I am actually still reading this book. Seriously, no kidding, I'm reading Villette. In fact, I rechecked (is that a word?) this book out from the library so I could finish it. My reading has slowed considerably, what with life getting its hands all over my day, but I do still try to find an hour to stick my nose in the story when I can. My fingers are crossed that I'll have this done by this weekend.
Right now what I'm enjoying about the book is how it feels like a sort of strange ride. Some of it you can guess before it happens, and yet it reads as if it were totally organic. Of course this would happen; of course that would happen. It makes sense, and isn't at all a boring or shocking occurrence when things fall into certain places. It feels very much like a life journey, where the heroine (Lucy, which is an excellent name in my very humble opinion) slowly evolves, and finds herself becoming different, while at the same time still holding onto the core of herself.
It's a very interesting book, and with about 1/4 of it left to go, I'm very excited to see where this long, curving road of Lucy's goes. Bronte definitely did a great things with this story.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Villette is a Place
Yes, I'll admit it. The book I'm reading, which is actually pretty good so far, is titled after a place and not a person. I didn't know this. I assumed it was about a woman named Villette, whom we'd meet in the process of the story. Nope. Not at all. It's a French town.
I know, I know, I should have realized this. But the fact is, I try to keep myself a little insulated when it comes to the books on my list. I want to be excited, to be surprised, to be completely unaware of twists and turns. I suppose in a way that will make me look a little, well, foolish sometimes. But that's okay. I don't mind admitting to these things. After all, it was a surprising and wonderful revelation to know Villette was a town and not a human being. It made me smile at myself and laugh a little at my assumption.
So, the book reading is going well. I'm balancing it with homeschooling the kids, and writing, and in general getting through the glorious chaos of life. The language in the book gives me a bit of a problem every now and again, as some reactions are spoken in French. It's not so numerous, or so distracting, that it puts me off the story. Plus, I've found that my one year of high school French, as well as the text around the language, helps me to understand what's happening.
Right now, I'd say Villette is a very good book. Not mind blowingly awesome (though I'm not quite halfway through, so it has time to surprise me yet). But a good, solid read about the evolution of the main character, and the crises that cause her to become something more than she ever imagined herself to be. All in all, not a bad premise, and a very enjoyable book.
I know, I know, I should have realized this. But the fact is, I try to keep myself a little insulated when it comes to the books on my list. I want to be excited, to be surprised, to be completely unaware of twists and turns. I suppose in a way that will make me look a little, well, foolish sometimes. But that's okay. I don't mind admitting to these things. After all, it was a surprising and wonderful revelation to know Villette was a town and not a human being. It made me smile at myself and laugh a little at my assumption.
So, the book reading is going well. I'm balancing it with homeschooling the kids, and writing, and in general getting through the glorious chaos of life. The language in the book gives me a bit of a problem every now and again, as some reactions are spoken in French. It's not so numerous, or so distracting, that it puts me off the story. Plus, I've found that my one year of high school French, as well as the text around the language, helps me to understand what's happening.
Right now, I'd say Villette is a very good book. Not mind blowingly awesome (though I'm not quite halfway through, so it has time to surprise me yet). But a good, solid read about the evolution of the main character, and the crises that cause her to become something more than she ever imagined herself to be. All in all, not a bad premise, and a very enjoyable book.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Review "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck
I just finished this book last night. I have to say, I did enjoy the story. I wasn't necessarily dazzled and awe inspired, but I did like it. I can definitely see why it's a classic, and I would encourage anyone to read it.
"The Good Earth" tells the story of Wang Lung, a poor farmer in 1900s China. He has simple goals for his simple life. He wants to farm the land, harvest a good crop, and maybe have a few pieces of copper to hold onto. In the opening, we find Wang Lung preparing to go get his bride from the home of a wealthy family; a woman who will cook and clean and see to his and his father's care. He's never seen her, as his father was the one who went to the house and struck a deal with the family for Wang to have one of the slave girls for a bride. Someone who isn't too pretty, who isn't too smart, but is a good, strong worker. This is exactly what he gets, and his life unravels in different, unforeseen roads after.
The story itself deals with the horrific poverty of the peasant class in China during those years. It also shows how women are little more than possessions, and how the traditions that were adhered to kept them as such. However, as it turns out, it is Wang Lung's wife, O-Lan, who ultimately seems to be the one to pull his family together during tragedy and keeps them from certain death time and again. However, he does not truly see, or even understand, just how much she's contributed to him, other than his sons. While he isn't cruel to her, and at times is even kind to her, he doesn't love her. But, true for the times, she understands this, and is happy to be in a place where she isn't subjected to abuse.
The book also shows the rise in Wang Lung's status, but the downfall of his strength and character. He begins to pull away from the driving force that had propelled him his whole life: the land. In doing so, you watch a proud man, who had been so happy just to wake and walk into his field in the morning, deteriorate into a listless creature who has forgotten certain promises he's made himself. He slowly begins to become what he had once hated but secretly envied: a wealthy man. It isn't until the end of his life that he realizes he needs to be on his land again, where he is most at peace.
Ultimately, for me, this story also showed how the things that are so important to one generation can become nothing to the next. What one man prizes above all, his son can so easily brush away and fill the void with his own desires.
The one thing that stood out to me was Buck's writing style. It flowed, very raw, sometimes in long sentence structures, in a way that made it all seem more real. After all, how many of us really think in proper structure, with all the niceties that we use when we write? I fell into the rhythm very easily, and was able to picture every place, every person, every blade of grass, without being jarred from the story.
I was also fascinated by the facts of the lives of poor farmers in that region at that time. The story does take place just before the revolution, and throughout there are rumblings of what's to come. But for Wang Lung, it wasn't something he had the time or luxury to really consider. He needed to provide, and he did the best he could. Later, when he was idle, he was too busy with his pride, worrying about how others perceived him, and mapping out the lives of his children, not to mention dealing with greedy relatives.
In the end, "The Good Earth" is a very good read about life in a time that most of us have never experienced. At its heart, for me, it also felt like a tale of the human condition, of how things can change, and how people change (and don't change) because of that.
This wasn't exactly an all time favorite read, I'll admit. But it was definitely a book that kept me interested, and it was one that made me feel and understand things that I hadn't really considered before. I would say pick it up and add it to your classic collection.
"The Good Earth" tells the story of Wang Lung, a poor farmer in 1900s China. He has simple goals for his simple life. He wants to farm the land, harvest a good crop, and maybe have a few pieces of copper to hold onto. In the opening, we find Wang Lung preparing to go get his bride from the home of a wealthy family; a woman who will cook and clean and see to his and his father's care. He's never seen her, as his father was the one who went to the house and struck a deal with the family for Wang to have one of the slave girls for a bride. Someone who isn't too pretty, who isn't too smart, but is a good, strong worker. This is exactly what he gets, and his life unravels in different, unforeseen roads after.
