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Folks, for those of you who have already completed Master and Commander, here is a SPOILER thread where you can discuss any aspect of the book.

How did you like the book overall. Who were your favorite characters or favorite scenes and why? What did you like about the book; what were its strengths and weaknesses?

In fact, this is a thread to discuss any of your final thoughts on the book itself.. We do want to thank Elizabeth for doing another terrific job of moderating as we wind down this book.

Bentley

Patrick O'Brian

For those of you who have read further in the series, I'd also like to hear some teasers (but not spoilers) about the rest of the series. For example, many of us have enjoyed the humor in Master and Commander. Does that continue throughout the series? Would you recommend reading the books in order, or does it not matter? Does the series get even better as you read, or stay somewhat consistent?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

We thank you. I am sure that you get folks like myself who are catching up with their reading due to unforeseen circumstances.

Elizabeth as always you have done a superb job and deserve much praise. Let me be the first to say - a job well done.

Wondering if you are smitten with O'Brian and plan to read any of the other books from the series?

Though not normally my type of book I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The author's turn of phrase kept the narrative skipping along. The only downside was waiting each week to read a new chapter.

As for the Series I may read one or two more, but find the thought of reading all 20 books a bit daunting. I do enjoy a bit of variety.

Finally I have to say this is my first foray into a book club reading. I have found it highly enjoyable discussing and hearing everyone's thoughts on this classic novel

I must confess that I thoroughly enjoyed this book although I have not picked up a novel, let alone read one, for over ten years!

It was great fun and what made it more enjoyable was sharing parts of the book with the rest of the group and reading other peoples thoughts on the narrative, a great experience.

What made it all work and made it so much fun was the work done by Elizabeth, many thanks for all your efforts and allowing us to share in this great adventure.

Like Michael, I don't think I will be rushing out to buy the rest of the series but if I come across one by chance I most likely will grab it and read it.

I certainly recommend the series if you enjoyed this first book. I generally do not re-read books and I have read this series from start to finish, all 21 books, at least half a dozen times.

The humor certainly continues in the remaining books but the most enjoyable part to me is how the characters are developed.

O'Brian has Aubrey and Maturin mature throughout the series in very realistic way. They enhance some of their strengths and are able to set aside some weaknesses. New strengths, and some weaknesses, appear. Of course, they regress at times as well. They both experience significant events that change them, some for the better and some for the worse.

Their friendship also grows and matures although they do have times where their friendship is taken to the brink of dissolving.

O'Brian has them experience everything life can throw at a person. Marriage, children, the death of loved ones, wealth, poverty, career advancement and setbacks. O'Brian provides them with amazing successes and devastating defeats.

Many of the books are completely packed with action and some are more contemplative as O'Brian shifts the focus between Aubrey and Maturin. Maturin certainly has his action scenes with Aubrey becoming more contemplative as he gets older.

I might just start reading through them again!

Thanks for the comments on the series, Erick. I think I'm likely to work my way through it sometime. But I think I'll read each book in a couple of days, rather than the couple of months we took here. And I think I'll read other books in between each book of the series. That's my method for not bogging down on any one author or series. Like Michael said, I like a bit of variety.

It also sounds like it would be worth it, for anyone intending to read them all, to read them in order. If the characters develop and get married and such, I'd hate to already know the ending for one of the books just because I'd already read a later book.

If anyone else has comments or thoughts on the series, I'd be glad to hear from you too!

Michael wrote: "Though not normally my type of book I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The author's turn of phrase kept the narrative skipping along. The only downside was waiting each week to read a new chapt..."

I find that reading only 40-50 pages a week seems slow for a fiction book. Although for the detailed non-fiction we often cover in the group it is sometimes a lot of pages to digest per week. Anyone else feel the same way?

I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book with us, Michael & Aussie Rick. It has been fun and informative. You both made great additions to the conversations. Thank you!

Elizabeth S wrote: "Thanks for the comments on the series, Erick. I think I'm likely to work my way through it sometime. But I think I'll read each book in a couple of days, rather than the couple of months we took ..."

that is a very good point Elizabeth, these books should definitely be read in order.

This was also my first book club reading. Great experience.

I'd like to also take the time to thank Elizabeth and others who have made this such a good time.

I also would like to add my thanks to Elizabeth.

Like Erick, I've read all 21, in order, some several times. I got pretty engrossed, to the point where I wasn't reading anything else, just finishing one and going straight to the next one. Elizabeth makes the good point of taking breaks.

I found the series overall quite engrossing. I got so absorbed in it I don't think anything I could say in a post like this that would do it justice. I ended up reading a lot about life in 19th century navies and some of the battles, for example, Trafalgar, by Tim Clayton and Phil Craig. What might be fun would be a thread about the series in general. It might have a small following, however, people like myself who've read all the books.

Christopher wrote: "Like Erick, I've read all 21, in order, some several times. I got pretty engrossed, to the point where I wasn't reading anything else, just finishing one and going straight to the next one. Elizabe..."

