The Classics discussion

We have four new and different choices for next month's read. To find out what the random number generator has selected for us, click here

I picked up Jude the Obscure used a couple months back just 'cause the price was right...I should be able to cram it into this month's schedule.

I brought Jude the Obscure a couple of month ago. I hope I can squeeze it into the rest of my reading.

Yo Faith, that piece on spousal support on your blog is really interesting. And I'd never thought about your point that some African Americans converting to Islam because it restores traditional ideas of masculinity; that's sharp.

Thanks Alex! I'm glad you found it thought provoking. :)

Finished Part 1 of Jude last night.

At least judging from this book, Hardy certainly doesn't have much respect for women. Drusilla is no example of female generosity -- she thinks it would have been good if Jude had died with his parents, wants him to go off with the schoolmaster, and is perpetually talking down his side of the family.

And Arabella is no advertisement for the virtues of womanhood; nor are her companions. Conniving, manipulative, and dishonest are putting it mildly. And Arabella's mother is no better.

There's not a single female in the book, so far, who suggests that there is anything good about womanhood.

Oh so excited you guys are reading this! It's a fantastic read but quite depressing. Get ready for a downward spiral of destroyed dreams

Ooh! Downward spirals of destroyed dreams are my favorite!

man I wish I had thought of saying downward spire of destroyed dreams. (wow it's so lame that I had to come back to say that and that it's a pretty crappy jude reference.)

and Alex, you'll definitely love this one then :D

I'm hoping to cram it in - it's been on my shelf for a while - but November is filling up. Fingers crossed.