Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Tuesday Intro and a Read-Along: Sister Carrie

CHAPTER I 
THE MAGNET ATTRACTING: A WAIF AMID FORCES 
When Caroline Meeber boarded the afternoon train for Chicago, her total outfit consisted of a small trunk, a cheap imitation alligator-skin satchel, a small lunch in a paper box, and a yellow leather snap purse, containing her ticket, a scrap of paper with her sister's address in Van Buren Street, and four dollars in money. It was in August, 1889. She was eighteen years of age, bright, timid, and full of the illusions of ignorance and youth. Whatever touch of regret at parting characterised her thoughts, it was certainly not for advantages now being given up. A gush of tears at her mother's farewell kiss, a touch in her throat when the cars clacked by the flour mill where her father worked by the day, a pathetic sigh as the familiar green environs of the village passed in review, and the threads which bound her so lightly to girlhood and home were irretrievably broken.
Sister Carrie
by Theodore Dreiser

Over the weekend, Care mentioned the possibility of a low-key, no pressure Sister Carrie  readalong and I immediately agreed. Dreiser's An American Tragedy  was a favorite last year and I already had plans to read Sister Carrie  sometime in 2015. Besides, if I've learned anything from The Classics Club, it's that classics are always better with friends. My plan is to make this a read/listen combination. The details (loose and non-threatening) can be found on Care's blog. Would you like to join us for the #CarrieAlong?

Here is the summary from goodreads:
With Sister Carrie, first published in 1900, Theodore Dreiser transformed the conventional “fallen woman” story into a genuinely innovative and powerful work of fiction. As he hurled his impressionable midwestern heroine into the throbbing, amoral world of the big city, he revealed, with brilliant insight, the deep and driving forces of American culture: the restless idealism, glamorous materialism, and basic spiritual innocence.


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

52 comments:

  1. I'd love to join this! I'll sign up now, thanks for blogging about it :)

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  2. I like the opening. This novel sounds very interesting. I hope you enjoy it JoAnn. I will look forward to reading your thoughts about it.

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    1. Pat - I've come to the conclusion that I like 'naturalist' writing. Looking forward to this one.

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  3. I'd keep reading, I like the cover art and the paragraph. Have a nice week. kelley—the road goes ever ever on

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    1. Kelley - The first chapter left me wanting more!

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  4. Oh, this one looks very fascinating...and I am eager to learn more. Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “CALL ME ZELDA”

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - I think I'm going to love it!

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  5. I had to read this one in school. I've always wanted to reread it. Luv the cover. It truly is a Classic.

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    1. Topazshell - I never read Dreiser in school, but loved AN American Tragedy last year. This is very good so far.

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  6. I first read this in college. Then read it again. One of my favorite time periods for literature.

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    1. Midlife Roadtripper - I love the early 20th century, too. I'm surprised Dreiser isn't read more widely.

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    1. Nise' - Makes me wish I had a color screen on my kindle!

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  8. I've never read this book, but I've just added it to my TBR list. I'm fascinated by daily life in the past, and this sounds like a book that would provide insight into the early 1900s.
    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG.

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    1. Sandra - That's what I'm hoping, too. Dreiser certainly did that in An American Tragedy.

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  9. I read this a zillion years ago, but I'm not a big fan of Dreiser. Hope you love it.

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    1. Beth F - I know Dreiser isn't your favorite ;-)

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  10. I would love to read this with you but I have committed (sigh) to reading the hundreds of TBR on my shelves until 1 June and sadly I don't own this book. Must be strong. I will however follow along to see how your read along goes. It sounds a wonderful book.

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    1. Pam - That is an admirable challenge! I'm doing the TBR Dare now, but already had this on my kindle.

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  11. Don't think this one is for me, but hope the read along is fun!

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    1. Sarah - A readalong makes any book more fun!

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  12. I might live to regret this decision but, yes, I'll join in. I keep saying I need to read more American classics so a good opportunity.

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    1. Cat - Hooray!! It's got to be better than Clarissa, right? ;-)

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    2. We know it's shorter for a start. ;-)

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    3. Cat - That it is! The first few chapters are pretty good, too ;-)

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  13. I attempted to read Carrie years ago, and just couldn't get into it. I hope you enjoy the read-a-long!

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    1. Literary Feline - Fingers crossed I have better luck...

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  14. SO tempted to re-read Sister Carrie, but I think I'm going to try to tackle An American Tragedy this year instead. Decisions!

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    1. Andi - That's a tough one. This is much shorter than An American Tragedy, but that's SUCH a good book...

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  15. That is a great cover! I'm tempted to join you but I don't think I can squeeze it in right now. And I don't tweet, so ....

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    1. Kim - You're still more than welcome if you change your mind :)

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  16. Sister Carrie sounds so good! I don't think I can readalong now, but I am going to add it to my list.

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    1. Athira - We'll let you know how it goes...

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  17. Love the writing --so descriptive. Enjoy the read-along.

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  18. I'm not sure this one is for me, but I hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Yvonne - I liked AN American Tragedy, so I have high hopes for this one.

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  19. I like the intro, and the book sounds really interesting. I'll be joining in the read-a-long! Thanks!

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    1. Monica - That's great!! I'm so glad you'll join in... stop by Care's blog and let her know so she can add you to the list :)

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  20. Very tempted to join you as I just bought a copy at Half-Price Books!

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    1. Anbolyn - Yes, join us!!! You know you want to ;-)

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  21. I don't know about joining the Read-Along, but I certainly liked the introductory paragraph. My heart is already reaching out for her.

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    1. Margot - I'm afraid she's in for a rough time in Chicago.

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  22. what a classic with beautiful cover! hope you'll really enjoy it. have a great week!

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    1. Deasy Yolanda - I'd love to be reading the book with that cover, but I have a free kindle version.

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  23. This does sound good. I'll look into Dreiser.

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    1. Paulita - Hope you get a chance to read him :)

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  24. yay! I am really enjoying it, too. Trying to read at least 30 pages a day but it might get away from me if I want to avoid applying for jobs. ha!

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    1. Care - So glad you like it! I'm up to chapter 10 now :)

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  25. I have this one on my shelf but there is just no way I’ll be able to get it done this month :( I look forward to seeing what you think though.

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  26. If this January wasn't already getting away from me I would be all over this! I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

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