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Gone with the Wind
2021 Reading Challenges
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A Weighty Tome: 2021 Challenge: Gone with the Wind
message 51:
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Geri
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Jan 01, 2021 08:09AM
I’ll join. I’ve seen the movie many years ago. Never read the book. The reading schedule looks doable. I’m considering buying the book. Otherwise, I’ll have to keep borrowing from overdrive. Not sure...
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I am going to join in. I have wanted to read this book for awhile. Now I just need to find a copy of the book.
Joining. Seen the movie many times, never read the novel. Looking forward to reading it.
Eldarwen wrote: "Just grabbed the book off the shelf and checked the publishing date. This is way older than I thought!The book was published in English in 1936. This book was published in 1937!
916 pages :-)
(..."
That's cool! I hope the print isn't too small for you. :)
I’m game to read along *fingers crossed that I keep up*
I would like to participate. Reserved a copy at the library
I will join in on this buddy read.....I have ebook and audio....have never read it or watched the movie....
message 59:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Jan 01, 2021 06:11PM)
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rated it 4 stars
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Whereas with War and Peace last year I really struggled to get going (and re-read the opening chapter over and over) ; I find I'm looking forward to continuing!
Scarlett O'Hara isn't as I imagined so far. Although I haven't seen the film, just from what has been in pop culture and images I've seen over the years I had assumed she would be written as an amazing beauty. The first line of the book sure changed that misconception!
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I've listened to chapter one (only about 48 mins!) and I quite like it so far.Whereas with War and Peace last year I really struggled to get going (and re-read the opening chapter over and over) ;..."
How is the narrator? i may try it tonite when i go to bed....
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He is quite good. Some of the characters I struggle a little to understand the accent but I think it is more due to the uniqueness of the accent rather than a problem with the narrator
Mod
Yup, same here!
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Scarlett O'Hara isn't as I imagined so far. Although I haven't seen the film, just from what has been in pop culture and images I've seen over the years I had assumed she would be written as an amazing beauty. The first line of the book sure changed that misconception!"Though apparently she is built like a barbie doll! 17" waist and big boobs! lol.
Mod
True Sammy!!
Oh, she's one of those kind of girls... (view spoiler)
I hope that goes away sooner rather than later, because I really don't have time for people like that!
Mod
[spoilers removed]
I hope that goes away sooner rather than later, because I really don't have time for people like that!"
Yes. She is very selfish and I’m actually quite enjoying that about her - that she is a little unlikeable right now!!
I have seen the movie many times but did not know she was just sixteen in the book.So far, I think they did a good job in casting the characters in the movie.
My paperback starts on page 5 and part one ends on page 139.
Gone with the Wind
I just finished Part 1. The version I'm reading had Part 1 as pages 1-138, including filler blank pages and a few illustrations.I have to say I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! I typically struggle through older books for some reason but I found I couldn't put this one down. Maybe it's because I love the movie so much? In many ways it's very similar to the movie but in many ways it's very, very different -- amazing how a 3 hour long movie still missed so many, what I'd consider, important details! (view spoiler)
Like a few others said already, I also really enjoy Scarlett for the simple fact that she's so unlikeable yet that makes her likeable to me. She feels like she could be a real person and one that was far beyond her times.
It will take all I have to not read ahead but will do my best to control myself! Hope everyone else is enjoying this novel as well :)
My copy arrived today, so I can get started! It's this one:
It's only 960 pages, but that's because it's a paperback. Fortunately, the print doesn't look too bad. But dang, it's still heavy! Even though it weighs just less than the hardcover of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and WAY less than the illustrated edition of said book, it feels so much heavier! (Yes, I'm a nerd and use my food scale to weigh books, lol!) I guess it feels heavier because I expected a paperback to feel lighter? 😂
Mod
I have to say I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! I typ..."
Well done Katy! I haven't opened your spoiler yet as I only just finished chapter 3.
I am also enjoying it, although some of the racist language is hard to listen to. I know it was 'usual' for the time, but it is difficult and I find it quite jarring because I would never hear someone speak like that these days
Mod
It's only 960 pages, but that's because it's a paperback. Fortunately, the print doesn't look to..."
I love that you weigh your books. lol!
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I love that you weigh your books. lol!"Not all of them - just the really heavy ones, ha ha! :D
Mod
I got my copy from the library today, so I will did in this weekend
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I am also enjoying it, although some of the racist language is hard to listen to. I know it was 'usual' for the time, but it is difficult and I find it quite jarring because I would never hear someone speak like that these days"I agree with you on this. It is rather difficult to get through (especially listening to it like you are!) but I also am of the belief that it shouldn't be censored or hidden. I always feel that if something makes us uncomfortable, it will hopefully help prevent stuff like that from happening again. Might be a bit of wishful thinking on my end though :'D
Mod
That's a good perspective. I can understand why an explanation has been added to the movie though (assuming it is similar in language).
