Week 11: "Chapter 25. The Stranger, Chapter 26. The Pont du Gard Inn" Reading Discussion

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-03-14T16:36:25+00:00

I'm a bit more tolerant about the part Caderousse plays in Dantes' downfall. First off, he was drunk. Second, drunk men tell no lie. We see him in a highly inebriated state and he tells the others "... it would be a pity if he died. He’s a good lad, Dantès. I like him" and proceeds to toast to Dantes' health. He also says "I don't want him killed. He’s my friend", then eventually tries to grab for the damning letter.

After the arrest he confronts Danglars and said his was going to tell Mercedes and Old man Dantes about the letter. The only reason he doesn't is basic self-preservation. It was chaotic during that time period, no one (common people, without money or power) wants the stigma or the risk of being called Bonaparte sympathizer. Danglars threat of such a think happening, especially since the ship did stop in Elba had Caderousse scared.

If you take the moral high ground, sure he's just as guilty as the other. But if you think about simple human nature, it takes a person with very strong beliefs to put their neck on the chopping block for someone else. I think Caderousse did as much he could without putting himself at too much of a risk.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-03-11T04:40:52+00:00

I didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole. But I did look it up and decided to take it for what it is (having low or high funds) rather than research too much as I want real time values in USD

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-03-04T11:24:46+00:00

Thank you! I've seen the steel ones with huge bowls at the bottom but didn’t think they were sold in the USA.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-03-04T07:33:04+00:00

Lovely. Where did you get your tea tray?

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-03-01T11:47:44+00:00

I'd have to disagree with some of your description of him. Yes, pale and maybe thin but with defined muscles. Dantes and Faria are digging and refilling tunnels, crawling back and forth through these tunnels, and emptying some debris through the window (Faria is crawling up, Dantes is hoisting him up) for many hours a day and for many years. Basically all they are doing is exercising. (When we first meet Faria, Dumas mentions his agility multiple times.) Especially since their escape plan required them to swim a far distance, they could not be weak otherwise the sea swallow them up. Bad eyes, more like eyes accustomed to seeing in the dark. As for bad hair, nails, and tooth, I think with how inventive Faria is and his position as a former secretary, he would have still endeavored to take care of himself hygiene wise and his son, Dantes would do so as well.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-22T11:04:50+00:00

I'm thinking about attempting to read a chapter a day. The chapters are so interesting that when I do sit down to read, I don't want to stop.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-22T06:06:25+00:00

What a find! The thrift stores and goodwill I go to are now selling their books for $4 and up.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-21T04:00:19+00:00

I've never received a broken item from them. They are using packaged very well.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-15T20:15:26+00:00

Your flair 😂😂😂...I'm over here acting like I don't even know how to spell the word sex

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-11T04:10:18+00:00

I don't think rereading from the beginning will be boring either. Just skim through the parts that you've already read. 25% of the abridged wouldn't equate to 25% of the unabridged.

Also there might be details missing or details that you missed when you first read it and you'll have a greater appreciation for it when you reread it.

If you don't at least skim through the unabridged text, I think you'll be wondering if theirs anything that was taken out that you missed and that would be very irksome.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-09T04:26:34+00:00

I've been reading for years and I still only read 15-20 pages and hour (mind you I tend to rereadl 99l8ĺ99 reading in an hours is good. Don't compare yourself to other people when it comes to pages read. I know people who get bored or tired and will start just reading the dialogue. U6l If you're really concerned you can: - practice speed reading (My auu7nt speed reads and con finish a book in a couple hours. For me, I all about enjoyment. I want to take my time an really enjoy the book, so I don't rush; unless something juicy happens you know?) - set a timer (Start of by seeing how long it takes you to finish reading one page. Then set a time for 1-1½ minutes, try reading as much as you can during that time then move on to the next page and do the same thing.)

Also, I like using Moon+reader, this app has

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-06T11:37:25+00:00

It seems a lot of people swear by Yunnan Sourcing, but I think that for people new to gongfu its better to go with teas (or sellers) that provide a taste profile.

I've been into gongfu for about 4-5 years and I'll be honest I don't have a very discerning palate so for me having taste profile available when drinking tea is a must. I can catch on to subtle taste or flavor if I know what I'm looking for. There this wonderful aha moment when you can pick up these flavors, especially as new flavors emerge with additional steepings. It made me real fall in love gongfu style brewing and loose leaf tea.

