You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

One of the group reads for April is The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Christina will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during April 2021.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I will be starting the book in just a little bit. I've been looking foward to reading it since it came out.

The Beast & Chapter 1- (view spoiler)[ I hope that I wasn't supposed to understand what exactly happened in "The Beast" obviously she gave birth, but after that I was kinda lost.

Chapter 1- Wow! That was a lot of period talk. I think Ezra is going to be an interesting character. Judith is one of the prophet's wives, but she seems to claim Ezra. (hide spoiler)]

I am starting this today.

Christina wrote: "The Beast & Chapter 1- ..."

Ya! (view spoiler)[They just sort of drop you right in the menstrual talk! (hide spoiler)]

This one was also on my to read list for quite some time, going to join in this one also.

I am almost done with ch 2. The first thing I am trying to get a grip on with this book is where it is set? Is Bethel in some version of our real world - like Gilead in Handmaid's tale or is it some made up place without a connection to our world? (view spoiler)[ I wonder what is going on with the world outside of Bethel. It seems like there was some major climate situation that has made the world a hostile place. (hide spoiler)]

Katrisa wrote: "I am almost done with ch 2. The first thing I am trying to get a grip on with this book is where it is set? Is Bethel in some version of our real world - like Gilead in Handmaid's tale or is it som..."

Goggle seems to think it was real .. somewhere outside of Jerusalem. Hard to say.

Ricardo wrote: "This one was also on my to read list for quite some time, going to join in this one also."

Happy to have you join : )

Chapter 2-

Okay I had to go back (view spoiler)[ he just says yearling... I guess I was just picturing a horse. (hide spoiler)]

Katrisa wrote: "I am almost done with ch 2. The first thing I am trying to get a grip on with this book is where it is set? Is Bethel in some version of our real world - like Gilead in Handmaid's tale or is it som..."

I just finished Chapter 3 and I am wondering that too. I thought maybe it was like the movie, The Village, but I just don’t know. I’d like to know that and the time period.

I have started and finished the first three chapters. I have had to draw out a character tree to help keep all the names and relationships straight. Like Katrisa, I would like to know the time period and where they are. So far, I am quite engrossed in the story...appalled at times, but engrossed.

I have finished through Chapter 5. I must admit that the reading is intense. (view spoiler)[ When Immanuelle ventures into the Darkwood and stumbles upon the lovers, did anyone else think about the role of the lovers as playing the part of the serpent in Genesis? The author talks about how the one “slithered”. I wonder if taking the book was like taking the Apple? Between the head of the sheep and the branding, I had to take a minute. (hide spoiler)]

I must admit to being quite invested at this point. I just received my second shot of Covid immunization so I am resting today and will probably read straight through. I am wondering if I have found a clue as to where and when this story takes place. (view spoiler)[ “Immanuelle couldn’t imagine anyone intentionally leaving Bethel. After all, where would they go? To the godless, heathen cities in the west? To the lifeless ruins in the east? No one would seek solace in places like those. Beyond Bethel, there was nothing. There was no other place to go. “And all the missing children? What happened to all of them?”“ Could it be in the future after some cataclysmic event when society is starting over? (hide spoiler)] Guess we will have to see.

Chapter 3- (view spoiler)[ I had a flashback to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children those are the scariest whights ever described. Especially, imaginings the bones moving under the skin. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "I have finished through Chapter 5. I must admit that the reading is intense. [spoilers removed]"

I didn't think of that, but I can see how someone would. I finished chapter 5 and it was pretty intense. (view spoiler)[ It doesn't seem that her mother was the same person from the start of the journal as she was a the end. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote:
I didn't think of that, but I can see how someone would. I finished chapter 5 and it..."

I agree (view spoiler)[ that her mother sounds much different as the diary goes on. She sounds like she is going insane. (hide spoiler)]

I just started ch 9 (view spoiler)[ I feel like Immanuelle should be terrified! The diary is pretty freaky on its own and her encounters with the witches sound terrifying! After the encounter with the lovers I would straight up never go back in those woods! But the water witch and Lillith up the scare factor by quite a few notches. I understand her not telling anyone because she is liable to be like burned at the stake herself but I would certainly take some pretty drastic measures to avoid the woods (hide spoiler)]

I am in ch 11 (view spoiler)[ Well, Immanuelle has given a plausible excuse for going back into the woods. She was a little slow on the uptake for seeing her role in the blood plague but she obviously can't tell anybody, so I guess her best hope is to try to end things herself in secret.
Also Ezra seems to be pretty cool for being the Prophet's heir. (hide spoiler)]

