In which I attempt to get this ball rolling without my book.

Folks, I am going to apologize before I get started here. I packed my copy of My Antonia in a box . . . somewhere . . . because I am moving in 23 days.

Therefore, I am going to have to start this discussion simply off the top of my head. Matty, when you read this, please feel free to add on or completely erase and start over after you have finished yelling at your screen and slamming your head into your desk.

So. My Antonia. I have read this book a sum total of three times in my life, and this time I loved it. I think I'm more informed because I have now lived in the Midwest*, and I understand the imagery and the language, and the lonely-feel so much more.

Let's talk about the tone and feel of this book. How do you feel coming away from it? I feel lonely and alienated and a little sad, because of Cather's gift with language, yes; but also because of the descriptions of those relationships which just slip away.

Let's also discuss vision. How does the way in which characters see each other change? How does awareness of differences suddenly inform their thoughts about each other?

And let's also talk about the biblical imagery. What does Cather mean by it?

Sorry again, guys -- this is all I got, until I unpack that particular book in January.

Write on!

Melly

*But not for much longer, because I am moving!

Drawing a book out of a hat

Matt and I were discussing the possibilities of this month's book, due to new blog by-laws and the time constraints of getting it read by Dec. 1.

We came up with a list. I wrote the names of the individual books on little slips of paper and drew one out of my husband's hat.

The list was pretty impressive. Twelve in total. Some on Matt's side I haven't read, and I daresay some on mine he hasn't read -- but that's the point here, isn't it? To relax, read a book you might not otherwise have picked up (or conversely revisit with an old book-friend) and discuss it, even if it's just to say what you liked and what you didn't. Believe me, we welcome all opinions here.

This month's book is (drumroll, please) My Antonia by Willa Cather. It's not too long, and quite an interesting read.

Enjoy, and we'll see you back here December 1!