Ernest Hemingway Book Club

September 9, 2020 Candice Mathis

I have sat down to read many of Ernest Hemingway’s books over the years. It’s no secret that I’m intrigued on many levels by his career, life, and most of all, his love life. My interest was sparked years ago when reading The Paris Wife, a book about what many claim to be Ernest’s one and only true love, even though he had many lovers. I HIGHLY recommend this book, even to read this first, before embarking on his writing.

My dog, a beautiful (almost four year old) Weimaraner is named Hemingway. But only because my husband said we could not name (at the time) our future child after the author. A few Christmases back, my dad discovered some original Hemingway books in my late grandpa’s house. And most of you know that my dad passed on two years ago as well. These books, for many obvious reasons, are invaluable to me. I have considered a burn-proof safe for my treasures. They are very special.

Anyway, I wanted to preface with stories of my obsession because I still have not completed ANY of Hemingway’s actual books that he wrote, with the exception of his short stories. I have a hard time getting through them for one reason or another. But I am dedicating my 35th year of life to reading as many of his books that I can. And I am putting it here for all to see so I am held accountable.

After much research of “getting through difficult books” I found that you really need to keep it short and sweet. So I have set a realistic goal of reading a book a month. And since I am starting with A Farewell To Arms, I need to read about 12 pages a day to get through it in a month. This sounds doable! I should note that I decided to start with A Farewell To Arms because E. H. wrote this book while living with Pauline, his second wife, in Piggot, Arkansas which is about a 30 minute drive from where I grew up. The last Christmas my dad was with us, I was pregnant with Nixon and we drove to the home that Ernest and Pauline shared, which is now a museum. Unfortunately since it was a holiday it was closed but we got to peak around and even see the space where he wrote this book. It was an all around special day. I am not ready to go back and visit the home turned museum just yet. But I do hope to find the strength to take a real tour one day soon.

Ernest & Pauline’s home in Arkansas. My dad took this photo of me.

So I have decided to start a book club dedicated to my year of reading through Ernest Hemingway’s books. The goal is a book a month at around 10-12 pages a day depending on the length of the book. You can join for one month or join me for all. I plan on purchasing each book at the beginning of each month and diving in.

I will also schedule time to discuss each book at the close of each month on my Instagram Stories! The year will look something like this:

September (Tough Read)

Farewell To Arms

October

A Moveable Feast

November

The Sun Also Rises

December & January

For Whom The Bell Tolls

You can keep up with the progess of the book club by clicking

THIS LINK)

February