THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO -CHAPTERS 38-40 Is anyone else giving a great big HOORAY  that we have read 467 PAGES? This is a HUGE accomplishment!! Way to go!! As our adventure packed tale moves us along, we find the door the count will use to enter into the lives that are due his retribution, the saving of Albert. Albert is now in his debt and has promised to introduce him to Paris Society when he arrives in 3 months time, May 21 at precisely 10:30 am. Let's start with quotes and descriptions that stuck out. Did you notice anything? I had a few. -The count's truthfulness always strikes me. His quote to Albert about his rescue is no exception. "I assure you that I was only waiting for this opportunity to carry out some plans that I have been considering for a long while." - How about when Franz shook the hand of the count? "It was as icy as the hand of a corpse." Death is in the air. The Guests- We are beginning to see the hand of God or Fate play into things. I mention Fate, because I don't know that our count would credit God's hand in things. After all, while Monte Cristo orchestrated the meeting in Paris, how telling is his surprise to find out that Albert is considering marrying Baron Danglars daughter. Who would have guessed that Morrel, the son of Dantes' faithful boss from long ago, would also be present? Thoughts on Monte Cristo's handcrafted sleeping cure? Any comments on the count's words of how he never worries about his neighbor or society? Does he hold them in low esteem and neutral? Another satisfying 3 chapters!!

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 41-43 Were we not all waiting for these chapters? The moment our count sees Mercedes after all this time. And she KNOWS who it is. The paleness, the faintness, the trembling. A testimony to love. But we need to back up a little. Spending time in Albert's bachelor pad gives us a deeper knowledge of the count. His knowledge of places, weapons, art, etc lets us know what he has been up to with some of his in between prison and retribution time. Then we have the intense emotion from the count of the painting in Albert's bedroom of his mother. The picture his father hated. Why do you think he hated it so much?Hint- what is she wearing and what is the background to the painting? Then the meeting of the Comte de Morcerf, Albert's father, aka Fernand. Did you not love his words to Monte Cristo, "He has done our family such a favour, in preserving its only heir, that it will elicit our ETERNAL GRATITUDE." (Capitalization done by me) Fernand in Edmond's eternal gratitude? Can you believe it? The count knows this man inside and out. He has tracked him and his accomplishments over the years. He knows how to appeal to his vanity. Then the meeting of Mercedes. Her after warnings to Albert. And what is the story with Bertuccio? Why the terror of being back at the house at Auteuil, the home of Villefort's father-in-law? You better believe Monte Cristo has a plan playing out and not one step has been left to chance.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 44-46 Bertuccio shares his story with the count of the history he has with the count's newly purchased house. Some key information is learned. -Monte Cristo was not the only man Villefort wronged.(Does your skin not crawl every time he starts talking about politics? Whenever he opens his mouth it is so evident that the only loyalty he knows is to himself.)  -It cost him his life. -Villefort had a newborn son. Where is that son now? Thoughts on the difference between murder and vendetta? Bertuccio is quick to emphasize the difference. Then we are given more info on Caderousse and his wife after they were given the diamond and go to sell it. Is he a murderer, a thief, or both? Is he as innocent as he portrayed himself? Where has he gone? Then the last chapter brings us face to face with Danglars. We have been biding our time for this one, haven't we? An unlimited credit at Danglars' bank? What is our count cooking up? I smell complete and utter ruin on the menu.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 47-49 So many things to discuss from these chapters! We are seeing Monte Cristo orchestrate meetings with his enemies (unbeknownst to them!) and gaining their wonder, admiration, and trust. He is invited into their personal spaces, because he knows their weaknesses and how to appeal to them! -Who rules the roost of Danglars' home? The Baroness! Her rooms are off limits to her husband unless he brings someone of interest. Her curiosity antennae is already pointed the count's direction because of the gossip coming her way, but her horses! That seals the deal! The count's quote, "I have achieved my aim. I now hold the domestic bliss of this household in my hands, and I am simultaneously about to win the heart of the Baron and that of his wife" is priceless! -Villefort is not dead! Who did Bertuccio kill? -The way to Villefort's attentions- the saving of his wife and son, but the ultimate hook is the deep discussion that happens between him and the count. There is so much that happens here. What started out as a duty quickly turns to awe as the count wields his knowledge of the legal systems of many countries. His ability to correctly pinpoint the focus of those in authority as being the workings of the system instead of the common man. (Anyone care to travel down that path in comparison/contrast of our government?) -We also get a good view into Monte Cristo. His enemies - distance, time, and that he is mortal! The deal he made with the devil because of the "terrible ambition" that was "devouring his soul." -Thoughts on the personification of Providence as a daughter of God? -How about that the devil had the ability to make Cristo an agent of Providence? -Lastly why is it so important that Haydee keeps her birth, past, and parents a secret?

