Books and Jams Readalong discussion

March is here! I am so excited to finally be reading this book I've heard so much about! It is nicely divided into three volumes, so those will be our discussion headings. How are you feeling about the book after this first volume?

I have to admit that I got a few days jump on this book since it was available at the library early but I am really enjoying it!!! I really love Faye's writing and the story quite a lot. I like stories about children in schools (even if they are bad schools and have mean headmasters) and Jane's spunk. She definitely uses her intellect and courage to get herself out of some tough spots.

Ok I was going to try and do what I did last book and go chapter by chapter. Hope no one minds.

Chapter 1- Drama from the start. I don't understand if the estate is Jane's why is her aunt living there with her son and not Jane and her
mom. And eww that cousin yuck what a creeper. With the ending of chapter one losing her mom what a crazy start to the book.

Wendy I didn't start keeping track of my thoughts chapter by chapter. To be honest I'm more focused on the middle grade books I'm reading this month.

That said, I have really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I like that it's not a direct adaptation of Jane Eyre, but that there are a few similarities (horrible aunt/cousin, awful boarding school, insecure yet strong little girl). Even by the end of this first volume though, the similarities seem to be gone. Maybe more things will catch my eye as the story goes on.

I am loving the character of Jane herself. I find her personality so different from what I expect from a serial killer. She accidentally kills the first time (or was it), but even the next two were done with a mix of such coldness for the person's life she's taking and such heart of love for those she's protecting/rescuing. I am loving that duality and look forward to seeing what happens in the next volume.

Candace wrote: "I have to admit that I got a few days jump on this book since it was available at the library early but I am really enjoying it!!! I really love Faye's writing and the story quite a lot. I like sto..."

I really like Jane's personality too. She has such a mix of a soft/caring side, spunk to stand up for what's right (steal food and such), and insecurities/hidden "demons". She's such a complex character and I'm enjoying seeing all these sides of her.

Krista wrote: "Wendy I didn't start keeping track of my thoughts chapter by chapter. To be honest I'm more focused on the middle grade books I'm reading this month.

That said, I have really enjoyed the beginnin..."

I feel horrible because I am like you and loving reading my middle grade books. Hope to read some more of this book tomorrow. Not sure if I will be able to keep up the chapter by chapter but I feel like I get more out of the book by doing that.

I started reading Jane Steele today and couldn’t put it down! I love Jane’s character and the gothic atmosphere. I noticed that the novel is also supposed to have elements of Nicholas Nickleby, but I haven’t read it, has anyone else?

Leslie wrote: "I started reading Jane Steele today and couldn’t put it down! I love Jane’s character and the gothic atmosphere. I noticed that the novel is also supposed to have elements of Nicholas Nickleby, but..."

I saw a movie of Nicholas Nickleby a few years ago, but have never read it. I wouldn't know if there are similarities.

Wendy wrote: "Krista wrote: "Wendy I didn't start keeping track of my thoughts chapter by chapter. To be honest I'm more focused on the middle grade books I'm reading this month.

That said, I have really enjoy..."

I agree. I feel like when I make notes on each chapter I stay more focused and notice more things. But sometimes the story just takes me away and I want to just go with it! haha.

Krista wrote: "Wendy I didn't start keeping track of my thoughts chapter by chapter. To be honest I'm more focused on the middle grade books I'm reading this month.

That said, I have really enjoyed the beginnin..."

I read the book during two very long plane rides. So, I didn't have a chance to comment after I'd completed the first section. I love Jane's sass! I agree with Krista that although there are some similarities with Jane Eyre; I am glad it's not truly a retelling. I love Jane Eyre and I don't think I would have enjoyed this book as much if the similarities were stronger...I think I would have spent more time comparing the two stories, rather than diving into Jane Steele.

I just got to the end of Volume 1 last night and am totally hooked! I love Jane! Is it wrong that I'm totally ok with who she has killed so far? Almost like it was justified and she did it to protect someone else. I'm excited to keep going and see where this adventure takes me!