reading all books referenced on Gilmore girls
Synopsis:
Sylvia Plath's journals were originally published in 1982 in a heavily abridged version authorized by Plath's husband, Ted Hughes. This new edition is an exact and complete transcription of the diaries Plath kept during the last twelve years of her life. Sixty percent of the book is material that has never before been made public, more fully revealing the intensity of the poet's personal and literary struggles, and providing fresh insight into both her frequent desperation and the bravery with which she faced down her demons. The complete Journals of Sylvia Plath is essential reading for all who have been moved and fascinated by Plath's life and work.
Fun Stuff:
The Belle Jar: 21 Quotes from Sylvia Plath (blog)
Let's set the scene...
Cut to outside Stars Hollow High
[Rory sitting on a bench reading. Dean come out, sees her and goes and sits with her]
Dean: Is there anything in there about me?
Rory: I don’t know. Your name wouldn’t be Lithium would it?
My thoughts:
Well, I think you guys got a good sense of my thoughts throughout the months it took me to complete this book. I had only previously read The Bell Jar (because I'm a cliche) and enjoyed it (well, as much as you can enjoy a book about drug overdoses and depression). I truly respect Sylvia's writing and use of language... but the problems start when you're trying to read her innermost thoughts and insecurities. Let's be honest... ain't no one want to read the 12th grade journals of one Miss Bear Allen. And although she came to be one of the most profound writers of her day (Sylvia, not Bear Allen), Plath was once an emo, angsty teenager just like the rest of us. In fact, her Hot Topic days seem to have extended until her death. And while the woman is inarguably talented, it's hard to make it through pages and pages of "I love X and we'll be together forever...FAST FORWARD... I love Y soooo much more than I could ever love X and this is the true thing... FAST FORWARD... Z is my one, true soul mate and X and Y were just ridiculous little boys". And on, and on and on until I need a Lithium prescription myself.
I don't want anyone to think that her journals should take away from her work as an artist. She was an incredibly talented and prolific writer. I just think it's difficult to try to devour her journals like you would a novel. But I also personally have the same issue with poetry. Some books are meant for you to pick up for ten minutes, flip to a random page and read a single passage before you put it down.
Who do I see reading this in the Stars Hollow gazebo?
I have to go with Rory on this, simply because the picture of Rory I use for this is of her reading this verybook. So, it's kind of a no-brainer. That, and Rory appreciates reading the viewpoints of all different types of people, so I can see her enjoying a trip into the dark mind of Plath... just because Rory's mind doesn't really work like that and she has a desire for perspective on the various lives people live.
