tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21493950921581368472024-03-13T10:05:00.454-07:00MJ's literary odysseyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-90936196678964529222015-02-05T09:15:00.001-08:002015-02-05T09:15:09.996-08:00<b>Wildalone by Krassi Zourkova</b><br />
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When I first read the description of this book I was a little skeptical. It touted the book as "a bewitching blend of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches." Now I've read most of those books and really enjoyed them, so my interest is piqued. Anything compared to Jane Eyre must be good. And you know what, it really was!<br />
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The book is a masterpiece of intrigue, innocence, the paranormal, historical, and mythological all in one. It centers on Thea Slavin, a piano prodigy from Bulgaria starting her first year at Princeton. But she is also there to uncover the secret of what happened to her sister, whom she didn't even know existed until shortly before leaving, while she was at Princeton several years before. That curiosity pulls her into a world unlike any she has ever seen before that presents a combination of Greek and Bulgarian mythology.<br />
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Another thing I really enjoyed about the book was its sensuality. It was rich, dark and mysterious that wraps around the reader, adding a little spice yet still being below the line of full on erotica. It is difficult to achieve that kind of balance, and I think the author did it splendidly.<br />
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I also loved the descriptions of Princeton. I've never been there, but through this book I felt like I was really seeing it. She placed me at the scene and with Thea I went to the landmark buildings that make up this stunning campus. I think a little visit may be in the cards soon. Who knows, maybe I'll find my tall, dark and handsome stranger too!<br />
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<b>History lesson!</b><br />
the story of Orpheus in Greek mythology. The tale of Orpheus features prominently in this book. It is the tale of a musician so gifted that the Gods would sit up and pay attention. He could charm all animals, trees, and even stones with his lyre. He shows up in Greece around the 6th century BCE, although noted writers of this period such as Homer don't mention him. <br />
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One of his most famous stories stems from devotion to his wife, Eurydice. When she dies Orpheus travels to the underworld to bring her back. He charms Hades who tells him that he can have Eurydice back, but must lead her out of the underworld without once looking back at her. Unfortunately, the temptation proves too much- he looks back, and Eurydice dies all over again. Orpheus is devastated and never gets over it. He meets his end at the hand of Maenads (servants of Dionysis) because he has betrayed his god. Or is that really the reason? Read Wildalone for another perspective. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-82754159547370854802015-01-23T12:05:00.001-08:002015-01-23T12:05:24.026-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zx_-KRTbQJI/VMKpaDDiHpI/AAAAAAAAAsM/ykRuhSrRnFY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zx_-KRTbQJI/VMKpaDDiHpI/AAAAAAAAAsM/ykRuhSrRnFY/s1600/index.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a>Have you ever just wanted to escape the constraints of your own life? Have you ever wished that instead you could live in a world where your fantasies can become a reality of sorts? Well that is the world in which Ready Player One is set. It's really only a few years away from the present given our trajectory. This virtual world, the Oasis, is a 24 hour dive into those fantasies. Here you can be anything and everything you ever wanted to be. Just plug yourself in and you're ready to go! Sounds amazing, doesn't it? I know you are nodding.<br />
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But let's take a moment and think about what a fully immersive dream world might do to the real world. I'm not the only person who would prefer my dreams to what is currently my life. So let's say that an entire society makes this call. Then the country. Then the world. Who is left to encounter reality?<br />
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So the real world deteriorates as people only really care about how much electricity and bandwidth they have. And that enables some to rise up and take control of that reality now that no one is looking. So then everything, real and virtual, slowly gets enveloped as you lose more and more control over everything that was once important- the internet, human interaction, the economy, leadership. While no one was paying attention the world got taken over by tyrants who believe they can do whatever they want, because hey, that's the whole point of the OASIS, right?<br />
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They slowly make the virtual populace dependent upon them in order to achieve those dreams and fantasies. And before you know it your life is no longer your own. And you don't notice because you're still dreaming.<br />
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I'd be lying to myself if I said I didn't want to experience the OASIS. But having your economic future dependent upon how much the tyrants want you to pay for those now necessary items to your new life is very shaky ground. They could pull the rug out from under you at any time, for any reason that they want.<br />
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So when a teenager becomes enemy number one due to a contest that would hand off total control of the OASIS to the winner, things get ugly. Your dream world turned into a nightmare. You have to hide your real self so you aren't found and exterminated before you can finish the quest. Nothing is certain anymore and the game keeps changing.<br />
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But this story is not all dark. It is also a story of hope, that in every point of darkness a light will emerge to bring things back to center. In Ready Player One, it was one boy in whose hands the future, both virtual and real, lies. He is the one to stand up to the tyrant and tell them that there is someone who will fight to save control of our dreams and realities. And that beacon of hope inspires countless numbers to wake up, look around, and realize that what is being taken away is precious. So they join the fight.<br />
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This book is amazing because of the many layers it has. On the surface it is just a video game. Then you dig deeper and find the criticism for where our own society is headed. To that all I can say is not to give up your dreams to someone else, even if it seems easier. Take control of your life. That is the only way you can really live.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-29559444294575851942014-11-18T13:43:00.004-08:002014-11-18T13:43:52.310-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Singular Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Rudolph Raspe</b></div>
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<b>3 stars</b></div>
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<b>The Beloved Baron Himself</b></div>
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The Baron Munchausen is quite a character. He can singlehandedly defeat great beasts, make ships fly, discover new lands (even those on the moon) and in general, always save the day. He reminds me a great deal of Don Quixote, actually. Although instead of Rocinante, he has a bevy of fine beasts: one horse whom only he could tame (and then of course ride inside for tea, because, why not?), some fabulously brilliant dogs who smell game even in the middle of the ocean (and I can't even get my dog to sit more than 2 seconds), a gigantic seahorse whose eyes he gouged out and then took to riding, and a pair of great eagles whom he rode all around with, and also enabled them to get very drunk on native fruit (such a good influence). Each story is more ridiculous than the next, but he does succeed in creating a welcome distraction from the real world. I recommend reading some of his exploits to escape with a light read. </div>
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<b>Origins of the Baron</b></div>
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Unlike Quixote, Baron Munchausen is a real person. He was a German aristocrat who lived from 1720-1797. His main contribution to posterity was his love of telling tall tales, especially at dinner parties with his friends. The legend he built himself up to be was snatched by the literary presses in the 1780s. The first English version was published by Rudolph Raspe in 1785. Not to be outdone, the tales were translated back into German the following year. </div>
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The Baron has appeared in more than 100 different volumes to date. His exploits have been heard on the radio and seen on the stage. He has been a cartoon and part of a feature film. So it seems that he did achieve great things, just perhaps not what he intended to be known for, but has been an enchanting diversion to audiences for more than two centuries. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-73734886552330174342014-11-04T14:15:00.000-08:002014-11-04T14:15:12.610-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always been a fan of Top Ten Tuesday, which comes to us from <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/">The Broke and The Bookish</a>.<br />
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This week's topic is which books I'd like to re-read if we were in an ideal world where I actually had time for such things. Here are mine, but let me know yours as well!<br />
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1. <b>The Entire Harry Potter Series</b>. These books truly enchanted me and I love the immersive feeling of being a part of the wizarding world. Since I don't re-read because there are far too many books in the world, I have to content myself with re-watching the movies now and again. At least I have that.<br />
