The Obscure Reading Group discussion
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Fergus wrote: "Welcome, Jan - and thanks for your wonderfully trenchant comments! They have given me clarity and motivation in this new day. 7:40, Eastern Ontario, Canada..."Good Morning, Fergus,
I hope Ontario will be beautiful today.
Have you started reading the novel yet?
I'm carrying my new copy with me today, and I am carrying my reading journal along with me. I feel a bit younger, like I'm starting a symposium course with all new students. I suspect we'll be fun co-eds. (smile) I just hope Ken won't give incredibly hard tests. (ja ja)
Enjoy a good day, Fergus.
Jan
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Your post reminded me of myself in my teaching days (which ended but six months ago). Ever ..."
What edition do you have? I can't find a cover like that in the "other editions" list here on GR.
Let us know what the students have to say. Should be interesting!
And finally, no tests from me. Many here, including Fergus, have read this already. (I haven't.) Many, too, know a thing or six about Hardy. (I'm a blank Hardy slate.) So while I'm happy to moderate, ask questions, and offer my impressions, a seminar professor I am not!
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It's Feb. 1st. I hope everyone has a copy of Jude in hand and is off to the races (or at least is saddling up).
Understood if you're taking a break for tomorrow's Super Bowl (or its commercials... or its halftime show...or to go out to a typically difficult to get reservations restaurants while the rest of the country watches some fool game).
Fast readers can start midweek, I'm sure. Discussion opens Fri. night the 7th Eastern Standard Time.
It’s Saturday morning, a bleak, grey morning—and I’m looking forward to hunkering down and reading Jude. As luck would have it, I found this edition (profile pic) in a used bookstore this week. $2.50. What a find!
As luck would have it, it’s not such a tough slog - or at least I am finding it so. Once we survive the detrimental side of Jude’s coming of age initially, its slow pace gives it high marks for a most beautiful restraint.
Fergus wrote: "As luck would have it, it’s not such a tough slog - or at least I am finding it so. Once we survive the detrimental side of Jude’s coming of age initially, its slow pace gives it high marks for a m..."👍🏼
Cathleen wrote: "It’s Saturday morning, a bleak, grey morning—and I’m looking forward to hunkering down and reading Jude. As luck would have it, I found this edition (profile pic) in a used bookstore this week. $2...."Excellent! Your day is already a bit brighter! Nice to "meet" you, Cathleen.
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Nice score at the store, Cathleen. Great price!
And I, too, am enjoying the early going. Can't say much yet, but we'll leave it at that. Unlike The Mayor of Casterbridge, this revisit to Hardy is bringing back the GOOD memories.
Ken wrote: "Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! (A first-of-the-month superstition from the UK, is all.)It's Feb. 1st. I hope everyone has a copy of Jude in hand and is off to the races (or at least is saddling up).
Un..."
Already I'm picturing Alice and the White Rabbit -- do they have anything to do with this tradition? I'm finishing up one book in order to give my full attention to Jude. Looking forward to the upcoming discussion!
Fergus wrote: "As luck would have it, it’s not such a tough slog - or at least I am finding it so. Once we survive the detrimental side of Jude’s coming of age initially, its slow pace gives it high marks for a m..."You know. . . For a work of art to have lasted so long, it surely reflects some remarkable writing. I wonder if some of the naysayers are those who were forced to read it at a young age; then again, perhaps those critics were forced to teach it to students being forced to read it. . . .Oh, the vicious circle.
Darrin wrote: "I am Darrin from Michigan. I was a bit surprised to be invited actually but am happy to accept the invitation because I have little experience reading "the classics" let alone anything by Thomas Ha..."Welcome, Darrin! I'm looking forward to reading this alongside you many others! I'll look in particular for your feedback and ideas.
I have read a few Of Hardy’s books. I am interested in seeing if others think he was progressive in his thinking , and opinions about this particular novel .I am forming my opinion , but it will change as I get farther in the book I am sure.
After writing this , his last novel , he stuck to poetry the rest of his life. I will leave my question for the discussion.
Could be - but if you were a dreamer like I was at 17 (and there were a few of us) the dream tended to blend in with the story to make it appealing. And how well Hardy shows what a dreamer HE was, cause the prose is so hauntingly gorgeous! I think we’ll all love it.
Oh heavens . . . . I just now figured out how to post here. Silly me. I lightly laugh and say that I miss "the Old Century," but I'm often quite serious.
I'm Jan from Kansas City, Missouri. For too long I worked far too many hours every day. I let my long walks and long hours reading slip away. Well, I still work hard, but I now have manageable hours. I love reading, and I make it a point to read the many recommendations and gifts friends or students have loved. It's refreshing to explore new ideas, voices, and genres.
I came to the group through a generous invitation, and I'm excited to read this new work. It's going to be quite fun, and I look forward to the challenge.
Yes, I have my book, and I'll be starting tonight when my husband is at one of his regular poker games. We'll both have good stories come tomorrow's breakfast.
Happy Reading, All!