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 50-52 Did it take you a minute to place Emmanuel and Julie? If it did remember back to Dantes shipping boss Morrel who was so dedicated to helping him. Julie was his daughter and Emmanuel his employee who were unable to get married because of money until the count secretly helped. Monte Cristo is clearly moved by the love, devotion, and hard work of this couple when he visits their home. The moment that Maximilien shares that his father believed the family benefactor was Edmond Dantes was definitely an intense moment. Then the count's voice awakens a memory in Julie's mind that she can't quite place. Will the count's true identity be discovered? From here we are privy to a secret love between Maximilien Morrel and Valentine daughter of Villefort's first wife. Bits and pieces of the past come back into focus as Valentine overhears Danglars and her father discuss the Morrel family. Note the dislike for the Morrel family by Valentine's father but the respect for them from the grandfather. (Do you remember the back history of Villefort's father that was the nail in the coffin for Dantes?) Then the count arrives at Villefort's house. The count has met Madame de Villefort before under the pretense of a doctor. Their discussion turns to one of poisons, and I feel like I am in the middle of an Agatha Christie novel. And what in the world was meant by, "As for Monte Cristo, the visit had succeeded beyond his expectations. 'Well, indeed,' he thought, as he went out, 'this is fertile soil, and I am certain that the seed that falls in it will not remain barren.' "

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 53-55 Our chapters open up with the opera Robert Le Diable (Robert the Devil). So many things to note.  -Madame Danglars is attending with her lover, Lucien Debray, and her daughter -Albert is not happy about his fiancee Mlle Danglars and neither is his mother. -We learn Haydee's past and the part Morcerf played in it -Some think the count is a vampire. -Madame Danglars takes gambles. -Franz's name pops up with Mademoiselle de Villefort's. -And what is this dinner that Monte Cristo has in the works? Who are these special guests, Major Cavalcanti and his missing son, that the Count is having to refresh the memories of so much?

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 56-58 We are over half way through!!! Opening our reading for the week is the meeting together of the actors portraying Andrea Cavalcanti and Major Cavalcanti. We learn about how each of the actors was chosen. How interesting was that? Why in the world does the count need these two? From there we have the encounter between Valentine and Maximilien. I love Maximilien's foreshadowing of thinking that the count will be "involved in everything good" that happens to him. He feels so strongly about this that his words are repeated twice in the chapter. Valentine isn't so quick to put her trust in the count due to his relationship with her parents. Can you blame her? Maximilien is so certain of the count's ever present knowing help he tells her the story of his horse. Could the count honestly have orchestrated all of that. I am absolutely believing he could have. And what about this dinner? We wrap up with the Villeforts visit to Villefort's father. Oh wicked, wicked Villefort! I am trying not to be over vengeful, but I am waiting for him to reap all the horrible seeds he has sown! Poor skeletal unspeaking Noirtier. Thank goodness for Valentine and his servant who understand him. So a notary is what he wants? A notary he will get!

