If you've been following my site you are aware that while I read many books at once I generally focus most of my time on one or two selections so that I manage to actually finish a book once in a while! I also try to be reading at least one classic.
Our high school-aged daughter has just begun reading A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens for her honors English literature class. That was just the motivation I needed to begin reading it again. I started reading it while we were living in England but didn't read it frequently enough and just couldn't get into it. I just began reading it two days ago and I'm really enjoying it.
I must have reached a critical place in my reading today, a new character was recently introduced and upon that introduction I began to recall having read it previously. A friend whom I went to school with listed it when the two of us once tried to recall all the books we'd been assigned in school. I honestly didn't recall reading it until now. I also haven't recalled any particulars of the lesser plot-lines so far so while I am aware that I've read it the measure of reading it hasn't been spoiled. I do know a bit about Dickens and wondered how I came about that knowledge. Now I realize we discussed him in middle school as we discussed this title.
I'm glad I decided to (re)read it.
06 May 2011
04 May 2011
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
This was a sweet little book about three young children who were found by a man and his young, new wife. The children had been living wildly and alone in the woods of their estate in England. The couple has no knowledge or evident ability to care for them although they have the money to provide care for them. They dub the children "The Incorrigibles".
Penelope Lumley is a recent graduate of The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. She is 15 and has no place to go now upon graduation until she is hired by Lord Frederick and Lady Constance to work for them as governess to the children.
The story is lighter than Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events (I've read all of that series) but is written with a similarly advanced vocabulary. The language used does tend to be period language from the early to mid 1850s. Wood's style is gothic in nature. Romance and horror both abound; the story jumps easily back and forth between the two. Penelope's gentle awareness of the children's needs is quick to follow and avert any threat of horror.
Word of warning: (possible spoiler)
At one point in the story several men grab guns and head to the woods to hunt for the children. While this sounds very scary the story progresses well and quickly so that there is not a long amount of worry over what will happen.
Due to the possible scare factor I would suggest that people consider a pre-read of this before allowing very young children to read it. Our 9 and 10 year olds could handle reading it. I am thinking back on it and think that I could read this to our 5 year old without her being upset by it.
Penelope Lumley is a recent graduate of The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. She is 15 and has no place to go now upon graduation until she is hired by Lord Frederick and Lady Constance to work for them as governess to the children.
The story is lighter than Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events (I've read all of that series) but is written with a similarly advanced vocabulary. The language used does tend to be period language from the early to mid 1850s. Wood's style is gothic in nature. Romance and horror both abound; the story jumps easily back and forth between the two. Penelope's gentle awareness of the children's needs is quick to follow and avert any threat of horror.
Word of warning: (possible spoiler)
At one point in the story several men grab guns and head to the woods to hunt for the children. While this sounds very scary the story progresses well and quickly so that there is not a long amount of worry over what will happen.
Due to the possible scare factor I would suggest that people consider a pre-read of this before allowing very young children to read it. Our 9 and 10 year olds could handle reading it. I am thinking back on it and think that I could read this to our 5 year old without her being upset by it.
01 May 2011
There's A Slight Chance I Might Be Going To Hell by Laurie Notaro
This book was Laurie Notaro's first attempt at fiction.
Charlie and Maye are moving from Arizona to Washington because Charlie has taken a professorship with a better college. Leaving behind her friends proves to be very hard.
The only harder thing will be making new ones.
Along the way Maye will encounter:
Chirping that is not made by crickets, the threat of a possible face-eating raccoon, the nasty wife of a charming and sweet university English department dean, hostile vegetarians, a crackpot reporter with a giggle inducing name, a policeman-plumber with a dangerous donut habit, a bookseller who can't hold her wine, a dog breeder with baggage, a trio of very odd wanna-be-witches, and an age-old local mystery to solve.
At 317 pages the book is a little long for a simple work of fiction. That said, Laurie manages the length quite well. The book moves from point to point and minor plotline to minor plotline while causing the reader to want to move right along with it. This is just the sort of book that I generally think of as a good beach-read. I picked it up in April because I had just finished reading her only other work of fiction.
Impressively, Notaro seems to please me as a reader, both with her writing of fiction and non fiction.
* Word of Warning *
Laurie Notaro's non fiction titles are childish at best, and loaded with immature, but ADULT content. Argue that it's wrong...but she never fails to make me giggle.
