Another Moda Blockheads block. This is block 7, designed by Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique. The fabric I am using for this sew-along is also designed by Vanessa, for Moda Fabrics. It is an older collection called Harvest Road. My background is also hers, from her Flower Pot range.
I used my 3-inch finished foundation papers from Fat Quarter Shop and they worked perfectly. I aimed to have that center star stand out. The theme of this sew-along is that each block has a star design.
I am participating in a read-along (I must be a joiner: sew-alongs, read-alongs- sign me up). The idea is to tackle a classic work of literature. Previous choices have been The Count of Monte Cristo, Lord of the Flies, The Color Purple, and others. This year the classic that has been chosen by The Bookshelf Thomasville is Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, a doorstop of a book that was written in the 80s. I read this back in 1985, and devoured the mini-series that followed on TV, but am totally up to repeat the experience.
I got the book on Kindle, for two reasons. One, the book is huge and must weigh at least 5 pounds. Two, the font is small and I can adjust it larger on the Kindle.
The idea of the read-along is to break the book up into a certain number of chapters a month and by the end of the year, the book will have been consumed. The problem with this book is that it is too good to spread out over such a long period. I just can't do it. I am all in and am not going to stop just because I've read all I was supposed to for February. I am going to keep going!
Larry McMurtry's voice is so distinct and so unique. I feel as if I am on the cattle drive with Gus and Call and the cowboys. I also am watching the mini-series on Amazon Prime and am totally addicted. I remember back in the 80s when this book and the tv series were all the rage. I thought both were terrific then and now that I am re-experiencing them I feel the same way. I had forgotten that the book won the Pulitzer Prize. I have heard it described as a dark tale, told lightly.
The TV series has some top-notch stars: Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane, Robert Urich, Chris Cooper, and so many more actors who are so well known today. I have read 16 chapters of the book and watched the first episode of the series, and have to say the TV version is faithful to the book.
I know a lot of you are readers, as I am. I wonder if you ever re-visit a classic that you read years ago, or if you tackle a classic that you somehow missed when you were going through school. Or do you avoid the classics completely? Lonesome Dove is so much more recent than some other books we consider "classics", but I have to say I think it deserves that classification.
Let us know in the comments if you are up to re-experience Lonesome Dove, if you read it back in the day, if you loved the mini-series…
45 responses to “Moda Blockheads Block 7 and Conquer a Classic”
I love, love Lonesome Dove!!! I read it about 5 years ago and then listened to the audio version with my husband on road trips. I will definitely check out the mini series. I miss all the wonderful characters from the cattle drive.
I try to read or reread a “classic” every year. Last year I read Anna Korenina. I, too,found that reading on kindle helps immensely.
I love, love Lonesome Dove!!! I read it about 5 years ago and then listened to the audio version with my husband on road trips. I will definitely check out the mini series. I miss all the wonderful characters from the cattle drive.
I try to read or reread a “classic” every year. Last year I read Anna Korenina. I, too,found that reading on kindle helps immensely.
I love, love Lonesome Dove!!! I read it about 5 years ago and then listened to the audio version with my husband on road trips. I will definitely check out the mini series. I miss all the wonderful characters from the cattle drive.
I try to read or reread a “classic” every year. Last year I read Anna Korenina. I, too,found that reading on kindle helps immensely.
I remember the Lonesome Dove series but have not read it..yet! Thank you for the recommendation. I just read Willa Cather’s One of Ours, 1922 Pulitzer prize winner. Vivid description of a landscape that barely exists today, observations of human experience still hold true. War is hell.
I remember the Lonesome Dove series but have not read it..yet! Thank you for the recommendation. I just read Willa Cather’s One of Ours, 1922 Pulitzer prize winner. Vivid description of a landscape that barely exists today, observations of human experience still hold true. War is hell.
I remember the Lonesome Dove series but have not read it..yet! Thank you for the recommendation. I just read Willa Cather’s One of Ours, 1922 Pulitzer prize winner. Vivid description of a landscape that barely exists today, observations of human experience still hold true. War is hell.
Love classic’s and some how never read Lonesome Dove! Putting it on my list! Have a great weekend Nicole!
Love classic’s and some how never read Lonesome Dove! Putting it on my list! Have a great weekend Nicole!
Love classic’s and some how never read Lonesome Dove! Putting it on my list! Have a great weekend Nicole!
I remember reading the book and watching the mini series, both very good as you say. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you would like East of Eden by John Steinbeck, especially being a Californian. It is the same mix of epic family tale and moral dilemmas. Would be a good one for your read along group.
I remember reading the book and watching the mini series, both very good as you say. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you would like East of Eden by John Steinbeck, especially being a Californian. It is the same mix of epic family tale and moral dilemmas. Would be a good one for your read along group.