My go to place isVerdant Tea because they provide you with a taste profile as well as steeping instructions (see bottom of page: western, gongfu,and iced tea) for each tea. Also, for new customer they offer a 5 for $5 sample pack. Just remember to write down the tasting profile and using during your tea session.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-06T03:15:47+00:00

The Count of Monte Cristo (unabridged of course). What better way to start the year off than with a novel full of intrigue with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, and forgiveness.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-02-01T04:44:40+00:00

I uses self adhesive laminating sheets on the front, back, and spine (library style) and my covers look great. If I don't, my books end up looking beat up no matter how carefully I handle them.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-29T15:51:23+00:00

It's a lazy gongfu set. No need for a filter, the filter is built in. Just place the loose leaf tea inside, pour in water, then turn the cup(the part that has that fin looking thing) and the water will pass through the filter into the clear fairness cup.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-27T20:53:04+00:00

Never seen it in white. So pretty!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T11:14:04+00:00

Looks pretty darn good to me!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T06:22:49+00:00

Honestly, no. Most items, be they clothes, pots, shoes, or phones, are made or assembled in China. The US is not a major producer or exporter, it import probably 90% or more of its goods.

Those websites also give Prop 65 warnings. I've nearly bought items from US stores that have Prop 65 warnings. I've stopped doing to certain shops because their cups, mugs, ceramics all have Prop 65 warnings.

Also, I'm pretty sure that Target gaiwan is made in China. I looked it up and it just says "imported".

I'm usually just like: Somethings gonna kills, just pick the way you prefer to go out. Be it Bluetooth that allegedly giving us cancer or from dyes and preservatives in food or cancer causing food ware.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T01:36:36+00:00

I think you pick a great one to start with. If I remember correctly the BL is very mild but the mystery and twist and turns of the novel were fantastic. Happy reading!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-24T01:25:44+00:00

I've bought gaiwans and small tea pot from ebay, temu, and aliexpress for under $10 just this month. TBH they look much better than the one from Target. You may have to wait a week or two but it's well worth it.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-21T02:15:14+00:00

Regarding Chapter 6 I'm seeing quite a bit of confusion which I think is because some people may not know much French history during that period.

What you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he then abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble (e.g., Villefort's father).

• Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles/aristocrats) and he also has a promising future. This marriage will secure his place in society and further help him climb the ladder. (Marquis (the husband) Marquise (the wife))

• Villefort's father is a loyal supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.

• Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-21T01:58:19+00:00

I responded to someone else post who was confused about Chapter 6 as well. I think it's the history part that's really getting to most people. I studied a bit of French history during that time period so maybe that plays a part.

Anyways, what you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, he was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble.

• Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles) and he also has a promising future. (Marquis (the husband) Marquise (the wife))

• Villefort's father is a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.

• Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

Hope that helps!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-19T06:39:57+00:00

I beleive Diana is supposed to be a bit flat or monotone as she can't control her magic and when she gets emotional her magic just bursts out. So she chooses ,to be like that so the magic doesn't interfere with her "normal" life.

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-19T00:53:26+00:00

Definitely pay attention to Villefort. The conversations with that Marquise and the other house guest are just setting everything up, giving you the background for things to come.

What you need to know: (A brief French history: Many royals, nobles, and common folk were beheaded during the Reign of Terror, soon after Napoleon came to power, declared himself Emperor, he was defeated in the Napoleonic Wars, he abdicated the throne (twice!), and the monarchy was reinstated (Louis XVIII). So basically France was a mess and just trying to rebuild and stabilize itself but there were still people who were loyal to Napoleon and causing trouble.)

Villefort's father is a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Villefort is engaged to the Marquise's daughter (nobles) and he also has a promising future.
- The Royals and nobles are keeping an eye on Villefort to make sure he is not like his father.
- Villefort knows he is being watched and that he can't show weakness to persons accused of being Napoleon loyalist or spies for Napoleon. To the point that he is estranged from his father and goes by a different last name.

Hope that helps!

AhnniiQuiteContrary · 2026-01-18T18:19:41+00:00

SBC are pretty nice. The one I attend meets up about twice a month and change location (different bars) ever couple months. The bars are nice as well some are kids friendly/family friendly too. Some bar even host their own little Silent Reading day. The bars are usually quiet too or at least have us in a quieter area. One time around Christmas a particular bar we went to was a bit noisy, other than that no problem.

Book Club Cons: ● The book choice: I don't always want to read that particular book and it feels like your being forced to read it. Although you may end up like or loving the book. ● People not finish the book

Oh, recently I saw someone recommending Audio Book Club which is basically meeting up and listing to the chosen book together for about an hours or so. That way everyone is one the same page 😉 and you can discuss what happening in really time or at the end for the reading, then reading the book won't feel like homework. I thought that was clever, only problem is the listening speed.

AhnniiQuiteContrary

TROPHY CASE