Riddle > Recent Status Updates

I liked it! It was fascinating seeing some of his changes. I think the one thing I preferred with his earlier drafts was on one of his versions of 'The Scouring of the Shire' where "Sharkey," was not Saruman. I'm learning that it may have been an orcish word meaning 'old man,' so that makes sense, but subjectively speaking, on many levels, it leaves me with feelings and thoughts that I can only label as 'what?'.

This seemed like a good place to stop, and it's been a journey! (SPOILERS) After Bilbo left, and Gandalf (who is still tied as my favorite character of all time) informs Frodo more of the ring, and insists he must leave. After some time, Frodo does eventually leave and travels east with Sam and Pippin, meeting Farmer Maggot, who played an interesting role, before settling down in Crickhollow.I love his writing style!

The last book of the History of The Lord of the Rings series! (A Spoiler) It's been interesting to see what ideas Tolkien has had while he wrote The Lord of the Rings; it, sometimes, felt like I was reading the book again for the first time. One interesting thing in this one is that on one of Tolkien's earlier drafts, the Witch King arrives at Mt. Doom (Orodruim) and him and Frodo have a brief fight. What?!

It amazes me that the hearing of the death of a woman, who I have never met or had any chance of meeting, can bring me to tears. I will give this book 3 stars. There is a lot of interesting info on Jane Austen, such as her interest in books and music and some of her life; and the analysis of her books at the end was splendid! But while you'll learn a lot about her, the same can be said about half a dozen others.

I'm a little confused. Up until, say, 30 pages ago, I couldn't have told you who this book is supposed to be about. While there is a good deal about Jane, there's also a good bit about Eliza, Cassandra, both her parents, both her brothers, some relatives, Nelson, a Navy officer if I remember correctly, Frank, etc. While that's nice, I want to know about Jane Austen, not several detailed accounts of those nearest her.

Major Spoiler. Why, Tolstoy?Every single page for the first 200+ pages had me captivated, hooked. Up to about 600+ I still loved it; 5 stars. Now, for the last 300 pages I have not liked anything; and, with the death of Andrey, I don't even want to continue. Who am I supposed to follow? I really dislike Pierre; I dislike Natasha; I dislike Maria. What am I supposed to do with a story filled with characters I dislike?

I am a little upset. For the first 200+ pages there was not a single ch. that did not captivate my attention and amaze me. The next 400, while not perfect, was still amazing, still 5+ stars. But from the last 200ish pages it seems Tolstoy took everything that I enjoyed and liked and wondered and replaced it with everything I really dislike; I do not think there has been anything in these last 200 pages I have liked.

The thought of Jane Austen going out and essentially "people watching," then creating a story about it and giggling with one of her friends is one of the most fascinating and coolest things I have ever read.

Honestly, I'm liking it so far and I'm learning a lot. One thing of note is, with several notable figures I have read about, is the amount of social support they all seem to have. One thing I was taught growing up was doing things by yourself, but from the looks of it Austen, Tolkien, Napolean, and Schwarzenegger, to name a few, had quite a bit of help socially. It took me forever to even get help at my job!

It's not often I'm 600 pages, about halfway through, such a long narrative and still wish I was not even close to being done.

I am so happy to hear Anne and Diana can be friends again!

Still loving it! Marilla has warmed up a lot to Anne, which has also warmed my heart. Both of their character progressions have been beautiful. I also loved her meltdown at Mrs. Lynde; I was so amazed and, in a strange way, proud of her for it; I'm not sure why. I was also touched when she made a friend of Diana and I'm looking forward to how their friendship blossoms, if it does.

(Light Spoilers). Not too much has happened since last. Rostov went on a wolf hunt for a few chapters, and we got a little further in Prince Andrey's and Pierre's storylines, with Andrey raising his child, who is healthier now, and Pierre going back to his old ways for now. The only downside has been Natasha, who I have lost a lot of sympathy for; that's all it took for you to break things off?

Light Spoilers. I can't believe I am already 70 pages in, but I had to keep reading until I was fairly sure they were keeping her. I would have put it down if they weren't. So far I'm loving it! The scenery Montgomery has created around the pond and green gables is simply beautiful. I am also simply enchanted with Anne so far; her personality, imagination and background are amazing. I was also about to fight Marilla!

There is a zero percent chance that Pierre wrote that speech himself.

5/5 so far!