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2. <b>Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia Wrede</b>. This is an adult retelling of the classic fairytale and one of my absolute favorite books. It has been so long since I've read it and I long to return to the coziness of its beautifully woven story.<br />
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3.<b> Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.</b> Another one of my favs. I've watched movies but none can get it just right for me. The only thing I can do is return.<br />
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4. <b>Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.</b> There are some pretty good movie versions of this one (ahem Colin Firth, soaking wet) but the book will always hold a special place in my heart.<br />
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5. <b>The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. </b>This one puts together an intricate and dark genealogy of the Mayfair witches, stretching back generations. I love how much love was put into each and every story. <br />
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6. <b>The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.</b> Fabulous and dark, with so many twists I'm pretty sure I missed something in my first reading.<br />
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7. <b>If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino</b>. I'd love to forget I've read this one and read it again from scratch. I had such a great time with this book! Note: If you haven't read it yet, go do it. Now.<br />
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8. <b>Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.</b> Murakami is so beautifully layered that I am sure that if I reread this book it would be like reading it for the first time all over again. There are so many details that may only surface the second time around.<br />
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9. <b>Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts.</b> My first Roberts read and one that I truly loved. I would hope to recapture the magic it gave me the first time. I've read other Roberts books since this one, but none have quite reached this level for me.<br />
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10. <b>The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde</b>. These books are true pleasures. They are so smart and witty and just fun. I'd love to go back to the beginning. <br />
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Well there's mine. What made your list?<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-47226006696132041552014-10-31T08:52:00.001-07:002014-10-31T08:52:56.745-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Halloween Everyone!</span></span></span></div>
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Let's kick off this All Hallow's Eve by talking about our favorite books and movies with a spooky twist! Now I'll be the first person to admit that I have a fear tolerance of an eleven year old, so my favorites are not going to be nearly as dark as yours might be. But please share your Halloween must-haves here!<br />
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<u>Favorite Halloween Movie</u>: <b><span style="color: orange;">Hocus Pocus</span></b><br />
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This movie has everything I need in a Halloween flick: witches, magic, and Bette Midler. Seriously, I can never get tired of her fantastic rendition of "I put a spell on you." Pure genius. For those who haven't heard of this movie, Bette Midler. Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker play 3 bad witches who are raised from the dead on Halloween night by a virgin who lit a special candle. Now they are out to suck the life out of the children of Salem, and only 3 kids can stop them! A fun, family-friendly, wild ride.<br />
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<u>Favorite Halloween TV Show</u>: <span style="color: orange;"><b>It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown</b></span><br />
What's not to love? Linus' obsession with the Great Pumpkin, a Santa-like character who brings presents to good little girls and boys? The song he sings about waiting? All your favorite Peanuts characters in full animation? Yeah, this is a must for every Halloween.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxxgWOU6o/VFOqLzP1liI/AAAAAAAAAk0/SsHiHR_7zAo/s1600/200px-Thirteenthtale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxxgWOU6o/VFOqLzP1liI/AAAAAAAAAk0/SsHiHR_7zAo/s1600/200px-Thirteenthtale.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a> <u>Favorite Halloween Book</u><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield</b></span><br />
This book is creepy, spooky, and awesomely written. I came across this book sitting on a display at Barnes and Noble, and it was like the book called to me and demanded that I take it home. So I did. I wasn't disappointed. This book centers on a dying, reclusive author who has finally decided to have her life story recorded. So she brings a young journalist to her home and unveils the story of the March family, and in particular the March twins, who have a bond that none can understand in its strange intensity. With myriad twists and turns, this book will consume your attention with every page.<br />
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<u>Favorite Halloween Poem</u>: <span style="color: orange;"><b>The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe</b></span><br />
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I don't know what it is about The Raven, but it never ceases to send shivers up my spine every time I hear or read it. It is so deliciously gothic, so dark, yet so far above the typically fright fests you typically see around Halloween. I love that the whole thing is one big, creepy, mind game, told in a spectacularly haunted way that no one but Poe can emulate. <br />
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<u>Favorite Halloween Song</u>: <b><span style="color: orange;">Thriller by Michael Jackson</span></b><br />
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It just isn't Halloween until I hear Thriller. It has defined the holiday for more than one generation, and the zombie-filled video, catchy music, and most awesome Vincent Price poetry reading ever makes a song for the ages. Come on, you know you have the dance learned by heart!<br />
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So there you go, some of my spooky favorites for Halloween. Have a very happy holiday everyone, and keep your little goblins safe from things that go bump in the night! I'll be the one cowering under the covers with a pumpkin latte in my hand! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-4510888630487723462014-10-30T13:31:00.004-07:002014-10-30T13:35:17.305-07:00I know, I know, it's been forever since I've last posted here. Sorry. Life happens. But I will attempt to take another stab at this blogging and reviewing thing and hopefully someone will read it!<br />
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The book that brings me back is a wonderful read courtesy of Book Club Girls, a program for book clubs from Harper Collins. You had to sign up forever ago, but if you have a book club and they allow more people to sign up I definitely recommend it!<br />
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Anyway, here is the book:<br />
<b>GI Brides: The Wartime Girls Who Crossed the Atlantic for Love<span class="by smallText"> by</span>
</b><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><b>
<span itemprop="name">Duncan Barrett</span> and
</b><span itemprop="name"><b>Nuala Calvi</b>. I rated it 4 stars. </span></span><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview1082364852" style="display: inline;">This
book depicts the real stories of four British women who fell in love
with American GIs during WW2 and followed them to America after the war
ended. Sylvia, Rae, Margaret, and Lyn are all remarkable women who
survived a crushing Blitz in London, and then went and uprooted themselves to a
completely alien world (yes, the United States is very different from England even though we speak the same language). One ends up in California, one Baltimore, one
Georgia, and the other Iowa. </span></span></span></span><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview1082364852" style="display: inline;">Their stories are tales of hope, happiness, despair, frustration, and a wide range of other human emotions.One finds it difficult to understand the sometimes oppressive togetherness of a big Italian American family, and on top of that, develops a crushing illness. Another discovers that her new husband's family, and her new husband, are addicted to gambling. But there are definitely some silver linings here, amongst the struggles babies are born, new families are created, and new homes are made.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview1082364852" style="display: inline;">Although their stories are different, they
all came together through GI bride organizations to create a community
of friendship and support. I loved reading their stories, sharing their
struggles, and rejoicing in their triumphs. This is one of the best books I've
read focusing on WW2 because of its easy, narrative writing style and unique focus on an aspect that is somewhat less depressing than most depictions of the War. I
really enjoyed seeing the war and what followed from this
perspective</span></span>.</span></span></div>
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<b><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">HISTORY TIME!</span></span></b></div>
