Favorite Line

I think so far my favorite line in anything that I've thus far read of our materials for this class is American Gods p 536 (paperback version) middle paragraph "People imagine, and people believe: and it is that belief, that rock-solid belief, that makes things happen." People can argue all they want about universal truths. I say if you believe in such things than that is one...

it's that imagination, suspended belief (if you will) in the real/known world (or BElief that what we are reading, at least for the moment we are reading it, is true) that allows us to engross ourselves in these novels, allows them to happen. It makes Shadow and Polly at least as real to us as the kid two rows back in such and such 101 (becasue we at least know thier feelings and thoughts) .

Magic for beginners is probably the best title for the class; in my opinion this quote is probably the best...subtitle? or motto or something.

(on a sidenote my favorite monolauge sofar also out of Gods...the "I believe speech from Sam to Shadow/Mike that starts on the top of p394 and continues partway down 395 "...anyone who clains to know what's going on will lie about the little things to...no one but a moron would ever trust the legal system...life is what happens when you're alive and that you might as well lie back and enjoy it.")

Just some thoughts

I just wanted to make a few comments about Pratchett's witty comments as well. Often, the book would make me look twice to make sure that I read it correctly. Pratchett does a wonderful job of integrating common adages by making a play on words in order to create a less serious mood. For example, when Maladict attacks de Worde, Maladict practically begs, "Now, listen very carfully: where's your coffee? You've got coffee, haven't you? C'mon everyone's go coffee! Spill the beans!" Only a few pages later, de Worde tries to convince the regiment to work out a deal about "'quitting while you've still got a head'". Throughout the entire book, Pratchett keeps us on our toes, guessing what will come next. This is accomplished both by the language of the story and also the actual plot.

Witty

I have enjoyed this book. I feel like Pratchett has a really witty side. There were times when I found myself thinking yeah I have thought about that. I have two examples from early on in the book. First, Polly is thinking about the fact that all it takes for her to lose her identity as a girl and easily pass as a boy is cutting her hair. One time at camp, the other counselors dressed me up in a wig and put some random costumes on me and no one could tell it was me. They didn't think I was a boy; however, I never realized how much I or anyone could truly be defined by something like hair. This statement was something that rang true with me as I am sure it did with others. (I don't know that I could pass as a guy quite as easily, like Polly, I think it would take a lot of practice. However, passing as someone else merely by appearance doesn't seem that far fetched. How easily can your identity be changed? It sure was a lot easier than I expected. I didn't even realize that it had happened! And I certainly didn't intend for it to!) Secondly, her statement about some cities on the map merely existing so that there would not be a blank spot stood out to me How many times have you driven through somewhere and thought about that? Or have you seen something you didn't even know existed and wondered is there really anything there that needs a name or did it just exist so that there could be a name? I thought she was very witty and I enjoyed reading.

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Thoughts on Monstrous Regiment

Okay, so I really enjoyed this book. I was prepared not to like it nearly as much as I did American Gods, but it was really great. I love to laugh and this book definitely made me do that. I know I looked odd, if not insane, in my corner of the Ferg reading and laughing to myself, but that's alright :o)

I did have a problem with the fact there were no chapters...I had a hard time making myself stop reading because I'm the type that will say "I'll stop at the next chapter". So yeah...that obviously wasn't an option here.

Also, I was wondering who everyone's favorite character was. I loved Maladict(a) and Igor(ina). Igor(ina) was especially great, though I think I picked up her lithp...oh, sorry...lisp.

In short, this was a wonderful book. Kudos to Terry Pratchett. What do y'all think?

Religion and Monstrous Regiment

Well, I haven't finished the book yet, so I might be missing something or writing something that will be disproven later. So with that said, I wanted to talk about Wazzer the zealot. I loved the way Pratchett describes how everyone felt embarrassed by her show of religion and faith, because it is so accurate. People do feel a weird embarrassment when someone acts out in such a way. Her faith is what makes her a "monster" in the group; it is what makes her different and scary. I also enjoyed how her prayers would seemingly come true (e.g. the turkey and the coffee). I am really looking forward to finding out if Tonker will be converted and if Polly will come to religion too.

Monstrous Regiment: Why Females?

My question is why did Prachett name the book "Monstrous Regiment"? Was it only because it included a vampire, igor, and ogre? Or was it because it consisted of FEMALES as well as a vampire, igor, and ogre? Is it really difficult for the American culture to accept women in authoritative positions? Also, what do you think was the significance of the generals in the Borogravian military being women?

Blouse, Jumper, etc.

Is it weird to anyone else that all the higher officers are named after clothes? Or in the case of this novel all clothes are named after generals? Who would want an article of clothing named after them if they were a big war hero? This book is so strange. I've even gotten used to the fact that there are no divisions in the book.