OffBeatBooks’s Comments (group member since Nov 30, 2017)

OffBeatBooks’s comments from the Miscellany Pages - Book Group with Variety - Expand Your Reading Horizons group.

Although I haven't found any characters in The Bonfire of the Vanities particularly likeable, they are all very intriguing. I especially like how each character can switch so quickly between optimism and pessimism, which really reflects the heady turmoil of life in 1980s New York.

Which character have you found most interesting so far?

I have reached the 25% mark of The Bonfire of the Vanities! I enjoyed reading the introduction by the author about the research he undertook that contributed to the novel - as well as the difficulties of writing "realistic" novels in a world that can be so defiantly ridiculous.

I think this almost journalistic approach to writing The Bonfire of the Vanities pays off, as it feels like a very immediate reading experience. I can almost feel the tense domestic atmosphere in Kramer's apartment or the charged buzz of the stock exchange where Sherman works.

What do you think of Wolfe's writing style so far?

Here is my mini-review of Les Mis, along with 9 helpful reading tips and a free character list download!

https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com...

I have raced through Macbeth as I got put slightly behind schedule by Les Mis! Without a doubt, for me, the most interesting character was Lady Macbeth.

Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem
Letting "I dare not" wait upon "I would"...

So the discussion question I would like to put forward is centred around her character - do you think Macbeth is only evil because of Lady Macbeth, or would he still be so without his wife's influence?

Wendy wrote: "miscellanypages wrote: "I have finally finished Les Misérables and am feeling very triumphant! The book has been a big part of my life since I started reading it at the beginning of July. I became ..."

Yes, now I know what you were talking about earlier in the discussion! I have to admit to having a bit of a love-hate relationship with Les Mis, but I really miss it now that there is no more left to read. As you say, it must be a powerful story to leave such an impression.

I have finally finished Les Misérables and am feeling very triumphant! The book has been a big part of my life since I started reading it at the beginning of July. I became so immersed in the story, particularly towards the end, that I felt a real sense of loss when I turned the last page.

Does anyone have any suggestions for another long classic that I can get lost in next?

I thought it would be nice to ask what everyone's favourite part of Les Misérables is so far?

I have just read the scene where the barricade is overcome. It was so dramatic and emotionally taut - I felt as if my heart was in my mouth the whole time!

This, for me, has definitely been the most memorable part of the story so far - I would love to hear yours!

Wendy wrote: "I read this book in high school, and I loved every page of it. I remember that when I was down to the last 50 pages or so, I actually started mourning the end of the book. I was so immersed in the ..."

I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the book when you were younger - it certainly is easy to get lost in the world of France after the Revolution. I think a lot of the more 'literary' people in my book club would stare in horror if I mentioned a condensed version but to be honest I am struggling a little through the digressions as well. It is particularly difficult as I don't understand a lot of Hugo's references. However, every time I see the characters' names again and I know we are back to the main story I get very excited, as I am thoroughly enjoying Jean Valjean's tale itself!

Les Misérables is the longest book I have ever attempted to read. I am thoroughly enjoying being immersed in the story, but at times it requires more effort than reading 'lighter' books. I think my top tip would be to break it up with shorter books in between rather than trying to finish it all in one go. I also have a character list tucked into the front of my Kindle that I jot notes onto so that I can keep track of who is who!

What would be your tips for reaching the finish line of this epic story?

Rob wrote: "I think the role of the narrator (Hugo) is very important. Without the digressions, I think Les Miserables would become just another sprawling melodrama like Count of Monte Cristo or Eugene Sue's T..."

Yes, I do not object at all to the digressions because I think they make the novel more immersive to read. Your idea that they also make the book far much more than just the story itself is interesting, I hadn't thought about it in that way before.

I am getting used to Hugo's writing style and have lots of highlights on my Kindle of beautiful, poignant quotes that seem to be scattered throughout. I haven't reached the "Tempest in a skull" section yet but will look forward to it as it sounds very special.

I am finding one of the most impressive aspects of Les Misérables is the characters - I don't think I have ever read a book with such intricate and developed characters. At times they feel almost real enough to touch!

