Part 2 and 3 (Chs 8-31)

[Krista]

You're about half-way...almost. Congrats.

Have any of your initial reactions changed?
What has surprised you?
Do you find yourself moving quickly through this book or has it been difficult to get into?
What stands out reading it with a 2020 lens?
Any favorite characters or scenes so far?

[Becka]

I’m moving pretty quickly because I’m partly reading a physical copy and partly listening on audiobook. (The audiobook narrator is fantastic, btw!)

One thing I notice as a 2020 reader (and mother) that I didn’t notice as a high school reader is what a bad mother Scarlett is to Wade. She is always so hostile toward him!

My favorite character by far is Mammy. She always makes sure she gets her point across, whether Scarlett likes it or not. Scarlett might think she’s in charge at Tara now, but I think Mammy is!

[Anna]

I'm really enjoying the book, and I can't put it down.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mammy. She rules the roost, and I love it!

I also really like Melly for all the reasons that Scarlett despises her. Her gentle heart and taking care of all three babies, black and white.

Part 2 and 3 made me sad -

Some of the slaves (Mammy, Pork, Dilcey, Prissy) stayed, but Scarlett still thought of them as stupid. It was Pork's hunting that kept the family from starving. And the house would have been full of lice if it weren't for Mammy.

And the talk between Old Miss and Scarlett about 'mulattos' (mixed-race).

I was also saddened by all the death and destruction. Families who lost their fathers and brothers. Homes and gardens destroyed. Livestock stolen.

My initial reaction of Scarlett has not changed. She's still as self-centered as ever. Worried about one more mouth to feed. Annoyed at her charity to Melly, but forgetting that Melly saved her life in the fire. Annoyed by her father, forgetting that he gave her everything she wanted before the war. Annoyed with the slaves, forgetting that they didn't abandon the family. Annoyed at her sisters. Forever annoyed with her son. And, still hung up on Ashley.

From a 2020 lens, racism is a sin. All men and women are created in the image of God. For an entire people group to be enslaved and thought of as nothing more than property - ignorant livestock essentially - is sickening. I pray that families will raise their children to know that racism is sin, and that hearts will change.

[Elsa]

I'm still enjoying this reading experience. Most of what I remember from my previous experience with GWTW has already happened. I have also been using a physical copy and the audio book.

There are many places in the book that make me cringe. Scarlett and the narrator compare Pork with livestock. Ugh! It's awful. I would put a hold on reading if I didn't have to return the audio book so soon.

At the moment, my favorite character is Will. Will finally talks some sense into Scarlett about Ashley. I thought Kennedy's proposal to Suellen sweet, and I hope he returns. I'm ready for Rhett to make a reappearance. I'm not sure why he joined up with the army. Surely he didn't suddenly feel patriotic. Maybe so he could later say he was there? I still have reservations about Scarlett, but I do appreciate how she has taken on the head of household role with an impressive inner strength.

[Leslie]

I have been enjoying this reading so much. Obviously the way slaves are talked about is hard to read. I wonder, though, about that juxtaposition with Scarlett because she seems to look down on everyone equally. That doesn't excuse her in anyway but she has no love for anyone but herself. She really has only talked well about her parents and Ashley. I'm wondering about the significance of that.

This book reminds me soooo much of Cold Mountain (the movie). This idea of staying home to defend property despite all the characters who come through while waiting on a man she loves is pretty much the entirety of that movie.

I feel like I have no idea where this book is going to go during the Reconstruction phase and where Rhett fits in again.

I hope Scarlett grows up more and her heart softens. I do commend her for taking charge of her current situation even if she is still incredibly self centered.

Also, is the term Pit(t)y Party coined from this book? I keep thinking about it where Aunt Pitty demanded the party be thrown even though no one was in the mood... (I'm listening to this on audio so I have no idea if is is Pity, Pitty, or Pittie.)

[Anna]

@Leslie, In the books it's Pitty.

[Robin]

When I read about some of the newly freed slaves staying with Tara, it makes me wonder how many others stayed with their (former) owners because they didn't know enough to leave. I don't mean in an ignorant way about them not knowing enough, but how many actually spoke English or understood that they were free? And how many, especially after their harrowing experiences, decided to stay "with the devil you know" in case things were worse elsewhere? While GWTW is fiction, it is the first time I remember thinking about this aspect of freeing the slaves. Just declaring people free and walking away is not helpful.

[Sarah]

Still working on this. Enjoying the read...taking a while...

[Krista]

I finally made it to this point the other day and forgot to comment. I am enjoying this read, but not finding it to be a page turner. It's a slow and steady for me and that's ok. I'm still going to make my way through.

Scarlett's selfishness still annoys me quite a bit, but I do understand it. I also appreciate the leadership and strength she showed when they got back to Tara. I was furious with Ashley and his mixed signals towards her.

I put the movie on hold at the library but will wait til I'm done to read it. Hoping that gives me a little added motivation to keep going.