The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge discussion

The votes are in, and our October Buddy Read winner is…
💀 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley! ⚡️

First published in 1818, this groundbreaking Gothic novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose obsessive pursuit of knowledge leads him to create life, only to recoil from the result. Shelley’s tale of creation and consequence is often called the first true work of science fiction, but it’s also a deeply human exploration of isolation, ambition, and what it means to be monstrous.

Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or revisiting with fresh eyes, this is the place to share your reactions, theories, and thoughts as we make our way through Shelley’s dark and stormy masterpiece.

🔖 A few ideas to spark conversation:

• Do you see Victor as a tragic visionary or a reckless villain?
• How does Shelley play with the idea of “creator and creation"; who’s truly the monster here?
• What do you think the novel says about scientific ambition and moral responsibility?
• The Creature’s voice: sympathetic, manipulative, or something in between?
• How does the novel’s structure (stories within stories) shape your reading experience?

Hop in whenever you’d like—spoiler tags are encouraged if you’re ahead. Grab your lanterns and your moral compasses… it’s time to wander into the storm with Frankenstein this October. ⚡️🕯️💀

Frankenstein is one of my favorite books! I wasn't planning on reading it again, but it's spooky season and there's a new movie coming out, so I might as well!

I am excited about the new Guillermo del Toro adaptation.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franken...

I haven’t been active here but loved the last read, Jane Eyre. And I am loving Frankenstein even more. Yes I’m already reading it so it being this month’s book club read even better. So much to discuss

I’m so glad that Frankenstein was picked! I started reading it for a first time two days ago and for now - all I want to do is read m, read and read. So excited to know different perspectives on the story! :)

Oh I wish I could read Frankenstein for the first time again ! It's one my favorite book ! I won't read it again now, I think I will read the strange case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde instead :-)

On chapter 5 now, the attitude towards “natural science” was actually quite accurate for that time period, the occultist science that was often a result of religiosity vs. the “modern science” of the enlightenment (waking up from religious dogma). Love it so far! I liken the theme so far to that of AI, creating a monster without regards to ethics.

I've loved this book. The writing shows so much sensibility and the characters (specially the monster) make you feel empathy towards them. It was a little bit sad but I enjoyed every page.

Gary wrote: "I liken the theme so far to that of AI, creating a monster without regards to ethics."

This is a nice comparison Gary and an interesting way to look at it.

Enjoying reading Frankenstein for my very first time.. Had no idea it would be such an interesting read. Not very far into it yet ( chapter 3 ), but what fantastic writing.
Cindy

Just got past the creations narrative about what happened after killing Frankenstein’s baby brother. I thought it was supposed to be a scary story but the “monster” seems more human than some people I know even in real life. Frankenstein seems more monster than his creation. The creation is a child that has been rejected by the world, what would you expect to happen? Shelley truly was ahead of her time, this was before behavioural psychology was even a thing I believe, although I’m sure there were ideas floating around about it.

Shelley was clearly a very intuitive and intelligent woman.

This book is incredible and so descriptive. I’m a slow reader but I’m absorbing all the details and descriptions that Mary Shelly writes. Even if I’m a slow reader, (hopefully get faster the more I read), I just love the way this book is written. I had no idea this book would be so good. I’m just amazed by the whole story. I am almost done and excited to finish the book.

Excellent Cindy! This is definitely a favorite of mine! :)

Gary wrote: "I thought it was supposed to be a scary story but the “monster” seems more human than some people I know even in real life. Frankenstein seems more monster than his creation."

THIS!

Making my way through Frankenstein for the first time!!!
I’m really taking it in, and so far I’m enjoying it. I just got to chapter 9 and I am quite perplexed on the situation with Justine. I’ll be interested to see how everything unfolds as I continue reading.

Excellent book!! Thank you for having it as a group book read, I am so glad I read it! Loved the way she described everything around her. Loved the way she described how the monster became somewhat human with strong feelings. I took away from this story if you build something or make something you should be prepared with the responsibility of taking care of it. Not cast it aside or throw it away. But then it was even deeper then where I’m going with this but I’m having a difficult time describing what I’m thinking. Such a deep and thought provoking book.

Amazing read! I’ve been wanting to read Frankenstein for a while now, and I am so glad I did through this group. I loved reading everyone’s thoughts about the book as it echoed and nourished my own. I couldn’t agree more : Mary Shelley was a very intelligent woman. This book was a slow and immersive reading. « Beautifully written » isn’t nearly enough to appreciate Shelley’s writing abilities.

I personally LOVED volume II where we get to know the monster’s side of the story. How incredible it is that Shelley imagines so well what it is to be born in this world (the way the creature describes the lights the sounds the feelings of distress of being born) and what it is to develop as a human being, to learn and grow. I was captivated. It definitely is a great piece of literature and seems like the discussions to be had about it are endless. Great pick for October, thank you 😌

I am also curious : do you guys knows in which episode do we see Rory reading or talking about Frankenstein? :)

https://annotatedgilmoregirls.com/202...

I believe it's this reference that added it to the list

S2 Ep16

I finished this book this afternoon and I have to say I’m impressed. This was my first experience with this book. Very well written and thought provoking.
I found it difficult to choose a side after listening to the monster’s story. This story with the deathly aspects certainly made it a fantastic October spooky read.