Is anybody out there?

I am finally unpacked and to the point where I can sit down and read again! Thank god.

Reading P&P & Zombies. About half way through and I'm loving it. I think the author did a great job of keeping most of the dialogue and interactions similar to the original. I'm really loving how (excuse me for this but it's the only way to describe her) badass Elizabeth is.

She's awesome.

Is anyone still reading too?

Getting back on track!

Ok. Here we go. Take a deep breath. New baby is here. I am the proud mother of a 10 year old, a toddler & a new born (not to mention the husband). We are ready to start this crazy life together. Let's get this book club back on the road. First, may I share a picture (or two) of my boys.


Jackson Oliver Page - Born August 23, 2009


Big brothers Devyn & Brayden with a nervous looking Jackson.

Back to business. The book selection for October is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! I am very excited about this book. I've been dying to read it for months. I have read Pride and Prejudice at least three times, and I think that this is a great edition to a wonderful classic. We couldn't have picked a better book for the month of goblins and ghouls. Happy Halloween!

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton - and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers - and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Can she vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to read.

Happy Reading!

side note - Apparently Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is part of the Public Domain. That just means he was able to take her actual words and add his own content to fit. So, this is 80% Jane Austen and 20% Zombie awesomeness. Please enjoy!

New people

Hi!

I have some other people who may want to join... can we send them invites?
I am not sure how to do it. The more the merrier and then people don't have to read what they don't want to.

:)

Time Travelers Wife

Hello,
Olivia and I went to see the movie and it was very sad! Not that the book was any more uplifting though. I cried for sure but it still was very sad...

We saw the previews for Lovely Bones - looks good.

SARAH - I love your next book choice. Can you add to our shelfari?

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies!!!!! Please.

Finished!!

O MY GOODNESS GRACESS!! this ending threw me for a loop - anyone else surprised by the last minute turn of events??

PS. What are we reading for September so us library ladies can get it reserved? :) Bri, whose turn is it to pick?

This is getting good...

Even though this book is long - it seems to be moving quickly and I love how you get both Henry and Clare's perspectives. You really get a better feel of their relationship. I am really looking forward to moving into the second half of the book. I feel for Clare because the not knowing when and the waiting must be torturous!

Apologies & Thank Yous

Let's start with the groveling...I am very sorry for losing track of this blog the last few months. All I can say is has been a busy time. I have entered the "Toddler World." Let me tell you, this little boy (Brayden) is fast. You do not take your eyes off of him for a second. Before you know it, he is climbing anything taller than himself, eating the cat food, putting things in the toilet...it's been an experience. Some of you may know that we are expecting another little bundle of joy in the next month. (I'm worried that these little ones may try to gang up on us one day) There are many excuses, but the truth is that I started this & I intend for us to keep plugging along.

Let's end with the gratitude...I am very grateful to Mel for keeping us going. She has been our biggest supporter all along. Always there with an encouraging word, and plenty of interest in what we are reading. Now we have her to thank for keeping us going this month. THANK YOU! Melissa has picked a great book for us to read this month. I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say about this one. I must admit that I have already read it. That will not stop me from enjoying the conversation. I'm going to glance back through it a little bit. Don't worry, I definitely have an opinion about this book. Let me know when you get a little further along, and we will start some discussion. I am excited to see what everyone thinks.

Thanks again to Melissa for keeping us in the book club business. You're the best!
Bri

Yeah - Online Book Club Prevails

Bri asked me to check for a book for July - so here is what I chose. It is called "The Time Travelers Wife"

The Time Traveler's Wife, published in 2003, is the debut novel of American author Audrey Niffenegger. It is a love story about a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and about his wife, an artist who has to cope with his frequent absences and dangerous experiences.- Wikipedia

I just started and it was hard to get into at first but its getting good. I hope you guys can join me in this one. :)

I'm still in!

Bri knows how to send a blog invite. I'll try to remind her. Also, I am down for another book. We should do a head count and see who's still in. I have a book in mind for July or whenever.

July's Book

Is anyone still participating here? I am stuck on the June book and was not going to post July's book until we get past June's

Any takers?

also, does anyone know how to add Jada to the group?

Finished Finally!

