Austenathon 2011: Sense and Sensibility (Non-Spoiler Thread)
Discussions75 Books Challenge for 2011
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1alcottacre
We are proposing to read Austen's six major novels in 2011, in publication order beginning with Sense and Sensibility, and then continuing on with Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma and the two posthumous novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
I am thinking that we do one novel every 2 months throughout the year, allowing everyone plenty of time to get the book read. Those who want to read at a faster pace can and those who want to read at a slower pace can as well. I set up a spoiler thread to be used in conjunction with this one: http://www.librarything.com/topic/104775
I am thinking that we do one novel every 2 months throughout the year, allowing everyone plenty of time to get the book read. Those who want to read at a faster pace can and those who want to read at a slower pace can as well. I set up a spoiler thread to be used in conjunction with this one: http://www.librarything.com/topic/104775
2phebj
Yeah! I found you. When exactly are we starting Sense and Sensibility? I don't have a copy yet so need to get one.
3alcottacre
#2: I was thinking January 15th or so. That way the hubbub from the holidays would have died down (hopefully).
5sally906
I will be joining in - I have Sense and Sensibility downloaded into my Kindle ready to go - as well as Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abby will get the others as the need arises :)
6alcottacre
#4: Yeah, I try and make sure that we are pretty well past the holidays when starting up the group reads.
#5: Glad to have you with us, Sally!
#5: Glad to have you with us, Sally!
7MonicaLynn
Yeah I found the Austenathon!!! I already have the books downloaded to my Kindle. So ready when you all are. :)
8alcottacre
Cool beans, Monica! Lift off is January 15th.
9MonicaLynn
I am excited this will be a new Genre for me and I enjoy trying new things.. :)
10Apolline
I'm in! Just found out that I need o get a copy of Sense and Sensibility. It's the only one I don't have. Looking forward to it:)
11archerygirl
Pretty sure that Northanger Abbey is the only one I don't have, so I'm looking forward to this!
I've never made it through Mansfield Park. I keep wanting to slap Fanny. Hopefully you lot will get me through it to the end and help me to find the good sides to Fanny.
I've never made it through Mansfield Park. I keep wanting to slap Fanny. Hopefully you lot will get me through it to the end and help me to find the good sides to Fanny.
12Eat_Read_Knit
I have my copies of all 6 lined up on the shelf ready to go.
13Cait86
I don't know about Sense and Sensibility - it's not one of my favs - but I am definitely in for Pride and Prejudice, one of my top 5 books ever, and Mansfield Park, which I have never read.
14alcottacre
One of the things that I love about doing group reads is the input from other people. I think that points-of-view from others helps me to understand better things that I did not catch. I hope we can all learn from the books and each other as we go through them together!
15madhatter22
>11 archerygirl:: Ha! I always liked Mansfield Park, but the first 3(?) times I read it I thought Fanny could use a good smack as well. :) Then the last time I read it I suddenly liked her a lot more, saw her point of view, thought everyone around her was so awful that her censure of them was mild compared to what they deserved. Not sure what happened. Maybe I got old. :p Interested to see how she strikes me this time.
16souloftherose
I'm in and have my copy ready and waiting.
17Mr.Durick
I've ordered Sense and Sensibility. Barny Noble has said he'll send it tomorrow. I'll try, but I won't promise.
Robert
Robert
19ffortsa
Carrie, what a rich world you have before you!
>15 madhatter22: Shauna, I could barely get through Mansfield Park the first time. I wanted to smack just about everyone in it! Maybe I'll give it another try.
>15 madhatter22: Shauna, I could barely get through Mansfield Park the first time. I wanted to smack just about everyone in it! Maybe I'll give it another try.
21flissp
Oooh, definitely count me in for this one - I've read them all and most of them so many times that even if I can't fit actually re-reading them in, I'll be able to join in the discussion - looking forward to it!!!
22alcottacre
Good, Fliss!
23AMQS
Hope to join you, too! I listened to an audio of Sense and Sensibility recently, but loved it so much I'd love a re-read.
