Scarlett gets better with age

I am about half way through the Civil War in book #100, Gone With the Wind. It is so much easier to relate to a character like Scarlett in my mid 20s that it was in my early teens. I have always loved Scarlett; it's hard not to. But Margaret Mitchell's descriptions of first love, ferocious passion, heartache and "the one that got away" are impossible for a 13 year old to appreciate. Having lived through each of these experiences myself now, Scarlett's determination and grit are all the more impressive. And to think about her doing all that in the stifling Georgia heat piled with petticoats, lace and ribbons. Some days I'm doing good to get my hair out of a ponytail. Final thought: I love my fiance more than words, but I think I would need Aunt Pittypat's smelling salts if Rhett looked at me the way he looks at Scarlett.

100 - Gone With the Wind

I first read Gone With the Wind when I was 13 years old. I have read the sequel and Rhett's book, seen all the movies and know the script by heart. When I dug my copy out of the closet last night I was a little intimidated. I remember struggling with the language and concepts that are a little lofty for an 8th grader; but the Accelerated Reader points I got for it were amazine. Starting the book last night, I think I will enjoy it much more this time around, 13 years later. But was the print really that small 13 years ago? I may need reading glasses before this one is over.

In the beginning

I have thought about starting this adventure for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. I looked at a lot of 100 Best lists, but it took some searching to find one that I thought really encompassed the world of literature with a fair eye to history and place of origin. I am very happy with the list that I have decided to follow and although there are some very ambitious tomes included, I am determined to work my way through it and enjoy myself at the same time. I am not putting a time constraint on finishing the project, only pledging that I will read every day. The only rule is that even if I have already read a book that is on the list (or pretended to read it for an assignment) I have to read it again. So here I go! Wish me luck!