Okay I finally finished The Shack. *Spoilers* So I really appreciated the fact that "God" (I am putting God in quotes to protect those that many hold that term in a much higher respect) told him things that I really believe - like the world should not be sooo concerned with government, politics, economics and religion. That Church is more then a Sunday morning hour. I really think the author was trying to convey that there is more to life then religion and what "man-made" church has to offer. It means being a good person every day all day. Which no one is. I do really enjoy church though - it is humbling and so important to me, even though I do not go every week - when I do attend I really enjoy it. I am so glad to have read the book. I really learned about not judging "God" and others. And that we should accept what is given to us no matter how hard or easy it is. The truth of life is Life. I did kinda question myself if this is really what God would say to someone grieving like this man or if this book is an easy excuse for us to not attend church on Sunday or care what others think. I do not like that he gets in an accident at the end - it takes away from the experience from his family, they might think the accident just knocked something loose! Either way it was definitely a long read but well worth it. I did notice to that "God" did not mention money as in donations to the church at all... coincidence I think not. LOL - Off to start the new book - Melissa

Ladies...

I am crazy lazy on reading since work is sooooo busy and crazy... but I whole heartedly promise to finish the Shack and start the other book by the end of the month.

Scouts honor!

I'm baaaaaaack!!

Hey all, just wanted to let you know that I have the internets at my house finally!! Took me long enough. I can be the worst procrastinator at times. Anyway, I'm back on the book club train. I'm sorry but I haven't even started the Shack. I'll read it this month with the Sedaris book. Think of Sedaris as a reading holiday. Just enjoy the humorous situations he describes so well.

Happy Reading!!

Slow Moving...

I feel bad, I picked this book and I'm barely half way through. I am slowly trucking right along. I have had a whole bunch of family issues going and haven't been able to read. Hopefully I will finish The Shack soon and be able to start on the new book. I don't feel so bad seeing as Sarah still hasn't started The Shack.

What are we reading in May?

Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim

Description: In this "New York Times" bestseller Sedaris returns to his deliriously twisted domain: hilarious childhood dramas infused with melancholy, the gulf of misunderstanding that exists between people of different nations or members of the same family, and the poignant divide between one's best hopes and most common deeds. In his newest collection of essays, David Sedaris lifts the corner of ordinary life, revealing the absurdity teeming below its surface. His world is alive with obscure desires and hidden motives - a world where forgiveness is automatic and an argument can be the highest form of love. Dress Your Family In Corduroy and Denim is another unforgettable collection from one of the wittiest and most original writers at work today.

Sarah picked our book for this month. She read one of his previous books, and enjoyed it. She said that he gives you a lot to laugh at, and even more to think about. Sarah really enjoys his view on the everyday craziness that life has to offer. I think we would all agree that family gives us enough to laugh at!

Happy Reading!

Half Way Point

I am about half way through. I got a late start. So far it is good. Hopefully I can finish by this weekend. I am looking forward to the discussions afterwards when we are all done. 

Truckin' Along...

So, interestingly, my husband and I have been reading The Shack out loud together. It's been great to stop and think aloud as we read. I am about 3/4 the way through and so far it has been an enjoyable read. I'm at a point that I think it's about the hit the fan (don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it there), so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. I wonder if this is one of those books that the real discussion comes at the end???

Drink Some OJ

Bri Bri!! I am sorry you are sick! If you do not have a book cracked I know you are sick. So, drink some Vitamin C and eat yummy chicken soup!

I read the first part of the book on the plane ride from Philadelphia and I cried. I am just at the part of the book where he is heading to the shack... I will check in shortly.

Everyone stay sweet!! Facebook me if you can: Melissa Mekdeci

Miss you girls!

Sick of being SICK!

It seems that the baby and I have been trading back and forth every bad germ you can imagine for the last month. Now, the big boys (my husband & oldest son) are in on the fun. I assure you they need even more tlc than the baby and I combined ever needed. This has led to a major lack of sleep. So every time I've had a free minute, it's light's out. I'm am completely exhausted.

