Classics for Beginners discussion

Would anyone be interested in buddy reading the Count of Monte Cristo?

I read that last year. It was very good. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I would love to read that, but just can't fit it in right now unfortunately. Happy reading though! :)

I would love to buddy read it with you, Olivia! :D It's my favorite book of all time, and I've just been planning a re-read sometime in early 2016. The first time I read it, I buddy-read it as well.

I might also be interested, when do you want to read it?

One of the greatest books ever written. The modern Buss translation is about 400 pages longer than the standard one (passed down anonymously from Vicotrian England), but it is soooooo worth the read. I wouldn't mind reading it again, but I have a lot on my plate this year and I am a very slow reader.

Happy reading and I envy anybody approaching this book for the first time.

I may be interested depending when as well. I couldn't before due to a couple of other group reads I had going/pending but the deck's clear now!
I actually have it on my kindle ready to go following your recommendation Renae (it was the 'almost vampires' part that did it; I'm desperate to know about these almost vampires).

Yeeees. The almost vampire is very important. *nods*

Just a quick check in to see if anyone is reading, or about to start, as I'm planning to start tonight and find out all about these almost vampires!! Woo!

Squire wrote: "One of the greatest books ever written. The modern Buss translation is about 400 pages longer than the standard one (passed down anonymously from Vicotrian England), but it is soooooo worth the rea..."

I've just checked, and it is the Buss translation I have.

I love this book! I would total buddy read if I was not in the middle of Les Miserables! Happy reading to those just starting this great journey. It may be long, but oh so worth it as Squire said! By the end of the book, you see each character in a completly different light as you did in the beginning.

Ah, didn't know we would indeed start. Let me get the book and I will join!

I can start soon, too! :D

I'll be reading the Buss translation as well, for the first time! I've been reading the Modern Library edition up until now, which doesn't quite match up to the public domain translation from Project Gutenberg, but is mostly the same. So it'll be cool to compare!

Nina wrote: "Ah, didn't know we would indeed start. Let me get the book and I will join!"

I decided to just go ahead and start because I really wanted to read it, but it is even better if you and Renae are joining in too!!

So, I'm about 7% in. First impressions; it was straight into the action. Dantes is a very appealing protagonist so far, and (more importantly in my book!!!) Danglars is a suitably villainous baddie.

Although long, it is very very easy reading so far.

@Renae - it'll be interesting to hear your thoughts on the differences between the two translations, and which you prefer!

So far I've read through ch 14, and while I didn't like the Buss translation AT ALL in the beginning, I've gotten more used to it, and I love the story so much that it's starting not to make a difference. The first hundred pages or so are also my least favorite part (I think they're boring), so it should only get better from here! :)

I had a crazy week at work, so hardly read during the week. I've managed to read a good chunk of the book today - 10% - and hopefully I can keep on top of reading a little each day now.

Think I'm just getting to the exciting bits. (view spoiler)[ The Abbé has just died and I'm hoping for a big escape followed by a treasure hunt! Yeah! (hide spoiler)]

Thrilling reading tonight (view spoiler)[ escape and treasure!!! (hide spoiler)].

Woohoo! My favorite part is everything that happens after that!

I'm a couple hundred pages ahead of you right now, but I'm taking a break to read something else.

Up to chapter 31.

Very moving passages tonight. (view spoiler)[ I knew Dantes would help M. Morrel but the tension of those chapters. I was in edge! I got all teary when it all worked out in the end.

How unfair that good men like Morrel suffered whilst scumbags like Danglars prospered. (hide spoiler)]

Life's been a little crazy recetnly, and so I am still stuck with the book I had planned to finish some 2 weeks ago. I also plan to join the Treasure Island read (and already have the book at home, I guess I won't be joining this read before half March :( Hope some of you will still be at it at that moment... Happy reading everyone!

Nina wrote: "Life's been a little crazy recetnly, and so I am still stuck with the book I had planned to finish some 2 weeks ago. I also plan to join the Treasure Island read (and already have the book at home,..."

I'll still be reading. I'm just reading a little each night

Renae wrote: "So far I've read through ch 14, and while I didn't like the Buss translation AT ALL in the beginning, I've gotten more used to it, and I love the story so much that it's starting not to make a diff..."

I'm reading the Buss translation too. And yes, I hate the beginning but from where they start to introduce Mercedes, it's getting interesting.