All my years of book club have been training me for today when I had about one hundred pages to read.
Needless to say, I did it.
I'm not going to write my monologue now because a) I am tired and b) all I really want to do is watch an episode or two of Gilmore Girls and forget about the eeriness that is Wuthering Heights. Seriously, I feel like I should have a button that says "I survived Wuthering Heights".
I'm off. See you tomorrow.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jump off the moors
I feel like I haven't posted in a while, but it hasn't been that long, has it? I'm here tonight because I recently rewatched Alex Day Read Twilight (on YouTube) and it inspired me. In his first video (or possibly second) he says that because Bella wants to read Wuthering Heights, she is not normal. Apparently, if she was normal, which we already knew she is not, she'd be reading Twilight.
Needless to say, I'm very confused as to how Wuthering Heights could be anyone's favourite book. Admittedly, I haven't read much of it since the last time I wrote and we all know how I was feeling then but at least I'm consistent in my dislike.
Maybe this is only another example of how Bella, who I don't mean to be talking about as if she is a real person, is an oddity. I have to note that the characters in my book (or at least Clementine and Liam) are what I would call odd, as well, but in a quirky, crazy-cousin-who-you-dearly-love way. Bella is weird in a my-favourite-book-revolves-around-people-who-are-selfish-revenge-thirsty-and-moraless way. You know what's a normal classic to read again and again? Pride and Prejudice. That's a good book with worthwhile characters and moral progression. Wuthering Heights? That's a strange gothic novel with a bunch of characters who should put themselves out of their misery and go jump off the moors in succession. Presumably there's a cliff at the end of the moors that leads to a rock, perilous beach.
Then I was wondering what Edward does in his spare time when he's not A) watching Bella sleep/snooping around in her room, reading her dog-eared copy of Wuthering Heights, B) creeping in the woods outside Bella's house thinking about how pathetic and tortured his live is or C) dismantling her car and taking away her personal freedom. My conclusion for what he does in his bedroom all night is reenact a one man show of Romeo and Juliet because it is his favourite play.
You can tell a lot about a person by their favourite literature. Bella and Edward are one strange example.
I'm sure there's normal people who like Wuthering Heights. Maybe. Far out there in Antarctica, hanging with the penguins. I'd like to talk to one of these people so they can motivate me to keep reading. If this blog--in which I didn't actually talk about the book at all--has been any indicator, I'm having a hard time with it. I don't actually care to know how Heathcliff will find his revenge on That Guy Whose Name I Cannot Even Remember. Lindly? Lindon? Linton? I think it's Linton. Whatever, I'll crack it open again tonight. Maybe.
Any suggestions for the next book? I'd like to read something I might actually enjoy.
Needless to say, I'm very confused as to how Wuthering Heights could be anyone's favourite book. Admittedly, I haven't read much of it since the last time I wrote and we all know how I was feeling then but at least I'm consistent in my dislike.
Maybe this is only another example of how Bella, who I don't mean to be talking about as if she is a real person, is an oddity. I have to note that the characters in my book (or at least Clementine and Liam) are what I would call odd, as well, but in a quirky, crazy-cousin-who-you-dearly-love way. Bella is weird in a my-favourite-book-revolves-around-people-who-are-selfish-revenge-thirsty-and-moraless way. You know what's a normal classic to read again and again? Pride and Prejudice. That's a good book with worthwhile characters and moral progression. Wuthering Heights? That's a strange gothic novel with a bunch of characters who should put themselves out of their misery and go jump off the moors in succession. Presumably there's a cliff at the end of the moors that leads to a rock, perilous beach.
Then I was wondering what Edward does in his spare time when he's not A) watching Bella sleep/snooping around in her room, reading her dog-eared copy of Wuthering Heights, B) creeping in the woods outside Bella's house thinking about how pathetic and tortured his live is or C) dismantling her car and taking away her personal freedom. My conclusion for what he does in his bedroom all night is reenact a one man show of Romeo and Juliet because it is his favourite play.
You can tell a lot about a person by their favourite literature. Bella and Edward are one strange example.