My review if her other work of non fiction, Spooky Little Girl:
http://tinyurl.com/NotaroSpiikyLittleGirl
Charlie and Maye are moving from Arizona to Washington because Charlie has taken a professorship with a better college. Leaving behind her friends proves to be very hard.
The only harder thing will be making new ones.
Along the way Maye will encounter:
Chirping that is not made by crickets, the threat of a possible face-eating raccoon, the nasty wife of a charming and sweet university English department dean, hostile vegetarians, a crackpot reporter with a giggle inducing name, a policeman-plumber with a dangerous donut habit, a bookseller who can't hold her wine, a dog breeder with baggage, a trio of very odd wanna-be-witches, and an age-old local mystery to solve.
At 317 pages the book is a little long for a simple work of fiction. That said, Laurie manages the length quite well. The book moves from point to point and minor plotline to minor plotline while causing the reader to want to move right along with it. This is just the sort of book that I generally think of as a good beach-read. I picked it up in April because I had just finished reading her only other work of fiction.
Impressively, Notaro seems to please me as a reader, both with her writing of fiction and non fiction.
* Word of Warning *
Laurie Notaro's non fiction titles are childish at best, and loaded with immature, but ADULT content. Argue that it's wrong...but she never fails to make me giggle.
My review if her other work of non fiction, Spooky Little Girl:
http://tinyurl.com/NotaroSpiikyLittleGirl
28 April 2011
What genres do you read?
I think most people find they prefer certain reading genres.
Mine have changed over time. When I first began to read for pleasure (high school, but few books) I preferred fiction. As an adult, once I really began to read more, I found I enjoyed mostly non fiction selections. Many of those books were related to my Christianity or marriage/family. Now that I read even more, I have found that I enjoy both fiction and non fiction.
These days I can really appreciate the creativity required to produce a riveting and well written fictional story. I think that preference has been influenced by my homeschooling our kids. Together we have truly enjoyed some wonderful books! My avoidance of books as a pre-adolescent means I have a lot of uncovered ground in juvenile fiction!
In regard to fiction I've branched into some areas I previously hadn't ventured. Around the time we moved to England I found Jasper Fforde's books and really fell for them; they are so smart but very funny.
I enjoy biographies, often those written about film or tv stars of the 1940s-1960s.
I really like to read memoirs. A true story is sometimes the best!
I occasionally like a mystery.
I enjoy well written juvenile fiction.
I am learning that I have a real affinity for classic British literature too!
Mine have changed over time. When I first began to read for pleasure (high school, but few books) I preferred fiction. As an adult, once I really began to read more, I found I enjoyed mostly non fiction selections. Many of those books were related to my Christianity or marriage/family. Now that I read even more, I have found that I enjoy both fiction and non fiction.
These days I can really appreciate the creativity required to produce a riveting and well written fictional story. I think that preference has been influenced by my homeschooling our kids. Together we have truly enjoyed some wonderful books! My avoidance of books as a pre-adolescent means I have a lot of uncovered ground in juvenile fiction!
In regard to fiction I've branched into some areas I previously hadn't ventured. Around the time we moved to England I found Jasper Fforde's books and really fell for them; they are so smart but very funny.
I enjoy biographies, often those written about film or tv stars of the 1940s-1960s.
I really like to read memoirs. A true story is sometimes the best!
I occasionally like a mystery.
I enjoy well written juvenile fiction.
I am learning that I have a real affinity for classic British literature too!
25 April 2011
Today brings exciting news for owners (or prospective owners) of NOOK COLOR devices.
Today Barnes and Noble announced a software upgrade to their NOOK COLOR.
It is only a 1.2 update and not a 2.0 as some have hoped.
That means that the update comes with some asked-for improvements but likely nothing too amazing. In fact, I read a lot of whining about it today online as I perused the ereader news for the day.
All of that aside, an online acquaintance of mine contacted me today to say how very
excited she is with regard to the update! I could hear her squeals of delight through her
Facebook post! I am excited for her and other NOOK COLOR owners.
(Maybe she'll pop in to tell us what she likes!)
Ereader devices are great. They are becoming more multi-functional all the time.
The prices are great. The competition is strong too. Rumor has it that Amazon is coming out with a device they are going to call a tablet but which will be integrated into their already strong Kindle system. That will surely please Kindle users and prospective buyers.
