The Three Pines discussion

Hello, my name is Reenie and I've just discovered the wonderful world of The Three Pines, thank you very much to my local library, and of course Louise Penny.

I hoping to find some other lovers of the series to chat to about this great series, and whatever else crops up alongside. Sadly, I was unable to find any groups for the author; so here I am.

Hopefully somebody else joins soon. That way, I'm not talking to myself.

Hello...my name is Kat.

I discovered Ms. Penny about two years ago, and have been catching up, devouring her works since.

Hi
My name is Lana. My sister-in-law is an editor and she thinks Louise Penny is an excellent writer. I don't normally like mysteries that much but I decided to try Louise Penny on my sister-in-law's recommendation.
I finished Book 9, "How the Light Gets In." I was very depressed after the ending of "The Beautiful Mystery" as Jean Guy chooses Oxy and Francoeur over Gamache. But I soldiered on and "how the Light Gets In" was tremendously satisfying.
I found Billy Williams hilarious. Do any of you know what Billy was actually saying in "A Fatal Grace?"
He says: "Em are ducks. High Mechanics Boat. Chairs might red glass. Loudspeaker. " This is when Gamache is holding on for dear life on the snowmobile with Billy.

Hello:

My name is Diana. I do not recall how I found her books, but I adore her characters, the location, the poetry and the integrity. My favorite thought from her books is in regards to Cohen's song about how everything is cracked . . . that's how the light gets in. I have looked up some of the areas in her books and want to visit those areas. I would love a book or class that would teach me more about the poetry she quotes in her book.

Hello. My name is Karen. I was introduced to Louise Penny's books about a year ago at a book club I belong to. I just finished reading the fourth book in the Three Pines series, "A Rule Against Murder". I love everything about this series; the characters, the town, the poetry and the food. It feels like coming home. Well, except for the murders of course. I look forward to sharing my enjoyment of the Three Pines novels with the group!

Hello! My name is Kate Lacy. I discovered Still Life nearly the first day it showed up in the library. Sheer chance because when I wanted to reread it 3-4 books later, I had to wait and wait for a copy. I've read them all and sent a critique or two and a praise or two. My favorite is The Nature of the Beast. I waited a year after reading and listened to the audiobook on CDs. So I can't read or hear it again. Now it's embedded. I wasn't thrilled with Great Reckoning. Lots of reasons. But I'd love some discussions after we get to read the next one.....or as you read and get caught up. She is a prodigious talent.

I'm so sorry all, I've not received notifications for this thread and was so disappointed that nobody else like Ms Penny ...I'm thrilled I was wrong!

Lana wrote: "Hi
My name is Lana. My sister-in-law is an editor and she thinks Louise Penny is an excellent writer. I don't normally like mysteries that much but I decided to try Louise Penny on my sister-in-la..."

I've just finished the Dead Cold (I think it has a different name over here) where Gamache is being flung around on the back of the snowmobile and I must say that I can still picture that scene, it does make me giggle a bit now. I do not have a clue what he was saying, although coming from a relatively small community myself, I do believe that each community has it's own eccentric Billy.

Diana wrote: "Hello:

My name is Diana. I do not recall how I found her books, but I adore her characters, the location, the poetry and the integrity. My favorite thought from her books is in regards to Cohen's ..."

Hello, Diana! I, too, love the poetry in these books; ever since I've read How The Light Gets In, I've truly loved that quote from Cohen, I feel like it applies to so much when you really think about it.
Yes, I wonder if Penny reveals more about her love of excellent poetry in any interviews, it would be interesting to see.

Karen wrote: "Hello. My name is Karen. I was introduced to Louise Penny's books about a year ago at a book club I belong to. I just finished reading the fourth book in the Three Pines series, "A Rule Against Mur..."

It must have been lovely to have a real life book club to discuss these books with, Karen. I'd love to have an IRL club to discuss them, perhaps in a cute little cafe or maybe even a cosy bistro..