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<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">I couldn't let you go without a little history lesson, now could I? </span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">The Blitz (1940-41) was a period of intense heavy bombing of the United Kingdom by the Germans. London itself was attacked 71 times during this period with several terrifying explosives that devastated the area and killed more than 40,000 people, half of which were from London alone. The Americans, when they joined the war effort in 1941, stationed themselves in London in preparation for the fateful D-Day attack on Normandy. This attack took more than 4,000 Allied lives, man American and British, but is considered a pivotal turning point for the end of the war. </span></span></div>
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<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Living in such close quarters for so long naturally led to a bit of romance among American GIs and their hosts. Not limited to England, there were war relationships springing up from Germany to Japan. These women hitched their stars on love and made the bold leap forward to join them in America, although the process of delivering the brides was quite lengthy. This upheaval led to a quite diverse Baby Boom in America, again mixing more cultures into the great melting pot that is the United States. It is amazing to hear about the individual stories that make our society and culture what they are today. </span></span></div>
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<b><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">You want more?</span></span></b></div>
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<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Of course you do. If this book interests you, you may want to try The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak, or watch Call the Midwife on PBS (there are books based on this series as well). There are countless numbers of World War II stories out there in every genre, which is a testament to how profound the impact of that war was to an entire generation worldwide. </span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-37326993740210303832011-11-22T13:27:00.000-08:002011-11-22T13:27:19.775-08:00It's Thanksgiving-what are you thankful for?The upcoming holiday has made me think about what I am really thankful for in my life. Although my turkey day festivities will be somewhat stunted by the lack of available family/friends in which to partake a feast, I can still say that there are a great many things I am thankful for (don't worry-I get family time the day after Thanksgiving. No food, but still good family time). So here are my top ten things. What are yours? Please post and let me know!<br />
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1. Family and friends. I am thankful for my family, small as it is, and for my friends, both old and new.<br />
2. My health. Without which I would be able to live my life in the manner to which I've become accustomed.<br />
3. My job. It does more than just pay the bills-it gives me a sense of purpose. And I love the organization that I work for. Being in a nonprofit and working toward something you believe in is endlessly rewarding.<br />
4. Books! My thirst for the written word will never be quenched, and I am thankful that there are so many wonderful books out there for me to explore.<br />
5. The ability to be myself. This is a newly acquired thing for me to be thankful for. I have recently re-discovered myself and feel that I am at last coming into my own independence. I am truly thankful.<br />
6. Humor. Laughter is the best medicine and there is nothing like having a good laugh to cheer you on a dull, dreary day.<br />
7. Love. While I'm not married and not in a relationship at the moment, I am thankful for love all around me. It doesn't have to be romantic love, but also love of beauty, love of art, love of music, and many more loves that I haven't mentioned here.<br />
8. Dreams. We all aspire to something in our lives, and I am thankful for the ability to dream about the future. Dreaming helps us to know what is truly important to us and what we want to achieve in our life.<br />
9. My dog. He is a little fuzzy ball of happiness! Everytime I see his smiling face I am thankful that he is mine.<br />
10. The world around me. There is so much to learn-so much to explore. I am thankful for living in a country that offers up opportunities to become who you want to be-even though there are flaws in the system. I am thankful for the means to travel and learn about other cultures, even though I can't afford to do it as often as I would want. I am thankful to my ancestors for coming to America way back when in order to start a new life, one which would ultimately shape my destiny as well. Many thanks!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-18097120976695197502011-10-27T14:13:00.000-07:002011-10-27T14:13:50.937-07:00Animal Farm by George Orwell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0c1oP7b-yNg/TqnJgatz5MI/AAAAAAAAAIA/JBT_IGP0J8M/s1600/51MYZ2Pg2%252BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0c1oP7b-yNg/TqnJgatz5MI/AAAAAAAAAIA/JBT_IGP0J8M/s1600/51MYZ2Pg2%252BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A "fairy story" written by Orwell which was published around the same time as WWII was ravaging the world. It is a bitter satire on human society replacing humans with farm animals who overthrow their human masters in a revolution. While the beasts all start as equals in a communist-like utopia, it quickly becomes apparent that the pigs are intent on seizing power for themselves. Which leads to one of the most stirring lines in the book "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others".<br />
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After reading the Jungle earlier this year, I noticed many similarities. The horse Boxer for example is a perfect alter-ego for Jurgis of the Jungle, with the mantra "I will work harder" and that blindly loyal faith in those above him. While Jurgis gets disillusioned throughout the novel, Boxer instead works until his usefulness ends, then is cruelly disposed of. This same thing happened a great deal all over the industrialized countries when workers were hurt on the job and had no union representative to stand up for them.<br />
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This fable baldly paints the major things that are wrong with a capitalist society, which breeds greed and a lack of empathy for others. It also points out that the communist ideal will never work as long as one group continually sets themselves above others. This book proved to be prophetic, as several decades after the book was written we witnessed the collapse of one of the largest communist societies, which had become so corrupt and abusive that it was a pale shadow of Marx's utopia. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the bleakest part of this fable is that good, honest people (or animals) are always the ones who suffer for it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-11612957920083452692011-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:002011-01-18T08:39:32.181-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: Most Inspirational Characters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I just love Tuesdays don't you? It means that its time for another Top Ten Tuesday list, sponsored by The Broke and the Bookish.<br />
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Inspiration in a character can come from just about anywhere. My interperetation of the term 'inspirational' would be those characters who inspire you to be a better person, or to really examine the way you think about a situation, or the way a character's goodness and strength have shaped the events in a story. So with that in mind, here are my top ten.<br />
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<b>1. Jane Eyre. </b>I just finished reading this not too long ago (click <a href="http://mjliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2011/01/jane-eyre-by-charlotte-bronte.html">here</a> for my review!), and I was struck so much by how Jane would not be pushed around, even though societal conventions left most women in similar situations completely meek and docile. She values herself and her beliefs, and will not be shaken, not by love and not by force or hardship. There is something in Jane that I think we all can look to for inspiration-we can all use a little of her backbone at times!<br />
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<b>2. Eleanore Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility.</b> She is the most levelheaded and selfless character I know-and always putting the needs of others before herself. While this almost leads to her perfect unhappiness, Jane Austen thankfully remembered poor Eleanore and her struggles and managed to give her the happy ending she so richly deserved.<br />
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<b>3. Lady Jane Gray</b> (lots of Janes, huh?). I know she was a real person, but her story is incredibly inspiring to me. She led a miserable 16 years and was forced onto the throne by her grasping family, supplanting the rightful heir, Mary I. But she was a brilliant scholar at that tender age, corresponding with the great minds of the world. She also had an unshakable devoutness for the Protestant faith-she clung to it to the very end, even when converting may have saved her life. To have such strength of belief and sharpness of mind at 16 years old is just amazing to me. Who knows what she may have achieved had she been allowed to live. See my review for the Alison Weir book based on Jane Grey, Innocent Traitor, <a href="http://mjliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-innocent-traitor-by-alison-weir.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>4. Benny Hogan, Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy.</b> Benny is a larger girl with an even bigger heart who refuses to let anyone's preconceived notions of beauty get her down. She is determined to experience life to the utmost, and even when she is betrayed by those closest to her, she still doesn't shake that powerful inner core. Don't mess with Benny!<br />
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<b>5. Elphaba from Wicked by Gregory Maguire.</b> She goes to the farthest lengths to fight for what she believes in, despite major setbacks like green skin. Always misunderstood, she doesn't give up and strives to the very end to try to do what is right. I admire her strength of character very much. Before reading this book I never would have thought I'd be rooting for the Wicked Witch!<br />
