Shannon and I both have 1984 by George Orwell on our "classics bucket list," so we decided to read it together! The buddy read starts June 15th and ends June 20th. If you want to read along with us this is the schedule:
Day 1: Chapter One, Parts one through five
Day 2: Chapter One, Parts six through eight
Day 3: Chapter Two, Parts one through five
Day 4: Chapter Two, Parts six through ten
Day 5: Chapter Three, Parts one through five
Day 6: Finish the book!
We will also be updating this post with our thoughts and feelings as we read, so make sure to check back!
Update Days One and Two:
Shannon:
Day One:
Well, upon starting this book I felt like I was back in high school. I have read very few or maybe no classics since high school. Classics are always harder for me to get into and fully enjoy because they are much more dense. That being said, after getting 15-20 pages in I started to pick up on the language and plot of this story. So far I see a world that is very much controlled by “Big Brother” so much even that there is a thing such as “thought crime”. Winston seems to be the only person, who doesn’t fully fit in to this conformity. Hopefully tomorrow, I will get some more insight into Winston’s thoughts and life.
Day Two:
As I have continued reading, I have noticed that pretty much any thought, action, or desire that gives one a uniqueness or independence in this story is illegal or punishable. The goal of “Big Brother” is basically to form a following of people who question nothing. This idea is crazy to me. I feel independent thought and uniqueness are what make our world so special. I’m curious to continue reading and see what happens to Winston next.
Sarah:
Day One:
There are a couple reasons that I was hesitant to start this book. One, I am always intimidated to start a classic. Two, I have a love hate relationship with dystopians. With series like The Hunger Games and Divergent I always love the first book, but the second and third books when the actual revolution happens I get bored. Because this is only one book I don't really know what to expect. I am always interested in the ground rules for different dystopian worlds. I found it interesting that individual thought is illegal because I overthink everything. Other things I found interesting were the changing of facts, and the indoctrinating of children. I am excited to see where this goes because I think the groundwork that has been set thus is thrilling and creepy.
Day Two:
So far more doubt is being created, and we see some more specifics of rules being put in place. We are also seeing more of the class system. I love the journal entries that Winston writes. I am a huge advocate for journaling so I really like seeing this outlet being used even if it is forbidden. We are starting to see Winston take more risks, but other than that I feel like there isn't much going on yet. I'm hoping more of the story picks up tomorrow.
Update Days Three and Four
Shannon:
Day Three:
The story has been very slow up to this point, and finally today it gained some life which has captured my interest. Winston has met a girl, with whom he greatly enjoys spending time, in private of course. It is interesting to see the differing ideas and thoughts between the two characters.
Day Four:
This section of reading started and ended with some interesting plot points. The middle section was quite dense, due to it being a section where Winston is actually reading a book and so we see that text of that book. I was glad this section ended with a conflict in the plot. I don't want to give anything away, I'm just excited for the change of pace.
Sarah:
Day Three:
FINALLY SOMETHING IS STARTING TO HAPPEN! As everyone knows I am an absolute sucker for a love story. When that love story is a secret affair and a political statement I am through the roof. This section was by far my favorite so far. I love the aspect that Julia brought to the story. I think it's really interesting that unlike Winston she has been indoctrinated into this society since birth, and is still a rebel. She definitely gives the story a sense of hope. I do love Winston, but I think Julia is my favorite character. Her whole demeanor and attitude are just so likable to me!
Day Four:
This section was definitely the hardest for me to read so far. I loved the beginning as we get to see O'Brien come into the story. I think this is unique since O'Brien is an "inner party" member meaning he directly benefits from the system in place. I hope as we read we get to see more of O'Brien. The thing that made this section hard to get through was the fact that for a majority of it Winston is reading a textbook. Thus, we are also reading said textbook. I understand why this part was important. It gave us the how the government works which gives us a deeper understanding on how hard a revolution would be. That being said, IT WAS A TEXTBOOK. It was not enjoyable for me to read. However, the end of this section made me impatient to read the ending, and I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Updates Day Five and Six:
Shannon:
Days Five and Six:
These last two sections were very long and drawn out. Also directly after the conflict in the plot that ended the reading of day four the story line slowed down immensely. We see pages upon pages where Winston is being kept, questioned, and tortured. The ending of the book was not what I expected. I was hoping for a different ending.
Sarah:
Days Five and Six:
I flew through these last two sections. Unlike Shannon, I actually really enjoyed the ending of this book. It was kind of refreshing to not have a happy ending. It seemed a lot more realistic that way. I think the torture, and why they torture prisoners was really interesting. Overall, I do recommend this book if you haven't read it. It really highlights a negative utopia, and was the gateway for all modern dystopia novels we have today.
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