24Oregonreader
Count me in! I've read all the novels over the years so it will be rereads for me but I love to hear other reactions/opinions.
26alcottacre
Wow! Lots of people joining us! Great!
27blackdogbooks
I'm in for Sense and Sensibility!
28billiejean
I am definitely in for this read, too, as I have the complete set just sitting around (for like 20 years!).
--BJ
--BJ
29alcottacre
Glad to have you, Mac!
About time to get around to them at last, BJ!
About time to get around to them at last, BJ!
30klobrien2
I'm in for Sense and Sensibility--I've attempted it before, but never got very far. And I just love Pride and Prejudice. I think this group read is just the ticket for my getting it read. Woohoo!
Karen O.
Karen O.
31alcottacre
Pride and Prejudice will be up next after S&S, Karen. I hope you stick around for it :)
32jasmyn9
I would be in, but I have agreed to two other group reads already, and I read a few of Austin's just last year. Maybe next time.
33alcottacre
No problem, Jasmyn! Maybe just jump in when we get to one of the Austens you did not read last year :)
35amanda4242
I've only read Pride and Prejudice before, so I'm really looking forward to this.
36beserene
Oh, what a lovely idea! I've read all of Austen -- are you thinking of adding the incompletes to the list at all? -- but I love a good excuse to reread the novels.
Of course, full disclosure, I am also terrible at group reads. But I shall try, really, with this one, because it sounds like great fun.
And I'm jealous of the first time readers -- what a wonderful way to be introduced to Austen, with the opportunity to discuss with fellow readers of all kinds!
Okay, I will rein in my enthusiasm now. :)
Of course, full disclosure, I am also terrible at group reads. But I shall try, really, with this one, because it sounds like great fun.
And I'm jealous of the first time readers -- what a wonderful way to be introduced to Austen, with the opportunity to discuss with fellow readers of all kinds!
Okay, I will rein in my enthusiasm now. :)
37alsvidur
I love P&P, but have never gotten around to the others. Maybe this will help slim down the TBR Pit of Despair this year!
38alcottacre
#36: Sarah, at this point we are just planning on doing the 6 major novels.
39phebj
I got my copy of Sense and Sensibility yesterday so I'm already to go on the 15th.
40Smiler69
I received my copy of S&S yesterday too. So how does this work? Never done a group read before and never read Austen either, so I guess I'm a newbie all around!
41bbellthom
I'm in I have only read Sense and Sensibility so far but it's been awhile so I will re-read.
42Matke
Aha! Thanks for starting this up, Stasia, so that we can find it and be prepared. I'm already thinking I'll have to make a reading calendar for next year to keep up with things. I've not read S and S, so I'm pretty eager to see everyone's take on it.
43alcottacre
#39: Good, Pat!
#40: Ilana, people do group reads differently, but what I generally do is give out reading 'assignments' for the book. People can choose to read at that pace, or faster or slower, depending on their wants. The primary thing is to make sure that all talk about the book itself is done on the 'spoiler' thread so that no one inadvertantly finds out something on this thread that might ruin a part of the book for them.
#41: Glad to have you!
#42: I know what you mean about the reading calendar, Gail! It is not even January yet and I am already feeling overwhelmed.
#40: Ilana, people do group reads differently, but what I generally do is give out reading 'assignments' for the book. People can choose to read at that pace, or faster or slower, depending on their wants. The primary thing is to make sure that all talk about the book itself is done on the 'spoiler' thread so that no one inadvertantly finds out something on this thread that might ruin a part of the book for them.
#41: Glad to have you!
#42: I know what you mean about the reading calendar, Gail! It is not even January yet and I am already feeling overwhelmed.
44Soupdragon
I read Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice quite recently but still have the others to read so I will probably join you in the spring!
45alcottacre
#44: Cool beans!
47lauranav
I just read S&S twice over the past two years, but while I've seen both of the recent movies for P&P this year, I haven't read it so I'll try to join in for that one. I am currently reading Persuasion so I'm way ahead on that one (which is probably very good since I haven't finished Middlemarch from my latest group read.