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 59-61 Our reading this week begins with an air of foreboding. Noirtier's malicious look that promises trouble sets the stage for unfolding events. Noirtier might be unable to speak, but he is still very in control of making his wishes known thanks to his granddaughter and his servant. Thus begins the changing of his will in a way that looks like it is at the expense of Valentine but is for her benefit. If she marries the man her father has chosen (Baron Franz d'Epinay - remember him from the encounter on the island with Sinbad?), she will be disinherited. Remember two things - Valentine doesn't love him and he is the grandson of Noirtier's enemy, the former Baron who was murdered. Did you catch the terror Villefort had on his face when the count mentioned that past history? However, Villefort will not be swayed. From there the count visits a telegraph station and persuades the operator to change a message coming through. As a result Danglars loses a million francs. Do you get the idea that the picture of the dormice eating the fruit and the gardener is actually a picture of something much bigger?

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 62-64 I went to take a picture this morning for this post. I have a beautiful pot of purple pansies on the counter, so I propped the book up and snapped the picture. Putting the picture into the post I realized I can't use this picture with the beautiful flowers. The storms are brewing in our reading, and we need a picture that reflects that. The only element of beauty is the amazing work that was done to the house in preparation for this meal. (Wow there's a lot of alliteration in that paragraph!) Let's talk about the house. I was hooked at Library and Conservatory! Unfortunately, that's not where we can focus! This house, from the front, is almost plain and unassuming and remains that way per the count's instructions. How different then his usual opulent lifestyle in every area. But this house holds secrets that two of the attendees know, and tonight is all about remembering the past and bringing it to light! Once the group crosses the threshold into the house we are back to the lavish lifestyle of our count. He woos the party with his decor and the meal, especially the transportation of the fish. He has literally hooked them all and reeled them in, has he not? However, we are given a little tremor of terror, of things to come when the count's servant M. Bertuccio looks upon the guests and identifies Madame Danglars as the young woman who gave birth, Villefort, who he thought he killed, and BENEDETTO! Do you remember who he is? The infant supposed dead, buried in the backyard that Bertuccio rescued and kept - the child of Madame Danglars and Villefort. I am making this post too long, but the BEDROOM that was left in its original state needs to be discussed. The count's masterful telling of the "blood-red awning" and the portraits that whisper to each other what they saw. The carrying down the steps of a "grim bundle" out to the garden. Then he switches gears and tells of a new mother in the room with her respectable husband carrying his new child. Is it any wonder Villefort and Madame Danglars are pale and passing out? Then wonderful Madame Villefort has her concoction to revive Madame Danglars. Monte Cristo pounds the nail in the coffin with the revelation of the little skeleton that was found in the garden. Oh he is a masterful story teller! Now Villefort and Madame Danglars decide they must meet. But that isn't where it ends- oh no! Just when it feels like we can't handle any more revelations, out from the darkness steps Caderousse. What a mess he is now. Wonder what happened to the jewels he once had. And he knows the young man playing the son of Major Cavalcanti, the real Benedetto, and he isn't about to crawl back into the gutter. Oh no, he's going to ride this train as long as he can. He's not quite the bumbling buffoon I took him to be.

BOOK ORGANIZATION - PART 2 Last time I covered a look at how I handle fiction, so let's cover nonfiction and some of my topic breakdowns. NONFICTION -American History I organize a lot by time periods especially if I have a lot of books on that particular topic - Beginning with Explorers, Jamestown, Colonial/Revolutionary War, Constitution, War of 1812, Lincoln/Slavery/Civil War, etc. -Anything that doesn't fit in my time petiods are arranged by author's last name except for a few topic collections. -Historical Topic nonfiction collections include Egypt, State of Ohio, Presidents, etc. The rest of my books are arranged by topics for easy access. Science, Poetry, Fables/Fairy Tales, Geography, Art/Drawing, Music, Faith/Religion, Holidays, etc. My topic books are not arranged in alphabetical order. It is enough for me that the books are just gathered together for a quick look through. Hope this helps!

