The Kindle Touch



photo from Amazon.com



For Christmas, my amazing sister purchased the Kindle Touch for me.  She knew that I'd been looking over e-readers and hadn't committed to one yet.  I'd put the Kindle on my Amazon wish list, for obvious reasons, and with the addition of using the Kindle with my public library I was perfectly happy with my selection.  I honestly didn't expect to receive it as a gift, since everyone said they were scaling back this year, and have continued to be delightfully surprised with its features.

1) It is incredibly easy to get books.  Perhaps a little too easy.  I've already purchased 5 e-books in the last two weeks, two of which I already own in regular book form.

2) Portability is a key factor.  I downloaded a copy of Gone with the Wind so I could resume my chapter by chapter posts on here.  There really isn't a "I forgot to bring x, y, or z book" excuse anymore as long as you remember to bring the Kindle itself.

3) Highlighting passages and posting to social media.  I'm re-reading my favorite book, A Passage to India by E.M Forster, and can post my favorite quotes for my friends to see and discuss as I am reading the book.  I don't have to remember to write it down and post it later, which inevitably never happens.  I wonder if there is a way to post to Blogger from the device...

4) Amazon allows Prime members to borrow one book a month for free.  As I am already an Amazon Prime member for the TV show and shipping benefit, this works out well for me.

5) Library Books - I have not yet attempted to use this feature, but I am looking forward to utilizing my local library once again.  I had stopped because I honestly never found the time to go pick out books and then make sure I returned them on time.  Working two jobs kind of puts a kink in one's free time.  So as much as I enjoyed supporting my local library with my late fees, it really wasn't beneficial for me.  But now....

And there are other features I haven't tried, like the text-to-speech or the MP3 capability.  But I am sure they are equally as amazing.

Gone WIth the Wind: Chapter 21

Summary:
Melanie's baby is due and Scarlett is desperate to find medical assistance.  Scarlett sends Prissy to find anyone that will help but ,ost of the neighbors have evacuated and Mrs. Meade has gone to aid her wounded son.  When Prissy refuses to go to the depot to find Dr. Meade, because people are dying down there, Scarlett seizes the opportunity to escape the house for a short period of time.

She finds Dr. Meade in the midst of wounded and dying soldiers, unaware that his own son has been wounded and is most likely dying.  Scarlett begs the doctor to come back with her, he tells her that he can't possibly leave all of these desperate men and she's better off finding a woman to help with the birth.  Scarlett is concerned but is confident that Prissy will live up to her word and be able to take charge of the birth in his absence.

Upon her arrival home, Scarlett informs Prissy of the Doctor's reluctance to leave his patients.  Prissy becomes agitated and confesses that she's never been present at a birth.  Scarlett feels completely alone and helpless, yet shoulders the burden and goes upstairs to tell Melanie that they must struggle through without medical assistance.

Katiebug's Response:
This is the first true test of Scarlett's character and survival instincts.  Up to this point, she's had people make decisions for her or protect her from the harsh realities of life.  But now she is truly alone and, not one, but two lives are counting on her.  Her promises to Ashley, Aunt Pitty-Pat, and Melanie herself must be honored despite Scarlett's gut feeling.

We're also seeing how strong Scarlett really is.  Melanie would have crumpled under the pressure of this situation, though out of the goodness of her heart she would have tried, and Aunt Pitty-Pat would have been of no use at all.  But Scarlett sees the reality of the situation and knows the only way past the problem is to go through it.

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 20

The city of Atlanta is completely cut off from the outside world and the only news they've received is of fighting in Jonesboro. Scarlett worries that Tara has fallen victim to the war until a courier finally delivers a letter from her father. She learns that her mother has fallen ill with Typhoid and Scarlett frets that she will never see her again.

In the midst of this dread, Melanie illicits yet another promise from the already put-upon Scarlett. Melanie isn't afraid of dying in childbirth, she's more afraid that her child will be born an orphan with no one to look after it. Melanie makes Scarlett promise to take care of her child should something happen. As Scarlett reluctantly agrees, Melanie reveals that her labor pains have already started.