48Gerri007
Delighted to find this group as I want to try & finally read some Jane Austen ...I'm ready with a copy of Sense & Sensibility.
49alcottacre
#48: Great! Glad to have you with us, Gerri.
50MickyFine
These books are the loves of my life. Even Mansfield Park with too-perfect-for-her-own-good Fanny. It'll be nice to have other people to chat about these books with and have an excuse for re-reading (not that I really need one).
51alcottacre
#50: Well, cool beans! I am glad we can give you an excuse for re-reading!
52fannyprice
I'm not a member of the 75 Book group because I just can't commit to reading a set number of books in a year, though I admire those who can, but I would love to participate in the Jane Austen read-a-thon, if outsiders are welcome.
53drneutron
Outsiders are definitely welcome! You may find, though, that after participating you're no longer an outsider... :)
54dulcibelle
I'm looking forward to this. I've only read P&P before, so will enjoy trying the other Austens. I picked them all up on my Kindle recently (on Jane's birthday, in fact) so I'm ready to go.
55BookAngel_a
Wow, Stasia, you may have set a 75 Book Challenge record for the most group read participants! I'm in too, of course. Thanks for setting this up.
56rosalita
How serendipitous; I've just re-read Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice, so I'm all set until spring! :) I'm so looking forward to discussing these books.
57lindapanzo
All right. Count me in. I think.
All downloaded to my Kindle.
All downloaded to my Kindle.
58gennyt
I've just finished cataloguing my beautiful Folio Society editions of Austen's complete works. It's a while since I've read S&S, and never in this lovely hardback edition, so perhaps I'll join in (though I'm no good at managing group reads usually). I might try to read the shorter/unfinished works this year too, and the collection of Austen's letters, neither of which I've read before.
59JechtShot
Reading Sense and Sensibility sounds like a great way to kick off the New Year. Surprisingly, I have never read anything by Jane Austen, so I have no idea if I will like the book or not... so we'll see if I continue on with Austenathon 2011 after this read.
60thornton37814
I have it on my iPhone. I think it's on the Nook app because the day they were offering the free Jane Austen downloads, B&N made theirs free more quickly than Amazon did the Kindle versions. I may try to fit it in as well. I can certainly read a little bit at a time on my phone at times I otherwise might not be reading at all.
61alcottacre
Wow! What a great lot of readers we have here! I am looking forward to tons of input from everyone.
62humouress
I'd love to join! I think I can get most of the books on the iPad. I've just finished a marathon read (well, in October) of the annotated P&P, so I might skip re-reading that, though I'll probably stick my oar into the discussion, if you don't mind!
See you on the 15th, then. Or thereabouts; we'll just be back from holidays, so I'll have to sort my brain out, first!
See you on the 15th, then. Or thereabouts; we'll just be back from holidays, so I'll have to sort my brain out, first!
63rainpebble
My R/L book club is doing Emma for January. So it looks as if I will be reading Emma and Sense and Sensibility both between now and the end of February which is fine with me. I am happy I found this group. I have long wanted to do group reads on these books.
See you for the discussion and many thanks to Stacia for setting this up.
belva
See you for the discussion and many thanks to Stacia for setting this up.
belva
64ffortsa
Belva, I read Emma years after I read P&P and S&S. It made me laugh out loud - I hope you like it.
67alcottacre
What I propose for Sense and Sensibility, since it is the longest of the Austen books we will be reading, is to start January 15th and end February 28th. We can then have a 2 week break for discussions (which will also be going on as we read, I am sure) before we begin Pride and Prejudice March 15th. Is this amenable to everyone?
68billiejean
Sounds great to me!
--BJ
--BJ
69kiwiflowa
I'm in for a re-read. The only one of the six major works I haven't read is Persuasion which I have read is the best of her works in some reviews, i.e. Harold Bloom. I would like to read her lesser/incomplete works too... Sandition, Lady Susan, The Watsons. While at Uni I had to read her Juvenilia which I highly recommend, wonderfully witty short stories written when she was a young girl.
