Bookclub

So I started a online bookclub and the first two books went very well but the third I just got so busy but I also realized that I don't have enough time to keep up with two different blogs. So I am going to nix the bookclub blog but still have a bookclub so if you still want to play with me we are reading the Mormon Scientist. I am just going to put everyone in one place. So here is the two reviews that have already come to pass...

Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks

Devil May Care is the newest installment in the iconic James Bond series. The book was released on Ian Fleming’s birthday, May 28. Now, as I have no point of reference, (I have not read any of Fleming’s books) I don’t know if this book was true to past books. So all I have to base my opinion on is this book and of course the movies. I am pretty sure I have seen every James Bond movie there is and I admit I am a fan. But we’ll talk about that later, first the book.

I liked it. Not loved, but liked. I felt the pacing was rather slow sometimes for an action packed novel. I liked the character of James Bond and felt that it remained true to the martini guzzling, womanizing man that we have all come to love, although with a bit of a softer perhaps slightly more fragile side, especially in the beginning. Really it was the characterization of Bond that made me like this book as opposed to really not liking it.

As for the Bond babes, again I liked them, not loved. And here is a spoiler if you have not read it … I didn’t like that Poppy and Scarlet were really one person. I figured out that Scarlet was the other double O and honestly I didn’t quite believe it. Ok, so she was acting scared and stuff but she just didn’t seem tough enough. She is a double O secret agent for heaven sake and at the end she is practically weeping for Bond to love her even though she had to fake him out. The end really got it for me. So they just have this little skirmish and they bring down the nuclear toting plane and then a little jaunt through Russia and then it was over … really. When Gorner shows up did you not see that coming? He had to die, that was expected but oh I don’t know it just felt rushed. And then Scarlet’s behavior at the end which I have already mentioned just not my idea of a woman double O. Ok maybe my problem here is that I grew up on the movies not the books. Movies rely heavily on action and books not so much. Anyway. In the end, I loved Bond, the story itself was ok.

And as a mildly unrelated topic who is your favorite Bond? Mine used to be Sean Connery but I am afraid the newest Bond, Daniel Craig has taken over top spot.

Comments:

Cathie: I’m a flake. I did not read the book this month. But I do have a new grand-daughter. Gracie, born 7/20 weighed in at 4lbs 15 oz and she is doing great. I have the book for August and will start reading it today. I love reading!!!

Susie: Ok, here's the thing...I just don't care for James Bond. I've only seen one movie and I haven't read any of the books but everyone knows who he is and what his character is all about. As for the book, I didn't really like it. The plot was alright, the characters were predictable and boring and I only finished the book so I could say that I didn't like it! I probably won't read another James Bond book unless it's for another book group.

DeAnne: I did read this book again it was a first for me. I think I have seen most of the OO7 movies except for the Daniel Craig ones. This was a fun to read but like Liz I liked the book not loved it. I felt that the Bond character was so weak. But he always gets what he wants in the end. I also wasn't so keen on the Poppy/Scarlet character being one person either. And like you Liz I didn't feel she made a very good secret agent. I also think I will read another OO7 book just to compare. My favorite movie Bond is Roger Moore. Don't even know why just he is my favorite.



Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

This is one of the most famous opening lines of all time.

I read a review that said, “Jane and Bingley fall in love so quickly as to easily get them out of the way of Elizabeth and Darcy.” I have to admit although I love the quick and sweet love between Jane and Bingley it is the tumultuous and difficult romance of Elizabeth and Darcy that entices me to read Pride and Prejudice over and over again. “It is frustrating enough when one person refuses to fall in love, but when both refuse, we cannot rest until they kiss.”

Not only is it a great love story, it is a great story of relationships. The relationship between Elizabeth and Jane is sweet and tender. The relationship between Elizabeth and her parents, especially her father and the relationship between all the sisters, don’t you want to kill Lydia sometimes. The book is also full of humor. I don’t know if sometimes it is meant to be funny but honestly, I laugh out loud at some of the situations.

