Gail Carriger Fan Group discussion

And so continues The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read-Along!
(See the Info & Schedule post here for all the details.)

For our next read - to be digested two weeks this time, January 7th-20th - we begin the Finishing School series with Book the First: Etiquette & Espionage!

Ready? Set? Read!

Then come back to discuss! What was your favorite part? Best character & why? Favorite line/quote? Share your beloved moments!

Also, per Gail, here are the E&E discussion questions:
+Who is your favorite character from these books?
+Who’s story arc do you enjoy the most?
+Who surprised you?
+What was the most shocking reveal from this first book?
+Any cross over characters surprises? Who were you shocked to see show up and who did you want to see but didn’t?

And don't forget to check out Lady Gail's extras:
DVD Extras
The Teachers at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing School
If Etiquette & Espionage Were Illustrated by Silvana Bevilacqua

Now the question is...should I go ahead and finish my reread of W&W only to reread it in a few weeks...or stop, go back and read E&E...? I’m doing audiobooks this time so I’m going through them quickly. (I’m in the car for over an hour every day.) 😉

I’ll probably start E&E in the morning. Lol

I put on the audiobook and settled in for a cozy snowy Sunday...I ended up dozing off.
So yeah, I have to start it over, but it lead to some pretty awesome dreams in the parasolverse.

And now to relisten while awake.

I actually just read this at the beginning of December, but I don't mind an early re-visit. I'll be starting tonight or tomorrow.

The E&E discussion questions included:

Who is your favorite character from these books?
Who’s story arc do you enjoy the most?
Who surprised you?
What was the most shocking reveal from this first book?
Any cross over characters surprises? Who were you shocked to see show up and who did you want to see but didn’t?

I’ve read this before, but this time I’m listening to the audiobook. And the audiobook is amazing! I especially love the voice Ms. Quirk uses for Lady Linette. As a Yank, I’m not totally sure what part of England that dialect is from, maybe northish? But it reminds me of Paul Hollywood from the Great British Bake Off, and I keep waiting for Lady Linette to scold one her students by saying “it’s ovaweerrkt!” Haha! I could listen to it all day, and it’s going by way too quickly! Luckily Ms Quirk narrates more of the books! Her pacing and dialects along with Ms. Carriger’s writing is perfection!

Stacy wrote: "I’ve read this before, but this time I’m listening to the audiobook. And the audiobook is amazing! I especially love the voice Ms. Quirk uses for Lady Linette. As a Yank, I’m not totally sure what ..."
I am so glad you like her she is lovely and a joy to listen to!

I’m nearly 100 pages in and I’m loving this book just as much as ever. Gail’s writing is so entertaining whether it’s Ya or Adult. I just love these books and I’m glad I caught wind of this reread before it was too late!!

This book was my first introduction to the Parasolverse, so it's really fun to go back and reread it now that I have a better understanding of the universe. Looking forward to catching things I didn't know to look out for in my first read-through.

Just finished my re-read of E&E, I enjoyed it as much as the first time I read it. Originally I read this series after the parasol protectorate books and it gave me an insight into some of the characters as youngsters. my favourite character in this book would have to be Sophronia, she so very much wants to be accepted for who she is. Sidheag Lady Kingair's story is one that intrigues me as it developes through the series it gives a bit of background to the future leader of the Kingair pack. I was most surprised when I first read E&E to encounter a very young Genevieve Lefoux and to see where she grew up and how she developed in to the character she becomes, she's already started to develop her love of hats. I'm looked forward to starting the next book.

“What is so dangerous about a robin in a bowler?”

Sidheag is one of my favorite characters. I read Finishing School first, so I was so glad when she showed up in the Parasol Protectorate.

Sara wrote: "“What is so dangerous about a robin in a bowler?”"

I highlighted this passage too, wanting to know the significance. Did I miss something in other books?

