The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part Three

Welcome to our third read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. If you’re following our schedule, you should have read the first six sections of the book, and be finished with the section titled “Passion, 1921.” This read-along is hosted by Books & Movies. I'm only a few days late with this post.  Now I can relax and finish reading the book with everyone else - on time!  Click on the image above to take part in the discussion.

**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post. 

This week, instead of being provided questions, we are being challenged to ask our own questions to share. So, here are mine:

When you found out that the Yellow House was being restored, who did you think was behind it?  


My mind went straight to Owen, but only because they had mentioned him staring at the picture in Eileen's house when he took her home.  I thought he was fixing it up for Eileen and was going to return it to her as a surprise gift.  I guess I was only partially right.  I was totally floored when he said that he was fixing it up for his wife.  I was bummed!!  Yeah, I walked into a brick wall on that one.  


Now that we know it was Owen who bought the Yellow House, do you think there is any chance that Eileen will reclaim it and get her family back together?


Now that Owen is divorced, I am hoping that he will do the right thing and give it to her, or at least offer it to her.  I am still holding on that the two of them will get together, and also that Eileen will restore her family as she has dreamed of.


Do you think that Lizzy will be found?  Who will find her?  How do you think that Lizzy will react/respond to being reunited to her family?


I am thinking that Owen will find Lizzy.  However, I think that she will not initially want to come home, or that she will just to meet them, but not to be reunited as Eileen is hoping.  I also feel that Frank will throw a wrench in things somewhere.  I just get a bad feeling about him when it comes to Lizzy, and I am not sure why.  I am also worried that Paddy is being all to quiet about things.  Surely that anger will pop up again somewhere - will it be anything connected to Lizzy?


Is there any hope in the future for Owen and Eileen?  Will Eileen keep the baby?


I am really pulling for the two of them to eventually get together as a family.  This baby just might be what gets them back together - at least that is what my heart is wanting.  I am hoping beyond hope that this baby and the reunion with Lizzy will draw the family back to the Yellow House and everything will end - Happily Every After!!!

This week, we will finish the book!!!!  Isn't this exciting?  I have thoroughly enjoyed this read-along!!!!  I'll be ready for something else when this one is finished!

The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part Two

Welcome to our second read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. If you’re following our schedule, you should have read the first four sections of the book, and be finished with the section titled “Insurrection, 1919-1920.”  This post is a week late - family happens!!!!


**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post.


Were you surprised by the turn the romantic storyline took?


I was very shocked and very dismayed by the change in the romantic turn of events.  I was so rooting for Owen, and still am.  I am hoping things will change yet again.  Something about James rubbed me wrong from the beginning of this section, and now I find rightfully so.  I am glad that Own keeps popping up though.


What do you think of James? Is his treatment of his family – all in the name of the cause – justified?


I absolutely dislike James.  I do not think that the cause is reason enough to treat family in the way he does.  From the point in which they first hooked up in the pile of flour sacks I had a sick feeling of what was to come.  Then when he went against her with the name of their child - OCH!- what a sleeze ball!!!  I thought he'd at least support her there - yeah right!! Now, he has taken her savings.  I had a bad feeling when she mentioned having an account that still had just her name on it! I just knew the "marriage" card would be pulled somewhere! It seems like the longer I read, the more I hate him!


What do you think of Eileen’s reaction to James’ final betrayal – the emptying of her savings account?


I can't say I am very surprised.  It is almost a mirror of her mother's reaction to the "final" act on her.  However, I think that Eileen will bounce back.  I don't think she will wither away.  I think some of her dad's O'Neil blood will kick in and she will stand tall and get her revenge. 


How do you think the author is handling the intricacies of the political situation?


I think that Falvey is doing an excellent job in portraying a balance of both sides of the situation.  With the views of James and his gang, then the resurfacing of Owen on the opposite side.  It is the intertwining of Eileen and her connection to both sides of the cause that create that balance - the blending of the two as it may.  I am learning quite a bit about this time in history.


I will be reading the book on the original schedule - even though I am behind.  I am going to get caught up tomorrow so that I can finish by the end of the week as we should.  I have found that I am really enjoying this relaxed read-along.  Thanks to the host for doing this.

For next week, we will read through page 238 in the hardcover edition, which includes these sections: “Truce, 1920-1921? and “Passion, 1921.”