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<b>6. Novalee Nation from Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. </b>Talk about being given a bum hand. Everything that possibly can go wrong to Novalee does. But with a core of inner strength and a little kindness from strangers, she manages to rebuild her life, making it richer and more beautiful than it was before.<br />
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<b>7. Aliena from Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.</b> Another shining example of not giving up even when the odds are against you. Her perserverance and sharp intellect navigated her and her brother from the depths of despair to shining victory. Richard never would have succeeded if it weren't for capable Aliena. Go girl!<br />
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<b>8. Jo March from Little Women.</b> Another strong woman who believes in her family, and also believes in her dreams. She gleefully marches to the beat of her own drummer and finds happiness waiting for her at the bend in the road.<br />
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<b>9. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables.</b> She talks her way into your heart with every page. Her thirst for life is truly infectious, inspiring you to see it through the rose colored glasses that she made.<br />
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<b>10. Will from The Amber Spyglass and the Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman.</b> I should also include Lyra here too, because they really were a team. But I admire Will's strength in being the sole caretaker of his mother, and for managing to find his way in a completely strange world. And the courage he brings to the team of Will and Lyra is crucial to its success. <br />
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I see a pattern up there-I tend to gravitate towards strong women who have to overcome something. How does your list compare?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-73590979912955556582011-01-14T10:44:00.000-08:002011-01-14T10:45:32.921-08:00People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TTCYDD0MH8I/AAAAAAAAAHc/9mpQ9cZfX5Y/s1600/200px-BrooksPeopleoftheBook.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TTCYDD0MH8I/AAAAAAAAAHc/9mpQ9cZfX5Y/s200/200px-BrooksPeopleoftheBook.jpg.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>This book is a fantastic tour through history, following the fate of one 500 year old Jewish prayer book, the Sarajevo Haggadah. While the stories are fictional, the actual book does exist, and it was saved by the muslim assistant curator when the museum was being bombed in the Bosnian war. It is also true that it was similarly saved by a muslim during WW2 when the Nazis took over Sarajevo. He managed to hide the book in a library in the country where it remained safely until the war's end. While these amazing true stories are included in the book, the author paints a portrait of other possible adventures the book had throughout history, including the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, and the harrowing Inquisition that continued long after. Each chapter uncovers a 'mystery' of a certain part of the manuscript, whether it be a wine stain in one corner, or the fate of the missing clasps, or the white hair found on one of the illuminations. These stories are interspersed with the story of Hannah Heath, the modern book preserver who was in charge of preserving the book after the Bosnian war ends. She seeks to learn as much as she can about this book, but in the meantime steps inside her own drama.<br />
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I found the historical chapters much more interesting than Hannah's, but thought they were a good way to tie-in all the adventures that this amazing book may have had, and all the history it has witnessed. A truly engaging book from start to finish, and I learned much of the fate of Jews in Europe in history earlier than WW2. I also learned a little about the process of book conversation and preservation, and how much the materials used to make books have changed in the last 500 years.<br />
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<b>What is a Haggadah? </b>s It is a Jewish religious text that sets out the order of the Passover Seder. Reading the Haggadah is a fulfillment of the scriptural commandment to each Jew to "tell your son" about the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus in the Torah. ("And thou shalt tell thy son in that day, saying: It is because of that which the LORD did for me when I came forth out of Egypt. "<br />
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As of 2006<sup class="plainlinks noprint asof-tag update" style="display: none;"><a class="external text" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Haggadah_of_Pesach&action=edit" rel="nofollow">[update]</a></sup>, the oldest complete readable manuscript of the Haggadah is found in a prayer book compiled by Saadia Gaon in the tenth century. The earliest known Haggadot (the plural of Hagaddah) produced as works in their own right are manuscripts from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries such as "The Golden Haggadah" (probably Barcelona c. 1320) and the "Sarajevo Haggadah" (late fourteenth century). It is believed that the first printed Haggadot were produced in 1482, in Guadalajara, Spain; however this is mostly conjecture, as there is no printer's colophon. The oldest confirmed printed Haggadah was printed in Soncino, Italy in 1486 by the Soncino family. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TTCX1Sd3QpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/os4P0DLIUG0/s1600/220px-Sarejevohagadah.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TTCX1Sd3QpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/os4P0DLIUG0/s200/220px-Sarejevohagadah.gif" width="133" /></a></div>The <b>Sarajevo Haggadah</b> (the book in which People of the Book is based) is one of the oldest Sephardic Haggadahs in the world, originating in Barcelona around 1350. The Haggadah is presently owned by the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, where it is on permanent display.<br />
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The Sarajevo Haggadah is handwritten on bleached calfskin and illuminated in copper and gold. It opens with 34 pages of illustrations of key scenes in the Bible from creation through the death of Moses. Its pages are stained with wine, evidence that it was used at many Passover Seders. In 1991 it was appraised at US$7 million<br />
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<b>Other Books to Consider: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virgin-Blue-Novel-Tracy-Chevalier/dp/0452284449/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295030568&sr=8-1">The Virgin Blue</a> by Tracy Chevalier, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Hyacinth-Blue-Susan-Vreeland/dp/014029628X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295030600&sr=1-1">Girl in Hyacinth Blue</a> by Susan Vreeland, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Air-Shadows-Michael-Gruber/dp/0061456578/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295030624&sr=1-1">The Book of Air and Shadows</a> by Michael Gruber.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-24397101523227549052011-01-13T14:28:00.000-08:002011-01-13T14:28:43.923-08:00Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TS98i6B06hI/AAAAAAAAAHU/pfVHZnpohkA/s1600/je.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TS98i6B06hI/AAAAAAAAAHU/pfVHZnpohkA/s1600/je.jpg" /></a></div>I can see why this book is a classic, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. Jane is such an enduring character, and I was thoroughly engaged with her story from beginning to end. For those who haven't read it yet, the story portrays the life of Jane Eyre, a strong woman who was orphaned as an infant and left to the mercy of her Aunt, who treated her unkindly. Then she gets shipped off to an orphans school where the students starve while getting the bible stuffed down their throats. But she thrives into an independant and thoroughly level-headed woman. So she finishes school to become a private governess to the ward of the rich and not handsome Mr. Rochester. Does her wit and intelligence catch his eye? You'll have to read the book to find out. But let me say that it isn't your typical rags to riches fairy tale. It is about finding yourself and staying true to what you believe in no matter what gets thrown in your way.<br />
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I kept rooting for Jane the whole time that she would get her happy ending, because a woman with her strength of character definitely deserved to be happy. I see a lot of the person that I continually strive to be in Jane-strong but not forceful, who is always willing to stand up for those she loves and maintains a strong hold on what she believes in no matter what. Three cheers for Jane!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-43175617112580849122011-01-11T08:41:00.000-08:002011-01-11T08:41:04.093-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZuaYzgXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vtpVu8V446s/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZuaYzgXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vtpVu8V446s/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We are still in the process of creating resolutions here with Top Ten Tuesday, and this year is an overall book habit resolution list. I have a feeling that our lists this week will all be quite similar, but here goes.<br />
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1. Read books I own and whittle down that incredibly huge "plan to read" pile.<br />
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2. Don't let said "plan to read" pile grow to more than 150 books. This pile is comprised of books waiting to be read that I currently own, and it's in the 130s now. This doesn't include my wish list, which has all the books I'm salivating to own. Really need to cool it on the book buying.<br />