I'm sure there's normal people who like Wuthering Heights. Maybe. Far out there in Antarctica, hanging with the penguins. I'd like to talk to one of these people so they can motivate me to keep reading. If this blog--in which I didn't actually talk about the book at all--has been any indicator, I'm having a hard time with it. I don't actually care to know how Heathcliff will find his revenge on That Guy Whose Name I Cannot Even Remember. Lindly? Lindon? Linton? I think it's Linton. Whatever, I'll crack it open again tonight. Maybe.
Any suggestions for the next book? I'd like to read something I might actually enjoy.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Not Convinced
I'm one hundred pages into Wuthering Heights and while that's not exactly on track, it's an improvement to the beginning of the month. I'm not completely in love with the characters and story as I was with To Kill a Mockingbird. I thoroughly dislike these characters. The one person I can tell to have any redeeming qualities is Edgar Linton and I can tell something bad is going to become him, simply because he was moronic enough to marry Catherine who is a spoiled, selfish, mean-spirited woman. I'd say that her and Heathcliff deserve each other, but they do make each other happy and I'm not sure if they deserve to be happy.
I am happy to say I understand what's going on now. The combination of reading the Sparknotes guide and continuing to turn pages regardless of comprehension seems to have worked. More of less, anyway. I did find the following tidbit in Sparknotes which made me feel slightly better about being so confused.
For me to explain why I feel the way I do about these characters, I think I'll have to do something of a summary of events up into my current chapter. Wuthering Heights actually reminds me of a lot of different books only it doesn't have quite as many redeeming characters as any of the novels like it. So here is my take on the first one hundred pages.
The main story is that of Catherine Earnshaw and the orphan that her father took in when they were children, whose name is simply Heathcliff. The story is being told to some guy named Lockwood by Nelly Dean, Lockwood's housekeeper who grew up as a servant of Catherine's family. Heathcliff is loved by Catherine and Mr. Earnshaw (Catherine's father) but despised by Catherine's mother and brother, Hindley. In this way, Heathcliff reminds me of a mixture of Mr. Wickham from Pride & Prejudice, Fanny Price from Mansfield Park and Jane Eyre from, well, Jane Eyre. Catherine and him get up to all kinds of mischief, as children. They're very strange children and sort of mean, even then. When Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw die Hindley takes over the estate and reduces Heathcliff to a field worker because of his hatred of him. Because of this, I have a bit of sympathy for Heathcliff. However, Jane Eyre doesn't swear to get revenge on her aunt, does she?
All the characters grow up and Heathcliff is a bit rough around the edges due to his Jane Eyre-esque lot in life. Catherine is a young lady and entertaining the affections of Edgar Linton, a well off, kind and gentlemanly neighbour. Although Catherine has quite a temper, Edgar proposes to her and she accepts, even though she knows how strong her love for Heathcliff is. Here, she reminds me of Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility, choosing money and circumstance over what is supposedly true love. She sees herself and Heathcliff as one person and yet in telling Nelly about the engagement in secret with Heathcliff listening, unknown, in the back of the room, she drives him away.
That part was sad because she says something like she could never marry Heathcliff because it would degrade her to do it and, hearing this, Heathcliff departs before having a chance to hear Catherine go on next about her love for him. She says their souls of made of the same thing and they are one person but he doesn't hear it and he leaves that night, not to be seen for three years.
Catherine is heartbroken, of course, but she marries Edgar anyway and doesn't seen Heathcliff until he shows up at her door three years later aparrently wealthy and staying with Hindley at Wuthering Heights. Cue weird love square between Heathcliff, Cathy, Edgar and Edgar's sister (Isabelle) and you've got where I'm at right now.
Have I mentioned that I really don't like these characters or their shallow motives? Basically everything that's done in this book is based on jealousy, hatred and revenge. And the moral of the story is...?
I am happy to say I understand what's going on now. The combination of reading the Sparknotes guide and continuing to turn pages regardless of comprehension seems to have worked. More of less, anyway. I did find the following tidbit in Sparknotes which made me feel slightly better about being so confused.
The strange, deliberately confusing opening chapters of Wuthering Heightsserve as Brontë’s introduction to the world of the novel and to the complex relationships among the characters, as well as to the peculiar style of narration through which the story will be told.
For me to explain why I feel the way I do about these characters, I think I'll have to do something of a summary of events up into my current chapter. Wuthering Heights actually reminds me of a lot of different books only it doesn't have quite as many redeeming characters as any of the novels like it. So here is my take on the first one hundred pages.
