Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2010 Challenge Archive
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Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
Jennefer, let me know if you want me to add or change anything!
It looks good Gigi! I just placed an order for the book, lets see how long it takes for me to get it. ^.^
Yayyy! So, I found out the rewrite was in 1999.
I'll be doing this one! I have a copy of the original that I have to dig up and I just ordered a copy of the re-written one when we first talked about it the other day. I'll be reading the newer one, but I want to compare to my older copy to see how she changed things.
Let me know if you think I should make this challenge longer than 1 month, in case people want to read both versions.
Gigi wrote: "Let me know if you think I should make this challenge longer than 1 month, in case people want to read both versions."Yeap, that's the one am getting. Lets home it's not really tamed.
Gigi wrote: "Let me know if you think I should make this challenge longer than 1 month, in case people want to read both versions."I think you can just make a little note on the duration for those reading both copies. You can make it 2 months for them.
I already read both books and the second version is really good - but I think you´ll like it more if you also read A Kingdom of Dreams.
Heh, I have Whitney, My Love on my TBR list so I'm definietly intrested. That said, until yesterday I wasn't aware of the controversial scene in it. If there's a chance for me to compare pre- and post-change version of the book I'll go for it. Right now I'm not sure which book I have, heh, but I'll definitly read it. Then I'll have to look for the second one...
Regina wrote: "I already read both books and the second version is really good - but I think you´ll like it more if you also read A Kingdom of Dreams."Hmmm, i'll have to think on that. One historical i can stomach but i don't know about 2 and then there's my OCD to deal with, which am trying to ignore....
Well, I've read a A Kingdom of Dreams and you really don't need to read it to enjoy Whitney, My Love. However, Kingdom of Dreams is a good book and I recommend it, but they stand alone. In fact in the version that I have in a letter to the reader, the author mentions that she actually wrote Whitney, My Love before she wrote Kingdom of Dreams, even though Whitney My Love is the second book in the series. This to say, I dont believe need to read one to read the other.
I have the 1985 version. Does that mean my copy has a rape scene in it?
I finished Whitney My Love from Read-the-season-challenge, winter. I don't have the latest version to compare the love scenes/controversial scene with, but I did winced both times while reading those said scenes. However, I didn't regard them as controversial until now and I wouldn't have changed anything in the story. Like it just the way it was the first time.
Briansgirl "Master Book Sale Huntress" wrote: "I have the 1985 version. Does that mean my copy has a rape scene in it?"You have an earlier version before the rewrite. I would hate to call it a "rape" scene. I haven't read it but some people have compared the scene to a "rape." That was what led to some of the backlash and Judith rewritting the scene.
Gigi wrote: "Well, I've read a A Kingdom of Dreams and you really don't need to read it to enjoy Whitney, My Love. However, Kingdom of Dreams is a good book and I recommend it, but t..."Yes, they are stand alone, but in the new version of Whitney, my Love, with the new end, if you have read Kingdom of Dreams the emotion is different (at least for me it was.)
Ah gotcha! I'm already loving what I've read so far. The only reason I know about the letter to the reader is because sometimes I'm impatient and I jump around. LOL
Gigi wrote: "Jennefer, let me know if you want me to add or change anything!"Thanks Gigi for getting this going! I think it is perfect! I am so glad to see there is already so much discussion going on! :)
Of course I am in! I got myself the older version from PBS because I really wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I am pretty forgiving in my fiction reading so I think I can handle it. That and I loved the cover art! 
Those of your that picked up and older one, what does your cover look like?
Jennefer wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Jennefer, let me know if you want me to add or change anything!"Thanks Gigi for getting this going! I think it is perfect! I am so glad to see there is already so much discussion..."
You're welcome! I really think this will be very interesting!
I purchased both books. LOL However, I'm still waiting for the older version.
- the newer version I just bought
- the older version I ordered
Rossy wrote: "Gigi wrote: "Let me know if you think I should make this challenge longer than 1 month, in case people want to read both versions."I think you can just make a little note on the duration for th..."
Thanks Rossy! I just changed it to reflect that.
I found a review of this at All About Romance here that I thought was interesting. This review was done in 2000 right after the new rewritten version was released that kinda compared the new vs. old and just generally reviews the book overall.