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3. Read more classics. I would like to see more of that 1001 books list on the "have read" shelf.<br />
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4. Use the library. This will help me with the classics. I plan to get audiobooks from the library to get these classics read while still tackling my physical pile.<br />
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5. Post reviews on my blog for just about every book I finish this year.<br />
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6. I don't know if this is a resolution or not, maybe just a goal. I'd like to reach 100 followers this year.<br />
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7. Get an e-reader. I have been holding off for what seems like forever. I need to get on this bandwagon already.<br />
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ok, thats it. I can't think of any more. Oh well.<br />
So how does your list compare?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-82228196913176450942011-01-07T07:54:00.000-08:002011-01-07T07:54:29.168-08:00Literary Blog Hop<a href="http://www.thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Literary Blog Hop" height="150" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/IngridLola/LiteraryBlogHop-1.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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The Blue Bookcase hosts this awesome new-ish blog hop, and I'm happy to participate! This week's question is: <span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">How did you find your way to reading literary fiction and nonfiction?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've had a great love of reading since I was very small. My earliest memories of books revolve around my mother reading to me every night for many years. We delved into many classics, such as the Hobbit and the Chronicles of Narnia and Little Women, A Little Princess and The Secret Garden, as well as many "biographies for kids" called Value Tales, which featured the lives of many prominent figures in history. So through that I not only gained a love of descriptive literary prose, but also of learning about the people and events that have shaped our past and, therefore, our future. I owe it all to my mom, and I will happily pay this gift forward when I have children of my own. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I look forward to hearing about your literary beginnings! </span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-4750490988998849432011-01-06T11:40:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:40:31.221-08:00Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TSYXLvdEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ay9YCT4jFRY/s1600/emp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TSYXLvdEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ay9YCT4jFRY/s200/emp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So rarely does one come across something so original and innovative. Ella Minnow Pea and her beloved cousin Tassie live on the independent island nation of Nollop, just off the coast of North Carolina. Nollop is called thus in honor of Nevin Nollop (not backed up by Wikipedia-the name is probably made up), the supposed author of that famous pangram, The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, , which uses all the letters of the English language. A statue of the "almighty Nollop" stands in the Nollopton square, and has for 100 years, with the famous sentence affixed to it in tiles. But suddenly the tiles start to fall one by one. The Island Council has decided that the tiles falling is a sign from Nollop, who is telling them to strike these letters from every Nollopians' vocabulary. With this decree, things quickly spiral out of control. What can Ella do to save her society without the use of expression?<br />
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I loved the format of telling the story through letters, and really felt the struggle for words as more letters of the alphabet were banned with each chapter. A true picture of a dystopian society which becomes ever increasingly fanatical and oppressing, but Ella and her cousin Tassie remain voices of hope that they can make the madness end. A great example that big change can be brought by seemingly insignificant events, or from the unlikeliest of people. A big heart for my first completed book of the year-one I'll recommend to every lover of words!<br />
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<b>Background information:</b> "<i>The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog</i>" is an English-language pangram, that is, a phrase that contains all of the letters of the alphabet. The earliest known appearance of the phrase is from <i>The Michigan School Moderator</i>, a journal that provided teachers with education-related news and suggestions for lessons.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><span></span></sup> In an article titled "Interesting Notes" in the March 14, 1885 issue, the phrase is given as a suggestion for writing practice: "The following sentence makes a good copy for practice, as it contains every letter of the alphabet: 'A quick brown fox jumps over the very lazy dog.'<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><span></span></sup><br />
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As the use of typewriters grew in the late 19th century, the phrase began appearing in typing and stenography lesson books as a practice sentence. By the turn of the 20th century, the phrase had become widely known. In the January 10, 1903, issue of <i>Pitman's Phonetic Journal</i>, it is referred to as "the well known memorized typing line embracing all the letters of the alphabet".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4"><span> </span></sup>Robert Baden-Powell's book <i>Scouting for Boys</i> (1908) uses the phrase as a practice sentence for signalling.<br />
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<b>Other books you might like: The Giver by Lois Lowry</b> (dystopian culture where no one sees colors), or <b>The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood</b> (dystopian religious regime, where women are property)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-82139127093548365112011-01-04T13:06:00.000-08:002011-01-04T13:45:17.579-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: My to-read Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TSOL4Zcq08I/AAAAAAAAAHI/-yaMjG8GK3U/s1600/ttt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TSOL4Zcq08I/AAAAAAAAAHI/-yaMjG8GK3U/s320/ttt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
We all have those books that we feel incredibly guilty not getting to, whether they be lingering on our shelves since dirt was new, or remain unread as a result of a deficient education (or plain old procrastination, in my case). This year I really resolve to read more books from my physical bookshelf, and try to curttail the amount of books I buy in 2011. It's a goal anyway. That being said, these are the books I hope to get to in 2011:<br />
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<b>1. The Princess and the Dragon by Roberto Pazzi.</b> I picked this up at a garage sale for 50 cents about 2 1/2 years ago. While I originally thought it was a fantasy book, it turns out that it deals with Russia around the time of the revolution. Time to dust the sucker off.<br />
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2. Hood by Stephen Lawhead.</b> Another rummage sale book from over 2 years ago. I have been told that I will like Lawhead, but have been reluctant to being pulled into another series. Maybe this will be the year.<br />
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<b>3. The Secret Bride by Diane Haeger.</b> I took a break from Tudors in 2010, because I felt like I had heard the stories so many times I could recite them in my sleep. But this book is still on my shelf, demanding I read it.<br />
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<b>4. The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory.</b> See previous statement about Tudors. I've also resolved to read everything by Gregory, and this book is the next on my list.<br />
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<b>5. The Epicure's Lament by Kate Christensen.</b> The book sounded interesting when I snatched it up at a yard sale. Let's see, shall we?<br />
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<b>6. Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund.</b> I really enjoyed Sherlock in Love, also by this author, and am in need of a book that redeems Marie Antoinette just a little. Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, which I read a couple years ago, really does a great job of painting Marie as vapid and clueless. Was that all there was to her? <br />
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<b>7. Helen of Troy by Margaret George.</b> I read Memoirs of Cleopatra last year and enjoyed delving into Egyptian history. I look forward to doing the same with ancient Troy.<br />
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<b>8. P.S. by Studs Terkel. </b>I really want to read more of his books-so far, I've only gotten halfway through Hard Times. This is a short volume written at the end of his life. Let's start at the end and work our way backwards.<br />
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<b>9. The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett.</b> I have longed to read more Patchett since loving Bel Canto. I hope this one doesn't disappoint.<br />
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10. Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami.</b> The next step on my quest to devour the complete works of this ingenious author. Should be fun.<br />
