I read this book with my mother early last year (not quite first because we took our time.) She broke her ankle overseas (in London actually) and had to have multiple surgeries when she got home. I moved in with her to look after her for ~6 months and while she couldn't get outside or even upstairs for a proper bath or shower I felt it very much part of my job to keep her spirits as high as possible. Reading a little bit out loud to each other every day was a big part of that (along with the bedsheet I draped over the dining room china cabinet to project movies on to, and daily cryptic crosswords). Thank you so much for keeping this book at the front of my mind so it was one we picked up. It was absolutely engrossing and moving, but in a gentle way that was just what we needed.
What a lovely story!! Well, not that your mother was hurt but how this book was a part of her healing. Just beautiful !! And yes- it is a gentle, I’d even say tender book. I hope she is feeling better and that you both have a great year of reading ahead of you!
It was such a wonderful read this year! I haven’t kept records, but this book must be up there with Jane Eyre and Little Women in the category of Most-Often-Reread books during my life. What a joy to share this favorite with you!
Your first #ThenAndNowRereads video could not have started with a different book than this so important one to you! I applaud your perseverance in learning French and since recently even Italian and using your favorite book for that! Bien fait!
Me too!! I don’t want this book to die on the shelves since it is an old, niche book. I love seeing people pick it up for the first time. Thanks for joining us!
Happy New Year! I've given this book as a gift before to bookish friends. I reread it today, and it was such a pleasure and a wonderful way to start off the new year. (Perhaps next year, I will try the French version!) Foyles is one of my favorite bookstores, and I didn't realize it was so close to the old bookstore's site. Thank you for the information. The next time I visit London, I will look for the plaque!
Happy New Year! In a moment of weakness, I reread Hanff just before the year turned. 😄 It’s also a very satisfying way to close out a reading year. I followed up by reading The Duchess of Bloomsbury for the first time and was struck by how much the tone and pacing changes between the books. There’s still banter but English manners and sites loom larger than books. I’d love to be able to poke through her correspondence (it’s in the Columbia University archives). - Heather
It’s been forever since I read The Duchess. I do remember finding some of the things that charmed me about her character in the first book was rougher in the second. I think, for me, the counterpoint of Frank’s style was a balancing affect. But I’m so glad you had a reread of 84 CCR again. ❤️ And I would also LOVE to see those letters!
I loved being in this book's world on New Year's Day. I can't believe I hadn't read it before this. Hanff is so witty and such a force. I loved that you could feel the connection between these people, even if months or years had passed. What a thing to read a favorite book in another language! What a wonderful way to track your progress with a language. I would love to get my French back up to speed, but it's too difficult while trying to learn Dutch. I'll be struggling for a Dutch word, and all I can think of is French! I wonder if you have the same experience learning Italian? I am a big re-reader, so this Then and Now project will be fun!
That problem of reaching for the wrong word, as I call it, has always plagued me. For a few years in my childhood I grew up in a country that spoke Portuguese and I picked up Spanish when we got back to the States. That was the first time it happened. It’s usually as I am saying it and hearing/feeling the pronunciation of the word that I recognize my mistake. It’s a real thing. I’m so happy you joined us for this reading of the book. Now you know why I blather on about it so much. I think it’s truly special.
What a great idea to read this in French - think I will do the same next year but this year it is my old paperback English version. Love this book and the film version.
I read this book with my mother early last year (not quite first because we took our time.) She broke her ankle overseas (in London actually) and had to have multiple surgeries when she got home. I moved in with her to look after her for ~6 months and while she couldn't get outside or even upstairs for a proper bath or shower I felt it very much part of my job to keep her spirits as high as possible. Reading a little bit out loud to each other every day was a big part of that (along with the bedsheet I draped over the dining room china cabinet to project movies on to, and daily cryptic crosswords). Thank you so much for keeping this book at the front of my mind so it was one we picked up. It was absolutely engrossing and moving, but in a gentle way that was just what we needed.
What a lovely story!! Well, not that your mother was hurt but how this book was a part of her healing. Just beautiful !! And yes- it is a gentle, I’d even say tender book. I hope she is feeling better and that you both have a great year of reading ahead of you!
It was such a wonderful read this year! I haven’t kept records, but this book must be up there with Jane Eyre and Little Women in the category of Most-Often-Reread books during my life. What a joy to share this favorite with you!
Thank you for doing this with me every year. I do love the ritual of it. It’s like seeing an old friend again when I read their words.
Read it this morning. One of my favorite books.
Thanks for joining and keeping the love of this book alive!
Your first #ThenAndNowRereads video could not have started with a different book than this so important one to you! I applaud your perseverance in learning French and since recently even Italian and using your favorite book for that! Bien fait!
It felt like the right one to begin with, and the timing was just right. ☺️ And thank you!
I’m so glad I was introduced to this book through you. 🥰.
Me too!! I don’t want this book to die on the shelves since it is an old, niche book. I love seeing people pick it up for the first time. Thanks for joining us!
Listened to the audiobook today, what a delight!
The audiobook is very well done! I was pleasantly surprised when I did hear it once.
Happy New Year! I've given this book as a gift before to bookish friends. I reread it today, and it was such a pleasure and a wonderful way to start off the new year. (Perhaps next year, I will try the French version!) Foyles is one of my favorite bookstores, and I didn't realize it was so close to the old bookstore's site. Thank you for the information. The next time I visit London, I will look for the plaque!
Thank you for joining us! And it feels like a treasure hunt to find the plaque. Best of luck!
Happy New Year! In a moment of weakness, I reread Hanff just before the year turned. 😄 It’s also a very satisfying way to close out a reading year. I followed up by reading The Duchess of Bloomsbury for the first time and was struck by how much the tone and pacing changes between the books. There’s still banter but English manners and sites loom larger than books. I’d love to be able to poke through her correspondence (it’s in the Columbia University archives). - Heather
It’s been forever since I read The Duchess. I do remember finding some of the things that charmed me about her character in the first book was rougher in the second. I think, for me, the counterpoint of Frank’s style was a balancing affect. But I’m so glad you had a reread of 84 CCR again. ❤️ And I would also LOVE to see those letters!
I loved being in this book's world on New Year's Day. I can't believe I hadn't read it before this. Hanff is so witty and such a force. I loved that you could feel the connection between these people, even if months or years had passed. What a thing to read a favorite book in another language! What a wonderful way to track your progress with a language. I would love to get my French back up to speed, but it's too difficult while trying to learn Dutch. I'll be struggling for a Dutch word, and all I can think of is French! I wonder if you have the same experience learning Italian? I am a big re-reader, so this Then and Now project will be fun!
That problem of reaching for the wrong word, as I call it, has always plagued me. For a few years in my childhood I grew up in a country that spoke Portuguese and I picked up Spanish when we got back to the States. That was the first time it happened. It’s usually as I am saying it and hearing/feeling the pronunciation of the word that I recognize my mistake. It’s a real thing.
I’m so happy you joined us for this reading of the book. Now you know why I blather on about it so much. I think it’s truly special.
What a great idea to read this in French - think I will do the same next year but this year it is my old paperback English version. Love this book and the film version.
Thank you! And happy New Year. Bonne chance for a French reading next year.
Joined!
Welcome!