I both love and hate when people ask who my favorite character is because Soap! Sophronia! Sidheag! Dimity! Agatha! Vieve! Basically most of the characters because I love them and they're all written so well! I remember reading this series a while ago, so there's certain things I vaguely know the rest of (like the dance boy) but I can't remember the specifics of (like names or whys or hows)

This was my first introduction into the Parasolverse and Gail Carriger. Full disclosure, the title drew me in, the cover won me over (yes, I judge books by their covers) and the story hooked me. The minute the trifle landed on Mrs. Barnaclegoose's head, I was a goner. As much as I love Sophronia, I have to say there are so many other characters who win me over too, not least of all Dimity, Soap, Vieve and Pillover. This book was just too delightful for me not to love and when I finished what was the published series at the time, just the first 2 books I immediately set out to see what else Gail Carriger wrote and found Parasol Protectorate. I haven't been disappointed since. Thanks Gail!

Nicqui wrote: "This was my first introduction into the Parasolverse and Gail Carriger. Full disclosure, the title drew me in, the cover won me over (yes, I judge books by their covers) and the story hooked me. Th..."

Well I'm so glad you found me! And that the cover worked.

I'm like 30% through, but this quote tickled me immensely:

‘What does “London hours” imply?’ Dimity grinned. ‘Breakfast at noon, morning calls around three, tea at five, supper at eight, entertainment all evening, and bed by one or two.

Now I know. I am not a night owl, I'm simply keeping 'London hours' (living in London not being the only excuse for it) 😂😂😂🦉🦉🦉🌃🌃🌃

Loved that bit!

Skye (Skye's Scribblings) wrote: "And so continues The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read-Along!
(See the Info & Schedule post here for all the details.)

For our next read - to be digested two weeks this time, January 7th-20th - we beg..."

What happened to sidheags mother and father? Im reading and at the part where she is explaining how Lord Macon is actually her great great great great ...great lol grandfather and she was raised by the pack yes... but where are her mum and pops?

Bookworm wrote: "Skye (Skye's Scribblings) wrote: "And so continues The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read-Along!
(See the Info & Schedule post here for all the details.)

For our next read - to be digested two weeks th..."

Good question, I have no idea...

This was my third time reading this one. I got it originally through NetGalley and fell in love. Even though I have read through the entire Parasolverse twice, I am just as entertained by these books as I was the first time. In fact, knowing what is going to happen actually slows me down in reading and I’m paying more attention to the word choice.

This book specifically hooked me when Sophronia fell out of the dumb waiter, and cemented in when she took the reigns of the carriage and rescued Monique.

I love the audio books for these, but the waiting list for the first 2 books is crazy!!

Abby wrote: "This was my third time reading this one. I got it originally through NetGalley and fell in love. Even though I have read through the entire Parasolverse twice, I am just as entertained by these boo..."

This is awesome to read, Abby. I love knowing my stuff stands up to a reread (and it's kinda nice to know the audiobook waitlist is long, too) .

Gail wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "This was my first introduction into the Parasolverse and Gail Carriger. Full disclosure, the title drew me in, the cover won me over (yes, I judge books by their covers) and the stor..."

It has been a wonderful ride. Every time I reread the series it feels just as good as the first time.

Abby wrote: "This was my third time reading this one. I got it originally through NetGalley and fell in love. Even though I have read through the entire Parasolverse twice, I am just as entertained by these boo..."

"This book specifically hooked me when Sophronia fell out of the dumb waiter, and cemented in when she took the reigns of the carriage and rescued Monique."

Specifically, this was also where I got hooked too.

Done!

Sophronia! Sophronia! Sophronia!

May I un-adult and grow up as Sophronia again? I love her naturally scheming unbridled spirit of eternal ramble.

I love her, her friendships, the quartet with Sidheag

Fave quotes- a lot, but these are some I highlighted on my kindle:

"‘What does “London hours” imply?’ Dimity grinned. ‘Breakfast at noon, morning calls around three, tea at five, supper at eight, entertainment all evening, and bed by one or two."

"Sophronia was minding her own business and running late to luncheon, as was her custom. She’d yet to learn the advantage of punctuality."

"Her expression was that of a woman with multiple children who was no longer surprised by anything they did, up to and including arriving home from finishing school in an airdinghy."


