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This book took me a long time to get into. I honestly took like 2 months to get through the first 8 or 9 chapters. Then I was like a woman possessed and read the rest of the book within 3 days. This book was very ridiculous in some ways, but also made me laugh and enjoy the risque elements I would never have otherwise.
The plot was a little ridiculous, and the main character annoyed me a little. She was whiny and at times also moody and reminded me of a teenager in love. I mean I know she was only supposed to be 21, but I don't know it seemed more like a high school novel with crazy sex scenes thrown in. The writing was nothing special, and the beginning chapters I found really boring. Then half way through it is revealed Mr. Grey's sexual preferences and the book gets semi interesting and pretty unbelievable.
If you want an easy book to read with a basic love story and the sex write out there in the novel, then this would be the one for you!
13 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi
12. Sun Storm by Assa Larsson
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This was a crazy book. Pretty short but had me hooked from the start. This was originally a story written in Swedish I believe and so its translated into English. Certain sections and the writing can be off with meaning and flow, but otherwise I found it to be an intriguing thriller with the "who is guilty" constantly wracking your mind. A lot of questions remain unanswered for me, and the end isn't a neat bow tying everything up nicely. A lot of it is still open-ended leaving you to piece together exactly what happened. I think in the end Sanna was the most guilty person in the whole novel, but that you can decide for yourself.
The character's I thought were very believable. Many of the men seemed to have issues with woman and looked down on them constantly throughout the story. The prosecutor, the pastors, most of the men in the novel. There were many different people's perspectives and views you were able to see, which made the book very interesting. You got to hear inside most of the main characters heads exactly what they thought and were feeling which gave more questions and less answers at the same time. Very interesting way of writing.
If you liked the "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" this is a lighter dose of a thriller/mystery type of novel and would be a great dip in the pool of such types of books.
The character's I thought were very believable. Many of the men seemed to have issues with woman and looked down on them constantly throughout the story. The prosecutor, the pastors, most of the men in the novel. There were many different people's perspectives and views you were able to see, which made the book very interesting. You got to hear inside most of the main characters heads exactly what they thought and were feeling which gave more questions and less answers at the same time. Very interesting way of writing.
If you liked the "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" this is a lighter dose of a thriller/mystery type of novel and would be a great dip in the pool of such types of books.
13. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
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This book I really just read because I saw the movie version, and it was the only book I recognized that I could get for free on my kindle. The movie was just okay to me, pretty boring and took me like 3 tries to finish watching it so I thought the novel would be better.
I liked how the novel went back and forth with Jacob in his present day self, old and left at some nursing home as his kids couldn't take him in, and then his flash backs to what his life was like back when he worked on a circus. The scenes of his life in the nursing home were so heart wrenching and real, reminded me of when my great aunt was in one and just the more lonely and senile she got, just because of where she was.
The book was a decent read, it kept me pushing through to hear more about Jacob and Rosie, the elephant. I actually felt that the elephant wasn't as big of an element in the book as it was in the movie, which is interesting. Especially as the book is literally titled Water for Elephants.
I liked how the novel went back and forth with Jacob in his present day self, old and left at some nursing home as his kids couldn't take him in, and then his flash backs to what his life was like back when he worked on a circus. The scenes of his life in the nursing home were so heart wrenching and real, reminded me of when my great aunt was in one and just the more lonely and senile she got, just because of where she was.
The book was a decent read, it kept me pushing through to hear more about Jacob and Rosie, the elephant. I actually felt that the elephant wasn't as big of an element in the book as it was in the movie, which is interesting. Especially as the book is literally titled Water for Elephants.
14. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
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This book is literally what the HBO series TrueBlood was based on. It was a very silly book. I enjoyed it, but it was nothing fancy. Sookie Stackhouse was a funny southern character that has an interest in Vampires. As they have just "come out of the coffin" as it were and announced their real existence to the world. The novel is all about her weirdness, as she can hear people's thoughts and always felt like an outsider, but once Bill Compton comes into Merlottes, he is the first person she encounters that she can not hear, and that brings her peace.
The book as pretty much exactly like the first season of the show, and I am not going to lie, TrueBlood is my guilty pleasure. But what I thought was crazy, is that there is no such character named Tara!! She was a character they made up for the show! Other than that, everything else was pretty similar to the book. If you want a light read that is silly and easy going, than this is one for you.
The book as pretty much exactly like the first season of the show, and I am not going to lie, TrueBlood is my guilty pleasure. But what I thought was crazy, is that there is no such character named Tara!! She was a character they made up for the show! Other than that, everything else was pretty similar to the book. If you want a light read that is silly and easy going, than this is one for you.
18. A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
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This was probably one of the weirdest books I have ever read. It was entertaining and kept me hooked to keep reading, but unfortunately the end of the book felt like a big let down. The plot was about the main character becoming a hand of death, where he helps souls move from one person to the next through inanimate objects. It did entertain me, the writing was funny, filled with sarcasm, but it was a book from start to finish you knew it was completely fantastical and not real.
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy fantasy novels with magic or vampires and other such craziness, but I like to read novels and stories like that where it can almost convince me it could really happen. That such a world could be existing right under our noses. This book was just soooo over the top and ridiculous that it was unbelievable. I hope that makes sense. I wouldn't recommend this book personally, I have mentioned it to people as so odd and ridiculous but not to bother reading it.
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy fantasy novels with magic or vampires and other such craziness, but I like to read novels and stories like that where it can almost convince me it could really happen. That such a world could be existing right under our noses. This book was just soooo over the top and ridiculous that it was unbelievable. I hope that makes sense. I wouldn't recommend this book personally, I have mentioned it to people as so odd and ridiculous but not to bother reading it.
12 Ekim 2012 Cuma
A Review of 'The Patron Saint of Butterflies' by Cecilia Galante
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"Agnes and Honey have always been different, but the older they get, the more they are growing apart. Born into Mount Blessing, a religious commune with stringent rules and guarded secrets, the girls are complete opposites of each other. While Agnes has made it her life's purpose to become a saint, Honey wants to her as far away from the commune as possible. When Agnes's grandmother Nana Pete unexpectedly visits, she discovers one of the commune's most sinister secrets. Fearing for their safety, Nana Pete takes the girls and flees Mount Blessing.
During their journey from the commune toward what Honey hopes will be a normal life, the girls test the bonds of their lifelong friendship, and Agnes struggles to hang on to the life she had. Only when the biggest-- and most dangerous-- lie is finally unearthed does Agnes realize she must find the courage to make her own future.
This stunning debut novel, inspired by the author's own experiences, is a powerful tale of faith, friendship, and the true meaning of love."
After finishing this book, I am a little bit speechless. It's been a while since I read a book that I can relate to so well and yet still get so angry at. It was really difficult to make a choice regarding which "side" I was on: Honey's or Agnes's. I hated how far-gone Agnes was, delving into the extremes of Christianity. Whenever someone tried to talk a little sense (and by that, I do not mean convert) into her, she shut her ears and refused to listen, following the antics of a seven-year-old. I have no problem reading books about religion, but this was one book that got my heart racing, I was so scared. The word that comes to mind when I think of Mount Blessing is, "cult." One person was telling everyone at the commune how to think. It was absolutely frightening for me to read about this and the author did such a great job of going into detail and not holding anything back.
I didn't completely agree with Honey either, though I could relate more to her than I could to Agnes. For a while, it was really hard to tell whether or not she actually believed in God, the way she was talking to Agnes. I've come to the conclusion that she is just a less extreme Christian. She was enjoying herself immensely when they went to a Baptist service. I appreciated her attempts to reverse Agnes's brainwashing (though, maybe instead of "brainwashing," we could say "upbringing").
I will also say that I loved that this Young Adult book did not contain a love triangle. Finally! It's absolutely possible! This made this book quite refreshing, even if it is about four years old.
Nana Pete was such a powerful character. I admire her to the ends of the earth for bringing her grandchildren out of the situation they were in. It was very gutsy to take her grandchildren away from their parents without their permission (even then permission of one of her grandchildren) and just leave.
The most powerful thing in this book, in my opinion, is that you do not have to lead a perfect life in order to follow God or whomever you believe in. You don't have to be as extreme as Agnes was. You can still live a free life. I think you could even go so far as to say you need only be a decent human being. You do not have to do this in the name of a higher power, but if that helps you, that's fine. You do not need to prove your goodness. If you are good, you are good. Any higher power will be able to see this.
Overall, this book was very eye-opening and it was nice to get two perspectives. I think just about everything about this book worked for this story. It's a beautiful debut novel by Cecilia Galante.
I give 'The Patron Saint of Butterflies':
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
"Agnes and Honey have always been different, but the older they get, the more they are growing apart. Born into Mount Blessing, a religious commune with stringent rules and guarded secrets, the girls are complete opposites of each other. While Agnes has made it her life's purpose to become a saint, Honey wants to her as far away from the commune as possible. When Agnes's grandmother Nana Pete unexpectedly visits, she discovers one of the commune's most sinister secrets. Fearing for their safety, Nana Pete takes the girls and flees Mount Blessing.During their journey from the commune toward what Honey hopes will be a normal life, the girls test the bonds of their lifelong friendship, and Agnes struggles to hang on to the life she had. Only when the biggest-- and most dangerous-- lie is finally unearthed does Agnes realize she must find the courage to make her own future.
This stunning debut novel, inspired by the author's own experiences, is a powerful tale of faith, friendship, and the true meaning of love."
After finishing this book, I am a little bit speechless. It's been a while since I read a book that I can relate to so well and yet still get so angry at. It was really difficult to make a choice regarding which "side" I was on: Honey's or Agnes's. I hated how far-gone Agnes was, delving into the extremes of Christianity. Whenever someone tried to talk a little sense (and by that, I do not mean convert) into her, she shut her ears and refused to listen, following the antics of a seven-year-old. I have no problem reading books about religion, but this was one book that got my heart racing, I was so scared. The word that comes to mind when I think of Mount Blessing is, "cult." One person was telling everyone at the commune how to think. It was absolutely frightening for me to read about this and the author did such a great job of going into detail and not holding anything back.
I didn't completely agree with Honey either, though I could relate more to her than I could to Agnes. For a while, it was really hard to tell whether or not she actually believed in God, the way she was talking to Agnes. I've come to the conclusion that she is just a less extreme Christian. She was enjoying herself immensely when they went to a Baptist service. I appreciated her attempts to reverse Agnes's brainwashing (though, maybe instead of "brainwashing," we could say "upbringing").
I will also say that I loved that this Young Adult book did not contain a love triangle. Finally! It's absolutely possible! This made this book quite refreshing, even if it is about four years old.
Nana Pete was such a powerful character. I admire her to the ends of the earth for bringing her grandchildren out of the situation they were in. It was very gutsy to take her grandchildren away from their parents without their permission (even then permission of one of her grandchildren) and just leave.
The most powerful thing in this book, in my opinion, is that you do not have to lead a perfect life in order to follow God or whomever you believe in. You don't have to be as extreme as Agnes was. You can still live a free life. I think you could even go so far as to say you need only be a decent human being. You do not have to do this in the name of a higher power, but if that helps you, that's fine. You do not need to prove your goodness. If you are good, you are good. Any higher power will be able to see this.
Overall, this book was very eye-opening and it was nice to get two perspectives. I think just about everything about this book worked for this story. It's a beautiful debut novel by Cecilia Galante.
I give 'The Patron Saint of Butterflies':
Thanks for Reading!--Jude
Movie Time! 'Snow White and the Huntsman'
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"In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen."
I saw this movie last night on campus, so I thought that I'd share my thoughts with you! You know, since I've been rather absent lately.
The entire film was exquisite in its cinematography. Every image captured on screen was crisp and wonderful, just as any fairy tale captured on screen ought to be. But once you get past that and look at the actual story, that's where it seems to be lacking.
The story focuses on the relationship between Snow White and the Huntsman (ergo, the title), but I didn't feel that there was much of a connection there. He was sent on a task to retrieve Snow White, who had just escaped from the dark Queen Ravenna. The Huntsman had a task and even though he changed and never brought Snow White back to the castle, there still wasn't anything to remark on as far as a relationship.
Kristen Stewart (Snow White) was awfully similar to Bella Swan in Twilight, what with her nervous blinking and heavy breathing all of the time. Not to mention that both characters took a really long time to die... however, I feel that she's improved a bit as an actress since Twilight, so that's always a good thing.
William should never have been part of the story. He was in Snow White's childhood and he came back towards the end of the movie to help her get to Hammond's castle, but really, he had such a small function in the movie. I found it a little funny that he assumed he and Snow White would fall madly in love purely because they had history together. When he kissed Snow White after biting the apple, it was really strange because they hadn't seen each other in like, ten years or something. It just struck me as incredibly weird and the director/writer should have figured out a way to edit him out.
The Queen and her brother... ew. The brother was so disgusting that chills were running up and down my spine. He was just... gross. From his haircut-gone-awry to his incredibly confusing relationship with the queen, it raised more than a few questions.