Katiebugs Response:

I am starting to wonder if maybe Scarlett doesn't hate Melanie as much as she claims.  Obviously, doing anything for Melanie will win Scarlett favor with Ashley, but it seems that she is taking on an awful lot of responsibility for just the possibility that Ashley will show her a little affection.  Maybe her love for this absent man really is that strong, but I can't help but feel there's a little more to it.

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 19

The beginning of the siege finds Scarlet jumping at the slightest sound and cursing both Ashley and Melanie for keeping her in Atlanta when she should be at Tara. Prissy assures Scarlett that she learned how to be midwife from her mother so even if the Doctor can't make it they'll be okay. The ladies do their best to help any soldiers who come knocking at their door.

One night it's Uncle Henry Hamilton they find on their porch, visiting on a four hour furlough. But they soon find that his two hour walk to town and back was not just to let them know his company was moving out, he came to tell them that John Wilkes had died in the siege. Uncle Henry leaves Mr. Wilkes' gold watch, his cuff buttons and a small portrait of his dead wife with Scarlett while charging her with the duty of telling Melanie the news.

Rhett Butler arrives later and is surprised to find that Scarlett has stayed behind with Melanie. They have a conversation about Melanie's condition and how odd it is that Scarlett isn't being selfish for once. Scarlett believes she has finally beaten Rhett and he will confess his undying love to her, but he asks her to be his mistress instead. Caught off guard and completely insulted Scarlett demands he leave the property and storms back into the house.

Katiebug's Response:

It seems that everyone is overly concerned about Melanie but can't really take on the duties of caring for her themselves.  Ashley asked Scarlett to look after Melanie, Aunt Pitty-Pat asked Scarlett to look after her, the Doctor asked Scarlett to look after her, and now, Uncle Henry Hamilton has thrust one more Melanie responsibility upon Scarlett's shoulders.  Seems he couldn't bring himself to tell Melanie the terrible news about her father-in-law in her delicate condition.  I find it just a little bit cruel that everyone is asking Scarlett to do the things they can't or won't do themselves.  But, for all of her supposed selfishness, she is willing to take on these burdens and truly sees them through.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Summary:  The Battle has come to Atlanta and the Home Guard is being sent to the front.  Scarlett watches as they march out to battle and she notices several familiar faces.  Mr. Wilkes, Ashley's Father, is among them and he bids her farewell as if he will never return.  Scarlett's own father was prohibited from fighting due to his injured knee and instead has been given charge of Twelve Oaks in Mr. Wilkes' absence.  Old men and young boys are all Atlanta has left to send to the front and the battle is brought even closer to Atlanta.  The men prepare to defend the city from a siege and those that can leave for safer places. Scarlett, Melanie and Aunt PittyPat discuss leaving the city.  Scarlett wants to go home to Tara and Aunt Pitty wants to go to Macon.  Melanie doesn't want Scarlett to go without her and Aunt Pitty won't go without Melanie.  It's Dr. Meade that settles the matter when he declares Melanie is to be on bed-rest until her pregnancy is over.  Traveling is out of the question and she won't even be able to run up and down stairs to hide in the cellar if Atlanta should come under attack.  Dr. Meade charges Scarlett with looking after Melanie and even Melanie reminds Scarlett of the promise made to Ashley to look after her.  So Scarlett and her son, Wade, remain with their only servant, Prissy, while Aunt PittyPat goes to Macon with the rest of her household.

KatieBug's Response: Again, we have mention of the son Scarlett had with Charles.  It's kind of sad to see this child forgotten as he is; hiding out on the porch while the dying and wounded soldiers come trailing in, begging for water and aide.  He is clearly frightened by what is happening around him and yet no one seems to care, not even his own mother.  Only Melanie and Rhett have shown true affection for this child, when he's mentioned at all.  I can't even begin to comprehend living in any city while it's under siege, but Mitchell does an excellent job of conveying the panic and destruction.

