75 Books...More or Less! discussion

Don, welcome! I am embarrassed to say that I've never read anything by Jane Austen - but I hope to correct that this year.

Kay, me neither, but my book club just chose P&P for our April selection

Having just finished reading Emma a month ago and discussing it with my book club, I learned an interesting piece of trivia. This was Austen's last novel published in her lifetime. (Published a year after her death were Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.) When she wrote Emma her goal was to write a character only she would like. This may explain the mixed feelings people have about the book. However, our group concluded that even meddlesome, match-making Emma still possesses charm and charisma. I enjoyed reading it, but have to say I enjoyed Persuasion more. I am eager to read more Austen in the coming year!

Have you seen the movie Emma? Not having read the book I can't compare the two but I did enjoy the movie. I have also heard the movie "Clueless" is a modern day version of Emma.

I haven't seen "Clueless," but I saw the Gweneth Paltrow version of "Emma." I have to say she did an excellent job, and I could picture her every time Emma spoke in the book. There are a few differences between the book and the movie. I won't spoil anything by saying what. I would like to watch the other movie version of "Emma." I can't remember who stars in it, but it would be fun to compare the two movies and the book.

Don, what's "How Reading Changed My Life" like? I'm always interested in books about reading :D

Don, what did you think of Edgar Sawtelle? It's one I'll never forget, that's for sure.

Don wrote: "Kay wrote: "Don, what did you think of Edgar Sawtelle? It's one I'll never forget, that's for sure."
I may have done the reply wrong so here it is again. I would add that some in my book group (a..."

Don, I agree with you. Parts of the book were captivating, other parts rather slow.

Don wrote: "39. Life of Pi--Yann Martel"

Don, oddly enough, this is one of my favorites. Re. the uncertainty at the end . . . do you think the original, long story is only allegorical and the short, ugly version the real truth? Or was the short version made-up to appease the questioners who found the truth impossible to believe?

Don, I think you might like Beach Music by Conroy, it is a wonderful book!

Don wrote: "61. A Shepherd Looks at the Psalm 23--W. Phillip Keller Read about 20 years ago. just reread and found it comforting and encouraging."

Don, I love that book by Phillip Keller! Like you, I first read it about 20 years ago. I haven't picked it up in awhile - now might be a good time for me to look at it again. Thanks for bringing it to my mind.

Don, I'm going to look for a copy of "Watch for the Light". Sounds like something I could share with the family next year. (or, this year I mean - 2010)

Don wrote: "38. Aristotle's Children: How Christians, Muslims, and Jews Rediscovered Ancient Wisdom and Illuminated the Dark Ages---Richard E. Rubenstein"
Glad I'm not the only one who read this. I liked it a lot. I hope you did too.
If you ever get a chance Don check out my book blog:
http://maphead.wordpress.com/