I tell you this because this is one of the first times that life has prevented me from reading at all. Sounds strange, but this has never happened to me before. I am the person that has a book with her at all times. If I have a free minute (literally, I only need about 5 minutes) I will pull my book out and read. I feel that the time has been wasted if I did not read for that 8-10 minutes I was waiting in the school pick-up line. I remember one time my sister Sarah came to a Dr's appointment with me, we both sat down to wait...and in complete unison pulled a book out of our purses. Like we had been practicing that move forever! We just looked at each other and laugh.

Fellow Readers, it is with a sad heart that I tell you I have not even started The Shack yet. I am excited to get started. I hope to begin this week, maybe even tonight. Please, if you have started, give me some thoughts. How's it going for you? Give me some juicy details to whet my appetite.

Where is our shelfari thing?

I like that thing - can we put it back up?

Yeah!!

I finished Need as well........I DEFINITELY do not compare it with the Twlight Series. I don't like Carrie Jones' style of writing either. It seemed very elementary. Looking forward to The Shack. Happy Reading!

April Book Selection

The Shack by William Paul Young

Description: A grieving father receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him to meet in the Oregon wilderness where his daughter has been abducted and murdered. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?"

Fellow book club reader Alicia was kind enough to select our book for this month. I think we can all agree that there are lots of questions and controversy when it comes to God. I am looking forward to this book, and the discussions we have while reading it. Thanks, Al!

Also, keep in mind that we are always looking for new material. We appreciate all suggestions. I, for one, am really enjoying the variety we've had so far. That's exactly what we were looking for when we came up with this idea. Please be sure to email me if you have a book for us to read.

Happy Reading!

Bri

What are we reading next?

I am sooo excited to hear what our new book is going to be!

I am finally caught up!!

So I am finally caught up and not a moment too soon! I read Need within a 24 hour period! It was good but am I the only one who thought it a bit cheesy!? I guess I was also comparing it to Stephanie Meyer's series Twilight. And she is an amazing writer...Carrie Jones' writing style was weird for me...it was hard b/c she constantly spoke in 1st person when narration was needed a times. But other than that I thought it was a fun story line! =) Im looking forward to the next read.
L

What are you reading?

Since a few of us have finished early, I was wondering if anyone has a good book to share. I am ALWAYS looking for something new to read. So...if you have something good, or just interesting, let us know.
Take care!
Bri

I'm Done Too Now

Yes! I really enjoyed it. It went really fast compared to Age of Innocence so I think it was okay that I started late. SPOILERS!!! I really like Zara and was totally not expecting the blood sucking/licking thing to come from the pixie family. Being an ex Tinkerbell fan I was expecting something a bit lighter. I really liked the whole "were" thing too. I would not have thought of other "were" animals - but I would like to be a "were" guinea pig because everyone loves those and no pixies would try and suck my blood. LOL. I hope there is a sequel where her weakened father (He Who Must Not Be Named Style) breaks free from the the utensil fortress and follows her to college. Joking aside - the Twilight similarities are totally there right down to the broken limb and hospital stay but the story was written in a different tone I think. Zara is much more sarcastic and her outlook on the plot issues seemed less bleak then Bella's take on her life endangering situation.

One thing I thought was weird was the kind of "incest"y vibe I was getting when we found who her dad was - (the author reassures us that both charaters think that's weird and disgusting) but I was worried for a minute that her Dad wanted her to be his teen Queen. bleh!

I really liked it and would not mind reading one of these kind of books again for sure.

PS> I have the Age of Innocence on DVD if anyone wants to watch it - let me know and I will Fed-ex to you.

Kisses,
M

Age of Innocence movie

For those of you who enjoy watching the movie after reading the book, and then always giving a *sigh* because the movie is never good as the book....There is a movie of The Age of Innocence starring Winona Ryder, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daniel Day-Lewis.

I'm a movie sucker, so it's totally on my Netflix queue!

Late Bloomer

Whatever I am - I promise to start tonight - I have rudely not read anyone's posts - except Olivia's - Welcome Dollface! - because I am afraid of the spoilers.

Miss you Briana... kiss those babies for me.

The String

Ok... So one thing that i asked myself the whole time i read the book Need is why nobody asked her about the string tied around her finger. This is kinda irrelevant, but some of the girls made snide comments about her clothes so don't you think they would have made fun of her for always having a string tied around her finger?? Just a weird question i asked myself through the book, wondering if anyone else noticed.

