— calendar girls, readalong —

Calendar Girls August 2017 Read-A-Long: My Lady Jane (Discussion 2: Chapters 9-15)

August 16, 2017

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Welcome to our second My Lady Jane read-a-long discussion! I hope that all of you have been enjoying this next portion of the book as I have. This book is way too much fun, and I look forward to reading that you all think about it! If this is the first time you’re hearing about this read-a-long, you can read the announcement and sign-up post here! I was accepting new participants up to this point, and welcome to all of you who may have joined us since the first discussion! I guess I could accept participants for the next discussions as well? I mean, if you read quick, or are sure that you can catch up, you are welcome to join in and even add to the previous discussions! Just be sure to sign up, just so that I can keep track of everyone!

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– The Readalong Book –

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows!

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Title: My Lady Jane
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Type: Fiction
Genre: YA, Historical, Fantasy, Romance
Imprint: HarperTeen
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date published: June 7, 2016 (hardcover)
May 9, 2017 (paperback)
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 494

Synopsis: Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…

Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there’s something a little odd about her intended…

Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he’s an Eðian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed—but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It’s all very undignified.

The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it’s off with their heads?

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– Chapters 9-15 Discussion Questions –

Note: those of you who have not yet read My Lady Jane and still intend to read it, don’t read this post beyond this point (including the comments)! But if you like spoilers go right ahead.

To participants: It’s not mandatory that you answer these questions! This is not school, haha. These are mainly meant to generate conversations in case some of our read-a-long-ers are having a hard time picking something to talk about. Feel free to mention and discuss anything which I may not have thought of in the questions below! Please, also keep in mind that we are discussing chapters 9-15 at this point only, and that if you have read ahead, you be conscious about not sharing spoilers. We want to keep this fun for everyone! Please be considerate.

  1. What are your favourite scenes and / or quotes from this section of the book?
  2. If you had to choose between reading nonfiction and fact books like Jane, or reading and writing poetry like G, and that’s what you’d have to do for the rest of your days, which would you pick?
  3. Did you suspect that Edward was an Edian before it was revealed?
  4. Does anyone else feel awful for Edward?!
  5. Did you expect Jane to become queen this early on in the story? Or at all at any point in this story?
  6. Did anyone else feel immensely satisfied whenever G referred to Jane as “his wife”? Particularly since we don’t encounter many married couples in YA?
  7. Now that Gracie has come along (which first of all, did you see that coming?!), what are your opinions on Edward + Pet?
  8. In Jane and G’s argument, who do you feel more sympathetic toward? Or do you understand both sides (because we do get to read about both of their thought processes, reasoning, etc. etc.)
  9. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss that I haven’t covered? Such as the cliffhanger at the end of chapter 15 perhaps?! How unfortunate is it that I picked that particular spot for us to stop?!

– My Answers –

  1. My favourite quotes and scenes are as follows (ordered by page numbers):

    ♛ Pg. 141: Jane ad G shouting decrees.
    ♛ Pg.145: “So. The king was in trouble, or, as they would have phrased it at the time, up ye olde creek sans ye olde paddle.” – Edward
    ♛ Pg. 145: “Because it’s a well-known fact that fresh air has magical healing properties.” – Edward
    ♛ Pg. 167: “…Sitting under the tree with you, listening to you read, has become one of the best parts of my day.” – G
    ♛ Pg. 168: The almost kiss.
    ♛ Pg. 175: “Quick, someone, get her a book! Any book!” – G
    ♛ Pg. 177: G calls Jane his wife in his interior narrative.
    ♛ Pg. 178: Jane hugs G.
    ♛ Pg. 184: The bird joy.♛ Pg. 189: “The woman’s mouth opened and she brandished the rolling pin over her head like a Highland warrior. “PERVERRRRRRRRRT!”
    ♛ Pg. 193: “…I don’t see anything particularly dangerous.” – Gracie
    ♛ Pg 196: Gracie kicking the farmer in the “acorns.” 😂
    ♛ Pg 212: “…soups and soufflés, pies and pastries, and veal and venison.” – Jane (Because I’m a sucker for alliteration 😍🤓)
    ♛ Pg. 222: “How to Rule a Kingdom, Even if You’re Thirty-Second in the Line of Succession and Chances Are You’ll Never Actually Rule: Volume One of Three” – G
    ♛ Pg. 223: Romania was mentioned!!! 🇷🇴💕
    ♛ Pg. 224: “Sesquipedalian”! (Because I love learning new vocabulary 🤓 and because it was great for the authors to use the word for “big word” as an example for a big word. 😂 )
    ♛ Pg. “Even when they didn’t particularly like each other, they treated each other with disdain equally.” – G (on how he sees himself and Jane as equals.)

