Well-Educated Mind: Jane Eyre & The Scarlet Letter

I just finished reading Jane Eyre last night - what a good book! I've seen various movie adaptations but had never read the book before. I'm so glad that I did - it was very good. I've added a list of Charlotte Bronte's novels to my list of "to be read someday".

I'll be starting The Scarlet Letter shortly. I have a copy coming from the library and I'm hoping to read it over our school break. I vaguely recall reading it in high school and remember the basics of the plot but I'm ready to tackle it again with "older" eyes.

Having a daily 1/2 hour of reading time is working well. TJ and I both sit down for 30 minutes and read our chosen books. Making sure I use that time (most days!) is helping get through this list of books. I am finding it a bit difficult going through the questions in The Well-Educated Mind. I don't have a reading partner to discuss the books with so I'm relying on message boards and Sparks notes. With every book, the question I'm always stuck on is "What is the book's most important event?" I don't know if it's because I'm trying to over-analyze the book or if I'm just taking things too literally and can't see the deeper meanings. All I know is that sometimes it's tough going. I'm hopeful that it will get easier with each book I study.

Goals for December:

1. Complete The Well-Educated Mind list of questions for Jane Eyre.
2. Read The Scarlet Letter.