I think that Bri is right about alot of young girls that read this can kinda relate to the girl that thinks she isn't pretty, but other people think she is. That is definately one similarity about this book and twilight. I think it is really funny that she chants phobias to make herself calm down when she is scared. If i saw someone doing that i would think she was crazy. I also agree with Oliva, some of the hints were kinda of predictable, but the book still held my focus in the excitment of finding out all the answer to the mystery man Nick.

One comparison to the Twilight Saga leaning more towards the end of New moon and beginning of Eclipse is the relationship between Nick and Ian... and... Edward and Jacob.

No matter how hard I tried I was not able to hold off. I am finished. I really enjoyed it. I thought that it was a creative story and well written. I really liked the different phobias. I thought it was cute how each chapter was named after a different phobia. I would love to work some of them into conversation. How smart would I look?

I see what everyone is saying about the similarities with Twilight, but it is definitely it's own story. Personally I think that the common themes come from the audience the books are written for. For example; I think that most young girls want to hear about other girls that don't think they are very pretty, but others feel they are beautiful. I can't wait to talk a little more about the book. I don't want to give anything away since it is the beginning of the month.

Also, if anyone has a suggestion for the next book be sure to email me. djbpage@aol.com

Finished with AoI.....

Ok...I've been meaning to write for a while. I finished Age of Innosence and I have to say, its definitely not my favorite. I really am excited about reading the classics, but this one fell short of my expectations. It was way too detailed for my liking and then I found it a little depressing. Newland just really depressed me. I did not like his character. But anyway, now on to NEED......I am waiting for my library to call me because I am the next one in line on the waiting list. I can't wait to read it.

Finished

I agree with you guys. This was a very easy read. I finished it today. I did enjoy this book and loved the characters. The author left a lot of hints throughout the chapters so some of the story line was fairly predictable, but I still enjoyed it very much.

I do see similarities with the Twilight books, especially with the main characters Zara and Nick. Like the fact that Zara is the new girl in a small town and she thinks she is plain looking even though all the guys notice her and give her attention (just like Bella). Nick and Edward are similar in that they feel the need to be the protectors. There are other similarities as well that we can discuss when everyone is finished. I think this was a very good choice for this month. :)

My Son is Famous

Well, his name is. There is a character in Need by the name of Devyn. He is dark skinned with big brown eyes. I am certain that the author has been stalking my family.

Exhibit AHere is my gorgeous son Devyn with the family turtle Fred

I am having the same problem that Alicia had. It is hard to put the book down. It is a very easy read, and I am enjoying the characters. The grandmother is a riot. I hope to be like her when I get that age. Unstoppable is the word that comes to mind. I think that I may have a crush on Nick. Who doesn't love a strong protective man? As much as we have progressed as females, we can't help but melt a little when a big strong guy wants to keep us safe.

Be sure to let us know if you have started the new book. What do you think? Are you seeing a lot of similarities to Twilight?

Happy Reading!

Done

Ok so I started the March book a little early thinking it would take me awhile to read. It didn't!! I got so caught up in the characters that I couldn't put it down. I really liked this book and I am ready to discuss when anyone else is. I am now in the process of reading the Twilight books, so that I can compare the two. Happy reading to the rest of you!!

New Member

Hi guys. My name is Olivia. Melissa invited me last month to join the book club. I was waiting until the new book to start in on the discussion. I just got my copy of Need from the library and am excited to start reading. I really liked the Twilight books, so if this one was compared to them, then it should be pretty good. Can't wait to start reading. :)

March Book Selection

I for one am very excited about the new book. I am such a sucker for books with quirky girls, small towns and weird phenomena!

Worst Book Club Member

Yeah so I feel terrible. I quit reading the book for Jan/Feb. I had a really hard time getting into the book. Sarah kept telling me it gets better just keep reading. Well I didn't keep reading. I have a really hard time getting in to book written in this period. So sorry I don't have anything to add to everyone's input. I am really looking forward to next months selection.

Book selection for March

Drum roll please.......... Need by Carrie Jones

Description: Now fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour . . .Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages.

