June/July 2019 - Gone With the Wind - Part 1 Discussion (thru 06/12/19)

[Sylvia]

Introduce yourself and then post comments, questions, thoughts, favorite quotes, and connections to other books/characters/movies here. (Part 1) Keep coming back to read and post more to keep 'conversation' going.

[Arshad]

I'm Arshad from India.

[Mary]

Hi I'm Mary from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and California. Anyway I will be in all those places over the next 2 months as we read GWTW.

I first read this book as part of a summer reading list for 9th grade and I loved it. That was almost 50 years ago so I am interested to see how different my reaction will be now.

I just bought the Kindle version for 99 cents. I don't know if this is a special or the regular price but other versions of this book are still quite expensive so it's worth a try.

[Arshad]

I just hate the e-versions, thus I ordered it in Amazon and eagerly waiting....

[Mary]

Arshad wrote: "I just hate the e-versions, thus I ordered it in Amazon and eagerly waiting...."

Mostly I agree about the e-versions but for 99 cents it's worth a try. Anyway, I will be traveling this summer and GWTW is a big book to lug around - even in paperback.

[Ahsan]

I'm Ahsan from Pakistan.

[Sylvia]

I'm Sylvia, the moderator, but once everything is set up, all I'll do is read along with the group and with my buddies. I'm a 54 year-old English teacher and summer begins for me in 2 weeks!

I'm a military brat, born in San Antonio, Texas - but I have lived in many places: Okinawa, Houston TX, Frankfurt Germany, Atlanta GA, Manassas VA, and finally ended up in California - first in San Jose area and now in the Sacramento area for last 12 years.

I love to read, but I especially love reading with others. I'm very excited about this summer choice. I will be vulnerable and admit (even as an English teacher) that I have not yet finished reading this book. I've seen the movie, started this book a few times, but have never finished it. So, here is my opportunity to do it with all of you.

[Richard]

Hi, I'm Richard, a 54 years old French-Canadian reader...

I am hesitant about reading this book, frankly because it is:

1. Historical novel (not much into them)
2. Set in the US (I might feel disconnected?)
3. Geared towards a female readership (romance novel)?

But it is still considered a classic and may be I should try to read it. Any encouraging thoughts?

PS: I LOVED "Jane Eyre" so I am not totally close minded... haha!

[Danny]

Hello, my name is Danny, and this is my first group read. Right now, I am taking two summer classes, but I am committed to reading this massive book that has been revered in the literary community for over 50 years. I am originally from Connecticut, and I moved to South Florida in 2002. Reading is not a pastime; it's a necessity. Looking forward to the next two months.

[Angela]

Sylvia wrote: "Introduce yourself and then post comments, questions, thoughts, favorite quotes, and connections to other books/characters/movies here. (Part 1) Keep coming back to read and post more to keep 'conv..."

I am so happy to be reading this MY FAVE OF ALL TIME novel. Gone With the Wind for maybe the 10 th time.

[Angela]

Richard wrote: "Hi, I'm Richard, a 54 years old French-Canadian reader...

I am hesitant about reading this book, frankly because it is:

1. Historical novel (not much into them)
2. Set in the US (I might feel dis..."

I am sorry you feel that way. Yes it is historically ACCURATE and does concentrate on the people left home while the men are at war. BUT the reality is that the people left behind had it as hard or maybe harder trying to survive, It is romantic but it is dirty and hard and these women are amazing. and wow do you only read British books. I read all books from all countries. And REMEMBER THIS BOOK was the most popular book world wide for over 50 years

[Jazzy]

Actually the most popular book world wide for over 50 years is The Qur'an

[Sylvia]

Richard wrote: "Hi, I'm Richard, a 54 years old French-Canadian reader...

I am hesitant about reading this book, frankly because it is:

1. Historical novel (not much into them)
2. Set in the US (I might feel dis..."

Richard, I don't think it is quite 'chicklit.' It did win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1937 and the film adaptation won 10 Academy Awards in 1939. Maybe give it a try through Part one using a borrowed, checked out, or free copy.

[Jazzy]

Lissa wrote: "So, I'm about 70 pages into it (ebook), and I'm OBSESSED. In the past I never read more than a few pages before abandoning it, but I'm so grateful that joining this group gave me the extra push to ..."

