Sunbursts or Marble Halls: September 2010

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

Friday, September 3, 2010

Meet My Better Half

Hello Family and Loved Ones.
Please meet the newest member of my family and my better half: Emaline

Isn't she the cutest? I am thoroughly enamored. She really is my better half, slightly thinner (and slightly more well-endowed) But we can forgive her that. Because she is just precious. Every time I walk by I have to stop myself from giving her a hug (sometimes I just can't stop myself)
I got her on ebay and named her the moment I knew she was on her way. Matt hates the name Emaline. He say's it's weird and he's never heard it. He asked if I have ever met anyone named Emaline. I say "Not in real life" But hello what about Emaline Harris from Anne of Green Gables. Emmeline March from Thirteenth Tale. It doesn't matter anyways she is mine and mine alone. I can hardly wait to make a dress with her.
It has occurred to me that she must also be much cuter than I am because people are not walking up and hugging me all the time. But I really don't think I would like if they did.
Anyways , now you are up to date and I finally get to use the name Emaline because apparently Matt won't let us name our child that. Hmmph