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Paula Richmond's avatar

Just finished Pickwick Papers. Whew! Long book. This book is pretty remarkable as his first work and the character of Sam Welles is delightful. I’m reading his works in chronological order so will read Oliver Twist next. I’ll get to Hard Times….eventually.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Keep 'em coming! I'm loving this.

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Paul S's avatar

Love love love Hard Times. I just re-read it in December. Bounderby is such a wonderful character. One of Dickens' greatest windbags.

Gradgrind's relentless dedication to facts is a humbling reminder for someone like me, who probably resembles Mr Spock more than any other fictitious character.

I don't, admittedly, care for the anti-unionism on display in this book, but nobody is perfect. Not even Charles Dickens.

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Ryan Hall's avatar

I love Charles Dickens. He was my introduction into the world of English Literature. I've read quite a few of his books, though I'm sad to say I have not yet read Hard Times. It's sitting on my bookshelf giving me dirty looks as we speak. Currently I'm reading Barnaby Rudge and quite enjoying it.

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John Jackson's avatar

Your message today reminded me of professional wrestler the American Dream Dusty Rhodes and his monologue on hard times. Good column as always

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Jeremy Anderberg's avatar

Oh interesting, I'll check that out! Thanks John!

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Justin Patrick Moore's avatar

Thanks for this. I want to add this to my reading list now. Have you read Hard Times by Studs Terkel (An Oral History of the Great Depression). I didn't finish it, but maybe I'll return to that someday as well.

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Jeremy Anderberg's avatar

I've not read that one, but it's on my list!

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Lauren Flanagan's avatar

Wow, what a timely message. Thank you for sharing.

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Jeremy Anderberg's avatar

Thank you Lauren!

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