The main story is that of Catherine Earnshaw and the orphan that her father took in when they were children, whose name is simply Heathcliff. The story is being told to some guy named Lockwood by Nelly Dean, Lockwood's housekeeper who grew up as a servant of Catherine's family. Heathcliff is loved by Catherine and Mr. Earnshaw (Catherine's father) but despised by Catherine's mother and brother, Hindley. In this way, Heathcliff reminds me of a mixture of Mr. Wickham from Pride & Prejudice, Fanny Price from Mansfield Park and Jane Eyre from, well, Jane Eyre. Catherine and him get up to all kinds of mischief, as children. They're very strange children and sort of mean, even then. When Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw die Hindley takes over the estate and reduces Heathcliff to a field worker because of his hatred of him. Because of this, I have a bit of sympathy for Heathcliff. However, Jane Eyre doesn't swear to get revenge on her aunt, does she?
All the characters grow up and Heathcliff is a bit rough around the edges due to his Jane Eyre-esque lot in life. Catherine is a young lady and entertaining the affections of Edgar Linton, a well off, kind and gentlemanly neighbour. Although Catherine has quite a temper, Edgar proposes to her and she accepts, even though she knows how strong her love for Heathcliff is. Here, she reminds me of Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility, choosing money and circumstance over what is supposedly true love. She sees herself and Heathcliff as one person and yet in telling Nelly about the engagement in secret with Heathcliff listening, unknown, in the back of the room, she drives him away.
That part was sad because she says something like she could never marry Heathcliff because it would degrade her to do it and, hearing this, Heathcliff departs before having a chance to hear Catherine go on next about her love for him. She says their souls of made of the same thing and they are one person but he doesn't hear it and he leaves that night, not to be seen for three years.
Catherine is heartbroken, of course, but she marries Edgar anyway and doesn't seen Heathcliff until he shows up at her door three years later aparrently wealthy and staying with Hindley at Wuthering Heights. Cue weird love square between Heathcliff, Cathy, Edgar and Edgar's sister (Isabelle) and you've got where I'm at right now.
Have I mentioned that I really don't like these characters or their shallow motives? Basically everything that's done in this book is based on jealousy, hatred and revenge. And the moral of the story is...?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wuthering Woes
I'm bad at reading. It's February 10th, I'm at page 22 and I have absolutely no idea what is going on. I might have to read some sort of summary on the internet to figure out what's happening because I don't even know who's narrating this book. I am so confused. Why is February so short?
Usually, I'm against summaries. Whenever I read books, I want to be as in the dark as possible until that chapter that all is revealed. When I read Jane Eyre, I was lost in the beginning but instead of reading the Wikipedia page and spoiling the story for myself, I just read page after page until I was sort of kind of sure what was going down.
Similarly, I have gotten this far in Wuthering Heights because I keep reading. My attention wanders and I end up reading each page 2-3 times, but I do continue on. And now, at chapter three, I'm thinking I may just review SparkNotes and read the summary of the first few chapters. Is there anything inherently wrong with that?
I'm thinking yes, there is, because otherwise I would have done it already, rather than hesitating.
Because I have noticed similarities in my experience with Emily and Charlotte Bronte, I have come to two conclusions either of which could be correct: One is that the Bronte sisters are not talented with comprehensive beginnings that are readable and hook-y or, two, I am bad at reading.
Let's hope it's number one.
Usually, I'm against summaries. Whenever I read books, I want to be as in the dark as possible until that chapter that all is revealed. When I read Jane Eyre, I was lost in the beginning but instead of reading the Wikipedia page and spoiling the story for myself, I just read page after page until I was sort of kind of sure what was going down.
Similarly, I have gotten this far in Wuthering Heights because I keep reading. My attention wanders and I end up reading each page 2-3 times, but I do continue on. And now, at chapter three, I'm thinking I may just review SparkNotes and read the summary of the first few chapters. Is there anything inherently wrong with that?
I'm thinking yes, there is, because otherwise I would have done it already, rather than hesitating.
Because I have noticed similarities in my experience with Emily and Charlotte Bronte, I have come to two conclusions either of which could be correct: One is that the Bronte sisters are not talented with comprehensive beginnings that are readable and hook-y or, two, I am bad at reading.
Let's hope it's number one.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Unveiling...