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Summary:  May of 1864, the Yankees are in Georgia again though the people of Atlanta are confident General Johnston will repulse them yet again.  Aunt Pittypat decides to have a dinner party to share the last of her chickens with those less fortunate and Rhett Butler arrives just in time to wrangle a last minute invitation.  He is quiet all through the dinner but can't help but speak against Dr. Meade once they alight to the front porch.  In the meantime, the Yankees are leading "Old Joe" in a type of retreat, attempting to outflank him and causing him to pull his army back to protect the railroads.  The fighting is now as close as the Kennesaw Mountain, only 22 miles from Atlanta.  The people are concerned and complain bitterly about General Joe Johnston.  Scarlett tries to get out of nursing but is forced to stay in Atlanta.  One day she has had enough and manuevers her way out of the hospital to find Rhett Butler in a carriage.  She persuades him to drive her away from the hospital and they proceed to talk of the war.  On their journey they come across a bunch of slaves marching to the outskirts of the town.  Among these slaves, Scarlett recognizes Big Sam, Elijah, Apostle, and Prophet from Tara.  They were recruited to help dig trenches outside of the city in case of a siege.  Scarlett's concern over a possible siege is renewed and proceeds to occupy her thoughts until Rhett bets her a kiss that the Yankees will be in Atlanta within the month.  Rhett reveals that he has been waiting for Scarlett to grow up and forget Ashley before pursuing her properly.



from VintageWorks, LTD

 KatieBug's Response:  We finally see that famous line about how Scarlett needs to be kissed, though the movie has this reveal when he gifts the Green Hat.  It's worded a little bit differently than the movie but you get the idea:

But, Scarlett, you need kissing badly.  That's what's wrong with you.  All your beaux have respected you too much, though God knows why, or they have been too afraid of you to really do right by you.  The result is that you are unedurably uppity.  You should be kissed and by someone who knows how.

We are starting to see the desolation of the South during this war.  The people are still fighting but it's nearly a lost cause.  They don't have the resources to properly man and supply their army.

Reading List - June 2011

Just to make sure I keep track of everything here's what's on my plate right now -

For the Blog:
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell - Started 05/04/11

Possible Choices for the Blog:
Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Personal Reading that could make its way to the blog:
The Writer's Tale: The Final Chapter by Russell T. Davies & Benjamin Cook (11/14/10) - Started 11/15/10
Changeless by Gail Carriger (10/16/10) - Started 10/24/10
Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas (6/01/10) -Started
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin (08/01/10) - Started 10/25/10
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

If there's anything you would like to see on this blog, please let me know and I'll consider adding it to my list.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Summary: Rhett Butler made good on his word and sold all his boats when blockading becomes to hazardous.  His current profession as a food speculator has not gone over well with his former friends and neighbors.  Scarlett survives on the memory of her kiss with Ashley and dreams of how things will work out for them once the war is over until Melanie reveals that she is pregnant.  It is only the news that Ashley is missing, presumed dead, that brings the two women back together.  Melanie neglects her delicate condition, in search of news about Ashley, and Rhett Butler must escort her home after she faints in the telegraph office.  It is only with the promise to take care of herself and Ashley's unborn child that Rhett is willing to pull some strings to discover Ashley's fate which reveals that Ashley is alive but has been sent to Rock Island, Illinois, a Northern prison camp.  Abraham Lincoln refuses to allow prisoner exchanges, so there is no hope that Ashley will return before the end of the war.  Rhett tells Melanie that Ashley had an opportunity to escape the cruel treatment at the prison camp if only he'd agreed to denounce the Confederacy and join the Union in defending its Western border from Indians.  Of course, Ashley refused this offer and Melanie's heart is ready to burst with pride at her husband's choice even if it means he could die in prison before the war is over.

KatieBug's Response:  I would like to draw some attention to a specific paragraph in this chapter.  It's when Melanie and Scarlett learn that Ashley is missing and possibly dead.