The story itself deals with the horrific poverty of the peasant class in China during those years. It also shows how women are little more than possessions, and how the traditions that were adhered to kept them as such. However, as it turns out, it is Wang Lung's wife, O-Lan, who ultimately seems to be the one to pull his family together during tragedy and keeps them from certain death time and again. However, he does not truly see, or even understand, just how much she's contributed to him, other than his sons. While he isn't cruel to her, and at times is even kind to her, he doesn't love her. But, true for the times, she understands this, and is happy to be in a place where she isn't subjected to abuse.
The book also shows the rise in Wang Lung's status, but the downfall of his strength and character. He begins to pull away from the driving force that had propelled him his whole life: the land. In doing so, you watch a proud man, who had been so happy just to wake and walk into his field in the morning, deteriorate into a listless creature who has forgotten certain promises he's made himself. He slowly begins to become what he had once hated but secretly envied: a wealthy man. It isn't until the end of his life that he realizes he needs to be on his land again, where he is most at peace.
Ultimately, for me, this story also showed how the things that are so important to one generation can become nothing to the next. What one man prizes above all, his son can so easily brush away and fill the void with his own desires.
The one thing that stood out to me was Buck's writing style. It flowed, very raw, sometimes in long sentence structures, in a way that made it all seem more real. After all, how many of us really think in proper structure, with all the niceties that we use when we write? I fell into the rhythm very easily, and was able to picture every place, every person, every blade of grass, without being jarred from the story.
I was also fascinated by the facts of the lives of poor farmers in that region at that time. The story does take place just before the revolution, and throughout there are rumblings of what's to come. But for Wang Lung, it wasn't something he had the time or luxury to really consider. He needed to provide, and he did the best he could. Later, when he was idle, he was too busy with his pride, worrying about how others perceived him, and mapping out the lives of his children, not to mention dealing with greedy relatives.
In the end, "The Good Earth" is a very good read about life in a time that most of us have never experienced. At its heart, for me, it also felt like a tale of the human condition, of how things can change, and how people change (and don't change) because of that.
This wasn't exactly an all time favorite read, I'll admit. But it was definitely a book that kept me interested, and it was one that made me feel and understand things that I hadn't really considered before. I would say pick it up and add it to your classic collection.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pearl S. Buck Is Excellent
Not that her memory needs any praise from me, as many more knowledgeable, learned people have extolled her work for years. But I just had to stop and say...wow! "The Good Earth" is is such a wonderful read so far.
It's not like you open it and are immediately dazzled, like a deer caught in headlights who can't look away. It's more like a subtle creeping up, an easy flow of words, and suddenly *bam!* you're caught. The grasp of culture, the way every day life is described, the fulfillment and the sadness, it's all there, wrapped in a world I don't know, but one I can understand. Even though these people are, outwardly, so different from me, there are so many common threads that are simply about life and the struggle to live it, that the story is crossing the time and culture barriers.
For now, I can say that I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I'm half way through it, and I only opened it yesterday. However, I can tell the story is about to fall into a difficult area, where I might find myself wanting to reach through the pages and smack a few heads together. But again, what's a great life story without the foul ups?
It's not like you open it and are immediately dazzled, like a deer caught in headlights who can't look away. It's more like a subtle creeping up, an easy flow of words, and suddenly *bam!* you're caught. The grasp of culture, the way every day life is described, the fulfillment and the sadness, it's all there, wrapped in a world I don't know, but one I can understand. Even though these people are, outwardly, so different from me, there are so many common threads that are simply about life and the struggle to live it, that the story is crossing the time and culture barriers.
For now, I can say that I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I'm half way through it, and I only opened it yesterday. However, I can tell the story is about to fall into a difficult area, where I might find myself wanting to reach through the pages and smack a few heads together. But again, what's a great life story without the foul ups?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Review: "Kane and Able" by Jeffrey Archer
"She only stopped screaming when she died." How can you turn away from an opening line such as that? I couldn't. And once I'd started reading, I found it very hard to put the book down. In matter of fact, even though this one is a very thick volume, I finished the story in three days.
Kane and Able is the story of two boys, each born into two very different worlds, and raised in very different ways. One is born illegitimately in the woods in Poland and is taken in by an extremely poor family. One is born to a prominent, well-to-do couple in America and has his whole life planned out for him. The only thing that these two babies have in common is the date of their birth.
The story follows their lives, through personal tragedies (all relevant to early and mid-1900's history) and triumphs. We see the passing of familiar characters, the addition of more, and the stories that surround them and entangle the main characters. Through various circumstances, we find our main characters, Kane and Able, cross swords, unknowingly cross paths, carry animosity for each other, and ultimately find the truth that life is more than vendettas and pride.
Seeing two people with such different lives dealing with some of the same sorts of tragedies was nearly mesmerizing at times. Jeffrey Archer also did a brilliant job of showing how the world around these two changed, and how those changes either worked their way into their lives, or merely skimmed the surface while barely creating ripples.
I would definitely recommend this book. Though it's not necessarily for the faint of heart (it does deal very plainly with issues related to war, including death and vicious abuse, suicide during the Great Depression, etc.), and it's size can be daunting (I'm not joking when I said it was large), I believe that it's so well written and executed that it shouldn't be missed. In fact, I just found out that there's a sequel, and I'm happily adding it (The Prodigal Daughter) to my list of "To Be Read" books.
Kane and Able is the story of two boys, each born into two very different worlds, and raised in very different ways. One is born illegitimately in the woods in Poland and is taken in by an extremely poor family. One is born to a prominent, well-to-do couple in America and has his whole life planned out for him. The only thing that these two babies have in common is the date of their birth.
The story follows their lives, through personal tragedies (all relevant to early and mid-1900's history) and triumphs. We see the passing of familiar characters, the addition of more, and the stories that surround them and entangle the main characters. Through various circumstances, we find our main characters, Kane and Able, cross swords, unknowingly cross paths, carry animosity for each other, and ultimately find the truth that life is more than vendettas and pride.
Seeing two people with such different lives dealing with some of the same sorts of tragedies was nearly mesmerizing at times. Jeffrey Archer also did a brilliant job of showing how the world around these two changed, and how those changes either worked their way into their lives, or merely skimmed the surface while barely creating ripples.
I would definitely recommend this book. Though it's not necessarily for the faint of heart (it does deal very plainly with issues related to war, including death and vicious abuse, suicide during the Great Depression, etc.), and it's size can be daunting (I'm not joking when I said it was large), I believe that it's so well written and executed that it shouldn't be missed. In fact, I just found out that there's a sequel, and I'm happily adding it (The Prodigal Daughter) to my list of "To Be Read" books.
Review: "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler
One of the reasons I picked out this book was because of the title. I'm not sure why, but it just sort of yelled, "Mya! Mya you have to read me!". So I did, and I'm glad I listened to that loud voice.