Questions were raised throughout the movie. There were key things that I felt should have been known about each of the characters, but instead were not. Why did Queen Ravenna want Snow White's father's kingdom (I believe his name was Magnus)? What happened to the Huntman's first wife? That was never really clarified, even though I know they addressed this at some point. As a result, I really didn't care about any of the characters. When and if they died or were severely injured, it didn't matter to me.
The ending. Oh my god. That was the most infuriating part! There's no closure! Snow White is crowned Queen, but we still don't know what happens with her and the Huntsman, the man who is supposedly her true love, given that he was the one to awaken her from the dead. The movie ends with her coronation and the Huntsman is lurking in the background.
What the crap?! I feel like there isn't a lot left for a sequel (if the writers and director think so, I'd be very interested in knowing their thoughts), so I'm left to assume that I'll never know exactly how this movie ends. There is no closure and for me, that's very unsettling. I'm left to assume that Snow White will fix the kingdom (because of some fickle power that movie-goers can't really see but is implied all the time) and the Huntsman will go back to doing what he's always done, despite being Snow White's true love (and really, who didn't see that one coming?).
Overall, I was disappointed by a lot of things in this movie, but the cinematography and the handful of great actors and characters really saved what could have been an absolute train wreck. Instead, it was just a small train wreck.
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
"In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen."I saw this movie last night on campus, so I thought that I'd share my thoughts with you! You know, since I've been rather absent lately.
The entire film was exquisite in its cinematography. Every image captured on screen was crisp and wonderful, just as any fairy tale captured on screen ought to be. But once you get past that and look at the actual story, that's where it seems to be lacking.
The story focuses on the relationship between Snow White and the Huntsman (ergo, the title), but I didn't feel that there was much of a connection there. He was sent on a task to retrieve Snow White, who had just escaped from the dark Queen Ravenna. The Huntsman had a task and even though he changed and never brought Snow White back to the castle, there still wasn't anything to remark on as far as a relationship.
Kristen Stewart (Snow White) was awfully similar to Bella Swan in Twilight, what with her nervous blinking and heavy breathing all of the time. Not to mention that both characters took a really long time to die... however, I feel that she's improved a bit as an actress since Twilight, so that's always a good thing.
William should never have been part of the story. He was in Snow White's childhood and he came back towards the end of the movie to help her get to Hammond's castle, but really, he had such a small function in the movie. I found it a little funny that he assumed he and Snow White would fall madly in love purely because they had history together. When he kissed Snow White after biting the apple, it was really strange because they hadn't seen each other in like, ten years or something. It just struck me as incredibly weird and the director/writer should have figured out a way to edit him out.
The Queen and her brother... ew. The brother was so disgusting that chills were running up and down my spine. He was just... gross. From his haircut-gone-awry to his incredibly confusing relationship with the queen, it raised more than a few questions.
Questions were raised throughout the movie. There were key things that I felt should have been known about each of the characters, but instead were not. Why did Queen Ravenna want Snow White's father's kingdom (I believe his name was Magnus)? What happened to the Huntman's first wife? That was never really clarified, even though I know they addressed this at some point. As a result, I really didn't care about any of the characters. When and if they died or were severely injured, it didn't matter to me.
The ending. Oh my god. That was the most infuriating part! There's no closure! Snow White is crowned Queen, but we still don't know what happens with her and the Huntsman, the man who is supposedly her true love, given that he was the one to awaken her from the dead. The movie ends with her coronation and the Huntsman is lurking in the background.
What the crap?! I feel like there isn't a lot left for a sequel (if the writers and director think so, I'd be very interested in knowing their thoughts), so I'm left to assume that I'll never know exactly how this movie ends. There is no closure and for me, that's very unsettling. I'm left to assume that Snow White will fix the kingdom (because of some fickle power that movie-goers can't really see but is implied all the time) and the Huntsman will go back to doing what he's always done, despite being Snow White's true love (and really, who didn't see that one coming?).
Overall, I was disappointed by a lot of things in this movie, but the cinematography and the handful of great actors and characters really saved what could have been an absolute train wreck. Instead, it was just a small train wreck.
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
A Review of 'A Drowned Maiden's Hair' by Laura Amy Schlitz
To contact us Click HERE
"On the morning of the best day of her life, Maud Flynn was locked in the outhouse, singing, 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'
That is the day that Maud-- 'plain, clever, and bad' girl of the Barbary Asylum for Female Orphans-- is adopted into a real family, surprising even Maud herself. The elderly Hawthorne sisters, led by the charismatic Hyacinth, think that Maud Flynn is absolutely perfect, and Maud follows them eagerly into a brand-new life, expecting to be pampered and cherished beyond her wildest dreams.
Once she settles in with Hyacinth, Judith, and Victoria to live out an orphan's fantasy, however, Maud learns that 'perfection' has more to do with the secret role she can play in the high-stakes and eerie 'family business' than with her potential as a beloved family member. Not one to give up easily, Maud persists in playing her role in the hopes of someday being rewarded with genuine affection. But the burden of keeping secrets and perpetuating lies grows heavy even for Maud, and she must ultimately decide just how much she is willing to endure for the sake of being loved."
I haven't read middle grade books in such a long time, but it's time to switch gears for a little bit. I first read this years ago, but I remembered liking it, so I decided to read it again-- this time, for review purposes!
In general, the story is pretty intriguing. I love the fact that seances are included in this story. I've never attended one, so it's interesting to toy with the thought of what one would be like. The stakes are set even higher because of Maud's role in this story. She manipulates the spiritual and assists the Hawthorne sisters in the deception of their customers.
There's a moral dilemma that I keep thinking about because of this book. Is it better for someone to have closure or to receive the truth? The answer is probably the very reason why people go to see psychics or have seances. I would love to know your thoughts.
Maud was a great character. The connections she made with other people, even someone who was harder to communicate with like Muffet (Anna). I thought it was really awesome how maternal Muffet was for Maud, especially since the Hawthorne sisters weren't as interested in being Guardians as they were in paying off their various debts and being spiritualists. That was very sad to know that they adopted for selfish reasons. Just as a child should never be born into this world with a task (for example, curing unhappiness in depressed mothers), an adopted child should never have to be brought into a family that expect so much from her and are willing to give very little in return.
What I really like about this book is that even though the situation is a bit foreign to the modern reader, it is still very much read-able. The story takes place in the Victorian era (I'm pretty sure), but Maud is such a good narrator, that everything seems so strange, yet so familiar. When the Hawthorne's and Maud are in Cape Calypso, Maud goes to the boardwalk at night where there is a small amusement park. Her descriptions appeal to all of the senses making you feel like you're actually there.
One thing that I really didn't like was Hyacinth. She was for sure a two-faced character, there's no denying that, but the thing that bothers me (aside from her infuriating responses and utterly selfish character) is that there really didn't seem to be a transition between sweet old woman and psycho-spiritualist-lady. Even reading this a second time, I was left rather confused when she suddenly turns on Maud, essentially for being affectionate. I guess I would prefer more of an obvious transition.
Another thing that I didn't like was how uninvolved Judith and Victoria were despite knowing perfectly well what they were doing with the seances and how prepared they were to take care of Maud. Why didn't they do anything? They were horrible advocates for Maud. Even if they believed that they couldn't take care of Maud, they should have rallied for better care or they should have at least stood up for Maud more often.
One last thing that I didn't care for was the ending. Judith and Victoria did pretty much the only decent thing for Maud and return her to the orphanage, admitting that they failed her and not the other way around. I appreciate this kind of dip in the plot. Everything is supposed to be getting better at this point, but it doesn't until the very end. When Mrs. Lambert turns up saying that she wants to adopt Maud, everything begins to feel very forced. Ultimately, there is closure to Maud's story, but it just seems like a very anti-climactic ending. It just seems so logical and yet outlandish. Logical in the sense that Mrs. Lambert has been following Maud around Cape Calypso and she's really the only remaining character we've been introduced to. It's outlandish in the sense that Maud has hurt Mrs. Lambert very deeply. Why on earth would Mrs. Lambert ever feel like adopting Maud was the solution? There was closure to the ending, but it really feels like the book should have ended in a better way. It was just a little bit too cheesy for me.
Overall, 'A Drowned Maiden's Hair' is a fairly well-written book for younger readers, but there are a handful of drawbacks when reading this book.
I give 'A Drowned Maiden's Hair':
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
P.S. I'm working on writing more reviews, even if they're for movies, and I'm also working on writing up my college adventures, so at least you'll see some kind of content from me each week. Have a lovely first week of October!
"On the morning of the best day of her life, Maud Flynn was locked in the outhouse, singing, 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'That is the day that Maud-- 'plain, clever, and bad' girl of the Barbary Asylum for Female Orphans-- is adopted into a real family, surprising even Maud herself. The elderly Hawthorne sisters, led by the charismatic Hyacinth, think that Maud Flynn is absolutely perfect, and Maud follows them eagerly into a brand-new life, expecting to be pampered and cherished beyond her wildest dreams.
Once she settles in with Hyacinth, Judith, and Victoria to live out an orphan's fantasy, however, Maud learns that 'perfection' has more to do with the secret role she can play in the high-stakes and eerie 'family business' than with her potential as a beloved family member. Not one to give up easily, Maud persists in playing her role in the hopes of someday being rewarded with genuine affection. But the burden of keeping secrets and perpetuating lies grows heavy even for Maud, and she must ultimately decide just how much she is willing to endure for the sake of being loved."
I haven't read middle grade books in such a long time, but it's time to switch gears for a little bit. I first read this years ago, but I remembered liking it, so I decided to read it again-- this time, for review purposes!
In general, the story is pretty intriguing. I love the fact that seances are included in this story. I've never attended one, so it's interesting to toy with the thought of what one would be like. The stakes are set even higher because of Maud's role in this story. She manipulates the spiritual and assists the Hawthorne sisters in the deception of their customers.
There's a moral dilemma that I keep thinking about because of this book. Is it better for someone to have closure or to receive the truth? The answer is probably the very reason why people go to see psychics or have seances. I would love to know your thoughts.
Maud was a great character. The connections she made with other people, even someone who was harder to communicate with like Muffet (Anna). I thought it was really awesome how maternal Muffet was for Maud, especially since the Hawthorne sisters weren't as interested in being Guardians as they were in paying off their various debts and being spiritualists. That was very sad to know that they adopted for selfish reasons. Just as a child should never be born into this world with a task (for example, curing unhappiness in depressed mothers), an adopted child should never have to be brought into a family that expect so much from her and are willing to give very little in return.
What I really like about this book is that even though the situation is a bit foreign to the modern reader, it is still very much read-able. The story takes place in the Victorian era (I'm pretty sure), but Maud is such a good narrator, that everything seems so strange, yet so familiar. When the Hawthorne's and Maud are in Cape Calypso, Maud goes to the boardwalk at night where there is a small amusement park. Her descriptions appeal to all of the senses making you feel like you're actually there.
One thing that I really didn't like was Hyacinth. She was for sure a two-faced character, there's no denying that, but the thing that bothers me (aside from her infuriating responses and utterly selfish character) is that there really didn't seem to be a transition between sweet old woman and psycho-spiritualist-lady. Even reading this a second time, I was left rather confused when she suddenly turns on Maud, essentially for being affectionate. I guess I would prefer more of an obvious transition.
Another thing that I didn't like was how uninvolved Judith and Victoria were despite knowing perfectly well what they were doing with the seances and how prepared they were to take care of Maud. Why didn't they do anything? They were horrible advocates for Maud. Even if they believed that they couldn't take care of Maud, they should have rallied for better care or they should have at least stood up for Maud more often.
One last thing that I didn't care for was the ending. Judith and Victoria did pretty much the only decent thing for Maud and return her to the orphanage, admitting that they failed her and not the other way around. I appreciate this kind of dip in the plot. Everything is supposed to be getting better at this point, but it doesn't until the very end. When Mrs. Lambert turns up saying that she wants to adopt Maud, everything begins to feel very forced. Ultimately, there is closure to Maud's story, but it just seems like a very anti-climactic ending. It just seems so logical and yet outlandish. Logical in the sense that Mrs. Lambert has been following Maud around Cape Calypso and she's really the only remaining character we've been introduced to. It's outlandish in the sense that Maud has hurt Mrs. Lambert very deeply. Why on earth would Mrs. Lambert ever feel like adopting Maud was the solution? There was closure to the ending, but it really feels like the book should have ended in a better way. It was just a little bit too cheesy for me.
Overall, 'A Drowned Maiden's Hair' is a fairly well-written book for younger readers, but there are a handful of drawbacks when reading this book.
I give 'A Drowned Maiden's Hair':
Thanks for Reading!--Jude
P.S. I'm working on writing more reviews, even if they're for movies, and I'm also working on writing up my college adventures, so at least you'll see some kind of content from me each week. Have a lovely first week of October!
A Review of 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley
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"Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was only eighteen. At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but: upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation, genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever."
I had the honor of reading and discussing this over the internet with Ezra! I'm glad that I did too, because I would have been hopelessly confused for much of the book. It helps to read this a few times to completely understand and gain meaning.