Somehow, she was in Scarlett's arms, her small breasts heaving sobs, and somehow they were lying on the bed, holding each other close, and Scarlett was crying too, crying with her face pressed close to against Melanie's, the tears of one wetting the cheeks of the other.  It hurt so terribly to cry, but not so much as not being able to cry.  Ashley is dead - dead, she thought, and I have killed him by loving him!  Fresh sobs broke from her, and Melanie somehow feeling comfort in her tears tightened her arms about her neck.

In today's world, this scene could end up very differently.  After seeing the film, I do believe that it's really about the incredible friendship between Scarlett and Melanie more so than the romance between Scarlett and Rhett.  This paragraph really supports that theory and then some.   Maybe it's just me, but I find this scene far more entertaining than all the hats Rhett Butler could possibly buy.

We also start to see the differences between Rhett and Ashley as well as Scarlett and Melanie.  Rhett and Scarlett are opportunists and survivors and therefore, MFEO.  Melanie and Ashley are tied to their honor and duty before anything else.  One wonders how honor and duty will feed the children and keep a roof over their heads when the Yankees win.  Also, does Scarlett realize what Ashley's duty-bound personality means for her imagined future with him? No matter how many hearts, with their initials in it, she draws on her Trapper Keeper he is never going to leave Melanie.  Regardless of what he feels, if he feels what she thinks he feels, he made a commitment to Melanie and will stand by it til death they do part.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 15

Chapter 15 Summary: Ashley comes home to the open arms of his family for Christmas.  Scarlett completely changes her holiday plans so she can stay in Atlanta and get a moment alone with her heart's desire.  She begs a hat off of Rhett Butler and turns it into a gift for Ashley, as well as repurposing a scarf so Ashley can have a sash.  He accepts these gifts with grace and enthusiasm before asking Scarlett to take care of Melanie.  She isn't able to let him go so easily and after promising to look after his wife declares she still has feelings for him.  Scarlett can't let him leave without a kiss goodbye and he obliges.

KatieBug's Response: We see that Scarlett doesn't quite understand Melanie is Ashley's wife until they go into their room that first night and shut the door.  It's also sad to see that Scarlett hasn't moved on from this heartbreak just yet.   I am quite angry with Ashley for kissing Scarlett at all.  He is sending her terribly mixes signals and even if he thought he was going off to die that is no reason to string her along like this.  On the other hand, Scarlett is doing what a typical young girl in love would do and is filling in the blanks of everything Ashley doesn't say to her.  If he were to tell her that he is absolutely in love with his wife and has no feelings for her whatsoever, Scarlett might be able to eventually move on.  But kissing her like that is all the proof she needs that he's married to the wrong person.  God, and then to ask her to "take care of" Melanie.  That is an awful lot of advantage he's taking right there.  Scarlett, you can do better.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Summary: Summer of 1863, Atlanta is riding high on the victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorville and they expect another one at Gettysburg on the Yankee's home turf in Pennsylvania.  Letters home from Darcy Meade reveal that General Lee forbade looting and destruction of Yankee lands, which is more than the Union Army did for the Confederacy and has left the Confederate army without basic essentials.  Darcy begs for a new pair of boots and gives a few more details of the march north.  Then on July 3rd, Atlanta is left without any news whatsoever.  The citizens are in a panic to hear about their loved ones and the Wilkes/Hamilton family is no different.  Scarlett, Melanie, and Aunt PittyPat wait outside the Daily Examiner office for the printed lists of the Gettysburg dead.  Rhett Butler is able to provide a little more information and a list hot off the presses.  Even though Ashley is safe, Scarlett finds the names of all three Tarleton boys as well aws Raif Calvert, Joe Fontaine, and Lafe Munroe - all boys that she grew up with in the county.  It's then that Mrs. Meade discover's her son, Darcy's name on the list and has to make a quick exit.  Melanie and Scarlett head over to the Meade's residence to sit with the family and Melanie reveals that she's jealous of Scarlett's son, Wade.  She imagines what it would be like to lose Ashley in the war without some sort of child left to comfort her and tells Scarlett that she sometimes pretends little Wade is her own child.  Scarlett chides her for her tears and then sends her out to tend to the remaining Meade son, Phil.