I'm not afraid to say that this is a "young adult" book. I'm sure that the name Stephenie Meyer was noticed. This book is being compared to Twilight. It is being offered as the next book for the starving fans that now have nothing to read. (how many times can you really read the same books over and over again) I am hoping that more than a few of us have read the Twilight books. It will be very interesting to compare and discuss the two. I am also hoping that this selection will stand out on its' own.

Happy Reading!

Change or not to change

I'm so glad Melissa brought this topic up! This is exactly what I have been wanting to talk about. I was so frustrated with how Newland's opinion of May changes. There were a number of times that I wished I could slap him. I personally do not think that May ever changed, I believe that she was true to her character all along. In the beginning Newland felt that Ellen should act more like May. He respected May for the woman she was. I think that he had his own opinion of who she was, but as he started to view life differently he realized started to see May for who she really was.

I do believe that people change...it's a natural part of life...growth. The tough part is growing together.

Good point, Melissa!

I'm kind of torn about it. My first thought is to feel that she never changed. He only saw what he wanted to see in May at the beginning. Then when he "thought" he found something better, he began to see her other character traits or flaws.

And then...I think about the way people change for better or worse when they've been with someone long enough. I can personally relate to this. Lately, people have been telling me that I seem happier and I'm more myself. For those of you who don't know my situation, I recently got out of a 6 year relationship. I changed for the worse during that time because of the situations I had to deal with. Perhaps, May changed because on some level she knew what was going on.

Dunzo!

I liked it... As Amber M. would say ... I think you will be surprisingly surprised.

Married Ladies??

I was reading about the author and her life was pretty similar to the character of Ellen - she married someone much older then her and then divorced and exerted her independence by writing for a living.

So I am curious do you guys feel that she is shedding light on marriage in general (based on her marriage) through the insight of Newland? In the beginning of the book he was going "to read poetry to May lakeside" and now he thinks her unoriginal and unwilling to change in that she only had the "revolutionary" thoughts she shared because he planted them there. Basically, was she a different person during their engagement or did she just seem different because he wanted her to be?? And, only after discovering Ellen did he feel that way?

I kinda think that is the nature of cheating (whether emotionally or physically) - you basically "think" you found something better... maybe we are all just fools!!!

I have about 50 pages left btw.

Miss you Briana!!

In My Opinion!

Ok people, I'm slowing getting through this book. Wharton writes SO much detail that I find myself bored with it, but then I am very wrapped up in the story line. I know that the "details" is why she won her Pulitzer prize, right, but its just a little too much for me. Another reason I'm having a hard time getting through with it is that I just finished the Twilight series and now I realize you can't even begin to compare the two, but I LOVED the Twilight series. I know its a modern vs. classic too, but I'm still finding it hard to breeze through, which I usually do when I'm so wrapped up.

So I'll keep chugging along.......

Slowly working it

I am definately pleasantly surprised about the book - I thought it would be over my head. I am about 3/4 the way through and I am starting to understand Newland's attraction to the Countess and his mild confusion about what is the right thing for her to do.

I am definately loving this blog and I check it frequently...so keep it up KSB (you know who you are) Your eagerness is more motivation for me to get it done...
:)

I'm Done!

...and so ready to discuss. It certainly left a lot to talk about. This was actually Kate's pick. I agree that it was an interesting start.

Anyone finished?

I'm anxious to discuss! :)

This was a great pick, Briana. Really interesting book!

How's it going?

I've noticed that there are a lot of people we haven't heard from. I would really love to hear some comments from everyone. How do you feel about the book? Have you had any time to read? Do you think Sarah and I are dorks? Well, I guess that one isn't fair. We already know that Sarah is a bit weird. :) Seriously though...love it or hate it...tell us what you think.

I just wanted to see how everyone is doing. Also, to ask for your input on the next book selection. I have a few ideas, but would appreciate any input. Do you have something specific in mind? Maybe just a genre that you would enjoy. Let me know your thoughts. We want to keep everyone involved. I particularly want to make sure that we are all excited about what we are reading. There is so much to choose from.

