In quartering this we can avoid spoilers. 

I like group reads broken up as well. This is sitting on my hold shelf at the lib, but Camilla is coming in any day for a buddy read starting Feb. 1. What's a girl to do? Camilla is freakin' HUGE.

You can do both I know you can! 

I will probaby have to pick up PC first or I will be very very far behind in the discussions. Camilla is 900 plus pages.

Cathy, you are a fast reader, so you could always read this 1st section of PC, then dip into Camilla and read it until you notice that others have moved on to the next PC section. Or, since PC seems like it will be an easy, quick read, you could just read it first, then commit to Camilla. That would probably be the best way to do it. You could probably even keep up with PC just by using it as your treadmill book.

I need to locate my copy of PC...here bookie, bookie...come out wherever you are... I feel too lazy to search for it right now!

Good ideas Valli. It will work nicely for treadmill book as long as it's a HB and not a TB that doesn't want to stay open. Stay tuned...

I personally love spy novels.  If spy is in the synopsis I will always consider  reading it.

Why do you think novels about Spy's are so popular?

Ok so I am a huge audiobook fan, but I might have to switch to the book on this one. I started it today, but haven't made it through even the first chapter yet. I keep having to resart tracks and re-listen to them again. The narrator is fine, it's not her...but I can't stay focused on it for some reason. Hmm...

I don't think the Secret of the Secret of the Pink Carnation is going to be to much of a shock.

How Many of you know the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel?  If you want too you can most likely get this on Netflix or watch in 10 minute segments via youtube, the one on youtube is with Jane Seymour .  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU2RLwEsxT4

The Scarlet Pimpernel was and Adventure Novel by Baroness Emmuske Orczy and was adapted as a play and first open at the Royal Theater in Nottingham England in 1903. 

The Wikipedia article is interesting.

I found The Scarlet Pimpernel as a free ebook download at manybooks.net. It was a fast paced and fun read.  I just started Pink Carnation last night and can already tell that I'll enjoy it.  I love spy novels, too, especially when there's a little romance thrown in--I'm assuming there'll be romance in Pink Carnation?

I just started Pink and have not read Scarlet. So far I think I will enjoy this book. There is something sexy about a spy. I think it has to do with the intelligence and bravery needed, or maybe it's the picture of a young Sean Connery that comes to mind! I think being a spy is what anyone can aspire to, to become a hero. Superheroes are out but being a spy is something anyone can daydream of becoming.

I have to admit, when I started reading THE PINK CARNATION, I thought.....this is just "too cute"  for my taste.  But, after about 30 pages into the novel, I find myself really enjoying it! 

Anna, I too though it might be a bit to close to romance.  I personally like romances but I am glad that this book is more than a one trick pony.  It is described as a Chick Lit/romance/historical fiction.

Bonnie, I agree that the pure danger that a spy faces adds to the sex appeal, and that they go outside the law, the BAD BOY!  And Sean Connery is old enough to be my Dad, I still find him dead sexy.  I still think that he was the perfect Bond.

I think I'm at Chapter 6 or 7 and really enjoying it so far. I think I was just distracted the first time I tried it on audio because I haven't had a problem since getting into it. It's my "running errands" audiobook, so I'm not 'reading' through it as quickly.

About how old do you think Amy is when her and Jane go off to Paris? At the start of her story, I was thinking she was a child or pre-teen maybe but she must be much older than that (around 18 maybe?).

Kelly I think she is 20.

Just started this one last night.  I got about 20 pages in and fell asleep.  Hopefully I will get a little farther this evening :)

I thought Amy to be around 18. 

There is something about her that is young and vivacious.  Out to conquer the world, like most teenagers.

Oh how I am loving this book!  As I have often said, I am more into a story in a historical setting than in a historical book with a story in it.  So this suits me just perfectly.  Amy and Richard have me giggling and the cast of characters will give me plenty of options in deciding whodunit.  I can see how those who prefer their history more straight up would find this too "cute" for them. But it's awfully fun cute!

I finished chapter 10 today and am quite enjoying this book. I'm anxious to know more about Edward and his secrets, because it seems he might have many. I'm also loving Richard and Amy's banter and relationship (if you can call it that in a day). And there's something up with Richard and Edward - maybe Edward is the Pink Carnation and that's why Richard hates him so? Hmm...

Oh, and the flash to the present with Eloise (I think that's her name) and Colin was pretty curious as well. Something that Mrs. Celwick Alderly (sp?) said to Colin about "one doesn't necessarily point to another" about the chest contents has been stuck in my head. I think Colin is afraid Eloise is going to find clues to the Pink Carnation and figure it out, but Mrs Alderly doesn't think so. That's all of my pondering so far. LOL It's hard to revisit things on audiobook, but I'm really enjoying listening to it.

Letty - you were right!  She is 20.  She left France 15 years ago and when 5 at their departure.  I am really liking the book.  I'm not so sure about Ms. Gwen though.  She's does crack me up though.  Love the interplay between Amy and Richard though, however, their banter reminds me more of siblings than possible romantic partners.

I am reading the print and audio versions of the book. We have had snow and I have not be traveling, so I read the print book today. Just for a few chapters so I could know which chapter (number) I was reading.

I am on chapter 9. Cute story, but too early to give an opinion on book.

Mary

If anyone wants to join the READ ALONG of The Secret HIstory of the Pink Carnation, I have a hard back copy. Just PM me and it is on its way.

Mary

I bailed. I just couldn't handle the MC (Amy was it?).

Cathy, our beloved curmudgeon! 

Absolutely