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There they are. How does my list compare to yours?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-54614383152789341692010-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:002010-12-21T09:28:52.877-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: The Ten (only 10!?) Books I Hope Santa Brings Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I know I've been MIA for a while, but life has sorta swallowed me up the past few weeks. But I'm making an appearance for this special holiday Top Ten Tuesday! The top ten books I hope Santa brings me this year are:<br />
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1. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. I must say I have officially been bitten by the buzz from this book. I must have it-there will be no waiting for the paperback!<br />
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2. Room by Emma <span class="book_author">Donoghue. This sounds so original and engaging-I must have it.</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">3. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. This would take a Santa miracle because it hasn't been released yet in English translation, but Santa can do anything, right?</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">4. A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin. While we're on the subject of miracles, could Santa get Martin to finally finish this book already? I've been waiting like 5 years. </span><br />
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<span class="book_author">5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I read the review in Bookmarks magazine and am completely intrigued. </span><br />
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<span class="book_author">6. World Without End by Ken Follett. If Santa brings it to me I just might get to this book.</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">7. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Another book to feed my obsession with the court of King Henry VIII</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">8. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. Samurai and fantasy-ooo it sounds good!</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">9. The Egyptian by Mika Waltari.A richly written novel of 14 century BC Egypt. Right up my alley</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">10. The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Having them all together in one set will greatly increase my chances of reading these books, which have been recommended to me over and over.</span><br />
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<span class="book_author">So there they are! Please please please bring them Santa!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-20847096468103773402010-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:00:55.151-08:00The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits by Les Standiford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPaZCAvqo5I/AAAAAAAAAHA/ZxAhwRJZHaM/s1600/mwi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPaZCAvqo5I/AAAAAAAAAHA/ZxAhwRJZHaM/s1600/mwi.jpg" /></a></div>I've kick started my holiday reading with a closer look at the classic tale which we all know and love, A Christmas Carol, and getting to know the man behind the story a little better. It turns out that Dickens was actually in a bit of a crisis at the time when inspiration struck him to write his "Little Carol". He was practically broke and had baby number 9 on the way (for a total of 10 children before he divorced his wife-nice.), plus a host of other family issues. Plus his popularity was dwindling, decreasing from the heights of The Pickwick papers with his current periodical, Martin Chuzzlewit. So because of that his publishers were thinking of docking his pay, not very good timing for everything to happen at once. But it took a speaking engagement in the factory swelled hovel that was Manchester for him to spark the idea that would become his greatest achievement: A Christmas Carol. He realized the need to say something on behalf of charity and goodwill toward men, and he certainly succeeded! This book has been called the most perfect case made for charity outside of the Bible. It has been retold in movies, plays, musicals, and been reformatted into hundreds of different editions. True enough, one can hardly have a Christmas without this classic Carol!<br />
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I really enjoyed this book because I love reading about the background and origin of things, and the writing style is charming and entertaining. You can tell the reverence the author has for Dickens, and he has really done his homework in getting the facts. And the chapters on the sheer impact of this novel are astounding! A big recommend from me for all fans of Christmas books, especially the Carol. Now I need to go re-read the novel!<br />
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<b>About the author: </b>Standiford is the author of the critically acclaimed <i>Last Train to Paradise</i>, <i>Meet You in Hell</i>, and <i>Washington Burning</i>, as well as ten novels. Recipient of the Frank O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, he is director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida International University in Miami, where he lives with his wife and three children.<br />
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<b>Other Books to Consider:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Dickenss-Christmas-Carol-Heirloom/dp/B003STCPTE/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291229845&sr=1-4">A Christmas Carol </a>by Charles Dickens, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Morrie-Young-Greatest-Lesson/dp/076790592X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291229885&sr=1-1">Tuesdays with Morrie</a> by Mitch Albom, <a href="http://mjliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/07/loving-frank-by-nancy-horan.html">Loving Frank</a> by Nancy HoranAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-63812456565087914432010-11-30T08:17:00.000-08:002010-11-30T08:17:24.529-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I'd like to be friends withTop Ten Tuesday again, the weekly meme from the <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2010/11/fictional-bffs-jessis-picks.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FJywQY+%28The+Broke+and+the+Bookish%29">Broke and the Bookish</a>. This week we discover who our fictional best friends would be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUhTXCRNFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cyN5idVr7kI/s1600/anne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUhTXCRNFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cyN5idVr7kI/s200/anne2.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>1. Anne Shirley. This Anne-girl manages to bring a smile to the face of anyone who encounters her. She warms hearts and is a terrific 'bosom friend' to Diana. And she always has something interesting to say!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUhhAtiGoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/pqYZTdkISIY/s1600/jo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUhhAtiGoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/pqYZTdkISIY/s200/jo.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>2. Jo March. I have always looked up to Jo. Her strength of character is a perfect model for how I'd like to live my own life. True she makes mistakes, but she is human and determined to live her life in the fullest way possible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUh6XywG8I/AAAAAAAAAGg/xbUXxpV3eE4/s1600/alanna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUh6XywG8I/AAAAAAAAAGg/xbUXxpV3eE4/s1600/alanna2.jpg" /></a></div>3. Alanna of Trebond. She kicks some serious butt, but has a pure heart and a fierce loyalty to her friends. Someone I'd always want in my corner!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiBKkqo7I/AAAAAAAAAGk/EsB7nbt-jbM/s1600/jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiBKkqo7I/AAAAAAAAAGk/EsB7nbt-jbM/s1600/jane.jpg" /></a></div>4. Jane Bennett. She is so sweet and a great sister to Lizzie. I wish she were my older sister too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiL4UxFuI/AAAAAAAAAGo/6bBF1ms3SRk/s1600/pippi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiL4UxFuI/AAAAAAAAAGo/6bBF1ms3SRk/s1600/pippi.jpg" /></a></div> 5. Pippi Longstocking. There could never be a dull moment with Pippi around!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiSXVL_wI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ZwYTSit-u7U/s1600/dickon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiSXVL_wI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ZwYTSit-u7U/s200/dickon.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>6. Dickon from The Secret Garden. He talks to animals and can make things grow-who wouldn't want a friend like that!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiecYV7xI/AAAAAAAAAGw/IwV4Wvkttt4/s1600/eowyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiecYV7xI/AAAAAAAAAGw/IwV4Wvkttt4/s200/eowyn.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>7. Eowyn from Lord of the Rings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan who fights to achieve her own destiny. I think she could teach me a thing or two about inner strength.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiqYiMbmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1GzSZW0ds5Y/s1600/lestat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiqYiMbmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1GzSZW0ds5Y/s1600/lestat.jpg" /></a></div>8. Lestat. He fascinates me, and would love to have many a deep conversation with him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiwzoJ2kI/AAAAAAAAAG4/v31mIyZwnu8/s1600/elphaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUiwzoJ2kI/AAAAAAAAAG4/v31mIyZwnu8/s200/elphaba.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>9. Elphaba from Wicked. Again, she seems like a great person for a conversation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUjcpiAS9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/VfKw4uHnfD8/s1600/bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TPUjcpiAS9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/VfKw4uHnfD8/s200/bridget.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>10. Bridget Jones. She is so scatterbrained and drama-prone that she makes my life seem dull in comparison! Plus we can gush over Colin Firth together. <br />