Slow Start

It's taken me little bit to get going in the book, but I am really enjoying it now. I think it was the lack of dialogue in the beginning. There was so much time spent with Newland Archer's observations. I must say that I was getting annoyed with his pompous thoughts. I understand now that Edith Wharton was setting the tone, or mood. She wanted us to understand how they thought. I see now that it was important for us to be in that mindset to understand New York society as she knew it.

I do love the descriptions throughout the story. She has a way of describing scenes that put you there. I can picture exactly what the Opera House looked like...I can see Ellen's parlour in her little house...I felt like I was at the Garden Party (are you there yet? amazing scene). It's like watching a movie, there are so many details that you can't take them all in at once. I have read whole paragraphs a couple of times.

I can't wait for us to chat about Newland, May & Ellen. Man, do I have some thoughts! I do have a favorite character though. Catherine the Great, or Mrs. Manson Mingott. I love how she laughs at the world of New York Society, but then continues to be a part of it. But only as she chooses to be a part. She is who she is and doesn't see anything wrong with that. A couple of my favorite lines from her are in Chapter 21. (I don't think a spoiler alert is necessary) "Honour's always been honour, and honesty honesty, in Manson Mingott's house, and will be till I'm carried out of it feet first." & "It was Beaufort when he covered you with jewels, and it's got to stay Beaufort now that he's covered you with shame." She has impressed me. I can't wait to see what she thinks of Ellen & Newland. I have a feeling she will surprise us.

Is anyone else struggling in the beginning? If you are, just be patient. The story really picks up, and then you won't be able to put the book down.
Happy Reading!

Welcomes and Socialites

Well, I'm going to jump on the Welcome Wagon, too! This intro is probably only for a few of the ladies but, whatevs. =)

I'm Sarah, Briana's little sis and cousin to Katie and Allie. I am so excited you all have decided to join!! Licia, you totally made my day when you joined gal! So, I'm loving the book, although I do admit that it's taken a little while for me to really get into it. And, I definitely cannot wait to see what other types of books are picked. I'm actually giddy about it. Haha!

Anyway, on to my comment about the reading. Just a quick note.

I was totally surprised by how much of that time period centralized around socializing. It's crazy! But, I guess considering the fact that no one really works that is all they have to look forward to. I do realize; however, that we are getting a peak into a very small section of the New York people, the elite. I also started to compare it to myself and those around me. Now, I'm more a chill kind of person but I have brushed elbows with the dirty indie Pensacola socialites. Not aware of them? Haha! Well, they definitely exist and let me tell you! It is all about who's house the party's at and what's the theme of the party, who showed up with who, who left with who. . . absolutely ridiculous and every freakin night! They're really the only downfall to living in downtown/East Hill Pensacola. For me at least.

Okay, sorry about my rant. It's been on my mind for some time. =)

Intro Melissa

Hello Again!

My name is Melissa and I am in this book club because my darling friend Briana invited me. I love to read and 6 days out of the week fall asleep with a book on my face. I am an accountant for a TV station in Tampa, FL. And life sooo far is ok!

Up to Chapter 9 spoilers - I am so interested in the fact that she is sooooo scandalized because of the "big" divorce - although her husband did not sound like that great of a husband so I understand why she came back! Everyone seems to know someone who has been divorced. Sadly, my boyfriend has been divorced. It sucks but these things happen to it's just amazing to me that they (book characters and book society) did not even want to go to a party in her honor because she was the town scandal. I like her already for having the guts to come back - but I am not sure I am looking forward to the cheating part.

Have a great Inauguration Day!
M

Hi Im Laura and am thrilled to finally be apart of a book club! Reading is a passion of mine and am so excited to broaden my horizons! I am Alli's sister so im related to katie by marriage! ha =) I am joining late but a fast reader, if its interesting, so i will be getting my book this week and catching up soon! Thanks for the invite. I look forward to getting to know you all!

Intro

Continuing the introductions... I'm Stacy, one of Katie's friends from high school, college and D.C. Love the blog idea and the book so far! Thanks for doing this ladies!

I'm loving Wharton's descriptions, the way she conveys the emotions of the moment and the whole topic of social conventions. I can see why the book won a Pulitzer!