Naughty girl! It's not the first of June yet :)

[Allie]

Hello! I'm Allie and am based in Austin, TX. I'm really looking forward to reading this novel. We unfortunately never got the chance to read it in high school or college and it has been on my list for quite some time! Will get a copy from the library this week!

[La Tonya]

Hello I am a moderator and I am looking forward to reading this novel. I have seen the movie many times. Enjoy Reading, La Tonya 📕

[Kathleen]

Egads! Y'all have started reading it. I was waiting for June. I am 68 years old and read this when I was 14 years old. I was mesmerized with it, I had never read anything like it before. I remember the start of the first line "Scarlett O'Hara wasn't beautiful but men seldom realized it when caught by her charms as were the Tarlton twins........" as I mentioned this is a 54-year-old memory. But you already started getting a picture of Scarlett O'Hara. I have lived in Las Vegas, NV for the past 15 years and many years in VA (the y'all is a joke) and a small time in NH but was born in Brooklyn NY and moved in junior high. I would like to double up with an older woman.

[[deleted user]]

Hi! I'm Clarice and I have never read this book. So I'm looking forward to begin this classic.

[Glennis]

I read this the first time when I was in 8th grade studying US History...this book helped me through the Civil War section. I've read it again sometime in the past 30 years, but since I can't remember when, and y'all have posted some of the beautiful passages...I've ordered it to read yet again. Thanks for the reminder that there was a Camelot in America at some point in time !

[Jazzy]

Kathleen wrote: "Egads! Y'all have started reading it. I was waiting for June..."

Don't worry, petal, I'm waiting for June too!

Glennis wrote..."Thanks for the reminder that there was a Camelot in America at some point in time ! "

I'm not sure people of colour would agree!

(Having just finished Native Son, I'm very sensitive about this, and been thinking on it all week.)

[Sadie]

Hey ya'll! I'm Sadie (the Lady) from Texas by way of Florida. I'd really like to buddy up with somebody real good to read Gone with the Wind!

[Mary]

What is involved in buddying up?

[Sadie]

I'm not really sure, Mary. I am new to all this but think it might be up to us to decide how far we want to take it. Personally, I would like to be paired with a dashing, blue-eyed intellectual type who loves nature so we could sit by a creek in the sunshine and take turns reading to one another.

[Richard]

Angela wrote: "and wow do you only read British books."

No, I read books from all over the world. I just meant that I loved Jane Eyre even though it is basically a romance novel, set in a foreign place at a different time.

Sylvia wrote: "Richard, I don't think it is quite 'chicklit.' It did win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1937"

Pulitzer Prize? That's encouraging indeed!

[Sylvia]

Sadie wrote: "I'm not really sure, Mary. I am new to all this but think it might be up to us to decide how far we want to take it. Personally, I would like to be paired with a dashing, blue-eyed intellectual typ..."

Sadie, I"m with you! The most romantic experience I can imagine is reading aloud to my partner.

Mary, I will match you up with a random 'buddy' to read the book with. The two of you will decide the best way to communicate with each other and share messages with each other as you read. It's not public - just the two of you in the way that is mutually acceptable.

Richard, are you interested in doing a Buddy Read with this one?

I'm super excited to start. I'm working on the reading schedule now.

[Mary]

Yeah, I'd rather not be matched up. Thanks anyway.

[Mary]

Sadie wrote: "I'm not really sure, Mary. I am new to all this but think it might be up to us to decide how far we want to take it. Personally, I would like to be paired with a dashing, blue-eyed intellectual typ..."

Well my eyes ARE blue.

[Sadie]

I already asked Richard. He said no.

[Mary]

Just as well.

[Sadie]

What about Kathleen? What color are her eyes? Do you think she might like to pan for gold while we're at the creek reading?

[Richard]

Sadie wrote: "I already asked Richard. He said no."

You must be referring to another Richard because nobody asked me to "buddy read"... Except maybe Sylvia publicly?

Sorry if I sound like a newbie in this group... I am! ;-)

[Sadie]

Me too, Richard. I get my discussion groups mixed up still.... And I was just thinking to my loud**s, Texas self that I'm liable to get thrown out of this group before I get started if I don't reign it in a little bit.....

[Sylvia]

Richard wrote: "Sadie wrote: "I already asked Richard. He said no."

You must be referring to another Richard because nobody asked me to "buddy read"... Except maybe Sylvia publicly?