The story itself is as complicated and somehow as easy as life. Because really that's what it's about. It's the story of a family, of four very different people (and the very unique individuals who played roles in their lives) and how these four people struggled to be a family. It's also the intricate tale of individual lives that inevitably entangle, whether the characters want them to or not, as all of our lives do with our families.
What I enjoyed about the book was how Anne Tyler laid the story out. A few chapters were in one person's POV, the next were in another. It was interesting, and very entertaining, to see a different take on the same experience. While one didn't see complete lack in their childhood, another might. While the mother might remember an outing as annoying and tiring, a child might see it as an adventure and not remember the bad parts. It gave the story much more depth in that all the various POVs gave a different twist on what had happened, or what was happening at the time.
The themes in this book are timeless. What happens in our childhood forms us, and our perception of those events shape our very character. How one person reacts to the same situation isn't how another will, even when they are siblings. Being a parent is never easy, it can be a thankless job, and it isn't one that comes with an instruction manual. You do the best you can, and in the end, you have to hope your children understand that.
So, what was the deal with the title? It's in reference to a restaurant and one of the siblings. That's all I'm going to say about it, because really, finding out the truth of the title is like finding the kernel of the story.
I highly recommend this book. There is a reason it is considered a classic, and deservedly so. Pick it up, take it home, be sure you have several hours set aside to read it (cause you won't want to put it down too often), and see if you can spot just a bit of yourself in the characters. I know I did. I think I even found an aunt, a brother, and a cousin in there, too.
The story itself is as complicated and somehow as easy as life. Because really that's what it's about. It's the story of a family, of four very different people (and the very unique individuals who played roles in their lives) and how these four people struggled to be a family. It's also the intricate tale of individual lives that inevitably entangle, whether the characters want them to or not, as all of our lives do with our families.
What I enjoyed about the book was how Anne Tyler laid the story out. A few chapters were in one person's POV, the next were in another. It was interesting, and very entertaining, to see a different take on the same experience. While one didn't see complete lack in their childhood, another might. While the mother might remember an outing as annoying and tiring, a child might see it as an adventure and not remember the bad parts. It gave the story much more depth in that all the various POVs gave a different twist on what had happened, or what was happening at the time.
The themes in this book are timeless. What happens in our childhood forms us, and our perception of those events shape our very character. How one person reacts to the same situation isn't how another will, even when they are siblings. Being a parent is never easy, it can be a thankless job, and it isn't one that comes with an instruction manual. You do the best you can, and in the end, you have to hope your children understand that.
So, what was the deal with the title? It's in reference to a restaurant and one of the siblings. That's all I'm going to say about it, because really, finding out the truth of the title is like finding the kernel of the story.
I highly recommend this book. There is a reason it is considered a classic, and deservedly so. Pick it up, take it home, be sure you have several hours set aside to read it (cause you won't want to put it down too often), and see if you can spot just a bit of yourself in the characters. I know I did. I think I even found an aunt, a brother, and a cousin in there, too.
Reviews, Reviews!
Yes, I've been reading. And reading, and reading, and reading...and I've also been writing, and writing, and writing...but I have not been reviewing. 'Cause I'm a bad girl! lol Yeah, I know, it's sort of laughable to call me bad.
Anyway, I have read two books that I need to put reviews up for. Other than that, I have to say my life has been busier than usual, and very exciting, too. I've been talking to people about publication for my romance stories, so my head is full of romance novelesque stuff as well as business.
But enough about that. I have reviews to post!
Anyway, I have read two books that I need to put reviews up for. Other than that, I have to say my life has been busier than usual, and very exciting, too. I've been talking to people about publication for my romance stories, so my head is full of romance novelesque stuff as well as business.
But enough about that. I have reviews to post!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Review "The Woman In Black..." by Susan Hill
This is going to be an, um, different sort of review. I say that as a warning, because yours truly was brilliant enough (gah!) to actually get the movie that was based on this book. Yes, I know. So, I am going to review both, and do little comparison.
The Book: The Woman In Black is very much a classic ghost story. No clown in the sewers or vampire next door, this is your good, old fashioned ghost story. A little spooky, a little scary, and told in the first person so that you feel like you are the character being stalked. All in all, it's exactly what you would expect of something from this genre.
The opening was a nice overlay of ominous over innocuous. There is a bit about the past, just a glimpse to show there is tension, then it picks up in the here and now, narrated by a man who is enjoying the Christmas season with his step-children and his wife. Then the boys begin a game of ghost stories, and from there, the real tale begins to unravel. We are taken back in time, not necessarily as a memory flashback, but in the guise of the narrator writing his story down. The beginning of that story, too, opens with the same ominous overtones on an ordinary day, when the man was young and optimistic.
After being sent by his boss to deal with the estate of a Mrs. Drablow, the narrator finds himself in a small town with a dark little secret. Of course, this is something that is kept from him, and from us, until nearly the end of the book. This secret is tied to the Drablows, and to their home, Eel Marsh House, which is set out on a small island away from the town. It's the unraveling of the secret that was interesting to read, watching this logical man sink into fear because of what he hears and sees. The setting, mainly Eel Marsh House, and the way it is cut off from the rest of the world makes it even more of a traditionally scary story. There is a ghost, naturally, but it's what that ghost does, and what occurs around the specter that makes it more than just a story where she pops out and yells, "Boo!".
In the end, which I refuse to give away, you can understand the man's reluctance to tell his tale. You know why he doesn't take the game of ghost story as a lark. It became serious business, business that still haunts him, and you realize it will until the day he dies.
The bad of the story? There is a lot of exposition. There is plenty of inner dialogue that tends to go on when it could have easily been summed up in just a few sentences of thought. I can't decide if that's because I'm so used to modern day snips and bites of information, or if it's cultural (me being American and the book British), or if it's down to the way the character's thoughts flowed. There is suspense, but the real depth of it isn't truly realized until near the end of the book. It is definitely worth the wait for it, though.
But, if you can get through the lengthy inner discussions and descriptions, you'll find a gem of a very classic ghost story. And, hey, it's one I even read to my kids (my daughter is at the age where she's determined to be scared). There was no fear of gore or unseemly violence, no harsh words, and no sexual situations that would make it uncomfortable. A great read, suitable for most ages, and one that I can definitely nod to as a solid, traditional tale.
The Movie: Could I have been any more disappointed? I highly doubt that. After reading the book, I was looking forward to the made for TV movie. It took a bit of finagling, as the video isn't being sold any more and I couldn't find it on Netflix. But my husband finally found it for me (Amazon and E-Bay are amazing sites). When I settled down to watch it, I was prepared for there to be differences. There usually are, as it's next to impossible to truly recreate a story, especially one with lots of inner dialogue, for the screen. But right from the start I felt my heart sink.
They had only kept a few things from the book. The character names, the place names, and a few scenes. Some of the dialogue was saved, as well, thank heavens. But the rest? Not so much.
