Ashley’s Comments (group member since Sep 06, 2022)

Ashley’s comments from the The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge group.

The votes are in, and our December Buddy Read winner is…
🎄 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens! 👻✨

First published in 1843, this timeless novella follows the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge as he undergoes a spiritual redemption after encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. It’s short, beautifully written, and full of heart, wit, and social commentary—making it the most beloved Christmas story of all time.

📺 Gilmore Girls tie-in: In Season 3, Episode 7, Taylor casually mentions “Tiny Tim”—proof that Dickens’ classic has worked its way into pop culture and into the lives of Stars Hollow residents (and Rory Gilmore fans alike).

Whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this is the place to share your reflections, reactions, and discoveries as we journey through Victorian London together.

🔖 Discussion prompts:
• Which of the three spirits had the greatest impact on you—and why?
• How does Scrooge’s transformation resonate in a modern context?
• Dickens critiques poverty, greed, and social inequality—what moments stood out to you in terms of empathy or justice?
• How do scenes of festivity, family, and community amplify the story’s warmth and hope?
• Why do you think A Christmas Carol continues to endure beyond the holiday season?

Spoiler tags are encouraged if you’re ahead. Curl up with a blanket, pour a cup of cocoa, and join the discussion with your fellow Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge participants! ❄️📖❤️

Poll is LIVE

Nominations are Closed!

I think you might be right Alicia, which is why I'm considering a re read, since it's been some time since I've read it and my taste has changed, and I'm more comfortable with classic literature. Maybe my perspective will change?

I felt the same way. I didn't find it very interesting.

My Nomination: Holidays on Ice – David Sedaris

Stories are explicitly about the holidays, full of winter imagery, festive spirit, and humor.
Sedaris’ voice blends satire, warmth, and gentle absurdity — the “sparkle” factor is high.

I'm not finished lol! it was a reread and I've been lazy and letting other books get in the way.

We can only do so much here, without personally sitting down and watching every episode again, and making a judgement on what to include.

Is a reference ok? Does Rory have to be seen physically reading the book.

Lots of people have done this over the years and compiled lists, were working with that info as best we can.

https://annotatedgilmoregirls.com/202...

I believe it's this reference that added it to the list

S2 Ep16

Nominations

A Christmas Carol
The Little Match Girl
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Holidays on Ice

✨ December Nominations Are Open! ❄️

As we wrap up the year, it’s time for one last reading adventure—and we’re closing things out with a touch of enchantment.

Our December theme is Magical Moments & Winter Wonders ✨

A little magic, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of heart. Think holiday cheer, whimsical tales, light fantasy, or stories set amid snowy nights and wintry skies. Whether it’s cozy magic, modern fairytales, or heartwarming classics, we want books that make the season feel just a bit brighter.

🕯️ Nominate one book you’d love to read together that fits this theme.
(As always, please check that your pick is on the Rory Gilmore list before adding it!)

❄️ A few ideas to get you inspired:
• A story that captures the magic of the holidays
• A cozy fantasy or fairy tale retelling
• A winter-set novel full of heart and wonder
• A feel-good contemporary with seasonal charm

Nominations will remain open until November 15th, after which we’ll vote to choose our final December Buddy Read of the year. 🎄📚

Let’s end the year on a note of warmth, wonder, and a little bit of magic. ✨

The votes are in, and our November Buddy Read winner is…
🥧 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! 👭✨

Originally published in 1868, this timeless classic follows the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, ambition, and the comforts (and chaos) of family life. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Little Women is more than a coming-of-age story—it’s a tender meditation on duty, creativity, and the many forms that “home” can take.

Whether you’re reading it for the first time or returning to an old favorite, this is the place to share your reflections, emotions, and discoveries as we revisit Orchard House together.

🔖 A few ideas to spark conversation:
• Which March sister do you connect with most—and has that changed since the last time you read it (if you have)?
• How do themes of family, sacrifice, and self-discovery resonate in a modern context?
• Alcott wrote under pressure to deliver a “girls’ book” but slipped in a lot of subtle commentary—what moments of quiet rebellion stand out to you?
• How does food, festivity, or the rhythm of domestic life shape the story’s warmth and realism?
• What do you think the enduring appeal of Little Women says about how we define womanhood and success?

Join in whenever you’d like—spoiler tags are encouraged if you’re ahead. Curl up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and maybe a slice of apple pie… it’s time to spend the season with the March sisters. 🍂📖💛

Gary wrote: "I thought it was supposed to be a scary story but the “monster” seems more human than some people I know even in real life. Frankenstein seems more monster than his creation."

THIS!

Excellent Cindy! This is definitely a favorite of mine! :)

Glad to have you and share in your journey!

🥧 November 2025 Group Read Nominations
Theme: Food, Family & Festivities

Nominations are now CLOSED

Poll is LIVE (through Oct 25th)! VOTE HERE

🥧 November 2025 Group Read Nominations
Theme: Food, Family & Festivities

Nominations are now CLOSED

Poll is LIVE (through Oct 25th)! VOTE HERE

Gary wrote: "I liken the theme so far to that of AI, creating a monster without regards to ethics."

This is a nice comparison Gary and an interesting way to look at it.

My Nomination: The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar by Robert Alexander

I’m taking a slightly unconventional route. The Kitchen Boy tells the story of the Romanov family’s final days, as witnessed by their young kitchen servant. Through the meals he serves and the quiet domestic rituals he observes, we see a royal family clinging to small comforts while the world outside collapses. It’s a haunting reminder that even in history’s darkest moments, the ties of family and the rituals of food and togetherness endure.

A poignant, beautifully written historical novel and a perfect “Rory” pick for fall.

Nominations added to here. Can't wait for more!

*a quick note - East of Eden was not added, as it's not on the list. I forgive you, because I thought it was on the list too... and I was bummed about it.