Bionic Jean’s Comments (group member since Apr 06, 2024)

Bionic Jean’s comments from the Litwit Lounge group.

Sorry John, I don't know anyone who has this syndrome, but I wish you both well.

Thanks for your replies, both 🙂

Edit - Werner I might have give the wrong impression here ... I've understood and accept your reasoning each time there has been a slow group read. We're of an age, and certainly this year my reading has been dominated by just two books, which is not a situation I'm altogether happy with.

That aside though, I thought you might not have realised the significance of our "occasional" days off. It's not just that the read is slower than modern readers usually read, but that the breaks come where the original readers had to wait a month. So those specific breaks allow for similar reactions to (and reflections on) cliffhangers which might easily be missed when reading straight through.

Werner, have you noticed how the read of Martin Chuzzlewit is deliberately structured to echo the original? As you say it is a chapter per day, and the "occasional" breaks come at the end of each installment.

There were 20 installments over 18 months and we are taking 3 months, so are reading it 6 times as fast as they could, but I suspect with the same sense of dramatic suspense - or as much as 21st readers can sustain!

There is a very good film of The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, Reggia, with an excellent cast.

Oddly enough, I have known about the film music for longer than either! It is on a CD of music by Richard Rodney Bennett, and my brother and I (who both played his piano music) both commented on the "romantic" title, but just thought it was programme music. Years later, after he had died, I heard of the film, and since Goodreads, the initial book! It all seemed to happen backwards ...

Please let us know if you enjoy it 🙂

You've got some interesting books there, Werner!

You're welcome Vickie. I hope you end up loving it too!

Yes, it does Vickie! In fact it's one of my favourites of hers! 🥰

But it is different from the huge middle ones: more contemplative and gentle. A lovely book to complete her too-short life; she was ill when she wrote it.

That's hopeful news 🙂

You have my sympathies too Werner! I always seems ironic that technological "improvements" always take so long to sort out. I hope yours improves soon, so that you can spent time with your family without a niggling worry.

Thanks Reggia - and I'm so pleased you got a copy of the book you were looking for 😊

Well, what do you know, Goodreads have responded with a full and complete apology! Good for them ... they also say that their initial assessment was incorrect, and that my review does comply with their guidelines. And other nice things.

I know we moan about the blips, and the cutbacks in GR features, but I do believe they try to maintain a safe and fair site, so I'm very happy to have that confirmed 😊

Well this is the first time this has happened to me in the 12 years I've been on Goodreads. A review of mine of a contemporary folk horror novel has been flagged for "containing excessive content quoted from the book" and GR say they will take it down in 5 days if it still doesn't conform to their guidelines.

I reckon my quotes are "fair use" but have asked for details. Anyway, if you'd like to read it, this may be your last chance LINK HERE

And I'd be interested to hear if anyone else's reviews have ever been flagged.

Sorry, no.

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jean's review

American Notes for General Circulation by Charles Dickens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an amazing account of his travels - and one which could only have been written by Dickens!

Jean's review

Not to worry Vickie - like both of you I usually have my nose in a book - but this one is so Big here!

That sounds great Werner! I think local events like that are a good way to raise awareness, too.

That's my favourite, Vickie 😊 It's a good year for it too - the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. So I definitely want to fit in a reread of one of her novels this year, as well.

There are lots of celebratory events planned in England, particularly in Hampshire where she was born and lived much of her life. Numerous events and celebrations are planned throughout the year in locations like Winchester Cathedral, Jane Austen's House, Chawton, and Bath. All these events will honour her work and life, with Jane Austen's fans welcome to join in the festivities.

Are there any celebrations planned in the USA, do you know?

"In my book" - 😁🤣 Reggia!

😄