While I can understand why some things must be changed, the ones that were glaringly different didn't need to be. I kept finding myself wondering, "Why?". The story is a perfectly good one, grounded in classics, scary enough without embellishments. The ending in the book, even, was scarier than the movie's.
I will give the movie some credit, though. What they did leave of the book was well done. The atmosphere was spot on (as far as the house and town), and the ghost and the things surrounding her were spine tingling. The problem is, I suppose, I'd expected more from a BBC production.
Would I tell you to see the movie? No. Not unless you've never read the book. Or maybe after you've read the entire book. Ultimately, you'd have to watch it and consider it almost a story all on it's own. I will warn you, the ending...completely wrong.
All Told: "The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story" gets a thumbs up from my reader side, my classic side, and my mommy side. The movie gets tossed into the "if the kids want to watch a scary movie but I don't have to suffer through watching it with them" shelf.
The Book: The Woman In Black is very much a classic ghost story. No clown in the sewers or vampire next door, this is your good, old fashioned ghost story. A little spooky, a little scary, and told in the first person so that you feel like you are the character being stalked. All in all, it's exactly what you would expect of something from this genre.
The opening was a nice overlay of ominous over innocuous. There is a bit about the past, just a glimpse to show there is tension, then it picks up in the here and now, narrated by a man who is enjoying the Christmas season with his step-children and his wife. Then the boys begin a game of ghost stories, and from there, the real tale begins to unravel. We are taken back in time, not necessarily as a memory flashback, but in the guise of the narrator writing his story down. The beginning of that story, too, opens with the same ominous overtones on an ordinary day, when the man was young and optimistic.
After being sent by his boss to deal with the estate of a Mrs. Drablow, the narrator finds himself in a small town with a dark little secret. Of course, this is something that is kept from him, and from us, until nearly the end of the book. This secret is tied to the Drablows, and to their home, Eel Marsh House, which is set out on a small island away from the town. It's the unraveling of the secret that was interesting to read, watching this logical man sink into fear because of what he hears and sees. The setting, mainly Eel Marsh House, and the way it is cut off from the rest of the world makes it even more of a traditionally scary story. There is a ghost, naturally, but it's what that ghost does, and what occurs around the specter that makes it more than just a story where she pops out and yells, "Boo!".
In the end, which I refuse to give away, you can understand the man's reluctance to tell his tale. You know why he doesn't take the game of ghost story as a lark. It became serious business, business that still haunts him, and you realize it will until the day he dies.
The bad of the story? There is a lot of exposition. There is plenty of inner dialogue that tends to go on when it could have easily been summed up in just a few sentences of thought. I can't decide if that's because I'm so used to modern day snips and bites of information, or if it's cultural (me being American and the book British), or if it's down to the way the character's thoughts flowed. There is suspense, but the real depth of it isn't truly realized until near the end of the book. It is definitely worth the wait for it, though.
But, if you can get through the lengthy inner discussions and descriptions, you'll find a gem of a very classic ghost story. And, hey, it's one I even read to my kids (my daughter is at the age where she's determined to be scared). There was no fear of gore or unseemly violence, no harsh words, and no sexual situations that would make it uncomfortable. A great read, suitable for most ages, and one that I can definitely nod to as a solid, traditional tale.
The Movie: Could I have been any more disappointed? I highly doubt that. After reading the book, I was looking forward to the made for TV movie. It took a bit of finagling, as the video isn't being sold any more and I couldn't find it on Netflix. But my husband finally found it for me (Amazon and E-Bay are amazing sites). When I settled down to watch it, I was prepared for there to be differences. There usually are, as it's next to impossible to truly recreate a story, especially one with lots of inner dialogue, for the screen. But right from the start I felt my heart sink.
They had only kept a few things from the book. The character names, the place names, and a few scenes. Some of the dialogue was saved, as well, thank heavens. But the rest? Not so much.
While I can understand why some things must be changed, the ones that were glaringly different didn't need to be. I kept finding myself wondering, "Why?". The story is a perfectly good one, grounded in classics, scary enough without embellishments. The ending in the book, even, was scarier than the movie's.
I will give the movie some credit, though. What they did leave of the book was well done. The atmosphere was spot on (as far as the house and town), and the ghost and the things surrounding her were spine tingling. The problem is, I suppose, I'd expected more from a BBC production.
Would I tell you to see the movie? No. Not unless you've never read the book. Or maybe after you've read the entire book. Ultimately, you'd have to watch it and consider it almost a story all on it's own. I will warn you, the ending...completely wrong.
All Told: "The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story" gets a thumbs up from my reader side, my classic side, and my mommy side. The movie gets tossed into the "if the kids want to watch a scary movie but I don't have to suffer through watching it with them" shelf.
Monday, July 13, 2009
In a Black Mood
So, I've started reading "Woman in Black", and am actually half-way through. Wish I could stop the real life interruptions sometimes, because I'd be through with the story by now. Ah, well, such is life.
I do enjoy the book when I have time to pick it up. In fact, last night I read some of it to my kids. Yep, that's right, it's a traditional ghost story, and so far as I've read, it's not anything I wouldn't let my children read. It is a bit scary, but not so much about killing and such as trying to reconcile what is seen by what is not seen.
I have the movie (it's amazing what you find on Amazon and Ebay these days), and I intend to watch it. I'm very sure it won't be nearly as good as the book itself. But then, that tends to be true for most. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised just this once by the screen version, but I'm not holding my breath.
Well, I'm back to writing, and then a little bit of reading. I'm anxious to get back to the book and see how our poor hero fairs in the haunted Eel Marsh House.
I do enjoy the book when I have time to pick it up. In fact, last night I read some of it to my kids. Yep, that's right, it's a traditional ghost story, and so far as I've read, it's not anything I wouldn't let my children read. It is a bit scary, but not so much about killing and such as trying to reconcile what is seen by what is not seen.
I have the movie (it's amazing what you find on Amazon and Ebay these days), and I intend to watch it. I'm very sure it won't be nearly as good as the book itself. But then, that tends to be true for most. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised just this once by the screen version, but I'm not holding my breath.
Well, I'm back to writing, and then a little bit of reading. I'm anxious to get back to the book and see how our poor hero fairs in the haunted Eel Marsh House.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Review "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card
I like science fiction. I remember reading Anne McCaffery stories beginning when I was a tween (before "tween" was even a word), reading Isaac Asimov as I got older, and eventually looking for books by authors who weren't as well known. Shame on me for not putting Ender's Game on the top of my list years and years ago.
What is unique to me is that this book poses the question, "What if the fate of the earth was in the hands of children?" How do you deal with them? How do you train them? How do you impress upon them how vitally important they are to the human race? How do you choose who is trained, and who isn't? How do you know you've made the right choices?
The story is very easy to fall into. Haven't we all had moments, especially in childhood, where we didn't feel we quite belonged? Didn't we all have fantasies of overcoming the odds, and even the people, that stood in our way? This feeds into all of those dreams, but at the same time, it takes a different path than most traditional story telling.
