Stephanie > Recent Status Updates

Much more sobering than his other works, but I can’t help but chuckle every other page or so at Twain’s clever voice. As someone who loves literature involving doppelgängers, this book is scratching an itch with gothic doubling and literal twins, plus references to Twain’s other work, The Prince and the Pauper. Very interesting and rich read so far.

I don’t think I know enough about how the economy works in this, 2026, the year of our lord, to understand all 30 pages from the perspective of a man from 1887 waking up in the year 2000, having it explained to him, written by a man from 1887. But I have to say I have been intrigued despite my ignorance.

Although it’s dry writing, I’m not hating this so far. It’s a little scary how timely it is. RIP Bellamy, you would have loved Star Trek and hated that no one listened to your beautiful ideas of utopia back in 1887.

Okay I’ve calmed down since my last update but I still strongly dislike this book. I understand that it was published in serial form and that is probably contributing to the pace that is slowly destroying my ability to read on with enthusiasm. However, I would like to point out that Charles Dickens also wrote serially and his books SLAP.

I’ve never wanted to fight a book before but here we are. I wish I could just add this to my did-not-finish pile but I can’t bring myself to do that with books I’ve been assigned for class. But believe me when I say: this is the most boring book I have ever read in my whole life and I never thought I’d be longing for the days of reading 30-70 pages of theoretical essays a week for one class.

“What light and beauty could be forced down the throats of her reluctant pupils, she forced.

There was a wall against learning. A man wanted his children to read, to figure, and that was enough. More might make them dissatisfied and flighty.”

Much darker in tone compared to her other works, Mansfield Park represents Austen’s observations and opinions regarding poverty, servitude, and class stratification. This book feels very Dickensian, particularly the character of Mrs. Norris, who treats our heroine (and hired workers) with cruelty and malice in order to feel she is superior in status.

So far, this is one of the funniest and most clever books I have ever read. While reading, I have laughed out loud so hard that I’ve startled my dog more than once; every chapter contains brilliant writing and social commentary, phrased in such a relatable way that tickles my funny bone. I can’t wait to see what volume two contains.

I forgot how mortifyingly hilarious the Netherfield ball is: “To Elizabeth it appeared, that had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit, or finer success…” Brilliant.

Amy Tan and Joan Chen have incredibly beautiful voices. Their narration of the audiobook combined with Tan’s masterful storytelling have left me spellbound.

A quarter in and I’ve already cried. I love James Baldwin. What a phenomenal, brilliant author and human.

ok. i have 17 more books to go before i meet my goal for the year. all my finals are done on thursday so after that, it’s nothing but crochet and audiobooks after work to get me to my goal. let’s go!

FINALLY starting a new book… i’m swamped with homework but i have missed reading. halfway through the introduction of this book and i am already so engaged. starting with the Raft of the Medusa is an interesting choice. the painting really struck me when i took my art history class last semester, and i’m looking forward to more familiar and unfamiliar works of art, their stories, and impact on humanity.

Got Kate Bush's song "Wuthering Heights" running through my head while I'm rereading this.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q3vc3...

Currently I am adding a lot of books I have read but never logged. Wish me luck!