The Reading Challenge Group discussion

I read Jane Slayre: The Literary Classic with a Blood-Sucking Twist which was pretty good but have not read the story it was adapted from.

Hmm. I adore this book so much that it's hard for me to put myself in your Charlotte hating shoes. Jane Eyre is a bit like three novels in one. The first one deals with her crushing childhood. (I don't know if you've gotten past those years.) I suppose I loved that in spite of all the misery, Jane's spirit wasn't crushed. In fact, she rose above and made something of herself. I love that she wouldn't be broken and maintained her grace throughout.

The second part is the gothic part with Mr. Rochester. I loved all the mystery and intrigue. I loved watching Rochester fall for her kindness, humility, and generosity of soul. And I LOVED the shock of the madwoman in the attic. So unexpected. The emotional wrenching!!

And the third part is how Jane heals herself in the aftermath. It's so much about inner strength, forgiveness and redemption. I loved that Jane was small and unloved and undervalued, but was so full of love and integrity and generosity and true value that she could redeem even the most tragic, miserable, lost soul.

Very Good, Indeed, Renee!!! Both your commentary and the book. :)

Thanks, Melissa! Heheh. Perhaps I got carried away. But if Iasa keeps coming back to it, there's definitely something in it for her b

Renee wrote: "Hmm. I adore this book so much that it's hard for me to put myself in your Charlotte hating shoes. Jane Eyre is a bit like three novels in one. The first one deals with her crushing childhood. (I d..."

Same here, Renee. I don't even know how many times I've read this book--6 or 7, I think,

I have never been able to decide if I want to read it or not. Everyone seems to love it or hate it.

When thinking of the Brontës, I'm always reminded of Kate Beaton's comic:



"Anne why are you writing books about how alcoholic losers ruin people's lives? Don't you see that romanticizing douchey behavior is the proper literary convention in this family! Honestly."

People who don't enjoy Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre may simply be an Anne. :D

Renee wrote: "Hmm. I adore this book so much that it's hard for me to put myself in your Charlotte hating shoes. Jane Eyre is a bit like three novels in one. The first one deals with her crushing childhood. (I d..."

I am currently finishing up reading "Jane Eyre" and I have to agree with you, Renee. There is something about the character of Jane that is very intriguing. She follows her heart with intelligence which is something I think we would all like to be able to do. I think my personal favorite things about any of the Bronte sisters' books is the writing. They all had such a talent for putting thoughts into words.

Iasa wrote: "What‽ A madwoman in the attic‽ Even knowing that I've never been able to get past her school days. I know I should have some sympathy when [spoilers removed], but no.

Maybe because I've always ..."

That is maybe the problem. I kind of know the story but when you read it there is so much more to it. I think Jane's morality is appropriate for the times and her sense of decency is honorable. But when you read how all of her thoughts are fighting inside her it makes the story more compelling.

Iasa-
I hope I didnt spoil for you with the madwoman. I figured it was a well known that detail, but maybe I made assumptions.

That comic made me laugh! I really need to read Wuthering Heights (it's been haunting me like Jane Eyre has been haunting many people in this thread).

And I really need to try out some Anne Bronte! Any recommendations?

Holly wrote: "That comic made me laugh! I really need to read Wuthering Heights (it's been haunting me like Jane Eyre has been haunting many people in this thread).

And I really need to try out some..."

Holly, I recommend you take a look at Hark! A Vagrant (it's a book and a website), which has a lot of literary comics like the Brontës one. I think it'd really appeal to your sense of humor. :)

As for Anne Brontë, her most popular book is The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, but like the rest of the family, she died very young and wasn't able to write a lot. Her other novel is Agnes Grey.

Anne Bronte is the one I missed out on. I will definitely check out those two novels.
(P. S. I thought Wuthering Heights was miserable.)

I just can't get into it! It's the one novel I really really should read. Especially since I'm studying it next semester...

Renee, I too love Jane Eyre, but despised Wuthering Heights. I don't even know the name of a book by Anne.

Count me in the Renee camp! Jane Eyre is probably my favourite female character of all time, because she proves that you can be moral, respectful, and humble, but not be a doormat who lets others dictate how you should live. Girl stood up for herself! She valued her conscience and the health of her soul above everything else. I respect and admire that.

And I never felt that Rochester was the abusive jerk that he's so often made out to be. The man had a good heart, and he tried to do right by the people in his life, but the world had broken him. Jane shone a light into his dark soul and it started to heal. I'm a sucker for a story like that, when it's done well.

Just remember - healing the dark-souled man, mad women in the attic, etc etc... these are cliches now because Jane Eyre was so beloved that everyone wanted to copy it. ;)

Also remember - the childhood storyline DOES END. Eventually. It took me a few tries to get past that part, too.

I also love Jane Eyre and detested the painful read of Wuthering Heights!

Go go go! Iasa for the win!

Yeah. Bertha's bat-shit crazy. You'll hear more about how she got the unchaste reputation. Edward's unlikely to have STD but syphilis is an interesting take on Bertha's dilemma. Wide Sargasso Sea is a terrific novel that takes on Bertha's back story.

Wooho, go Iasa!

Lol! That's one way to look at it. I've been chipping away at Don Quixote with the same attitude. Maybe it's the crazy factor.

Anne wrote two books- Agnes Grey and The Tennant of Wildfield Hall.
Emiky wrote one Wuthering Heights
Charlotte wrote three Shirly, Jane Eyre,Villette.

I love all of these books!