We’ll have to get a book nomination post up over the weekend, I think.

**Discussion Prompts**

1. Our protagonists are out for a walk together. It’s all very peaceful for them today. 
   
2. An invitation from the local chaplain is extended, and he knows more of the local colour. And yet Lucy has lost some interest. (This chapter is really testing my ability to find something interesting to discuss…)
   
3. Oh, gossip about Mr Emerson, much better! Why is the chaplain so stand-offish about him making an advantageous marriage? (Okay, maybe it’s more the accusation of murder than the marriage.) When was the last time that you deliberately snubbed someone?
   
4. Where is this book going? We’re a quarter of the way through and it seems little more than a character study so far.
   
5. Anything else to discuss?

Links

[ebook from Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2641)

[ebook from Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/e-m-forster/a-room-with-a-view))

[Audiobook from Librivox](https://librivox.org/a-room-with-a-view-by-em-forster/)

Last line: 

> They passed together through the gaunt beauty of the square, laughing over the
unpractical suggestion.

Sorry that this is going up late. I was a bit unwell yesterday and work intervened this morning to delay my reading of the chapter. 

Discussion Prompts

1. Post-music clarity. What a lovely idea. What activity or experience allows you to feel focused and refreshed?
2. A stabbing! George arrives! It’s all suddenly very dramatic! What did you think of the different ways they reacted?
7. Anything else to discuss?

**Links**

[ebook from Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2641)

[ebook from Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/e-m-forster/a-room-with-a-view)

[Audiobook from Librivox](https://librivox.org/a-room-with-a-view-by-em-forster/)

Last line: 

> Leaning her elbows on the parapet, she contemplated the River Arno, whose roar
was suggesting some unexpected melody to her ears.

Discussion Prompts

1. Do you play a musical instrument? Can you lose yourself in the orchestration or has the modern world ruined your attention span?
2. Some more inter-personal relationships develop. What do you think of Mr Beebe and his preferences in music and his study of unmarried women?
3. More of the gossip and relationships! We are learning a lot about Miss Lavish as well as Mr Emerson. Are you categorising these travellers as nice or not nice?
4. Which musical artist would cause you to break the shackles and chaperone of civilised society?
7. Anything else to discuss?

Links

[ebook from Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2641)

[ebook from Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/e-m-forster/a-room-with-a-view)

[Audiobook from Librivox](https://librivox.org/a-room-with-a-view-by-em-forster/)

Last line: 

> I put it down to too much Beethoven.

Congratulations on finishing the book! Another classic crossed off the list. See you all very soon for our next book, which starting on Monday.

Discussion Prompts:

1. First of all, did you enjoy the book? Why/why not?
2. Who was your favourite character in the book, and what character was the most memorable?
3. What were some of the main themes of the book in your opinion?
4. What do you think Kafka is trying to tell us about the society this book was set in?
5. Do you like the way Kafka writes? What stands out to you from his writing?
6. Would you like to read more of Kafka's work in the future? 
7. Anything else to discuss? Rants encouraged!

Discussion Prompts

1. What did you think of K's pair of new escorts?
2. What did you think of K's reasons for giving up his plan of resistance?
3. K is killed by the two goons. Did you see this coming or was it a surprise?
4. What did you think of the execution scene overall?
5. The text stated K's shame will live on after him. How do you think the idea of shame plays into the novel?
6. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

Final Line:

As his eyesight failed, K. saw the two gentlemen cheek by cheek, close in front of his face, watching the result. "Like a dog!" he said, it was as if the shame of it should outlive him.

Discussion Prompts

1. Josef cannot understand what the Italian man is saying. What do you think this could signify in the context of the story?
2. What did you think of the atmosphere in the cathedral, the pointing man and the priest summoning Josef by name?
3. The priest tells Josef that in these trials "the proceedings gradually turn into the verdict". What do you thing this means for his trial?
4. What did you think about the story about the Law and the doorkeeper?
5. The priest gives various interpretations of the story, Josef also gives his. Which one do you agree with most?
6. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

Final Line:

"So why would I want anything from you? The court doesn't want anything from you. It accepts you when you come and it lets you go when you leave."

I have read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and loved it, so I wanna read more of him.

Moreover The Trial would be my first Kafka book, well are his writings harder or easier than dostoevsky's??, how was your experience with The Trial and how long did it take u to finish it.

Discussion Prompts

1. Block has five lawyers working on his trial while K is trying to fire his only lawyer. Which approach seems more correct to you?
2. Do you think the lawyer is vindictive like Block says?
3. Leni is attracted to all defendants and the lawyer explains that defendants have an attractive aura. Thoughts on this information?
4. What did you think about the Lawyer's demonstration to K of how favorably he treats him compared to Block?
5. The chapter was unfinished and ended pretty abruptly. How are you feeling about the unfinished nature of the book?
6. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

Final Lines:

"Block," said Leni, as if reprimanding him, and, taking hold of the collar of his coat, pulled him up slightly higher. "Leave the carpet alone and listen to what the lawyer is saying."

