Baker Street Irregulars discussion

I have been neglecting the canon! I've read through the canon only once, so I think it's a good time for another read through. This is my favorite novel of the four. I like it more than Hound of the Baskervilles even!

I re-read this book after watching "A Study in Pink."

I liked how much they took from the book even though the plot line is really different.

Also when re-reading this novel my mind stuck on the sentence about Watson's Bull pup. Guy Ritchie gave Holmes and Watson a bull dog in the movie "Sherlock Holmes" I can't believe he remembered the dog. Even Doyle forgot about the dog.

The book should have ended like this:
"It's the curious incident of your dog in the novel Watson."
"What about my Dog Holmes?"
"It seems you haven't got one after all."

Cathrine wrote: "I re-read this book after watching "A Study in Pink."

I liked how much they took from the book even though the plot line is really different.

Also when re-reading this novel my mind stuck on ..."

Ha! I read a fanfic where Holmes made Watson get rid of it because Holmes doesn't like dogs, not ever since Victor Trevor's dog bit his ankle.

I love all the little bits in the 2009 movie that referred to the books. The first time I watched it I didn't know anything about Sherlock Holmes; it was the first Sherlockian thing I was exposed to ever. Then when I rewatched it after reading everything I was so pleased! Same with the BBC Sherlock show.

Agreed. Both are excellent screen adaptaions.

Any thoughts on the Mormon flashback. I remember the first time I read it thinking that it was really awkward like reading two different stories. But I think that is important to fully understand the motives of the killer. This time reading it I didn't mind it that much of course I was also expecting it this time.

This was the first one I'd read, and I remember thinking, "Oh, I want more Holmes and Watson!" I did enjoy the flashback, but it was a bit odd having Brigham Young as the bad guy. I think it would be interesting if in detective books/shows/movies, there was more put into the criminal/victim backstory. It reminds me of Valley of Fear, which I also enjoyed, where practically all of the action takes place... uh... somewhere in the U.S.

It's really difficult for me to pick a favorite Holmes story. However A Study in Scarlet is certainly one of the best...partly because i love the relationship that Watson and Holmes have. And seeing it from the point where they first meet is great. I have to agree with some others that said after watching a 'study in pink' made them want to re-read this one. which is exactly what i did. and it also made me analyze how i view the "villians" in not only Holmes stories...but most others as well. Although i remember thinking from the first time that i read this story that the "victims" were...i dont want to say 'got what they deserve'...but i could tell that perhaps these fellows werent saints. anyhow. Again...the best part of this story was observing Watson's meeting with such an interesting person. And now I have to watch A Study in Pink again after talking about all of this hahah

Interesting news on this story... it is being reported that A Study in Scarlet has been taken off of the reading list in Albemarle County, Virginia. This is LA times take on it. And this is the Washington Post. It says it is mostly about the anti-mormon sentiment (which I also noticed). I don't agree with it, obviously... I don't think reading the book promotes anti-mormon thinking. It was just a bit jarring because it was so out there. Maybe it would even be a good teaching moment for kids. "This is how weird bigoted thinking sounds." Doyle had even apologised, yes? I liked reading the comments on Salt Lake Tribune's site.

Reading this novel (my starting point as I work my way through the Complete collection again, this time in the Kindle app), I rediscovered what fun the Holmes stories are. I could hardly put my phone down. Although some critics may dismiss this novel as an early effort of Doyle's, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Joanna wrote: "Interesting news on this story... it is being reported that A Study in Scarlet has been taken off of the reading list in Albemarle County, Virginia. This is LA times take on it. And this is the Was..."

Ever since I read Bradbury's "Farenheit 451" I have been against any kind of Censorship. I know they said that it wasn't case of outright banning of the book but still why should everyone give up on a great book just because ONE person found it offensive.
Yet the LA Times writer has a point about kids being more interested in books that they are told not to read. Hopefully without the stigma of "Homework" hanging over the name of Holmes more kids will pick up his stories and become fans of the Great Detective.

Joanna wrote: "Interesting news on this story... it is being reported that A Study in Scarlet has been taken off of the reading list in Albemarle County, Virginia. This is LA times take on it. And this is the Was..."

I kind of noticed the Mormon thing, but I took it as a stylistic thing, kind of adding to the whole creepy, mysterious feel of the second half of the book. Maybe it's just me?
But I don't think that taking off the reading list was necessary. It's subtle (or disguised) enough that people could read it without being offended :/ But I guess a school would have to be sensitive about that. Hopefully, the kids will be curious about the book they're forbidden to read and fall in love with Sherlock and John :)

Hi Joanna:

Thanks for writing about this, I am always interested when anyplace draws attention to a book by removing/banning it.

Although there are curriculum/collection development guidelines (and challenge recourse) within any community/school/library, saying something is offensive is always ticklish...there is something to be learned from a book, even if it is "what not to do" (e.g.: Mein Kamf). I guess the issue here is that the kids are "required" to read it, but I am sure the teacher could address questions which encourage critical reading.... I can see where Mormons are not characterized in a very good light, but this offers an opportunity to talk about what Mormons were like then (vs. now) and in that time period (vry rough) and in that part of the US (also very hard-scrabble-life and having been pushed away from other locales). Similar objections could, of course, be raised about the attitudes towards women, and "street urchins" and Asian people (who only run Opium dens) in SH stories.

The LAtimes article is absolutely right...the most curious thing is that making it onto a "removed/banned book" list often *ensures* that a book will be read by many more community members (because it is forbidden, and raises curiosity)

Most librarians and teachers also emphasize that parents should be involved in talking to their children about the books they read (whether from Libraries or school reading lists)... just because some parents might not want their kid to read it, doesn't mean it can't be taught to other kids (with accomodations being made). I wonder if it was just easier for the teacher-review board to remove it so that they didn't have to come up with alternative assignments (kind-of understandable if you already have 7-8 preps, but still a little disappointing).

I am reminded of the New South edition of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, which (in order to prevent it from being on banned lists) replaced all instances of the "n-word" -- we had a huge discussion in our campus library program series centered on that decision..with people very passionately pro & con.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will follow the story with interest!