Sorry if I sound like a newbi..."

I'm thoroughly enjoying the positive energy and enthusiasm for this BOTM. This is my first month officially moderating. Just to share - I will post a Buddy list on May 31st - matching up all those who have expressed an interest in reading this summer novel with a 'buddy.' I'm very happy to take requests for buddies - please post in the Buddy Read thread below so they are all in one place.

[Mary]

Me too. I think I'll skip the buddy thing for this month.

[Marnie]

Hi! I am Marnie, I am from Alaska but now live in Idaho. This will be my first group read. I am excited but relieved that we are spreading GWTW over two months! The size of the book s a little intimidating..... But i feel ready to tackle it!

[Angela]

it is a book which grips you and its just one you can not put down. I have history with this book. My grandmother was Margaret Mitchell's bFF. My grandfather was a journalist at the same newspaper as Miss Peggy so my grandparents were some of the very first people to actually read the book. Scarlett was not the name of the Heroine and so my grands said to change it. She was originally called Pansy

[La Tonya]

Angela wrote: "it is a book which grips you and its just one you can not put down. I have history with this book. My grandmother was Margaret Mitchell's bFF. My grandfather was a journalist at the same newspaper ..."

Awesome 😮 Enjoy Reading, 📘

[Jocelyn]

Hello there, I'm Jocelyn. I am from Plymouth, Massachusetts. This will be my first group read through digital means. I've always been in a book club but I think it will be better to have a larger, more diverse group of perceptions. I am excited to reread GWTW, it has been several years since I've first read it!

[Juzie Quinn]

yo I'm Juzie, im from Minnesota and I'm 13. I really like classic books and old movies, and i need friends. I used to be in a book club but the books were not my style, they were only 100 pages long and they were for 4th graders, so I left.

[Sam]

Hi! I'm Sam from California. I actually read this book about 5 years ago for the first time. Which was about 5 years after I graduated high school. :) You do the math on my age if you like. haha. Anyways, I listened to the audio version, even though it takes FOREVER, and that is most likely what I will do again. That is my primary way of reading books these days as I have a 45 min commute each way for work. The good news is, I really liked this book. I have a friend who reminds me of Scarlett O’Hara, which is book a good thing and a bad thing. :)

[Annette]

Hi!! I'm Annette from California, born & raised. This is one of my top three favorites of all time. I haven't read the book in some time, however, I did see the movie back in March. I'm excited to get going on the read and this time I've also signed up to do a buddy read for the first time.

[mairiachi]

ig we're introducing ourselves - I'm twice, Californian not living in California, and I never read this in high school so I'm doing it now! My sisters are h u g e fans, and read it every summer, so I have high ish hopes.

[Hunter]

Hi, I'm Hunter for Louisiana. I enjoy reading all genres. Never really discussed what I'm reading with anyone. Dont have many friends who enjoy reading like I do . This should be fun.

[Pierre]

Hi I'm Pierre, 21 years old and I come from France. This is my first reading group, which I hope will help me to read regularly. I am rediscovering the pleasure of reading. I must admit that this book scares me by its number of pages and its genre but you have to get started!

[Jazzy]

Hi Pierre! I'm from England so we're both Europeans yay!
Number of pages should never put you off. Besides you can still read other books at the same time, just keep reading a few pages and a few more and before you know it you're done!

[Danny]

Think of reading a long book like running a marathon. You will experience the same jubilation when you finish it, but you'll be less tired and smelly.

[Mary]

I know that GWTW is long but I remember it being a very easy read. I haven't started rereading it yet (saving it until June 1) so interested to know what other readers think.

[Vera]

Hello there!
I'm Vera and I'm from Portugal.
I still have to pick up a copy from the library, I've decided to read this book in Portuguese because my read would be more slow paced in English than in mother language, but I normally choose the original copy when it comes to shorter books.
I'd like to add that I'm currently in exam season, so I might be a little off until the end of June, but I'm all in it in July!

[Beth]

I read the book several times in my teens and twenties and I’ve seen the movie multiple times, but I am looking forward to re-reading it as a fifty something!

[mairiachi]

Pierre wrote: "Hi I'm Pierre, 21 years old and I come from France. This is my first reading group, which I hope will help me to read regularly. I am rediscovering the pleasure of reading. I must admit that this b..."

dude it kind of scares me too lol