Monday, May 2

'gone with the wind'

gwtw web

I just finished this, the longest book I've ever read. I picked it up for its cultural significance but was surprised to like the story as much as I did---though Scarlett is a total piece of work, whether you want to applaud her or shake some sense into her (and some other Confederates circa 1864).

Any other readers out there?

Image source: By Ali / Ali Loves Curtis

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31 comments:

Kayla Moncur said...

I read it a couple months ago and LOVED it. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it (especially because it IS so very very long). But ya. Scarlett could use a good swift smack in the face.

Kayla
Freckles in April

Unknown said...

I read the book a long time ago and haven't picked it up since although I really did like it. Have you seen the movie? I remember thinking (as a 13-year old) that it would never end. lol.

Darla said...

Um..is that YOUR reading the book? Kinda looks like you. Nice image, though. Well, as you know, I read the book and LOVED it! Of course you hate Scarlett, but if you're anything like her (which I hate to admit I was when I was single).., there's a part of you that can't help kinda/sorta admirin' her. (;

Heather said...

How funny, I am in the middle of listening to it on audio right now. The reader is so great, and I was also surprised how good it is, though at times Margaret Mitchell could use an editor. Of course I'm reminded of War & Peace, and in a lot of ways GWTW holds up to that, in her ability to show the way time and circumstance worked on her characters and both formed them and failed to touch them.

Watched the movie this weekend (in two installments, since, God's Nightgown! the thing is 4 hours long!) Surprisingly faithful to the original dialogue, but the overacting didn't do anything to help the story. A friend and I were playing casting call and imagining an HBO mini-series (or better yet, one done by the Mad Men folks) starring the actress who recently played Jane Eyre as Melanie, and Leighton Meester as Scarlett. :-)

Colleen said...

Leighton Meester would make an incredible Scarlett! I'd love to see a remake, as much as I love the original.

I've read it, oh, about five times, give or take. One of my absolute favorites. I mostly wanted to shake Scarlett because, hello? Ashley over Rhett? Seriously?

Memphis Urban Sketchers said...

Just watched the first half of the movie with my girlfriends yesterday. It really is a great story and I hope to read the book some day.

abby said...

melanie is my favorite.

sarah marie. said...

i read it a year ago and was OBSESSED!

Marisa said...

That book is one of my favorites. Leaps + bounds better than the movie (of course - aren't they always?)

Aimee said...

I read this my junior year of high school and when it was over I felt lost. What was I supposed to do with my free time now? What is going to happen to Scarlet next? And Rhett? It was like I had lost my friends. Such a fun read to get taken away in the story. Glad you liked it.

Anonymous said...

I read the book when I was super young, and have been obsessed with the movie since I was a little girl. I was the only 10 year old I knew who could quote the movie (still can) and had the movie poster in her bedroom.

To this day, I can't think of a single actor who comes close to being able to play Rhett Butler.

Allison said...

I've read the book (and loved it) but fell in love with the story via film when I was REALLY young.

Darla said...

correction: *YOU.., not *YOUR

Lacey Jane said...

Man. Guess I should finally pick up the copy I have for more than just it's eye-candy, huh?!

senhorita valdez said...

I didn´t read it, just saw the movie.
but I have to say that the picture is very cute!
*

emily ballard said...

Is that my friend, Bridgett?

Erin Lee said...

Hello.
just stumbled across you blog and had to leave a comment because I just finished the book as well.
Have you seen the movie? Incredible. follows the book so well and is exactly how i pictured it.
although, both rhett and ashley seemed hotter in the book to me.

Lane said...

I haven't read this book since I was a teenager, and it's probably been over ten years since I've seen the movie, but last time I saw it, I fell in love all over again. We could remake this movie a dozen times and still never, ever replace Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. He is perfection.

Lane said...

p.s. you were the person on the other end of the camera, right? I like this whole series of pics that you took :)

HOGGER + Co. said...

Never read the book; but have you seen the movie? I might be the only person who thought it was overrated. Love this photograph, though.

Amanda Conley said...

I read ALL the time, but I must admit, I've never picked this book up. I think I'll read it next - always looking for good book recommendations!

Mrs Robinson said...

One of my all time favorites. I read it first back in 8th grade, and have re-read it about a dozen times since! It is always so lovely to hear that a favorite is enjoyed by someone new!

Ashley A. said...

Scarlet is a piece of work. Is it too soon to say that that my Elle may be a Scarlet in the making?! dread.

ali said...

I've loved this discussion. I don't think the movie could ever be re-made and improve on the original---and still be true to the book. Partially because, seriously, who else could play Rhett Butler? As far as I'm concerned, Carey Grant IS Rhett Butler. And also, it was made in 1939 and for better or worse, it wouldn't/couldn't be written/produced the same way it was then.

I partially loved the book because, romanticized as it was, it brought the Old South to life for me---in all its selfish, barbaric, genteel glory. I've never been able to quite imagine it in my own head.

Jordan and Jandee said...

Did you mean Clark Gable is Rhett Butler?

J. said...

what a neat photo. and yes, that is a wonderful book.

ali said...

Haha! That's what happens when a two-year-old is crawling all over you when you're trying to think/write. Yes, most definitely Clark Gable. :)

Chantagold said...

AH YES! this was my all-time favorite movie as a girl. I would sit for hours and watch it. I was in love with Rhett Butler. So eventually I actually read the book and loved it just as much. Although I absolutely agree with your sentiments on Scarlett. Such a diva.

www.chantagold.blogspot.com

ruthiegyll said...

I remember reading that in 8th grade and not being able to put it down. I have yet to watch the movie, though.

Vailmama said...

It is one of my top 3 favorite movies of all time and I am ashamed to admit I've never read it. I'll have to find a good and worn old copy for myself!

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