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[Ken]

Nevertheless, there's a town named after him in Connecticut.

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs]

I agree, Carol. That chilling aspect of the characters is what turned me off, finally. Mantel is surely a genius, but she is icily clinical in her detachment... as witness her short objective account of her own near-miss with death (available on Kindle). But she was my dear late schoolfriend’s fave novelist!

[Carol]

I think he surpassed Machiavelli in sneaky, politics. He carried the end justifies means to a new high. Although I can think of someone in the present day that puts both of them to shame with his stupidity.

[Ken]

Hmn. I wonder who that might be?

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs]

😊

[Darrin]

Speaking of historical parallels, on another social media platform that I inhabit, having to do with stamp collecting, I am putting together a thread with photos of stamps of Guatemala, but also trying to tie in a bit of history to what I am posting. Often the subject of the stamps will be a famous person, structure, moment, scenery, etc...One of the stamps I posted was of a former President of Guatemala, Manuel Estrada Cabrera. I knew nothing about him and found a decently put together Wikipedia page to learn more...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_....

As I neared the end of the page, I was immediately struck by how similar his administration was to the current one and the response to a natural disaster, in this case an earthquake and how he fumbled the response, leading to his eventual departure from the scene. I invite you to read it when you have time.

[Kathleen]

Darrin wrote: "Speaking of historical parallels, on another social media platform that I inhabit, having to do with stamp collecting, I am putting together a thread with photos of stamps of Guatemala, but also tr..."

That is so interesting, Darrin. I see the parallels, and two things I fear but hope don't happen with the present day leader we speak of: the number of presidential terms, and that it took sending the army to shoot at demonstrators in the street before turning enough people against him.

On a lighter note, I used to enjoy stamp collecting--the beauty of the old stamps combined with the history--with my father, and would love to get back to it someday!

[Ken]

Darrin wrote: "Speaking of historical parallels, on another social media platform that I inhabit, having to do with stamp collecting, I am putting together a thread with photos of stamps of Guatemala, but also tr..."

Interesting that the earthquakes coincide with the beginning of 1918, year of the so-called "Spanish" Influenza and our most recent marker for what's happening around us now.

The big difference between Cabrera and Agent Orange, of course, is that Cabrera did not enjoy a powerful propaganda organization like Fox "News." Add also the way messages are manipulated via the Internet, most especially Zuckerberg's all-too-compliant Facebook, not to mention other more vigilant but still vulnerable to abuse social networks.

History repeats and changes both. Agents of hate and corruption, which we used to see through the grates, are now out of the sewers and enjoying the open air, seeking to seize power for good.

[Darrin]

I thought it was also telling that Cabrera had a group of loyal adherents.

[Ken]

Every autocrat does. Loyalty over country every step of the way.

[Candi]

Good morning, all! I'm Candi from the Finger Lakes region in New York. I love to read a broad variety of literature and appreciate a book that will really challenge me on occasion.

Ken very kindly invited me to the group back in January, but at the time I refrained from joining for 2 reasons: 1. I'd already read Jude and didn't have plans to re-read until I removed more Hardy novels from my shelf 2. Lack of time due to work, kids, life, etc... Well, as it turns out, due to the state of the world, I am currently unemployed for an indefinite amount of time and the running around with kids seems to be diminished to nothing currently! So with this in mind as well as a gentle nudge from my dear friend, Laysee, I would love to join the group!

I look forward to seeing the next pick for the group read and getting to know some new-to-me Goodreaders. There are a few friends I recognize here, but plenty of faces I don't!

[Jan]

Good to meet you, Candi!
You're sure to enjoy this lively group.
Looking forward to Sunday's big announcement. . . .
With a smile,
Jan

[Ken]

Hi, Candi. Great to see such a great reader here! (And kudos to Laysee for extending the invite!)

[Diane]

Yay, Candi! Hitting myself over the head for not inviting you myself. Hats off to Laysee!

[Darrin]

Candi, it is good to meet you. Welcome.

[Jan]

Darrin wrote: "Speaking of historical parallels, on another social media platform that I inhabit, having to do with stamp collecting, I am putting together a thread with photos of stamps of Guatemala, but also tr..."

That is intriguing, Darrin. I'm reading (or stacking new books) about Central America, and we need to understand all the interwoven stories and history. Do you have any images of your stamps or your collection? Yes, I'm horrified by what continues to unfold and reveal itself. . . .

