have you watched Greer Garson?..."
No I haven't. I don't know what it is about black and white tv that puts me off but I've never been tempted to try it. I will give the 1980s version another try though.
Zaara wrote: "O wow, you added another layer of difficulty...💪 I did not know you were that much of Potterhead, Hay. Wish you'd joined in 2018 when I last reread the whole series...."Haha whether I stick to reading my books in that order remains to be seen lol. I di love the books although I xan't read them every year like some do. I think I was over halfway through the series in 2018 but I don't remember seeing you reading it which is a shame. I actually read book 1 and 2 during the OWLs and I'll probably slowly reread the rest over 2020-2021.
Zaara wrote: "But I think that contributes partly to what makes Elizabeth so relatable and one of the most enduringly popular female heroines ever written. She was so genuinely flying blind/out of sync with her feels/wishes and the situation... it is a timeless problem... I swear!! Every time I read this book it seems so fresh and damn... still RELEVANT.I noticed it even more in Chapter 10 when she and Darcy have their first (or was it second? Or third? 😂) disagreement...look how she was sooooo fierce about protecting Bingley's sweetness of temper and malleability/obedience towards taking advice from one and all. Whereas Darcy is saying he should much rather take his own call on things. She's all on Bingley's side for now but when this event/behaviour ACTUALLY happened (him being so easily persuaded that abandoning Jane was best for everyone) she HATED IT and she was pissed with Bingley for caving so easily...."
😂😂 So true. When I first read P&P i used to think of Elizabeth as faultless but as I grew older I saw more and more of her flaws but like you say it just makes her mire relateable so didn't make me love her any less.
I've just finished volume 1 (chapter23) so just past Mr Collins proposal. I admit to loving that scene. So much entertainment value lol. The casting in the 1995 adaptation of Mr Collins beats the casting for Kiera Knightly's version don't you think?
I enjoy the Kiera Knightley version. While my heart always lies with Firth and Ehle the Kiera Knightley version is useful for whenever I want to devour the whole story in a few hours.I like both the 1995 drama and the 2005 movie in different ways. Like you said Hailee, the movie is nice for when you want to consume it all at once. In addition to casting though, I'll also break it down where I have favorite scenes in each. I'm much more aware of the filmography of the movie, and while some parts work, others are more meh.
I've never seen the 1940 Greer version, but apparently the story is *quite* different. I do love films from the era though. I binged dozens and dozens of old 30s films a while back. I was going to re-watch the 1937 Shall We Dance last night, but ended up going with 1995 Sense and Sensibility, since I wasn't sure if my date would be into a black and white film.
Do either of you ever read P&P sequels or variations? Got to admit I'm slightly addicted.
The only one I tried was Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife, recommended by a friend. Honestly, I vastly preferred the experience of listening to her talk about it, that reading it myself.
The casting in the 1995 adaptation of Mr Collins beats the casting for Kiera Knightly's version don't you think?
Haha, this makes me want to watch just his scenes now.
Watched four more instalments, and I have started reading along in the book as I listen.P&P Chapters 15-18
Ch 14-15
Hehehe Mr Bennet and Mr Collins...more of them *kicks* I absolutely love. It's cool how Austen manages to sustain interest across time, across multiple rereads even in all the side chars and not just the main storyline and how most chars are full and complete even if she gives just a few lines to them, like we have a complete (if broad brushstrokes) picture.
ROOO(A)SINGS! When you imagine how sick Charlotte would eventually get of that word...hahahahahaha!
I like Mr Collins' intro scenes, (for me) it's these two chapters even more than his ridiculous proposal... somehow the overformal letter and the way Austen plays him off Mr Bennet at the dinner table are perfect encapsulations.
Ch 16: yeah, understandable but not perfect. It's actually painful to watch Lizzie being led astray, and how easily and immediately she falls under this influence of Wickham and runs away with her preconceived judgements...and when he speaks like that of Georgiana...
Ch 18:
The Original Party From Hell scene...😂 spoiler god, the cringey parents, the caricature family members... the embarrassment
+ and some more brutal flamin'... is it too evil of me that I love how well matched they are, and not just in the stubborness?
+
Poor Darce, the frustration of not being able to speak his truth + literally how
maddening she was... but to be fair to Elizabeth, she had no info, she was pushed in that direction by both Darcy and Wickham and genuinely tried to confirm... from Jane, from evidence of eyes and ears + how all the other ppl behaved + the way he'd behaved until then had turned her off completely and actually it was mostly that set her confirmde in cement. The 1995 version omits (does it? I don't remember??) the early more dislikeable early Darcy scenes that I remember Rintoul playing. Huh? Looks like I need a full rewatch soonest.