KatieBug's Response: Remember that child that Scarlett and Charles had? No? Me either.  I had quite forgotten him, just as Scarlett seems to, until Melanie brings him up in conversation.   I can understand why the script writer's decided to leave him out of the movie entirely.  That being said, this reads pretty closely to the movie and we see Scarlett realize the true consequences of war.  She's lost friends, boys she grew up with, and she doesn't agree with any of it.

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Summary:  Dr. Meade is inspired to write a letter to the editor, at the insistence of Mrs. Merriweather, regarding the food speculators and blockaders who are taking advantage of their fellow Southerners.  The letter describes Rhett's actions to the letter and, without mentioning his name, lets the rest of society know Rhett is no longer welcome in Atlanta.  Scarlett and Melanie both continue to receive Rhett despite this.  Melanie because she genuinely believes Rhett has done nothing to deserve this treatment and Scarlett because she likes the gifts Rhett brings her.  Rhett tempts Scarlett to further abandon her mourning with the gift of a beautiful hat.  Melanie comes home very agitated because Belle Watling, a local prostitute, cornered her in the street.  Normally proper ladies do not converse with those of Belle's ill repute, but Belle wanted to donate money to the hospital and no one else would accept it.  Melanie, of course, does but is caught talking by Uncle Peter.  She goes to Scarlett for help and it's discovered that Belle's donation is wrapped up in one of Rhett Butler's handkerchiefs.  Scarlett bristles at the idea that Rhett's been visiting Belle as often as he's visited her and burns the handkerchief in the stove.

KatieBug's Response: ***Different from the movie: Rhett does kiss Scarlett after giving her the hat, but only on the cheek.  Melanie meets up with Belle Watling on a walk home from the hospital but without anyone else around.***  First of all, I was upset that Rhett chides Scarlett for reading the newspaper.  She is trying to argue on his level and he tells her that reading newspapers "addles women's brains."  It was really difficult to read that as a modern woman.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Summary: Scarlett looks forward to a life without the bonds of widowhood.  We learn that Rhett calls on Scarlett quite regularly and even looks forward to his visits.  We get a quick description of the economic landscape in Atlanta at the time of the Civil War and a history of Rhett Butler's rise and subsequent decline in popularity amongst the gentry.  At first he is described as scandalous but able to get the things a person wants in these difficult times, thus giving him the romantic air of a pirate.  Then, as if growing bored, he stops courting their favor and proceeds to tell the most truthful things about the war.  It all comes to a head at Mrs. Elsing's party when he, once again, tells the truth behind the war.  The Southerners feel that Rhett is a traitor and the only home willing to accept him, after the party, is the Wilkes' residence.  Melanie refuses to exclude a man who expresses the same sentiments her husband expresses in his letters.  Scarlett finds it odd that a man like Ashley and a scoundrel like Rhett could have anything in common, then she realizes that Rhett isn't willing to die for something in which he doesn't believe.

Katiebug's Response: This entire section is omitted from the movie - We finally see the payoff for Scarlett reading Ashley's letters.  It was necessary for us to know what was in them in order for us to understand why Melanie would go against the rest of society.   Scarlett and Rhett's relationship develops, though Scarlett is not ready to admit that maybe she loves him.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Summary: Remaining safely in Atlanta, we discover that Scarlett secretly reads Ashley's letters to his wife. The parts that Melanie keeps to herself were too much torment to Scarlett and she is intent upon learning if Ashley is in love with his wife. So far, her secret readings have not met Scarlett's definition of love and devotion. She is content that Ashley thinks of his wife as nothing more than a sister even though he unburdens his very soul to her. Ashley writes about his distaste for the war and how, even if they win, they'll still lose. Scarlett knows there is something she's missing in his letters and it's this quality that prevented her from landing him as a husband, but she has not yet figured out what that something is.

