Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

This is the thread for the December read of Eventide. Starting any time!

I will be starting this towards the middle of next week.

I'll be starting the middle to end of next week.

Great. Looks like several of us will be reading at the same time.

Sara, I'm glad that you guys are reading Eventide. I read it a few months ago and loved it! I am wanting to read the final book Benediction sometime in the near future. So if you decide to read it in the next few months, let me know. I'd like to join in. I'll try to watch this thread in case you discuss doing so.
Happy Reading! :)

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Terri. I would certainly like to do Benediction as well. We'd love to have you join the discussion on Eventide. Love to have your insights.

I want to read this Trilogy starting from Plainsong after that I will join you.

Is it okay if I join in? Has everyone here read the first book in the series?

I read Plainsong earlier this year and loved it. Anybody can join our buddy read-the more the merrier.

Lori wrote: "Is it okay if I join in? Has everyone here read the first book in the series?"

You know I will be excited to have you join in! Most of us read Plainsong earlier in the year.

I‘ve started earlier today and just arrived at (view spoiler)[the fatal bull attack (hide spoiler)]. That made me cry sooo much.

I think I‘m enjoying this even more than Plainsong!

Thank you, Sara and Rosemarie! Found Plainsong at a used bookstore in Michigan and read it over the weekend. Back home and unpacking today but will stop by the library tomorrow to see about borrowing Eventide.

Cool!

I am hoping to start tomorrow. Did you love Plainsong, Lori?
Hope to be able to open your spoiler soon, Philina.

With many household chores I binge-listened to Eventide and finished it yesterday. I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed it even more than Plainsong (maybe, because due to reading Plainsong I was already invested in some characters).

Plainsong is wonderful! I don't want to add any spoilers but I think it's safe to say the title was aptly chosen. "Plainsong - any simple and unadorned melody" perfectly describes the narrative. One should not be fooled by Haruf's plain writing style, though. He certainly packs an emotional punch.

Philina wrote: "With many household chores I binge-listened to Eventide and finished it yesterday. I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed it even more than Plainsong (maybe, because due to reading Plainsong I was alread..."

I agree, Philina! I read Eventide earlier this year and loved it. It made me want to read the last book, Benediction, but I just wanted to savor Eventide for a little while! I think I will be ready to read Benediction next year when you all finish up the trilogy :)

Yes! Let's continue the buddy read with Benediction!

It's very nice of you to wait for us, Terris.

Chapters 1-3: (view spoiler)[ Of course, so happy to see the brothers again and to know we will get the next half of Victoria's story. I always worry so for the children in Haruf's novels. Not sure how much concern I have as yet for Betty and the hubby, but she has obviously lost one child and isn't providing well for the two she retains. And then there is DJ, who already has my heart. He is trying so hard to provide for his grandfather and maintain his own dignity and pride. The cookies broke me. (hide spoiler)]

I'm going to start on this tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

I'm sure we will all agree to the third book...maybe in January or February?

Sara wrote: "I'm sure we will all agree to the third book...maybe in January or February?"

I prefer January if possible. In February-Apr I work 6-7 days a week and probably can't participate but if that works better for everyone I can still have the thread to look back on so it's no problem.

Late January or all of February is good for me.

I'm fine for mid-late January.

I've read 11 chapters so far and am already involved with the characters, especially the children.

I’m fine with mid-late January :)

Just finished part one and totally engaged. (view spoiler)[I love that DJ has Dena (she's a strong little girl but I see sadness coming at her) and that he tried to stand up for Joy Rae's little brother. When the bullies beat him up, I couldn't help casting back to the kidnapping scene in Plainsong. I think Dena and DJ are going to be two favorites for me in this novel. (hide spoiler)]

I've read through Chapter 4 but for some reason I'm not able to open spoilers. I'll keep reading and try again tomorrow.

Sara wrote: "Chapters 1-3: [spoilers removed]"

I wholeheartedly agree.

Sara wrote: "I'm sure we will all agree to the third book...maybe in January or February?"

Whenever you like!

Lori wrote: "I've read through Chapter 4 but for some reason I'm not able to open spoilers. I'll keep reading and try again tomorrow."

You cannot open spoilers with the App, at least not on the iPhone.

You can't open spoilers on an ipad either if you are using the app. It needs to be the desktop version.

Thank you, ladies! I used to be able to open spoilers on my kindle fire as long as I didn't use the app but it's not letting me now.

Chapters 1 - 3 and Sara's spoiler: (view spoiler)[ I was also glad to see Victoria and the McPheron brothers again! The brothers never fail to warm my heart with and they provide a little humor which helps me get through the rough parts.

I completely agree about concern for the children and the cookie scene. Haruf is very careful when placing his characters in bad situations. It's remarkable the way he maintains their dignity even during the worst of times. When the kids are the ones facing difficulties, though, I immediately want to start giving out hugs. (hide spoiler)]

I have just finished Part 2. A lot has happened already.

Finished Part One: (view spoiler)[ It looks like Dena and DJ will become close friends. I agree that Dena has some dark clouds hanging over her head and I think those two kids will have to lean on each other for emotional support. You really have to admire DJ's courage in standing up to those bullies, what a great kid.

