Part I, Chapters 1-6

[cocospals]

Love the book, love the stiff binding, especially love the cover. As far as the relationships: I think Liz is the perfect friend for Connie,  supportive yet much more optimistic than Connie. I think Arlo, like any dog, is the one trusted, true friend of Connies. He listens and doesn't comment (that's why we love our dogs). I think her friendship with Sam could develop into something more, or maybe he is just enjoying having some one with some intellect to spend some time with. Remember, he is in a "solitude" type of field, not too many people to talk to when you are restoring a cupula. The professor I definitely do not trust but not for the reasons some have mentioned. I don't think he is out to steal Connie's research, I think he is, in his own subtle way, pushing her towards doing her dissertation on the Salem Witch Trials. I still don't trust him but I would have to respect him if that is what his purpose is.

[Zeal]

I found myself reading as if events were taking place in the past vs. the present, but I had to laugh when I read your comment that 1991 is not the present!  That is so true!  The fact that Connie was using a pay phone and the total absence of any mention of a computer seems almost colonial today!  I wonder what Connie would think of conducting research with the use of the Internet!

[DONNAJG24]

I  have to totally agree with you!!! I get the impression that Prof Chilton is using Connie to complete the research that he needs for the presentation that he is to make. This book is definitely holding my attention. I am already on Chapter 13!! I also agree with you on the point that you can actually feel like you are in Salem with the characters. I can't wait to read on!!

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aprilh wrote:

Did anyone else get the feeling that Professor Chilton is up to something? Something about the way he kept smiling at Connie in their meeting when she showed him the paper with Deliverance Dane's name written on it struck me as odd. I'm not sure if he's just a little condescending to her or if there is something more. I think my suspicions were also heightened when Connie overheard him yelling on the phone. When she asked him about his project for the Colonial Association, he just played it off saying there was more time for that later and started smiling at her again. Interesting how at the end of the meeting the only word she could use to describe his smile to herself was "hungry".

The descriptions in this book are wonderful. They are so vivid, they make you feel as if you are really there. I'm loving this book so far. Very well written!

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Message Edited by DONNAJG24 on 03-30-2009 07:15 PM

[PB684]

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Zeal wrote:

I found myself reading as if events were taking place in the past vs. the present, but I had to laugh when I read your comment that 1991 is not the present!  That is so true!  The fact that Connie was using a pay phone and the total absence of any mention of a computer seems almost colonial today!  I wonder what Connie would think of conducting research with the use of the Internet!

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You just reminded me of a very funny comment made by Liz about cell phones. I can't for the life of me find it now that I want to quote it (and it may be farther along than chapter 7 but it doesn't "spoil" anything so I think it is alright to mention). She says something to the effect that one of her summer students keeps a big cellular phone on his desk and why would a student need such a thing? I laughed out loud being the mother of a 15-year-old daughter who needs to have her cell phone surgically removed! Thanks for reminding me that 1991 is definitely NOT the present

[PB684]

Ok, I've finally finished reading all the posts in this section and want to know how you all feel about the connection between Connie and Grace, specifically the way Connie always seems to know exactly what Grace is doing when they talk on the phone. At first I thought it was just that she knows her mother so well but I am starting to think it is more than that.

PB684

[Popper19]

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Fozzie wrote:

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aprilh wrote:

Did anyone else get the feeling that Professor Chilton is up to something? Something about the way he kept smiling at Connie in their meeting when she showed him the paper with Deliverance Dane's name written on it struck me as odd. I'm not sure if he's just a little condescending to her or if there is something more. I think my suspicions were also heightened when Connie overheard him yelling on the phone. When she asked him about his project for the Colonial Association, he just played it off saying there was more time for that later and started smiling at her again. Interesting how at the end of the meeting the only word she could use to describe his smile to herself was "hungry".

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I don't trust Professor Chilton either!  I noticed this question from him to Connie on page 15:

"Have you not considered the distinct possibility that the accused were simply guilty of witchcraft?"

At first, I thought this was a good way to show what a jerk he was and to set up the irony that Connie will discover that there were witches in Salem (I am guessing this; I have not read past this section of reading).  However, I am wondering if he doesn't know something about Connie's history and is baiting her. 

Who knows...very suspicious...

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I thought the same thing that he might know something about Connie's history and the new source he's talking about is something he thinks she can find from her past or lineage or something - I know I'm excited to find out.

[CathyB]

I agree PB684. It has to be more than just a coincidence or knowing someone really well.

