Book for March

Hi ladies, I hope it's not too early to decide on the book for March.  It has been really hard for me to pick something.  I would like to choose, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin.  I am reading it now (along with Precious Bane (sooo good!)) and I really feel like this is the book I'm supposed to choose.  If you have read it before for Book Club, let me know though and I will choose something else. 

Calendar for 2011

February - Emily Sherman 
March - Alicia West
April - Kerstin Olcott
May - Amanda Oaks
June - Arna Clark
July - Tara Walker 
August - Jamie Brough
September - Rachel Bodell
October - Ana Fraga
November - Cami Talbot
December - Daphne McGill


If you are not on the calendar for this year, but are dying to host, leave a comment and we'll switch it up.

Precious Bane by Mary Webb

For February 2011, we will read Precious Bane by Mary Webb. 

       This is my favorite novel of all time- which, somewhat oddly,  makes me feel vulnerable.  I am still trying to figure out why this is so-where is Wendy when we need an analysis? :) Actually, I do have some ideas that perhaps I will share when we meet.  That way I can test whether my reactions are my own sentimental journey or possibly similar to universal aspects of life, love and the human experience.  I try to read Precious Bane once a year so that the imagery, symbolism and language can inform my thoughts and feelings continually.

        Mary Webb was an English romantic novelist and poet who wrote during the first quarter of the 20th century.  She was a contemparary of C.S. Lewis.  Amusingly, Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons-which we read a while ago-is a parody of her stories. 

        I mispoke yesterday at lunch, the title is actually taken from Milton's Paradise Lost:

                                              

Let none admire

That riches grow in Hell; that Soyle may best

Deserve the precious bane.

         I encourage you all to read the novel first and then do some research if you are so inclined.  All articles I have seen, including the forward in the current edition of the book, contain specific plot details.  In my opinion, previewing the characters and these details will spoil the dramatic tension of the story for a first-time reader.

         I did some checking:  the library does have a copy, which I have placed on hold.  I will post if I actually get it.  I have one lending copy.  Otherwise, it is available in paperback on Amazon.  Barnes and Noble may actually carry it in the store- I will check.  For your planning, I would not describe it as a quick read unless you can tie your family in a closet and devote yourself to it entirely for a few days.  And, when I first read it, I looked up a number of words.  These words are readable in context, but I wanted to make sure as it is written in the local dialect of Shropshire in the early 1800's. 

        Whether or not you love the book as I do, I think it will make for a great discussion of both the story itself and of how it relates to our own experiences.  It has some of everything:  history, women's issues, love, romance, treachery, villainy, nature, Christian imagery, symbolism, the supernatural, etc, etc.

        Happy Reading!  See you on February 23, at 7pm!

Emily  

Wow

Wow Clara, you don't mess around.  Good job.

You Gotta Love Technology!

Holy moly! We finished our spa day like what an hour ago, and you already have this up and running! You're amazing! Thanks Clara!

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog!  Soon we will have the new calendar for 2011 posted.  Until then, if you are an author, post something and let me know that you've figured it out!