KatieBug's Response: This entire chapter is omitted from the movie.  I think this is an important part of Scarlett's character, we start to see her "put things off until tomorrow," as well as go to any length to buouy up her own theories.  It's also an excellent opportunity for the author to throw in some commentary about the Civil War.  She puts these words into Ashley's mouth, or rather letters, and has him lament the loss of their bucolic life.  He knows that winning the war will change civilization as they knew it just as much as losing will and life can never be the same.  Scarlett doesn't even finish reading the letter because she finds it boring and yet she is unable to understand why Ashley didn't choose her as a wife.  He wasn't lying when he told her that they were too different.  Here is the evidence for everyone, including Scarlett, to see and yet she is still blinded by her own fantasy.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Summary: Scarlett, Melanie, and Aunt Pittypat discuss the status of Scarlett's reputation and are decided that Rhett Butler is a scoundrel when a letter arrives for Mrs. Wilkes. Rhett Butler has obtained her beloved wedding band and returned it to its rightful owner, thus securing his status as a gentleman and an invitation to supper the following Sunday. All seems well until a letter arrives from Ellen O'Hara severely admonishing her daughter and telling her that her father would arrive within the week to collect her and bring her home in disgrace. Melanie and Scarlett concoct a plan to keep Gerald off topic but it's Rhett Butler's ability to out drink the great Irishman, Gerald O'Hara that gives Scarlett the leverage she needs to stay in Atlanta.

Katiebug' Response: I don't remember if there is this type of discussion in the movie, but I was glad it was addressed in the book.  For all the talk of propriety and what Scarlett should and should not do, it was nice to see that there were actual consequences to her actions.  ***DIFFERENT FROM THE MOVIE: Only Melanie's ring is returned.  There is no post script with Scarlett's ring as an afterthought.***  I find it interesting that up to this point Gerald is known for his ability to drink and it's Rhett Butler that finally beats him at his own game.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Summary:  Scarlett watches the young belles of Atlanta, unhappily from her window, as they go off to prepare for the evening's dance to benefit the hospital.  She laments the fact that she is only 17 and can't participate in this bit of fun with the other girls her age because she is a widow and must adhere to the strict rules of society.  Mrs. merriwether and Mrs. Elsing arrive as her saviors when they insist that Melanie and Scarlett take over a booth at the bazaar, due to the McLure girls being called away for a family emergency.  While everyone at the dance is swept up in patriotic pride, Scarlett realizes that she is not wholeheartedly behind the Cause.  She bears this new information well until Rhett Butler arrives and starts to flirt with her.  He tells her the truth behind his blockade running and Scarlett feels as if a veil has been lifted on the subject.  During the fund raising efforts, both Scarlett and Melanie offer up their wedding rings and Rhett Butler buys a dance with the not so grieving Mrs. Hamilton.  Much to her scandle, Scarlett throws off propriety, accepts Rhett's temptation and proceeds to dance the night away for "the Cause."

KatieBug's Response:  I find the banter between Scarlett and Rhett incredibly interesting.  We see here, that not only can Rhett read her like a book but that she can see through his act equally as well.  They both dislike the war effort and the constricting nature of the Southern Aristocracy, but Scarlett still tries to play by the rules unlike Rhett.  ***DIFFERENT FROM THE MOVIE*** Scarlett offers up her wedding ring first, when the wounded are collecting jewelry from the ladies  She can't stand the sight of the ring as it symbolizes all the reasons she can no longer have fun and rips it off her finger for the collection.  It is Melanie that is inspired by Scarlett's actions and gives up her own, precious, wedding band for the Cause.

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Summary: Scarlett arrives in Atlanta and is met by "Uncle" Peter.  We learn that Peter takes care of Aunt Pittypat and Melanie as if they were children and runs their household as firmly as Mammy runs Tara.  Scarlett is swept up into the social world of nursing the sick and volunteering for the war effort despite her lack of interest in anything connected with the war.  Little Wade has no end of attention with his Aunt Melanie and Great-Aunt Pittypat around and we learn a little about the home Charles grew up in and the fortune he's left behind.  Scarlett is very careful not to commit to moving to Atlanta permanently, but she has no problem extending her visit indefinitely.