One of my favorite lines is, “I might more easily forgive his vanity had he not wounded mine.” The wonder that is Austin is her ability to deliver the truth. As I was reading there were so many great lines, I should have taken a highlighter to my book so I would not forget them. The setting of the book is so perfect. The time period too, the rules of decorum and how those rules are broken. I feel so much pain for Jane and Elizabeth and Lydia runs off and ruins all of their reputations. They understand the consequences even if no one else seems to understand. But in the end it really is Lydia running off that opens Elizabeth’s eyes to how kind and generous Mr. Darcy really is and she is able to overcome her pride and prejudice. Sometimes I wonder what happens to Lydia. Jane and Elizabeth take in Kitty and we are told she greatly improves and Mary is happy to be at home with her books but Lydia is stuck I wonder how her story ends.

I was surprised by how many had not read this book so I am interested to see what you all thought… who was your favorite character? What was your favorite scene? Did you like it?

Comments:

Andrea: That is a really great blog for the book. And I so agree with so much of it. Amazing book about relationships - the struggles, the heartache, the tenderness, all of it. Very poignant. I found myself reading and often laughing out loud one moment and almost crying the next. Truly a book about seeing beyond mere superficiality and reaching/looking for beauty from within.

DeAnne: Liz, so glad you decided to have this book club. I have not read Pride and Prejudice before. I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't usually read love stories but this seems different. I agree with Andrea that it is an amazing book about relationships. It also made me laugh and cry. Jane is probably my favorite character. She is more reserved and gentle and pleasant to be around. Elizabeth is sensible, intellent and quick-witted (like I wish I could be) but sharp at times. I would rather be in Jane's company. She is more comfortable. I liked how Darcy learns to admire and love Elizabeth for her strong character. I liked reading about the social classes and how they reacted to each other. I just found this to be a very interesting book and will read it again. I'm not sure what my favorite part is but toward the end Elizabeth says, "Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her.", really touched me. Just wonderful writing.

Susan: I haven't been able to finish this book. I was really hesitant to start it but fell in love with it right away. I love how well Jane Austin was able to paint a picture for me. It reminds me so much of Little Women that I find that I've created the characters in my mind to look the same in both books. I look forward to being able to finish it at some point.

Cathie: I love this novel, I enjoyed the glimpse that you get into that era, the way they think and feel. I remember thinking as I read the book that it gives you a good look at how easy it is to misunderstand someone and take what they say or do wrong. Darcy and Elizabeth seem to do that constantly. It’s a good thing they actually got together with all the wrong perceptions they were coming up with concerning each other. I thought more than once that the mother was just a tad over the edge but when you think about a girls life in that time if she didn’t marry, you can understand how concerned she might be about her daughters. I’m glad that it was a happy ending and everyone left with the right person. I would like to know what happened to Lydia and Wickham. There was definitely another book there.

Elizabeth: I agree, Susan, that Austin is able to paint a picture that makes you feel liek you are there and that is definately one of the reasons that I love it so much. Cathie, I too think that sometimes the mom comes across as WAY too much but then in reflection she was honestly worried. Can you imagine leaving daughters with nothing and no hope, no job, no way to support. I think marriage pressure is bad today think about how vital it was to get married back then. Dede I agree also that the writing style itself is so beautiful, sometimes I wish we still spoke with such grace. I am glad that you all liked it. Please feel free to keep commenting.

Susie: I just love this book! I love the characters and how they develop in the story. Lizzy is definitely my favorite. She has a quick wit and strong will that captivates me. One of my favorite lines from the book that she says is, "The more I know of the world the less satisfied I am with it." I feel the same way. I hate watching the news and hearing all the yucky stuff going on out there. I love Mr. Bennet's sense of humor. He knows that his wife is an idiot and annoying and loves teasing her any chance that he can get. I guess it goes to show that you shouldn't marry someone based on looks alone or you might end up with a Mrs. Bennet on your hands. Overall, this book is great and I would recommend it to anyone.