The chapters were like small stories unto themselves, beginning with a question or problem, and having it resolved by the end of the chapter. There were some issues which became a main thread through the whole, but I especially enjoyed the fact that I could read a chapter, be satisfied enough to take a break, and still have a real desire to come back to it for the big resolution.
What I hadn't expected, because I've been so careful not to learn too much about the books I'm reading before I pick them up, was Ender's age. And not just his youth, but the way he dealt with it, and the wisdom and struggles he had that were more suited to an older boy. But I didn't find myself questioning it because all of that was explained quickly and satisfactorily.
There wasn't a time when I didn't feel empathy for Ender. Card does such a terrific job of mixing the reader in with the character's feelings, that there isn't any room to step back and wonder if Ender might be "odd". Why? Because you find yourself being "odd" right along with him, and it seems as natural as breathing.
The secondary characters were marvelous to read about. They were so fleshed out, so complete, and each one played nicely into the overall story. It was great to see varying viewpoints (the boy who doesn't trust the teachers or higher ups, the girl who focuses on being nothing but a great soldier), and it was just as fun to see it all come together and play like overlapping parts in a symphony.
What is also great about this book are the subplots. They are there, and not just hidden in the corners, but presented to you on a silver platter. There is no guessing about what's going on, but there are still the questions about why, who, and how, and that's what keeps it streaming along.
I will admit to being a bit uncomfortable about the way Ender is treated, especially in the beginning. But then, most good stories do make you feel that way, so I was okay with it. And the way the main characters dealt with the issues helped me get through my discomfort quickly enough.
The ending isn't just satisfactory, it's absolutely perfect. You feel as if everything is precisely where it should be, that the people have become what they should, and while not everyone got what they deserved, I still walked away with a feeling of "rightness".
There are two twists in the book, neither of which I'll tell you. What I will say is that these revelations were perfectly timed, perfectly executed, and were brilliant moves by the author. Each brings about it's own "tied in a bow" feeling, while still allowing the reader to have a chance to use their imagination and struggle with their own moral questions. If I say anymore I'll give it all away.
Would I recommend this book? I'll do one better. I'd buy this book for any sci-fi enthusiast (who doesn't own a copy) as a present without any doubt that they would love it. Actually, I'd purchase it for anyone who enjoys reading and still be just as sure they'd like the story. In fact, now that I've read the first one, I plan to go out and buy the entire series. I hear the next ones are just as good, and I can't wait to see where Card goes with his characters from here.
What is unique to me is that this book poses the question, "What if the fate of the earth was in the hands of children?" How do you deal with them? How do you train them? How do you impress upon them how vitally important they are to the human race? How do you choose who is trained, and who isn't? How do you know you've made the right choices?
The story is very easy to fall into. Haven't we all had moments, especially in childhood, where we didn't feel we quite belonged? Didn't we all have fantasies of overcoming the odds, and even the people, that stood in our way? This feeds into all of those dreams, but at the same time, it takes a different path than most traditional story telling.
The chapters were like small stories unto themselves, beginning with a question or problem, and having it resolved by the end of the chapter. There were some issues which became a main thread through the whole, but I especially enjoyed the fact that I could read a chapter, be satisfied enough to take a break, and still have a real desire to come back to it for the big resolution.
What I hadn't expected, because I've been so careful not to learn too much about the books I'm reading before I pick them up, was Ender's age. And not just his youth, but the way he dealt with it, and the wisdom and struggles he had that were more suited to an older boy. But I didn't find myself questioning it because all of that was explained quickly and satisfactorily.
There wasn't a time when I didn't feel empathy for Ender. Card does such a terrific job of mixing the reader in with the character's feelings, that there isn't any room to step back and wonder if Ender might be "odd". Why? Because you find yourself being "odd" right along with him, and it seems as natural as breathing.
The secondary characters were marvelous to read about. They were so fleshed out, so complete, and each one played nicely into the overall story. It was great to see varying viewpoints (the boy who doesn't trust the teachers or higher ups, the girl who focuses on being nothing but a great soldier), and it was just as fun to see it all come together and play like overlapping parts in a symphony.
What is also great about this book are the subplots. They are there, and not just hidden in the corners, but presented to you on a silver platter. There is no guessing about what's going on, but there are still the questions about why, who, and how, and that's what keeps it streaming along.
I will admit to being a bit uncomfortable about the way Ender is treated, especially in the beginning. But then, most good stories do make you feel that way, so I was okay with it. And the way the main characters dealt with the issues helped me get through my discomfort quickly enough.
The ending isn't just satisfactory, it's absolutely perfect. You feel as if everything is precisely where it should be, that the people have become what they should, and while not everyone got what they deserved, I still walked away with a feeling of "rightness".
There are two twists in the book, neither of which I'll tell you. What I will say is that these revelations were perfectly timed, perfectly executed, and were brilliant moves by the author. Each brings about it's own "tied in a bow" feeling, while still allowing the reader to have a chance to use their imagination and struggle with their own moral questions. If I say anymore I'll give it all away.
Would I recommend this book? I'll do one better. I'd buy this book for any sci-fi enthusiast (who doesn't own a copy) as a present without any doubt that they would love it. Actually, I'd purchase it for anyone who enjoys reading and still be just as sure they'd like the story. In fact, now that I've read the first one, I plan to go out and buy the entire series. I hear the next ones are just as good, and I can't wait to see where Card goes with his characters from here.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 4th!
I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July. Lots of fireworks, plenty of potato salad, and good company all around. Just don't forget to drink plenty of water (it's hot out there!) and wear your sunscreen.
I'm in the middle of "Ender's Game", which is an excellent read, by the way, and should be done hopefully by next week. After that, my husband is going to confiscate it and read it himself.
But until then I'm off to enjoy the holiday weekend. Have a wonderful one!
I'm in the middle of "Ender's Game", which is an excellent read, by the way, and should be done hopefully by next week. After that, my husband is going to confiscate it and read it himself.
But until then I'm off to enjoy the holiday weekend. Have a wonderful one!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Review "Tender is the Night" F. Scott Fitzgerald
I just finished this book yesterday evening. I've been struggling to figure out how to review this book without giving away too much of the story. After all, the whole idea of this book is to twist and turn so much that nearly every page is interwoven into the main theme. Please forgive me if some of this sounds vague, I just don't want to spill the beans for those who want to read the story.
"Tender is the Night" starts off clearly enough. A youngish girl (17) and her mother are on vacation, touring Europe, and stop on the coast for a few days. It's there that she meets a group of rather...interesting folks, all older than she is, who take her in as a friend. From there, certain things escalate. There is a hint of something scandalous, though we don't know what it is until about halfway through the book. Of course, there are other titillating details, things that are said, things that happen, but you aren't quite sure how they might play into each other. But they do. Again, this is something that takes most of the book to see, though you do know that the entanglement is there, you just aren't sure how the bows are tied.