  2. Even though I am awful at writing poetry, and just as awful at understanding most of it when I read it, I would still choose this if I had to choose one to be doing for the rest of my life. Yes, true facts are useful….but I’m an artsy person, and would probably wild very quickly if all I ingested was nonfiction.
  3. I actually did not see that coming!
  4. I feel really awful for him. Some of what he’s been through is quite nightmare-ish, in my opinion.
  5. I expected her to become queen when reading the first portion of the book, because I thought that Edward might actually die. But I didn’t think it would happen until the very end, or even until after the last page of the book. Her coronation in the second quarter of the book, therefore, surprised me quite a bit. There seems to be a theme here. Maybe I’m just easily surprised?
  6. When G refers to Jane as “my wife,” I feel so so happy and satisfied! And when he feels protective of her….gush! This does not mean that I think that all women should want to be protected by a man, or even need protecting from any man. I am very much a believer in gender equality. However, I am also a girl who has dreamed about her wedding day ever since she understood what a wedding was. I am also a girl who is very in love with her boyfriend, is expecting a proposal any day now, and has never slept better than when she is the small spoon to his big spoon, hahaha. I guess I’m traditional in that sense? But at the same time, I think that we’re a somewhat progressive couple? What I mean by this is that we aim for him to get his business started so that he can work from home, while I’ll either also be working from home or in an office in some high rise building in the big city. He also does most of the cooking, and will likely be the one taking care of our kids for the most part. I will be taking maternity leave when the time comes, don’t get me wrong, and I do want to be around my children as they grow up, but I am also very career-driven, and will therefore have to find a balance. Sorry for rambling! I just thought I should explain and avoid someone maybe biting my head off? Haha.
  7. I did not see Gracie coming! Again, either easily surprised, or these authors are just really good at keeping me on the edge of my eat? Also, judging from Edward’s constant awkwardness toward Pet (in this section of the book at least), and his reaction to Gracie within just a few minutes of being together…I’ll be honest, I’m kind of rooting for Edward + Gracie!
  8. I understand where both of them are coming from (probably mainly because we get to see the issue from both of their perspectives). I’m upset that they’re wasting time arguing, in stead of laying everything out on the table and just teaming up against the world. I love them together, seriously. But at the same time, I understand why they’re both hesitant to share everything, especially in that time, and in the particular environment in which they find themselves.

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– Readalong Schedule –

Date Chapter Discussions Discussion Location
August 1, 2017 Start reading! N/A
August 9, 2017 1 – 8 Located Here
August 16, 2017 9 – 15 This post!
August 23, 2017 16 – 23 Flavia the Bibliophile
August 30, 2017 24 – 30 Flavia the Bibliophile

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THANK YOU FOR READING AND THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU PARTICIPATING IN THIS READ-A-LONG! PLEASE GIVE ME ANY FEEDBACK REGARDING READ-A-LONGS YOU’VE HOSTED OR PARTICIPATED IN THE PAST (AND YOUR PREFERENCES), IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS, AND HAPPY READING!

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0 thoughts on “Calendar Girls August 2017 Read-A-Long: My Lady Jane (Discussion 2: Chapters 9-15)”

  1. I have to say that one of my favorite scenes is when G get Jane to read to him. It’s such a cute, pivotal moment for them! I love when they are helping the villagers too, and the way he realizes just how amazing Jane really is.

