The Dusty Bookshelf discussion

No, 5 chapters a day sounds good.

It's been a while since I read a classic, too. I keep buying these Penguin Classics because they tend to be cheap and there are so many great books among them, but most of them I still haven't touched.

I read A Tale of Two Cities and I loved it! There were some hard parts to get through sometimes, but it was worth it to me. Can't wait to see what you guys think!

Could I perhaps join you guys in reading A Tale of Two Cities? I was supposed to read it in high school but never got into it. I think now I will be able to. I will start right away and probably be able to catch up really soon! Let me know where you guys are at in the book and I'll see if I can catch up.

haha, Melissa, I was supposed to read in in high school too. I was in all the "smart" English classes and A Tale of Two Cities, Middlemarch, and Our Mutual Friend were the only three I couldn't stomach! I would probably want to read it too.. but I don't have my own copy. Would have to get one from the library.

I will read it again someday, I tried but just couldn't do it for some reason. Yeah, I gave up for now but someday. If you have an dreaded you can probably find it for free that's how I got it.

Duh! Why didn't I think of that! I have a kindle that I got for Christmas and haven't used a lot, but classics are usually easy to find on there. Thanks.

You're welcome. I did mean ereader but this thing has auto correct. I got mine on Feb. 1 for my birthday and use it every single day for everything.

Ace wrote: "It's a plan, then.


I buy classics as well, but then never get around to reading them. One of my resolutions this year is to read more classic literature, so this will be a nice step in that direc..."

I buy classics too, and add them to the list/shelf but I get sidetracked. Looking to reading along with you.

I take it you've all started reading Tale of Two Cities. How far in are you?

Ace wrote: "*cringes* I actually haven't, um, read any of it yet. I have my copy here, but life gets in the way sometimes, you know?

If anyone wants to start a read of it soon, I'm up for it. However, I'd wan..."

I am interested. Two or three chapters a day sounds perfect since I'm also reading Wuthering Heights and Grapes of Wrath in March.

I am interested as well. I have been trying to convince myself to dust this book off (and various other Dickens books) to read more classical literature.
I think two or three chapters a day is an good place to start.

Ace wrote: "When would you like to start?"

Does March 1st sound good, or do you want to wait until next week or later in March?

Sounds good to me!!

Sounds good to me, too. :)

This is my first time reading this book. I think that two chapters a day is perfect because there is so much to absorb with Dickens writing style that it is good to take a break. I am hoping to get sucked in to the story as well, and maybe this group read will help to do that!

I'd like to participate, too. A Tale of Two Cities has been sitting on my bookshelf, neglected, since last spring. I've never gotten around to reading it; I need the motivation of a group read to get through Dickens!

For those who are looking for a copy, just click on , you can select your preferred format.

I can tell you right off that I like the idea of short chapters. Some of the phrasing has me scratching my head, such as "...arrangements were made for the swallowing up of London and Westminster." on page 2.

Barbara wrote: "I can tell you right off that I like the idea of short chapters. Some of the phrasing has me scratching my head, such as "...arrangements were made for the swallowing up of London and Westminster...."

I agree. I was scratching my head at that sentence as well. And at the Dover mail section. Was that supposed to be like a bus system?

The Dover mail was a coach that transported the mail/post from London to Dover. These coaches took on passengers as well, and generally an individual to protect the post. In some remote areas, you can still get a lift from the postman for a small fee.
I think mail coaches might have existed in the US as well. Please correct me if I'm wrong. :)

D wrote: "The Dover mail was a coach that transported the mail/post from London to Dover. These coaches took on passengers as well, and generally an individual to protect the post. In some remote areas, you ..."

Thanks for that.

Ace wrote: "I finished chapter six last night. I feel bad for saying this, but there seems to be quite a lot of information we're given that doesn't really feel important to the core story. I'm speaking specif..."

This book is chock full of symbolism and foreshadowing. The wine cask can be seen as foreshadowing the Revolution - the vast number of poor and how they can make quick work of an opportunity. It works to symbolise the poor's thirst/hunger, and the symbolises blood.

Dickens is rarely explicit when describing class injustices, he likes to use what were then everyday elements to make his point. Plus as an author that was originally paid by the word...

D wrote: "Ace wrote: "I finished chapter six last night. I feel bad for saying this, but there seems to be quite a lot of information we're given that doesn't really feel important to the core story. I'm spe..."
This is the best answer ever! And your comment of him getting paid by the word had me laughing out loud.