Some sites:
http://tinyurl.com/NOOK-COLOR-UPDATE
http://tinyurl.com/AmazonTabletInTheWorks
http://tinyurl.com/6dj6zft
It is only a 1.2 update and not a 2.0 as some have hoped.
That means that the update comes with some asked-for improvements but likely nothing too amazing. In fact, I read a lot of whining about it today online as I perused the ereader news for the day.
All of that aside, an online acquaintance of mine contacted me today to say how very
excited she is with regard to the update! I could hear her squeals of delight through her
Facebook post! I am excited for her and other NOOK COLOR owners.
(Maybe she'll pop in to tell us what she likes!)
Ereader devices are great. They are becoming more multi-functional all the time.
The prices are great. The competition is strong too. Rumor has it that Amazon is coming out with a device they are going to call a tablet but which will be integrated into their already strong Kindle system. That will surely please Kindle users and prospective buyers.
Some sites:
http://tinyurl.com/NOOK-COLOR-UPDATE
http://tinyurl.com/AmazonTabletInTheWorks
http://tinyurl.com/6dj6zft
Are you doing any "Royal" reading?
I've seen interest in Prince William's upcoming marriage to Kate Middleton has inspired some readers to delve into books relating to the monarchy. Since we lived in England for a couple years I've already done my share of that.
My suggestion is for some light and fun reading; a quick but delightful book:
An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Kindle Edition
Paperback Edition
An Uncommon Reader NOOKBOOK < click here
I've done a review of it previously.
If you might read it, just skip the review and read it.
It is only 120 pages long.
The main topic is the love if reading and the story comes with a neat little pleasing twist right at the end of the book.
My previous review of An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett < click here
My suggestion is for some light and fun reading; a quick but delightful book:
An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Kindle Edition Paperback EditionAn Uncommon Reader NOOKBOOK < click here
I've done a review of it previously.
If you might read it, just skip the review and read it.
It is only 120 pages long.
The main topic is the love if reading and the story comes with a neat little pleasing twist right at the end of the book.
My previous review of An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett < click here
22 April 2011
The Help by Kathryn Stockett...to be made into a film.
Well, here is another delightful book being made into a film.
The release date is set for August 2011.
The Help (film) < click here
My review of the book can be read here:
click here >The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The release date is set for August 2011.
The Help (film) < click here
My review of the book can be read here:
click here >The Help by Kathryn Stockett
21 April 2011
50 books a year prescribed for 11 yr olds.
See the whole article here:
http://tinyurl.com/Independents50BookListFor11s
My thoughts?
First, I think it is important to realize that this article was written by a British journalist. The five people who were approached to create the list of 50 books are all British. Therefore, the titles are overwhelmingly British also.
In theory, it's a great idea. The books I recognized from that list are pretty meaty though, in prose or length. Remember, some kids get little homework, others have loads each night. That doesn't even take into consideration social activities such as church or scouting. What about sports? Just because kids may not read 50 books a year or they aren't reading at that high a level, it does not necessarily mean they are not using their time well.
Of course I'd love for it to be a reality that 11 year olds would read 50 books such as these every year. I see it as more of a reality for homeschooled kids (and we've homeschooled so I've been there and know the reality of homeschooling vs public schools).
Three of our five kids really enjoy reading. Two will likely continue to prove to be prolific in their reading. One of them is dying to have an ereader and that will likely further encourage his joy of reading. Our youngest already owns a child's ereader:
Our Initial Impression of the VReader < click here
VReader and extra memory < click here
I have also signed our kids up with accounts at www.librarything.com where they can track and review their reading.
The article mentions the unfortunate closure of libraries too.
Can any country really hope their kids will read if we close libraries? (Especially with the current economy?)
I am intrigued by the list. I had surgery this week and am recovering so my body is telling me I need to take a break now and take a nap. I will be returning to the list though to take a deeper look at it myself. I may read some of the selections myself! I haven't heard of some of them.
As for our kids, I will continue to encourage them to read. I've told them I will always find money for books if they ask me to buy them. I try to make our house a comfortable place to read and I often read to or with our kids. I'll keep doing that. Of course I want them to read a lot but I don't want them to focus on the number of books they read more than the benefit or pleasure they receive from reading.