71calm
I'm in for Sense and Sensibility and maybe the rest of the Austenathon as still need to find copies of Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice and I read Northanger Abbey last year so I'm not sure if I want to re-read it so soon. I'm looking forward to it:)
72rosalita
The timeline seems good to me. Since this is my first group read, forgive what may be a dumb question: Are we posting comments all along as we read, or saving them for the 2 weeks after Feb. 28?
73madhatter22
Rosalita, I think (though Stasia please correct me if I'm wrong) that it's fine to post comments as you go along, as long as you do it in the spoiler thread so that you don't give anything away to readers who haven't gotten to that point yet. (This is the non-spoiler thread.) I'm not sure if that thread has been set up yet.
I personally like the idea of being able to comment as you go along, but will save up any comments if that's preferred. :)
I personally like the idea of being able to comment as you go along, but will save up any comments if that's preferred. :)
74rosalita
Thanks, madhatter. I think I've already starred the spoiler thread, so looks like I'm all set!
75Smiler69
I think the timeline is great, gives us plenty of leeway to fit in whatever other reading we've got going on and to share comments along the way. Thanks Stasia!
76MickyFine
I feel the need to point out (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) that if you're not tied to reading physical copies of Austen's novels, all of them are available for free through Google Books.
78alcottacre
OK, people, that is the way we will do it then.
Julia, Shauna is correct - we will discuss along the way. All that is asked is that those posts be on the spoiler thread.
Julia, Shauna is correct - we will discuss along the way. All that is asked is that those posts be on the spoiler thread.
80archerygirl
The timeline works for me! I'm really looking forward to it - haven't read S&S in ages.
81alcottacre
Great!
I know that Mac has already started S&S, Sarah, so if you are worried about keeping up, you can jump the gun early too :)
I know that Mac has already started S&S, Sarah, so if you are worried about keeping up, you can jump the gun early too :)
83alcottacre
Glad you like it, Piyush! I was just trying to think of a way to make sure everyone has time to complete this book before we move on to the next.
84PiyushC
Yes, six weeks is ample time without sacrificing on your other readings. (In this sentence your refers to us mere mortals, not to be mistaken with a direct reference to you)
85MonicaLynn
Works, for me. This is my first group read ever. so I am willing to give it a go.
86LauraBrook
Yep, count me in for the timeline. I think this is the only Austen I've read, but I could be mistaken. (A few years ago I think my IRL book club read "Northanger Abbey", but I must have read it and forgotten. Such is life...)
87YoungGeekyLibrarian
Yay - just one question - do re-reads count towards our 75 books or not?
88billiejean
I count rereads in my total.
--BJ
--BJ
89ronincats
I count any book I read in its entirety, and re-reads always end up making up about a third of my year's reading!
I've located my omnibus copy of Austen's 6 novels and have it on my nightstand, although I may get single novel editions from the library if it proves too bulky to be comfortable.
I've located my omnibus copy of Austen's 6 novels and have it on my nightstand, although I may get single novel editions from the library if it proves too bulky to be comfortable.
90RedBowlingBallRuth
Oh, I'm in. This sounds like great fun! Just need to get a hold of a copy and I'm set. :)
91ctpress
I'm in and are looking forward to some great rereads.... Omnibus...He, he, I remember the scene in the movie Jane Austen's Book Club where the guy comes the first time and take out his omnibus copy and is surprised it's not a series but individual books.
92burgesk
I'm in. I've been wanting to read her other works (I read Northanger Abbey in 2010).
93alcottacre
I just looked and Sense and Sensibility has 50 chapters. If we read 10 chapters a week over the 6 week period, we will be done in ample time to have plenty of discussions before we begin Pride and Prejudice. As 10 chapters a week is just a little over a chapter a day, I think that this should be a doable schedule for everyone. January 15th is creeping up on us.
Of course, if you want to read ahead, please do so! When you make comments on the 'spoilers' thread though, bear in mind that others may not be to the point in the book that you are.
Of course, if you want to read ahead, please do so! When you make comments on the 'spoilers' thread though, bear in mind that others may not be to the point in the book that you are.
95billiejean
Ten chapters a week sounds perfect.
