Farewell Bronte...Hello Hemingway

First, let me say bravo to everyone on a very successful debut of The Finer Things Book Club. A huge "Brava" to KTC for her excellent work as discussion leader. Her questions and the comments they elicited were very insightful and it was so fun to spend time thinking about them. I am loving this. Thank you so much for reminding me that there is more to think about in life than the law (thank goodness).

It's time now to bid a fond(?) farewell to Wuthering Heights and to move on to book 2 on our reading list. I don't know if it's the season -- Christmas always makes me long for the classics (i.e. A Christmas Carol, Twas the Night Before Christmas, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, the Osmonds) -- or if the Carlston-Danklefs just have really strong book club mojo, but the December reading assignment as drawn out of the Finer Things Book Club hat is "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway. This was Ross's suggestion so (1) he has no excuse not to read it (don't think about the double-negative there); and (2) he's the discussion leader and will be responsible for posting at least once during the month. (Remember, though, each of you is an author on the blog, so you can initiate posts whenever you want.)

KTC made a suggestion that may facilitate discussion. She suggested that we split the book up into weekly reading assignments. Our discussion questions/posts can come from the assigned pages and that will help us stay on track and keep spoilers to a minimum. Ross, as discussion leader, you can have the responsibility for designating the weekly reading assigments for this month. (The reading assignments post does not count as your discussion post for the month.) There are multiple copies of the book for a variety of prices on Amazon. Barnes & Noble probably has it in their discount classics section -- I'll do some reconnaissance this weekend and let y'all know. It's sure to be in the local library as well.

So, here we go. Good luck!

(Also, if y'all will remind me, I'll try to pick the reading assignment for Book 3 a week or two early, so that those of who decide to order the book online won't have to worry about getting behind in the reading. )

FINISHED!

It is almost time for a new book from that infamous vase on Abby's desk. I'm sure some of you may be relieved that we can move on from this somewhat dreary book. I'm interested in your final thoughts. What do you think about Heathcliff's obsesssion? (His obsessive love for Catherine and his obsession of revenge). Any thoughts about how the class structure? Do we still have class structure today? Does anyone want to come over and watch the movie with me?

On a sidenote-Ross and I have decided that Nelly Dean must have the most amazing memory. I mean honestly-she was able to quote word for word conversations that had taken place years ago. Very impressive.

A quick poll . . .

Who has finished reading our first book? If you have finished-please jot down your thoughts. What did you like? What didn't you like? How can we make our awesome book club better? (Also I admit it--I still have about 65 pages left).

A study in contrasts . . .

Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights also play a strong role in the story that Nellie Dean (and others) are unfolding to Lockwood. What makes these two homes so different? How do these two homes aid in the storytelling process?

The Unreliable Narrator?

This story is "retold" to Lockwood by Nellie Dean. Do you think she is a reliable narrator? Should we be taking what she says at face value?

Bienvenue!!

Welcome to The Finer Things Book Club blog! (This is my first official blog post and I feel slightly giddy.) I thought this template was particularly appropriate for a book club blog, especially in light of the fact that we are reading "Wuthering Heights" this month. (Although to tell the truth something darker and fiercer might be more appropriate for Wuthering Heights. Kris Tina, as discussion leader this month, I think you should feel free to change the look of the blog to match the novel.)

I've designated each member of the book club as an author on the blog, so y'all can initiate posts. Kris Tina will be responsible for posting about Wuthering Heights at least once this month, but y'all should feel free to both post and comment to your heart's delight. Also, I am a rookie blogger, so I think y'all should also feel free to add snazzy links, pictures, lists, etc., to the blog.

So -- as I said repeatedly to my adorable nephew, Hinckley, this weekend -- "Mark, get set, go!"