101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

Please post your thoughts on the second section.

Another reader had commented that she just couldn't really work up any enjoyment for either of the brothers, because "neither one of them has enough of a personality to stick in my brain, so for the longest time I couldn't keep them straight."

That's exactly it for me: I still barely can tell the difference, I only know that Simon is the older one and has the beard (or did, rather). And I think he's the one from the East Coast. But other than that, I haven't seen anything that makes me think of them as anything other than one single, American unit.

I would love to explore Topaz' character more, and Stephen is extremely compelling, but they are both rather relegated to the background, at least until this point.

I have to admit, I rather thought the "surprise" was going to be Simon's proposing to Cassandra rather than to Rose. They seem to share a lot more intellectually in common. Of course, we have to see what Stephen is up to in that regard... I'm sure he's the supplier of the chocolate and notebook, despite whatever conclusions Cassandra has drawn.

I'm curious what we'll find out about Mr. Mortmain's escapades in London. A new classic novel in the works?

I like Cassandra's comparisons between American and British customs, because some of them I've noticed before, but others I hadn't, although some may be due to the time period (American hotels having rooms with private baths, for example). She's making the differences and similarities between the groups more like a fun cultural exploration, even above developing friendships.

I also like her comparisons of Bronte and Austen novels, while living in her own English castle in a much more modern setting. It's rather tongue-in-cheek, in an amusing way.

The bearskin coat episode gave me a bit of a chuckle.

Jill wrote: "The bearskin coat episode gave me a bit of a chuckle."

I'd almost forgotten that! Wasn't that hysterical? I could just picture the girls running through the countryside, trying to avoid being discovered. and the whole nonsense about shooting the bear.... !

The writing actually gets better as the story goes forward with each part.
Part 2 was full of Scoatney and dinners I think. But it was interesting , much better than Part 1. Yeah BearSkin part was funny.