Many moons ago, LT sent out a “Hey, let’s form a book club” email. Jen and I said “cool!” We finally had our first meeting yesterday, at Caffe Aroma on Elmwood. (LT gives her report here!)

I had never read The Awakening. As you may recall, I was not a lit major in college, and this wasn’t one of the selections I had to read either in high school or in my intro survey course. I did, however, read about it when I crammed for the exams I took to get the necessary credits to be certified in HS English.

So I knew how it ended, and I think I was a bit jaded by this information.

Which is not to say that I disliked it; I didn’t. It was certainly thought-provoking, and provided plenty of topics for discussion. I, for one, found the social commentary aspect much more interesting than the “feminist” aspect…that is, the idea that appearances were everything. For example, Edna’s husband didn’t seem to mind so much that his wife had moved out. It was more “What will people think?”

And in the end, even, Edna rationalized her decision by saying that it would be better for her children this way…their reputations wouldn’t be damaged.

That’s interesting. And sad.

I think if I were teaching literature, I’d pair this selection with The Yellow Wallpaper and discuss how women’s health issues were so woefully neglected. But hey, that’s just me. 😉

Jen had the camera, so look for photos soon.

We need to choose our next selection. We’ve all tossed a few ideas out, but nothing solid. Any suggestions?