I'm just happy when they read and that they tend to enjoy reading.
http://tinyurl.com/Independents50BookListFor11s
My thoughts?
First, I think it is important to realize that this article was written by a British journalist. The five people who were approached to create the list of 50 books are all British. Therefore, the titles are overwhelmingly British also.
In theory, it's a great idea. The books I recognized from that list are pretty meaty though, in prose or length. Remember, some kids get little homework, others have loads each night. That doesn't even take into consideration social activities such as church or scouting. What about sports? Just because kids may not read 50 books a year or they aren't reading at that high a level, it does not necessarily mean they are not using their time well.
Of course I'd love for it to be a reality that 11 year olds would read 50 books such as these every year. I see it as more of a reality for homeschooled kids (and we've homeschooled so I've been there and know the reality of homeschooling vs public schools).
Three of our five kids really enjoy reading. Two will likely continue to prove to be prolific in their reading. One of them is dying to have an ereader and that will likely further encourage his joy of reading. Our youngest already owns a child's ereader:
Our Initial Impression of the VReader < click here
VReader and extra memory < click here
I have also signed our kids up with accounts at www.librarything.com where they can track and review their reading.
The article mentions the unfortunate closure of libraries too.
Can any country really hope their kids will read if we close libraries? (Especially with the current economy?)
I am intrigued by the list. I had surgery this week and am recovering so my body is telling me I need to take a break now and take a nap. I will be returning to the list though to take a deeper look at it myself. I may read some of the selections myself! I haven't heard of some of them.
As for our kids, I will continue to encourage them to read. I've told them I will always find money for books if they ask me to buy them. I try to make our house a comfortable place to read and I often read to or with our kids. I'll keep doing that. Of course I want them to read a lot but I don't want them to focus on the number of books they read more than the benefit or pleasure they receive from reading.
I'm just happy when they read and that they tend to enjoy reading.
20 April 2011
Kindle is going to begin supporting library borrowing like NOOK.
There is good news for owners of Kindle ereaders or those considering a purchase.
Http://Tinyurl.com/LibraryUseViaKindle
I am particularly intrigued by the functionality they are designing in that the bookmarks and highlights and notations that users make I'm borrowed books will be accessible by the user if the book is borrowed again or subsequently purchased. I make many notations as I read. If Ivrun out of time with a library book my NOOK loses my notations, highlights, and bookmarks. If I borrow the book again, they are no longer there; they've been lost.
I find this an intriguing advance. Amazon/Kindle is listening to the users of ereaders!
Http://Tinyurl.com/LibraryUseViaKindle
I am particularly intrigued by the functionality they are designing in that the bookmarks and highlights and notations that users make I'm borrowed books will be accessible by the user if the book is borrowed again or subsequently purchased. I make many notations as I read. If Ivrun out of time with a library book my NOOK loses my notations, highlights, and bookmarks. If I borrow the book again, they are no longer there; they've been lost.
I find this an intriguing advance. Amazon/Kindle is listening to the users of ereaders!
19 April 2011
Spooky Little Girl: A Novel by Laurie Notaro
Fiction is a newer venture for Laurie Notaro. This is supposedly her second shot at fiction although I am not sure what her first title was.
She's known for her non fiction titles; I'll include a list after my review.
Ghost stories aren't my thing. I suppose that is why I hadn't gotten around to reading this selection. I knew about this book and was reminded of it recently on someone's blog although I now can't find that blog post.
Laurie and I differ on a lot of things; in the room of politics she'd be standing on the far left and I'd be chatting up "W" on the right, for instance; also she is an agnostic and I stand firm on the foundation of Christ. Her childishness can still make me giggle though.
I've become a big fan of fiction in the past few years. The marks of a good story are being able to convince one to set aside reality for a while though and Notaro proved able to get me to do just that, for about three or four days last week.
Lucy Fisher is due to marry in eight weeks. She isn't really head-over-heels-in-love with Martin but is happy and settled in his reliability and steadfast predictability. Before the wedding she has decided to spend an inheritance on what was intended to be the trip of a lifetime with a couple of girlfriends. The trip was a disappointment but that was just the beginning...of the end.
Upon returning home she finds all of her belongings in her front yard and her dog locked inside; her key won't work. Having been dumped by Martin, without explanation, she is also fired from her job, with explanation. She moves up-state
to live with her sister and nephew, hoping for a new start. Little does she know
that an accident lies in her path and the path will divert to the after-life.
