Week 4, January 28 - February 3, Chapter 28-33

[Francesca]

Well, Beccalou has decided to pass on her pick completely, so it is my turn again... hmm... which book am I going to pick???

[Kellieara]

Oh let's see...what can I remember about the end of this book?

I guess the most significant happening would be the discovery that Little Chap was in fact Little Chad. I don't know about you, but I saw that coming from a long way off...ever since the meeting in the park actually. Of course, I was glad for Eleanor, but so sad for Mrs. King. I still never really understood why they wouldn't give the baby a proper name or why Dr. King ignored him, even with the circumstances of his arrival. I just didn't get it... The person I was probably most happy for was Chad's mother. It was a picture of God's grace for Eleanor, but if it hadn't worked out then you just have to chalk it up as a consequence of disobedience and lack of judgment. But that poor woman has done nothing to deserve any of her loss, so when Little Chad is redeemed to her, it just feels right.

Even though I was pretty sure that Eleanor and Dr. King were going to get together eventually, I was not really wanting that. The author had set us up all along to dislike him. The revelation that he was the preacher who inspired Eleanor so, so many years ago did nothing to endear me to him further. The little scene in the churchyard at the end of the book was well-written enough to make me glad for Eleanor and Little Chad and accepting of the conclusion, but somehow I still wanted him to be punched in the nose.

It was good to see a comment from Mom. I have to admit, it's been so long since seeing you here, that I was, at first, "Who the heck is pjreads?!" Where, by the way, is Digger? Wasn't this her pick?

I'm looking forward to The Good Earth. My copy should be here any day...

[RA]

I completely agree with Kellie about the ending. I did not want Dr. King and Eleanor to "fall in love." Ah well. Overall, this book was worth reading the first and, now the, second time. Although simply written, it is a good reminder that our life is not our own; that our relationship with Christ does cost us, and that only through complete surrender to the Lord will we have God's peace and understanding.

The book was as sad as I remember, but does wrap around to a very tidy and, oh so, happy ending. I still think it is fascinating that it was written in the 1940s.

[DiggerAdelgren]

Here I am. I didn't mean to abandon you on my pick, but I've been dealing with some things in life and have been very emotional and haven't felt like replying. Although I couldn't wait and read the book in two days over New Years. I had forgotten what happened and was eager to find out.

I agree totally with you all that the first part of the book lacked detail. It seemed to skip many years and yes, I too would have wanted to know more about Elenor's aunt(I forget her name)

I guess the couple hide-out in their first apartment took me back to when Eric and I first lived together(although unmarried sorry to say) I too did not tell my family where I was. My mom refused to speak to me for some time when I finally told them. Eleanor though had no mentors whatsoever to guide her to good decisions, and was controlled by the conditions of the will (the part she knew of). I am reminded of our present dilema and how things could have turned out so much differently had I known all the facts beforehand. I would have been devistated to find out about the will after the fact like Eleanor did-I think it would have sent me into an emotional tailspin too. Thank God that He always sets people in our path to comfort us and care for us during these times if we will accept it. I'm so greatful God sent me the Adelgren family at just the right time in my life! This family reminds me of you.

When reading, I thought Dr. King was the one who probably came and got the baby, and Eleanor finally remembered. But no what a coinsidence he was the one who preached the msg. that brought her to the Lord.

I was very upset and surprized that the book ended with Dr. King and Eleanor getting together. The way he was discribed and his coldness toward the little Chap. But I think Eleanor had been praying for him for so long that she developed an attachment to him. I think though that if he hadn't had a heart change in his attitudes, not only towards his adopted son, but in general, Eleanor wouldn't have given him a chance. She recognized he had changed(was broken) and truly had a love and concern for little Chad. And she patiently waited and prayed for the change.

Well, I must go. It's time for Eric to get off work.

Digger

[Francesca]

I think we have analyzed this book near to death. I have little to say about the ending except...

I want to be more like Chad's Mom. I understand she is a fictitional character, but none-the-less, she has some attributes that are really note worthy. She was strong and confident and yet willing to grow and learn.

I have to admit that I enjoyed the Pollyana finish!!! No one is alone and all are left to their own "happily ever after"!!! Good job, Ms. Arnold!!!

Have a good weekend, all!! Let's plan to start The Good Earth on Feb. 18; ok??!!

Oh, I'm sorry about the problem we have had with new users that are essentially spammers. Bec is trying to block new entry into the book club unless approved -- until kinks are worked out, we're deleting them as fast as they arrive.

[pjreads]

Even though it's Feb. 13, and a bit past our time for Not My Will, I just want to brag...I actually finished this book last night!

I read most of the last part while sitting in a courtroom; this is my week for jury duty and so far, it's been a boring, frustrating week...ah well, only three more days!

Anyhow, as I read, I though how predictable the plot and how it was a sure thing (even without peeking at the end) that Len was the "little Chap's" mother, and that Lorraine would sadly enough have to die so Len could marry Dr. King and that Len and Dr. King (I never did like him well enough to call him by his name) and the now little Chad would live happily ever after. At first I was disappointed by the simplicity and obviousness of it all, but then I remembered that the novels of the 40s and 50s were less complicated iand more straight forward in their storylines than what we have today. Also, the author gave us some beautiful and truly inspirational characters in Mother Stewart, Lorraine, and finally Eleanor herself. AND the thing that thrilled me most, I think was Lorraine's letter to Jochabed and the revelation of her little Moses! What a lovely expression that was. I'm really sorry we had to lose Lorraine's character, but I guess it was the only way to fully restore Eleanor with her baby.

One last thought...I thought it was humorously profound when Eleanor realized that "little Chap's" strong will was a look in the mirror for her. It was also lovely the way she talked to Mother Stewart in regard to the necessity of loving disciple to break that little tyke's will withough breaking his spirit.

Oh...one LAST last thought HOw about the surprise in Aunt Ruth's will? Now that was one thing that I never expected!!!

Can't wait to start The Good Earth. I hope I love it now as much as I did at age 10 and age 15 and age 29 and age 45!!!

Love to you all.
Annie, darling, I'm so excited you've joined our little literary band!
RA and CESCA, your pics with your little darlings are precious. How does everyone like my pic with my big darling? thanks, Cesca!