Dickens had Great Expectations

My book club selected "Great Expectations" in anticipation of Dickens' 200th birthday next month. Admittedly, I cannot read 500+ pages in one month's time while also homeschooling. So I read the first 20 chapters with less-than-good expectations about the dark story line of orphans, pirates, and marshes. Then I skipped to Ch. 38 and read to the very end (Ch. 59) so I could see whatever becomes of Pip and Estella, et. al. Of course, I intend to finish the book's middle, someday, and get a few more details. But I was still proud of my efforts. And I learned to appreciate Mr. Boz a little more. Since I am prejudiced toward "A Tale of Two Cities," this book required some little coaxing of my stamina. But I found the British humor woven all through (I somehow missed that in Mrs. Williams's senior English class) and his meaningful dissection of humanity to be spot on. Don't you know a Jaggers-type lawyer? A drama queen like Miss Haversham? The story line of redemption is one we are all attracted to. This selection also gave me a chance to learn about Dickens himself (especially when Cynthia informed us of the cover-article in this month's "Smithsonian" magazine). I also learned there are two movie versions to watch, and a third on its way!
P.S. Alison's pork pie from book club was a rare treat!