I would like to participate in a thread that would cover the series, if that fits within the intent and format of this group.

Erick..we can see if Elizabeth is interested in doing that. We can set up threads so that this can be done along the same schedule as this one.

I know that Elizabeth has a big event coming up soon which I will not divulge so the next historical fiction book is being handled by Alisa in her absence. We are moving along in the continuum of the books that have been voted on thus far by the group and are the group selections.

However, we can still do this if you or someone else would take the lead. Let me know and I can set up the threads for you or that someone else if you or someone else would like to try leading the discussion. This is also a possibility as an additional offering.

Let us also see what Elizabeth's take is on this first.

Bentley

Bentley - Thanks for following up on Erick's suggestion. I like his idea, although I realize it may be a tall order for the moderators, and may have a limited appeal, namely to tars like Erick and I with 21 books before the mast.

Bentley very generously is letting me make my own big announcement. I am expecting a baby in November. I don't have the easiest pregnancies, so I've already had to curtail a number of activities. Thankfully Alisa is willing to step into the breach and take over the next historical fiction read. (Many thanks!) Hopefully I'll be able to recover quickly enough after the baby comes to be ready for the historical fiction read after that.

I have no problem if someone else wants to take the lead on additional threads about the rest of the series. One option is to not have a set schedule, just set up one thread per book where people can jump in and discuss each book as they finish it. That way, those who have already read all the books can chat about any of them. Just an idea.

And thanks to all of you for your comments and participation in reading Master & Commander. It was fun for me. You are a great bunch to discuss books with.

Congratualtions I hope all goes well for you :)

I read and enjoyed M & C, but can't believe I just now found the thread to discuss it! laugh at me. My husband even recorded the movie for me that draws from the first two books. Interesting to see visually what a ship would be like (though it wasn't the Sophie). What is the next book for the history book club?

Elizabeth S wrote: "Bentley very generously is letting me make my own big announcement. I am expecting a baby in November. I don't have the easiest pregnancies, so I've already had to curtail a number of activities...."

Elizabeth,
Congratulations and I hope everything goes very well for you. I have really enjoyed the discussions you have moderated and I am looking forward to having you back. In the meantime, I will have the opportunity to enjoy Alisa's moderated discussions.

I like the idea of an ad hoc discussion group on the Aubrey/Maturin series. That way it could be lightly moderated like some of the other discussion groups.

Susan wrote: "I read and enjoyed M & C, but can't believe I just now found the thread to discuss it! laugh at me. My husband even recorded the movie for me that draws from the first two books. Interesting to see..."

Glad you found it, even if it is at the end! Feel free to go back to any of the chapter discussions to add comments, or just discuss the book as a whole here.

As far as next books for the club, there are usually several reads ongoing and overlapping. The next historical fiction will start in September. Alisa will moderate The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough.

by Colleen McCullough

Going on right now are the featured read (History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Gibbon), the presidential read (Mornings on Horseback), and The Federalist Papers.

by Edward Gibbon
by David McCullough
by Alexander Hamilton

Check out the list of syllabi for the schedules for each:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

I'm glad you enjoyed the discussions, Erick. It was a great group. I think Alisa will do a great job on the next historical fiction read. Too bad I'll miss participating myself. :)

To answer your question from the off-topic list, Bentley, about whether or not I'm smitten with O'Brian and plan to read the rest of his books:

Unfortunately, my overall impressions of M&C are colored by the pregnancy nausea that overwhelmed my life while I read the first part of the book. It is a little silly, but whenever I read a little in M&C I'd remember that nausea. Which is rather an unpleasant memory. But I liked the book enough to keep coming back to it and I enjoyed the humor and the battles and discussing it all with the group. So I think what I'll do is wait a year or two for that unpleasant memory to fade and then read the next book or two in the series and see how they grab me without the nausea.

Although if there is some sort of ad hoc discussion of the series going on, I'd probably give the next books a try sooner. I'm pretty sure I'll do a lot of reading soon after the baby is born.

Understood Elizabeth...maybe if I set up the threads for the next book; someone will volunteer to lead the next book.

Is there anybody who would volunteer to lead the discussion on the next book. If I get a taker, I will set up the threads and the schedule.

Bentley - I may be interested. What book were you thinking of doing? The next book in the Aubrey/Maturin series (Post Captain)? What is involved in leading the discussion? Thanks.

Christopher, thanks for giving this some thought.

I can fill you in; I will PM you later. I will set up the threads for the book and much like Elizabeth led the discussion you will move the book along. Each thread is considered a non spoiler thread so you only discuss the pages that the thread is dedicated to or the previous pages of the book up to that point.

Check out how Elizabeth did this book and you will have a terrific teacher.

I set up all of the threads and will find you a location on the site and then you will be able to begin. We usually give a few weeks heads up and then you are good to go.

We put together a schedule etc. but we can help you with this.