Kate wrote: "Hello! My name is Kate Lacy. I discovered Still Life nearly the first day it showed up in the library. Sheer chance because when I wanted to reread it 3-4 books later, I had to wait and wait for a ..."
Hello Kate Lacy, I couldn't agree more about how talented Penny is. Sadly I haven't read them in chronological order, I just got the books as they appeared at the library, however it's definitely on my list of things to do this year, I feel it will add so much more to the little references hidden among the work.

TITLES IN ORDER * * * * * *YEP! Read in order if you can.
STILL LIFE
A FATAL GRACE / DEAD COLD
THE CRUELEST MONTH
A RULE AGAINST MURDER / THE MURDER STONE
THE BRUTAL TELLING
BURY YOUR DEAD
A TRICK OF THE LIGHT
THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY
HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
THE LONG WAY HOME
THE NATURE OF THE BEAST
A GREAT RECKONING

Hey. I have read all the books, and even visited many of the sites mentioned in the books. Excited to find a group to talk about them.

Seema wrote: "Hey. I have read all the books, and even visited many of the sites mentioned in the books. Excited to find a group to talk about them."
Hello! I guess I could say that I'm only a teensy bit jealous of you visiting the real life places ..but I'd be lying. Are you from Canada?

Hello everyone! I'm so glad to have found this group. I first read "The Beautiful Mystery" when it first came out, not knowing it was a series. Ironically that's the first novel in the series that isn't set in Three Pines with all those awesome village characters. Then, I decided to start reading the series from the beginning. I just finished reading A Trick of the Light which was amazing! Now I'm starting "How the Light Gets In"

Nayla wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm so glad to have found this group. I first read "The Beautiful Mystery" when it first came out, not knowing it was a series. Ironically that's the first novel in the series that ..."

I have SO much love for How The Light Gets In, I really hope you thoroughly enjoy it!

I'm Naomi, and I'm a high school English teacher in Central Texas. I LOVE the Three Pines series.

Naomi wrote: "I'm Naomi, and I'm a high school English teacher in Central Texas. I LOVE the Three Pines series."

I love the sound of your job, I'm aware it will also have so many challenging aspects though (one day)!
Welcome!

Hi, I'm Linda. I discovered Louise Penny's books almost a year ago when I decided to read Still Life, and I've been working my way through them ever since, treating myself to one about every third or fourth book that I read. I'm just starting How The Light Gets In. I love mysteries and have several favorite authors, but Louise Penny has shot right to the top of the list with these wonderful characters.

Linda wrote: "Hi, I'm Linda. I discovered Louise Penny's books almost a year ago when I decided to read Still Life, and I've been working my way through them ever since, treating myself to one about every third ..."

Hi Linda, I used to be exactly the same when saving Penny books as a special treat for myself, however now I just read them as soon as I can get my hands on them. So impatient, haha.
I really hope that you enjoy How The Light Gets In, I have a lot of love for that book.
I hope you'll be able to recommend some more fab authors to our group, one day

Hi...I'm Cindy from Indiana but currently living in Texas (long story). I read the first Louise Penny book, which I liked. Then while attending the Printers' Row Lit Fest in Chicago in about 2010-11, I attended a session with writers of mystery series. [No, Louise Penny was not there.]. Someone asked the panel what writers they liked to read and Penny's name came up several times. So I went home and tracked down the next two books in the series and was hooked. I parcel her books out to myself like favorite chocolates in the box...to be savored! I'm on her next-to-last book. Not sure what I will do when the series comes to an end. I usually do not re-read books, but might have to make an exception in this case.

Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and characters. I'm starting Bury Your Dead as soon as my library can get it to me.

Cindy wrote: "Hi...I'm Cindy from Indiana but currently living in Texas (long story). I read the first Louise Penny book, which I liked. Then while attending the Printers' Row Lit Fest in Chicago in about 2010-1..."
Hiya Cindy! A Lit Fest sounds wonderful, I'd love to visit something similar in the UK!
I'm just the same with Penny books in that I like to read others in between so that I can truly savour her works. (I seem to do this with all of my favourites.)

Mary wrote: "Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and characters. I'm..."