Dr. Frankenstein is really annoying. He puts together a body made of human parts, reanimates it, and then runs away from his Creation because he thinks that he (the creation) is absolutely ugly and not worthy of being alive. What's really disturbing is how long and how far he is willing to run from his problems, refusing to handle them. The number of lives this "problem" costs is staggering-- far too many. And those characters who died were relatively good ones too... Justine, Elizabeth, Frankenstein's brother, Henry... it's so sad. And even after the many deaths of people he loves, Frankenstein refuses to stop running and avoiding the issue at hand. Grr...
I loved how Frankenstein's creation developed as a character. He was by far the most impressive, and not just because he is essentially the focal point of the story. No. Mary Shelley takes the time to explain (however indirectly) how this creation came to be, from living an aloof lifestyle in the shed of a rather unfortunate family. There, he learns language and works up the confidence to assert what he wants. In this respect, the story is very relate-able. Who hasn't experienced that crippling moment where you know you want something but you don't feel that you're good enough to accomplish it? He's looking for acceptance. Who hasn't wanted or gone out searching for that?
Overall, this book is infuriating and devastating at the same time. If you like science fiction, horror, and classics, this is a book that is definitely worth trying.
I give 'Frankenstein':
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
"Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was only eighteen. At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but: upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation, genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever."
I had the honor of reading and discussing this over the internet with Ezra! I'm glad that I did too, because I would have been hopelessly confused for much of the book. It helps to read this a few times to completely understand and gain meaning.
Dr. Frankenstein is really annoying. He puts together a body made of human parts, reanimates it, and then runs away from his Creation because he thinks that he (the creation) is absolutely ugly and not worthy of being alive. What's really disturbing is how long and how far he is willing to run from his problems, refusing to handle them. The number of lives this "problem" costs is staggering-- far too many. And those characters who died were relatively good ones too... Justine, Elizabeth, Frankenstein's brother, Henry... it's so sad. And even after the many deaths of people he loves, Frankenstein refuses to stop running and avoiding the issue at hand. Grr...
I loved how Frankenstein's creation developed as a character. He was by far the most impressive, and not just because he is essentially the focal point of the story. No. Mary Shelley takes the time to explain (however indirectly) how this creation came to be, from living an aloof lifestyle in the shed of a rather unfortunate family. There, he learns language and works up the confidence to assert what he wants. In this respect, the story is very relate-able. Who hasn't experienced that crippling moment where you know you want something but you don't feel that you're good enough to accomplish it? He's looking for acceptance. Who hasn't wanted or gone out searching for that?
Overall, this book is infuriating and devastating at the same time. If you like science fiction, horror, and classics, this is a book that is definitely worth trying.
I give 'Frankenstein':
Thanks for Reading!--Jude
A Review of 'Dubliners' by James Joyce
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"Perhaps the greatest short story collection in the English language, James Joyce's 'Dubliners' is both a vivid and unflinching portrait of 'dear, dirty Dublin' at the turn of the twentieth century and a moral history of a nation and a people whose 'golden age' has passed. His richly drawn characters-- at once intensely Irish and utterly universal-- may forever haunt the reader. In mesmerizing writing that evokes rich imagery, Joyce delves into the heart of the city of his birth, capturing the cadences of Dubliners' speech in remarkably realistic portrayals of their inner lives. This magnificent collection of fifteen stories reveals Joyce at his most accessible and perhaps his most profound."
This book has led to many an interesting discussion in my Irish and Scottish Literature class. I really don't care for the short story format, but after reading through Dubliners (and especially after discussing it), I think I can say I'm a James Joyce fan.
This is going to be a mildly difficult review because I can't really touch on any of the characters... we'll see how well I can do!
First of all, Joyce's writing style is very interesting. He switches between points of view effortlessly through most of the stories, shedding light on different aspects of the various stories and making the reader question what they just read (as in, think critically about his writing, not stop and wonder what the heck this guy is talking about).
Something that is really very interesting is how Joyce focuses on those people who are generally ignored. A young boy who looks up to a dead priest; a woman who falls in love, but not really; three sisters who will never marry... the downtrodden, the underdogs are what make up these stories. My theory is that by not having very popular characters like Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter, we will feel empathy for these characters on a different level. The characters are a focal point in each story, but they are closer to the average reader's level as far as social status, if not lower down. You want these characters to succeed, but someone, nothing seems to work out for any of them.
This book is a celebration of Irish culture. For me, it's very interesting because I haven't been exposed to the Irish culture even in a minor way... except maybe St. Patrick's day, but I'm not sure if that is an event that really counts... but any way, it's nice to get a feel of what Irish culture is like. I had no idea how important the Catholic faith was for a lot of Ireland. I didn't realize that (at least in the early nineteen-hundreds) poverty was a huge problem. Maybe I figured that before, but this book brings this to light and makes it click.
What was really frustrating about each of the stories were the endings. The stories go along quite nicely: it's set up (usually because the story starts somewhere in the middle; like a dream), the characters are introduced to us, bad things continue to happen, those bad things get worse (usually), but then the story ends. Often we're left hanging on a bad or disappointing note. There's very little resolution to any of the stories. But since it bothers me so much that the stories are unresolved, it must be a good sign that the stories are pretty good.
Overall, 'Dubliners' is a good read if you are looking to enjoy a collection of short stories or are looking to indulge in Irish culture. I look forward to reading more James Joyce in the future.
I give 'Dubliners':
Thanks for Reading!
--Jude
"Perhaps the greatest short story collection in the English language, James Joyce's 'Dubliners' is both a vivid and unflinching portrait of 'dear, dirty Dublin' at the turn of the twentieth century and a moral history of a nation and a people whose 'golden age' has passed. His richly drawn characters-- at once intensely Irish and utterly universal-- may forever haunt the reader. In mesmerizing writing that evokes rich imagery, Joyce delves into the heart of the city of his birth, capturing the cadences of Dubliners' speech in remarkably realistic portrayals of their inner lives. This magnificent collection of fifteen stories reveals Joyce at his most accessible and perhaps his most profound."This book has led to many an interesting discussion in my Irish and Scottish Literature class. I really don't care for the short story format, but after reading through Dubliners (and especially after discussing it), I think I can say I'm a James Joyce fan.
This is going to be a mildly difficult review because I can't really touch on any of the characters... we'll see how well I can do!
First of all, Joyce's writing style is very interesting. He switches between points of view effortlessly through most of the stories, shedding light on different aspects of the various stories and making the reader question what they just read (as in, think critically about his writing, not stop and wonder what the heck this guy is talking about).
Something that is really very interesting is how Joyce focuses on those people who are generally ignored. A young boy who looks up to a dead priest; a woman who falls in love, but not really; three sisters who will never marry... the downtrodden, the underdogs are what make up these stories. My theory is that by not having very popular characters like Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter, we will feel empathy for these characters on a different level. The characters are a focal point in each story, but they are closer to the average reader's level as far as social status, if not lower down. You want these characters to succeed, but someone, nothing seems to work out for any of them.
This book is a celebration of Irish culture. For me, it's very interesting because I haven't been exposed to the Irish culture even in a minor way... except maybe St. Patrick's day, but I'm not sure if that is an event that really counts... but any way, it's nice to get a feel of what Irish culture is like. I had no idea how important the Catholic faith was for a lot of Ireland. I didn't realize that (at least in the early nineteen-hundreds) poverty was a huge problem. Maybe I figured that before, but this book brings this to light and makes it click.
What was really frustrating about each of the stories were the endings. The stories go along quite nicely: it's set up (usually because the story starts somewhere in the middle; like a dream), the characters are introduced to us, bad things continue to happen, those bad things get worse (usually), but then the story ends. Often we're left hanging on a bad or disappointing note. There's very little resolution to any of the stories. But since it bothers me so much that the stories are unresolved, it must be a good sign that the stories are pretty good.
Overall, 'Dubliners' is a good read if you are looking to enjoy a collection of short stories or are looking to indulge in Irish culture. I look forward to reading more James Joyce in the future.
I give 'Dubliners':
Thanks for Reading!--Jude
11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe
Weekly Wrap-up for August 12, 2012: Park Ramblings and a Bit of Bookish Stuff.
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Whew. I can't believe another week has gone by. And while I know I've been a little busy, it seems as if nothing has gotten done round these parts!
I'm still working at the park (my last day is this Friday), and that has proven to be a bit crazy this week. One of our Rangers, Lance, hosted an Adventure Day Camp on Monday through Thursday morning (the campers spent the night Wednesday in the park). A lot of time this week was spent with the kids as they learned forestry skills, worked on survival skills, and made lots of cool things. Some of the pictures accompanying this post were taken while I was with the campers!
They learned to identify certain kinds of trees, including my new favorite, the Sassafras tree! The mature leaves look like dinosaur feet, don't they?
The kids also crafted walking sticks from Sugar Maple branches. We skimmed the bark off the branches, sanded them smooth, carved places for their fingers, then the other Ranger, Al, burned designs into the tops of the sticks for decoration (Al is an artist outside the park-he carves marble and forges things in bronze!). One girl had a horse head burned into the top of her walking stick, then had little horseshoe marks going all the way down her stick. Al is still working on mine (its going to have a dragon. :) Nerdy, I know).
We also spent some time helping the kids learn to shoot with a bow and arrow. For anyone who follows me on Instagram, you may have seen the results of my first attempt (Yeah, I included it here!). I stupidly didn't bend my elbow and after I launched my very first arrow, I felt a bad stinging on my arm! The picture shows what it looked like the next day! Needless to say, I learned my lesson and fixed my arm during the next few practice sessions. Shooting was really fun and the kids got into it. We even attached balloons to the target to try and pop them!
I also worked on conquering a fear. Well, kind of. You see, I'm a bit scared of snakes. I don't mind them if they're in a cage or habitat at the zoo, but seeing them out and about kind of freaks me out. Yeah, I'm a bad park employee.
Anyway, the two girl campers found a little baby garter snake and were so in love with the thing-holding it, asking to keep it, etc, that I felt a bit silly not even wanting to touch it. So after brushing its back with my fingers, I agreed to hold it for a minute. It wasn't that bad! :)
He felt a lot different than I thought he would, and while I wasn't that excited by the amount of squiggling around he did, or his back end wrapping around my fingers, I'm glad that I at least held him for a bit. It also made it easier to grab him when he escaped his aquarium home later that evening and was rustling around the park office!
Besides the camp, we've been working hard to get the park in good order before the seasonals leave for the year. I'm leaving a bit earlier than usual because of school-I need some time to prep my classes-but the college kids are also leaving! Al has been working us hard-trimming trails for the cross country meets this fall, spreading new layers of woodchips on all the city's playgrounds, etc. I've come home exhausted every night. Not to mention we have some crazy soccer groups coming in and dealing with their messes and attitudes has become a daily chore!
I did take some time earlier this week, in a spot of good weather, to drive around and just appreciate the park. Sometimes I get so caught up in all the daily shenanigans that I forget why I like working there in the first place. I get plenty of fresh air and sunshine in the summer, and new experiences are pretty common.
This is why it always saddens me when people take parks and nature for granted. I get a little huffy when I see people litter outside of the park because I know that someone will have to pick it up! I groan inside when people tell me they don't want to pay an entrance fee because they pay taxes (because really, your taxes come to things like parks LAST. We have to charge to maintain and upkeep the park! If we let our trails go, they would be overgrown in a year!). So, moral of the story is to go out and enjoy your parks-National, State, County, and City!
Anyway, transitioning to other things (can you tell I am a bit nostalgic today?), I did some other fun things this week. On Friday, my mom took me out to go shopping for things for my classroom. :) We headed to the Secondary Teacher Store first and found all kinds of great resources, posters, and other fun things for my room. We also went to a Lakeshore Learning Store even though it is geared towards younger grades. We still found some great things-especially for organization-so I was really happy. And if you have a Lakeshore Learning near you and you have kids, you need to go. They have some pretty awesome stuff for learning! And thanks Mom! My students will love all the stuff I got for the room!
After shopping, I headed home and was going to start cleaning my bathroom when my friend Jackie called and asked if I wanted to go to The Painted Pot with her. I went with her a week or so ago and wasn't that happy with my piece, so I wanted to try again. I ended up making an owl plate and a matching pencil holder-both for my desk at school. :)
Speaking of school, I got better news on Wednesday-I got bumped to full time (I was at a .8 before)! I'm so excited since I'll have a full schedule and a good balance between Social Studies and English. I just need to get cracking on some planning!
Beyond all of that craziness, I haven't had a ton of time to read. I've been slowly working my way through Mansfield Park by Austen, but haven't gotten too far. I'm also in the middle of a book of Norse myths (for the mythology class I am teaching). They're pretty interesting, and I think I found one or two I will use-so bonus!
I also started reading the book of Native American myths and legends and while some of the stories are good, some just aren't suitable for high school students! I do love the stories with Coyote, but I wish I knew more. I haven't really started Edith Hamilton's Mythology just yet, but I will make it a priority in the next week or two.
I also got a slew of new books in the mail. No really, a SLEW. Let me show you...
