It was an assigned reading for my daughter last year (in her sophomore class) and I’ve added it to my list. Looking forward to reading it, hopefully soon!
I have probably read it 10 times in my life. It is great. I am so sad if it’s not required reading in high school anymore. You can’t go wrong with Dumas!
I love the classics and always read every time I got the chance. I remember English teachers talking about all the books they had to read in college and thought it was exactly what I wanted to do. I can’t believe people would fuss about reading!
It’s an exciting adventure! It’s just an excellent read. I can only pick it up when I have lots of time, because I never want to put it down. Just amazing. I can’t say good enough stuff about it.
It is, but there is so much more. A man who has it all gets it taken away and gets it back. I don’t like to tell too much plot because it’s one of those excitement on every page. It is grand.
@Alex, Jane Eyre is my all time favorite book. I have so many favorites, it is hard to narrow down and I’m trying to find new ones everyday. I’m putting The Book of Lost Things on my List right now.
…and I don’t know why I never think of this but I adore Harry Potter. Another good series, if you like them is Mary Stewart’s Merlin Series from the 70s. I think the first one is The Crystal Cave. It’s so interesting.
@Alex, sometimes there is a 4th book in the series, but it definitely doesn’t belong. It’s about Arthur, not Merlin, and it just doesn’t flow as well. I love the Merlin stories though. Arthur is a character in these books, but not the major one. I love King Arthur books, too, but this is a great read about Merlin.
I also started it this morning. I’ll cheerfully admit that my expectations were not high, but I became captivated on the second page of the first chapter!
Yep! It’s amazing when you reread a book you were made to read for class and discover that now with experience, time and the luxury of reading at your own pace that it’s really wonderful. It happened to me with Hemingway, who I thought was too macho, womanizing and drunk to waste my time with, then one hot summer I picked up Old Man and the Sea And was blow away. Also saying “I’ve seen the movie “ rarely does the book justice
Tess, My experience was quite different. My older brother, who I worshiped, introduced me to Hemingway and Rand, and I could not help but enjoy them. I do agree with your take on Hemingway, but I’m a guy 🙂
I agree that re-reading a book later in life that you originally read in school can put a whole new prospective on how you perceive the book. I’m ready to take another go at Hemingway. The only book of his that I did like when I was younger was The Old Man and the Sea. I too felt his books were more male oriented, but I’m willing to take another run at one to see if I like them better now. I have the same feeling about Fitzgerald, going to try and read The Great Gatsby again and see if I like it better now that I’m older.
For good or ill, I never did the required reading in high school, so I am coming at them fresh. Your point is well taken, I don’t know how impactful having to read them would have been. Although, in retrospect, it may have been beneficial.
I read the unabridged version in Robin Buss’ translation for Penguin Classics last year, after having previously read an abridged version years ago. The language isn’t particularly difficult (of course, Buss’ is a modern translation), and I only felt that it went on a little too long in one part of the middle section. I don’t know if Dumas intended it as a satire, but the constant exclamations about how rich the Count of Monte Cristo was started to grate somewhat. Nevertheless, it soon picked up the pace and it’s worth reading for the deeper and richer characterization than abridged versions offer, particularly in the character of Eugénie Danglars. It was compulsively readable and I ended up giving it four out of five stars on Goodreads.
Agree. I was about to start reading the abridged version when I realized there was an unabridged version that was twice as long, so it was a bit daunting at first. As soon as I started it, I realized that it is very readable, and a very engaging story. It’s taking me a while because it’s so dense, but I haven’t come across a part yet (at page 500) that is boring or I feel I have to trudge through.
About to begin reading TCoMC, again.. this time with HS reading group.. I am ever an advocate of rereading..I ever avoid abridged versions ! so much is missed.. !
I loved Count of Monte Cristo. But we read it for book group and some of us read the 1,200 pages and some people got the 570 page book so there was a lot of missing discussion for those that read The Abridged version
Started it but I was in the middle of 3 super stressful weeks and just couldn’t concentrate on it. I read a couple lighter things and am going to start the Count again soon.
It was an assigned reading for my daughter last year (in her sophomore class) and I’ve added it to my list. Looking forward to reading it, hopefully soon!
That is next for me! Hopefully I like it better than 1984, lol.
Love this book!
I’m struggling with this one.
It’s amazing. Also by Dumas, The Man in the Iron Mask is great.
And Three Musketeers.
Yes!
I just downloaded the audiobook on my phone 🙂
Oh, one of my favorites!
That one is on my list too… is that a good or bad oh my word lol
Fabulous!
I love it!
Me, too. I’m really enjoying it so far!
Good?
Spectacular!
It’s a total blast. We can indulge all our fantasies of revenge!!!
Just picked it up at the used book store. Plan to start as soon as I finish my book club book.
I must give more thought to the classics. I read them a lot in high school-many years ago!
I LOVED the movie!