+ it's like (I feel/think could be wrong) our gal secretly already liked him much earlier than the famous Pemberley reveal scene (which frankly paints her as rather mercenary/grasping) when she is supposed to have finally changed her mind and eat regret.
Because... look how it bloody hurts/sticks in her craw even in Ch 17 to think all that abt him + yet she absolutely wants to, and looked for evidence to confirm because by then she heartily disliked him
= how much more so she feels the reverse, after the letter scene...but I jump ahead of myself here......I'll listen more tonight, right after I log out :D
+ NB this was the only time Miss Bingley (accidentally and incompletely) gave Elizabeth good, sound womanly advice, but she had run on so far ahead in her dislike that she disregarded it completely.
I'm really enjoying this reread-listen format, Hailee. It really has been too long since I enjoyed a reread this much. I feel like I had forgotten some basic rightness... like how sunlight feels... or how to breathe in these interim grim months for the world. Now it's like sh!t happens but thank god some things still remain. Super suggestion, you two! A feel good read was exactly what was requiref for right now. And I'm happy I held off from last month... the enjoyment deffo tripled with you two.
Hailee wrote: "I've just finished volume 1 (chapter23) so just past Mr Collins proposal. I admit to loving that scene. So much entertainment value lol."I'm just a very little behind (as you can see) just done with the ball.
Hailee wrote: "Do either of you ever read P&P sequels or variations? Got to admit I'm slightly addicted. Sequels are a lot harder to come by than variations though... well ones I like anyway. "Yea I'm like that with Beauty and the Beast retellings. I swear I had pretyped these posts and had asked whether you guys like P&P retellings/sequels etc. I haven't read very many (not even the famous ones with zombies) and would love some recommendations, Hay?
Here's my very short list:
P&P SPOILERS ALLBOOK
Just in case 😂 tho we all know the damn thing almost by heart...
(view spoiler)
Was this a bit more technical than you asked for?
😂 I never know when (and abt what) the next random essay will strike!
Ehle video updates speshul for @MelissaVideo #5 and :D the huge red mug about two mins in) + I love how she gets this smile in her voice sometimes...
Videos #8 and #9 The pets have invaded! There's a dog named Violet had an extended cameo and there's a cat too. At abt12.15 into Video #9, she is drinking from a coffee mug just exactly like mine!!!
+ her dog gets a bit tired of being ignored and starts butting at her ok and she says..."would u like to read Ms Bingley's part" but immediately adds that it would be quite a stretch for your big loving heart...really smiled at that!
I'm glad I decided to read in this way. Also I started watched so many clips from both the miniseries...I think I spent hours yest and day before :/ doing that. Lydia is SUCH a baby!!
I don't remember the Keira version, watched it when it was playing in theatres and not since then, I don't think. I shall deffo rewatch.
I dunno I that I felt Matthew kinda out of char for Darcy...
Melissa wrote: "I binged dozens and dozens of old 30s films a while back. I was going to re-watch the 1937 Shall We Dance last night, but ended up going with 1995 Sense and Sensibility, since I wasn't sure if my date would be into a black and white film."
I love all things Old Hollywood, esp those screwball comedies. "Movie Night In" is always a good thing + I love Kate Winslet. I watched S&S a couple months ago and the Paltrow version of Emma. Btw, have you guys watched the Anna Taylor Joy one??
Oh and when you indulge in your Collins cringefest, Mel
(view spoiler) They're both so good. 1980 was kinda let down by Rintoul but some of the sides are really good.
Read/listened to a few more sections, reached Ch 30. Chapters 18-29
Done with Mr Collins superbounce and Elizabeth has just arrived at Hunsford/Rosings, Darcy isn't there yet. It is typical of the times and so different from contemporary romances how much time they spend apart in the book and how little together, yet the story is quietly developing and never stagnant.
Feel sad for Jane, esp her second letter from London after Miss Bingley's return visit. A lot of ppl commented abt that on the videos tho it's mostly repetitive gushy praise of the book etc. sometimes reading the YouTube comments are just as fun as GR.
Of course I enjoyed Lady Catherine's first scene but this section, I most noted/liked that conversation between Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth... her taking Jane away for change of scene and giving Elizabeth a word of caution abt Wickham not being what he seems...exactly what was needed and not more.