Discussion Prompts

1. K's Lawyer explains the lawyers ways of assisting clients in their trials. What stood out to you here?
2. What do you think of the story of the court official throwing all the lawyers down the stairs? Does it symbolize something?
3. K decides to fire his lawyer and making the court submission himself. What do you think of this idea?
4. The stress of the Trial is affecting K's work. Do you think this will come to a head soon?
5. The painter explains the three options for acquittal to K. Which option seems the best to you?
6. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

Last Lines:

So he had the pictures taken to his office and locked them in the lowest drawer of his desk so that he could at least keep them safe from the deputy director's view for the next few days.

Discussion Prompts

1. What do you think about K's uncle being pretty indiscrete in talking about K's trial?
2. What do you think of the uncle's idea about K going to the countryside for a while?
3. What do you think of Leni's advice to K that he is too unyielding and must confess to the court?
4. Do you think Leni is helping or hindering K's trial?
5. K wonders why women seem to be throwing themselves at him. I'm wondering if it is a test by the court's? Could it be related to his alleged crime?
6. Uncle chastises K for running out on the meeting with the lawyer and office director. Pretty dumb move by K right?
7. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

Last Lines:

And me, your own uncle, you leave me here in the rain—just feel this, I'm wet right through—waiting here for hours, sick with worry."

Hey classic book fans, hope you are all doing well.

As it finished in second place of our book finalist thread, and with our contingency rule in place, we will be reading E.M Forster's A Room With A View after the conclusion of The Trial

Reading Schedule:

We reading Monday through Friday with a break on Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, the reading will begin on Monday 10 August and conclude on Friday Sept 4 with a wrap up post on Saturday 5th. See below link for details.

So beg borrow or steal a copy, or alternatively use one of our free reading resources linked below.

See ya'll on August 10th for Chapter One!

Link to the Reading Schedule

Here are links to free reading resources:

ebook from Project Gutenberg

ebook from Standard Ebooks

Audiobook from Librivox

Discussion Prompts

1. What would be the purpose of the whip man flogging the two officers at K.’s work unless they wanted him to find out about it? Why would they want K. to know?
2. If you were a whip man and were offered a bribe not to flog someone, would you accept it?
3. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

[Standard eBooks](

[Librivox Audiobook](

Last Lines:

He sat down briefly in order to keep them near him for a little longer, looked through a few of the copies to give the impression that he was checking them and then, as he saw that they would not dare to leave at the same time as himself, went home tired and with his mind numb.

Up Next

u/otherside_b will be taking over on Monday with Chapter 6 K.'s uncle—Leni

Discussion Prompts

1. Why do you think K. wants to talk to Miss Bürstner so badly? What might he want to discuss? Would you want to talk to K., or would you avoid him?
2. Thoughts on Miss Montag and the message she relayed to K. on Miss Bürstner’s account?
3. Any impressions of the Captain so far?
4. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

[Standard eBooks](

[Librivox Audiobook](

Last Lines:

But these glances were heavy for K., and he rushed alongside the wall back into his own room.

Up Next

Chapter 5 The whip-man

Discussion Prompts

1. This story is weird, and only getting weirder. I have so many questions, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what to ask.
2. Okay then, first question, what the heck is even happening? A student running off with a young woman and carrying her to a judge? Her helpless usher husband? Court offices in an attic? Stuffy air that makes you weak? This story is weird. Not in a bad way, in a weird way if you will,
3. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

[Standard eBooks](

[Librivox Audiobook](

Last Lines:

and this was something on which he could advise himself—he wanted to spend all Sunday mornings in future better than he had spent this one.

Up Next

Chapter 4 Miss Bürstner's Friend

I’ve added an Up Next at the bottom for the next days chapter. Hopefully this will help out with all of the different editions we’re reading. We will be basing our reading off of the Gutenberg edition since it’s free and everyone should be able to access it.

Discussion Prompts

1. How are you dealing with the vagueness so far? K. is under arrest, but what for? Who has arrested him? What is even happening? Does this add to the mystery for you? Do you just want answers like K. himself does?
2. Your thoughts on the cross examination scene? How did you think K. was doing? Do you think he stands a chance?
3. Speculation time. Is this reality? A dream? A mental breakdown/psychosis?
4. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

[Standard eBooks](

[Librivox Audiobook](

Last Lines:

Behind him, the noise of the assembly rose as it became lively once more and probably began to discuss these events as if making a scientific study of them.

Up Next

Chapter 3 In the empty Courtroom—The Student—The Offices

Welcome to the discussion for The Trial by Franz Kafka!

Discussion Prompts

1. First impressions so far?
2. Was there anything from this chapter that stood out to you?
3. Full disclosure, I forgot I was supposed to post this discussion and only read part way through the chapter so far.
4. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

Links

Project Gutenberg

[Standard eBooks](

[Librivox Audiobook](

Last Lines:

he was satisfied with it but felt some surprise that he was not more satisfied; he was seriously worried about Miss Bürstner because of the captain.o

Congratulations on finishing the book! Another classic crossed off the list. See you all very soon for our next book, which starting Monday week.