Sadly, this post is a bit too long to go through them all, so I will be devoting another post this week just to the contents of this crate. :) I'm a tease, huh? I will tell you that one book is a mythology title, and the others...well, you know the Penguin English Library editions I'm so fond of? Yep. It's an obsession and I have a problem.
Alright, time to get off this computer and spend some time with my wonderful husband (with his new job, Sundays are the only day he has off). Have a wonderful week everyone!
 |
| Sassafras Tree Leaves |
They learned to identify certain kinds of trees, including my new favorite, the Sassafras tree! The mature leaves look like dinosaur feet, don't they?
The kids also crafted walking sticks from Sugar Maple branches. We skimmed the bark off the branches, sanded them smooth, carved places for their fingers, then the other Ranger, Al, burned designs into the tops of the sticks for decoration (Al is an artist outside the park-he carves marble and forges things in bronze!). One girl had a horse head burned into the top of her walking stick, then had little horseshoe marks going all the way down her stick. Al is still working on mine (its going to have a dragon. :) Nerdy, I know).
 |
| Archery Bruise. Yeah, it hurt! |
I also worked on conquering a fear. Well, kind of. You see, I'm a bit scared of snakes. I don't mind them if they're in a cage or habitat at the zoo, but seeing them out and about kind of freaks me out. Yeah, I'm a bad park employee.
 |
| Just a little guy! |
He felt a lot different than I thought he would, and while I wasn't that excited by the amount of squiggling around he did, or his back end wrapping around my fingers, I'm glad that I at least held him for a bit. It also made it easier to grab him when he escaped his aquarium home later that evening and was rustling around the park office!
Besides the camp, we've been working hard to get the park in good order before the seasonals leave for the year. I'm leaving a bit earlier than usual because of school-I need some time to prep my classes-but the college kids are also leaving! Al has been working us hard-trimming trails for the cross country meets this fall, spreading new layers of woodchips on all the city's playgrounds, etc. I've come home exhausted every night. Not to mention we have some crazy soccer groups coming in and dealing with their messes and attitudes has become a daily chore!
 |
| Favorite trail in the park! |
This is why it always saddens me when people take parks and nature for granted. I get a little huffy when I see people litter outside of the park because I know that someone will have to pick it up! I groan inside when people tell me they don't want to pay an entrance fee because they pay taxes (because really, your taxes come to things like parks LAST. We have to charge to maintain and upkeep the park! If we let our trails go, they would be overgrown in a year!). So, moral of the story is to go out and enjoy your parks-National, State, County, and City!
Anyway, transitioning to other things (can you tell I am a bit nostalgic today?), I did some other fun things this week. On Friday, my mom took me out to go shopping for things for my classroom. :) We headed to the Secondary Teacher Store first and found all kinds of great resources, posters, and other fun things for my room. We also went to a Lakeshore Learning Store even though it is geared towards younger grades. We still found some great things-especially for organization-so I was really happy. And if you have a Lakeshore Learning near you and you have kids, you need to go. They have some pretty awesome stuff for learning! And thanks Mom! My students will love all the stuff I got for the room!
 |
| Can't wait to see it once it's fired! |
Speaking of school, I got better news on Wednesday-I got bumped to full time (I was at a .8 before)! I'm so excited since I'll have a full schedule and a good balance between Social Studies and English. I just need to get cracking on some planning!
Beyond all of that craziness, I haven't had a ton of time to read. I've been slowly working my way through Mansfield Park by Austen, but haven't gotten too far. I'm also in the middle of a book of Norse myths (for the mythology class I am teaching). They're pretty interesting, and I think I found one or two I will use-so bonus! I also started reading the book of Native American myths and legends and while some of the stories are good, some just aren't suitable for high school students! I do love the stories with Coyote, but I wish I knew more. I haven't really started Edith Hamilton's Mythology just yet, but I will make it a priority in the next week or two.
I also got a slew of new books in the mail. No really, a SLEW. Let me show you...
 |
| My mailman must hate me. |
Sadly, this post is a bit too long to go through them all, so I will be devoting another post this week just to the contents of this crate. :) I'm a tease, huh? I will tell you that one book is a mythology title, and the others...well, you know the Penguin English Library editions I'm so fond of? Yep. It's an obsession and I have a problem.
Alright, time to get off this computer and spend some time with my wonderful husband (with his new job, Sundays are the only day he has off). Have a wonderful week everyone!
Weekly Wrap-up for August 19, 2012: Plans for the Week.
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This is going to be another short post. If you haven't noticed, I've been in a bit of a funk the last month or so-no real reviews, no posts of any value, etc. I'm sure I'll snap out of it in a bit, so bear with me in the meantime.
I had my last day at the park on Friday, so I spent the weekend with Matt and I've been plotting out what I'm doing this week. I have a whole week with no real obligations. I have PD and room set-up next week (school starts after Labor Day), so I am going to take advantage of my last week of freedom. :)
Here is what I am hoping to accomplish in the next week:
I had my last day at the park on Friday, so I spent the weekend with Matt and I've been plotting out what I'm doing this week. I have a whole week with no real obligations. I have PD and room set-up next week (school starts after Labor Day), so I am going to take advantage of my last week of freedom. :)
Here is what I am hoping to accomplish in the next week:
- Finish Mansfield Park and A Passage to India
- Rearrange/straighten up bookshelves
- Move initial items into my classroom (I have a lot of reference books, etc that I want to get in there. I also want to measure my bulletin boards for fabric, etc).
- Type and prep first week activities, etc.
- Continue prepping all my classes (I've made the most progress with my American Lit class, sophomores, but I need to get more done in mythology and U.S. History).
- Clean and scrub down the apartment-I've been meaning to do a real good deep clean of the apartment since summer started, but haven't had time.
- Go shopping for new dress pants, etc. Dress pants always seem to be something I need!
Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books Since I Started Blogging.
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I've been out of the loop with Top Ten Tuesday posts, but when I saw today's topic when I opened my Google Reader, I knew I had to take some time to write a post. :)
I started blogging almost 3 years ago. My first posts went up on the 30th and 31st of August, with my project kicking off on the 1st of September. I've read a LOT of books since then (not all of them from my project list), but most of them classics.
For this list, I'm not holding myself to any restrictions. I'm including re-reads, non-classics, etc in my choices. :) And these are in no particular order since that would be torture.
I've been out of the loop with Top Ten Tuesday posts, but when I saw today's topic when I opened my Google Reader, I knew I had to take some time to write a post. :)I started blogging almost 3 years ago. My first posts went up on the 30th and 31st of August, with my project kicking off on the 1st of September. I've read a LOT of books since then (not all of them from my project list), but most of them classics.
For this list, I'm not holding myself to any restrictions. I'm including re-reads, non-classics, etc in my choices. :) And these are in no particular order since that would be torture.
- The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James: There is no way I could leave this one off the list. I started it last fall, set it aside, then flew through it around the holidays in December. I was blown away by the book as a whole, and I find myself recommending it on a fairly regular basis. I love Isabel's story, her anger, and the decision she has to make about her own happiness (just writing about it makes me want to read it again).
- The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow: This was a fairly early title in my project reading, but it was one of those books that happened at the right time. It's a book about a family who moves to Detroit during WWII to find work, and how the mother sacrifices so much of herself to keep her family going. I haven't seen anyone else read this book since I began blogging, but I would love to read your thoughts if you have!
- David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: I highly doubt that any other Dickens title will usurp this as my favorite. Like dear Charles, I too have a favorite child of his, and David Copperfield is it! There was something very beautiful and honest about David's journey to becoming a man that I loved. I felt a bit like a kindred spirit to young David!
- The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot: My favorite Eliot is another book that I read fairly early on in my blogging career. Like The Dollmaker, it was the perfect book for the time I read it. I related so well to Maggie, and I rooted for her throughout the novel. I think this book is far superior to Middlemarch, even though I loved that one too. :)
- Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch: This was a new release when I read it-a book sent to me by the publisher. I knew the book was about someone else with a book project, but I never expected to be so emotionally invested in someone else's reading journey. The personal e-mail I received from the author after posting my thoughts on the book is something I will cherish forever.
- The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder: In November 2010, I decided to revisit some childhood favorites, and the Little House books were at the top of my list. These books were a huge part of my childhood, and I was reminded how much I loved them when I reread them as an adult. I cannot wait to read these with my kids one day!
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: I was incredibly intimidated by this book before I read it. But once I sank down into Melville's writing (and realized I needed to read each chapter as if it were it's own short story), I came to love the writing and the power of the story. This book is about so much more than a whale!
- Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: When I think about all the books I've read, sometimes I am surprised by what ones seem to pop up in my mind over and over again. Jude the Obscure is definitely one of those books. This book is tragic in every sense of the word, and knowing that Hardy stopped writing novels because of this one's reception by the public...well, that should tell you something. And there is THAT SCENE you just have to read.
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: I always brushed this book off as early fluff. It was also massive, so I wasn't a fan of that either. However, when I finally sat down to read it, I found myself completely in love with the amount of history and depth the book had. It was so much more than what I thought it would be, and I loved every page of it.
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: This was the second book I decided to tackle off my list. At the time, I thought it was the scariest, and I wanted to be done with it quickly. I don't think I planned on loving the book as much as I did (or all the Russian novels I've read). I can't wait to reread this one in the future!
Harry Potter Readalong. I'm In!
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I was introduced to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by my Aunt Sherry on our annual vacation at my grandparents' cabin. Every year, my family would go up for a couple of weeks to stay in the cabin, while my Aunt Sherry, Uncle Mel, and their kids would stay across the lake at the State Park (technically they aren't related to us. My Uncle Mel went to college with my Dad). Every year I would pack as big a bag of books as I could get away with into the car in hopes they would last me while we were up there.
One year I packed too light and ran out of reading material. For me, this was a travesty. I was 14 or 15 at the time and going through some lovely teenage moods...and all I wanted was a book to read. My Aunt Sherry offered to give me my cousin's Harry Potter books. He wasn't at all interested in them, so I could keep them. I took them, a bit reluctantly, and started reading. I was fortunate that he had the first three (at that time, the fourth had just come out in stores), so I flew through them, then begged my dad to drive into town to buy me the fourth one.
I was hooked. Since then, I have made it a yearly tradition to reread the series. At first it was a refresher as the 5th, 6th, and 7th books all came out. But then it became a way to escape back into a world that I fell in love with.
I haven't reread the series since before I started blogging. In fact, the Harry Potter series were some of the last books I read before I began blogging in September 2009. At the time, I was ONLY going to read books from my list, so I crammed in some last minute favorites to "tide me over." I have sorely missed my time with Harry and the gang, and since having a marathon of all the movies last winter, I really just want to read the books.
So Jenna's readalong over at Lost Generation Reader has come at a perfect time. I have been craving some comfort in the last few months, and I can think of nothing better than disappearing into Harry Potter's world this fall. I generally slow way down in reading in the fall, so I think this is a great way to keep me reading through the inevitable slump that comes with the fall season (and the beginning of my new teaching position). And while I know this won't help me make any progress on any of my lists...well, to quote Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind, "I don't give a damn." :)
For this project, I am planning on rereading all seven books, as well as The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Harry's two school books (which I don't own-so a good excuse to get them!). I'll post thoughts and chatterings on the books as I go, and I might even discuss my experience at Harry Potter World in Florida (I went last summer).
If you want to join, visit the sign-up page!
I was introduced to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by my Aunt Sherry on our annual vacation at my grandparents' cabin. Every year, my family would go up for a couple of weeks to stay in the cabin, while my Aunt Sherry, Uncle Mel, and their kids would stay across the lake at the State Park (technically they aren't related to us. My Uncle Mel went to college with my Dad). Every year I would pack as big a bag of books as I could get away with into the car in hopes they would last me while we were up there.One year I packed too light and ran out of reading material. For me, this was a travesty. I was 14 or 15 at the time and going through some lovely teenage moods...and all I wanted was a book to read. My Aunt Sherry offered to give me my cousin's Harry Potter books. He wasn't at all interested in them, so I could keep them. I took them, a bit reluctantly, and started reading. I was fortunate that he had the first three (at that time, the fourth had just come out in stores), so I flew through them, then begged my dad to drive into town to buy me the fourth one.
I was hooked. Since then, I have made it a yearly tradition to reread the series. At first it was a refresher as the 5th, 6th, and 7th books all came out. But then it became a way to escape back into a world that I fell in love with.
I haven't reread the series since before I started blogging. In fact, the Harry Potter series were some of the last books I read before I began blogging in September 2009. At the time, I was ONLY going to read books from my list, so I crammed in some last minute favorites to "tide me over." I have sorely missed my time with Harry and the gang, and since having a marathon of all the movies last winter, I really just want to read the books.
So Jenna's readalong over at Lost Generation Reader has come at a perfect time. I have been craving some comfort in the last few months, and I can think of nothing better than disappearing into Harry Potter's world this fall. I generally slow way down in reading in the fall, so I think this is a great way to keep me reading through the inevitable slump that comes with the fall season (and the beginning of my new teaching position). And while I know this won't help me make any progress on any of my lists...well, to quote Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind, "I don't give a damn." :)
For this project, I am planning on rereading all seven books, as well as The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Harry's two school books (which I don't own-so a good excuse to get them!). I'll post thoughts and chatterings on the books as I go, and I might even discuss my experience at Harry Potter World in Florida (I went last summer).