Bentley

Note: I will discuss this further via PM and you can see what you think.

Bentley - Forgive my internet retardness, but what's a PM?

Also, upon further reflection, the second book in the series, Post Captain, is not my favorite, nor is it the strongest book in the series (others please weigh in here if you like) SInce I doubt you're going to do book clubs for all 20 books, I'd like to skip to H.M.S. Surprise,the third book, one of the best, and one of my favorites. Thoughts?

Sorry I haven't been able to participate for the last two weeks -- work intervening!

I read the series over the course of a couple of years, IIRC. I was reliant on the public library, so sometimes had to wait a bit for the next book to become available. I also read other things in-between. As Erick & Christopher have said, all the winning qualities of this book continue through the series. O'Brian never "rode" on the success of the prior books, but maintained great standards throughout.

I also heartily recommend reading the books in order.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the great moderating job! And blessings on you and the coming baby.

Christopher wrote: "Bentley - Forgive my internet retardness, but what's a PM?

Also, upon further reflection, the second book in the series, Post Captain, is not my favorite, nor is it the strongest book in the se..."

Christopher it is a private message; you have an in box; I think if we do the series we should do them in order. I think Mary Ellen made a great recommendation. We could call the segment the Master and Commander Corner and just go through all of them. Christopher, would the next book be so abhorrent that you could not get through it. And then of course we would be going on to HMS Surprise.

Bentley - Well golly gosh gee willikers, I guess I could do Post Captain. I've only read it twice. I await your PM.

I have been out straight Christopher but I will reach out to you later. Great news...I didn't want you to be turned off by our going in order.

Thanks, Mary Ellen, for your comments and good wishes. I'm glad you enjoyed the discussion. It was fun.

Elizabeth, I just want everyone to know that you do a fantastic job for this group and are a great mod.

Thanks for all of your help. I hope you are feeling a bit better now and it will be smooth sailing from this point on. (there was no pun intended to any reference to M&C)

Thanks, Bentley. And I thought it was a great pun. It also makes me laugh when people unintentionally say, "I hope it comes out all right." Well, yes. :)

Yes, that is funny too...it had better come out.

I am sure things will be A-OK and you will have a lot to be thankful for by Thanksgiving.

Bentley - Let me know if you are interested in going forward on Post Captain. Thanks.

I have been on vacation since July 28th. And yes of course..I think it is a good idea. And of course thank you for offering to help out.

When I am out of Yosemite and back to civilization; I will sent a note to you which is longer than this one.

I will have to set up the event notifications, etc. and give folks enough time to get the book and start reading.

So hang in there..you will be the mod for Post Captain.

Bentley

Bentley wrote: "I have been on vacation since July 28th. And yes of course..I think it is a good idea. And of course thank you for offering to help out.

When I am out of Yosemite and back to civilization; I ..."

Great to hear; I am looking forward to it.

Well guys..I am finally out of Yosemite..and on my way down the coast...San Fran first, then all the way down to San Diego..will keep you posted and I am glad that there is interest in continuing the series.

Christopher wrote: "Bentley - Let me know if you are interested in going forward on Post Captain. Thanks."

Christopher, I envision starting the next book in this series in November. This will be a three month read beginning November 1st and ending on January 30th. Would this period of time work for you.

I will be asking you to set up a table of contents and syllabus once we have agreed to the start date. We have two group books starting in September already which were group selected books, one starting in October, so November seemed like a likely time period.

Let me know if this is OK with you. I will PM you with my email address and we can converse that way so that I can get you started setting up the Table of Contents, Syllabus and schedule.

Bentley

The Jack Aubrey books do continue in the same humorous line. Eventually, I can't remember where he gets a sort of a malaise, but the cure is to go to sea and shoot at thnigs again, so it never lasts long!

There is a dictionary published to help with the nautical terms:
Dean King

Also, Jack Aubrey is loosely based on Lord Cochran who published his autobiography:
Thomas Cochrane

Shannon

ps: I love the Aubrey series, but read the second book as a bridge to book 3. It's the weakest in the series.

One of the best books that I have ever read on Cochrane was by Donald Thomas, if fact this was one of the best naval histories I've read for some time!


by Donald Thomas

Bentley - Time frame works great. Syllabus, Table of Contents and schedule, no problem. If you could direct me to a previously used syllabus and table of contents, much appreciated. Hope you had a good vacation.

Thanks for the comments, Shannon, and the book suggestion by Aussie Rick. Wish I'd had that glossary when we started M&C!

And always interesting to know that a fictional character is based somewhat on someone real. To some people, that seems to take away some of the magic of the fictional version. To me, it enlivens the fictional character and gives them a basis in reality. I've generally found that the fictional version and real version were different enough to be their own people, yet I like the connection with reality. Kinda like brothers, or even twin brothers. They look similar, sometimes act alike, but really are their own people.

I'd have recommended the glossary earlier, but I only joined this great group last weekend!

All the more reason we are glad to have you with us now! :)