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Original poster

2018 Reading Group - January: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - *Spoilers from 25 January*

258 replies

Plentyoffishnets · 31/12/2017 11:06

Hi, lots of interest on a different thread for starting a 2018 MN reading group.
Aim is to read one book a month, finishing by 25th of each month then discussing and selecting the next month's book.
For January we have gone for North and South by Elisabeth Gaskell.
So this thread is for those who want to join in, all are welcome Smile

OP posts:
Macauley · 08/01/2018 16:38

Might watch the tv adaptation once I’m finished. Although I’m finding it hard going I am actually enjoying it and look forward to reading it every night once baby is asleep.

holasoydora · 08/01/2018 20:13

Hello, I would like to join in. I bought a copy last year so will try and get it read by 25th! Thanks for the thread, great idea.

mamapants · 09/01/2018 09:50

Just finished when I should have been cleaning. Better get going now. Very much enjoyed it.

mamapants · 09/01/2018 13:39

Should we maybe think of next months book now? That way after the 25th can just be for discussion of North and South.

AiryFairy1991 · 09/01/2018 18:01

I think fatherland was mentioned on the original thread as the February book if that’s still the case?

IrisAtwood · 09/01/2018 21:36

Should we have a new thread for Fatherland?

ClashCityRocker · 09/01/2018 21:42

I think a new thread for each new book would work well.

Wolfiefan · 09/01/2018 22:08

Sounds like a plan. Halfway through North And South. Is it definitely Fatherland next? If so could I check I've found the right book! Robert Harris or another author? Thanks.

vdlc · 10/01/2018 17:57

Hi everyone,
I have been MIA for a while but I am back, Book Club was really good for my PPD and I really missed it. I would love to read North and South, I have also purchased the kindle copy for 0.49p! Yay!
Is the old book club not running anymore?
Thanks!
V

vdlc · 10/01/2018 17:58

...and I've just seen we are reading Fatherland next, so also purchased that one! Yay! Smile

Chillywhippet · 10/01/2018 20:44

Yes. In the beginning of the "where to start?" discussion we looked at books popular on this board and @plenty liked the look of North and South or Fatherland. So we just decided to make a start and see what happened.

I have also bought Fatherland already so would be pleased if we read it but will read it anyway. I guess it would fit plenty's idea of moving through the categories e.g. Classics, modern, non-fiction etc

So it would be good to have suggestions for categories.

We've also had the Essex Serpent and Eleanor Oliphant suggested. I'd be more than happy to read these too.

mamapants · 10/01/2018 21:39

I've never read any Richard Harris so happy to give it a go.

endehors · 10/01/2018 22:01

Here's the original discussion thread. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/what_were_reading/3122800-mn-book-group

endehors · 10/01/2018 22:02

I'm happy with the Richard Harris book, too. I haven't read that one before.

clairethewitch70 · 10/01/2018 22:08

Am I too late to join in? I already have North & South downloaded, but am trying to finish another book first?

HolyShmoly · 10/01/2018 22:12

Hi, can I join? I've read North and South before, but having re-watched the tv series at Christmas (my god I love Thornton in it) and listening to the Bonnetts at Dawn podcast read-along over the last couple of days I was planning to re-read it again anyway.

I don't think I've read any Richard Harris, so looking forward to that too.

Chillywhippet · 10/01/2018 22:40

Welcome everyone. It's definitely not too late. We are planning discussion of book from 25th.

Get cracking though as it's hard to skim read Smile

Original poster
Plentyoffishnets · 11/01/2018 01:23

that's cool about fatherland. I also bought a copy and have it ready to go. about a third of the way through n &s. I'm really enjoying it but am having to re read sections where I'm realising I've not been taking it in.

OP posts:
IpanemaChica · 11/01/2018 16:11

Started North and South last night. Only managed 2% Blush. I’ll try to finish it before the 25th.

desperatelyseekingcaffeine · 11/01/2018 22:38

I'm finding it a bit easier now, I'm halfway through. Hoping to finish over the weekend. Looking forward to fatherland, I read Enigma years ago and really enjoyed it.

ClashCityRocker · 12/01/2018 17:00

I've finished, and found that once I got into it I was really looking forward to sitting down and reading it.

AiryFairy1991 · 12/01/2018 19:01

I’m definitely finding it easier to read the further in I get. I still think some of the conversations are a bit drawn out and I can find myself skipping bits if I’m getting tired. But I’m really enjoying the plot.

DarthNigel · 12/01/2018 20:19

I'm struggling a bit tbh-weird because I usually love period books like this. Not helped because I started watch big little lies on Monday and erm, finished it all last night, so haven't applied myself properly. Back to it tomorrow.

AiryFairy1991 · 12/01/2018 22:58

@DarthNigel I did the exact same with Big Little Lies. It was too good to split into separate viewings!

desperatelyseekingcaffeine · 13/01/2018 18:24

Love big little lies, the book is great too! Some differences but I really liked the adaptation :)