Sunbursts or Marble Halls: March 2011

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, March 11, 2011

Sarah's Key

Addendum: an item of additional material, typically omissions, added at the end of a book or other publication.

So after speaking with Sheila, I feel that an addendum is needed for my Sarah's Key comment.
**Spoiler Alert**

"30. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay- Donna gave me this book and well... It is something that needs to be remembered (Concentration camps) but I don't appreciate being haunted by the horrific death of a fictional character. And I have fallen out of love with Paris, which is dreadful. May it not last. 12/28/10"

Though I am still haunted by Michael's death, now that time has passed I can see the true merit of the book. She really is a great author and truthfully I would have run away and tried to forget it happened just like Sarah did ( not that she was successful). Dying in a concentration camp is terrible but I'm not sold that dying in a cabinet is better. I just can't detach myself from making the fictional story real.

Synopsis: I am glad I read it. I am glad I went on that journey. I do recommend it to those willing to go down that road.

There.