KatieBug's Response:  A really nice bit of history about the city of Atlanta, I feel, and we learn that the city is only a little bit older than Scarlett.  Though her father tells her they are the same age because the official name, Atlanta, wasn't settled until the year she was born.  I had no idea it started as a train station and was as new as it was.  I think it's ironic that Scarlett is dragged into volunteering with two different hospital committees because she can't think of a good enough excuse to get out of doing it altogether.  We get a first-hand perspective on life in Atlanta during the war, turning out soldiers and goods as quickly as possible.  Whirlwind romances and weekly entertainment while the rest of the state is quiet.

SammiDrake's Response:

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Summary: Scarlett's married life is as short-lived as the wedding preparation as the men go off to war.  Despite her mother's concern, Scarlett moves her wedding date up so that she gets married the day before Ashley and Melanie.  She spends a total of two weeks with Charles Hamilton before he goes to war and his death is reported less than a month after that.  At the age of 16 Scarlett finds herself in the role of mother and a widow, neither of which suits her and she is faced with the reality of her hasty decisions.  She loses her appetite and interest in life since she has to confine herself to "grown-up" pursuits and life without Ashley.  Her mother recognizes this behavior, from her own heartbreak, and sends Scarlett on a Southern Tour of her maternal family.  This does nothing to ease her sorrow and it is decided she should stay with her Husband's Aunt Pittypat in Atlanta.  The idea of staying with Melanie isn't pleasing to Scarlett, but she is drawn to the excitement of life in Atlanta.



 KatieBug's Response:  I think this chapter moves as quickly as it feels for Scarlett.  She even says she doesn't remember much after she agreed to marry Charles and that it was all a blur.  MAJOR difference between this and the movie though: Scarlett and Charles have a son, Wade Hampton Hamilton, and she makes a tour of her own family before being sent to Atlanta.  She doesn't decide she wants to go to Atlanta either, but is told by her mother to go.  There isn't that hope that she'll see Ashley if he comes home from war and no wise advice from Mammy about being a "spider."  It's sad to see that Scarlett has no interest in her own child, but at the age of 16 I guess that's to be expected.  In this entire situation, knowing how the movie goes, the luckiest of them all right now is Charles Hamilton.  He dies at a young age without seeing anything of war and believing that the most beautiful girl in the county loved him.

SammiDrake's Response:

The All-New Nook

We interrupt Gone With the Wind for this very special news:

Well, Barnes and Noble has done it.  They've given me a reason to buy their product over the Kindle.  In my comparison of the NOOK and Kindle in previous entries , both here and in my 30th Year Blog, I liked the NOOK and all it had to offer except for that little itty bitty touch screen at the bottom.  I have said, on previous occasions, that if they offered an e-ink display with full touch screen technology it would make up my mind.

And now, they've introduced the All-New NOOK with the e-ink display and fully integrated touch screen.  For $139.

I really liked the global 3G wireless offered by Kindle, but I failed to commit to it before my Ireland trip and now there is very little reason for me to get it.  But this NOOK does offer the same wi-fi access as the basic Kindle with the added benefit of reading ePub documents which would allow me to borrow books from a library or import publications from other vendors.  (Though, I hear Amazon is going to offer the Kindle 3G at a discount with special offers and the really appealing part is that the 3G would really make it like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.)

So many things to consider.  But it will depend on the actual NOOK product.  I intend to check it out in the stores as soon as possible and if I like the design and interface, I might just cave.  But what will Amazon answer back with in their next generation Kindle?