New Layout

We must thank Sarah for the new layout! I would love to take the credit, but I must be honest. (She would find out eventually, hehe) Anyhoo, Sarah is the awesome artist behind our new look. I'll be sure to tell the parents that Art degree is coming in handy.

Thanks Sarah, for keeping us looking good!

ice breaker!

First of all, LOVE the new layout. Good job Bri!

Secondly, I like the idea of everyone introducing themselves, seeing as how not everyone knows one another......I'm Katie, cousin of Brianna and Sara. I live far far away in DC/Maryland. My main thing in life right now is graduate school, where I'm pursuing a degree in clinical counseling. I love the connection I can have with my favorite people through the internet and am excited about sharing a book with you guys!

Book Club !! Yeah...

Hello I'm Sarah's best friend from high school. My name is Alicia. I just picked up the book today so i'm getting a late start. I'm a slow reader since my only time to read is late at night (thanks to a little one). I will try my best to keep in the books and on the blog. Can't wait to start the book.
I think this promises to be a fun and enlightening experience.

Ha Ha......love the new layout!! I'm Allie, for those of you who don't know me and I'm Katie's SIL and I guess "cousin in law" to Briana and Sarah. So that's how I'm connected to this group. I'm really looking forward to reading this month's selection, ya'll make it sound so good, HOWEVER, I am on the last book, Year 7, of Harry Potter and I can't set it down so I'll be alittle late joining in on the Age of Innocence. So, you'll start to hear from me when I catch up!

Allie

ps.....I'm a very slow reader too!!

I second that!!

No spoiling, there's nothing worse.

I am usually a fast reader. For this book; however, I tend to read some then put it down to ponder what a crazy rigid society that would have been to live in. I surely would have been hanged or worse kept in the house so as not to shame my family. Hahaha!

Katie, thanks for the insight on the Josephine style. Things like that are awesome to blog about because it's interesting and doesn't reveal any of the plot. Good job!

Sarah

Nicely Done

Okay I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship(s). I just wanted to suggest that perhaps since some of us are faster readers (Briana) then others (me) if you are going to post anything about the book that might spoil something for someone - you note what chapter and write "Spoiler Alert!!" or something to that effect so no one gets their little book club heart broken. Although, I am such a scoundrel I may seek out the spoilers. ;)

Have a great Monday!
M

already love it!

I'm only into the second chapter but already really enjoying the society that we're peaking into. I second what Melissa says, I like that Wharton herself was one of these socialites. It gives the book a genuine feel.

In the first chapter, Wharton mentions something called the "Josephine look." I was intrigued and looked to our friend the internet. I couldn't find a picture but I did run into the following:

a gown in the style of the first French Empire (1804–1815) named after Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, empress of France (1804–1809); with a short waist, decollette bodice, flowing skirt, and short, puffed sleeves.

and....in the back of my book it says that Wharton was inspired by this painting called The Age of Innocence by Sir Joshua Reynolds (17 88).

Current book extended into February

Hello All,
I just wanted to get the word out that we have decided to extend the current book, The Age of Innocence, into February. That means we will not have a new book until March. This will give everyone a little more time to enjoy this book since we are off to a late start.
Happy Reading!

-Briana

This is just the beginning...

It looks like we will have 11 members in our little book club. I am so excited that everyone has embraced the idea. Katie, Sarah and I were sure that it would be just the three of us. So, from all of us, Thank you!

I just started our first book this weekend. I am loving it already. I am enjoying the author as much as the book. It's fascinating to me that the author really lived this life that she is talking about. I will be sure to post more as I get further into the book.

Be sure to post your thoughts as you read also. We want to know what everyone is thinking.

-Briana

To Melissa

That's a really cool anecdote, thanks!! I am also very excited about the all-access format. =)
Can't wait to hear from the rest of the ladies.

-Sarah

I hope this is not a practical joke...

Hello Ladies,

I just bought the book and so I am on my way!! I read the intro and it talks about the author. She was born Edith Jones to a very wealthy family.... it was because of her family we get the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses" Well don't you learn something new each day.

I will continue to update frequently since I think the best thing about this book club we can talk about it all the time - I am loving this already!!!

Happy Sunday!

Kisses,
M