If you want to join, visit the sign-up page!
The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins.
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"She could not pray, but she could weep; and as she wept pity, and purified hope, and joy, welled up in her heart."
Originally published in 1955, The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins is being republished by Canongate Classics in their new series of "Canon" titles. I was offered a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, and I am so happy I said yes.
On its surface, the book wasn't something that really jumped out at me. But once it arrived on my doorstep, I was intrigued. Maybe it was the minimalist cover, but I sat down, flipped it open, and began reading. And immediately I was transported into a story that I cared about.
I should back up a second and tell you a little background. The novel is essentially about a small community of people on an estate in Scotland during WWII. The landowners have a large amount of trees on the property that are going to be cut down for the war effort. Two brothers are hired on as cone-gathers-basically to gather seed and cones from the trees so the forest can be replanted in the future.
The brothers, Neil and Calum, are incredibly close. Calum is a bit deformed and slow, so Neil cares for him and protects him. In many ways, their relationship was very close to that of George and Lennie in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (in fact, the book mentions this relationship on the back cover). It is obvious from the first instant the reader meets the brothers that they have struggled to find and keep work. With Calum's deformities, Neil has his hands full in protecting and caring for him. When the reader meets them, we learn that the two brothers are living in the woods in a rundown hut. They spend all of their days up in the trees harvesting for their masters. Most of the other people who are also on the estate either ignore them or look down on them. They are very much the bottom of the barrel.
Another man, Duror, is the gamekeeper on the estate. He also lives in the woods. At the beginning of the novel, we learn that he hates the two brothers. He is bothered by Calum and his deformity. He seethes in anger whenever he sees the two brothers and sets things in motion to drive the two men off the estate and away from his home.
The other two characters that I really need to mention are Lady Runcie-Campbell, the woman of the estate, and her son, Roderick. She is very much of the upper-class and in her few encounters with the two brothers, she acts superior to them and their work. It is obvious from the way she speaks with both of them that she is bothered by their poverty. Her son, on the other hand, is the shining little piece of hope in the entire novel. He feels for the men and doesn't understand why his mother looks down on them for making a living in their own way. She chalks up his feelings to immaturity and a lack of proper education, but it seems obvious that he is the only one with any sense of social justice.
So it is with these characters that the novel unfolds over the course of just a few days. The reader learns the grievances of the two brothers as they seem to be cast aside by the rest of humanity. Roderick attempts to understand what his place is in the upper class as his mother continually instructs him on how to behave by treating those around her as if they are less than her. And Duror...he lurks and hides in shadows. The chapters and scenes with him make your skin crawl as he plots and watches the brothers working.
The whole novel is smooth and haunting from the very beginning. Jenkins drew me in from the first page with lush descriptions of the forest and trees that the cone-gatherers called home,
"Single stars appeared, glittering in a sky pale and austere. Dusk like a breathing drifted in among the trees and crept over the loch," (2).
The forest was also a character in all of this, providing a sense of gloom in the backdrop of the characters' interactions, since it was also doomed (the threat of being cut down to aid the war effort). But Jenkins also gave this sense of despair in his descriptions of the characters and their actions, from Duror,
"Hesitating there in the hallway, he felt himself breaking apart: doomed and resigned he was in the house' still yearning after hope, he was in that miserable hut," (23)
to Lady Runcie-Campbell's musings on Duror's ailing wife,
"By merely enduring, she could have acheived a superiority over any earthly visitor: even a queen in her resigned presence must be humble. Instead, monstrous and feeble, she would fawn and simper and suggest obeisances almost obscene," (134)
to Roderick's own despair over not being able to change things,
"Coached by his grandfather, Roderick knew that the struggle between good and evil never rested: in the world, and in every human being, it went on...Good did not always win," (145)
and to Neil's doubts about his own abilities to continue to protect Calum in an ever-harsher world,
"Wherever that light had shown from, it had not been from heaven. There was no such place," (150).
All of it leads to the final 20 pages and the decisions that change the land and the quiet, peaceful nature of the woods where the story takes place.
In many ways, the story IS similar to Of Mice and Men, so that comparison on the cover is correct. But where I find Steinbeck's novel to be harsh and garish, I found Jenkins' story to be simmering and smooth. While I knew, from the tone and descriptions I shared above, that something would happen, he never pulled me from the beauty of the Scottish woods. He also made me understand Duror in a way that I never could understand Curley. Where Curley was just a gross example of a man...I could see why Duror would be filled with such hate and anger.
I think it is safe to say that I preferred this one over Steinbeck's novel, if only for the beautiful language and the ultimate climax of the novel. This, quite simply, was an amazing read. It drew me in from the very beginning and sank in. The complex balance between good and evil, right and wrong, the old way and social niceties...it was all in perfect balance before the scales tipped at the very end. It gave me much to think about and as I closed the book, I found myself thinking about all the moments when that own balance in my life has been tipped.
This is definitely one I would recommend, especially if you didn't enjoy the harsh nature of Steinbeck's tale (don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Of Mice and Men, but this was done so much better). I am certainly going to seek out more of Jenkins' work in the future, as well as other titles in this collection of books.
"She could not pray, but she could weep; and as she wept pity, and purified hope, and joy, welled up in her heart." Originally published in 1955, The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins is being republished by Canongate Classics in their new series of "Canon" titles. I was offered a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, and I am so happy I said yes.
On its surface, the book wasn't something that really jumped out at me. But once it arrived on my doorstep, I was intrigued. Maybe it was the minimalist cover, but I sat down, flipped it open, and began reading. And immediately I was transported into a story that I cared about.
I should back up a second and tell you a little background. The novel is essentially about a small community of people on an estate in Scotland during WWII. The landowners have a large amount of trees on the property that are going to be cut down for the war effort. Two brothers are hired on as cone-gathers-basically to gather seed and cones from the trees so the forest can be replanted in the future.
The brothers, Neil and Calum, are incredibly close. Calum is a bit deformed and slow, so Neil cares for him and protects him. In many ways, their relationship was very close to that of George and Lennie in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (in fact, the book mentions this relationship on the back cover). It is obvious from the first instant the reader meets the brothers that they have struggled to find and keep work. With Calum's deformities, Neil has his hands full in protecting and caring for him. When the reader meets them, we learn that the two brothers are living in the woods in a rundown hut. They spend all of their days up in the trees harvesting for their masters. Most of the other people who are also on the estate either ignore them or look down on them. They are very much the bottom of the barrel.
Another man, Duror, is the gamekeeper on the estate. He also lives in the woods. At the beginning of the novel, we learn that he hates the two brothers. He is bothered by Calum and his deformity. He seethes in anger whenever he sees the two brothers and sets things in motion to drive the two men off the estate and away from his home.
The other two characters that I really need to mention are Lady Runcie-Campbell, the woman of the estate, and her son, Roderick. She is very much of the upper-class and in her few encounters with the two brothers, she acts superior to them and their work. It is obvious from the way she speaks with both of them that she is bothered by their poverty. Her son, on the other hand, is the shining little piece of hope in the entire novel. He feels for the men and doesn't understand why his mother looks down on them for making a living in their own way. She chalks up his feelings to immaturity and a lack of proper education, but it seems obvious that he is the only one with any sense of social justice.
So it is with these characters that the novel unfolds over the course of just a few days. The reader learns the grievances of the two brothers as they seem to be cast aside by the rest of humanity. Roderick attempts to understand what his place is in the upper class as his mother continually instructs him on how to behave by treating those around her as if they are less than her. And Duror...he lurks and hides in shadows. The chapters and scenes with him make your skin crawl as he plots and watches the brothers working.
The whole novel is smooth and haunting from the very beginning. Jenkins drew me in from the first page with lush descriptions of the forest and trees that the cone-gatherers called home,
"Single stars appeared, glittering in a sky pale and austere. Dusk like a breathing drifted in among the trees and crept over the loch," (2).
The forest was also a character in all of this, providing a sense of gloom in the backdrop of the characters' interactions, since it was also doomed (the threat of being cut down to aid the war effort). But Jenkins also gave this sense of despair in his descriptions of the characters and their actions, from Duror,
"Hesitating there in the hallway, he felt himself breaking apart: doomed and resigned he was in the house' still yearning after hope, he was in that miserable hut," (23)
to Lady Runcie-Campbell's musings on Duror's ailing wife,
"By merely enduring, she could have acheived a superiority over any earthly visitor: even a queen in her resigned presence must be humble. Instead, monstrous and feeble, she would fawn and simper and suggest obeisances almost obscene," (134)
to Roderick's own despair over not being able to change things,
"Coached by his grandfather, Roderick knew that the struggle between good and evil never rested: in the world, and in every human being, it went on...Good did not always win," (145)
and to Neil's doubts about his own abilities to continue to protect Calum in an ever-harsher world,
"Wherever that light had shown from, it had not been from heaven. There was no such place," (150).
All of it leads to the final 20 pages and the decisions that change the land and the quiet, peaceful nature of the woods where the story takes place.
In many ways, the story IS similar to Of Mice and Men, so that comparison on the cover is correct. But where I find Steinbeck's novel to be harsh and garish, I found Jenkins' story to be simmering and smooth. While I knew, from the tone and descriptions I shared above, that something would happen, he never pulled me from the beauty of the Scottish woods. He also made me understand Duror in a way that I never could understand Curley. Where Curley was just a gross example of a man...I could see why Duror would be filled with such hate and anger.
I think it is safe to say that I preferred this one over Steinbeck's novel, if only for the beautiful language and the ultimate climax of the novel. This, quite simply, was an amazing read. It drew me in from the very beginning and sank in. The complex balance between good and evil, right and wrong, the old way and social niceties...it was all in perfect balance before the scales tipped at the very end. It gave me much to think about and as I closed the book, I found myself thinking about all the moments when that own balance in my life has been tipped.
This is definitely one I would recommend, especially if you didn't enjoy the harsh nature of Steinbeck's tale (don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Of Mice and Men, but this was done so much better). I am certainly going to seek out more of Jenkins' work in the future, as well as other titles in this collection of books.
10 Ekim 2012 Çarşamba
Devouring Films: Mysterious Skin
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I watched Mysterious Skin on Netflix the other week, and it's at once the most traumatic and sad thing I've maybe ever seen, but at the same time, completely and utterly compelling. You've probably never heard of it, and admittedly I hadn't either, before I searched for Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Netflix and was enticed into watching it that way (I do love him so). It's pretty tragic, actually, that it's so little known, because it's probably one of his best performances, or at least one that truly stretches him as an actor (as, indeed, it would stretch anyone who played it). I loved it almost as much as I hated the things that happened in it.
I don't really massively want to review it, so much as talk about the main thing that impressed me about it. See, Mysterious Skin is basically a tale of child molestation, and its after-effects and what it does to its victims. Joseph Gordon Levitt (JGL to, well, me) plays Neil, the baseball coach's 'favourite' and the boy who, after it's over, fully remembers it all, and even thinks upon it fondly as a time when someone truly loved him (which isn't to say that he's not completely fucked up by it, because he's a male prostitute for goodness sakes. But it seems like his feelings about the abuse are very complex and maybe not even entirely settled.) The flipside of the story is the other boy who was abused, who has completely sublimated the entire thing but it's still had an effect on the things he does.
So that's what happens afterwards. But what the film actually does is show the abuse (to a certain extent), which obviously makes the film a whole lot more shocking, and I'm sure earned it plenty of criticism before and I'm sure after its release. Criticism which, I think, is pretty unfair considering how utterly well done it is. Because it's so clever- apparently the child actors were given their lines out of context so they weren't traumatised by the whole abuse thing (LIKE I WAS WATCHING IT) and the molester's propositioning and pleasure faces (pleasure faces? I feel like any way I said this would be wrong...) are done directly to camera, which has the dual bonus of not inflicting that on the kids, and also putting the audience in the children's position. So I approve of this because of 1) the sensitivity towards the child actors, and 2) the impact on the audience (i.e. me).
And I mean... I guess the film would still have worked without explicitly showing the abuse (I mean... not explicitly. But it's really clear what's happening. And apparently difficult to explain) but because they did so, it was really easy to see where Neil's issues especially came from (this guy was paying him LOADS of unhealthy attention, but to this 8 year old kid, it felt like really nice attention especially because his mother doesn't seem overly interested in him), and because it was so well done, it seems difficult to complain about. Also, I just have to add that child JGL is SO good- He really looks like a teeny version of JGL, only with really deep blue eyes (seriously cute kid) and so to get round this they got JGL to wear blue contact lenses. I am totally on board with this too.
Mysterious Skin is in no way easy to watch, but on balance I'm really glad that I did. I'm so impressed with how cleverly and sensitively everything was done, and I feel like the subject matter, which is more or less the WORST in the world was handled really really well. The ending is incredibly moving, and overall, I just really really appreciated the film. I would say liked, but liked is the wrong word, so appreciated? Much better. I should probably add as a disclaimer that Michelle Trachtenburg is also in this film, but you can mainly just ignore her as you always should. JGL forever though!