"Dimity looked at her, still recovering. ‘Really, Sophronia, it makes me most uncomfortable how you manage to sort everything out every time I faint.’ "

"Dimity yelled, ‘Oh, wait, I forgot! Pillover. Can we bring him? I suspect Mama might have forgotten he needs a lift. She can be very absentminded when she’s being evil.’"




+Who is your favorite character from these books?
So far (and yes this is my first read) Sophronia, Vieve, Soap
+Who’s story arc do you enjoy the most?
The prototype story was diverting enough.
+Who surprised you?
Dimity and Pill with their operative cooperation towards the end.
+What was the most shocking reveal from this first book?
The school's existence in the first place.
+Any cross over characters surprises? Vieve was intersting even as a child.

All in all ready, for the next one. :)

Skye (Skye's Scribblings) wrote: "And so continues The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read-Along!
(See the Info & Schedule post here for all the details.)

For our next read - to be digested two weeks this time, January 7th-20th - we beg..."

Is it odd I always picture the sooties singing and dancing like in an old musical. Very choreographed and Soap would be the leader...as the sootie mayor. They have to scatter as the song ends and the adults notice or come by

Justyna wrote: "Done!

Sophronia! Sophronia! Sophronia!

May I un-adult and grow up as Sophronia again? I love her naturally scheming unbridled spirit of eternal ramble.

I love her, her friendships, the quartet w..."

I love that this is your first read. The books are just as engaging everytime I reread them. You highlighted some of my favourite parts too. It kind of nice to know you aren't just unable to sleep but rather, are keeping London hours.

The description of this school made me want to desperately go there. The only other time I've felt this overwhelming feeling to escape to a school was to Hogwarts way back in the 90s.

Bookworm wrote: "Is it odd I always picture the sooties singing and dancing like in an old musical. "

I'd definitely blame Mary Poppins. That's what inspired my mental imagery of the sooties. :D

I am thoroughly enjoying this read along and getting to read everyone’s thoughts and comments. It is amazing to hear about all the different things each person gets/takes away from the books. So glad I decided to do this. I love Bumbersnoot

This was my third time reading this book (once on paper and twice as an audiobook in the car). I still love it. One of my favorite parts that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Mrs. Barnaclegoose’s reaction at the end. I also love how Sophronia realizes that flattery can go a long way with people. I really want to know more about Mrs. B. I feel like her story could be interesting.

Elizabeth wrote: "This was my third time reading this book (once on paper and twice as an audiobook in the car). I still love it. One of my favorite parts that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Mrs. Barnaclegoose’s react..."

Definitely Mrs. Barnaclegoose. I would love to know her backstory, how she got acquainted with the school and if she has made any other recommendations to the school in the past. To see the contents of the recommendation letter for Sophronia. I'd also really love to know if she does work for the school right now.

I have no idea how many times I’ve read the series. At least six. Probably more. One of these days I’m going to teach it with my hero’s journey cycle. I just need a class that isn’t 8:1 ratio boys to girls. As much as I think they would enjoy it, high school boys will rise up over a “girl” book.

I have so much love for this book. I came to the Parasolverse from Soulless, so it was lovely to re-discover characters from their youth. I also will always and forever love Dimity and Agatha - Agatha in particular deserves more love.

Can't wait to move on to the next book!

Gail, me too!
I would love to teach this as a heroes journey unit. I'm dying for a Bunsons book to hook my boys too!

On Friday one boy hadn't done his book report (they had the entire term) and wanted a book to read over the long weekend that would get him his points as a last chance, I'd talked up E&E, and he remembered it when I pulled a handful of books out, so I told him to read that and I'd guarantee a pass for the assignment- if he can convince me he really read it.
Let's see if he does!

Stephanie wrote: "I have so much love for this book. I came to the Parasolverse from Soulless, so it was lovely to re-discover characters from their youth. I also will always and forever love Dimity and Agatha - Aga..."

I liked Agatha too. I'd love for Gail to do a novella on her - to know more about her past and future.

Caiti wrote: "Gail, me too!
I would love to teach this as a heroes journey unit. I'm dying for a Bunsons book to hook my boys too!

