It is August 1st and time for another visit with Father Tim and the people in Mitford.

I really wanted to give Father Tim a good shaking several times as I read this book. His rule seemed to be put off until tomorrow anything really important to him. I really liked Edith Mallory, not because she was likeable, but because she was a protaganist.

I have taken the liberty of changing the starting dates for the follow on books. We seemed to have finished the discussion in the early part of the month and it just seemed to me that 45 days between each discussion was too long. If you disagree please say so as we can be flexible.

Larry

Now, I wanted to hug Father Time many times in this wonderful second Mitford story. He is just a big teddy bear who needs to be led to the honey (as Pooh would) and Cynthia is just the woman to do that. All these characters are so lovable and actually believable. However, Father Tim does have to "get real" and I am sure he will.More Than Music --pages 153 - 169 were so moving that I have read them several more times. As a letter writer (turned to email) the pictues painted by those letters between the "bookends" moved me to tears in places. The boy Dooley and the huge beast, Barnabas, steal my heart while for Edith, I have to steel my heart. But WHANG-DO made me laugh every time it came up and I will remember that expression forever!!! Write on, Jan Karon, PLEASE and THANK YOU!!!

I know this will not sound that great--but I didn`t think I would like these books--I have read the first three and truly enjoy them. Jan Karon makes the characters so real--They are all characters in our towns and churches. I have to go back and try and remember what took place in her second book. Father Tim certainly seemed afraid of marriage--

Father Tim is definitely in love, but I'm not so sure he knows it. In any event, he does not know how to handle it, I'm afraid. Cynthia seems to know what she wants and how to get it. Why are men so stubborn and will not admit when they are infatuated with those of the fairer sex? On the other hand,there he is being pursued by the weathy widow down the street in a shamless way. She certainly has no inhibitions.

I'll just have to say "Amen" to the remarks of "Fiery" as to the chapter on "More Than Music."

Well, Father Tim has time though to get on board with Cynthia who knows well how to handle him. About the Faith question, I would love to hear some discussion on just why talking about religion is something people are loath to do, except at religious functions. We steer away from that subject---at least I know I do. However, as I age I find myself more frequently talking about this subject with a close friend or two, but NEVER in a gathering----Why is that? Anyway, Larry, great idea about changing the 45 day time span as these books are an easy read even allowing for time to go back and enjoy again favorite passages.

Larry: I like the new timing too.. I'm still hoping that the library will be getting the last book, A New Song.

LARRY...add me to the shorter time list. We really don't need 45 days to discuss these little books.

Part of Father Tim's rather reluctant thoughts of marriage to Cynthia are based on his feelings of being too old. He's wrong, of course, but I can understand why he thinks like that.

And I STILL want to know why there are THREE ESTHERS in Mitford!!!

Love...Katie

Katie, can you remind me of the last names of the three Esthers It does seem the author could have used different first names. That would be an interesting question to ask her.

Did everyone think that Counsin Meg was something other than what she seemed from the very beginning. I am afraid I wouldn't have been as patient as Father Tim. What an anti-social being she was but suppose that prevented her being exposed earlier. I sort of found it refreshing when Father Tim lost his patience with her and laid down the law. He just should have done it more and sooner.

Larry

Esthers? Small towns seem to get stuck on certain names... I have just counted 7 "Roger"s and 5 "Christine"s in our small town, in addition to 3 "Helga"s.

I suspected Cousin Meg from the start, something just didn't ring true about her. I could never have put up with so much slovenliness (is that a word) from anyone for that long. Father Tim is simply too trusting a soul for his own good sometimes.

Cynthia did know what she wanted and she was willing to bide her time until Tim came to the same understanding of their relationship that she had. Am I getting ahead of the story here? I read the books so long ago and don't have time to reread them right now so I'm just remembering the books as one long story in my head.

Edith Mallory was too awful for words and only gets worse. What Father Tim went through with her was a nightmare.

Cousin Meg was a real "piece of work" and I agree that Father Tim's reluctance to do somthing about this most unwelcome vistor was aggravating---to me, at least. I kept hoping he would resolve the problem much sooner. On another note, please help me out with the pronounciation of PUNY--I just love her and she adds so much to the book and to the life of Father Tim. But I like to say her name and surely it can't be puny as in small and feeble. Or is it puny as in funny or bunny???? What does anyone else think? This is not a very important point perhaps but I would like some feedback. Thanks, anyone!!

Fiery, I agree that Puny is the type of person we probably all know who is no nonsense, a very hard worker, and a no airs type person. It sounds like she is also a great cook.