I watched Mysterious Skin on Netflix the other week, and it's at once the most traumatic and sad thing I've maybe ever seen, but at the same time, completely and utterly compelling. You've probably never heard of it, and admittedly I hadn't either, before I searched for Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Netflix and was enticed into watching it that way (I do love him so). It's pretty tragic, actually, that it's so little known, because it's probably one of his best performances, or at least one that truly stretches him as an actor (as, indeed, it would stretch anyone who played it). I loved it almost as much as I hated the things that happened in it.I don't really massively want to review it, so much as talk about the main thing that impressed me about it. See, Mysterious Skin is basically a tale of child molestation, and its after-effects and what it does to its victims. Joseph Gordon Levitt (JGL to, well, me) plays Neil, the baseball coach's 'favourite' and the boy who, after it's over, fully remembers it all, and even thinks upon it fondly as a time when someone truly loved him (which isn't to say that he's not completely fucked up by it, because he's a male prostitute for goodness sakes. But it seems like his feelings about the abuse are very complex and maybe not even entirely settled.) The flipside of the story is the other boy who was abused, who has completely sublimated the entire thing but it's still had an effect on the things he does.
So that's what happens afterwards. But what the film actually does is show the abuse (to a certain extent), which obviously makes the film a whole lot more shocking, and I'm sure earned it plenty of criticism before and I'm sure after its release. Criticism which, I think, is pretty unfair considering how utterly well done it is. Because it's so clever- apparently the child actors were given their lines out of context so they weren't traumatised by the whole abuse thing (LIKE I WAS WATCHING IT) and the molester's propositioning and pleasure faces (pleasure faces? I feel like any way I said this would be wrong...) are done directly to camera, which has the dual bonus of not inflicting that on the kids, and also putting the audience in the children's position. So I approve of this because of 1) the sensitivity towards the child actors, and 2) the impact on the audience (i.e. me).
And I mean... I guess the film would still have worked without explicitly showing the abuse (I mean... not explicitly. But it's really clear what's happening. And apparently difficult to explain) but because they did so, it was really easy to see where Neil's issues especially came from (this guy was paying him LOADS of unhealthy attention, but to this 8 year old kid, it felt like really nice attention especially because his mother doesn't seem overly interested in him), and because it was so well done, it seems difficult to complain about. Also, I just have to add that child JGL is SO good- He really looks like a teeny version of JGL, only with really deep blue eyes (seriously cute kid) and so to get round this they got JGL to wear blue contact lenses. I am totally on board with this too.
Mysterious Skin is in no way easy to watch, but on balance I'm really glad that I did. I'm so impressed with how cleverly and sensitively everything was done, and I feel like the subject matter, which is more or less the WORST in the world was handled really really well. The ending is incredibly moving, and overall, I just really really appreciated the film. I would say liked, but liked is the wrong word, so appreciated? Much better. I should probably add as a disclaimer that Michelle Trachtenburg is also in this film, but you can mainly just ignore her as you always should. JGL forever though!
What I'm Watching Now: Food Porn
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Well, not actual food porn... Here's the deal people, I'm ill and I have a book review to write and I can't be bothered, and so I'm going to sum up some things I've been watching on the telly because I don't have one specific show to talk about, or, I guess, not enough to say about one show in particular. And as it turns out, I've been watching a lot of food programmes because... Well, they're clearly awesome. And here they are.
The Great British Bake Off
There's literally nothing about this programme I don't like, and when it was on the other night I believe I burst out with 'this is my favourite programme ever!' I especially like it because I like to bake too (although, seriously, I'm nothing compared to some of these bakers) but even my dad, who I believe struggles to boil an egg, likes it because it's all jolly and English, and everyone's basically really nice to each other all the time and it's wonderful. And also, BAKING! And ALSO also, Mel and Sue, who are clearly awesome, and hello BBC, what are you doing with them the rest of the time? Think about it.
And oh my LORD, I've just remembered that next week they're making gingerbread houses. Like it could get any better...
Cupcake WarsCupcakes Wars is kind of terrible, in that it's really formulaic and everyone always has a problem just before the advert breaks and it's like 'oh no, will the cupcakes be made?!' and the answer is always yes. But. Cupcakes! There's nothing I like to make more, and to be honest, it's pretty soothing watching people make them, even when they put weird shit in them like pickles and bacon. I didn't make either of those up. Basically, I wouldn't exactly hate having my own cupcakery, so I can indulge in a little bit of... wishful thinking as I watch. And speaking of wishful thinking...
The carpenters are HOT!
NigelissimaNigella's back! And she's making Italian food. So I've only watched one episode of this, but it was extremely pleasing even if basically everything she made involved meat (a pizza with a meat instead of bread base? Come on Nigella, what?!) Her programmes are pretty much always good to watch, and I watch repeats of them whenever I can find them, so I can only assume that this will continue to be great. And if she keeps making Nutella Cheesecakes (YUM) then Nigellisima will never be anything less than awesome.
Masterchef Australia
I really hate English Masterchef. The judges are dreadful, the amateur cooks are annoying, basically everything about it pisses me off. But Masterchef Australia? It's amazing- the judges are so lovely, you really feel like you get to gradually know the contestants, and the entire format is just so much better than the English one. In my house, we're onto our third series (and a series lasts from September to early December, it's a long term investment!) and our love for it really hasn't waned at all. If you live in the UK and have literally no idea what I'm talking about, it's on Watch at 7pm basically every night, and honestly, you don't know what you're missing!
I guess sometimes I watch programmes that have nothing to do with food (I was going to say Breaking Bad, for example, but I guess that does have an awful lot of cooking in it...) but those are few and far between, and, to be honest, I love watching all of these things! The main drawback is that they do make me awfully hungry, but hey... What are snacks for?!
The Great British Bake Off
There's literally nothing about this programme I don't like, and when it was on the other night I believe I burst out with 'this is my favourite programme ever!' I especially like it because I like to bake too (although, seriously, I'm nothing compared to some of these bakers) but even my dad, who I believe struggles to boil an egg, likes it because it's all jolly and English, and everyone's basically really nice to each other all the time and it's wonderful. And also, BAKING! And ALSO also, Mel and Sue, who are clearly awesome, and hello BBC, what are you doing with them the rest of the time? Think about it.
And oh my LORD, I've just remembered that next week they're making gingerbread houses. Like it could get any better...
Cupcake WarsCupcakes Wars is kind of terrible, in that it's really formulaic and everyone always has a problem just before the advert breaks and it's like 'oh no, will the cupcakes be made?!' and the answer is always yes. But. Cupcakes! There's nothing I like to make more, and to be honest, it's pretty soothing watching people make them, even when they put weird shit in them like pickles and bacon. I didn't make either of those up. Basically, I wouldn't exactly hate having my own cupcakery, so I can indulge in a little bit of... wishful thinking as I watch. And speaking of wishful thinking...
The carpenters are HOT!NigelissimaNigella's back! And she's making Italian food. So I've only watched one episode of this, but it was extremely pleasing even if basically everything she made involved meat (a pizza with a meat instead of bread base? Come on Nigella, what?!) Her programmes are pretty much always good to watch, and I watch repeats of them whenever I can find them, so I can only assume that this will continue to be great. And if she keeps making Nutella Cheesecakes (YUM) then Nigellisima will never be anything less than awesome.
Masterchef Australia
I really hate English Masterchef. The judges are dreadful, the amateur cooks are annoying, basically everything about it pisses me off. But Masterchef Australia? It's amazing- the judges are so lovely, you really feel like you get to gradually know the contestants, and the entire format is just so much better than the English one. In my house, we're onto our third series (and a series lasts from September to early December, it's a long term investment!) and our love for it really hasn't waned at all. If you live in the UK and have literally no idea what I'm talking about, it's on Watch at 7pm basically every night, and honestly, you don't know what you're missing!
I guess sometimes I watch programmes that have nothing to do with food (I was going to say Breaking Bad, for example, but I guess that does have an awful lot of cooking in it...) but those are few and far between, and, to be honest, I love watching all of these things! The main drawback is that they do make me awfully hungry, but hey... What are snacks for?!
Sunday Sundries: There Is No One Way To Define This Week
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This has nothing to do with anything, but I think it's an important thing to remember.
Really, this week has kind of gone from 2 hospital trips in one day (BOO) to a day where I felt incredibly shattered (more boo!) to the glorious CAITLIN DAY (biggest YAY ever!) to kind of two more days of feeling a bit rubbish. Let's see what today brings! But seriously, I think the feeling rubbish thing is kind of a thing where I have tonsillitis (still) and haven't really rested much because I'm like 'hey! I can handle travelling up to London all the time!' and kind of FORCING myself to feel ok whilst doing so, and... Yeah, these are not really good things to do.
ANYWAY! Mum only has two more radiotherapy sessions to go! YAY! I honestly felt, at the start of the three weeks, like it would NEVER be over, so I'm really glad that it nearly is. For mum's sake more than mine, OBViously, but still. It hasn't been much fun. In other 'my family's health' news, my nan was released from the hospital on Tuesday, a mere 5 days after she went in, which is a way good thing, and a result of her heart not having any damage from the heart attack, and from it being caused by, probably, a little blood clot. Which obviously is still not great, but, you know, it could be way worse.
*Shakes self off* BLEURGH, medical issues, BORING, amiright? Unfortunately it's really about all I have to talk about this week, because when I wasn't in a hospital I was laying down OR meeting Caitlin Moran, and BOY do I feel like I shot my wad by writing about that experience already. Dammit, me, save the interesting stuff for Sunday posts! I am such a FOOL!
Shall we have a chat about books? (Fall back topic, always.) I got my hands on a copy of The Casual Vacancy this week, courtesy of my local library (try to take THAT away from me, Cameron) and have read about 5 pages of it, which means NOTHING other than that I'm also reading, let's say five other books, which is actually slightly a lie and it's more like 7. Except that really I'm not reading anything much at all, because, you know, reading requires energy that I don't really have at the moment. Having said that, I did re-read To Kill A Mockingbird and the first Shopaholic book this week, because re-reading is kind of soothing and also kind of requires less attention. And effort. Which is good cause those things are hard.
As well as The Casual Vacancy, I also acquired another book this week through... possibly less than ethical methods. What I am about to tell you may shock you, so if you're of a sensitive nature you may want to look away now. Or at least sit down (why would you be standing?!) So, on Tuesday, mum and I discovered the joys of the books the hospital had to offer (they have about two shelves full in the radiotherapy department) and I found a collection of poetry (Poems For Life) that I was a bit enamoured by, and which I sort of might have stolen. A bit.
IN MY DEFENCE- we totally replaced it with another book that was actually something people might want to read, as opposed to poetry, which nobody ever wants to read. Especially me. Except for this time. It's actually a weird choice of a thing for me to steal, I have to admit, but it's a pretty good collection of poems.
So there! You got my dirty little secret out of me! Are you happy now?! It's possibly my weirdest book acquisition, in many ways, but it isn't even my most memorable of the week since, did you not hear me when I mentioned the CAITLIN DAY? That was the besssssst... Anyway... My aim for today is to read that section of The Grapes of Wrath I set everyone so that I don't put on a poor show on Tuesday and, you know, have no idea what everyone's talking about (or at least... very little idea.) So there's that. And then also more resting so that I can actually feel properly better for once. Which would be very nice indeed!
So, reading and healing. What's everyone else going to be doing this fine Sunday?
This has nothing to do with anything, but I think it's an important thing to remember.Really, this week has kind of gone from 2 hospital trips in one day (BOO) to a day where I felt incredibly shattered (more boo!) to the glorious CAITLIN DAY (biggest YAY ever!) to kind of two more days of feeling a bit rubbish. Let's see what today brings! But seriously, I think the feeling rubbish thing is kind of a thing where I have tonsillitis (still) and haven't really rested much because I'm like 'hey! I can handle travelling up to London all the time!' and kind of FORCING myself to feel ok whilst doing so, and... Yeah, these are not really good things to do.
ANYWAY! Mum only has two more radiotherapy sessions to go! YAY! I honestly felt, at the start of the three weeks, like it would NEVER be over, so I'm really glad that it nearly is. For mum's sake more than mine, OBViously, but still. It hasn't been much fun. In other 'my family's health' news, my nan was released from the hospital on Tuesday, a mere 5 days after she went in, which is a way good thing, and a result of her heart not having any damage from the heart attack, and from it being caused by, probably, a little blood clot. Which obviously is still not great, but, you know, it could be way worse.
*Shakes self off* BLEURGH, medical issues, BORING, amiright? Unfortunately it's really about all I have to talk about this week, because when I wasn't in a hospital I was laying down OR meeting Caitlin Moran, and BOY do I feel like I shot my wad by writing about that experience already. Dammit, me, save the interesting stuff for Sunday posts! I am such a FOOL!
