A Tale Of Two Cities, Four Month Read Along. (Title edited by MNHQ at request of OP)

[DesdamonasHandkerchief]

Welcome to a 6 month read along of Dicken’s 12th novel A Tale of Two Cities
We will be reading it using the following format, and discussing the chapters on the first day of the following month: (So January chapters discussed from 1st Feb onwards etc)

A Tale of Two Cities

6-Month Read-Along Calendar

Start: 1 January 2026
Finish: 30 June 2026

🗓️
JANUARY 2026

Book the First: Recalled to Life
(Chapters 1–7)

✔ Book the First complete

🗓️
FEBRUARY 2026

Book the Second: The Golden Thread
(Chapters 1–6)

🗓️
MARCH 2026

Book the Second: The Golden Thread
(Chapters 7–12)

✔ Midway through Book the Second

🗓️
APRIL 2026

Book the Second: The Golden Thread
(Chapters 13–18)

🗓️
MAY 2026

Book the Second: The Golden Thread
(Chapters 19–24)

✔ Book the Second complete

🗓️
JUNE 2026

Book the Third: The Track of a Storm
(Chapters 1–15)

✔ Novel complete

I know very little about this book other than its set in revolutionary Paris and London, let’s hope it’s a goodie!

I start one book, I read it, I then go on to another.
I don't think I have the capacity to invest myself if I'm reading several at the same time.

yes I can only do one book at a time

I'm too much of a mood reader to just have one book at a time. I've got to have a light book alongside a heavier one

I can read two or three at a time.
I like the variation.
I've started A Tale. It's very good so far.

I usually have at least 3 on the go at any time, in different formats. A physical one to read at home, a kindle one to read in bed at night/when travelling, and an audiobook for when I’m cooking/walking etc. Then I might have a readalong book or a non fiction on the go as well.

Can I join please. I’ve read most of Dickens previously and love them but a very long time since I read any, especially this one. I’m finding it hard to get into a book at the moment so would love to join this.

Welcome @peafritterandcurrysauce we’d love you to join us.

Like Chessie, I usually have 3-4 on the go at once - a kindle book for reading in the dark (DP generally wants to sleep before I do), a physical book, and a non-fiction/biography on audio for when I’m walking to work/walking the dog/doing housework. Also whatever the current Dickens readalong is!

Another here who tends to have at least two on the go. I'm taking the bus to work for the time being so I tend to use my kindle/read slimmer physical books for those journeys, saving the heftier tomes (currently Lonesome Dove) for reading at home

I realise I am a few days late to the party but can I join please?

This is one of my favourite books ever. Read it for the first time in 1989 in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the start of the French Revolution and I’ve read it every couple of years since. Definitely due for another outing.

You’ve made my year OP with news of the new adaptation 😊

Not late at all @MagicSpaceTurtle
We don’t discuss the first 7 chapters till 1st Feb so plenty of time. Welcome to the group.

Great, thanks. Read chapter 1 last night and really looking forward to this

I’m enjoying it so much that I’ve completed book 1, I’ll have to keep going or I’ll forget what I’ve read.

I too have completed Book one. It’s really absorbing. I’m going to have to refresh my memory of the history of the period now- it will stop me racing on.
My knowledge of the times has become very sketchy over
the years!

Can I join too? Got myself a copy today.

Please do join us @TubeScreamer

May I join? I've not read much Dickens. I like the idea of a paced read along, particularly of a book I can read on my kindle while the baby naps on me.

You’re very welcome to join @rivierliedje

Having started reading ‘A Tale …’ on kindle on holiday, I decided it was not suitable lightweight, pool side reading.
I decided to treat myself to a posh edition. I’ve just had this beauty delivered and will be starting Book The First in earnest today, note pad in hand!

That cover is very clever. I looked at it for a while before I realised what it is.

Your hardback edition is gorgeous, Desdamona. Really clever too.

I'm afraid I've been very bold and gone and read the whole book. I got totally caught up in it. I'll enjoy a more leisurely reread and the discussion as it unfolds.

That’s a beautiful edition @DesdamonasHandkerchief

Might have to upgrade from my shabby old (but much-read) paperback 😂.

I’ve just finished Book the First and looking forward to the discussion. It really is a fantastically absorbing book.

Wow Fuzzy that’s a good sign if you couldn’t put it down! Please don’t forget to come back for the monthly discussions though!
I'm normally guilty of reading ahead during read alongs - still illicitly reading under the desk in my 60’s.

Thanks for the edition love everyone. I normally use a free kindle edition for any book in the public domain but it felt appropriate to splurge in this instance, and the copious footnotes are keeping me on track with what’s happening and what some of the obscure references are.
There’s also an extensive introduction by American literary professor (the late) Richard Maxwell. But I’m saving that for after I’ve read it in case of the dreaded spoilers!

Beware of footnotes for spoilers as well!
Yes. I thought it was really good. So atmospheric.
Looking forward to a more leisurely read now.

I couldn't remember what chapter we were supposed to read up to, but I've read the first 5 chapters so far, and enjoying it.