The book does change perspective, three times in fact, but it doesn't feel like a jarring change. It's more gradual, so it doesn't seem odd to be moving from one point of view to another. Actually, I found it interesting to go from one place to another, and see the world and what's happening through certain people's eyes.
I will admit I had a bit of a problem at one point with the time line. It took me a moment to readjust myself, and I did have to keep reminding myself of the time shift. However, I didn't find it too off putting.
The writing was excellent. It was easy enough to become absorbed in the story, and I did find myself wondering about the twist that I knew was coming up. It was the waiting for it, the wondering about it, that made the first half of the story so intriguing.
The second half covered the whole twist, not leaving anything to question. It was nicely done, though a little uncomfortable. I think that had to do more with the attitudes of the day rather than the actual issue.
The last few chapters of the book wrapped nearly everything up in a nice package. However, once I put the book down, I couldn't decide if I was satisfied with the ending or not. I have a huge soft spot for gooey endings, though I do realize that all stories shouldn't end that way. Indeed, some can't end that way. And though this one didn't end as terribly as "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold", I still didn't feel...fulfilled. But then it could be that was what Fitzgerald was going for. Once you read the book, you'll know what I mean.
Would I recommend this story? Yes. It was superbly written, nicely turned, and interesting in each part of the story. If you're looking for a good Fitzgerald book, and you've read "The Great Gatsby" (which is on my list, too), then this is one I'd definitely tell you to pick up.
"Tender is the Night" starts off clearly enough. A youngish girl (17) and her mother are on vacation, touring Europe, and stop on the coast for a few days. It's there that she meets a group of rather...interesting folks, all older than she is, who take her in as a friend. From there, certain things escalate. There is a hint of something scandalous, though we don't know what it is until about halfway through the book. Of course, there are other titillating details, things that are said, things that happen, but you aren't quite sure how they might play into each other. But they do. Again, this is something that takes most of the book to see, though you do know that the entanglement is there, you just aren't sure how the bows are tied.
The book does change perspective, three times in fact, but it doesn't feel like a jarring change. It's more gradual, so it doesn't seem odd to be moving from one point of view to another. Actually, I found it interesting to go from one place to another, and see the world and what's happening through certain people's eyes.
I will admit I had a bit of a problem at one point with the time line. It took me a moment to readjust myself, and I did have to keep reminding myself of the time shift. However, I didn't find it too off putting.
The writing was excellent. It was easy enough to become absorbed in the story, and I did find myself wondering about the twist that I knew was coming up. It was the waiting for it, the wondering about it, that made the first half of the story so intriguing.
The second half covered the whole twist, not leaving anything to question. It was nicely done, though a little uncomfortable. I think that had to do more with the attitudes of the day rather than the actual issue.
The last few chapters of the book wrapped nearly everything up in a nice package. However, once I put the book down, I couldn't decide if I was satisfied with the ending or not. I have a huge soft spot for gooey endings, though I do realize that all stories shouldn't end that way. Indeed, some can't end that way. And though this one didn't end as terribly as "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold", I still didn't feel...fulfilled. But then it could be that was what Fitzgerald was going for. Once you read the book, you'll know what I mean.
Would I recommend this story? Yes. It was superbly written, nicely turned, and interesting in each part of the story. If you're looking for a good Fitzgerald book, and you've read "The Great Gatsby" (which is on my list, too), then this is one I'd definitely tell you to pick up.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fitzgerald Shocks Me
I started reading "Tender is the Night" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. What can I say? I am shocked by how interesting this book is turning out to be. Again, I haven't read a synopsis nor opinions regarding this book, so it's all a surprise to me. And what a surprise!
While the descriptions can, yes, drone on (I'm beginning to think this is the style of the time), it's still not as dry as you might fear. In all actuality, it's quite scandalous when you consider the time frame. And yet it starts of innocuously enough, with a young woman and her mother arriving in a small town along the coast of Italy. In fact, most of the things that happen should be, and could be, ordinary enough, except that as the reader you begin to understand the undertones, even when the heroine doesn't.
I'm really enjoying this book so far. I'm waiting to read my Susan Hill story until I've finished this one, because I don't feel as if I need a break in between the chapters of Tender is the Night. Here's hoping the rest of the story is as good as the first half!
While the descriptions can, yes, drone on (I'm beginning to think this is the style of the time), it's still not as dry as you might fear. In all actuality, it's quite scandalous when you consider the time frame. And yet it starts of innocuously enough, with a young woman and her mother arriving in a small town along the coast of Italy. In fact, most of the things that happen should be, and could be, ordinary enough, except that as the reader you begin to understand the undertones, even when the heroine doesn't.
I'm really enjoying this book so far. I'm waiting to read my Susan Hill story until I've finished this one, because I don't feel as if I need a break in between the chapters of Tender is the Night. Here's hoping the rest of the story is as good as the first half!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ecclectic Isn't Bad, Is It?
We took another trip to the library. This has become a weekly occurrence, considering my children read at the speed of lightening. While I was there, I decided to simply browse the shelves, and pick up the books on my list that struck me as interesting. When I checked out, I realized I'd exchanged Middlemarch (which I still haven't finished) and I'd added F. Scott Fitzgerald and Susan Hill. For some reason, part of me really felt like a little scare, and Susan Hill's book looked like it would fit the bill. The Fitzgerald book was one that I don't have on my list, but I'm going to pretend is there. Middlemarch I am still struggling with. I don't know why I'm having so much trouble getting through it. It's not a terrible book, and I do think I've mellowed my judgment on the story. And yet I can't get through a few pages without having to put it down and take a deep breath. It's well written. The characters are all fleshed out. The scenes are easy to picture. I just don't know why I'm having issues.
So, I have three books waiting to be read (I'll pick Middlemarch back up Friday). As I usually do, I'll read them in bits and pieces (which drives my husband crazy), exchanging one for the other throughout the day as I have a few minutes to read. It should make for an interesting few weeks.
On a side note, we just discovered bunny rabbits playing in our front yard. Two large, brown ones with floppy ears. We think they've dug a rabbit hole beside the oak in our front yard. Either way, it was fun to watch them play, and the kids got a kick out of it. Maybe we'll even see baby bunnies pop their heads up in the next few weeks.
So, I have three books waiting to be read (I'll pick Middlemarch back up Friday). As I usually do, I'll read them in bits and pieces (which drives my husband crazy), exchanging one for the other throughout the day as I have a few minutes to read. It should make for an interesting few weeks.
On a side note, we just discovered bunny rabbits playing in our front yard. Two large, brown ones with floppy ears. We think they've dug a rabbit hole beside the oak in our front yard. Either way, it was fun to watch them play, and the kids got a kick out of it. Maybe we'll even see baby bunnies pop their heads up in the next few weeks.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
It's Been A Long Month
It's almost been a month since I've posted. It's been a very long month. Without going into detail, I'll say that family comes first, but they can sure be exhausting. Do you have any idea how many types of retirement homes there are? Types, not actual places. It boggles the mind.