On Friday one boy hadn't done his book report (they had the entire term) and w..."

Oooh, I hope he reads it. I think he would enjoy reading Sophronia's adventures if he could see past her being a girl.

A series following Pillover's adventures at Bunson's would be a treat. I'd even gobble up a novella.

Nicqui wrote: "I love that this is your first read. The books are just as engaging everytime I reread them. You highlighted some of my favourite parts too. It kind of nice to know you aren't just unable to sleep but rather, are keeping London hours.

The description of this school made me want to desperately go there. The only other time I've felt this overwhelming feeling to escape to a school was to Hogwarts way back in the 90s.

"

Ha ha yes. if anyone ever tries to make me go to bed early, this will be my go too excuse, especially as I work 10 to 6 so even in the morning I am not a way off.

I remember I bought the book when it came out in 2013, and then somehow got busy and never started it (because let's face it, once you start it, it usually goes fast).

Then more and more books kept coming, and with my hectic London hours keeping life, somehow didn't really give me a moment to sit down and figure out what was next and what was after what.

I am super happy we are all doing this, because finally I have my incentive. So psyched to redo -less books, and read everything else for the first time <3

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I love that this is your first read. The books are just as engaging everytime I reread them. You highlighted some of my favourite parts too. It kind of nice to know you aren't just u..."

I especially love gushing about all my fave parts with someone. I've shared the series and the whole Parasolverse with so many friends just to have someone to talk with about them.

Nicqui wrote: "I especially love gushing about all my fave parts with someone. I've shared the series and the whole Parasolverse with so many friends just to have someone to talk with about them. ."

Gushing is always good and I'm always up for it. I remember when I read The Deathly Hallows on the night and next morning of the day it came out and NONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS DONE IT YET.

It was pure torture. All for gushing definitely :)

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I especially love gushing about all my fave parts with someone. I've shared the series and the whole Parasolverse with so many friends just to have someone to talk with about them. ...."

This was me with Half-Blood Prince. For Deathly Hallows I tried to stretch it out as much as humanly possible because I didn't want the story to end.

I think I've read the Parasolverse about 5 times already just because of how much I love it. I read everything for the first time in about 2014 and keep rereading everything every time a new book comes out. Did the same thing for Harry Potter series while it was happening.

Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I especially love gushing about all my fave parts with someone. I've shared the series and the whole Parasolverse with so many friends just to have someone to talk wi..."

I like your dedication. I am now rereading most of the Shadohunter books, between QOAAD and The Red Scrolls and The Golden Chain, so I feel you. I think it's a good approach to employ, with those multivolumed series.

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I especially love gushing about all my fave parts with someone. I've shared the series and the whole Parasolverse with so many friends just to have som..."

I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Queen of Air and Darkness to read then I'll be caught up.

Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Queen of Air and Darkness to read then I'll be caught up. "
I've read and reread 'Queen...' already, but am waiting for 'Ghosts...' to come out as a book in June. Can't wait.

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Queen of Air and Darkness to read then I'll be ca..."

I haven't gotten my copy of 'Queen..' yet.

Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Queen of Air and Darkness to read..."

Were you sensible and got the loot box? I completely missed it.

If not then I'm sorry you're still waiting. <3

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Queen of Air and D..."

I was not sensible. 😔 It's okay, I'm reading a whole bunch of things in the meantime... not to mention this readalong. In fact, I completely forgot about it until you mentioned it.

Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series to read and Qu..."

It is very much worth it, It's why I am doing two rereads simultaneously right now- both Parasolverse and Shadowhunters books.

Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "Justyna wrote: "Nicqui wrote: "I'm almost up-to-date on the Shadowhunters books. I have a few short stories from the Ghosts of the Shadow Market series..."

I remember the second TDA book ended on drama so I'll try to speed up my acquisition.

Just finished The first in the Finishing School series and it was just as much fun the second time around!

Summer wrote: "Just finished The first in the Finishing School series and it was just as much fun the second time around!"

Hooray, lets hope they keep going in that vein.