Is the opposite of unveil veil? Veil Doesn't look like a real word. But it is. Some things are just weird like that. I use the word just too much.
Did you forget what you were reading? I need to work on my confusing skills.
With no reader polls* or anything of the sort, I have decided to read Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, this month. The reason for this is, of course, because it is Bella and Edward's favourite book, and, when you have Bella and Edward on your side, where can you go wrong? All I need to make this decision completely supported is the opinion of dear Lauren, and I'm pretty sure she'd be into it. Who isn't into a guy named Heathcliff (he is from Wuthering Heights, correct?)? Come on, it's like a mixture of Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace <3) and cliff. As in Bella jumped off a _______. Coincedence?
From the cover of this novel alone, I am getting a very ominous vibe. Maybe this is like Edward Cullen's handbook. If so, it is sure to be very insightful, if not a little bit creepy at times. I think we're all ready for a little mysterious creepiness.
Bring it on, Bella's Favourite Book.**
*I totally learned that there's a way to actually to that and to prove it to you (and myself) I'm going to test it. Respond below.
**I may refer to it as this from now on.
[polldaddy poll=2645138]
Did you forget what you were reading? I need to work on my confusing skills.
With no reader polls* or anything of the sort, I have decided to read Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, this month. The reason for this is, of course, because it is Bella and Edward's favourite book, and, when you have Bella and Edward on your side, where can you go wrong? All I need to make this decision completely supported is the opinion of dear Lauren, and I'm pretty sure she'd be into it. Who isn't into a guy named Heathcliff (he is from Wuthering Heights, correct?)? Come on, it's like a mixture of Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace <3) and cliff. As in Bella jumped off a _______. Coincedence?
From the cover of this novel alone, I am getting a very ominous vibe. Maybe this is like Edward Cullen's handbook. If so, it is sure to be very insightful, if not a little bit creepy at times. I think we're all ready for a little mysterious creepiness.
Bring it on, Bella's Favourite Book.**
*I totally learned that there's a way to actually to that and to prove it to you (and myself) I'm going to test it. Respond below.
**I may refer to it as this from now on.
[polldaddy poll=2645138]
Unveiling...
Is the opposite of unveil veil? Veil Doesn't look like a real word. But it is. Some things are just weird like that. I use the word just too much.
Did you forget what you were reading? I need to work on my confusing skills.
With no reader polls* or anything of the sort, I have decided to read Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, this month. The reason for this is, of course, because it is Bella and Edward's favourite book, and, when you have Bella and Edward on your side, where can you go wrong? All I need to make this decision completely supported is the opinion of dear Lauren, and I'm pretty sure she'd be into it. Who isn't into a guy named Heathcliff (he is from Wuthering Heights, correct?)? Come on, it's like a mixture of Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace <3) and cliff. As in Bella jumped off a _______. Coincedence?
From the cover of this novel alone, I am getting a very ominous vibe. Maybe this is like Edward Cullen's handbook. If so, it is sure to be very insightful, if not a little bit creepy at times. I think we're all ready for a little mysterious creepiness.
Bring it on, Bella's Favourite Book.**
*I totally learned that there's a way to actually to that and to prove it to you (and myself) I'm going to test it. Respond below.
**I may refer to it as this from now on.
[polldaddy poll=2645138]
Did you forget what you were reading? I need to work on my confusing skills.
With no reader polls* or anything of the sort, I have decided to read Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, this month. The reason for this is, of course, because it is Bella and Edward's favourite book, and, when you have Bella and Edward on your side, where can you go wrong? All I need to make this decision completely supported is the opinion of dear Lauren, and I'm pretty sure she'd be into it. Who isn't into a guy named Heathcliff (he is from Wuthering Heights, correct?)? Come on, it's like a mixture of Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace <3) and cliff. As in Bella jumped off a _______. Coincedence?
From the cover of this novel alone, I am getting a very ominous vibe. Maybe this is like Edward Cullen's handbook. If so, it is sure to be very insightful, if not a little bit creepy at times. I think we're all ready for a little mysterious creepiness.
Bring it on, Bella's Favourite Book.**
*I totally learned that there's a way to actually to that and to prove it to you (and myself) I'm going to test it. Respond below.
**I may refer to it as this from now on.
[polldaddy poll=2645138]
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