Well, I have finished the book and look forward to discussing it as we go. It was very suspenseful and I found myself devouring large chunks of it. I think the quote, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” is a good quote to describe most of what happens here. (view spoiler)[ I loved Ezra’s character, his selflessness and bravery. I wasn’t always sure what to make of Martha. Immanuelle sometimes exasperated me. I loved Vera and her strength. I did wonder about what happened to Leah’s baby and to Sage. I liked that everything at the end was not tied tied up neatly in a bow because reality just isn’t like that. I am assuming that Saul will challenge Ezra once the absolute creep, known as the Prophet, is dead. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished ch 18 (view spoiler)[ There are more people in Bethel than I thought. I am surprised how lenient Ezra is being about the witchcraft. With his coming ascendancy I hope he doesn't turn on Immanuelle. He destroyed the evidence of her background so that's good. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Well, I have finished the book and look forward to discussing it as we go. It was very suspenseful and I found myself devouring large chunks of it. I think the quote, “Absolute power corrupts absol..."

Holy Mackerel... Make me feel like a big slacker lol. I am glad that you liked it.

Not at all! I have been resting today as I had my second Covid shot. Plus, I have been up since 5:00! LOL!

Katrisa wrote: "Christina wrote: "The Beast & Chapter 1- ..."
"

(view spoiler)[What an intro! I like this. You are confused but not to much.
I agree about Erza. He may turn out interesting,

I am curious about the world and about Immanuelle. She had to be something special. I wonder if she is hiding it or she still does not know. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished - what an ending! (view spoiler)[ I am glad that Ezra stayed awesome. I liked him and it would have made me sad to have him betray Immanuelle. (hide spoiler)] I will definitely read the next one when it comes out!

I thought it was a great ending too. I could not quit reading the last twenty five percent of the book. And I will definitely read the next one, too!

I just finished chapter 4.
As you all did, I wonder the where, when and how of Bethel.
Bethel makes me think of Gilead. An enclave that have retreated from the rest of the world and rewrote its history. I guess I will find out.

(view spoiler)[Ezra. In the 1st chapter, I was thinking he would be the source of trouble for Immanuelle but it seems he is the trouble. Does he know of the world outside because he is in line to be the next prophet and it is "need to know" or is he rebellious?

I cannot wait to find out about the book the witch gave Immanuelle . (hide spoiler)]

In regards to Bethel I too was curious about and got a “The Village” like feeling from it though the book also brings to my mind a movie called “ The VVitch” and I can see Bethel as being a fictional puritanical community in early American settlement.

I do enjoy how the religious community with the Prophet and his many wives does give the book a dystopian flare while the idea of this dark haunted evil forest lends the book a fairy tale feel. I love how darkly atmospheric and tense the story is.

Ch. 1-5 (view spoiler)[ I agree I am quite intrigued about the character of Ezra. I do not trust him ad of yet, but I cannot wait to learn more of his motives and intentions.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

I just finished Chapter 7- (view spoiler)[ The marriage in a violent and angry affair. (hide spoiler)] I am loving the atmosphere that is being setup. ***goosebumps***

@Esther. . Sounds like a good theory about them rewriting history. I wonder if we will find out during this book.

Finished chapter two...

(view spoiler)[Still at the begging, but so far is looking promising :) .

The family is huge, I cant remember who is who (and the gifts of each), nice thing that's only one man in the family (easy to remember), I think I'm going to do what Sharon did, write a character tree :).

Their way of living is strange and nasty, Immanuelle (and Ezra probably) seems to be the most normal person in the story so far (apart from the period thing :)), hope she escapes that madness.

Ezra looks like the one for Immanuelle, a knowledge seeker, and one that does not agree with what is happening in there, lets see...
(hide spoiler)]

Katrisa wrote: "Christina wrote:
I didn't think of that, but I can see how someone would. I finished chapter 5 and it..."

I agree [spoilers removed]"

This is another backstory I would like to know more about. Will we?

Katrisa wrote: "I am in ch 11 "

(view spoiler)[Well, she had an excuse to get out. But she should have run back inside right away.

Ezra: too cool. I am still not sure about him. He is really interested in Immanuelle or is she a pawn in some plan of his? (hide spoiler)]

I just finished chapter 9- (view spoiler)[ It is eerie how she got her womanly curse in the woods and suddenly the water turns to blood. Total ewe btw. 4 curses... that is not a connection that I would have made by myself. I'm glad Immanuel is smarter than I am. Still loving Ezra... definently not what I would think of as prophet. (hide spoiler)]

I have to read at least a few more chapters because I can't wait to read y'all spoilers.

