OT: The Scarlet Letter

[Anita]

Just popping in (prematurely) to proclaim how delicious “The Scarlet Letter” is. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed Hawthorne, though he does take a little getting used to. I’m still in the Custom House, mind you, but the scene, purpose, and characterizations — everything — are so sensibly and insightfully written... It’s like steak and red wine for my brain. I feel like a bona fide grown up.

Can’t wait to get in to actual, meaningful discussion about this novel. I’m very much looking forward to November 26th! (It is the 26th, right?)

[tanya]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Nov. 28. I don't even have my book yet! Hopefully they are in the office waiting for Michelle and me! We've been in North Dakota playing in the snow.

Tanya

[pickandgrin]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Anita, I know! I haven't read it since high school and only remembered that an actual scarlet letter was involved...somewhere. Profound remembrance, I know. I started it Monday night and I'm already giggling. I didn't remember it being funny at all but he's got some great one liners.

"...this is a sanctuary into which womankind, with her tools of magic, the broom and mop, has very infrequent access."

[Anita]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Anita, I know! I haven't read it since high school and only remembered that an actual scarlet letter was involved...somewhere. Profound remembrance, I know. I started it Monday night and I'm already giggling. I didn't remember it being funny at all but he's got some great one liners.

"...this is a sanctuary into which womankind, with her tools of magic, the broom and mop, has very infrequent access."

There are whole paragraphs I could quote in which he builds such an astute insight into characters... it’s a delight to read, it really is. No offense to Prim or anyone who loved, enjoyed or defended her — truly! I’m not trying to pick a fight here — but this is what I meant when I said Prim lacked good characterization. Contrast Prim with Letter: it’s just no contest. I’m still going to have nit picks and such with Letter, I’m sure, so Hawthorne doesn’t totally get a pass. But I can much more easily engage in debate and discussion in Hawthorne’s ground than Prim’s; there’s just so much more to dig.

[Aquila]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

I haven't read it in years and it is an incredibly well written book. A couple of years ago I discovered a collection of Greek myths he had rewritten into a book called Tanglewood Tales. Our library once had it, but I recently noticed that they brought in the digital version instead. Looks like another book I need to add to my shelf. It is sad when my house needs to become the depository for unjustly ousted physical books, even if I have easy access. What would Carnegie think?

When I am retired from homeschooling I am tempted to volunteer on the library board and make book acquisition suggestions.

[Anita]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Do it, Catherine!

My husband is on a similar mission. He’s been buying up books from Easton Press, the Folio Society, used books, rare books, first editions, and on and on and on for years. I have reminded him — too many times to count — “Our house is not replacing the Library at Alexandria, dear.” But I suspect we will eventually turn it into a membership library for classics lovers. We’ll add on a large facility in back of our house where people can come to read. (Where’s Mary? We had a whole discussion about the perfect library on the boards several months ago. There was a show down about whether or not to install a coffee bar... )

[Michael]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Nov. 28. I don't even have my book yet! Hopefully they are in the office waiting for Michelle and me! We've been in North Dakota playing in the snow.

Tanya

They are

[Mom2mthj]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Where did I miss an upcoming discussion of the scarlet letter?

[pickandgrin]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Dorinda,
It's the next book in the MP office book club and the homeschoolers are riding the coattails again. Tanya mentioned it on the Miss Prim thread. Discussion begins on November 28!

With free shipping for November, everyone can get their copy straight from MP. https://www.memoriapress.com/curricu...et-letter-set/

[Anita]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Dorinda,
It's the next book in the MP office book club and the homeschoolers are riding the coattails again. Tanya mentioned it on the Miss Prim thread. Discussion begins on November 28!

With free shipping for November, everyone can get their copy straight from MP. https://www.memoriapress.com/curricu...et-letter-set/

THERE’S A SET?! (Geeking out, rushing to order discussion guide)

[Girlnumber20]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

How are you all going to finish reading by the 28th? There is no way I can finish reading SL by then. wait. Unless maybe I put down ThePrimeofMissJeanBrodieLastChildintheWoodsFathera ndIwereRanchersTheSchoolsweNeedandWhyweDon'tHaveTh emandtheoldtranslationofKristenamongotherthings. Then, maybe.

I need to fix my reading habits.

[Aquila]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

How are you all going to finish reading by the 28th? There is no way I can finish reading SL by then. wait. Unless maybe I put down ThePrimeofMissJeanBrodieLastChildintheWoodsFathera ndIwereRanchersTheSchoolsweNeedandWhyweDon'tHaveTh emandtheoldtranslationofKristenamongotherthings. Then, maybe.

I need to fix my reading habits.

Eventually the pile will be big enough to use as a substitute night table!

[Anita]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

How are you all going to finish reading by the 28th? There is no way I can finish reading SL by then. wait. Unless maybe I put down ThePrimeofMissJeanBrodieLastChildintheWoodsFathera ndIwereRanchersTheSchoolsweNeedandWhyweDon'tHaveTh emandtheoldtranslationofKristenamongotherthings. Then, maybe.

I need to fix my reading habits.

This made me snort.

I am a shameless book adulterer. I’m constantly cheating on one book with another. Polyamorous might be a good tongue in cheek term for this. That’s why I like book clubs. They force me to be monogamous for at least one month.

[Anita]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Eventually the pile will be big enough to use as a substitute night table!

YES! My husband and I both have beautiful nightstands... buried under towering piles of books. I finally slashed mine into a slightly smaller tower of three. Plus a kindle. I tried just one book but that didn’t last.

[Aquila]

Re: OT: The Scarlet Letter

Do it, Catherine!

My husband is on a similar mission. He’s been buying up books from Easton Press, the Folio Society, used books, rare books, first editions, and on and on and on for years. I have reminded him — too many times to count — “Our house is not replacing the Library at Alexandria, dear.” But I suspect we will eventually turn it into a membership library for classics lovers. We’ll add on a large facility in back of our house where people can come to read. (Where’s Mary? We had a whole discussion about the perfect library on the boards several months ago. There was a show down about whether or not to install a coffee bar... )

We may not agree on coffee shops in libraries, but at least we can agree on including some of the physical great books on their shelves. On another thread, a couple people gave me some great suggestions for books. I have been busy ordering. Unfortunately, they are paperback. I enjoy Easton Press, Franklins and Folios. I try and pick them up at book sales. They are so lovely.