Then I started reading the book and it was quite different and I got stuck. But I would love to read it one day!
The movie completely twisted the characters and changed them. It was good but not at all the same story. This is one of my top five best books ever.
My grandson loved this book.
My all time favorite book!
I have probably read it 10 times in my life. It is great. I am so sad if it’s not required reading in high school anymore. You can’t go wrong with Dumas!
It’s one if my favorite books , before HS I had read half the books on the suggested summer reading lists.
I love the classics and always read every time I got the chance. I remember English teachers talking about all the books they had to read in college and thought it was exactly what I wanted to do. I can’t believe people would fuss about reading!
What about it do you enjoy? I don’t know much about it.
It’s an exciting adventure! It’s just an excellent read. I can only pick it up when I have lots of time, because I never want to put it down. Just amazing. I can’t say good enough stuff about it.
@Caren: what is the story about?
@Jane Revenge!
Adventure, romance and sweet revenge!
Wow! I didn’t realize revenge was so popular. I’ll have to check it out!
It is, but there is so much more. A man who has it all gets it taken away and gets it back. I don’t like to tell too much plot because it’s one of those excitement on every page. It is grand.
@Jane Your review is spot on! I don’t do well with synopsis!
Same!
I loved The Three Musketeers!⚔️
I love this story! I reread it pretty much once a year.
I’m reading it right now too – shocked at how much I’m loving it!
I read in high school, and then 2 more times. I love it. Revenge never worked so well!
Loved it in high school, maybe I should read it again
Me too! One month in and I’m on page 500 of 1250!
My all-time favorite!
One of my favorites!❤️
The Classics can’t be improved upon. I love a lot of the newer novels, but there’s definitely a reason those others have lasted 100 and more years.
I totally agree.
Wonderful book! My friend @Laura recommended it to me and I’m glad I read it!
It is one of my favorite books.
I loved that book. It was one of my dad’s favorites and so, one of mine. I’ve read it again since the first time (I was 14) and love it still.
One of my favorites also
I know!!!!!
It’s on my list of 5 books I’d be marooned on an island with ???
What are the other 4?
Love this, Alex.
Caren Warren Reaves Jane Eyre, The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, and The Princess Bride by William Goldman.
I made that list quite a while ago, I wonder if I’d change it up now with what I’ve read since then…hmmm maybe should add a survival book
@Alex, Jane Eyre is my all time favorite book. I have so many favorites, it is hard to narrow down and I’m trying to find new ones everyday. I’m putting The Book of Lost Things on my List right now.
Oh, I love Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.
…and I don’t know why I never think of this but I adore Harry Potter. Another good series, if you like them is Mary Stewart’s Merlin Series from the 70s. I think the first one is The Crystal Cave. It’s so interesting.
@Judy I’ve been wanting to read Mary Stewart’s series! I will definitely get to them. ❤
@Alex, sometimes there is a 4th book in the series, but it definitely doesn’t belong. It’s about Arthur, not Merlin, and it just doesn’t flow as well. I love the Merlin stories though. Arthur is a character in these books, but not the major one. I love King Arthur books, too, but this is a great read about Merlin.
My son’s parakeet is named Merlin <3 I made him promise if we let him get another one he will name it Arthur!
One of my favorites.
I loved it too. Hope it isn’t the number one choice, though.
Wow! I feel the need to read this one! Sounds great.
How exciting!! I’m starting it today. I’ve never read it so this is good to hear.
LOVE the Count of Monte Cristo!
Maybe my favorite book ever!!!!
S favorite of mine too!!
Me too!
That’s next on my list!
my son’s favorite book.
Great book!
So did I!
On my ‘to read’ list.
One of my favorites!
I read this many years ago and loved it.
A favorite!
One of the best books ever written.
I read it fifty years ago. I need to read it again
That’s about how long it’s been since I read it the first time .
Now it’s on mine
Great book!
I just started it too (at 8%). I’m reading on my kindle though; it will take me a while to get through it (the kindle annoys my migraines).
I’m gonna do that one this summer!
I love this book!
Great book! One of my very favorites! Love Dumas.
I believe that this book and Catch-22 will be the first 2 books discussed on the show! I’m hoping to read it before the episode airs! Enjoy!
Loved it
One of my favorite books…have re-read several times.
I also started it this morning. I’ll cheerfully admit that my expectations were not high, but I became captivated on the second page of the first chapter!
I know right?
I love this book! I don’t know anyone personally who has read it, so I’m glad to see this thread <3
Enjoy it’s a great book.
Love it
That is a wonderful book!
Just read it last year with my book buddy @Andrea. It instantly moved up into my top 3 all-time favorites! LOVED IT! ?
I just graduated from I need to read this book, to I really want to read this book! Thank you Ladies!