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs]

Excuse me for interrupting you, Jan, but I feel compelled to welcome Candi too! Welcome, Candi. My friend Laysee has such good taste in friends - and I intentionally mean that remark to be collateral, as I think you’re all remarkable....

[Candi]

Thanks very much to everyone for the warm welcome! Looks like a friendly, well-read group :)

[Laysee]

Candi wrote: "Thanks very much to everyone for the warm welcome! Looks like a friendly, well-read group :)"

Hi Candi! A warm welcome to The Obscure Reading Group and a bear air hug. I'm so thrilled you have joined us. This is indeed a well-read and wonderful group of dedicated readers. I can't wait for our new discussion to begin in June.

[Sandra]

Welcome to new and established members! I am excited to see the fascinating choices for our June discussion. Thanks to you, Ken, for the work you’ve contributed on our behalf.

[Darrin]

Jan wrote: "Darrin wrote: "Speaking of historical parallels, on another social media platform that I inhabit, having to do with stamp collecting, I am putting together a thread with photos of stamps of Guatema..."
Jan, with moderator permission, so I don't take this thread too much off the rails I will. Also, I have tried to post images on GR previously and I seem to have difficulty but I will give it a try nonetheless. Let me find a couple relevant to what I mentioned above.

[Candi]

Thanks again, Laysee, for reminding me of this group! Hugs back to you!

Hello, Sandra! :)

[Kathleen]

Candi wrote: "Good morning, all! I'm Candi from the Finger Lakes region in New York. I love to read a broad variety of literature and appreciate a book that will really challenge me on occasion.

Ken very kindl..."

Adding a belated "Yay!" to the welcome. So excited you're here. :-)

[Candi]

Thank you, Kathleen! I'm happy to be here :)

[Carol]

Welcome to the funny farm , Candi.

[Candi]

Carol wrote: "Welcome to the funny farm , Candi."

Haha! Thanks, Carol!!

[Yvonne]

Did you notice this in today’s edition of the NYTimes app? One of them has Jude.


https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/bo...

[Ken]

I did see that. Apparently Paul Rudd's copy arrived too late to join the discussion. In my email of regret, I addressed him as "Paul the Obscure," to which he replied, "Very funny."

[Jeremy]

Hi, everyone, I’m Jeremy Dunn, and I’m in Mansfield, TX, as part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro-sprawl. (I’d love a more scenic clime, but the warm weather and job market keeps me here.) I teach English at an Early College HS here where they graduate with an associates degree from college before they get their high school diploma, and I also teach Composition at Dallas Community College. I’ve lived all over Texas (west, east, central—went to UT) and NYC for a while. I play husband, dad to two kids, so warrior trainer, judge, referee, and a kaleidoscope of other fun roles at our passion play here...I love good writing and variety in general, but my tastes are pretty eclectic, and I will abandon a book after 100 pages if the date is not going well (not book club books) because my ‘to read’ list is lengthy and not getting much shorter....

[Jan]

Jeremy wrote: "Hi, everyone, I’m Jeremy Dunn, and I’m in Mansfield, TX, as part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro-sprawl. (I’d love a more scenic clime, but the warm weather and job market keeps me here.) I ..."

Welcome, Jeremy!
I'm looking forward to reading your insights as we discuss this upcoming book. I couldn't help but laugh at your comment about abandoning a book after 100 pages; I need to learn that. I'm also interested in your teaching experiences. A teacher myself, I can't help but cheer us all on -- retired and active both.

My Best,
Jan

[Ken]

Good to see you here, Jeremy. I mean, I knew you were "here," as in "a member," but I am especially glad to see you are "here," as in "a participating member."

A lot of teachers, active and (raises hand) retired, in this House of Reading Obscurity! If there's one thing I learned from teaching, it's the humility of realizing just how much I didn't know. In fact, on more than one occasion, students came up with observations about books, stories, and poems that had never occurred to me before and struck me as brilliant.

Stuff like that made going to work fun.

[Carol]

Welcome aboard Jeremy. I must say I had abandoned reading for the last few months . I could not concentrate on any thing. Much to my surprise this book has resurrected my love of reading. I can’t wait for the discussion to begin with such enlightening and delightful people.

[Sandra]

Yes! Welcome, Jeremy. Carol, that is so good to hear. I agree that it’s been difficult to focus on reading. Now I am hoping to enjoy this book.