I am so in!!! I already own the book so it is perfect!
My favorite book of all time!!! I can't resist a re-read of my favorite book.
Katy wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I am also enjoying it, although some of the racist language is hard to listen to. I know it was 'usual' for the time, but it is difficult and I find it quite jarring because I woul..."Agree completely! Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and no good will ever come from people sticking their heads in the sand and pretending bad stuff never happened. Doesn't make it at all acceptable to continue the practice, naturally, but the fact that it did should not be forgotten.
Completed Part One today.
This is the edition I'm reading from:
Couldn't help but read ahead, the story is so compelling I needed to know what happened next.
One of the things I most enjoy about the book is Mitchell's descriptions of the land. As a southerner, and a Georgian, these descriptions read almost as a love letter to the land and nature of Georgia. The look, feel, sound, and smell of the land comes off the page as large as life.
What I least enjoy is the slavery. It is physically painful to read, and it is hard to comprehend how buying a human being was so natural to the plantation owners. I wholeheartedly agree this part of our history should not be ignored or rewritten. We can't learn from history if we ignore the mistakes and wrongs of the past.
Looking forward to Part Two.
This is the edition I'm reading from:
Couldn't help but read ahead, the story is so compelling I needed to know what happened next.
One of the things I most enjoy about the book is Mitchell's descriptions of the land. As a southerner, and a Georgian, these descriptions read almost as a love letter to the land and nature of Georgia. The look, feel, sound, and smell of the land comes off the page as large as life.
What I least enjoy is the slavery. It is physically painful to read, and it is hard to comprehend how buying a human being was so natural to the plantation owners. I wholeheartedly agree this part of our history should not be ignored or rewritten. We can't learn from history if we ignore the mistakes and wrongs of the past.
Looking forward to Part Two.
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Katy wrote: "I agree with you on this. It is rather difficult to get through (especially listening to it like you are!) but I also am of the belief that it shouldn't be censored or hidden. I always..."I just heard that there is also a warning video in front of Blazing Saddles on one of the streaming platforms. Seriously? One of the most anti racist movies ever made, and there is a warning. If one gets three minutes into the movie, it is clear that the racists are the stone cold idiots of the piece. Yes, the language is rough, but it is rough for a reason. I wish Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor had written more together.
Sorry. Off the topic of the book. I got a few pages in and then got sidetracked. I hope to get back into it this weekend. I loved it when I read it the first time. I read it just after I saw the original Roots on tv. It was an interesting juxtaposition.
Jenny wrote: "I just heard that there is also a warning video in front of Blazing Saddles on one of the streaming platforms. Seriously? One of the most anti racist movies ever made, and there is a warning..."The cancellations and warnings in general kind of bother me. I know some people think they're necessary, and other people will say, "What's the harm?" But I worry that our society is losing valuable critical thinking skills. What does it say about our public education system? Shouldn't people be learning history in school so that they can understand historical context and figure this stuff out for themselves? Maybe that's expecting too much, but it bugs me. And while warnings in and of themselves might seem harmless, or even helpful...they kind of feel like a step on the slippery slope to censorship in my opinion. Hot button issue, I know. Either way, all the recent brouhaha about Gone With the Wind is what made me decide to pick it up for this challenge.
To your other point, I just finished rereading Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (which I highly recommend) before starting Gone With the Wind today. So that will be interesting for me as well.
I am officially in love with you now Laurie. I am constantly beating the drum for schools teaching critical thinking again, instead of teaching to a test as is the norm today. I grew up with a middle school teacher mom and a university professor dad, and went to very good public schools, and learned to love learning. I despair that that is a thing of the past.
As far as the trigger warnings and cancel culture we are living through now, I am just sad. I will watch Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, and listen to Baby it's Cold Outside, and read Gone With the Wind, knowing that in the first two cases they may have been written differently today, and in the latter that is it based on history. Which we have to learn about and own. But, I can enjoy that stuff while knowing that things are on the way to being better today. I am afraid that trying to protect people from the reality of our past is a really bad idea.
Those who don't learn history...
By the way, is the Douglas book worth adding to my TBR?
Jenny wrote: "I am officially in love with you now Laurie. I am constantly beating the drum for schools teaching critical thinking again, instead of teaching to a test as is the norm today. I grew up with a mid..."
Well said. And yes, I absolutely recommend Douglass' book. He actually wrote two other autobiographies later, but I haven't read those yet. Narrative is a quick read. Here's my brief review if you're interested. The way he explains reading and learning as a crucial step on his path to freedom has always stayed with me - I wish more people would embrace his view! I also find it interesting that he wrote not just about the effects of slavery on slaves, but how it corrupted and dehumanized slaveholders as well.
Just got it on Kindle. Thanks for the recommendation.
I forgot I bought a paperback copy at a bargain discount store for $1.99 and purchased the Kindle version, which I will be returning. Also purchased it from Audible during a 2 for 1 sale. I have too many books, smh. On page 4 of 1448 in the paperback. Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition of a (view spoiler) and I learned something new.