BOOK ORGANIZATION - PART 1 I was recently asked if I would write a post about how I organize our books. I had to laugh as I responded and said I would, but it's organized chaos! I may get this written in one post or it may be stretched over a series of posts. I think it's important to start with acknowledging that you need to make your books in your home the most accessible to you. Take what I write here and change it anyway you want to. The goal is for your books to be organized in the most usable way for your family. I have chosen to centrally locate the majority of our books. That way everyone knows right where to go to look for them. My kids will keep current reads on a shelf in their room or stashed under their bed, but in general, when they are finished they go back to the main shelves. FICTION BOOKS Picture Books- A group of my lowest shelves are dedicated to our picture book collection. The picture books are organized in a loose alphabetical arrangement by the author's last name. What I mean by loose is that all the A's are together, all the B's are together, and so forth, but I don't care what order all the A's are in. I was happy if my littlest ones could just keep the A's together. My goal is easy use, and I didn't want the burden of putting books away so great for myself or the kids that they wouldn't be used. Easy Readers- All my Easy Readers are on one shelf. We have quite a few, but not so many that it takes more than 3 minutes to scan the spines when in search of a specific one. In this area I lean towards the side of use versus perfect return to the shelf. Elementary-High School Fiction- This is my most challenging area. I have the books divided into two groups - Elementary and Jr. High and above. What makes this area so difficult is you reach a point where the books can and are enjoyed by both groups. So what do you do then? I try and place them where they will be used the most. Elementary receives a pink sticker on the spine and Jr. High and above receives a green one. (The stickers are ones you use to price items at garage sales found at Walmart.) The books are then placed in true alphabetical order in their category by the author's last name. Controversial Fiction Books- I read books with my high schoolers that deal with tough subjects like suicide, date rape, gang related death, etc. These books go on the tip top shelf where little ones climbing the ladder can't get to them. Inside their covers I write HS for High School and write notes to myself on the material covered in the book. I'll include pictures at the bottom with some captioning. Obviously, I've only covered fiction so far, so there will be more to come in later posts!

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO - CHAPTERS 65-67 Wow! Wow! Wow! I never know what to expect when I pick my book up to read the next 3 chapters. I am positively squirming from the tension building! Mademoiselle Danglars was definitely in the spotlight. She certainly gets around doesn't she? It's time for some accountability. The Danglars have more of a business relationship than a marriage. Every little dream or bit of info that led to a monetary gain, she got a cut, but this time (thanks to the count) it was a huge loss, and it's time she paid her share. Oh, and her husband isn't quite the fool I thought he was when it comes to her. He knows exactly who she is and what's in her past with regards to her first husband's suicide and an unplanned pregnancy on her part. I think he sums it up quite nicely with, "With me it is different: I saw and I have always seen." In fact her actions were a benefit to her husband. It gave him a power over the men who have been her lovers. She can make him hateful with her choices, but as he said he will not allow her to make him look ridiculous or ruin him. Did you love the count's three classes of wealth? Where does Danglars fall in that lineup? At the bottom of course! Monte Cristo warns him how easily he can lose it all. Poor, proud Danglars, the count is going to dismantle you piece by piece, and there's nothing you can do about it. Then there's Mademoiselle Danglars and remember Haydee? Danglars is ready to attach his daughter to whomever will gain him the greatest profit. After all Morcerf isn't the nobility he claims to be. Did you remember Haydee, the count's beautiful companion that was told to keep quiet about her past especially her father? Is Ali Tebelin tied to that past and what in the world did Fernand do to him? Then it's to the meeting between Mme Danglars and Villefort. We learn the story about the infant, the stabbing, the recovery, and that later Villefort went back and DUG UP EVERYWHERE IN HIS BACKYARD searching for the little body. He knew the body was not there which meant the baby had been rescued and somehow the count knows their story. Now it's Villefort's turn to learn all he can about the count and why he is there "telling stories about children dug up from his garden." 2 quick things- Did you not tingle at the metaphors and similes in Villefort's retelling of going into the garden to begin the hunt for the little body? And a quote- "My life has been worn away in the pursuit of difficult things and in breaking down those who voluntarily or otherwise, of their own free will or as a result of chance, stood in my way and raised such obstacles." Ahhh Villefort if you are hunting down the count's past you must not be worn away enough, yet.