@Krista- I sure hope we find out more background because at this point, I can see myself following through with the series.

Esther wrote: "Katrisa wrote: "I am spoiler removed."

Through Chapter 11- I agree with both of you. (view spoiler)[ This is some pretty scary stuff. Yes, I am slow too. I thought the bleeding was a quinky dink, but I didn't think of it as a "blood sacrifice". I want to believe Ezra, but I think his motive is purely sexual. I think she needs to be careful. (hide spoiler)]

I finished through Chapter 19- (view spoiler)[ My stomach is churning at the threat of this new curse. I am kinda a softy when it comes to kids. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Esther wrote: "Katrisa wrote: "I am spoiler removed."

Through Chapter 11- I agree with both of you. [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[I am less optimistic. I think she'll be lucky if it is sexual.. that s something she will see coming and can handle. I fear it will be more on the political (for lack of better word) side. So scheme she won't see coming until too late. In Bethel society, education and knowledge are dangerous. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 23- (view spoiler)[ Well, the witchery came from to father's side, but the curse came from her mother? (hide spoiler)]

Esther wrote: "Christina wrote: "Esther wrote: "Katrisa wrote: "I am spoiler removed.".."

re through ch 11 - That was exactly my worry too Esther.

Christina wrote: "Through chapter 23- [spoilers removed]"

Yes -I did NOT see that coming!

Oops sorry, completely forgot about creating a reporting thread. If you finished the book already, you can now report :)

When did we start this? I see someone is already on chapter 23...

I would like to join... This book has been in my list for quite some time!!

Go for it.. Gunit, I am enjoying the book. Would love to hear your thoughts.

I just finished Chapter 29- (view spoiler)[ Ezra cannot die!! Geez, he is in love with her. After this I can't see anyone doubting his motives. (hide spoiler)]

Finished the book yesterday, did enjoy this book... Not really my genre, but I did enjoy this one.

Sharon wrote: "Well, I have finished the book and look forward to discussing it as we go...."

(view spoiler)[
Ezra’s ( the knowledge seeker) character was one of my favorites in this book the "selflessness and bravery" as you say and the will to change things ware present from the begging.
I think Martha was tying in her own way to protect Immanuelle, not knowing that she was doing the opposite , and only at the very end she got to notice that she was not doing her job properly, the religion/cult was built-in her I guess.
" I am assuming that Saul will challenge Ezra once the absolute creep, known as the Prophet, is dead." I do have the same feeling, don't know why, things in "The year of Dawn" (probably the name of the next book :))

I did enjoy the end, I do think It was less tragic that I was expecting, I was expecting to see Ezra disappointing me so many times in the book :) Nice thing to see that he didn't.

(hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Go for it.. Gunit, I am enjoying the book. Would love to hear your thoughts."

Cool... I will start this over the weekend!! Excited!

I just finished!! (view spoiler)[ Well, so far I can agree with everyone, in being happy that Ezra didn't turn out to be a douche bag, but in the later part of the book I stopped worrying about that and started worrying that he was going die.

The was pretty good.. although I was hoping that she would return home to mourn and make amends with Martha and be with Glory.

I really liked Vera's character For the grandma she sure came off as a badass. I hope to see more of her and Martha in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Well, I have finished the book and look forward to discussing it as we go. It was very suspenseful and I found myself devouring large chunks of it. I think the quote, “Absolute power corrupts absol..."

(view spoiler)[ Good question about the baby. I am having a hard time remembering who Sage is. I am going to have to go back and look. I loved Vera also. Martha's character reminds me how sometimes mom's (grandma is this case) make the hard choices "tough love", but in this case she was just wrong and that happens too.

I went and looked Sage up... Yeah, I imagine we will she to again. :) (hide spoiler)]

Ricardo wrote: "Finished the book yesterday, did enjoy this book... Not really my genre, but I did enjoy this one.

Sharon wrote: "Well, I have finished the book and look forward to discussing it as we go...."


E..."

Goodread says that The Dawn of the Coven will be coming out this year.

I just started this book!

Christina wrote: "I just finished Chapter 29- [spoilers removed]"

indeed. He even convinced me :).

Katrisa wrote: "Christina wrote: "Through chapter 23- [spoilers removed]"

Yes -I did NOT see that coming!"

indeed (view spoiler)[ to be honest I had never put too much tough about her father, I never thought her father`s family would play a part until the census came up. (hide spoiler)]