I really have no idea how Puny would be pronounced but wonder if it could be "Poo Ney". Interesting question.

It looks like we are all in agreement to shorten the time for discussing the books. I will have to get started on Book 3 shortly.

Larry

I listened to the audio tape of one of the books and the narrator pronounced Puny the way the word is used to describe someone skinny and undernourished. BTW, the audio recordings are not bad. Of course, it is not the same as reading the book. For one thing, I do not retain as well when I listen as when I read myself. Does that say something about the type of learner i am? The recordings are enjoyable though.

Wasn't there something said about why she was called Puny? I think it WAS because she was the smallest in the family, or sick when a kid, or something like that. 'Course, I could be wrong about that, since I'm now embarrassed to announce that There ARE NOT 3 Esthers, after all. Esther the Mayor and Esther the Orange Marmelade Cake baker and...EDITH Mallory, the witch! Sheesh! Still, when you get to name everybody in town it would be helpful if you'd make them really different from one another. Right?

Love...Katie

Katie, I wasn't questioning that there weren't three Esthers. I appreciate you looking back and finding the names. If I weren't so lazy I would make a chart of the characters in these books as feel it would help with the discussions but not likely to do so.

Larry

I've been lurking, but had to come out of the closet and share. Yesterday, I saw a brochure from Hallmark. They will be carrying cards with a Mitford influence. The examples were just as sweet and tender as the books.

Back into the closet - di

Oh, LARRY, I know you weren't questioning the 3 Esthers, but I feel like such a DUH after all the fuss I made about it. Honestly! I'm old enough to know better! Now I'm re-reading this book and refreshing my memory about the plot lines.

DIANE...thanks for the Hallmark info! I'll be looking for them.

I know someone who couldn't get very far into the Mitford books...said they were too sweet! What do we think about that?

Love...Katie

Too sweet? Not all small towns are that sweet, but it does make easy reading. And there is always an "Edith" or two to make life interesting. Besides a bachelor minister is always fair game for single ladies.

Dianne, sure glad you popped out of that closet and that you will do it often. Nice to see you posting and expect that will be a best-selling line of cards for Hallmark.

Katie, I wonder if the person who found the books too sweet really gave the books time. Reading the first few chapters could give a person a bit of that feeling as the characters are introduced and then after a bit they become like friends. I think these characters are very much like the people we probably all have in our circle of friends and family, i.e., people who are, people who have some problems, people who may dislike some other people, people who take advantage of others, and just good ordinary folks (who are each extraordinary in their own way) as are the Mitford characters. I agree with Pat that not all people in small towns are sweet.

Of course, I can also understand that not all readers would enjoy this type of story just as I don't care for certain types of books.

Larry

Hello, perhaps that folksy quality in the Mitford books (which I love) is what is meant by too sweet. I have heard that comment about some of the Binchy books (which I also really enjoy) but it is that very folksy quality which endears them to me. DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS, eh???? I really enjoy reading these comments and look forward to being very involved in many of the books. Thank you, one and all. You brighten my day.

I thoroughly enjoy the Mitford books but I have a friend that did not care for them, but as you said, different strokes for different folks. I really think they are not romantical enough for her but I would never say that to her.

I rather like a book I can read and put down without losing your train of thought.

As for Cousin Meg, Father Tim was too soft on her. Ihave never had such a guest, and probably would put up with one for several days,but not as long as he did. As for guests in general, I seldom have guests (I don't count my daughter who lives away). As long as my mother lived, any family visiting always stayed with her. My working did not present much opportunity to ask someone to come visit and consequently, have never had much in-house guests.

I loved all of the Mitford books and for a time recommended them to everyone I knew. Didn't get any takers except for my dad though, and he loved them too. I was reading this book while in the hospital with a broken knee (and subsequent surgery) and cried my way through it. This may be one of the reasons all the books run together in my mind a little. I never decided if the overflow of emotions came from the book or the pain. The story touched my soul in some ways and I wait eagerly for each new book. The third book was published while I was recovering and was a gift from friends--I flew through it too.

I maybe should have added that the "too sweet" person is an avid mystery lover, and mysteries are not MY thing, altho I have enjoyed some of them. Three of us tried to persuade her that she hadn't read far enough, but she was adament. Like FIERY says...different strokes, etc.

I am re-reading "Light in the Window", and have been reminded about Tim's soul searching, brought on by his separation from Cynthia. Had forgotten his conclusion that he was selfish, and not totally compassionate, as he imagined himself to be. He had never considered himself to be without emotion, and then was floored by his reaction to what he thought was her rejection of him. Can't believe how much I'd forgotten about this book! Guess I read all five of them much too fast!