Jan
Now that I’m comfortably progressed through this beautiful novel, I’ve queued up The Dynasts (someone reminded me of it here!) Hardy’s final but much maligned ‘masterpiece’ (his words), in my collection. It’s a Realpolitik look of the astute behind-the-scenes political machinations of the superpowers during the Napoleonic Wars - and nicely priced on Google Read.
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I know, I know. Most people can keep it straight and plow ahead, but I'm not most people.
I will look at The Dynasts. I actually thought Jude was the last novel. I sit corrected!
It’s actually ‘epic’ (H’s term) poetry - so even more in line with your particular talent, Ken - and something you would appreciate!
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Methinks he had an axe to grind!
Jan wrote: "Oh heavens . . . . I just now figured out how to post here. Silly me. I lightly laugh and say that I miss "the Old Century," but I'm often quite serious.
I'm Jan from Kansas City, Missouri. For ..." I picked up a copy from the library several days ago but only just started reading. I have two other books in my queue that I was deep into and felt I had to finish, one of which I finished last night and the other I hope to finish this evening. I did start Jude seriously though this morning and already can sense it will be an unexpectedly good read.
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Plus, you have all week to jump in on Parts 1 and 2. We don't start talking up Parts 3 and 4 until that Hallmark Holiday that puts people in the red.
Ken wrote: "See? People get spooked by the word "classic," when, in fact, classics come in every stripe and polka dot.Plus, you have all week to jump in on Parts 1 and 2. We don't start talking up Parts 3 an..."
I am not so much spooked by them as there was just never a point in my education where reading the classics was emphasized. What I found ironic is that my oldest son, now a computer scientist, who graduated from a technological school in the UP of Michigan, had an English literature class that he enjoyed, and he has ended up with a more thorough grounding in the classics than I and I was the liberal arts major.
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I, too, was a liberal arts guy, majoring in English (not teaching, either... that all came much later) despite discouragement from friends and family who said, "What are you going to do with THAT?"
Incredibly, I walked into a phone company office for an application, filled out a form, and was called for an interview. When I was hired for a marketing job, I found every one of the people in my training class was a liberal arts graduate, too, NOT a business school one.
Later, I asked my boss about this. His response? "They wanted new hires who were good at communication and capable of thinking outside the box." (Rhombus, circle, trapezoid, whatever....)
Yes, he did but he has always been a reader. He also had quite a stack to read for this class. I think it surprised me more because it is a school known more for producing engineers. My son is also a good writer and he helped a lot of his not-so-good-at-writing engineering geek types write their essays for the general ed classes they were required to take. The high school that both my sons attended is an IB school here in Grand Rapids and ranked very high in Michigan. That helped.My major was Russian Language and Literature...so I have more of the Russian classics under my belt than the English ones.
I am familiar with the "what are you going to do with THAT" refrain. My mother really did encourage me to go into law school or med school before I went to college. Eventually she "settled" for the idea that I could have a career as a teacher with my liberal arts degree.
That never happened because the idea of having a career after college was anathema to me...so I left for Korea and taught english non-professionally. A year after that I jumped to a hotel in Korea and 7 years later came back to the US and have worked in hotels in event planning ever since.
At least I still have books.
Mod
We share a love for the Russians. Man, what a class they put together in that Golden Era!
You must speak fluent Korean after your many years in that country.
And I couldn't even begin to tell you the name of a Korean classic. Probably poetry or philosophy, though.
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I'm behind in getting started, but hope to get the first section read by this weekend. I think we have a good group here, and I'm looking forward to the discussion. We just made a move, and cable not hooked up yet, but I would have skipped the State of the Union address too.
Carol wrote: "7:02 am here. Woke up to fog, fog, and more fog. I too will have first and second parts finished. Once I start I need to finish. I will review as each part comes up. Hey Jude! You have found her ..."
I've been enjoying reading this! I delight when this winter weather sets the perfect mood for the pages.
Diane wrote: "I'm behind in getting started, but hope to get the first section read by this weekend. I think we have a good group here, and I'm looking forward to the discussion. We just made a move, and cable n..."Welcome! I agree with you. This is a wonderful group, indeed.
I am cheering on this gentle dreamer who communes with birds and breezes. Ah, but what will happen later? Will I still love his spirit?
Just keep reading.
I started late on Sunday, but I found myself taking on students' needs yesterday and Monday. At least for me, it helps to complete tasks with the goal of getting to read later (yes, a reward) and -- voila! -- those essays get graded a bit sooner, and those power points aren't so daunting. Speaking of which, I need to begin my tasks now. Sigh. . . .
Ken wrote: "OK. State of the Union time, which means I'm going to bed with a book."I am now catching up by reading newspaper articles and editorials. Involved with various targeted causes and volunteer groups, I grow too frustrated or outright angry when I follow in real time. A bit of distance and well-written reportage better serve me. Then I can move through my work with awareness. Ah, what extraordinary times we live in.
More and more, I am glad to be reading Thomas Hardy in 2020.
Thank You!