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

2nd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

March 17th to 22nd

Co-Hosted By Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas

For my giveaway, you will have a choice of two books with connections to Ireland.  In addition to selecting the book you want, you will then have a choice of either a paperback from The Book Depository or an e-book from either Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  

The first is a book involving Celtic mythology.  I am currently reading it as part of a read-along - the Kiss-Me I'm Irish Read-Along (see my side-bar on the left for more information about this read-along).  

Hounded is the first book in The Iron Druid Chronicles.  


Summary:  The first in an original, back-to-back three-book series about Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids. Celtic mythology and an ancient Druid with a modern attitude mix it up in the Arizona desert in this witty new fantasy series.--Kelly Meding, author of "Three Days to Dead." Original.
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The second book is another book I am reading for a read-along.  The Yellow House is set in 20th Century Ireland.


Summary:  "The Yellow House" delves into the passion and politics of Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century. Eileen O'Neill's family is torn apart by religious intolerance and secrets from the past, but she is determined to reclaim her ancestral home and reunite her family.


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Now for some fun freebies I have found on Amazon:  (click on the cover images or title to get your free books)

The Way Life Was Forever by Carey Corp


Summary:  Sun-dwellers are foul monsters that eat a human’s flesh from their bones…or so sixteen-year-old Lyra has always been taught. To keep their citizens safe, her colony seals itself into the vaults by day. 


Moonwalkers are horrible beasts that feed on the blood of men…at least, that is what Perseus was told. The only sure survival for his people is to lock themselves into their repositories each night. 


Both labeled as undesirable by their respective kinds, a fated meeting in the forbidden forest offers Lyra and Perseus an unexpected chance at happiness. If they can overcome their own prejudices and discover the truth about one another before time runs out. 


Can the sun-dweller and the moonwalker learn that when reality is distorted by hate and terror sometimes the only thing to truly fear is fear itself? 


THE WAY LIFE WAS FOREVER – a YA short story from award-winning author, Carey Corp.
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Young Marian's Adventures in Sherwood Forest: A Girls to the Rescue Novel by Stephen Mooser


Thirteen-year-old Marian and her friend Robin team up to rescue her father whom the Sheriff has wrongly condemned to death.

Tell Me Something Tuesday - Book Clubs / Read-Alongs

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a fun weekly meme hosted by Cambria @ CambriaHebert.com.

Each week there will be a new question to answer and share.  This is a great way for bloggers to get to know one another.

Have you ever participated in a Book club, buddy read or Read along?

Actually, I am taking part in a book club at school right now.  We are doing a school wide One School One Book book club with the book Old Yeller by Fred Gipson.  Every family in our school was provided with a copy of the book and will be reading it through the month of March.  We had our kick-off on Monday and sent our books home.  The families will read 4 chapters a week, with a trivia question asked daily at school.  There are other activities suggested and offered along the way.  This is going to be great fun!  

I am also taking part in two online read-alongs.  The first one is the Kiss Me I'm Irish read-along of the book Hounded by Kevin Hearne.  This read-along is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader.  Check out these various blogs for more information.  This book involves Irish mythology and is a fun read.

The next read-along I am currently taking part in is The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey.  This is another Irish novel.  (Go figure, it's March - great time for those Irish reads!)  This one is more of a historical novel though.  The Yellow House read-along is hosted by Books & Movies.  You can find out more information by clicking here.

I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying reading with others.  I definitely love to read, but when you can share your thoughts with others who have experienced or are experiencing the same book, it is even better!  The community that is built along the way is wonderful!

So, have you ever participated in a book club, buddy read, or read-along?  Share your thoughts below.

  

The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part One

Welcome to our first read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. I found this read-along a few weeks ago and knew I had to take part.  This read-along is hosted by Books & Movies.   This part of the read-along is for the first two sections of the book: “Glenlea, County Armagh, 1905″ and “Queensbrook Linen Mill, 1913.”

**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post.

What do you think of the writing?


Loving this story, and give credit to the writing style of the author.  The writing style is so personal and very tied to the main character,  Eileen O'Neill.  Through the writing, I find myself looking through the eyes of Eileen, often feeling the very emotions exhibited by Eileen throughout the pages.  A strong mood is developed through the tragic events of the story.  In contrast, there are light-hearted moments when Eileen describes her love of the Yellow House and the property, the mountain referred to as  Slieve Mullion.  


