In December, as chosen by reader poll, Reading Buddies will be doing The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne! I’m excited to reread this classic, which I know I read in high school but don’t remember at all. I read and loved Hillary Jordan’s When She Woke earlier this year, which I know has ties to Hawthorne’s novel.
Not sure what The Scarlet Letter is about? Here’s a taste, from Goodreads:
Set in the harsh Puritan community of seventeenth-century Boston, this tale of an adulterous entanglement that results in an illegitimate birth reveals Nathaniel Hawthorne’s concerns with the tension between the public and the private selves. Publicly disgraced and ostracized, Hester Prynne draws on her inner strength and certainty of spirit to emerge as the first true heroine of American fiction. Arthur Dimmesdale, trapped by the rules of society, stands as a classic study of a self divided.
The discussion post for December will fall on December 16th, with the wrap-up two weeks later on December 30th. If you’re thinking you might join in, just let me know! No pressure or commitment, as always — I’m just curious.
We’re just starting The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins for November, so there’s plenty of time to join in if you’re interested. Also, the poll for January’s book is up now in the sidebar. Be sure to vote for your pick!
Oh, I hope I can join you for this one! I want to read this one and Jordan’s book back to back.
Interesting that the most recent selections have been classics rather than the more contemporary books you selected at the beginning of the year, Erin. This will be a reread for me but it’s one of my favorites so I do plan on joining in.
I just finished When She Awoke last evening. I have been failing with read-a-longs lately, but I’d like to re-read this book.
I think I might actually join you on this one. I haven’t ever read it. Pathetic, I know.
I just finished reading this one about five days ago! A great book. Hope everybody enjoys. 🙂
I’d like to join in. I haven’t read this before but it sounds interesting.
Great pick! I read this book when in high school too, loved it, and hope to join you in December. I haven’t read Hillary Jordan’s “When She Woke”, but read last year Elizabeth Gaskell’s “Lois the Witch”, which is certainly different but very enjoyable too!
Oh, I am going to have to join in for this one! I have been craving a read of this the last few weeks, so this is a great way to do it! 🙂
I LOVED Woman in White! enjoy