[Jeremy]

Thanks for the welcome! Ken, you’re right; I’m always learning (or remembering what I forgot)as a teacher, and always trying to improve, looking for another great text to share. So I wouldn’t be surprised Jan if something comes up. Carol, I’m excited now! I also fell into a reading funk, but I’m back to 3 books at a time:) I did enjoy The Door, so I have faith in Szabo, but not this clunky iPad....

[JimZ]

Hi. Thank you Laysee for inviting me to this group. I hail from NW Indiana, about 40 miles southeast of Chicago. Every room in my 1200 sq. ft. house has bookcases except my 1.5 bathrooms and the kitchen. The kitchen used to have bookcases.
I'm not sure who recommended I read The Door by Magda Szabo but I'm eternally grateful to them! Accordingly, I look forward to the discussion on Abigail.
Cheers, Jim

[Laysee]

Welcome, Jim! I'm delighted that you've joined the Obscure Reading Group. Why am I not surprised you have so many bookcases in your house? :-) Oh, I can't wait for the discussion on Abigail to begin. It will be such a treat to hear everyone's views.

[Ken]

Good morning and welcome to the ORG, Jim. Yours sounds like my kind of house -- books for wallpaper! This is my first Szabo, so I'll probably be going in the reverse order of most people by reading THE DOOR after ABIGAIL.

No matter. As long as I walk through it. (THE DOOR, I mean.)

[Jan]

JimZ wrote: "Hi. Thank you Laysee for inviting me to this group. I hail from NW Indiana, about 40 miles southeast of Chicago. Every room in my 1200 sq. ft. house has bookcases except my 1.5 bathrooms and the ki..."

Welcome, Jim,

You'll enjoy the discussion here, and I'm happy another has joined the group. I've been to Indiana twice, to see my friend Ricardo (who teaches at Notre Dame) and to attend my sister's garden wedding at her husband's childhood home in Walkerton. I enjoyed the friendly people and the beautiful land in your state.

I laughed reading your comments about books throughout the house and then the others' follow-up discussions. I had fun reading _Abigail_. As much as I've had fun with the story, I'm looking forward to the conversation and discoveries these lively readers bring more. You're in fine company.

My Best,
Jan

[Candi]

JimZ wrote: "Hi. Thank you Laysee for inviting me to this group. I hail from NW Indiana, about 40 miles southeast of Chicago. Every room in my 1200 sq. ft. house has bookcases except my 1.5 bathrooms and the ki..."

Welcome, Jim! It's great to see you here! I just joined the group recently myself and will be starting Abigail very soon :)

[Carol]

It is always nice to see old and new faces here. Welcome once again to all.

[JimZ]

Candi wrote: "JimZ wrote: "Hi. Thank you Laysee for inviting me to this group. I hail from NW Indiana, about 40 miles southeast of Chicago. Every room in my 1200 sq. ft. house has bookcases except my 1.5 bathroo..."
Hi Candi. Nice to see you are in this group. :)

[Sara]

My name is Sara and I found this group almost by accident. I already know a number of people here and hope to get to know others. Sorry I missed Abigail, but I'll be ready to join in on the next read.

[Sandra]

Great! Welcome, Sarah. It’s such a wonderful group!

[Sara]

Thank you, Sandra. Nice to be here.

[Ken]

Hi, Sara. You'll be a great addition!

[Sara]

Thank you, Ken. Really looking forward to the kind of discussion I see you guys have!

[Candi]

Welcome, Sara! I'm thrilled to see you here!! This is my first read with the group and I'm very much enjoying it. I know that folks will have so much to gain by having you join us :)

[Sara]

Thanks, Candi. When I saw that you and Diane were here, I knew I couldn't resist. :)

[Diane]

Yay for Sara! This is a great group reading my favorite kind of books, lesser known or obscure authors and novels. Plus, the relaxed reading schedule is really nice.

[Ken]

I, too, like the relaxed reading schedule. I've never been in a RL reading group, and I've tried online ones in the past. Still, it often seemed like monthly reads crowded out my own independent reading spirit. This once-every-four-months meet-up is a perfect compromise.

And, oh. As the final discussion thread for ABIGAIL goes up on Sunday night, I'm psyched that I can finally finish it this weekend. Staggered reading has its disadvantages no matter HOW obscure the reading schedule. ;-)