It doesn't take long for Haruf to remind us that there are a lot of troubles in this world and that children are always at risk, especially during hard times. (hide spoiler)]

I'm okay reading the third book whenever. Mid to late January works for me too.

Lori wrote: "Finished Part One

"It doesn't take long for Haruf to remind us that there are a lot of troubles in this world and that children are always at risk, especially during hard times." It seems to me that this is something he excels at...he knows how to see the troubles through a child's eyes, what it looks like to them, especially the parts they recognize but don't understand.

Sara, your spoiler: (view spoiler)[ I've missed your brain! Lol! You are spot on. Haruf has a great understanding of the way children react to potential harm and uncertainty and "especially the parts they recognize but don't understand." So well said. I think you've hit upon the reason my heart goes out to these kids. As an adult, I have complete understanding. It's early on, but I think parental roles are going to be examined here.

I am already thinking I am reading this too quickly. I'm not very far into Part 2, but the color red came up again and I went back and read this from Chapter 6:

"Two little boys from the first grade were facing each other across five feet of red gravel, and the older boys were trying to make them fight, saying things, goading them."

I thought Haruf's use of the color red was interesting and I'm going to try to watch for it. (hide spoiler)]

Lori: (view spoiler)[I love the way you are so color conscious. I did not notice the use of red, but I'll be keeping my eyes open from here. (hide spoiler)]

I started, and I'm at chapter 17. I'm already finding it to be an emotional rollercoaster. It's rare that I cry less than 100 pages into a book! (view spoiler)[, In this case, it's from already knowing the characters. Harold's death and his brother's and Victoria's reaction to it just broke me up. I hope she goes back to school but I have a feeling she won't. I also love how Guthrie and Maggie are taking care of things and getting the house set up for Raymond. I too am very worried for the children. It's hard to believe that DJ is only 11. He's already so mature. I guess he's had to be. I fear that he's going to be left alone soon. I also fear for Joy Ray and Richie with their negligent parents and that creepy uncle! (hide spoiler)]

I'm sure I'll fall behind again because I may not be able to pick this up again until Saturday.

That is a good description of the book, Sue. It is also addictive!

Rosemarie wrote: "That is a good description of the book, Sue. It is also addictive!"

It is addictive Rosemarie!

Sue, your spoiler: (view spoiler)[You are right that the emotion we feel over Harold is because we already know these characters. I was stunned by his death and sad that Victoria will leave her newly found educational world to come back and take care of Raymond. I love the way they have become a family over these two books. (hide spoiler)]

I have finished Part Two and it has left me shaken. (view spoiler)[This uncle is despicable, but I cannot excuse Luther and Betty at all. No one would be allowed to beat my children and this lack of willingness to stick up for the kids is why Betty has already lost one child. I'm concerned that her sickness is more than meets the eye and that these are two more children who are going to lose someone. I am worried for DJ who is almost certain to lose his grandfather. I loved the way Victoria stepped up for him. She has been there...and there is Dena's mother who is taking time out to care for him in spite of her own problems.

Haruf tells us sad, desperate stories, but mixed in there is the hope and the promise that there are good people who do care and that those in need, especially the children, are not truly alone. (hide spoiler)]

I wasn't planning to read this book so quickly, but I have just finished it and am not disappointed. The book has the feeling of truth, if you know what I mean.

Yes, Rosemarie, I agree. Both the goodness and the evil in Haruf's world seem possible and real.

Sara: (view spoiler)[ I am not sure if Haruf meant for red to be significant but reading Plainsong and Eventide back-to-back, I definitely notice more use of color. In Plainsong, there wasn't a lot of color at all, the gray hair of the McPheron brothers and their red faces from working outdoors. In Eventide, Haruf is generous with his paint brush. There is Guthrie's red truck, the five red candles that DJ and Dena find, the cattle have eyes like "bright rubies", red lipstick, etc. It just jumped out at me. (hide spoiler)]

Sue, your spoiler: (view spoiler)[ The scene where Raymond calls Victoria tore me up.

"Honey, I got something I got to tell you.
Oh no, she said. Oh no. No.
I'm just afraid I do, he said. And then he told her."

I think keeping us out of the rest of the conversation actually made the emotion stronger. At least it did for me, my eyes immediately filled with tears. I also wonder if Victoria will go back to school and I am anxious to see if Raymond takes steps to adopt Victoria officially since Harold's last wishes were that she and Katie be looked after. Sorry if my thoughts tend to ramble on. (hide spoiler)]

I noticed that this author makes a very effective use of dialogue.
He is also very good at creating the setting.

Lori's spoilers: (view spoiler)[You are right that the impact of not hearing Raymond telling Victoria the details was stronger than a recount of the events would have been. Projecting ahead, Raymond is going to need someone and so is DJ. They might be poised to help one another.

I love the way Haruf keeps the characters he created in the story even when it is no longer about them...Tom and Maggie and the boys. Makes you feel connected to a community, which I think gives it a continuity and also a realism it would be missing otherwise. (hide spoiler)]