I have a confession to make.

I watched the movie first.

That violates one of my cardinal principles:  read the book first.

Nevertheless, it prompted me to plunge into a substantial classic book that I otherwise probably wouldn't have gotten to for years.

The movie of The Count of Monte Cristo (starring Jim Caviezel) had very little to do with the book, beyond the barest adherence to the basic plot line.  Goodness, you'd think with a tome that size, they wouldn't have to make up extra stuff to put into the movie!

Once I began the book, I could hardly put it down.  I read all 1,462 pages in just 5 days!  Whew!  I can't remember how long it has been since I've indulged in a book like that.  (Call it my summer vacation from homeschooling my boys.)  I'm still catching up on what I left undone while luxuriating in Alexandre Dumas's skillful plot and characterization, but it was worth it.

I mentioned The Count of Monte Cristo on one of the Yahoo! groups I enjoy, and several folks replied that it was their favorite book.

I'm going to begin posting some quotes, notes, and queries from my reading of the novel, and I welcome your comments.  I'd like to generate a discussion about this fascinating book.

Mary Jo