May 17, 2008
Well for me it is that wonderful time of year known as vacation! As I head off to Bermuda for the week I have made sure to pack some great reading materials…I never leave the country with less than four books…I mean what if I ran out? This trip I am taking ….
I think it’s pretty well rounded…well not really most of it is fun and naughty beach reads…but hey it is vacation. It’s funny but I always remember which books I have read on vacations. It’s as if they are stuck in my memory with that trip and therefore unforgettable and always recallable in my memory. What have been your favorite beach or vacation reads? I know some people take the same book on vacation every year but me I like some variety.
I also recently heard of a new book coming out in July 2008 that is being called the next Valley of the Dolls. The novel is Tan Lines: A Novel of Sex and Sunburn by J. J. Salem. Unfortunately it is a UK title so no word on whether we will be able to get it here in the US. But alas I am off…Happy Reading!
Filed under Adult Books, New Books, Young Adult Books
Tags: Beach Reads, Chris Bohjalian, Grace Metalious, J.J.Salem, Peyton Place, Skeletons at the Feast, Tan Lines, The Carlyles, Theresa Rebeck, Three Girls and Their Brother, Vacation
May 11, 2008
I have been naughty and not posting for some time now. It has been on my list of things to do but something else always seems to need to come first. So here I am but this post maybe be slightly scatterbrained since I have had so much to write about recently. Currently I am absorbed by The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I had eagerly awaited it’s publication and now I think I can safely say that no one will be disappointed. I am only about halfway through but it is one not to be put down. It is a wonderful blend of what makes Stephenie Meyer so great in her young adult books but in a more detailed and adult voice. Combine that with a wonderful plot reminding me of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series and I think she has given us a winner. I will save my review and final judgement for after I have finished.
I am also very behind not just on my reading and blogging but also on my watching TV (what is she doing you might wonder). I have yet to begin Masterpiece’s Cranford and am eagerly awaiting time to do so. Both People Magazine and Vogue gave it glowing reviews. Anytime something of this genre makes it into mainstream culture it is somewhat exciting. Judi Dench I am sure has nothing to do with it right? But most reviewers and online sources seem to have enjoyed it and I am excited we might have another modern classic take on Elizabeth Gaskell’s work.
I have also been busily reading children’s books and have some new favorites for this week and last. Everyone at my branch has fallen in love with Down Girl and Sit. A series by Lucy Nolan, illustrated by Mike Reed. Perfectly delicious early chapter books that even parents will find themselve giggling over. These are not necessarily new but sometimes you just find something that has been on the shelf that you somehow missed. Early Chapter books are a difficult field because they need to be simplistic and sometimes the plot and writing suffer but now with this set.
We have also been chuckling over The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend, illustrated by John Manders. A delightful picture book invlolving a hungry cat, and some very humorous animals. When Jack the cat concocts a plan to get some much desired eggs he finds himself with more than he can handle. A sure winner but how can you lose with a duck that cries “Sacre bleu!”. Bright colorful illustrations and a wonderful sense of expression make this one to share.
And so while it may appear I have not been writing I have been working and keeping my eye on lots of new things. A wild array of things on this post but so are my tastes in some ways. All in all this summer promises to be a great one for reading with lots of new releases so don’t forget to check some out at your local library or book store.
Filed under Adult Books, Children's Literature, Children's Picture Books, Masterpiece Theatre, New Books, Young Adult Books
Tags: Catherine Friend, Cranford, Down Girl and Sit, Elizabeth Gaskell, Lucy Nolan, Masterpiece Theatre, Stephenie Meyer, The Host, The Perfect Nest
April 30, 2008
Every once in awhile magic seems to happen and I come across a classic that I have not been exposed to and have not read in the past. Anne Bronte’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” became one of those this week. How had I missed it? Despite a busy week of moving furniture around and work I have been engrossed. What an honest and shockingly ahead of it’s time work. The Bronte sisters produced some of the most loved and respected literary works of all time. However Anne Bronte’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” often does not receive the attention that it so rightly deserves. Alcoholism, domestic violence and the right of a woman to choose her fate are not often topics of the plot of a Victorian era literary classic.
Shocking at it’s time of publication in 1848 the work provides readers with a look inside a little seen side of Victorian era marriage and family life. Helen Graham becomes a timeless heroine that the modern woman can still relate to and admire. Ahead of it’s time and yet perfectly written for its period this work is one that is both classic and revolutionary. While showing the dark side of love and marriage, Bronte still seems to put forth the idea that when entered into by true admiration for another’s character the union can be blissful. A must read for any lover of classical literature.
