#19 was the chosen number for this Classics Club spin, which means I am set to read Edna Ferber’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, So Big, which was published in 1924. And in a fun twist, Australian blogger Brona of Brona’s Books had also lined up So Big at #19 – she constructs her spin list so that most of the books will yield a reading buddy if chosen. And this time, it just happened to be me. Yay!
I had to look up the plot summary for So Big, because apparently the book has been on my to-read list long enough for me to forget.
From the Goodreads summary:
“So Big” is a classic novel of turn-of-the-century Chicago. It is the unforgettable story of Selina Peake DeJong, a gambler’s daughter, and her struggles to stay afloat and maintain her dignity and her sanity in the face of marriage, widowhood, and single parenthood. A brilliant literary masterwork from one of the twentieth century’s most accomplished and admired writers, the remarkable “So Big” still resonates with its unflinching view of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.
A look at my notes shows that I added So Big to my to-read list after reading a positive review by Jackie at Farm Lane Books. From Jackie’s review, Selina sounds like a fantastic character.
I would have been happy with almost any book on my Spin List, but after refreshing myself on why I wanted to read Ferber’s novel in the first place, I’m especially looking forward to reading So Big.
A Good Stopping Point 
rigging your classics club list that way is brilliant!
What fun to be reading with Brona! We read Tess together through a Classics Club spin a couple of years ago 🙂
I’ve enjoyed reading three of Ferber’s books but haven’t got around to this one yet. I’ll be interested to read what you think of it.
Interesting pick! I’ve never heard of this book before, but the description reminds me a little bit of Sister Carrie–maybe it’s the Chicago setting and time period?
The lead up to Christmas and (our) summer holidays was so frnatic I barely had time to eat, sleep and work….let alone keep in touch with the blogging world.
But I’m now back at work and life is returning to a more sedate routine…until the school and soccer season starts in a fortnight, that is!
I love how you keep track of why you chose a book – I often know that a book I’m reading came from a blogger or friend recommendation, but by the time I read it I’ve forgotten who.
I finished So Big last night and will get my review ready for the end of the month ccspin finishing line. Selina is a fabulous character – although you could say she’s almost too good to be true 🙂
I am certainly keen to try some of Ferber’s other stories – do you recommend one in particular?
Totally understand! You could definitely say that about Selina, but Ferber gave such an ease about her, that I didn’t mind. Her son though! I mostly saw his character as a way for Ferber to work in some splendid satire of the upper class. I actually haven’t read anything else by Ferber. This was my first one as well! I know that her books Giant, Show Boat, and Cimmaron were all turned into popular shows/films. I also have a book by her called “One Basket” on my Kindle. I think it was a freebie on Amazon.