--BJ
--BJ
96MonicaLynn
Amazon has Austen's books for free as well, for those of you who may have a Kindle.
97KLmesoftly
I don't know if I'm up to Austen's entire catalog, but I'll try to join you the months you guys read Emma - July/August?
98JenMacPen
Love Jane Austen but I've never tried to read everything in a year, so this sounds like fun.
My P&P fell apart ages ago, so it's also a great excuse to buy a new one :-)
My P&P fell apart ages ago, so it's also a great excuse to buy a new one :-)
99MickyFine
After taking a seminar in undergrad where we did all of Austen's novels plus Lady Susan in a little over three months, six weeks to a book seems leisurely. Looking forward to chatting about S&S next week!
100LauraBrook
Thanks for the breakdown, Stasia! That should be doable for me, now all I have to do is find my copy (it's not where I thought it was). Humph! I think I'd better start reading as soon as I find it just to be sure I can keep up. Looking forward to it!
102alcottacre
Good! I am glad everyone is aboard and looking forward to the discussions already.
104alcottacre
Good, Piyush!
105billiejean
I solved the problem of my missing book. I requested it from the library. It should be available in time for the read. Yea! Then about the time I finish, I will probably find my copy. :)
--BJ
--BJ
106rainpebble
LOL --BJ; cute & funny and probably is exactly what will happen.
I will be starting Emma for my R/L B/C's January book most likely tomorrow. We meet on the 4th Thursday this month. But I should be able to catch up with you all fairly quickly (I hope).
hugs,
belva
I will be starting Emma for my R/L B/C's January book most likely tomorrow. We meet on the 4th Thursday this month. But I should be able to catch up with you all fairly quickly (I hope).
hugs,
belva
107MonicaLynn
I am actually getting very excited for this read. This will be the first time I have joined in a group read. I go through spurts with my reading and I hope I can keep up. I sure am gonna give it a shot and it will be new challenge for me as well as a new genre.
108alcottacre
#107: Hopefully the pace will be slow enough that you will not have any trouble, Monica.
109MonicaLynn
#108 - Honestly it seems very reasonable the amount of time you have suggested. I just hope my life doesn't get to much in the way. :) If it does I have all of them on my Kindle and I will eventually get to them. However I really am gonna give it my best shot to keep up with the group. I really am looking forward to it.
110alcottacre
#109: I understand about RL getting in the way, believe me. The good thing is that if you do get waylaid, the spoiler thread with all its discussions will still be out there for you to read through and argue with.
111MonicaLynn
#110 - Very true... I have that starred as well.. Gonna try not to read it too much till done with each book that way the books aren't spoiled for me since I have never read them before.. :)
112alcottacre
#111: There will be separate threads for each of the books, so hopefully you will not run into discussions of other books on the Sense and Sensibility thread.
113MonicaLynn
#111: Awesome :) Like I said I am truly hoping to keep up. Hopefully it won't be to much of a problem. However if the rest of my months look like this month.. LOL.. I think I have 2 days not working or going to appointments this month.... Some appointments and such I can read before or while waiting.. Depends... I always carry along a book no matter what.. :)
114alcottacre
Smart woman - never be caught without a book!
116MickyFine
#114: So true that I always ensure when I buy a new purse that I will be able to fit a book in with all the other essentials.
117MonicaLynn
#116 - Ha Ha.. That is so funny I do the same thing. Everyone says I have such an enormous purse, but It has to big enough for me to fit a hard cover book in it or I won't buy it. LOL...
118keristars
117> Because I have a rotated pelvis, which causes some fun back and hip problems, I've given up on a lot of bags, and I just carry a backpack if my current book is a hardback. (I used to use a messenger bag, but I need something that goes on both shoulders.)
119liezkl
will definitely join in, have been meaning to reread my austen books for a while now, but never got past pride & prejudice, so this gives me a good excuse to do so, esp with such a manageable reading schedule
120ctpress
# 93: 10 chapters a week? This is very sensible. So Elinor. But I just can't restrict myself to such a stoic, reserved Austen-diet. How can one abandon Austen when X is leaving Z, and Y is bewildered, and Q is devastated (this is the non-spoiler-thread).
