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