I have a 1985 copy, but my cover does not show up on any listed edition - it has a picture of Whitney I assume from the neck down.Until now, I really have had no desire to read the revised edition, since I had so many other issues with Claymore than that scene, but now you all have me intrigued.
I hope you will read it with us BJ :) We would love to hear your thoughts after a re-read! I think I am going to go home and pull out my copy to start tonight! I was planning to read this a little later in the month but I am just so excited now I can't wait!!! LOL
Gigi wrote: "You have an earlier version before the rewrite. I would hate to call it a "rape" scene. I haven't read it but some people have compared the scene to a "rape." That was what led to some of the backlash and Judith rewritting the scene."Well, you'll have to see for yourself when you read the original, but, IMO, it was definitely rape. But this book was from the bodice-ripper era when rape was really prevalent in romance novels. I have at least two, possibly three, Johanna Lindsey novels written during that same time period in which the hero rapes the heroine repeatedly and there's no getting around the fact that it is outright rape and not just like dubious-consent or something. I remember there was a scene in one of Jude Deveraux’s books, I believe it was “Remembrance,” where the heroine, who is also a writer, talks about how her publisher wanted her to include a scene in which the hero rapes the heroine and she cried and refused. This was actually based on a real-life experience Ms. Deveraux had in the beginning of her career. She didn’t really want to write rape scenes, but even she did it in at least of her novels if I’m remembering correctly. It was just the way most romance novels were written in the late 70s and 80s. Personally, I’m glad that this isn’t a common plot-device in romance novels anymore. It makes the “romance” a lot harder to stomach when the hero is raping the heroine throughout the book. (I’m not referencing “Whitney, My Love” with that statement, just for the record, but some of the other novels I’ve read like the Lindsey books I mentioned.)
Briansgirl "Master Book Sale Huntress" wrote: "My cover is 
"That's the same copy I have, if I remember correctly.
I have the 1985 version, and that's probably the only one I'll be able to get to!
Angelique wrote: "I have the 1985 version, and that's probably the only one I'll be able to get to!"Hi Angelique! Glad you found the thread! :)
lol...me too! It's so easy to get lost in this place!
I'm not sure if I want to reread this book. I didn't like it the first time I did. I don't know why since I like the author's other historical romances (namely Something Wonderful, Once and Always, Almost Heaven, A Kingdom of Dreams), but I was younger then (high school) and maybe still forming my opinions about romances. So...we'll see. BTW, I believe I have the 1985 version. The cover's the same as Briansgirl's.
I'm on page 112, and so far I'm liking it! The thing is, I really have no idea which one she'll end up with!
Angelique, I'm on page 172 and I'm torn between the two. I dont know who I want her to end up with yet. LOL
LOL...then understand my predicament. The weird this is, I'm fond of Nicki! Which is totally a curve ball!
Yeah, I liked Nicki better for her at this point. Although, it seems as if we're down to 2, not including Nicki. Now I'm torn...I like that Paul was her childhood crush and i like that Claymore is persistent. So, I'm torn. LOL
I KNOW!!! And it upset me so much! I want Nickie and her to live happily ever after...but wheres the drama in that?As for my present choice, it'd probably be Claymore. Sure he's rude and forceful, but it comes from his desire for her. Where as Paul is sort of cruel in a nice way. he teases her for meanness.
Who knows what I want! Watch her end up Andre!
lol...thankfully somebody else sees it!!! What a triangle we have here!?!
I finished it just a couple of minutes ago, and I'm still a little torn in my thoughts. In some ways I loved it, in others way I found completely unbelievable!
Angelique wrote: "I finished it just a couple of minutes ago, and I'm still a little torn in my thoughts. In some ways I loved it, in others way I found completely unbelievable!"Finished already!!! Wow! I better stop screwing around online and get to reading! LOL
I know, me too! I'm no where near finished. LOL
lmao...I have an unfair advantage ladies. I have a lot of free time these days so reading is much easier for me! But y'all are in for rollercoster, that's all I'll say!
