Peg, your reading list is enormously impressive - *applauds*. You are remarkable in your dedication to making time to read in between work, family and writing commitments. More than two Dickens tomes in a month is way more than just "respectable". I confess I am far more likely in my Dickens re-reads to do the later books - Our Mutual Friend, Bleak House, Little Dorrit. Astute observation of the parallels with Cassie's VSDs - I have often thought of Dickens' writing methods as similar to serial publication of fanfic. Have fun with your March books!