The Blue Castle Read-Along - Week Two - Chapters Two & Three

Welcome back, everyone! Sorry we are late, but it's been one of those weeks!!
And now...

It's discussing time!!

Katherine's Thoughts

Well, I have to say that Valancy's current situation remains quite dreadful!  I think the reason Valancy is so timid is because her Mother is so controlling and so quick to criticize her, which is sad.  A Mother should be the last person to make her children feel uncherished and undervalued. 
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I find it quite amusing that "the Stirlings don't take colds"!  This sounds so much like something Hetty King would say off "Road to Avonlea"! 



(I adore that series - Future Blog party, anyone?)!  I'm still looking upon the character of Olive with a distasteful air!  I don't know if it's the fact that she has every pleasure at her fingertips, while Valancy has to contend with a dreary existence, or what, but I don't see her as an ally.
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The brief introduction of Jennie Lloyd, who is going to be the Frederick's neighbor upon her upcoming nuptials, makes me wonder if perhaps she might befriend Valancy.  I'm not sure, however, if this would work as Valancy sees her as someone who has "all" that she only wishes for, so we shall see.....


Grace's Thoughts

My main thoughts are still "Poor Valancy!" No one should have to endure eating the same breakfast everyday, wearing a flannel petticoat, and being called Doss! 
Ugh!
I love the description of Mrs. Frederick "... and the hooked nose that made her look, more like a parrot than a parrot itself could look..."!
The name Cousin Stickles always makes me think of Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice with his "Cousin Elizabeth".

We have our first glimpse at the captivating John Foster and I can see why Valency likes his books so much. His way with words fairly transports and fills you with a yearning to "get away" and commune with nature.




Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Important Announcement:

We have decided to up the reading to 4 chapters a week, so this week we shall be reading chapters FIVE - EIGHT.  This will move things along considerably and we'll have more to talk about! Hopefully, this will be acceptable to everyone; we value your input and participation; you have no idea!! 


See you next week,

All our love,

Katherine and Grace