It is so nice that the girls had a sensible adult mother figure to talk/listen once in a while abt stuff like this... even if that help was unsolicited, they weren't neglected when it mattered bcuz it is good to have someone who is just quietly THERE for you in your corner and truly cares, tho not always effusive. Sometimes the quiet + silent sympathy is what is soothing/needed when you are feeling that frazzled, esp with a mother like Mrs Bennet in the post Collins days and those twittering sisters...😂
Miss Taylor (in Emma) does not come as close IMO, I dunno why tho it's prolly bcuz she and Emma behaved more as contemporaries. What do you think?
I have a question: do you think Elizabeth attended Charlotte/Collins' wedding? The book isn't clear, in fact it seems deliberately ambiguous, and Elizabeth's feelings of disapproval are a lot more strongly worded in the book than in the TV adaptations. I'd forgotten all these small brushstrokes and btw I HAD also mixed up/blurred the portrayal of Mr Collins between the different adaptations... the two BBC actors played him more comedic than the creepy Keira Knightley version.
How're you going with Malazan 2 and that (view spoiler)
Zaara interesting list of Sequals/variations. I own Longbourn (a present from a friend) but have yet to read it... must get to it at some point. I think my main worry for that one is it won't have enough Elizabeth and Darcy in it to satisfy me.
I'm pretty sure I've read the book starring Charlotte that you mentioned... maybe this one? Charlotte: Elizabeth Bennet's story as seen by her friend
I've also read Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued but zi too wasn't that bothered about it.
As to recommendation oh boy, get ready. I won't give you the accompanying essay but here are a list of my favourites:
Sequels:
Darcy's Passions: Pride and Prejudice Retold Through His Eyes. This is also a P&P through Darcy's POV but a big chunk at the end covers their married life.
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One. This is quite a long series but I only reached book 4 befire I gave up. I loved book 1 and I've read the first 2 in the series multiple times but the shear amount of time the declare their live for each other grate after a few books lol. We get it you love each other you don't need to say it twice on every page. Still it covers the exact time period I love... the girst few years of marriage so I expect I'll return to books 1 and 2 again regardless of the pitfalls.
By the same author is the duology that covers their engagement which I love Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship and Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future.
Variations:
Impulse and Initiative (reprinted under the title Conquering Mr Darcy). The premise of this is what if Darcy didn't take no for an answer and he stayed to try and change Elizabeth's mind. To be honest I'd recommend a lot of this authors books, but this is the first one I read and my personal favourite.
Rainy Days and its sequel The Rainbow Promise. Premise: is that they get caught in a rainstorm together and clear the air a lot earlier than in P&P. Again this author has several books I enjoyed these are just my personal favourites.
Haunting Mr. Darcy - A Spirited Courtship. Premise: Elizabeth has an accident that puts her in a coma and she wakes up as a "ghost" thst only Darcy can see. She is tied to him do has to go wherever he goes 😈
And by the same author Bluebells in the Mourning. Premise: Mr Darcy doesn't propose in Hunsford as he is interupted by bews that Lizzy's sister has died. Darcy escorts her home and investigates...
I've obviously read many more than this but tgese are the favourites that I have read more than once. Huh I ended up with more of an essay than I intended lol
As for who Colonel Fitzwilliam ends up with I've read books that ship him with both but I personally prefer him with Anne. Like you said it gets her away from her mother which can only be a good thing. Although I have no objection to Georgiana pairing off with him. There that edge of the forbidden with that ship which is alway fun 😏
Zaara wrote: "I have a question: do you think Elizabeth attended Charlotte/Collins' wedding? The book isn't clear,.."I've always presumed so. It would be just too insulting not to. Manners in that time period would not have allowed her to skip it, whatever her personal feelings on the marriage. And Charlotte would hardly have invited her to visit if she had been that rude...
Zaara wrote: "How're you going with Malazan 2..."
I'm only on chapter 2 at the moment. I had stalled with Final Empire so it was inducing guilt in me that I didn't want to pick it up so in the end I didn't read anything at all. Much as I enjoyed the first half I decided to put Final Empire back on my shelf for another time. Havong yhat weight off my mind means I can now get back into Deadhouse Gates guilt free. That fly scene was didgusting. I have a real phobia of all buzzing flying insects so tgat was like a scene out of my worst nightmares *shudders*. I alrea6fy knew this book mainly followed new characters so it wasn't a shock. I'm enjoying what I've read do far but it is early days.
