Books and Jams Readalong discussion
GONE WITH THE WIND - June 2020
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Part 5 (Ch 48-end)
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I’ve given GWTW 4 stars. It’s been very interesting rereading this book after so many years. It really brings home the idea of the way that each reader’s experiences and values impact their reading of a book. The reader I was in high school was vastly different than the reader I am today, so I noticed things in this reading that I missed as a high school reader. I guess the saying that no 2 people ever read the same book is really true. Thanks so much, Krista, for organizing this reading for us. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s thoughts on the book!
The ending was disappointing to me. While true to Scarlett's character, I wish she could have eventually found reciprocated love in Rhett. Ashley and Melanie limped along to the end of the story. The best part of the story was parts 1-3, the struggle through the war and its immediate aftermath. I gave GWTW one star. This most definitely has to do with our current political climate and the racism portrayed in the story which made for a painful reading experience.
Just finished this and I absolutely loved it. I’m sure that’s going to get me cancelled. This is a book I could probably reread immediately. The characters are multifaceted and the plot is intricate. It’s hopeful and heartbreaking. Melly is who I wish I could be even though I’m probably more of a Scarlett. The ending was rough but I think Scarlett deserved for Rhett to walk away. I am choosing to believe that she took up the challenge of winning him back and they eventually rekindled their love. Obviously the depiction of the South in the 1860s is incredibly rough to read. I take it as a major learning experience so that something so horrific is never repeated. I think ignoring or trying to blot out our past erases the struggles and the triumphs of those who gave all for freedom and equality. Mammy was one of my favorite characters and maybe on my list of top ten characters of all time.
I think this book deserves to be regarded as a classic and I’m really glad I read it.
Part 5 was unbelievably sad. I even teared up in a couple of places. It took Scarlett losing Melly and Rhett to realize how much they loved her.
Leslie wrote: "Just finished this and I absolutely loved it. I’m sure that’s going to get me cancelled. This is a book I could probably reread immediately. The characters are multifaceted and the plot is intricat..."I agree, Leslie, definitely a classic. I alsoa gree about history. Remembering the good times and the bad are important so we repeat the good and never go near the bad again.
Leslie wrote: "Just finished this and I absolutely loved it. I’m sure that’s going to get me cancelled. This is a book I could probably reread immediately. The characters are multifaceted and the plot is intricat..."Well said, Leslie!
While it took me sooo long to finish this, I did love it just as I have the movie. It's been quite a few years since I saw the movie, though I've seen it many times. There are, as to be expected, new story lines in the book that were left out of the movie. I always liked Scarlet best of anyone because I saw her as a strong character who went after what she wanted out of life. The book has opened my eyes to her a bit and even though I still like the character, I can now see her flaws a bit better. I was appalled at how she ignored her children which was a story line not in the movie. I also have a much better understanding of Melanie who I have always felt was a door mat and not someone I would ever want to be like. I now see her as the kind of person we should all strive to be, at least to some extent. Still loathe Ashley and so happy Scarlet finally figured him out. Rhett is now my favorite! All through the book I could hear the characters voices as portrayed by the actors in the movie. I recommend that everyone see it if possible.
And I do agree with everything Leslie stated about history and past mistakes. I did notice many things that had never really made an impact on me from the movie. Not only slavery but the abominable way the South was treated during and after the war. Burning homes and crops and leaving people to starve only caused more hate.
I did give the book 5 stars. I think it was well written and while I can now see that it favored the Confederates to some degree, I still believe many aspects were well portrayed.
What are your thoughts about this ending? Was it satisfying? Did you want more?
What were your favorite moments? Least favorite moments?
What do you think of the character arc of Scarlett O'Hara throughout the book? Could you relate to her in any way? How?
What are your final thoughts? What will you rate it?
Thanks so much for joining me in another readalong! For the next few months we will have more than one choice of book. Feel free to pick just one or join in both. See you in the next one!