Who is your favourite character so far?

I've reached the triumphant 50% mark of Les Misérables!

I think what makes this book different to any other that I have read before is that Victor Hugo is not only concerned with the story immediately surrounding his characters, but with creating an accurate picture of the entire country and time period in which the story takes place.

This can make it feel as if he is going off on a tangent at times, but it certainly has helped me to become absorbed in the atmosphere of post-revolutionary France.

What have you found different or unusual about the experience of reading Les Misérables?

I have now finished The Alchemist! You can read my full review here:

https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com...

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I found the philosophical insights to be a little too heavy-handed at times so they interrupted the flow of the story. What did you think?

I am about halfway through The Alchemist now and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far!

I often skip through author introductions but I am glad that I read Paul Coelho's introduction to his book, as it is an inspiring story in itself. I was amazed to hear that it only sold one copy in its first month, yet now is the most translated book in the world. It is a testament to Coelho's belief and perseverance, but also made me sad thinking about all the undiscovered gems left gathering dust in niche bookshops.

What do you think of the story so far? Is there another under-rated book you would like to see have an Alchemist-style breakthrough?

I've finished Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine! As with all books that have received such ebullient praise, I was a little apprehensive about reading it, but Gail Honeyman’s sparkling debut bestseller completely lived up to the hype.

The internet is already resplendent with reviews acclaiming its touching brilliance. So I thought I would take a personal approach to articulate the delightful experience I had in reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

Below are 20 thoughts I had while reading this novel! I would love to hear the ones you can most relate to and your own thoughts on the story, so please do share in the discussion...

https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com...

I'm nearing the end of Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, and I'd like to take back what I said at the start about not wanting to meet Eleanor in real life. Throughout the novel, she has become more kind and sympathetic, just through the little bit of human affection she starts to receive from Raymond and others. This has made me feel guilty about the fact that, initially, I would probably have been one of those people who denied her this affection. Gail Honeyman has certainly made me think hard about how we treat those a little different from us, and how we can often know so little about someone's struggles.

Has your opinion of Eleanor changed during the course of your reading?

I'm about halfway through Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine now! What I love about this book is that however odd Eleanor's behaviour may initially seem, everyone seems to find a moment they can relate to on an intensely personal level.

For me, it was the make-up counter episode. I too have always hated make-up counters. They make feel self-conscious, inadequate and completely overwhelmed by the conglomeration of products promising a new, better version of me. So when Eleanor professes that 'there was literally more chance of me purchasing weapons-grade plutonium' from the beautician, I laughed out loud and ran downstairs to show my Mum, who shares my distaste!

What is your relatable-Eleanor-Oliphant moment?

Today I hit the 100-page mark for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. What do you think of the character of Eleanor? I love reading from her perspective, I find it endearing and laugh-out-loud funny at times. However, I'm not sure she'd be on my list of characters I would like to meet in real life, an unsympathetic part of me thinks I would find her frustrating and insensitive at times. Perhaps my guilt about this is part of the point Gail Honeyman is trying to make about how people who are "different" are treated in society?

Would you want to meet Eleanor in real life?

I'm nearly at the end of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Today someone asked me what the book is about, and I found it very difficult to put into words. I think what makes Angelou's memoir so absorbing is that it is a kaleidoscope of complex relationships, wisdom, explorations of emotive issues and powerful moments such as this one:

'she would not sit beside a draft dodger who was a Negro as well. She added that the least he could do was fight for his country the way her son was fighting on Iwo Jima. The story said that the man pulled his body away from the window to show an armless sleeve. He said quietly and with great dignity, 'Then ask your son to look around for my arm, which I left over there.'

All this means the power of Angelou's memoir defies summarisation. If you had to briefly describe I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, how would you do it?

Over halfway through now!

Since starting this book, something about it felt 'different' that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I realised that I was experiencing the story from a child's perspective - something very rare in my reading now that I am an adult. I have been captivated by young Maya's unique and intensely observant view of the world. But is this perspective truly something new and unfamiliar, or have I simply forgotten what it's like to be a child?

What are your thoughts on reading a book written from a child's perspective?