Anyway, I've finally posted my review of "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold". You'll find it below. Liked it, but didn't like it. That's summary in one sentence. I've moved on to other books. I'm struggling with the latest one, but did pick up a few "breather" books (stories I read every once in a while between heavy stories). One of them is an F. Scott Fitzgerald book that I should have had on my list. I'll just pretend it's there, and make it a 101 list.
Sorry that this is short, but I do intend to be back in the next few days to straighten up the blog and say hello. Happy Reading!
Anyway, I've finally posted my review of "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold". You'll find it below. Liked it, but didn't like it. That's summary in one sentence. I've moved on to other books. I'm struggling with the latest one, but did pick up a few "breather" books (stories I read every once in a while between heavy stories). One of them is an F. Scott Fitzgerald book that I should have had on my list. I'll just pretend it's there, and make it a 101 list.
Sorry that this is short, but I do intend to be back in the next few days to straighten up the blog and say hello. Happy Reading!
"The Spy Who Came In From The Cold" Review
What can I say about this book? When I first picked it up, I had no expectations at all. I'd heard the title, of course, heard people rave about it. But I have been cautious about finding out too much regarding the books on my list. I want to go in with no preconceived notions. I'm glad I did that with this book.
First, I'll say that it was a much easier read than anticipated. The story itself was easy to follow, and had a flow and rhythm of words that had me into the scenes almost immediately. It was very easy to picture myself in Alec Leamas' place. I could understand getting burned out by the spy game. His personality, the things he'd seen, the things he felt, made it even easier to understand how he ended up embroiled in the main plot of the book.
I can't say too much without giving a lot away. It's one of those books. So much happens on every page that even a hint can ruin the plot. I enjoyed the main character, very much liked the secondary ones, and found myself flying through the pages.
And then I got to the end. I'll admit that I'd figured out the big twist well before it was revealed. But that was okay with me. It was still fun to see everything play out. However, the last few pages had me fighting not to close the book forever. I have very few personal pet peeves, but the author played right into them. By the time I was through with the last chapter, I couldn't decide if I was angry, upset, or just plain disappointed. This, of course, is a personal opinion. You might love the ending. I, however, did not.
Would I recommend this book? It would depend on the person. It was well written, extremely well paced, very interesting, nicely drawn, and in most parts intriguing. But the ending just really did not work for me. I would say it was one of those books you should read once in your life. It's up to you if you'd like to read it again.
First, I'll say that it was a much easier read than anticipated. The story itself was easy to follow, and had a flow and rhythm of words that had me into the scenes almost immediately. It was very easy to picture myself in Alec Leamas' place. I could understand getting burned out by the spy game. His personality, the things he'd seen, the things he felt, made it even easier to understand how he ended up embroiled in the main plot of the book.
I can't say too much without giving a lot away. It's one of those books. So much happens on every page that even a hint can ruin the plot. I enjoyed the main character, very much liked the secondary ones, and found myself flying through the pages.
And then I got to the end. I'll admit that I'd figured out the big twist well before it was revealed. But that was okay with me. It was still fun to see everything play out. However, the last few pages had me fighting not to close the book forever. I have very few personal pet peeves, but the author played right into them. By the time I was through with the last chapter, I couldn't decide if I was angry, upset, or just plain disappointed. This, of course, is a personal opinion. You might love the ending. I, however, did not.
Would I recommend this book? It would depend on the person. It was well written, extremely well paced, very interesting, nicely drawn, and in most parts intriguing. But the ending just really did not work for me. I would say it was one of those books you should read once in your life. It's up to you if you'd like to read it again.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
"Anne of Green Gables" Shelved
I can not get into this book right now. I can't explain why, or why it's been so difficult for me to get past the second chapter. For whatever reason I simply can not rouse myself to read Anne right now. Too many "life lesson" stories lately? Not sure. But this is one I'll have to pick up later because I am determined to read it...eventually.
Meanwhile, I'm juggling "Middlemarch" and "The Spy Who..." pretty well. I try not to read them back to back; it would be a little too jarring. I'm hoping to have more time through the coming week to read than I did this past week. Family obligations always come first, but in the coming days they are going to be obligations that are closer to home.
Oh, and I had a light bulb moment when thinking about "Middlemarch". Again, not sure why it hadn't occurred to me before, but I suddenly realized that Eliot had deliberately made these people twits. Maybe as I get further into the book my suspicion will be confirmed, but considering when it was written, it is a definite possibility. I'm trying not to read any sort of reviews regarding any of the books I have on my list (other than FitG reviews), because I want to come at the stories with an open mind and no voices in my head. This is why I can't tell you for certain if this book was meant to be a bit critical of the way certain people thought and acted in that age. I suppose I'll just have to see.
Meanwhile, I'm juggling "Middlemarch" and "The Spy Who..." pretty well. I try not to read them back to back; it would be a little too jarring. I'm hoping to have more time through the coming week to read than I did this past week. Family obligations always come first, but in the coming days they are going to be obligations that are closer to home.
Oh, and I had a light bulb moment when thinking about "Middlemarch". Again, not sure why it hadn't occurred to me before, but I suddenly realized that Eliot had deliberately made these people twits. Maybe as I get further into the book my suspicion will be confirmed, but considering when it was written, it is a definite possibility. I'm trying not to read any sort of reviews regarding any of the books I have on my list (other than FitG reviews), because I want to come at the stories with an open mind and no voices in my head. This is why I can't tell you for certain if this book was meant to be a bit critical of the way certain people thought and acted in that age. I suppose I'll just have to see.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I'm Stuck in the "Middle" and Feeling "Cold"
So I picked up a copy of Middlemarch while I was at the library. I am three chapters into it so far, and all I can say is: these people are twits. I don't know how else to describe them. The main female character seems bent on self-torture via Victorian Purity, and the young man who wants her does so because he needs someone to tell him what to do. The uncle is scatter brained, going off in all directions of thought, all the while considering himself a "man of the world" and "very well educated". The only one I can relate to at all is the youngest sister, who has no qualms about enjoying jewelry, slight flirtations, and feels that she somehow has to live up to her sister's austere presence, while at the same time not understanding it. Poor dear. I'm afraid I'm going to thoroughly dislike her before the story is over. *sigh* The scene painting is so drawn out that at times I feel like banging my head into the wall. I try to remind myself that it was written in a different time, and so there were different standards in editing and writing. Still...two pages dedicated to how green hills in the foggy morning look seems a bit extreme. But I haven't lost hope. No sir, not when I have about 1,000 more pages to read. Who knows what will happen over the passing years to change these people and this place. Hopefully plenty.