CathyB

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PB684 wrote:

Ok, I've finally finished reading all the posts in this section and want to know how you all feel about the connection between Connie and Grace, specifically the way Connie always seems to know exactly what Grace is doing when they talk on the phone. At first I thought it was just that she knows her mother so well but I am starting to think it is more than that.

PB684

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[nlsamson]

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PiperMurphy wrote:

I think you are very much on the mark. I think that Chilton has staked his reputation on the connection and needs Deliverance's book as proof. I'm curious  why Connie hasn't shown more curiousity about the contents of her house. She found the key in the Bible in the house. Wouldn't it follow that there are more clues there?

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nlsamson wrote:

I may be far off the mark, but I can't help but think that Professor Chilton, in his research, may have discovered a connection between Connie and Deliverance Dane. 

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Piper:

That's exactly what I was thinking.  Maybe we just need to read on!

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[januttall]

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kren250 wrote:

It seems odd to me though that Connie and Liz wouldn't notice that things are "off" in the house. If Connie had said to Liz, "Wow, it sure is strange things are blooming in the garden in early June, and we have running water in a non-electrified house that's been abandoned for twenty years!", I totally would've gone with the idea that the house was bewitched. But the fact that the characters don't notice it leaves me reason to believe it is an oversight on the author's and editor's part.

'

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I understand where you're coming from, but I have to agree to disagree on this one.  I feel it's all a part of the greater scheme.  Since the author is from the area in which the story takes place, I am finding it hard to believe otherwise.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if indeed that is the case.  If not, it will certainly be a good question for Katherine!

Message Edited by januttall on 03-30-2009 07:39 PM

[Popper19]

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MYK wrote:

This is my first book club reading. It's a pleasure to be here. I have a feeling I have arrived at a good time as I am enjoying The Physick Book. I can comment only on Chapters 1-3.

 I want to thank the author for the use of some words I am unfamiliar with. I am being educated as well as entertained.

 ~The story is gripping. I am anticipating more details about Grace, Leo, Sophia, and Lemuer. It is a bit odd that Connie refers to her mother by her first name, Grace, within conversation. Actually, it's a bit funny, as my daughters friend refers to her mom by first name during conversations. I am not in that practice.

~ I am keeping an open mind regarding the unusual tomatoe plant that already bears ripe tomotoes in the spring.  Hmmm...is this going somewhere?

  The first 3 chapters seem fine to me. Vivid and easy to visualize descriptions, with the unusual to be kept in mind. All seeming to be a good start. Be back soon to answer some questions!! Much more reading to do!

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I too enjoy learning new words while reading!  I make myself look up any word I'm not positive of the definition in the dictionary.  There were definitely a few in the first 6 chapters.

[emmagrace]

I love the relationship between Connie and Arlo! She wanted nothing to do with him at first and now she obviously adores him!

In the opening scenes of Salem, I find myself drawn to Deliverance. We do not know much about her at this point and I am dying to find out who she was. I get excited whenever Connie gets closer to the truth!

Connie and Liz interact wonderfully with each other. The seem to be very different and I think that draws them together.

I think these "vivid daydreams" are some sort of link to the past.

[ClaudiaLuce]

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krb2g wrote:

I think it speaks to the inherent kindness/goodness of both Connie and Deliverance that they have dogs that stick close by to them--especially the way that Arlo found Connie. I think the presence of the dogs shows that the text is firmly on the side of these women: the dog's affirming presence is one way of knowing that Deliverance hasn't bewitched Martha or caused her death.

I love the way that Connie has the discussion with Arlo when she gets home late one night. 

I am tempted to believe that Deliverance's dog, "an attentive, disheveled-looking little dog, some dingy color between brown and tan" which Deliverance couldn't have carried with her to the Petford's, and Arlo, who's little, of indeterminate breed, and "an indistinct, dingy color something between mud and leaves" who "materialized from under the shrubbery" one day and has stuck with Connie ever since, are actually the same dog (6, 24).

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I couldn't help but feel the same way, Arlo must be "Dog" from the 1690's!  I feel like he will end up being her familiar.

Claudia

[Popper19]

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bookowlie wrote:

I disagree.  Professor Chilton is my favorite character so far.  There is a mystery about him and I am eager to find out what his role in the story will be.  I agree he is a "snake", but I am eager to read more about him as the book progresses.  I initially thought he might just want to claim credit for being Connie's mentor if she finds a new source for her thesis.  After I read about his heated phone call about the project for the Colonial Association, I think he may steal her information if she finds anything important.  I want to know more about him. 

