BookishBeader,

You have inspired me to revisit one of my favorite novels. Also, as a side note I too am thrilled to be part of a community that is proud to have readers and encourages literary events such as The Big Read. As I ponder the first chapter of Housekeeping I am reminded of the beauty of  Robinson's wordsmithing... just for the sheer pleasure of words on the page. For example, on page 17, So the wind that billowed her sheets announced to her the resurrection of the ordinary.  It is refreshing to slow down and enjoy the words as they work wonders...and remind me that I am tired and will go to bed now. Thank you so much  for starting this book discussion group!

I'm excited too!  A few years ago Pocatello did something like All on the Same page and read a book, but nothing ever happened after. I belong to a book group now, and am hoping that this one takes off. I didn't know they were planning on having the author - perfect!!!

If someone posts a comment on the book and it's a spoiler can we put spoiler in the title? Helps to keep us all together:) I'm sure it's not a who done it, but just in case.

Esther,

Welcome... And your right " Housekeeping" is more of a "What about it?" than a "Who done it?" story. I do agree  that  potential spoilers should be identified as such. When you get a chance check out  www.neabigread.org to learn more about the reading activities that will occur in our community focused on Marilynne Robinson's literary classic.

Hi Esther! I never did hear about "All on the Same Page," so I'm glad I'm in on The Big Read. The Marshall Public Library and Kim Hirning (a volunteer) have done a lot of work to get the word out!

Reader2, I love the word "wordsmithing" and will now add it to my everyday vocabulary. That said, I think it is her wordsmithing that creates such a fantastical setting.

 Back to my original point about the two deaths in chapter 1 seeming so incredibly emotionless. Helen's father's death comes to him when  "the train, which was black and sleek and elegant ... had pulled more than halfway across the bridge when the engine nosed over toward the lake and then the rest of the train slid after it into the water like a weasel sliding off a rock" (p. 6).  Helen "went sliding across the meadow until she sailed off the edge of the cliff" (p 23).

They are both so beautiful, calm, and almost cathartic. I think it sets the off-beat tone and strange family ties of the entire book.

Anyone have any thoughts to add???

Oh, yes, and as a side note, I think spoilers should certainly be marked as such, as Esther suggested.

I'm  in love with this: "Sylvie, on her side, inhabited a millennial present. To her deterioration of things were always a fresh surprise, a disappointment not to be dwelt on" (p 94 of Housekeeping).

In this sense, Sylvie is my hero. I'm drowning in to-do lists. Groceries, Christmas gifts, birthdays, chores. I sometimes forget to relish in the simplicity of the present. Sylvie is the queen of this. I admire that.