I also picked up "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold". Okay, this is touted to be a "man's book", but I have to admit, right now, I'm really enjoying it. I'm usually not a deep political intrigue kind of gal, but somehow I can relate to the main character. Pulled one way, then another, and all the time trying to play it cool. I particularly enjoy the scenes that le Carre has painted, and found it very easy to slip right into the place of the characters. I have a feeling that I'll be finishing this book first, and not just because it's a much, much shorter read than Middlemarch. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I continue to like this book as much as I do right now.
I also picked up "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold". Okay, this is touted to be a "man's book", but I have to admit, right now, I'm really enjoying it. I'm usually not a deep political intrigue kind of gal, but somehow I can relate to the main character. Pulled one way, then another, and all the time trying to play it cool. I particularly enjoy the scenes that le Carre has painted, and found it very easy to slip right into the place of the characters. I have a feeling that I'll be finishing this book first, and not just because it's a much, much shorter read than Middlemarch. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I continue to like this book as much as I do right now.
"An Old Fashioned Girl" Review
Have you ever read a book that makes you feel...good? I mean, just really, really good? And it makes you want to go out and do good things? Be a better person? "An Old Fashioned Girl" is one of those books.
Louisa May Alcott was great at this sort of thing. With her "Little Women" book and those that followed, she gave you some very sweet, very honest glimpses into the lives of her characters. They were real people for you, living a real life, with all the problems that people of their time would have. But with this book, it felt like all of that was magnified.
The book follows Polly, the country "old fashioned girl", who goes to stay with family friends in the city for a few weeks every year. It shows her confused by their attitudes, unsure as to why everyone is so determined to be what they're not, and her character in remembering her mother's life lessons. We follow Polly, along with her friend Fanny, Fanny's brother, Fanny's little sister, and of course Fanny's parents, through several years. It's gratifying to see how Polly's actions change the family, and how her attitude gives them the little lifts they need. Even when the worst happens to them, they have Polly's sage advice and ready smile to help them get through.
Polly isn't perfect. She never claims to be perfect. In fact, she's really very hard on herself for her foibles. But you see her try, see her go on, see her digging for the good out of the bad. It makes it easy to relate to her character, even though the story is framed in a time where they still drove horse and buggies.
"An Old Fashioned Girl" is also a cautionary tale about wrapping yourself in material possessions, in being caught up in too many worldly things, in losing sight of what it is to be a human being instead of a status symbol, and where true happiness lies. Reading this book reminded me of all the old sayings my grandmother used to lace through her conversations. "Idle hands are the devil's playground"; "Never judge a book by its cover"; "Beauty is inward and will tell outward". All those things that sometimes we hear, but don't ever consider or truly understand.
I loved reading this book. While it wasn't a difficult read (the language was easy to follow, there were no real plot twists, no mysteries to solve), it was one that definitely made me introspective. The scenes were well drawn, the pacing just right, and the characters rich and believable (for their time period). It's a definite must read, and one that you can share with your kids, or even your mother, without a blush. There is, of course, a very happy ending for all involved. But somehow I'll bet you already knew that.
A quick note: the library had to actually send off for this book from their archives. On looking in the back of the book, I found a library check-out card pocketed in the back. The dates went all the way back to 1956, and right up to 1988, when the book was obviously "retired". I have to say, it was a neat experience realizing I was holding a book in my hand that had seen so many generations of readers.
Louisa May Alcott was great at this sort of thing. With her "Little Women" book and those that followed, she gave you some very sweet, very honest glimpses into the lives of her characters. They were real people for you, living a real life, with all the problems that people of their time would have. But with this book, it felt like all of that was magnified.
The book follows Polly, the country "old fashioned girl", who goes to stay with family friends in the city for a few weeks every year. It shows her confused by their attitudes, unsure as to why everyone is so determined to be what they're not, and her character in remembering her mother's life lessons. We follow Polly, along with her friend Fanny, Fanny's brother, Fanny's little sister, and of course Fanny's parents, through several years. It's gratifying to see how Polly's actions change the family, and how her attitude gives them the little lifts they need. Even when the worst happens to them, they have Polly's sage advice and ready smile to help them get through.
Polly isn't perfect. She never claims to be perfect. In fact, she's really very hard on herself for her foibles. But you see her try, see her go on, see her digging for the good out of the bad. It makes it easy to relate to her character, even though the story is framed in a time where they still drove horse and buggies.
"An Old Fashioned Girl" is also a cautionary tale about wrapping yourself in material possessions, in being caught up in too many worldly things, in losing sight of what it is to be a human being instead of a status symbol, and where true happiness lies. Reading this book reminded me of all the old sayings my grandmother used to lace through her conversations. "Idle hands are the devil's playground"; "Never judge a book by its cover"; "Beauty is inward and will tell outward". All those things that sometimes we hear, but don't ever consider or truly understand.
I loved reading this book. While it wasn't a difficult read (the language was easy to follow, there were no real plot twists, no mysteries to solve), it was one that definitely made me introspective. The scenes were well drawn, the pacing just right, and the characters rich and believable (for their time period). It's a definite must read, and one that you can share with your kids, or even your mother, without a blush. There is, of course, a very happy ending for all involved. But somehow I'll bet you already knew that.
A quick note: the library had to actually send off for this book from their archives. On looking in the back of the book, I found a library check-out card pocketed in the back. The dates went all the way back to 1956, and right up to 1988, when the book was obviously "retired". I have to say, it was a neat experience realizing I was holding a book in my hand that had seen so many generations of readers.
Monday, May 18, 2009
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" Review
Anne Bronte is the sister of the seemingly more famous
The first thing that surprised me was the fact that this book is written in two ways: first, as a long letter from one man to his good friend, second, as diary entries from a young lady. I wasn’t expecting this at all, but the way it was done was very interesting. I was so caught in the story that whenever the recipient of the letter was mentioned, a statement made to him or a question asked, it was slightly jarring. The diary entries had me looking at dates, calculating times, figuring out how many weeks had passed in between, without even consciously knowing it. And those missing pieces of time definitely made a difference for me when I read what the young lady had written in the newest entry.
“The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” would have most definitely been thought of as scandalous in its day. Alcoholism, abuse, adultery, whispers of divorce, illegitimacy…it’s enough to shock a reader of the time. I found myself imaging a woman sneaking the book into her house, then secretly reading it while it was hidden in a book of Shakespeare prose. But the whole idea of the story is definitely supported by these shocking things. After all, what happens and had happened (before the opening of the book) is meant to caution people about letting their desires roll right over their common sense. Yes, some of the things that are revealed seem a heavy price to pay for making an emotional choice (a choice made without any real thought to the practical mind), but it sure makes for great reading. Plus, it does drive the point home.
I’m a sucker for sappy endings, so rest assured there is one at the end of this book. While the story is angst filled, emotionally wrenching at times, and full of great heartstring pulling moments, it is worth getting to the last chapter. No, “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” isn’t as gothic as “
Just a quick note: this book does surround the whole idea of God, living as God would want, and general church doctrine. Not a problem for me, but in case you strongly object to God, church, or the Bible, you should be aware that this is a main theme running throughout.
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