Time for a check in. I am about half way through and am very much enjoying this book. I adore Whitney. I think she is cute and fun and spunky. She is nothing like what I would want to try to be and not someone I would care to know in "real life" but exactly the type of character I like to read about. :) She is very entertaining and lovable character. I am pretty fond of Clayton as well. Among Whitney's many admirers he is my fav. Good thing he is the hero! Strong and overbearing but he has his tender moments as well and I think he loves Whitney in a way no one else can. So far so good! I have come across one of the "questionable" scenes with the riding crop (I am reading the old version) and it did not bother me too much. I guess when it comes to stuff like that I follow the characters lead. Whitney did not seem to dwell on it or freak out to bad, she actually took it pretty well and pretty much acknowledged that she kinda deserved it so I'm ok too. I am going to grab a copy of the re-written version this week so I can compare. At this point I have to say that if I were the author I don't think I would have changed at least this particular scene. I thought it was fine.
I'm a little more than halfway through with the newest edition. It's very hard to put down. I'm really enjoying it but I'm going to have to make dinner for family at some point. I do have a question for those of you who have read both copies... Is it just the one scene that's different or other parts of the book as well? I'd like to read it how the author meant for it to be read.
I just got to the other "questionable" scene (the rape scene) last night. yikes! I will comment more after I finish and compare the rewritten scene.
Penney wrote: "I'm a little more than halfway through with the newest edition. It's very hard to put down. I'm really enjoying it but I'm going to have to make dinner for family at some point. I do have a qu..."
Hey Penny,
Glad you are reading with us!!! :)
I have not read both versions yet but from what I understand there were two scenes that were rewritten (the riding crop scene and there is a scene that many, but not all, consider a rape scene). In the rewritten version the author also gave it an extended ending. I have not finished yet but from what I understand it originally ended a bit abruptly. Gigi put a link to an interview with the author in her original post for this thread. In the interview the author talks about why she decided to do the rewrite the way she did so if you are interested check that out.
I finished it this morning...definitely a rollercoaster ride! Personally I thought there was just one too many obstacles for them to overcome, but all in all it was a very good read. There were times I'm sure my my blood pressure spiked dangerously which lead to large sips of wine! I also had visions of smacking one or both of them for stupidity, but thankfully the author always found ways to do it for me. (I hate when characters do stupid things but then don't learn from it!)When a book can elicit such strong reactions from me, I consider it well worth it!
I thought there were too many obstacles to, and so of them not realistic or entertaining! But like you I felt it was worth while because the book certainly left an impression. I haven't read the new one yet, but the I'm excited to what it'll feel like without those two scenes.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Kingdom of Dreams (other topics)Whitney My Love (other topics)
Whitney, My Love (other topics)
Whitney, My Love (other topics)
Whitney My Love (other topics)
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Book: Whitney, My Love
Author: Judith McNaught
Discussion(s): Which version do you have (1985, 1987 or 1999+)? Any controversial love scenes in your version of the book? If there was a controversial love scene in your book, was the 1999 rewrite and controversy as a result of this scene warranted? Overall, what did you think of the book?
Duration: 1 month (if you're only reading one copy)
3 months (if you're reading both versions)
Plot:
Whitney Stone's teenage crush on a neighbor has her cold, unfeeling father banishing her to Paris into the care of her aunt and uncle. Under their loving guidance, the young woman blossoms into a ravishing beauty and becomes the darling of glittering Parisian society--a fact not lost on the handsome and equally powerful Duke of Claymore, who determines to make her his wife. Despite the duke's fervent interest, Whitney remains fixed on her childhood love. That is, until she finds herself tempted by the Duke--an attraction that both delights and baffles Whitney, causing her to be increasingly wary of what her heart may lead her to do. The Duke suffers no such confusion. He wants Whitney. And he plans to have her, despite a number of obstacles, including the infatuation Whitney seems to have for another; her aunt's growing concerns; and her greedy father's bungling efforts to control his beautiful daughter. But before the Duke and Whitney's plans can reach fruition, they'll have to work their way through a morass of misunderstandings that threaten any hope of a happy ending
For more information- Q&A with Judith McNaught (SPOILER ALERT)
http://www.likesbooks.com/mcnaught.html
This should be interesting!