Read With Me! discussion

Discuss The Bell Jar here! Please keep discussions spoiler-free, considering people read at different speeds! If you have written a review for this book, on goodreads or elsewhere, post the link in the comments! And, as always, Happy Reading! 😊

I recently read this selection. I read it because "classic" and I'm on a mission to read classics that I haven't in the past.

I know I'm in the minority as everyone raves about this book. I have to say I wasn't impressed. The writing was okay, the story reminded me of Breakfast at Tiffany's. The main character was whiny, self-absorbed, and cared for no one but herself. There was nothing redeeming about the character and I don't enjoy books like that. I also know that it was semi-autobiographical but I still didn't get anything much out of it.

I found the book fascinating it’s a coming of age story set in America later when I read Red Comet Sylvia Plath biography it all became very clear that The Bell Jar was semi-autobiographical Esther Greenwood going through similar difficulties as Sylvia did growing up in America during an era when mental health was treated very differently and what Sylvia endured during shock treatment and her suicide attempts are described in The Bell Jar. Some other parts of the book for example Esther had a sponsor and so did Sylvia her name was Mrs Prouty and she was an author who supported Sylvia financially and emotionally as does Esther’s sponsor.

Gem wrote: "I recently read this selection. I read it because "classic" and I'm on a mission to read classics that I haven't in the past.

I know I'm in the minority as everyone raves about this book. I have t..."

Honestly I tried reading this when I was young--high school or early college I believe--and it bored me to the point where I only made it halfway through. I'm going to try to read it again as what I like to call a seasoned adult (I'm 40 aka 25 with 15 years of experience lol) to see if I'm able to relate to the character more and make it through the book this time.

Jan wrote: "I found the book fascinating it’s a coming of age story set in America later when I read Red Comet Sylvia Plath biography it all became very clear that The Bell Jar was semi-autobiographical Esther..."

I'm really glad you liked it! Growing up I always thought it was autobiographical, and even knowing what I know I think it mostly is, just names and places have changed. I tried to read it as a young woman, but I wasn't a fan, so now I'm going to give it another go in my middle-age to see if I enjoy it this time, or if I have the same reaction I did before.

Tina wrote: "Jan wrote: "I found the book fascinating it’s a coming of age story set in America later when I read Red Comet Sylvia Plath biography it all became very clear that The Bell Jar was semi-autobiograp..."

Let me know what you think as you’re going through it I can highly recommend Red Comet though it’s a mammoth book to read