Hello, Mary! That was some great gift from a person, I hope you thanked them haha. I recently read, Bury Your Dead (also from the library) and really enjoyed it!
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who looks forward to hearing your thoughts

Mary wrote: "Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and characters. I'm..."

Mary wrote: "Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and characters. I'm..."

Reenie wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hi, I'm Linda. I discovered Louise Penny's books almost a year ago when I decided to read Still Life, and I've been working my way through them ever since, treating myself to one abou..."

Hi, I'm Pat. I live in a rather isolated spot in north-central British Columbia. I downloaded The Beautiful Mystery on my Kobo, which was my introduction to Three Pines and Louise Penny. I have now purchased books 1 through 9 and re-read The Beautiful Mystery as the back stories were helpful in rounding out the character development. I look forward to discussing the books with everyone.

They are addicting, yes?

In a genre of mystery, where once you know 'who done it', remains intriguing to me that re-reading seems almost a must. For me this is the series I would have one a deserted Island. Provided each new installment miraculously drifts ashore!

Am pleased you discovered Three Pines.

Kat

Hi, I'm Sarah. I love the world of Three Pines. It's a setting and a collection of characters I think of often. I first read A Rule Against Murder, then went back and read them all from the beginning. Penny makes me want to visit Canada and to enjoy better food. I also adore Ruth's poetry. These are my favourite books. Ever.

I meet the world of Three Pines a year ago and have been avidly reading all of the series since. I'm now starting to reread the books, in order this time, looking up information about the places and people that appear in the stories, and thinking about a future trip that focuses on Inspector Gamache's Quebec.

Just recently re-read The Brutal Telling and noted that the following are real people or places: Emily Carr, Will Sommes, and Habitat, "the strange and exotic apartment building created for Expo 67" in Montreal.

I'm hoping to find other fans who might like to join the tour I'm envisioning as I re-read.

I am excited about the new book coming out soon :). I have reerved it already.

I discovered this wonderful series last summer while listening to a podcast called Pop Culture Happy Hour. It was August, I was listening while mowing fields in NW Illinois. It was the perfect time to visit a place of cosy fires and delicious food and wonderful characters. Three Pines and the characters have kept me company through the year and as we approach the end of summer again I am reading The Long Way Home. I know I am nearing the last book available and will miss Three Pines. I have tried to sip my way through these books to make them last but have ended up gulping more often than not. Such an intelligent, well written and funny series.
Does anyone have recommendations for another series that is similar - smart, beautiful writing, funny, setting as character, well-rounded characters, fascinating details, interesting plots - a tall order indeed!!!

I'm Naomi and I live in Texas. I have loved the Three Pines series for a few years now, ever since a Barnes and Noble employee recommended them to me. I love these books SO much. It's awesome to find a group of people that do too. (BTW, for those of you living in the UK, I visit there every other year!)

Mary wrote: "I meet the world of Three Pines a year ago and have been avidly reading all of the series since. I'm now starting to reread the books, in order this time, looking up information about the places an..."
Absolutely! I've been thinking the same thing and a just starting to make a trip itinerary based on the books! I just read The Long Way Home and was thrilled to discover Charlevoix and the artist Clarence Gagnon. If I was rich I would build a retirement community based on Three Pines!

I tried to get a trip arranged to Quebec last year, but it didn't happen. Hoping for next year!

It is hard to get people's schedules coordinated. I'm thinking a long road trip with my husband. I hope to have him listen to the books as we drive :)

Paula, I love your idea of a retirement community!

Linda wrote: "Paula, I love your idea of a retirement community!"
It would be lovely.... minus the murders of course!

Linda wrote: "Paula, I love your idea of a retirement community!"
A retirement community sounds wonderful, however I don't want to wait that long! I would love to work in the bistro or something, anything really, it seems such an idyllic life; good food and people.

Naomi wrote: "I tried to get a trip arranged to Quebec last year, but it didn't happen. Hoping for next year!"

Sounds like a wonderful holiday, Naomi! I'd love to visit!