Gone with the Wind: Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Summary: The O'Hara Family finally arrives at Twelve Oaks for the Barbecue and Scarlett steals all the male attention with a flash of her smile.  Before she gets too far from the carriage, Scarlett sees Rhett Butler for the very first time and is immediately filled with conflicting emotions.  She is unable to get a moment alone with Ashley, during the barbecue, as he is completely monopolized by Miss Melanie.  There's a standoff between Gerald and John Wilkes as they discuss the possibility of war.  An old man tells everyone the truth about war from his own experience and Rhett Butler lays down the truth of the impending war.  Then whilst all the ladies are retiring for a nap, Scarlett launches her plan to capture Ashley's affection before it's too late.  She is unsuccessful in her attempt and her failure is witnessed by Rhett Butler.  Her pride forces her upstairs to pretend like nothing has happened, but she overhears Honey Wilkes and Melanie talking about her.  Honey is cruel and the Tarleton girls join in on the humiliation.  Only Melanie is above the pettiness of the others and comes to Scarlett's defense. In the meantime, war has officially come to Georgia and Charles Hamilton professes his love for Scarlett.  She accepts his proposal of marriage.

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KatieBug's Response: I think the most important thing in this chapter is the fact that Ashley doesn't have eyes for anyone but Melanie at the Barbecue.  He greets Scarlett but never leaves Melanie's side and Scarlett is very annoyed that all her carrying-on with the men doesn't even warrant a sideways glance from her beloved.  I also feel like Mitchell keeps making an big deal out of Rhett Butler seeing right through Scarlett.  In the hall, when she first sees him, she feels like he "knows what she looks like without her shimmy."  Then at the picnic, when she's desperately trying to catch Ashley's attention, Rhett seems to find humor in her distress even though everyone else thinks she is the Belle of the Barbecue.  I found it incredibly interesting that Scarlett's desire to accept Charles' marriage proposal stems from her spitefulness and desire to cause pain to Honey Wilkes and Melanie as well as the Tarleton girls for their catty conversation.  Her only reason to cause Melanie pain is that she is taking Ashley away from her.  It literally has nothing to do with making Ashley jealous anymore, it's all about her own pride and her ability to inflict the most damage to her enemies in one fell stroke.

Gone with the Wind: Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Summary: Scarlett gets ready for the Wilkes' Barbecue and decides to wear the green muslin that shows off her 17 inch waist, despite Mammy's protestation that a proper lady can't show her bosom before the afternoon. They have a bargaining match which ends in Scarlett eating some breakfast and Mammy not telling Ellen about Scarlett's dress choice. Unfortunately, Ellen is not going to the Barbecue, as she has to settle the books and go over accounts with Jonas Wilkerson before he leaves, which leaves Gerald on his own as he escorts his daughters to the Wilkes'. On the way to the picnic Gerald engages in a little harmless flirting with the red-headed Mrs. Tarleton which leads to a discussion about her horses before winding up in a debate about whether or not it's a good idea to marry one's cousins.

from http://www.cornel1801.com/1/g/GONE_WITH_THE_WIND/1_online_pictures_quotes.html

Katiebug's Response: This follows the movie pretty closely, especially my favorite part with Mammy and Scarlett bickering. We're still getting this description of the Wilkes' as a strange people, as viewed by the neighbors, and the first actual discussion about whether it's genetically a good idea to keep intermarrying in a family. Mrs. Tarleton even offers up her own story about how she escaped a marriage with a cousin and the possibility of weak, washed out children. She even goes so far as to suggest that Ashley would do better with someone like Scarlett or one of her own daughters which is just cruel seeing how we all know **SPOILER ALERT**Ashley will, in fact, still marry Melanie. Hopefully soon, too. We're five chapters into this novel and we have yet to meet the object of Scarlett's affection. Perhaps Mitchell is doing this intentionally so that we feel Scarlett is really blowing the whole thing out of proportion when we finally do meet this Ashley.


Sammidrake's Response: So this chapter sees us start our way to the bbq we've heard so much about since Chapter 1. We're about 100 pages into the novel, and guess what, we're still not there. I'd like to agree with Katiedid and think that this is all just because Mitchell is a crafty one and symbolically showing us that Scarlett is a teenage girl with this whole thing in her head . . . just like these first five chapters are. I will say, though, that I found this chapter much easier to get through than the others. I like to attribute that to the fact that we're, I don't know, doing something.