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so there it is-my top ten. How does your list compare?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-66013296949544768532010-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:002010-11-23T08:17:12.552-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Holiday Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div>Top Ten Tuesday again, a weekly meme from <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2010/11/kimberlys-top-ten-holiday-books.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FJywQY+%28The+Broke+and+the+Bookish%29">the Broke and the Bookish</a>. This week it's favorite holiday books, just in time for Turkey Day!<br />
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<b>1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens</b>. I have read the book and seen countless adaptations of this classic story. I'm also reading a little nonfiction book about how this book changed the way we think about Christmas forever. I don't doubt it. What book can boast that it reinvented Christmas cheer and good will towards all?<br />
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<b>2. The Gift of the Magi by O.Henry</b>. This book always brings me to tears, because no matter how bad things are for this couple financially, the love they have for each other keeps them warm.<br />
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<b>3. The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson</b>. Another touch-me-to-the-point-of-tears book. And so beautifully written too.<br />
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<b>4. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore</b>. My mom read this book to me every Christmas Eve when I was growing up. It will always have a special place in my heart.<br />
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<b>5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss</b>. Love this book. My family used to call me Mindy Lou Who because I loved this book so much.<br />
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<b>6. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs.</b> The illustrations in this classic book are fantastic, and the story can warm any cold night.<br />
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<b>7. The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewel</b>. A bit religious but still very sweet, about a little angel who wants his star to shine the brightest.<br />
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<b>8. Catmas Carols by Laurie Loughlin.</b> A book of traditional Christmas Carols with a kitty twist. Classics include O Hold Me Right (O Holy Night), O Come All Ye Furful and O Little Town of Cat Mayhem.This book never fails to put a grin on my face!<br />
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<b>9. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis</b>. When "always Winter, but never Christmas" begins to melt away, I can't help but feel the touch of the Christmas spirit!<br />
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<b>10. The Nutcracker.</b> I don't remember who wrote the picture book version of this story I had when I was a kid, but I remember looking at the pictures an reading along and wishing I was Clara, so that I could be whisked away to an enchanted land by a handsome nutcracker prince too.<br />
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well, there's 10. I must say that I had to do some heavy digging through my memory banks for this week's list, but I'm glad I did. These books make me smile with fond memories.<br />
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How does your list compare?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-5801214216780131362010-11-19T07:54:00.000-08:002010-11-19T07:54:43.867-08:00Literary Blog Hop<a href="http://www.thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Literary Blog Hop" height="150" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/IngridLola/LiteraryBlogHop-1.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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It's Literary Blog Hop time-a new weekly hop from The Blue Bookcase. <br />
This week's question is: <i>Is there such a thing as literary non-fiction? If so, how do you define it? Examples?</i><br />
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I think there most definitely is such a thing as literary non-fiction. I define it as when an author paints a true event or experience with rich detail and literary prose that it reads like a novel. I wouldn't count your typical dry history book, full of facts which, while interesting, don't move a story along. I do however count many memoirs into this category. For example, I recently read Italo Calvino's <i>Road to San Giovanni</i>, which is a collection of five "memory exercises" about his past, written down in such vivid detail with a healthy smattering of philosophical waxing. While the heart of the book is non-fiction, the book is just as literary as his novels. <br />
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So how about you? Does literary non-fiction exist in your reading experiences?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-86114982868199734642010-11-18T13:52:00.000-08:002010-11-18T13:52:50.342-08:00One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TOWe4kYdiWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/tgvRIHITrvk/s1600/ogk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TOWe4kYdiWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/tgvRIHITrvk/s200/ogk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I venture into the fantasy realm with this recent read. This book is the second volume in the 500 kingdoms series, focusing on Andromeda, princess of a small kingdom by the sea ruled by her mother who doesn't think much of her. Andi tries so hard to get her mother to realize that she is bright and intelligent, and can help her run the kingdom, but doesn't quite realize that her mother's attentions might not be the best thing for her well-being. In her eagerness to please, she stumbles upon some details that don't quite add up- for some reason the number of shipwrecks-which the crown profits from- are drastically increasing.<br />
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And then a dragon comes to town to further complicate things, and to prevent it from destroying their country, the kingdom starts giving the dragon virgins to eat. The kingdom needs a champion to set things right, but that might be more difficult that originally thought. There is more to the story behind the dragon's sudden appearance and the shipwrecks, and as Andi digs deeper, the more likely she will be to end up as said dragon's latest sacrifice.<br />
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A delightful and very quick read-I finished it in a day. I love immersing myself in the world of fairy tales, and love reading about how the characters work with the Tradition, which keeps trying to put everyone on a fairy tale path, whether it be Cinderella or some other tale. It is so interesting hearing what they come up with to circumvent the Tradition and make it work for them instead of forcing them on the path of, say, the helpless princess who falls in love with her protector. Although the first book in the series is still my favorite thus far, this is a welcome addition to the series.<br />
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<b>Other Books to Consider: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Godmother-Tales-Hundred-Kingdoms/dp/0373803338/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290117101&sr=8-1">The Fairy Godmother</a> by Mercedes Lackey, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Enchantment-Orson-Scott-Card/dp/0345482409/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290117122&sr=1-1">Enchantment</a> by Orson Scott Card, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snow-White-Rose-Patricia-Wrede/dp/0142411213/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290117148&sr=1-1">Snow White and Rose Red</a> by Patricia C. WredeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-41823277996575364502010-11-16T13:38:00.000-08:002010-11-16T13:38:34.431-08:00Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Nastiest Villans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TGrZonZy0ZI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XR0iY73arW4/s1600/top+10+Tuesday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's top ten Tuesday again, brought to you by the Broke and the Bookish! This week we explore those nasty villains you just love to hate.<br />
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<b>1. Jack Randall-Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon</b>. This guy is just despicable! He consistently abuses his power and will stop at nothing to not just capture his enemy, but to destroy him entirely-making his life a living hell. Death is easy compared to a fate like that.<br />
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<b>2. Blaine the train from The Dark Tower series by Stephen King</b>. What an amazing villain. He is super intelligent and incredibly evil. His set up and entrance into the story was wonderfully imaginative, and the rhyme associated with him is haunting. <br />
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<b>3. William Hamleigh from Pillars of the Earth</b>. Everything about this character I hated-as he is supposed to be. There wasn't one redeeming thing about him, and I waited the whole book to see him get his comeuppance. <br />
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<b>4. Cathy from East of Eden</b>. I loved Cathy because she was just so completely flawed. She is the perfect villain who shows no remorse at all when she is hurting those around her. She is not really human-something is missing from her soul. <br />
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<b>5. Jean-Baptiste Grenouille from Perfume</b>. A lover of beauty to such an extent that he loses touch with humanity. His path is interesting to read, but I certainly wouldn't want to meet him-creepy.<br />