After her accident she awakens to find herself in a hospital-like room and believes herself to be dreaming a helluva dream. She decides to sit back and enjoy the dream
Here's a list of Notaro's books; the ones with stars are the ones I have read :
* We Thought You Would be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive
* Autobiography of a Fat Bride: True Tales of a Pretend Adulthood
* The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal
click here > The Nervous Breakdown (Laurie Notaro's Interview with her mom)
She's known for her non fiction titles; I'll include a list after my review.
Ghost stories aren't my thing. I suppose that is why I hadn't gotten around to reading this selection. I knew about this book and was reminded of it recently on someone's blog although I now can't find that blog post.
Laurie and I differ on a lot of things; in the room of politics she'd be standing on the far left and I'd be chatting up "W" on the right, for instance; also she is an agnostic and I stand firm on the foundation of Christ. Her childishness can still make me giggle though.
I've become a big fan of fiction in the past few years. The marks of a good story are being able to convince one to set aside reality for a while though and Notaro proved able to get me to do just that, for about three or four days last week.
Lucy Fisher is due to marry in eight weeks. She isn't really head-over-heels-in-love with Martin but is happy and settled in his reliability and steadfast predictability. Before the wedding she has decided to spend an inheritance on what was intended to be the trip of a lifetime with a couple of girlfriends. The trip was a disappointment but that was just the beginning...of the end.
Upon returning home she finds all of her belongings in her front yard and her dog locked inside; her key won't work. Having been dumped by Martin, without explanation, she is also fired from her job, with explanation. She moves up-state
to live with her sister and nephew, hoping for a new start. Little does she know
that an accident lies in her path and the path will divert to the after-life.
After her accident she awakens to find herself in a hospital-like room and believes herself to be dreaming a helluva dream. She decides to sit back and enjoy the dream
"After all, there were worse dreams to be stuck in. She could have been making
out with Carrot Top or being chased through a mall by a bear with a goat head,
all while trying to figure out a way to stop in at the food court to get a
Beef'nCheddar at Arby's without getting mauled. Truly, this was a great dream.
The detail was amazing; the premise was fascinating. She was already looking
forward to recounting the whole bizarre episode to Alice in the morning over
their first cup of coffee."
Enrolled in her first class Sudden Death (or Surprise Demise as her teacher likes to call it) she learns "Don't dress as the ghost you are, dress for the ghost you want to be." Lucky for her...she really did die in her cowboy boots and "today's only the first day of the rest of (her) death".
The gist of things is that Lucy has to earn her way to the State (The State of Elated Bliss). She must return to the land of the living and determine what her mission there is without being told. Along the way she experiences two funerals held in honor of her, one barely attended and the other well attended. Between the two she is stuck trying to figure out why her death was initially barely noticed. She grows in maturity and even manages to have a load of fun. She is also reunited with her dead granny, Naunie, who manages to accomplish her own on-the-way-to-State-deed while helping Lucy's sister and nephew.
I take slight issue with the fact that at times Lucy and her grandmother pass right through material things but also have a particular talent of being able to sometimes move physical things. By the end of the book it seems that Notaro is taking liberties with her own ghost rules and must not have been able to find a better way to manipulate the story. I tried to ignore that and just enjoy the ride!
I like to include favorite lines from books in my reviews. This particular sentence isn't the greatest of prose but it struck me as delightfully funny as I was reading:
"Scarier apparitions have swirled out of the tailpipes of cars." pg 202
* We Thought You Would be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive
* I Love Everybody (And Other Atrocious Lies):True Tales of a Loudmouth Girl
* The Idiot Girls' Actions Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life
* Autobiography of a Fat Bride: True Tales of a Pretend Adulthood
* The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal
* An Idiot Girl's Christmas
* Spooky Little Girl
There's a Slight Chance I Might be Going to Hell
I like that this story was inspired by truth even though it is sad that the real Lucy Fisher died too, and without her friends knowing about it when it happened:
The Story of the real Lucy Fisher < click here
Found this for you too: I like that this story was inspired by truth even though it is sad that the real Lucy Fisher died too, and without her friends knowing about it when it happened:
The Story of the real Lucy Fisher < click here
click here > The Nervous Breakdown (Laurie Notaro's Interview with her mom)
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