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I like your thoughts on Professor Chilton being your favorite character - he's definitely intriguing and I wouldn't have picked him as my favorite because I view him as a villian right now.  Thanks for enlightening me and making me feel like I could choose if as my favorite even if I don't like him on a personal level.  I would never have really thought to do that.

Having said that - he's not my favorite, Connie is.  One of the reasons why is there were a few descriptions of her throughout the first six chapters of being akward and disheveled.  The descriptions described my feelings about myself sometimes.  In one instance, at the beginning of chapter four, I felt that could soooo be me talking, "...she shifted in the stiff wooden chair opposite her advisor's desk, peeling the backs of her knees one after the other off of the seat.  This was the first real summer day of the season, and a trickle of sweat was working it's way from under her armpit down her rib cage.  Connie always faintly worried that her disheveled appearance would reveal the disordered state within herself."

[Sassy398]

  I love everything about this book so far...from the past and present to the characters.

  It's very difficult to put down.  It has some heart felt scenes as to actually makes one

  vividly picture what's going on...in fact, I had lived in the New England region for 10 years

  so I can relate to alot of this book so far.  Especialy Connie going to clean up her granna's

  place. I hope to find out more on this Deliverence character...Just a thought, but in as a

  child, I remember a prayer it said deliver us from evil..could deliverence be the devil???

  Hmm...guess I'll have to read on...lol 

[Popper19]

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thewanderingjew wrote:

I too had the feeling that the Professor was using Connie for his own designs. It was almost as if he wanted her to hear his conversation on the phone, speaking loudly and not asking her to leave directly, before he spoke at all about his project or the deadlines.

I found the meeting with Sam a bit contrived. To just happen upon a painter who happened to have an education and an interest in Connie's field, seemed a little contrived. Then again, it is moving the plot along and allowing another part of Connie's personality to show itself.
twj

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Bonnie824 wrote:

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aprilh wrote:

Did anyone else get the feeling that Professor Chilton is up to something? Something about the way he kept smiling at Connie in their meeting when she showed him the paper with Deliverance Dane's name written on it struck me as odd. I'm not sure if he's just a little condescending to her or if there is something more. I think my suspicions were also heightened when Connie overheard him yelling on the phone. When she asked him about his project for the Colonial Association, he just played it off saying there was more time for that later and started smiling at her again. Interesting how at the end of the meeting the only word she could use to describe his smile to herself was "hungry".

The descriptions in this book are wonderful. They are so vivid, they make you feel as if you are really there. I'm loving this book so far. Very well written!

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I had the idea he was just planning on using her research and ideas for himself, but it may end up being more sinister than that.

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I wasn't too excited about Sam at first either, my initial thought was oh great here we go with some sappy romance stuff!  Your post of describing their meeting as contrived is right on in my opinion - but as you sad it is moving the plot along and so far I've been happy with how he's played into the story.  In fact, I find myself hoping for them to get involved. 

[Popper19]

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nlsamson wrote:

I may be far off the mark, but I can't help but think that Professor Chilton, in his research, may have discovered a connection between Connie and Deliverance Dane. 

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Bonnie824 wrote:

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aprilh wrote:

Did anyone else get the feeling that Professor Chilton is up to something? Something about the way he kept smiling at Connie in their meeting when she showed him the paper with Deliverance Dane's name written on it struck me as odd. I'm not sure if he's just a little condescending to her or if there is something more. I think my suspicions were also heightened when Connie overheard him yelling on the phone. When she asked him about his project for the Colonial Association, he just played it off saying there was more time for that later and started smiling at her again. Interesting how at the end of the meeting the only word she could use to describe his smile to herself was "hungry".

The descriptions in this book are wonderful. They are so vivid, they make you feel as if you are really there. I'm loving this book so far. Very well written!

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I had the idea he was just planning on using her research and ideas for himself, but it may end up being more sinister than that.

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Message Edited by nlsamson on 03-30-2009 05:41 PM

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I agree - I think he knows of a connection and wants something from her.

[sas60]

I only received my copy this past Friday, so I haven't read very far yet.  What I have read I love!  This author captured my attention from the start.  I like how she switches from the past to a present day time frame.  I've always been interested in the Salem Witch Trials.  I guess it never occurred to me that there might actually be some women with powers.  Connie's visions interest me.  Chilton is a mystery to me.  I don't care for him much.