Darrin wrote: "Jan wrote: "Oh heavens . . . . I just now figured out how to post here. Silly me. I lightly laugh and say that I miss "the Old Century," but I'm often quite serious.
I'm Jan from Kansas City, Mi..."
Hello, Darrin,
Yes! This is a fine book, indeed.
Did you enjoy your other two books? I was given Sweet Tea with Lemon as a gift for my birthday, and I enjoyed it. I have been interviewing my mother and women at her retirement home, and some of the woven stories of that book parallel the experiences of those ladies.
I'm enjoying Jude's story through and through.
I'm experimenting with a real, old-fashioned book and also a Kindle copy I can carry easily in my purse. Those odd 15- or 20-minute breaks are lovely.
Well, on to my day!
W.D. wrote: "I'm Bill, from Ontario, and my only experience with TH has been with the Mayor of Casterbridge in grade friggin eight, and I'm here to write this wrong because Ken invitted me here. Plus I am comin..."Hello, Bill! Seredipity. . . . ah, such a lovely experience when it surprises us. Enjoy reading!
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For those of you who are still playing pass-the-catch up, fear not. You can jump in any time between today and next Friday, when the Part Three & Four discussions open.
For those of you who have read ahead, try to confine your comments, questions, etc., to events in Parts One & Two only, so as not to serve as a spoiler for other readers.
I'm looking forward to the discussion!
-- Ken the Obscure
Jan wrote: "W.D. wrote: "I'm Bill, from Ontario, and my only experience with TH has been with the Mayor of Casterbridge in grade friggin eight, and I'm here to write this wrong because Ken invitted me here. Pl..."Hi Jan, good luck with your school tasks, I only just finished part 2, so I will be diving in that part of this forum soon--great to meet you :)
W.D. wrote: "Jan wrote: "W.D. wrote: "I'm Bill, from Ontario, and my only experience with TH has been with the Mayor of Casterbridge in grade friggin eight, and I'm here to write this wrong because Ken invitted..."Please forgive my late response.
Great to meet you, too!
Enjoy the reading. Enjoy whatever today brings you. . . .
Hello! I'm Cindy, and I hail from Houston, TX. I just discovered that Ken invited me to the reading of Jude and I completely missed it! I'm disappointed about that but will be happy to join in for the June reading. Thanks for the invite, Ken! I look forward to whatever is next on the agenda.
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And, from a glass half-full perspective, you're actually EARLY for the June book. We won't even get to the picking until about a month from now.
Lord. I hope things are a bit different in the world by then, too.
Hang in there, all!
Cindy wrote: "Hello! I'm Cindy, and I hail from Houston, TX. I just discovered that Ken invited me to the reading of Jude and I completely missed it! I'm disappointed about that but will be happy to join in for ..."Hello, Cindy,
It's nice to see a new member here. Perhaps we're not so obscure after all? Ha! I love that name. I like what Ken said: You're early for the June book. I'm looking forward to that. He's been a great leader here, and I've enjoyed every person I've met here.
I hope you're well and peaceful. Take care of yourself during this uncertain time. Enjoy reading. (I'm in another book club right now. We're reading _Heartland_ by Sarah Smarsh.) What are you reading?
With a smile, Jan
Yes, welcome, Cindy! Great that you can join, and I second Ken’s wish that our skies will be much sunnier by summer.Jan, on my side I received an excellent recommendation through my Catholic Book Club - the author’s name is Jane Lebak, she’s a GR author, and her books are phenomenal. I’m reading her recent novel, With Two Eyes into Gehenna...
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Heartland looks good, Jan. Right now I'm reading Wolf Hall--wonderful.
What a daunting novel Wolf Hall was for me! I found its glaring honesty a bit much for my simple tastes, and I congratulate you for persevering.
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I think you may have hit on why I find it so strangely comforting right now.
And Mantel will surely rank among the true literary greats. So true!
Kathleen wrote: "Hi Cindy! Glad you're here in this special group. I've learned a lot from these folks, and am looking forward to the next read. Heartland looks good, Jan. Right now I'm reading [book:Wolf Hall|78..."
Especially after reading the ongoing comments, I'm now adding Wolf Hall to my Want To Read list. . . . . OK, a bit more "office work" for me now. My Best to Everyone!
It’s gritty but absolutely MASTERFUL!
Don’t forget Bring Up the Bodies and The Mirror & the Light to complete the series. You almost feel sorry for Cromwell, but then you remember his place in history.RUTHLESS is all I can say.
The Obscure Reading Group
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Your post reminded me of myself in my teaching days (which ended but six months ago). Ever the insomnia..."
Hello, Ken,
Thank You for creating this group!
I have my book and will begin reading this afternoon. Because my book cover has a daunting black and white etching of a man determinedly walking into a storm, I'm intrigued. I'll share this new challenge and the book club with my literature class today. Of course, I'll accept whatever feedback I receive, but I'm secretly wishing for a cheer. Well, I won't tempt the fates by wishing for more (ja ja).
Onward!
Jan