Shall we have a chat about books? (Fall back topic, always.) I got my hands on a copy of The Casual Vacancy this week, courtesy of my local library (try to take THAT away from me, Cameron) and have read about 5 pages of it, which means NOTHING other than that I'm also reading, let's say five other books, which is actually slightly a lie and it's more like 7. Except that really I'm not reading anything much at all, because, you know, reading requires energy that I don't really have at the moment. Having said that, I did re-read To Kill A Mockingbird and the first Shopaholic book this week, because re-reading is kind of soothing and also kind of requires less attention. And effort. Which is good cause those things are hard.
As well as The Casual Vacancy, I also acquired another book this week through... possibly less than ethical methods. What I am about to tell you may shock you, so if you're of a sensitive nature you may want to look away now. Or at least sit down (why would you be standing?!) So, on Tuesday, mum and I discovered the joys of the books the hospital had to offer (they have about two shelves full in the radiotherapy department) and I found a collection of poetry (Poems For Life) that I was a bit enamoured by, and which I sort of might have stolen. A bit.
IN MY DEFENCE- we totally replaced it with another book that was actually something people might want to read, as opposed to poetry, which nobody ever wants to read. Especially me. Except for this time. It's actually a weird choice of a thing for me to steal, I have to admit, but it's a pretty good collection of poems.So there! You got my dirty little secret out of me! Are you happy now?! It's possibly my weirdest book acquisition, in many ways, but it isn't even my most memorable of the week since, did you not hear me when I mentioned the CAITLIN DAY? That was the besssssst... Anyway... My aim for today is to read that section of The Grapes of Wrath I set everyone so that I don't put on a poor show on Tuesday and, you know, have no idea what everyone's talking about (or at least... very little idea.) So there's that. And then also more resting so that I can actually feel properly better for once. Which would be very nice indeed!
So, reading and healing. What's everyone else going to be doing this fine Sunday?
The Grapes of Wrath, Part One: "'You're bound to get idears if you go thinkin' about stuff.'"
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Good lord. I haven't read The Grapes of Wrath for 3 years (basically exactly, the last time I read it in October too) and returning to it is always a teeny bit nerve-wracking- is it going to be like I remembered it? Will it toy with ALL my emotions? Will I still want to hug all the Joads and tell them it'll all be ok, even if I'm not sure it will be?
Well, in a word, yes. I'm so... I'm still BLOWN away by the writing, even on this, what, fourth or fifth reading, and I'm still in love with everything about it! And I'm only a quarter of the way through, with SEVEN pages of quotes under my belt. And it's not like I can just write down little sentences, it's like, massive chunks of text that I just find completely perfect. DAMN Steinbeck, just show everyone else up, why don't you?!
I really am. And now I have to say more things about it? Whuuuut?!
Ok. So, to take it from the beginning-esque, I really love how Tom is introduced, in that for that entire chapter, you don't know anyone's name and the story could equally be about either Tom OR the truck driver, and THEN you find out Tom's a murderer and it's like
Oh SHIT, now I have to have sympathy for a murderer? But obviously it's all ok because, you know, self-defence and all. And he wasn't even carrying a weapon! The 1930s prosecution system is a JOKE!
And then we meet the Preacher. Or rather the former Preacher. And I have to tell you, I kind of love Jim Casy! In spite of his... not so good activities with what seem to be kind of young girls (I mean, not like the KIDS. But maybe still-in-their-teens girls, when he seems like he's more like Tom Snr's age) he's clearly the philosophical centre of the book, the character who wants to make things different, and who has stopped looking at the heavens so he can focus on things actually happening on earth. I, of course, love his new found kind-of-atheism, but also that, in spite of this, he's also the most deep thinking, and, in his own way, moral character. It's never really occurred to me before (or it has and I've forgotten) but Casy seems kind of like a substitute for Steinbeck for me at the moment- he wants to help do something for all the displaced people, which is exactly what Steinbeck was trying to do with this book.
And I'm sure the Cult-of-Wilkie ladies will agree, Casy is clearly a hottie:
Amazing.
Can we talk about some of Steinbeck's descriptions please? Because, honestly, I was swooning all over myself while I was reading Grapes, because I've apparently been starved of Steinbeck for a long time! And by, 'can we talk about it', what I really mean is, here are some quotes from this first part that I really really liked:
"It was a long head, bony, tight of skin, and set on a neck as stringy and muscular as a celery stalk."
"Her hazel eyes seemed to have experienced all possible tragedy and to have mounted pain and suffering like steps into a high calm and a superhuman understanding."
"And her joy was nearly like sorrow."
Jesse is excited by your awesome writing.
There are so so so many things that I haven't even brought up yet, so I sure hope everyone's focused on different things as we normally do so that everything gets said! For my part, I just want to talk about two more things: Ma, and those teeny chapters that aren't exactly about the Joads.
I love Ma. I think she's fantastic, and even though the men think they're in charge, and do get to make the decision, Ma is the one who turns their decisions into actions. About the only quote I didn't write down is something like 'women are always tired', which is not said so much as a criticism as a compliment to all that they do to keep their families working, and together. She seems like the paradigm of a mother figure, and I know that this:"She seemed to know that if she swayed the family shook, and if she ever really deeply wavered or despaired the family would fall, the family will to function would be gone."Kiiind of makes me think of my own mother, so... She's pretty important!
And now, the teeny chapters. I think it would be really easy to read them and go '... well, how is that relevant?' and it's true that these chapters aren't exactly about the Joads, except that they ARE about the Joads, as well as every other family and people displaced by the actions of evil capitalist overlords. Whilst the chapters about the Joads mean that you can be empathetic to one particular story, these in-between chapters mean that you can be FURIOUS about the entire situation. Especially the capitalist overlords.
I also think that they contain some of Steinbeck's BEST writing, but that's neither here nor there. Unless you're reading a book, which oh look, we are!
"How can we live without our lives? How will we know it's us without our past? No. Leave it. Burn it.
There is SO much more to say, but if I don't stop here, I almost definitely never will. Link up your posts below, pretties, so I can say more in excruciatingly detailed comments, probably involving quotes. Don't say I don't do anything for you!
Good lord. I haven't read The Grapes of Wrath for 3 years (basically exactly, the last time I read it in October too) and returning to it is always a teeny bit nerve-wracking- is it going to be like I remembered it? Will it toy with ALL my emotions? Will I still want to hug all the Joads and tell them it'll all be ok, even if I'm not sure it will be?Well, in a word, yes. I'm so... I'm still BLOWN away by the writing, even on this, what, fourth or fifth reading, and I'm still in love with everything about it! And I'm only a quarter of the way through, with SEVEN pages of quotes under my belt. And it's not like I can just write down little sentences, it's like, massive chunks of text that I just find completely perfect. DAMN Steinbeck, just show everyone else up, why don't you?!
I really am. And now I have to say more things about it? Whuuuut?!
Ok. So, to take it from the beginning-esque, I really love how Tom is introduced, in that for that entire chapter, you don't know anyone's name and the story could equally be about either Tom OR the truck driver, and THEN you find out Tom's a murderer and it's like
Oh SHIT, now I have to have sympathy for a murderer? But obviously it's all ok because, you know, self-defence and all. And he wasn't even carrying a weapon! The 1930s prosecution system is a JOKE!And then we meet the Preacher. Or rather the former Preacher. And I have to tell you, I kind of love Jim Casy! In spite of his... not so good activities with what seem to be kind of young girls (I mean, not like the KIDS. But maybe still-in-their-teens girls, when he seems like he's more like Tom Snr's age) he's clearly the philosophical centre of the book, the character who wants to make things different, and who has stopped looking at the heavens so he can focus on things actually happening on earth. I, of course, love his new found kind-of-atheism, but also that, in spite of this, he's also the most deep thinking, and, in his own way, moral character. It's never really occurred to me before (or it has and I've forgotten) but Casy seems kind of like a substitute for Steinbeck for me at the moment- he wants to help do something for all the displaced people, which is exactly what Steinbeck was trying to do with this book.
And I'm sure the Cult-of-Wilkie ladies will agree, Casy is clearly a hottie:
"[His] was an abnormally high forehead, lined with delicate blue veins at the temples. Fully half of the face was above the eyes."
Amazing.Can we talk about some of Steinbeck's descriptions please? Because, honestly, I was swooning all over myself while I was reading Grapes, because I've apparently been starved of Steinbeck for a long time! And by, 'can we talk about it', what I really mean is, here are some quotes from this first part that I really really liked:
"It was a long head, bony, tight of skin, and set on a neck as stringy and muscular as a celery stalk."
"Her hazel eyes seemed to have experienced all possible tragedy and to have mounted pain and suffering like steps into a high calm and a superhuman understanding."
"And her joy was nearly like sorrow."
Jesse is excited by your awesome writing.There are so so so many things that I haven't even brought up yet, so I sure hope everyone's focused on different things as we normally do so that everything gets said! For my part, I just want to talk about two more things: Ma, and those teeny chapters that aren't exactly about the Joads.
I love Ma. I think she's fantastic, and even though the men think they're in charge, and do get to make the decision, Ma is the one who turns their decisions into actions. About the only quote I didn't write down is something like 'women are always tired', which is not said so much as a criticism as a compliment to all that they do to keep their families working, and together. She seems like the paradigm of a mother figure, and I know that this:"She seemed to know that if she swayed the family shook, and if she ever really deeply wavered or despaired the family would fall, the family will to function would be gone."Kiiind of makes me think of my own mother, so... She's pretty important!
And now, the teeny chapters. I think it would be really easy to read them and go '... well, how is that relevant?' and it's true that these chapters aren't exactly about the Joads, except that they ARE about the Joads, as well as every other family and people displaced by the actions of evil capitalist overlords. Whilst the chapters about the Joads mean that you can be empathetic to one particular story, these in-between chapters mean that you can be FURIOUS about the entire situation. Especially the capitalist overlords.
I also think that they contain some of Steinbeck's BEST writing, but that's neither here nor there. Unless you're reading a book, which oh look, we are!
"How can we live without our lives? How will we know it's us without our past? No. Leave it. Burn it.
They sat and looked at it and burned it into their memories. How'll it be not to know what land's outside the door? How if you wake up in the night and know- and know the willow tree's not there? Can you live without the willow tree? Well, no, you can't. The willow tree is you. The pain on that mattress there- that dreadful pain- that's you."
There is SO much more to say, but if I don't stop here, I almost definitely never will. Link up your posts below, pretties, so I can say more in excruciatingly detailed comments, probably involving quotes. Don't say I don't do anything for you!
Devouring Books: Nights At The Circus by Angela Carter
To contact us Click HERE
"She owes it to herself to remain a woman, he thought. It is her human duty. As a symbolic woman, she has a meaning, as an anomaly, none."
I swear that, before I started blogging, I had basically never read a book about a circus- now, in just over a year I've read 3, and they've all been remarkably different. One was kind of a meditation on living in the past, the next a celebration of magic, both actual and in a kind of the-magic-of-the-circus sort of way. And then there's this, which is something else again. Exactly what, I'll try to explain.
Nights at the Circus is the first Angela Carter book I've read, due to a kind of... I don't know, fear or something that I wouldn't fully 'get' her, which I considered a bit of a problem since Frances wrote her whole dissertation on Carter's books, and, well, I didn't want to show myself up! I still can't exactly say that I 'get' Angela Carter, but then I'm not sure anyone can have ever said that they completely do with much conviction. No, I'm afraid you pretty much just have to hang on and go along with the ride. It's a fun one!
Clearly what Angela Carter said ALL THE TIME.
So, this book. It's separated into three distinct sections (as in, you know, they're literally labelled parts one, two and three. So this wasn't that tricky to figure out!) all of which are very different story-wise, but all contain elements of magical realism, and, as a result, are kind of insane. In a good way! Part one takes place over the course of an evening, as an interview between Fevvers, the apparently winged star of the circus, and Jack Walser, a journalist who's just trying to figure out if she's a hoax or not. And just in this first section, there's SO MUCH to think about- whether or not Fevvers is a fraud, and if she isn't, then how she almost has to pretend to be one to fit in, how the only work for women (apart from the circus, I guess) is a variety of sex work, and just what it meant to be poor and a woman in those times.
I feel like this first section really endears Fevvers to the reader, or at least, you know, to me. While at times she definitely seems stand-offish, there's a really sensible core to her that doesn't allow for any bullshit. Example: She was sold to this guy who insisted on seeing her as an angel (winged being and all) and spouts off all this philosophical-religious talk, about which Fevvers sensibly says
So the first section introduces Fevvers' life history, and then the second part shifts the focus away from her entirely and looks towards the circus as a whole. Which, I have to admit, is slightly jarring and frustrating to a certain extent, in that you've just become really invested in this one character and now she's become entirely secondary, but it's also really interesting because you get a wider view of the circus and its people and weird interconnectedness. It also means that when Fevvers DOES show up, oh man, do you pay attention! This wider view also allows for many subplots to crop up, which means, I'm pleased to tell you, a lesbian relationship because, in a book with this many women, there had to be at least one. And there is. At least one.