Melissa wrote: "The only one I tried was Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife, recommended by a friend. Honestly, I vastly preferred the experience of listening to her talk about it, that reading it myself...."I've owned this for years!! I once started it but then Elizabeth started getting stalked by this creey guy near the beginning and I was too scared of where it was leading so I abandoned it and I've never been brave enough to pick it back up. But I've not been able to commit to getting rid of the book either.
My edition is split into 3 volumes so I've labelled them accordingly:Volume 2, Chapter 1 (Chapter 24)
It is strange that as Elizabeth fails to notice that Wickham only spreads the story of his "mistreatment" once Mr Darcy isn't around to contradict it. Not that he'd probably lower himself to do so at this point in time anyway.
I love the irony of Jane being the only person to give Darcy the benefit of the doubt despite unknowingly having the biggest reason to think ill of him.
Volume 2, Chapter 6
The first meeting with Lady Catherine de Bourgh is such fun and completely ridiculous. I can't help but think of Lady C as therine as the woman Mrs Bennet would be if she were rich with a title. Anyone else think that?
Volume 2, Chapter 10
Bless how oblivious Elizabeth is to the fact that Darcy is purposely trying to meet with her on her walks 🙈. And Darcy is completely oblivious to the fact that Elizabeth detests him. You were right when you sais that they are well matched lol.
Urgh I'm getting nervous lol. My least favourite scene in the book approaches 😱 cough*firstproposal*cough
Volume 2, Chapter 12Ah I alway feel like I can relax more after the first proposal and letter has been read. I alway admire the way Elizabeth handles that. She is so quick to see the error of her judgements and admit her mistakes.
Volume 2, Chapter 16
This chapter again illustrates Lydia's immaturity and bad judgement. I've never though about it before but I guess Jane Austen wants it fresh in the readers mind ready for future events. Why keep telling people how you treated your sisters to a meal when you forced them to pay for it!!! 🤦♀️
Volume 2, Chapter 19.On the way to Pemberley *happy dance* 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
I expect I'll devour this section quite quickly. I always read the 2nd half quicker than the first.
I also watch the last three episodes of the 1995 adaptation at least twice as often as the first three lol. If I'm feeling lazy I just skip to episode 4 and watch it from there lol.
Volume 3, Chapters 1-3 (Chapters 43-45)Love all the contact between the Darcy's and Elizabeth. These are definitely some of my favourite chapters in the book. Especially Darcy's set down of Miss Bingley... she really has it coming lol.
Volume 3, Chapter 4-8
Poor Lydia. Stupid and immature as she is she really hasn't been taught to know better. Can she really be blamed for her stupid decisions. Likely she'll come to regret everything in years to come.
When Mr Bennet was thinking things over and being happy at how little effort he had to put into things being resolved it really atruck me how lazy he really was. Despite the near disaster that occurred all he cared about was that he wasn't inconvenienced and he doesn't have to take time away from his own leisureand enjoyment. I think he is more like his younger daughter that he realizes. I don't think he will learn anything in the long term.
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Oh 😅 shazzer... nope it absolutely doesn't count... I don't think there's any edition above 500 pages unless you're reading some large print or those "easy reader" abridged editions with a big picture on every page.
Mine is this very old lovely coral coloured clothbound with soft pastel watercolour illustrations that I've had all my life, my father randomly bought it on one of his visits to London and then it just lay there all the days. I used to play with it when I was little and didn't even understand anything beyond looking at the pictures... Ian Beck was relatively unknown at the time:
https://austenised.blogspot.com/2011/...
I defaced it...abomination that I was...later on with scribbly high school notations. Still wince when I see them. Most of my books are in storage now. This time I'm actually listening to Jennifer Ehle reading P& P on YouTube...I already started but am only on her second recording so I didn't "waste" too much time...
Can therefore absolutely wait till after Tome Topple...I'll focus on Mistborn and Priory. Thanks for the save, so 💪 just three tomes then. And six days left...I can do that if I focus, stay off GR, and not watch timelapses. I'm halfway thru Moontide 4.
Does it still count if I'm reading the books here with you and not posting anywhere on Insta or Twitter? Well, it counts for you and me and is all that matters to me. Even for the NEWTs.
What does Twitter sprints mean, Hailee? Is that when you go from wall to wall and make a string of posts??
Re classics, yeah, I saw...the Count ominously waiting in the wings. But at this point its a tossup whether we do do the Count, the Michener or The Stand....😂 is it weird that we are reading almost absolutely everything together...??
Let's slot the Goblin Emperor soonish tho!
Summary:
POTAT, Mistborn, One Dark Throne (ongoing)
P&P next up
Goblin Emperor soonish...