Oh, you guys, let's not talk about my day. Let's not talk about the student who managed to flap my unflappable chair. (Which means, in case you didn't guess, that I was far, far beyond flapped.) Let's not even cast a sideways glance at the situation that got referred to the college office today, because my chair has my back all the way, and the associate dean has hers. Let's not mention the fact that despite their support I came home so stressed that I required an anti-arrhythmia pill and a glass of wine. (It's been almost a year since I had any alcohol. It's just not my thing. Usually.) Let's not consider the fact that I will be meeting face to face with the student and the chair later this week, because this has been painful enough via email. Let's talk about something happy instead: let's talk about...[drum roll, please]...Martin Chuzzlewit!
It's almost time, friends, for the Fourth Annual May Dickens Read-Along, or #FAMDRAL for your social media hashtagging purposes. I am giving my last final on Wednesday, and then I am going to dive in on Thursday. This will give me 21 days in May to finish Martin Chuzzlewit. That's the perfect amount of time for me to read one of the fat Dickens novels -- it works out to about 40 pages a day. Who wants to join me in reading some Dickens?
In years past I have suggested that we all read the same Dickens novel, but in years past I have been suggesting books a little less obscure than Martin Chuzzlewit. I think you'll like Martin Chuzzzlewit, especially if we're reading it together and can chat about Sairey Gamp and CD's take on those brash Americans, but I would fully support a decision to read Oliver Twist instead.
I have capital-O Opinions about Dickens, which I am happy to share if you are curious: two posts on how to read him, and another post on why. I'd love some company if you're up for a quick jaunt to the Victorian era.
P.S. Would also appreciate your prayers for speedy resolution of this situation.
Oh yes, prayers assured!
Posted by: Zagorka | May 09, 2017 at 03:49 AM
Prayers for your situation. May it be speedily and satisfactorily resolved.
Posted by: MrsDarwin | May 09, 2017 at 08:31 AM
Praying for a swift and positive resolution!
I tried M.C. I tried! Read the first several chapters and it did not grab me at all, alas.
Posted by: Penelope | May 09, 2017 at 10:16 AM
Praying for speedy resolution... ugh.
AND I think I'll join you in #FAMDRAL but by reading Great Expectations aloud to any takers I can find - my oldest is starting high school next year. It might be a slow start, since this May promises to be a very hectic crazy one, and I've already got a chasuble to finish before a June ordination (!!) and school to finish (heh). But we'll give it a try as a summer project. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by: mandamum | May 09, 2017 at 11:14 AM
Saw your post on reading Gr. Ex. aloud to your son; may I ask how old he was at the time? My guy likes when we read things aloud, but I always appreciate a recommendation on good times for various books.
(On a much much smaller note, we had a moment like that a couple of years ago when I read him "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." At the end (from "Imogene Herdman was crying" to the end of the book, essentially), he got very quiet. He snuggled up closer to me. And when I closed the book, he looked at me and said very quietly, "That makes a lot of sense."
Outwardly, I quietly said, "Yes, I think so too," and give him a hug. Inwardly, I was doing a triumphant end-zone-style celebration dance.
Posted by: Kristin | May 10, 2017 at 06:13 PM
Also, will certainly pray for speedy resolution. Best wishes to you.
Posted by: Kristin | May 10, 2017 at 08:22 PM