So my friend and fellow Edmonton Book Blogger, Laura, is hosting a readalong of Moby Dick over the next two months. That's right: Moby Dick. That big whale of a book (pun clearly intended), that most people probably don't have a huge desire to pick up and read in their spare time. Well, unless you're Laura. And I guess me, since it didn't take much convincing for me to join this readalong (even if history reveals I don't have the best track record with keeping up or completing readalongs, *cough* Harry Potter readalong *cough*). It's no surprise then, that this post should have been up last Monday - as in over a week ago - ha-ha! But Laura assures me this readalong is very casual and we're all here to have fun with this.
I really didn't know much about Moby Dick before going into this. Actually, I know less than I even thought I did. Turns out, the whale in Disney's Pinocchio, IS NOT Moby Dick.
Moby Dick is also really hard to find second-hand. It took numerous visits to several thrift stores, and then a trip to B.C. before I finally found a copy in a second-hand bookstore in Vancouver. But she's pretty, the print isn't too small, and the margins are big enough to write in, so the 12-hour drive was worth it.
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| Success! |
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| Where all the used copies of Moby Dick go to die. |
Also, the chapters, for the most part, are nice and short, which is helpful in a big book like this because you feel like you are actually making progress even if you feel like you aren't flying through the pages. This is an accurate description because I have actually started reading Moby Dick, and while I'm already at Chapter 11, goodreads tells me I'm only 9% along. Sigh.
But I will not be discouraged. My only goal for this readalong is to finish it. Oh, and to have fun! And in a few months I will hopefully be able to say that I have in fact read Moby Dick. You know, for when I run out of cooler things to talk about at social gatherings...
Fun! I read this for book club a few years ago, except that I read it on audio. And later noticed that it was abridged. But I totally still read Moby Dick :)
ReplyDeleteOmg, I couldn't imagine listening to this book! Bravo!! :)
DeleteI'm reading Moby Dick with you and Laura. Wow, all the way to Vancouver to find a copy. It sounds like you had your own whale to hunt down. But the book you found has a beautiful cover! I'm enjoying the book too, but I think we will be feeling its length as the weeks go on.
ReplyDeleteOh awesome! I'm a bit behind (as you can tell) so I haven't gone off to read other people's posts just yet...but I'm getting there! :)
DeleteI was being a bit sarcastic as I just happened to be in BC to visit my sister and my god does Vancouver ever have a butt-load of second-hand book stores!! But truthfully, I was not able to find a copy of MD in Edmonton (although Laura tells me Wee Book Inn had some, I just did not make it to a location). Phew! That was like short story long, hey?
And yes, I know I will for sure be feeling its length as the weeks go on. At least we have each other to cheer us on!
Nice Pinocchio clip. The more you look, the more you'll realize whales, Moby Dick in particular, but even just whales in general, are EVERYWHERE in our culture. I mean, Starbucks is named after a character in Moby Dick. Who knew? (probably lots of people, but I didn't.)
ReplyDeleteI love that cover! There's an edition in library that has beautiful line drawings throughout, like every few pages. I kind of want to take it out so I can follow the pictures.
The short chapters are perfect. You only need to read two chapters a day to keep up. I'm actually holding myself back a little bit. I don't want to get too far ahead, or I won't remember what to write about when it comes time to post.
And well, if it's not cool to talk about Moby Dick at social gatherings, maybe you are at the wrong social gatherings? :)
I did NOT know that about Starbucks! Very interesting. Good thing your in this readalong! I'm gonna learn all sorts of neat trivia - haha! ;)
DeleteI love short chapters so much - in any book that I read. It makes it so much easier to read the book in short sittings. I'm highlighting and writing in this copy I found, but I'm still going to keep my eye out for a nice hardcover edition of MB to keep FOREVER. :)
Good luck with the readalong! Alas, I do not have the patience this summer to chase this whale down, but I'll cheer you on from the shore. (Don't worry, I shout pretty loudly)
ReplyDeleteHa, thanks! (*blushes at the thought of falling off the HP readalong wagon*). Sigh. You guys are just machines, I tell ya!
DeleteI figured if I didn't chase this whale now, I never will (especially not on my own!). All cheers (and shouting) will be extremely appreciated :)
Good luck with the readalong! For some reason, I didn't even know about it. LOL Not like I would participate with the amount of books and finals coming up.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leanne! Don't worry - you're young so there's TONS of time for you to get around to reading Moby Dick! ;)
DeleteI love short chapters. I think that's why I've always been keen to read War and Peace ... the chapters are short and manageable. Perfect to read a chapter or two a night!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the read-along!
There is someone doing the readalong that is ALSO reading War and Peace. I'm super impressed/intimidated :) I will def. read War and Peace one of these days.
DeleteMoby Dick is one of the books I need to read, honestly!
ReplyDeleteI've Modern Library edition of Moby Dick. I started with a lot of enthusiasm, but left it midway :( Hope you finish it.
ReplyDelete