Pam wrote: "I have too many books, smh"I know how you feel Pam!!! I created shelves (on Goodreads) for myself just to inventory my books and where they are (I have residences in both VA and TX). Feel free to check out my shelves (if you need to friend me, I accept all requests).
Good luck with the chunkster!
Pam wrote: "I forgot I bought a paperback copy at a bargain discount store for $1.99 and purchased the Kindle version, which I will be returning. Also purchased it from Audible during a 2 for 1 sale. I have to..."Having too many books is why I switched to ebooks yeas ago. I can keep track of them easier...lol
Too many books? There's no such animal! ;)(says the person living in a tiny shoebox of a house with over 2000 of them! lol)
I've only ever bought a book twice unintentionally, as the fist copy got misplaced so I thought I hadn't bought it yet after all. Then it showed up later after I'd bought another copy and read it. Wouldn't have minded too much if I'd actually enjoyed the book, but alas...
Mod
Re critical thinking - I think it probably is reduced now which is a shame. I think it also comes down to empathy and being able to think about issues from a perspective that isn't yours. I'd argue that includes being able to acknowledge that norms were different in other times and places, and this needs to be considered when reading about them.
Sophie wrote: "I think it also comes down to empathy and being able to think about issues from a perspective that isn't yours. I'd argue that includes being able to acknowledge that norms were different in other times and places, and this needs to be considered when reading about them."That's a great point, Sophie. And it's another main reason I champion literacy and reading for fun. Reading helps people develop empathy because readers are constantly putting themselves in the characters' shoes. As a youth librarian, I am always saddened when I see kids and teens come to disdain reading and to see it as just another chore. Not everyone has to have the same interests of course, but those who do not read are missing out on so much!
(After reading the first two chapters of GWTW, this is even more top-of-mind as I meet these characters who look down on books.)
Just started recently and I'm only through Chapter 1. I've seen the movie a few times. I love getting so much more detail to what was such a short scene in the movie.
I am joining in! I own the book so I'm going to start reading! I'll catch up quickly!
Completed Part Two.
Still enjoying the detailed descriptions of people, places, situations, circumstances. I feel that I have a deeper understanding of the main characters than I ever had from watching the movie.
Still enjoying the detailed descriptions of people, places, situations, circumstances. I feel that I have a deeper understanding of the main characters than I ever had from watching the movie.
Mod
So weird to think of Scarlet only being 16 though! But I think the author has done a perfect job at capturing the 16 year old mindset and immaturity.
Although Scarlet is still not very likeable I do have some empathy for her situation. It was not the best time to be a woman (although privilege is certainly on her side!)
(view spoiler)
I'm going to read ahead a bit as UNO is starting and I may not be able to get through much in Feb-April as I prioritise books for that challenge.
Karen, I agree! We talk about how children today grow up so much faster, but it's nothing compared to the norm of the 1860's. Thankfully 16 year olds are expected to still be in high school, not getting married.
I also find the behavior code to be interesting, but awfully glad that died out. I'd never have found a husband if I'd needed to follow the rules of flirting and coquetry that existed then! My favorite bit of etiquette is when Scarlett is dressing for the barbecue and Mammy disapproves of the dress she chose, because one can't show one's bosom before 3pm - too funny!
I also find the behavior code to be interesting, but awfully glad that died out. I'd never have found a husband if I'd needed to follow the rules of flirting and coquetry that existed then! My favorite bit of etiquette is when Scarlett is dressing for the barbecue and Mammy disapproves of the dress she chose, because one can't show one's bosom before 3pm - too funny!
Very true. you go back another couple of hundred years, and kids would often marry at 12-14. Of course, the life expectancy was a lot shorter then too, so in proportion they have a shorter childhood now.Still, when I think of the maturity of the average 16-year-old, I can't help but shudder. to say nothing of the hormones!
Sammy wrote: "Very true. you go back another couple of hundred years, and kids would often marry at 12-14. Of course, the life expectancy was a lot shorter then too, so in proportion they have a shorter childhoo..."
Haha, yes the teenage hormones!
Haha, yes the teenage hormones!
Just finished Part 1. It is definitely getting more interesting for me as it goes along, but I can't say I'm "enjoying" it since I don't like the environment or the characters. I don't enjoy reading about unlikable characters - it's just not my thing. So far, the characters are all too shallow for me to care much about them. Hopefully that will change. Interestingly, the second half of Part 1 gave me a really strong Wuthering Heights vibe - and that's another classic novel I did not care for. But I AM curious to see what happens next.
Mod
haha yes that behaviour code is pretty funny through our 21st century eyes!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Southern Daughter: The Life of Margaret Mitchell and the Making of Gone With the Wind (other topics)The Pillars of the Earth (other topics)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (other topics)
Gone with the Wind (other topics)
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (other topics)
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