I remember reading the book and watching the mini series, both very good as you say. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you would like East of Eden by John Steinbeck, especially being a Californian. It is the same mix of epic family tale and moral dilemmas. Would be a good one for your read along group.
A big YES from me for re-reading classic books you loved. Re-read Lonesome Dove a couple of years ago and adored it again — one of my all-time favorites.
Over the last few years, I’ve revisited many old favorites: Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, the Barchester Chronicles, the Poldark series. Some of those I loved in the 60s – Ray Bradbury, Joseph Heller, Wallace Stegner — all still wonderful. I set up a “Classics” collection on my Goodreads account, and it’s fun to browse through it and choose something wonderful when I tire of the new blockbusters!
A big YES from me for re-reading classic books you loved. Re-read Lonesome Dove a couple of years ago and adored it again — one of my all-time favorites.
Over the last few years, I’ve revisited many old favorites: Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, the Barchester Chronicles, the Poldark series. Some of those I loved in the 60s – Ray Bradbury, Joseph Heller, Wallace Stegner — all still wonderful. I set up a “Classics” collection on my Goodreads account, and it’s fun to browse through it and choose something wonderful when I tire of the new blockbusters!
A big YES from me for re-reading classic books you loved. Re-read Lonesome Dove a couple of years ago and adored it again — one of my all-time favorites.
Over the last few years, I’ve revisited many old favorites: Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, the Barchester Chronicles, the Poldark series. Some of those I loved in the 60s – Ray Bradbury, Joseph Heller, Wallace Stegner — all still wonderful. I set up a “Classics” collection on my Goodreads account, and it’s fun to browse through it and choose something wonderful when I tire of the new blockbusters!
Can you believe I’ve never read Lonesome Dove? I need to get on it. I’ve reread many books, especially when I was younger. Little Women is one I bet I’ve read 75 times. Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s books. Many others. And many that are not classics—These Is My Words, the Emma M Lion series. You’ve opened a can of worms!
Can you believe I’ve never read Lonesome Dove? I need to get on it. I’ve reread many books, especially when I was younger. Little Women is one I bet I’ve read 75 times. Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s books. Many others. And many that are not classics—These Is My Words, the Emma M Lion series. You’ve opened a can of worms!
Can you believe I’ve never read Lonesome Dove? I need to get on it. I’ve reread many books, especially when I was younger. Little Women is one I bet I’ve read 75 times. Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s books. Many others. And many that are not classics—These Is My Words, the Emma M Lion series. You’ve opened a can of worms!
The fussy cut plaid center is absolute perfection for that block! Lonesome Dove is a classic in every sense of the word. I don’t think I could break it into smaller sections for most of a year, either! And, your idea to put it on your Kindle works for both font size as well as the heft of the book! Happy reading!
The fussy cut plaid center is absolute perfection for that block! Lonesome Dove is a classic in every sense of the word. I don’t think I could break it into smaller sections for most of a year, either! And, your idea to put it on your Kindle works for both font size as well as the heft of the book! Happy reading!
The fussy cut plaid center is absolute perfection for that block! Lonesome Dove is a classic in every sense of the word. I don’t think I could break it into smaller sections for most of a year, either! And, your idea to put it on your Kindle works for both font size as well as the heft of the book! Happy reading!
Love Lonesome Dove, one of those books that reads differently at age 70+ than it did years ago. I live in McMurtry country. My son did art work in a competition to name McMurtry’s bookstore. He didn’t win but we got acquainted with the town where many McMurtry novels are based. The bookstore was named The Blue Pig. How soon can you find that connection in Lonesome Dove??
Love Lonesome Dove, one of those books that reads differently at age 70+ than it did years ago. I live in McMurtry country. My son did art work in a competition to name McMurtry’s bookstore. He didn’t win but we got acquainted with the town where many McMurtry novels are based. The bookstore was named The Blue Pig. How soon can you find that connection in Lonesome Dove??
Love Lonesome Dove, one of those books that reads differently at age 70+ than it did years ago. I live in McMurtry country. My son did art work in a competition to name McMurtry’s bookstore. He didn’t win but we got acquainted with the town where many McMurtry novels are based. The bookstore was named The Blue Pig. How soon can you find that connection in Lonesome Dove??
I am a staunch re-reader of favorite books. I can’t tell you how many times I have read
A River Runs Through It – my favorite story. Good books never get old.
I am a staunch re-reader of favorite books. I can’t tell you how many times I have read
A River Runs Through It – my favorite story. Good books never get old.
I am a staunch re-reader of favorite books. I can’t tell you how many times I have read
A River Runs Through It – my favorite story. Good books never get old.
1) I loved this book when I read it in the early 90s. I convinced my husband to read it after I was done and he said, “eh. not great.” wth?! so many exciting scenes.