I'm Angela, and I live in NJ. I found Still Life by chance when it came up as a "deal of the day" from Barnes & Noble. I loved it and the characters so much, I mentioned it to my mother and it turned out she'd read them all! I recently turned a good friend onto the series and she's devouring them now. For a long time, I only read 2 a year -- was trying to drag them out because I knew there weren't that many. But this year I've already read #5, 6, 7, 8 & 9. So far Bury Your Dead is my favorite, but I just finished How The Light Gets In and I loved that one as well. I totally wish Three Pines was real!

Hi, I'm Denise and I'm currently reading book three, The Cruelest Month. I love Louise Penny's books, having discovered them through the recommendation of a friend. I don't visit Goodreads often, but I wanted to see if there was a discussion group based around the books. I'm happy to find you!

D.a.b. wrote: "Hi, I'm Denise and I'm currently reading book three, The Cruelest Month. I love Louise Penny's books, having discovered them through the recommendation of a friend. I don't visit Goodreads often, b..."

Angela wrote: "I'm Angela, and I live in NJ. I found Still Life by chance when it came up as a "deal of the day" from Barnes & Noble. I loved it and the characters so much, I mentioned it to my mother and it turn..."

Welcome, ladies! I'm very pleased to have you here, it's great to find more Penny lovers who can hopefully make the community a bit more active.
Angela, have you seen the television movie of Still Life? They seem to capture the village perfectly, it looks so wonderful, I'd love to visit.

Have you all seen this? http://www.easterntownships.org/touri...

Although the actual village is fictional this contains links to some places that inspired it!

Right now The Long Way Home might be my favorite because it introduced me to another beautiful place in Canada http://www.gamacheseries.com/the-long...
https://www.google.com/url?
And a Canadian artist, Clarence Gagnon.

Reenie wrote: "D.a.b. wrote: "Hi, I'm Denise and I'm currently reading book three, The Cruelest Month. I love Louise Penny's books, having discovered them through the recommendation of a friend. I don't visit Goo..."

I have not watched the filmed version of Still Life -- I'm afraid it won't live up to what I imagine all of it to be! Also the actor playing Gamache is totally miscast to me -- he's Inspector Lynley, not Gamache.

I am re-reading the Great Reckoning. Have to get ready for her new book!

Angela wrote: "Reenie wrote: "D.a.b. wrote: "Hi, I'm Denise and I'm currently reading book three, The Cruelest Month. I love Louise Penny's books, having discovered them through the recommendation of a friend. I ..."
Angela, I thought Nathaniel Parker did a good job in the Still Life movie, but I also know him best as Inspector Lynley so I agree with you that he doesn't fit Gamache as I picture him.

I have rewatched the movie, several times, and I have to say I like it better each time. It does stay true to the story.

Yet, each viewing points out two things for me, and I'm not sure which to share first. I recently came across a bookmark, and later several other items, with a quote I adore.

"Never Judge A Book By It's Movie."

So guess I am going with point one. Louise Penny's ability to develop a character is simply fantastic, often in small details that you sort of miss on the first reading. No matter how good the film, these details can rarely be captured in the same way as her words describe them. Which would be why I am not the only one re-reading her books, and recommending them to friends, strangers, any possible reader.

Then there is the pure joy, and power of being a reader. For what Ms. Penny so delightfully describes, needs to be interpreted by our imagination and our experiences. Reading her description, we develop an image. A product of her words, and our own influences. My Armand Gamache will be true to her words but very different from yours, each influenced by what we bring to each book. And that is the power of being a reader.

With that said, could there be a perfect on screen Gamache? Or Reine-Marie? Or Jean Guy?

So, 4 days until "Glass Houses" is released....I can't wait!

Sincerely,
Kat

Still Life is a movie? How, where, when?

Kat wrote: "I have rewatched the movie, several times, and I have to say I like it better each time. It does stay true to the story.

Yet, each viewing points out two things for me, and I'm not sure which to s..."

Kat, I love what you wrote. So true. I never reread books because there are so many still to read, but I probably will be rereading Penny's books. Thank you.