Love..Katie

I was surprised, though I don't know why, that Edith Mallory would be so "brazen" and play all the tricks she knew to get her hands on Father Tim. Any gift she would give would definitely have some backhanded motion, I'm sure; whereas Miss Sadie's gift was so humble. Imagine having so much money and not spend it on repairs to your own home!!

Miss Sadie is a real piece of work. I liked the part where she told Father Tim she had spent all of her mother's money. Obviously Father Tim thought her fortune was gone until she said she was now starting on the money from her Mother, just a little old million dollars.

I wonder if Karon used the name Sadie because of the "sad" life this character had experienced? Just a thought.

Larry

HI, I finished reading A Light in the Window a few week ago Even tho I enjoyed it and have bought two other books in the series, I at times find them a bit slow but interesting. They just remind me of life in a small town and I do find reading them relaxes me as if I have been there and met all these folks. Guess that's what the books are all about. Better get started on the other books if we are going to discuss them.

Southcoast, great to have you joining in the discussion.

I agree with your observation on this second book. While I greatly enjoyed it did get really frustrated with the procrastination of Father Tim. He seemed to be attuned to everyone else but not to his own feelings.

Larry

LARRY...Tim's real problem, I think, was that Emma got married! She now has someone else to think about. Father Tim didn't get her usual "Just DO it!" pushing, altho she didn't mince words when it came to Edith's "whang do". We know the outcome, tho, so it's still kind of fun, albeit slow, watching him finally get there.

Love...Katie

Father Tim seems to need someone to push him. Look at his secretary, house keeper, and now he has married. I am looking forward to seeing just how he will adjust to his new life. Getting married so late in life will require alot of changing for poor Father Tim. Ha !!!!

Father Tim does seem to be a shy type man, but oh, so tender and loving. It was so generous of him to take Dooley in

And just think about being taken in by Cousin Meg. I cannot imagine anyone putting up with something like that without saying a word.

BETTY...maybe it's the same old story. Father Tim does seem to be intimidated by women...at least a little, and Cousin Meg is obviously used to throwing her weight around. You and I would have insisted on making sure the room was kept clean, by hook or by crook, but Tim is afraid of her!

Hi, I just came in to see the new book discussions and saw the title of your current book. It "pulled me in." I will go out today to buy or borrow the first two so I can get caught up. I liked the thought that they are nice, relaxing books. I need that right now. I love mysteries, but I enjoy so many other books too and it is always a joy to add another 'favorite' author. I noticed someone mentioned the Binchey books. I have just discovered those and really enjoy them. I have marked this spot on my favorites page. I will be back when I get caught up. Lucy C.

Lucy C, welcome to the Books & Literature discussions here on SeniorNet and to all of the discussions. If you haven't done so click on the top of the page called "RoundTables Index" and you will get a quick overview of all of the individual discussions and various topics.

I am confident you will really enjoy the Mitford books. You soon begin to care about the people who character the books and feel almost as if they were part of your family. I will be looking forward to seeing your postings in this and any of the discussions.

Welcome.

Larry

Larry, et al: I usually lurk only in the Cafe, Photos, and Texas folders, and it was in one of those that someone mentioned "At Home in Mitford". I promptly went to the library and borrowed a copy and whizzed through it. Went back and got "A Light in the Window" and had it finished in two days. Not until tonight, though, did I discover that there was a discussion of the Mitford books. Hooray.

The thing that struck me about the first two books was how "gentle" they are. Father Tim also has a way of stating his theology, or beliefs, that makes me stop and marvel at the simplicity of it. Wonderful books. Good, gentle humor, too.

Donna Marie, I think you have well stated what makes these books so special. They are gentle and don't assault your senses like so many book do. After reading some of the Hannibal book am ready for another visit to Mitford. Glad to have you joining in our discussion.

Larry

Father Tim is really having a time with his life, some unknown feelings tearing at him, brought on by his very attractive neighbor. He seems to be most content when he is on the phone or contacts the next-door widow by mail. Could this be romance blooming?

Betty, peek into book three and you will get your answer. I thought Father Tim was rather frustrating and perhaps frustrated in this book.

Have started book three and we will start our new discussion on 9/1. It has some new and interesting aspects that we can discuss. Hope you all will continue on with us and perhaps we will have some others joining us.

Larry

Larry, I have read book three, just trying to drum up some interest in no. 2!! In fact, I'm reading no.5 now.

Betty, you are way ahead of me then as only starting book 3.

Larry