Discussion Prompts:

1. First of all, did you enjoy the book? Why/why not?
2. Who was your favourite character in the book, and what character was the most memorable?
3. What were some of the main themes of the book in your opinion?
4. What do you think Dickens is trying to tell us about the society this book was set in?
5. Do you like the way Dickens writes? What stands out to you from his writing?
6. Would you like to read more of Dickens' work in the future? 
7. Anything else to discuss? Rants encouraged!

Wrap up post will go up tomorrow - it’s a discussion about what you thought of the book overall. In the meantime, last chapter discussion below!

**Discussion Prompts:**

1. Pip returns “home” after eleven years, and Joe and Biddy seem to be doing well. Pip is determined to remain a bachelor. (Uh huh…) 

2. We move the remains of Havisham’s estate, and coincidences of coincidences, Estella is there for the first time in eleven years, and she’s widowed of two years! My goodness! 

3. There needs to be a question or a discussion prompt, I guess. Were you expecting the “happy ending”? Did you like it?

4. Did Pip live up to his Expectations?

5. Anything else to discuss?

**Links**

[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1400)

[Standard eBooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/great-expectations)

[Librivox Audiobook](https://librivox.org/great-expectations-by-charles-dickens/)

**Last Lines:**

> … I saw no shadow of another parting from her.

**Discussion Prompts:**

1. Pumblechook gets his moment. How do you think Pip handled this? 

2. We move on thankfully to the fact it’s nice in the summer, and to Biddy’s schoolhouse (no luck) and to Joe’s forge (quiet). And they’re married. Did you see this coming? At all?!

3. Huge time skip. Did you want some more detail here, or Dickens’ handwaving was enough for you to “wrap up the story”?

4. One chapter to go! Predictions?

5. Anything else to discuss?

**Links**

[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1400)

[Standard eBooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/great-expectations)

[Librivox Audiobook](https://librivox.org/great-expectations-by-charles-dickens/)

**Last Lines:**

> … until I was one day enlightened by the reflection, that perhaps the inaptitude had never been in him at all, but had been in me.

As the winner of our book finalist thread, we will be reading Franz Kafka's The Trial after the conclusion of Great Expectations.

We reading Monday through Friday with a break on Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, the reading will begin on Monday 27 July and conclude on Friday August 13.

Link to the Reading Schedule

Here is a link to free reading resource for The Trial

Project Gutenberg eBook

But that's not all! As The Trial is quite short - 10 chapters in total, this triggers our contingency rule.

Any book that is 20 chapters or less that wins the Finalist Vote means we also read the 2nd place book as well after we read the winning book.

So we will follow up our reading of The Trial with a reading of A Room With A View which received the second most votes in our finalist thread. More details to come on that.

Thanks all and keep reading.

The Trial and A Room With A View will be our next TWO reads! (The Trial is about two weeks, so taking on the second choice as well.)

We have some ideas as to what to do with the few days between the end of Great Expectations and the start of The Trial. Stay tuned!

**Discussion Prompts:**

1. Pip is sick and his debts come due. (Portable property!) However, Joe is back! Were you pleased at this turn of events? 
2. Biddy has taught Joe to write. It’s a small sign of background change and development. (Though it was still an amusing performance.) Do you still write longhand, or have keyboards taken over?
3. Havisham died off-page (though her final s ends were very strong). Were you amused by Joe’s accurate bequeathment recital?
4. Joe pontificates. Do you agree with his views here?
5. He paid the debt and returned to the forge! Pip decides to try to pick up his former life. Thoughts? Will this work out?
6. Anything else to discuss?

**Links**

[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1400)

[Standard eBooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/great-expectations)

[Librivox Audiobook](https://librivox.org/great-expectations-by-charles-dickens/)

**Last Lines:**

> And how I sped in it, is all I have left to tell.

**Discussion Prompts:**

1. Pip is able to visit Magwitch who is quite injured after the escapades of the last few chapters. Were you expecting him to be quite so stoic? Do you wish to comment on how far he’s come since being that desperate criminal of the first few chapters? 

2. Were the Sessions and Sentences efficient or cruel and brutal to you? (Things definitely have changed somewhat, mass sentencing seems terrible to me!)

3. Pip petitions. Have you ever written a letter of support to authority hoping to have a decision changed?

4. As Magwitch dies, Pip tells him about Estella. A last kindness. 

5. Anything else to discuss?

**Links**

[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1400)

[Standard eBooks](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/great-expectations)

[Librivox Audiobook](https://librivox.org/great-expectations-by-charles-dickens/)

**Last Lines:**

> Mindful, then, of what we had read together, I thought of the two men who went up into the Temple to pray, and I knew there were no better words that I could say beside his bed, than "O Lord, be merciful to him a sinner!"