April 21, 2008
Well I cannot say as though I am surprised!
Which Austen Herione are you? To find out take this quiz! And while you are at it check out the rest of the Emma Adaptations website. If you are at all interested in Regency period costuming then this site is a must. The costuming in each of the three Emma adaptations is addressed and discussed. Another site to get lost in on another rainy Sunday!
I alas am at work but I would love to be at home bundled under a nice quilt watching a nice Austen adaptation. Although the next thing on my list is an older Jane Eyre that I have not seen. It is the 1993 adaption. My all time favorite is A&E’s 1997 version with Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton. I also keep meaning to watch a film version of Wide Sargasso Sea. I have read it but never seen it on screen. But it is another I can keep on my list. What would I do after all if I ever ran out after all?
April 17, 2008
I must admit I am thoroughly ashamed at how long it has taken me to watch the last installment of Jane on Masterpiece Theatre. I have had the two episodes on on my DVR for a few weeks now and just last night decided it was time. This should tell you something since usually with anything Austen or Regency period related…I see it as soon as humanly possible. Needless to say this series of adaptations has left me discouraged in many ways.
I was very glad to see Eliza’s daughter and her baby take a more prominent role in the work but I was aghast at the opening “seduction scene”. Jane would have fainted from embarrassment. Why do we need to sex up Jane? From there I was very lukewarm about the actress playing Marianne. She did not portray the passion the character is known for. All she portrayed for me was an actor acting passionate. Not very convincing. I read somewhere in an article that she made sure that she did not see any other adapatations because she did not want to take things from others. Maybe she should have pulled out the 1995 Ang Lee film…..just a suggestion. And the final scene with Marianne and Colonel Brandon going into the house…him carrying her…cheesy.
However I did love Colonel Brandon. I thought he was wonderfully played. I loved Alan Rickman but you could feel the intesity of his longing for Marianne in this version as well with David Morrissey. He was probably my favorite part. Willoughby was no smoldering love God but merely looked like a cute younger brother. But by far my most critical disappointment was the lack of humor. Sense and Sensibility has such a wonderful wit with so many great humorous moments but you would bever know it from this adaptation.
So in all I would have to say it lacked spark…it lacked wit…it lacked Jane.
April 12, 2008
The Cow that Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill
Help Me, Mr. Mutt! by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel
Two books really stood out for me this week in my reading. I simply loved both of these picture books! Not only will they make a child giggle but any adult could not help but crack a smile at the wonderful storylines and imginatively comical illustrations. Each one is gem that needs to be read again and again before you discover the multitude of funny and amusing parts that come together to make a spectacular children’s book! Enjoy and remember to read!
April 10, 2008
For those of us that loved Inkheart and Inkspell good news about the last book in the trilogy. Inkdeath is set to be published on October 6th, 2008. The new cover has also been revealed on Cornelia Funke’s Website. We have had characters come out of the book and we have gone into the book…what could happen next? Both the name and the cover are quite sinister…I am hoping that the book will still be readable by the younger kids and not strictly designated for YA but we will see.
You can also view the trailer for The Thief Lord movie and the Inkheart movie. What Fun!
April 8, 2008
In the last few months I have read two really great juvenile books about Book Clubs. Both The Mother Daughter Book Club and Bronte’s Book Club were really great reads for adults or kids. I am sure there are groups out there reading these for Book Club along with the book that the club is reading within the book (still with me?). Respectively those books are Little Women and Island of the Blue Dolphins for the above titles. What a great way to get kids into not only a modern fiction title but also a classic as well. Both these books also happen to be big on the girl power which is always a plus and both of the authors are also well known for children’s series. So try them out by themselves or with their Book Club titles.
The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Are you a fashion junky? Do you love animals and being outdoors? Is reading your life or are you a sport loving tomboy? Well no matter which one you are you will love this addictive book. Megan, Cassidy, Emma and Jess could not be more different but they all share one thing in common. Their parents all signed them up for the Mother Daughter Book Club and they all do not want to go. Despite this for one whole year they will read Little Women together and meet to talk about the book whether they want to or not.
Bronte’s Book Club by Kristiana Gregory
Have you ever had to move away to a new place? Sometimes it can be scary to move especially if you don’t know anyone. Twelve year old Bronte is nervous about moving to a new town even if it means she can spend nearly everyday at the beach. Will she be able to make new friends in California even in the summer? Starting a book club seems like the perfect solution but soon Bronte finds that it’s not as easy as she thought. Will anyone come and if they do will they be Bronte’s friend?