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<b>6. Faust-</b>the original villain in my opinion. He sells his soul for youth and beauty, and never falters when he destroys the life of an innocent maiden unfortunate enough to have crossed his path. Some would say that 'the devil made him do it' but he could have refused. His weakness makes him the greater evil.<br />
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<b>7. Simon Legree-Uncle Tom's Cabin</b>. He takes pleasure in beating slaves. There is nothing likeable about this character. A true villain.<br />
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<b>8. Abigail Williams from The Crucible</b>. She convinces an entire town that she can tell who is a witch and who isn't-thereby destroying said town and turning neighbor against neighbor. A really nasty little girl.<br />
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<b>9. Javert from Les Miserables</b>. The villain, but a very dedicated man devoted to the point of mania. He will stop at nothing until he captures Jean Valjean. His heart is in the right place, but his obsession makes him a very dangerous person.<br />
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<b>10. Iago from Otello</b>. This guy is just evil to the core. He turns Otello from his wife out of petty jealousy, but he does it so cunningly that Otello doesn't even notice it. Very subtly the seed of doubt and hatred is placed between the once happily married couple.<br />
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well there's 10. I think I could have kept going really, but I'll leave it there. How does it compare to your list?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-41148313126244465972010-11-12T12:25:00.000-08:002010-11-12T12:25:59.745-08:00Literary Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Literary Blog Hop" height="150" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/IngridLola/LiteraryBlogHop-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
I just stumbled upon this new blog hop from the <a href="http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/">Blue Bookcase</a>, and it hit me like a breath of fresh air. So first off, thank you blue bookcase! I can't wait to join you every week.<br />
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This blog hop is open to blogs that primarily feature book reviews of literary fiction, classic literature, and general literary discussion. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">How do I know if my blog qualifies as "literary"?</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span>Literature has many definitions, but for our purposes your blog qualifies as "literary" if it focuses<i> primarily</i> on texts with aesthetic merit. In other words, texts that show quality not only in narrative but also in the effect of their language and structure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This week's question comes from Debbie Nance at <a href="http://www.readerbuzz.blogspot.com/">Readerbuzz</a><br />
<b><i>What is the most difficult literary work you've ever read? What made it so difficult?</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think one of the most difficult literary works I've read is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and this is because it is just so darn sad. All Lenny and George want out of life is the chance to have one that is worth living, and they are just so overwhelmingly denied that. It makes me angry and sad and somewhat disgusted every time I think of it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another one that comes to mind is Notes from the Underground by Dostoyevsky. This is also incredibly depressing, so much so that I had to pause, read something else, and come back to it. Russian literature I can only take in small doses, so that the bleakness emanating from the book doesn't overwhelm me entirely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What about you? What were your difficult books?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-69511241226842848562010-11-12T12:06:00.000-08:002010-11-12T12:06:24.078-08:00Book Blog hop hop hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crazy-for-books.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book Blogger Hop" height="150" src="http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt34/crazybookblog/cfbmemebutton-2.png" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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Hi there! It's time for Friday's book blog hop. I can't wait to check out some new blogs. <br />
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This week's question is:<br />
<div style="color: lime;"><b>"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"</b></div><br />
My answer: Yes, I always start with book one. This is something of a pain because I'll pick up a book 2 at a sale or something, and refuse to read it until I've found book one. I just can't stand not starting things from the beginning. I hate being lost, because more often than not the sequels build upon major elements from previous books-I don't want to miss anything!<br />
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What about you? Do you start in the middle and work your way out?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2149395092158136847.post-49232016921932467742010-11-10T12:56:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:59:01.517-08:00The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cicernos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TNsG5W1WFZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/yGanHxjSTqw/s1600/150px-MangoStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r4I8jINO8wg/TNsG5W1WFZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/yGanHxjSTqw/s1600/150px-MangoStreet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="ugc">This book, set in Chicago, portrays a family and a neighborhood of recent immigrants from Mexico. It is told in small vignettes from the point of view of Esperanza, a young girl who has moved to the House on Mango Street from a series of terrible apartments. Through the vignettes, which almost read like little poems, we learn of the people who make up her family and her neighborhood, who become a sort of extended family. The struggles with fitting in, being poor, and making a place for yourself in a new world are all laced within the pages of this short novel. It could really be set in any time, because the problems these immigrants face are the same as they were 50 years ago, only now there is even more scarcity of resources, particularly in Chicago. But the basic human aspiration to succeed is the strongest theme in the book, which had me hoping that Esperanza would not let the depression of her current status get her down- that she would rise above it. </div><div class="ugc"><br />
Living in Chicago makes this book even more real to me, because there are tons of neighborhoods just like Mango street all around me. There is that strange mingling of fear and hope, and a desire to provide for your family at all cost. Hispanic immigrants are very quickly becoming the major ethnicity in this town, as more and more flock to the city for the chance of a better life. But with that comes the enormous contingent of hate, crime, and depression which leads to violence. These also appear in this book, from Esperanza's perspective. There is no balance here. It's a sad reality, but reality it is.<br />
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<b>About the Author: </b>Sandra Cicernos' work experiments with literary forms and investigates emerging subject positions, which Cisneros herself attributes to growing up in a context of cultural hybridity and economic inequality that endowed her with unique stories to tell. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and is regarded as a key figure in Chicana literature.<br />
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Cisneros's early life provided many experiences she would later draw on as a writer: she grew up as the only daughter in a family of six brothers, which often made her feel isolated, and the constant migration of her family between Mexico and the USA instilled in her the sense of "always straddling two countries... but not belonging to either culture." Cisneros's work deals with the formation of Chicana identity, exploring the challenges of being caught between Mexican and Anglo-American cultures, facing the misogynist attitudes present in both these cultures, and experiencing poverty. For her insightful social critique and powerful prose style, Cisneros has achieved recognition far beyond Chicano and Latino communities, to the extent that <i>The House on Mango Street</i> has been translated worldwide and is taught in American classrooms as a coming-of-age novel.<br />
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Cisneros has held a variety of professional positions, working as a teacher, a counselor, a college recruiter, a poet-in-the-schools, and an arts administrator, and has maintained a strong commitment to community and literary causes. In 1998 she established the Macondo Foundation, which provides socially conscious workshops for writers, and in 2000 she founded the Alfredo Cisneros Del Moral Foundation, which awards talented writers connected to Texas. Cisneros currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.<br />
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<b>Other Books to Consider: </b><a href="http://mjliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/09/middlesex-by-jeffrey-eugenides.html">Middlesex</a> by Jeffrey Eugenides, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outsiders-S-Hinton/dp/014038572X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289422503&sr=8-1">The Outsiders</a> by S.E. Hinton, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Movie-Tie--Vintage-International/dp/0307740994/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285268892&sr=8-1">Never Let Me Go</a> by Kazuo Ishiguro.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159258988339317505noreply@blogger.com2