    I love the fact that G writes poetry and I wish he wasn’t ashamed of it. I would rather read and write poetry then read fact books all day, though I do love how passionate Jane is about books. I have seen people say before that they tire of seeing the main female character so in love with books, but aren’t we just like that?

    I did not know what to suspect when it came to Edward, since I have no historical knowledge. Did he really die of “the affliction”, which I assume is TB? Did they actually uncover that he was being poisoned? The authors wrote that in so well that I would believe it. So when he found out about being poisoned, I knew something had to happen because it did not seem like the authors were just going to kill him off that easily, lol.

    In speaking of Edward, yes, I felt really awful for him. His own sister turned against him too!! My word! What a biatch!! Lol. I think because everything bad was happening to him that it led to me not being surprised that Jane was crowned so early in the book. I mean to begin with, he was coughing up blood pretty early on. If he weren’t being poisoned and actually had Tuberculosis, I would expect him to deteriorate quickly. But when the poisoning plot is discovered I knew Jane would be coming back to be crowned soon, even if Edward didn’t die.

    I love all the interaction between G and Jane. I love the nice moments, and I love the funny fights! I LOVE when he becomes protective over her and calls her his wife. He is a good man deep down! But, in regards to the last question, I feel like I understand both sides and sympathize equally. We have to remember just how old they both are. With those teenage hormones ( I know g is probably older, but not by much I suspect since I can’t find if it mentioned his age), it is no wonder they haven’t already killed each other! Even poor Edward is only 16. Can you imagine those raging hormones??

    I am excited for Gracie and have a good feeling in regards to Edward. I found it so hilarious that Edward wouldn’t allow Pet in his bed anymore lol! It will be interesting for sure. But, he may surprise now that he knows he is Eðian!

    I can’t get enough of this book!! I just want to binge read until I finish it lol. I am patiently waiting though. I am surprised that I retained as much as I did with a week and other books in between. I think that shows how well it was written and how entertaining it is!

    2. Ahhh your answers are so detailed! Love it!

      I’m also glad we share at least one favourite scene 😀

      I never gave any thought on whether the real Edward was sick or being poisoned haha. I don’t know much about the people or politics in this particular place or era. And since the authors said that they took the liberty to change quite a bit of stuff, I didn’t bother to go check any real facts (yet). Haha.

      G and Jane’s fights definitely are funny! And while I wish that they’d communicate better, you do make a good point by mentioning their ages (I think Jane is 16 and G is 19?). And haha yes Edward has shown the most hormones so far, and I find it quite funny! Makes him feel a lot more human though.

      I’m actually kind of glad that I’ve been as busy as I have been, because I’m not sure how successful I would have been at waiting to read the book part by part otherwise. Hahaha. Since I know that you read books fairly quickly, I really commend you for waiting to read it at the same pace as everyone! 😀

      1. We definitely think alike because I like the quotes and scenes you like as well!

        I don’t know much about the era either. What I know is from Reign, haha!

        The ages sound right. So it makes sense that they are so immature, lol!

        And don’t worry. I am sticking to the pace because I love our discussions!! But it is so good I know I would finish this in one sitting if I wasn’t doing the read along!

  3. I knew I needed to read the next chapters this morning before work, but I caught a cold this week so I ended up curling up on the couch and bingewatching TV. I will definitely catch up tomorrow while I do my laundry and I’ll post my thoughts etc then. Thankfully I know that I can read this quickly.

      1. I have been diligent in taking my cold medicine and drinking lots of fluids. I’m going to Gen Con on Saturday, and I don’t want to try and wander a crowded convention floor while hacking up a lung. So not fun. Summer colds are awful.

        But I will absolutely catch up tomorrow. I feel like a bad bookworm for forgetting to read this. lol.

        1. Oh my goodness, I hope you’ll be at least okay in time for Gen Con! And don’t feel like a bad bookworm! Real life likes to get in the way a lot…

          1. I’ve moved from runny nose and sneezing to straight up coughing. So now I just have to revert back to sneezing and then my cold will be over. Hopefully all the medicine and fluids will help with that.

            Book life is my life. I just did the math a little while ago and I spend roughly 18 hours every day completely alone, so books are what get me through all that solitude.

