Books I have read recently

  • Shirley by Charlotte Bronte — I'm reading a giant biography of the Brontes "Wild Genius on the Moors" By Juliet Barker (amazing!! but I'll post on that when I finish) So I'm reading each novel as it's discussed in the book. I loved Shirley. I have to agree with the critics that it is a slow painful start and it does take about 150 pages till we meet the title character Shirley. But besides that, it is so well written. Caroline Helstone’s angst is beautiful and poignant. And knowing that the last third of the book was written after Emily & Anne died explains so much about the change in the book. Charlotte likes to fix her world by writing about it and in her version the sick heroine recovers where her sisters did not. I definitely recommend Shirley for the Bronte fan. Don’t skip it.
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas --- It took me a couple chapters to really dive in but after that I was in love. I had read somewhere that it was based on Beauty & the Beast, which is great. What I did not know is that it is a retelling of one of my favorite fairytales: East of the Sun, West of the Moon!!! What a treat when I discovered that. I love that story. It's whimsical and the girl saves the day which I love love love. Sarah does a beautiful job of it and I can't wait for the next one!!
  • Miss Buncle’s Book by D. E. Stevenson —What a little treat. My mom gave these books to me for my birthday and there are so much fun. It’s a light easy read and it made me chuckle.
  • Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder— I adore her soul finder books. I’ve been reading them for years. She builds beautiful strong women and sweeping romance. Her magic system is unique and I want to live in her world.
  • The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr and E. B. White — A must read for every writer. Thanks to Stephen King for the recommendation. It has all those little things that I had questions about and answered them quickly and succinctly. It’s not the funnest read but it’s helpful.
  • Click of Titles to go to the book's Amazon page

Sunday, September 23, 2007

a lone mushroom

So I'm sitting at the dinner table when a beam of sunlight dances on the lawn. Share the moment with me...






Sunday, September 2, 2007

I wanted it to be you part 2


So it was already late and there is no school tomorrow after all... I grabbed my blanket and a movie to burrow into the bonus room and just be. I needed a good cry, a good sappy movie that would allow me to empty everything. I put on you've got mail. I always cry when she talks about her store closing. She says " Soon we'll just be a memory. In fact, someone, some foolish person will probably think it's a tribute to this city, the way it keeps changing on you, the way you can never count on it, or something. I know, because that's the sort of thing I'm always saying. But the truth is, I'm heartbroken. I feel as if part of me has died, and my mother has died all over again, and no one can ever make it right. " Sigh one of my favorite movies. Another good part is her email to him after he doesn't show. oh I always love a good tragedy unless it is me. They are such terrible things to endure. Even the smallest heartache makes you never want to love or trust someone again. To never let yourself be that open. But I was not born to be a pessimist. I may pretend I am sometimes, but then if I took enough sociology classes I might turn into a feminist. Well enough. I don't know why I allow myself to listen to dashboard confessionals and watch chick flicks, but honestly there is something just good for the soul.
Good night sweet void.