This will not do. I'm in Marianne-mode. I feel the need for speed right now. I'm reading ahead, I can't control myself. Sorry :)
This will not do. I'm in Marianne-mode. I feel the need for speed right now. I'm reading ahead, I can't control myself. Sorry :)
121blackdogbooks
Ha! I think you may have deduced a unique Austen algebra! It may solve many of the world's mysteries.
122alcottacre
#120: No problem, Carsten! I can certainly understand the need to read Austen at a faster pace!
123Smiler69
I just started reading Sense and Sensibility. I'm only four chapters in but I was so apprehensive about how I'd feel about Jane Austen after hearing how great she is all my life, but so far I must say I'm equally impressed. I guess I should move on to the spoiler thread at this point?
124alcottacre
#123: Yes Ilana, all discussions on the text will take place over there.
125Robertgreaves
Just marking the thread so I know when the Austenathon moves on to each book.
126ardenspark
I'm in but I have some catching up to do!!!
My first Austen, my first group read. Yikes!
My first Austen, my first group read. Yikes!
127rainpebble
I had never read an Austen prior to reading Emma for my Book Club. She writes absolutely beautifully. It took me about 80 pages in to hit my stride but once I understood Austen's type of humor Emma was an easy read and I did enjoy it.
I immediately thereupon began Sense and Sensibility and I was hooked from the get-go. I am loving this read. I am about half way through and I sincerely want to thank you Stasia, for setting this up. I have had the Austen books forever and was just too intimidated to read them. This is going to be a wonderful year of reading.
Thank you & a big hug,
belva
I immediately thereupon began Sense and Sensibility and I was hooked from the get-go. I am loving this read. I am about half way through and I sincerely want to thank you Stasia, for setting this up. I have had the Austen books forever and was just too intimidated to read them. This is going to be a wonderful year of reading.
Thank you & a big hug,
belva
128alcottacre
#127: I am glad you are enjoying Austen, Belva! ((Hugs)) right back at you!
129humouress
I love Jane Austen, but I have to confess that I'm not finding S&S a bit of a struggle compared to P&P.. Io don't know wether it's because we studied P&P in English Lit., and I recently read the anotated version, or that I'm leaving my reading until too late at night, but I'm not finding it as gigglesome, and several times I've stopped and reread a phrase but still haven't always made sense of it. It may be that it's my first e-book; I feel I'm reading through the chapters quite fast, but I don't have a print-and-paper copy to compare to.
I'll see you on the spoiler thread, anyway!
I'll see you on the spoiler thread, anyway!
130keristars
Just checking, but Pride and Prejudice is scheduled for March, right? not mid-February?
I assume so, but since we started these threads mid-December, I'm not entirely certain...
I assume so, but since we started these threads mid-December, I'm not entirely certain...
131elfchild
Uh oh...another cool thread to star. I have always felt it odd that I have never read any Austen, especially given how many regencies I devoured in college. One book every couple of months...I think I can do that...goes to request a copy of S&S from the library.
132alcottacre
#130: Keri, the official start date of P&P is March 15.
133Eat_Read_Knit
I never did manage to get to S&S. :(
I shall have to make a special effort to get to P&P next month.
I shall have to make a special effort to get to P&P next month.
134weejane
Hello All - It has been suggested that since I have never read any Austen (cue gasps), I should join this group. At this point, I'm just curious whether or not I should pick up Sense & Sensibility or just start on Pride & Prejudice? Thanks!
135Mr.Durick
Sense and Sensibility is not hard, and I found it entertaining, so you could easily read it before the official start off Pride and Pejudice in mid-March. But I don't think the former is a prerequisite for the latter.
Robert
Robert
136bbellthom
#134 I had never finished any Austen either and I loved Sense and Sensibility. According to most of the post here most people like Pride and Prejudice better so I can't wait to get started.
138Nickelini
I just learned that there is an annotated edition of Sense and Sensibility to be published in June 2011. I have the annotated P&P and it is amazing.