Yep! It’s amazing when you reread a book you were made to read for class and discover that now with experience, time and the luxury of reading at your own pace that it’s really wonderful. It happened to me with Hemingway, who I thought was too macho, womanizing and drunk to waste my time with, then one hot summer I picked up Old Man and the Sea And was blow away. Also saying “I’ve seen the movie “ rarely does the book justice
Tess, My experience was quite different. My older brother, who I worshiped, introduced me to Hemingway and Rand, and I could not help but enjoy them. I do agree with your take on Hemingway, but I’m a guy 🙂
I agree that re-reading a book later in life that you originally read in school can put a whole new prospective on how you perceive the book. I’m ready to take another go at Hemingway. The only book of his that I did like when I was younger was The Old Man and the Sea. I too felt his books were more male oriented, but I’m willing to take another run at one to see if I like them better now. I have the same feeling about Fitzgerald, going to try and read The Great Gatsby again and see if I like it better now that I’m older.
Moveable Feast! But it’s just the way he writes! It’s just so Amazing!
@Tess that’s the one I intend to read
For good or ill, I never did the required reading in high school, so I am coming at them fresh. Your point is well taken, I don’t know how impactful having to read them would have been. Although, in retrospect, it may have been beneficial.
I didn’t have to read this in school. I downloaded it today and read synopsis…. I HAD NO IDEA THAT’S WHAT IT WAS ABOUT. Can’t wait to start…. ??????
I read a condensed version (in an World Collection or somewhere). How is the full version? Hard language or too lengthy? Loved the story.
I read the unabridged version in Robin Buss’ translation for Penguin Classics last year, after having previously read an abridged version years ago. The language isn’t particularly difficult (of course, Buss’ is a modern translation), and I only felt that it went on a little too long in one part of the middle section. I don’t know if Dumas intended it as a satire, but the constant exclamations about how rich the Count of Monte Cristo was started to grate somewhat. Nevertheless, it soon picked up the pace and it’s worth reading for the deeper and richer characterization than abridged versions offer, particularly in the character of Eugénie Danglars. It was compulsively readable and I ended up giving it four out of five stars on Goodreads.
Agree. I was about to start reading the abridged version when I realized there was an unabridged version that was twice as long, so it was a bit daunting at first. As soon as I started it, I realized that it is very readable, and a very engaging story. It’s taking me a while because it’s so dense, but I haven’t come across a part yet (at page 500) that is boring or I feel I have to trudge through.
One of my all-time favorites. There is something timeless about a wonderful story.
never read it ! will have to put it on my list.
I listened to this book it was awesome
I read it in a first edition, found at a book sale, years & years ago. Lucky enough to have several of the next books as well
One of my all time favorites!!
Spectacular. Life changing for me.
About to begin reading TCoMC, again.. this time with HS reading group..
I am ever an advocate of rereading..I ever avoid abridged versions ! so much is missed.. !
Yes!
I loved Count of Monte Cristo. But we read it for book group and some of us read the 1,200 pages and some people got the 570 page book so there was a lot of missing discussion for those that read The Abridged version
Uh-oh! I got it from the library for my Kindle and I didn’t know I had a choice! I maybe an accidental slacker!
The reason his vengeance is so fierce is left out of the abridged work.
Love that book! My students always liked it, too.
Yeah, I know. Poor Edmund.
Definitely a favorite!
Love that book!
Dumas is one of my favorites. Not one boring paragraph.
I am reading it now!!!! I don’t think I would have picked it up if not for this list. Love ?it!
I agree. If not for the list…. lol! I’m glad to be reading it though!
When you love it and finish it, pick up The Man in the Iron Mask and be enthralled all over again. Dumas is just a great story teller.
I’m embarrassed to say that I love that book so much, I’ve read it several times over the last 20 years. Wonderful classic.
Never be embarrassed that you use your brain! LOL
Great book. Long but worth the effort
I’ll never have it read by the discussion date
It’s up next on my TBR list; loved The Man in the Iron Mask
Great, isn’t it? ?
One of my all-time favorites! It has everything. Betrayal, murder, revenge, romance and redemption. Enjoy!
BEST BOOK YOULL EVER read!!!!!! DAVID COPPERFIELD NEXT!!!! ENJOY!!!!!!!
You all convinced me to take the plunge
How are you liking it??
This book is so good!
@Beth only on page 50 but Dumas draws you right in with action and scheming from the start
My favorite. I love all of Dumas’ books.
Amen so great. Reading the whole thing not abridged. Am seriously hooked.
Me too! I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I have!
Dumas great reads will read more of his books.
Read and loved this book years ago. I never read books twice but I think I will buy and read this one.
It is so good
I’m on page 70!
Read The Man in the Iron Mask next! Loved it even more.
Ok
Started it but I was in the middle of 3 super stressful weeks and just couldn’t concentrate on it. I read a couple lighter things and am going to start the Count again soon.
Finished seriously better than the Richard Chamberlain movie.
I’m apparently in the minority. It’s not on my list of favorites.