What do you think of Eileen’s parents?


I have mixed feelings about her parents.  Eileen's father is a fun-loving man, who has a strong connection to the land that was passed down through the generations.  He refers often to the past and the stories of how his family lost and regained The Yellow House.  He shares his love of family and land with his children.  On the other hand, he is not a strong man or good farmer.  He struggles to hold on to what is his, and does not want to show his weakness with his family - rather tries to protect them.  Her father sounds like a wonderful person to be around - a person who wants to do well, but does not always have what it takes to do what he needs to do.


Her mother is a very strong Protestant woman, who came from a well-to-do family, but disappointed that family by getting pregnant and marrying an Irish Catholic.  She steps up to the plate when her family struggles, reaching out to her past.  When she suffers the loss of her child, she then breaks down, not able to hold onto her strong will.  I find her very admirable.  A strong woman who loves her children and who will do whatever it takes to care for them and hold her family together.  I could not imagine having to face the tragedy she had to endure.  While I feel for her, I was angry when she left the family.


In the end both of them leave Eileen and she is left to find her way.


It seems that the book is heading in a romantic direction when it comes to Eileen and Owen Sheridan. What do you think of this potential romance?


Isn't it generally the way things go - characters often fall in love with those that they should not be with, or those they profess to hate?  This is the type of romance that I love to read about.  I am rooting for them to find a way to make it work.  I hope they can overcome their differences and that Eileen sees him as separate from his family.  Owen is the "black sheep of the family", so he isn't following in his family's footsteps.  So far I really like his character.


As we closed the second section, the world is on the brink of the First World War, and Ireland is being torn apart by the fight for Home Rule. Have you learned anything about Ireland or the world at this time period that was new to you?


I am aware that Ireland had many struggles over the years, however, I don't really have any recollection of an of the history brought up in the story.  I love historical fiction, so this is right up my alley.  I prefer to learn about history in this manner.  I find the story tied to the historical aspects very intriguing.  Patricia Falvey intertwines it very well into the fictional accounts.

Next week's reading assignment:  read through page 164 in the hardcover edition, which includes these sections: “War, 1914-1918″ and “Insurrection, 1919-1920.”

W.....W.....W...... Wednesday (9)

W....W....W.... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.  To take part in this feature, you answer 3 questions in a blog post:

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?   

What are you currently reading?:  I have 3 going at the same time right now!  I am reading two for read-alongs.  The first one is Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles #1) by Kevin Hearne.  This one is for the Kiss Me I'm Irish read-along.  You can see my first post for information by clicking on the cover.

The next one is The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey.  You can find out more about it by clicking on the book cover.

I am still working on Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - mentioned last week in my WWW Wednesday post.  It is a good book, but when reading 3 books at once, I have kind of set this one aside a little - moving slower!

What did you recently finish reading?  I recently finished Caller ID by Rachelle J. Christensen.  I read this as part of a blog tour.  My stop along that tour was yesterday.  Please go check out my post by clicking on the cover image, and then go visit the other stops along the tour.

What do you think you’ll read next?   I will be picking up Watched by Cindy Hogan.  Cindy Hogan's next book, Protected, (and next in the Watched series) is set to release on March 24, 2012.  I was contacted to do a review for Protected, so I wanted to read book one first. 






Share your W..W..W..Wednesday link below in the comments, & I will be sure to stop by.  I'm always looking for more titles.

W.....W.....W...... Wednesday (8)

W....W....W.... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.  To take part in this feature, you answer 3 questions in a blog post:

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?  

What are you currently reading:  I am in the middle of 2 books right now.  The first is Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar.  Raw Blue is a surfing novel about a girl trying to forget about her past.

The second book I am reading is Caller ID by Rachelle J. Cheristensen.  This is a very intriguing story of abduction.  I am reading this for a blog tour that is coming up soon.  My stop for this tour is on March 6.  Please stop by to find out more about this book.

What did you recently finish reading?  My most recent read was Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys  - very powerful novel!  This is a story of the victims of Stalin's Soviet occupation of the Baltic states that occurred at the same time of the Holocaust during WWII.

What do you think you'll read next?  So many great books in my pile, it is so hard to choose!!!  Actually, I will be starting The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey as part of a read-along during the month of March.  

Share your W..W..W..Wednesday link below in the comments, & I will be sure to stop by.  I'm always looking for more titles.