Looking forward to reading more.  Won't be hard to do!

Sandie

[Popper19]

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PB684 wrote:

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kren250 wrote:

I didn't think the house thing was very believable, either. In a small town, this house would've attracted notice. And I especially didn't buy the part where Liz turns on the faucet, and water comes out! The city would've turned the water off years before, if no one is paying the bills on the house. Plus, if the water was still turned on the pipes probably would've frozen and burst during the winter. And then there's the part where Connie is feeling on the wall for a light switch. Surely she would've realized the house would've had the power turned off long ago, if no one is paying the bill?! It was very convenient when it turns out the house isn't wired for electricity anyway.

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krb2g wrote:

The plot point that was hardest for me to accept was the contrived way that Connie ended up at her grandmother's house in Marblehead. They could abandon it and not pay taxes for twenty years, and it's available, untouched (no squatters or kids making drug deals or anything) for Connie to clean, but it has to be done RIGHT NOW or ELSE? And then Grace is able to talk Connie (who seems to be remarkably focused and clear-headed about her school work) into doing it with almost no difficulty?

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Although I see your point I think maybe you are getting too literal. I think sometimes you have to suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy a fantasy such as this. Another way to look at it might be to see the house and property as magical...after all, it belonged to a long line of witches!

-PB684

I'm editing my message because I've just read several other's posts and see that this has already been stated...sorry for the repetition It's a little difficult not to respond before I've read everyone's posts but I'll try!

Message Edited by PB684 on 03-30-2009 07:08 PM

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I don't think you should worry about reading all the posts before responding - people have mentioned in the community room that they like personal responses to what they've posted.  I like to respond as I read or I forget who I wanted to say something to and then I don't end up posting anything!  In my opinion, just go for it!

[tabcat]

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VeraC wrote:

...for the life of me I can't see how she (and Liz) would decide to spend a night at a house they had never seen before without checking ahead to see if it electricity, a telephone.... or even a solid floor to walk on.  Wouldn't there be rats, spiders, snakes (more than the one token garden snake) and wouldn't she want to at least get a chance to sweep through the place before deciding to crash on the floor for the night?  Other than this, I am really enjoying the book.  Did anyone else pick up on the shock she received when she picked up the bible and the key came out?  This wasn't really explained, so I suspect it's a clue of something coming down the road.

Vera

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My sentiments exactly Vera! No way could I have slept in that house the first night...maybe never. I was hoping someone else would comment on the physical shock when she found the key and I'm  anxious to see if there is more about this later. 

Like many other comments posted, I've been trying to reconcile Connie's and Liz's education with their unquestioning acceptance of the vegetable garden and running water.  I too had to think that someone called ahead to have the water turned on.  I wasn't aware about the need for electric pumps and all that though. 

I love Arlo!  He makes a great addition to the story. I thought witches had cats as familiars though, but my knowledge only comes from children's stories/Disney movies not any serious study of witches.

Any other Harry Potter fans in this group?  All of I could think of when Connie was telling Liz about mandrake was the scene in HP where the students had to put on ear protection to repot their mandrakes and the little roots came out screaming mad...LOL.

Teresa

[debbook]

That could be, but I'm thinking of all the hard work Connie is doing and I'm not sure how Dr Chilton would have come across it. I see him as sort of the type to not get his hands dirty.

But it would make sense as to why he was asking her that question in the orals. I'm not sure I want to give him enough credit. Something to think about as I read on.

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nlsamson wrote:

I may be far off the mark, but I can't help but think that Professor Chilton, in his research, may have discovered a connection between Connie and Deliverance Dane. 

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Bonnie824 wrote:

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aprilh wrote:

Did anyone else get the feeling that Professor Chilton is up to something? Something about the way he kept smiling at Connie in their meeting when she showed him the paper with Deliverance Dane's name written on it struck me as odd. I'm not sure if he's just a little condescending to her or if there is something more. I think my suspicions were also heightened when Connie overheard him yelling on the phone. When she asked him about his project for the Colonial Association, he just played it off saying there was more time for that later and started smiling at her again. Interesting how at the end of the meeting the only word she could use to describe his smile to herself was "hungry".

The descriptions in this book are wonderful. They are so vivid, they make you feel as if you are really there. I'm loving this book so far. Very well written!

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I had the idea he was just planning on using her research and ideas for himself, but it may end up being more sinister than that.

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Message Edited by nlsamson on 03-30-2009 05:41 PM

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