I finished the book last night. I think something in general needs to be said about the book, but it may change the face of this discussion.

May I have everyone's permission to jump ahead, or do you want me to wait?

 

Rob, I'd think you could discretely go ahead. It is very hard not to bring in considerations and clarifications into the discussion from later on in the book -- especially if they are crucial. It's up to Bill, though.

 

^I think many of us have finished the book. Some of us several times. I think others are eager to get ahead too. I see many posts referencing events that we learn about towards the end of the book. Please keep in mind there are still some trying to read along. Even if they are not positng, they are benefiting from the discussion.

That said, I'll leave it up to the group. If you all want to jump into a general discussion we can. This thread will run its course in two or three days and that will be that. Please express your desire to just jump into free-for-all mode. DO NOT JUST START POSTING IN FREE- FOR-ALL MODE NOW! This is a request to test the interest of the group.

I like the old chapter by chapter method. It makes me go back and look at the chapter agian. It makes me think about the rest of the book, but it keeps me from spilling the beans. It helps me to see relations between the characters that I might not notice in a free for all discussion. But this method is a lot more work for me, so I'll go along with the majority opinion on this one.

 

Speaking as one who has just caught up with the reading (Day 1-Chapt 3 completed; looking fwd to 'Chamberlain' ), I think the chapter-by-chapter unfolding would be best. Otherwise, as Bill has suggested, it will lose all comprehension....especially for those who are only following along every day or two......

IN FACT, what about posting a 'calendar' at the initial post.....listing the date to discuss each of the 19 chapters encompassing day 1, 2 & 3. Just an idea.... (If this has already been discussed and X-ed, excuse my suggestion )

 

 

Okay, I can see you guys are right. It's much better to stick to a calendar. NO offense, Rob. I'll do my best, too, to reign in my tendencies to want to spill the beans ahead of the discussion. I heard something once about patience and postponement of gratification --

This thread is great. And I think it's going to make the whole Gettysburg experience next month much more enjoyable.

 

Somewhere up above I said we would have to shoot for a chapter per day Jerry. Today we have to move on to Longstreet. That will bring us up to the first day.

 

 

QUOTE (Legal Bill @ Aug 29 2006, 07:18 AM)
I like the old chapter by chapter method.

 

I'm not offended, its just that we are spending a great deal of time on the characters, but they are just the sideshow.

Not a problem. Do it anyway you like.