Seriously, though? SO many women. There are basically about 3 male characters, and everyone else is a woman, which is GLORIOUS because it means that such a wide tableau of women's stories can be told. There's the self-assured former prostitute, the woman who's been abused all her life but, with the help of others, manages to break the cycle, the prisoner, the prison guard... And so many others. And all of them feel real, not like tired stereotypes of a 'type' of woman, but actual living, breathing women that you could meet, wings and all (because of course all of this goes doubly for Fevvers).
It's sort of amazing, is what I'm saying.
And, along with all of these things, it's got some fairly breathtaking writing:
And then there's also one of the best things I've read on what it feels like to be objectified:
pretty much all of them positive, some of them just me sitting there going 'What the ACTUAL fuck?', but really all you need to know is this: I seriously enjoyed this book. I don't think I even knew how much until I wrote this, but now I know it's a LOT. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for more Angela Carter mentalness now, and if you have any Carter-recommendations, please let me know!
"She owes it to herself to remain a woman, he thought. It is her human duty. As a symbolic woman, she has a meaning, as an anomaly, none."I swear that, before I started blogging, I had basically never read a book about a circus- now, in just over a year I've read 3, and they've all been remarkably different. One was kind of a meditation on living in the past, the next a celebration of magic, both actual and in a kind of the-magic-of-the-circus sort of way. And then there's this, which is something else again. Exactly what, I'll try to explain.
Nights at the Circus is the first Angela Carter book I've read, due to a kind of... I don't know, fear or something that I wouldn't fully 'get' her, which I considered a bit of a problem since Frances wrote her whole dissertation on Carter's books, and, well, I didn't want to show myself up! I still can't exactly say that I 'get' Angela Carter, but then I'm not sure anyone can have ever said that they completely do with much conviction. No, I'm afraid you pretty much just have to hang on and go along with the ride. It's a fun one!
Clearly what Angela Carter said ALL THE TIME.So, this book. It's separated into three distinct sections (as in, you know, they're literally labelled parts one, two and three. So this wasn't that tricky to figure out!) all of which are very different story-wise, but all contain elements of magical realism, and, as a result, are kind of insane. In a good way! Part one takes place over the course of an evening, as an interview between Fevvers, the apparently winged star of the circus, and Jack Walser, a journalist who's just trying to figure out if she's a hoax or not. And just in this first section, there's SO MUCH to think about- whether or not Fevvers is a fraud, and if she isn't, then how she almost has to pretend to be one to fit in, how the only work for women (apart from the circus, I guess) is a variety of sex work, and just what it meant to be poor and a woman in those times.
I feel like this first section really endears Fevvers to the reader, or at least, you know, to me. While at times she definitely seems stand-offish, there's a really sensible core to her that doesn't allow for any bullshit. Example: She was sold to this guy who insisted on seeing her as an angel (winged being and all) and spouts off all this philosophical-religious talk, about which Fevvers sensibly says
"'Which is all very well, no doubt, but I thought, in that case, the least he could do was ask me to sit down and he never thinks of that, nor does he even offer me so much as a cup of tea after the very trying journey I've had of it.'"In spite of her wings, she's maybe the most down to earth character in the book!
So the first section introduces Fevvers' life history, and then the second part shifts the focus away from her entirely and looks towards the circus as a whole. Which, I have to admit, is slightly jarring and frustrating to a certain extent, in that you've just become really invested in this one character and now she's become entirely secondary, but it's also really interesting because you get a wider view of the circus and its people and weird interconnectedness. It also means that when Fevvers DOES show up, oh man, do you pay attention! This wider view also allows for many subplots to crop up, which means, I'm pleased to tell you, a lesbian relationship because, in a book with this many women, there had to be at least one. And there is. At least one.
Seriously, though? SO many women. There are basically about 3 male characters, and everyone else is a woman, which is GLORIOUS because it means that such a wide tableau of women's stories can be told. There's the self-assured former prostitute, the woman who's been abused all her life but, with the help of others, manages to break the cycle, the prisoner, the prison guard... And so many others. And all of them feel real, not like tired stereotypes of a 'type' of woman, but actual living, breathing women that you could meet, wings and all (because of course all of this goes doubly for Fevvers).
It's sort of amazing, is what I'm saying.
And, along with all of these things, it's got some fairly breathtaking writing:
"Brisk, bright, wintry morning, under a sky that mimics a bell of blue glass so well it looks as if it wold ring out glad tidings at the lightest blow of a fingernail. A thick rime of frost everywhere, giving things a festive, tinsel trim. The rare Northern sunlight makes up in brilliance for what it lacks in warmth, like certain nervous temperaments. Today the Stars and Stripes billow out bravely, as if they meant it, above the courtyard of the Imperial Circus, where the courtyard is as full of folk and bustle as a Breughel- all in motion, all hustle-bustle!"I mean, that just actually makes me feel chilly! And sort of breathless and impressed and amazed.
And then there's also one of the best things I've read on what it feels like to be objectified:
"In [his] eyes, she saw herself, at last, swimming into definition, like the image on photographic paper; but, instead of Fevvers, she saw two perfect miniatures of a dream. She felt her outlines waver; she felt herself trapped forever in the reflection in [his] eyes. For one moment, just one moment, Fevvers faced the worst crisis of her life: 'Am I fact? Or am I fiction? Am I what I know I am? Or am I what he thinks I am?'"Basically, I have a lot of feelings about Nights at the Circus,
pretty much all of them positive, some of them just me sitting there going 'What the ACTUAL fuck?', but really all you need to know is this: I seriously enjoyed this book. I don't think I even knew how much until I wrote this, but now I know it's a LOT. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for more Angela Carter mentalness now, and if you have any Carter-recommendations, please let me know!
9 Ekim 2012 Salı
Mythology Books.
To contact us Click HERE
Part of the reason I haven't been making much progress on my project lists is that I have been absorbed in reading for the mythology course I am teaching this fall. I have two sections of the class (it will be all juniors and seniors), and I'm really excited about it! While I consider myself decently versed in Greek myths, I'm not as comfortable with myths from other regions and cultures. Since finding out I had the class, I've been trying to dabble a bit in everything. I do have a course outline, courtesy of another teacher, so I should be okay if I stumble onto something I am unsure of!
In any case, I've been purchasing books left and right that I think might help me gain a little more knowledge. I'd like to share them all with you to see if you have any further suggestions and, well, to maybe get you to add one or two to your TBR pile. :) Hey, what are friends for, right?
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
This is actually the only "textbook" we have for the class, but it is a pretty standard overview of mythology, particularly the Greeks. I think Hamilton's book is pretty well-known and revered, so I'm excited to use it with the kids. There is a lot of great stuff in here, and most of it is pretty approachable, so it should be a great fit with the class (which should be a big mix of students and skill levels).
I have some easier activities planned for the first two weeks of school which revolve around the book and easing the kids back into a "school" frame of mind, so this will be a great place for us to start!
American Indian Myths and Legends edited by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz
I really wanted to supplement the materials I was given, so I thought that pulling in some stories from the Americas would be a great way to do so. This book kept popping up in my searches online, so I caved and ordered it. It is pretty extensive and covers multiple tribes. Some of the stories are pretty similar to one another, but I found some great stories that I'm going to pull in to my units (a great flood story and one about the trickster Coyote).
I will say that a couple of the stories shocked me in regards to their sexuality and content. Needless to say, those stories won't be read in class, and this is a book I won't lend out to students.
World Mythology edited by Donna Rosenberg
When I asked on twitter a few weeks ago for book recommendations, Sarah suggested this as a title to check out. I found a copy and ordered it, thinking this would be a great way to get myths from a variety of places.
Needless to say, I really like this volume. The myths are diverse in origin and I think they are written in a way that my high schoolers will enjoy them. There have been a few I haven't been a fan of, but I have marked quite a few to share with my students. There is great background information here!
The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland
This was another title that kept popping up when I was searching for books. While there are some Norse myths that are already in the material I was given, I figured why not have more to look at! :)
I really enjoyed the introduction of this book. Of all the sources I've looked at, I think this one had the easiest terminology to understand (yep, will definitely be using it). I also really enjoy the stories. Loki is a favorite of mine, so whenever he pops up, you know it'll be a fun story. :) I will say, however, that you need a bit more background to understanding who the gods/goddesses are before you begin reading. If you had no prior knowledge of any Norse gods/goddesses, you might be a bit confused at first.
World Mythology edited by Roy Willis
I stumbled on this book yesterday when I was strolling through Barnes and Noble. I'll admit it was the green that grabbed me at first. :) After flipping through it in the store, I knew I had to get it. Unlike the other books I've mentioned, this is more of a reference book. There is some great information about myths and themes between cultures that I really liked. It also has a very broad and diverse range of myths and information. I see this more as a book I will use than something I will share with my students.
I'm also a big fan of the images in this book, as well as the biographical sketches of different people.
Mythology (Visual Reference Guide) edited by Philip Wilkinson and Neil Philip
This last title is another that jumped out at me in the bookstore yesterday. What I really liked about this one is the condensed version of the information and the fabulous layout of the pages (summaries and images intermingled). This will be an invaluable reference book for me since it is easy to find information about all of the myths, as well as bright images to share with my classes. I can see myself turning to this one when a kid asks me a random question I don't know the answer to! :) I also think the summarized stories will be a great resource for those kids who need the story to be reinforced a bit more!
There you have it! The mythology books I am using to guide my way in this class. As always, I would love to hear recommendations for more sources and stories that I could use. Right now the class is set up rather thematically-creation, heroes, the underworld, floods, etc-but I am open to suggestions. I am also thinking of having the students look at modern mythology in connection with super and comic book heroes. Any help anyone could give would be much appreciated!
In any case, I've been purchasing books left and right that I think might help me gain a little more knowledge. I'd like to share them all with you to see if you have any further suggestions and, well, to maybe get you to add one or two to your TBR pile. :) Hey, what are friends for, right?
Mythology by Edith HamiltonThis is actually the only "textbook" we have for the class, but it is a pretty standard overview of mythology, particularly the Greeks. I think Hamilton's book is pretty well-known and revered, so I'm excited to use it with the kids. There is a lot of great stuff in here, and most of it is pretty approachable, so it should be a great fit with the class (which should be a big mix of students and skill levels).
I have some easier activities planned for the first two weeks of school which revolve around the book and easing the kids back into a "school" frame of mind, so this will be a great place for us to start!
American Indian Myths and Legends edited by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz
I really wanted to supplement the materials I was given, so I thought that pulling in some stories from the Americas would be a great way to do so. This book kept popping up in my searches online, so I caved and ordered it. It is pretty extensive and covers multiple tribes. Some of the stories are pretty similar to one another, but I found some great stories that I'm going to pull in to my units (a great flood story and one about the trickster Coyote).
I will say that a couple of the stories shocked me in regards to their sexuality and content. Needless to say, those stories won't be read in class, and this is a book I won't lend out to students.
World Mythology edited by Donna RosenbergWhen I asked on twitter a few weeks ago for book recommendations, Sarah suggested this as a title to check out. I found a copy and ordered it, thinking this would be a great way to get myths from a variety of places.
Needless to say, I really like this volume. The myths are diverse in origin and I think they are written in a way that my high schoolers will enjoy them. There have been a few I haven't been a fan of, but I have marked quite a few to share with my students. There is great background information here!
The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-HollandThis was another title that kept popping up when I was searching for books. While there are some Norse myths that are already in the material I was given, I figured why not have more to look at! :)
I really enjoyed the introduction of this book. Of all the sources I've looked at, I think this one had the easiest terminology to understand (yep, will definitely be using it). I also really enjoy the stories. Loki is a favorite of mine, so whenever he pops up, you know it'll be a fun story. :) I will say, however, that you need a bit more background to understanding who the gods/goddesses are before you begin reading. If you had no prior knowledge of any Norse gods/goddesses, you might be a bit confused at first.
World Mythology edited by Roy WillisI stumbled on this book yesterday when I was strolling through Barnes and Noble. I'll admit it was the green that grabbed me at first. :) After flipping through it in the store, I knew I had to get it. Unlike the other books I've mentioned, this is more of a reference book. There is some great information about myths and themes between cultures that I really liked. It also has a very broad and diverse range of myths and information. I see this more as a book I will use than something I will share with my students.
I'm also a big fan of the images in this book, as well as the biographical sketches of different people.
Mythology (Visual Reference Guide) edited by Philip Wilkinson and Neil PhilipThis last title is another that jumped out at me in the bookstore yesterday. What I really liked about this one is the condensed version of the information and the fabulous layout of the pages (summaries and images intermingled). This will be an invaluable reference book for me since it is easy to find information about all of the myths, as well as bright images to share with my classes. I can see myself turning to this one when a kid asks me a random question I don't know the answer to! :) I also think the summarized stories will be a great resource for those kids who need the story to be reinforced a bit more!
There you have it! The mythology books I am using to guide my way in this class. As always, I would love to hear recommendations for more sources and stories that I could use. Right now the class is set up rather thematically-creation, heroes, the underworld, floods, etc-but I am open to suggestions. I am also thinking of having the students look at modern mythology in connection with super and comic book heroes. Any help anyone could give would be much appreciated!
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