  4. I am just SHOCKED that Jane is not only queen, but now done with her 9 day reign. Not how I expected the book to go!

    I, personally, am really enjoying Jane and G. I love that they are really showing confidence in each other and acting like husband in wife, even though they don’t really feel like it yet. So refreshing.

    1. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who’s surprised!!! Hahaha. And yes, it is very refreshing how Jane and G are as a couple! Definitely don’t see that a lot.

      1. I find this whole book to be refreshing in how they address the way these teens see relationships. Everyone is so awkward. I feel like in YA books everyone is always way more confident than I ever felt navigating romance, lol. Jane, G, and Edward remind me more of how I felt.

  5. Flavia, you don’t have to worry, I LOVE when G gets protective over Jane too! I don’t think that has anything to do with gender equality and everything…it’s just cute, and it’s his personality, and it’s totally okay for a husband to feel that way about his wife (especially when he so obviously admires and respects her as much as G admires Jane).

    Anyways. (Just wanted to let you know that I’m not planning to bite your head off!) I thought the beginning of this section dragged a little…but by the end, so much had happened that i’m completely pulled in again! And, despite how much I was shipping Edward + Pet before, I have to admit I’m totally shipping Edward + Gracie now! I guess there hasn’t been enough of Pet for me to really compare the chemistry?

    And I absolutely love how Jane and G’s relationship is fully a friendship (sort of) right now. That way, if it gets to romance eventually, it will be based on a solid friendship rather than just physical attraction…not a very common theme in YA books!

    1. I guess I’m just used to this culture where almost anything you say might offend someone, haha. I’m glad you get what I mean though, and that you feel the same way 🙂

      A lot really did happen! I got to the end of 15 and was like, holy…..how did all of this happen in just a handful of chapters?! Now to resist not reading the rest for a few days, haha. I’m curious to see what happened to Pet, and what’ll happen with Edward and Gracie next! Maybe we’ll get a Scottish queen by the end of this book, who knows? Haha.

      Yes, I’m glad that Jane and G’s friendship has grown. And I like the point you make about how that’s not common in YA. I agree! It also makes arranged marriages not feel so bad….and maybe we’ll understand certain cultures who do still employ arranged marriages a little better by the end of this book? Or maybe that’s a far stretch.

  6. I don’t…. read nonfiction often and I never read poetry. I’m not sure what I’d pick! Can’t I just have my fiction?
    I think I did suspect about Edward, but it might be hindsight. I’m hoping Jane is one too, but I doubt it at this point.
    Actually, I thought it was pretty late for Jane to become queen. I thought the book would get her there quickly and then give us a detailed eight days before she turned into a horse and ran off. But I guess that’s not gonna happen 😛
    As far as Jane and G’s argument goes, I’m not sympathetic to either one. Neither one of them are actually talking to the other person and I’m getting really annoyed.

    1. Hahaha, I thought I would make it a tough choice since most of us seem to love fiction a lot 😉

      That’s cool that you suspected that Edward might be Edian! And that’s interesting about Jane. Now I’m curious to see who else might surprise us by being a hidden Edian, haha.

      And that’s interesting that you thought it was late! I love reading all of these opinions and comments! Ah! It’s always interested me how different people read the same text in different ways. * is a dork * haha.

      Also, yes. Jane and G need to start trusting each other and communicating, or they’ll both end up with their heads chopped off!

  7. Ok so it’s day 9 and i’m like how is this all doing down. I am intrigued haha! I definitely expected her to be queen, I just
    didn’t expect it to get to day 9 so quickly especially because in the book Jane and G have been married for only a week but I’m pretty sure in real life, they were married a lot longer than that before the day 9. zMy favorite scene was when G told Jane that he understood everything she was saying to him. Can someone give Edward a magical antidote already?

    1. Hehe yeah! Very curious to see where it goes from here! I haven’t read more into the book yet, but probably should get on that soon since this section is a bit longer than the previous one lol.

      And yes that part was so sweet!

      Also, yes! Can someone just save him? Although I think Gracie might somehow…

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