As always, I’m happy to read almost anything. Interesting that you mentioned “Little Women,” @Mary13 – I’m not sure if I’ve ever read that! If I did, I don’t remember it at all, although I know the basic storyline.
I read “Educated” for my RL Book Club, and it’s also a selection for my summer “Books on the Beach” group. Could be interesting to pair it with “Cheaper By the Dozen.”
I could actually be up for rereading Little Women, though my favorite Alcott book is Rose in Bloom. Alternatively we could read Geraldine Brook’s March which has been on my “To read” list for years. Ambitious people could read both.
I haven’t had a chance to read The Weight of Ink yet but have just requested it from the library. Staying away from reading the discussion posts until then.
I’m intrigued by the choices for the next book. I haven’t read anything but fluff this summer because I didn’t have the time for anything serious. My choices in order of preference:
*Daisy Jones and the Six/i Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI Educated with Cheaper by the Dozen. I’ve read the first but not the second. Rereading isn’t an option for Educated since I would be around 600 to get it from the library but I hope to remember enough to contribute.
*Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine/i.
If Little Women is a choice then I’m all for it. It’s been years since I read it and I would enjoy reading it again.
All good observations. Following up on @mathmom’s comment, I looked through our past titles and there’s definitely a gap in the Hispanic/Latino literature department.
A pairing of Little Women and March would be fun! I’ve never read the latter, perhaps because I didn’t want to destroy my childlike, idyllic view of the March family. But I think I could handle it. @CBBBlinker, if you haven’t read Little Women, you should add it to your (long) reading list. The book has a lot of substance – there’s more to it than ever makes it into the various film adaptations.
I really like the Educated / Cheaper by the Dozen pairing, too, but I can see that waiting another round until Educated is more accessible might be a good idea.
^ So I’d say those are my my top three choices, in no particular order. But I am open to everything–including vetoes. Anything is fine with me! I just like to be here.
Just finished reading the book. Really liked it but felt that the Shakespeare connection was contrived. Also, philosophy-wise, Ester’s jump to “everything is moved by desire” felt underwhelming and stereotypically female - but I’m not an expert although I was interested in philosophy for a while.
I didn’t see it mentioned: Helen herself explains very well why she left Dror - because he would’ve killed her at Masada. It’s not only that his country would always mean more to him than his wife, it’s that he would be willing to sacrifice not only himself but his family if he thought it necessary, and his wife wouldn’t have a say in the matter, or in anything that may touch his professional life. She didn’t want to feel powerless, just like Ester.
Amazingly, I had friends with a similar history to Aaron and Marisa - she moved to Israel without telling her boyfriend she was pregnant. They are now happily married with three kids.
One other thing that caught my attention was the novel’s take on the famously uptight British character as viewed by Aaron, who had to go through several life-altering events to finally get beyond the cold and reserved facade. Although Patricia is an Irish name and the stereotypical Irish are very different
Greta Gerwig is making a movie adaptation of “little women” - I’m in!
I’ve never read this classic. It seems like a lovely world to inhabit for while - some of the selections seem heavy - Educated, The house of Broken Angels (too close to depressing events ) Killers of the Flower Moon ?
I can go with Little Women; March - no. I don’t “want to destroy my childlike, idyllic view of the March family.” Like @Mary13 I could handle it but don’t want to. I don’t want to forever think of Mr. March portrayed as other than the good father of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Anyway it sounds depressing. (I’m nudging veto here for March - remembrances of NJTM.)
Can we substitute Invincible Louisa instead? We haven’t dabbled in biography.
How about “Little Women” and “Rose in Bloom”? Maybe that would be a happier pairing? I always have a tough time with heavy and sad books. Thanks to those who are helping us steer toward lighter ones.
Whatever happened to “Where the Crawdads Sing?” That was one of the books being suggested when “Weight of Ink” was chosen. Is that a happier, lighter book? Just curious.
Decision Made: Let’s read Little Women. It’s timely because of the new movie and I promise enjoyment for those who have never read it, like @SouthJerseyChessMom (shocking!).
We could just go with Little Women as a standalone; it’s certainly strong enough. But since there has been a lot of talk of pairing, I’ll add the suggestion that we could pair it with Little Men. I think that might provide an opportunity for some interesting discussion on the raising of girls vs. boys, both in 19th and 21st century America.
What’s your preference: Do you want to read Little Women all by itself or pair it with something else (the sequel Little Men or any of the other suggestions above)?
Pretty sure I have a copy of Little Women in the back of the bookcase; I’m good! There seems to be a lot more in that trailer than I remember from the book!
At least I’m still ready to be annoyed with Meryl Streep characters after season 2 of Big Little Lies. What does she want to play next - Miss Pittypat from GWTW? Wicked Witch of the West?
I know I suggested Invincible Louisa but I like the fact that it’s a biography. Events in Louisa’s life turn up in Little Women. I always find that interesting.
@mathmom: Your post #157 made me laugh. Poor Louisa changed from invincible to invisible. So definitely my kind of error, not yours. LOL