2) I read The Count of Monte Cristo during the pandemic. over 1,000 pages but it was good. I thought it held up well for being written over 100 yrs ago.
3) I bought Middlemarch because a lot of people said it was a real classic. I still haven’t read it but will eventually crack it open. Jane Eyre holds up well. The movie with Michael Fassbender is well done.
1) I loved this book when I read it in the early 90s. I convinced my husband to read it after I was done and he said, “eh. not great.” wth?! so many exciting scenes.
2) I read The Count of Monte Cristo during the pandemic. over 1,000 pages but it was good. I thought it held up well for being written over 100 yrs ago.
3) I bought Middlemarch because a lot of people said it was a real classic. I still haven’t read it but will eventually crack it open. Jane Eyre holds up well. The movie with Michael Fassbender is well done.
1) I loved this book when I read it in the early 90s. I convinced my husband to read it after I was done and he said, “eh. not great.” wth?! so many exciting scenes.
2) I read The Count of Monte Cristo during the pandemic. over 1,000 pages but it was good. I thought it held up well for being written over 100 yrs ago.
3) I bought Middlemarch because a lot of people said it was a real classic. I still haven’t read it but will eventually crack it open. Jane Eyre holds up well. The movie with Michael Fassbender is well done.
Did not read the book, but absolutely LOVED the mini series back in the day. We bought the set on DVD and have re-watched it a couple of times in the intervening years. Love the bickering back-and-forth between the Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall characters.
Your block is beautifully done, with the perfect fussy cut center!
Did not read the book, but absolutely LOVED the mini series back in the day. We bought the set on DVD and have re-watched it a couple of times in the intervening years. Love the bickering back-and-forth between the Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall characters.
Your block is beautifully done, with the perfect fussy cut center!
Did not read the book, but absolutely LOVED the mini series back in the day. We bought the set on DVD and have re-watched it a couple of times in the intervening years. Love the bickering back-and-forth between the Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall characters.
Your block is beautifully done, with the perfect fussy cut center!
My Dad read this and gave to me saying I HAD to read. I was reading it when the mini-series came out. I was watching at night and reading all day long to keep ahead of the story on TV. I also thought the actors nailed the characters and were exactly the way I pictured as written. I’ve recommended this book many times to people. I have read most of Larry McMurtry’s books! I love the women he writes in his stories. I may just have to reread this book!
My Dad read this and gave to me saying I HAD to read. I was reading it when the mini-series came out. I was watching at night and reading all day long to keep ahead of the story on TV. I also thought the actors nailed the characters and were exactly the way I pictured as written. I’ve recommended this book many times to people. I have read most of Larry McMurtry’s books! I love the women he writes in his stories. I may just have to reread this book!
My Dad read this and gave to me saying I HAD to read. I was reading it when the mini-series came out. I was watching at night and reading all day long to keep ahead of the story on TV. I also thought the actors nailed the characters and were exactly the way I pictured as written. I’ve recommended this book many times to people. I have read most of Larry McMurtry’s books! I love the women he writes in his stories. I may just have to reread this book!
I have not read this book but now I really want to. You always have such good book recommendations! I would love to re read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I really enjoyed it when I read it about 20 years ago.
I have not read this book but now I really want to. You always have such good book recommendations! I would love to re read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I really enjoyed it when I read it about 20 years ago.
I have not read this book but now I really want to. You always have such good book recommendations! I would love to re read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I really enjoyed it when I read it about 20 years ago.
Hi Nicole. I have read Lonesome Dove twice and may read it at least one more time. An epic tale! The miniseries was so faithful to the story and I loved the choice of actors for the roles. I do believe it is one of the best miniseries I have ever seen.
Hi Nicole. I have read Lonesome Dove twice and may read it at least one more time. An epic tale! The miniseries was so faithful to the story and I loved the choice of actors for the roles. I do believe it is one of the best miniseries I have ever seen.
Hi Nicole. I have read Lonesome Dove twice and may read it at least one more time. An epic tale! The miniseries was so faithful to the story and I loved the choice of actors for the roles. I do believe it is one of the best miniseries I have ever seen.
Lonesome Dove is my all-time favorite book. Ever. I read it in the 80s, when it first came out, and have watched the series numerous time. I need to read it again. I think I’ll going the read-along if it isn’t too late.
Lonesome Dove is my all-time favorite book. Ever. I read it in the 80s, when it first came out, and have watched the series numerous time. I need to read it again. I think I’ll going the read-along if it isn’t too late.
Lonesome Dove is my all-time favorite book. Ever. I read it in the 80s, when it first came out, and have watched the series numerous time. I need to read it again. I think I’ll going the read-along if it isn’t too late.