tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73569674498083675462024-03-13T17:12:38.108-04:00The Lit WritOfficial blog of the Belmont County District Library.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-90646116968022211122016-02-11T14:14:00.000-05:002016-02-11T14:26:27.085-05:00My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf7bt7poZk/Vrza6pvTS6I/AAAAAAAAApA/DuU4UnTocWc/s1600/MyGrandfatherwouldhaveshotme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf7bt7poZk/Vrza6pvTS6I/AAAAAAAAApA/DuU4UnTocWc/s200/MyGrandfatherwouldhaveshotme.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Summary</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> An international bestseller—the extraordinary memoir of a
German-Nigerian woman who learns that her grandfather was the brutal Nazi
commandant depicted in Schindler’s List. <i>My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me</i> is
Teege’s searing chronicle of grappling with her haunted past. Her research into
her family takes her to Poland and to Israel. Award-winning journalist Nikola
Sellmair supplies historical context in a separate, interwoven narrative. Step
by step, horrified by her family’s dark history, Teege builds the story of her
own liberation. (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22581002-my-grandfather-would-have-shot-me?from_search=true&search_version=service" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Growing up in
post-war Germany, particularly as an adopted child of Nigerian and German
descent, was a difficult row to hoe. Add to this the complexity of feeling
an innate sense of abandonment, and you have a fairly accurate assessment of
Jennifer Teege’s childhood. Although Jennifer was placed with a fabulous,
middle-class family, Jennifer always felt like the odd one out—she was of
darker skin tone than her adoptive family, she stood head and shoulders above
most children her own age, not to mention the glaring realization that she had
been given up by a mother that she can vividly recall. Even though she felt the deck had been
consistently stacked against her, Jennifer courageously pushed through these
barriers to become a successful and productive member of society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta5F1tCMcWg/VrzcFhPsJYI/AAAAAAAAApQ/xwhDHOyzeuo/s1600/goeth-on-horseback-jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta5F1tCMcWg/VrzcFhPsJYI/AAAAAAAAApQ/xwhDHOyzeuo/s200/goeth-on-horseback-jpeg.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> At the age of 38,
Jennifer was perusing through the library when she was drawn to a book with a
familiar face on the cover—the face of her biological mother. She quickly takes
it from the shelves and opens the pages much to her own shock. After devouring
the information inside, Jennifer is alarmed to find that her biological
grandfather was none other than Nazi Commandant Amon Goeth, of Schindler’s List
fame.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV4gGvIhoB8/VrzcFMIwxHI/AAAAAAAAApU/bC4ydcnSpC0/s1600/plaszow_uncensored__by_ss_standartenfuhrer-d5r585f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV4gGvIhoB8/VrzcFMIwxHI/AAAAAAAAApU/bC4ydcnSpC0/s200/plaszow_uncensored__by_ss_standartenfuhrer-d5r585f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Armed with this
new found knowledge of her familial history, Jennifer spirals into a deep
depression. Drowning in her own self-imposed guilt, she clings to what she thought she knew about her
biological family. She struggles with what she remembers and what she now
knows, prompting her to reach out to her natural mother and sister. These
meetings, while essential to her healing, do not go as planned, causing
Jennifer to fall deeper into despair. How can it be that she descends from such
evil? Is this malevolent nature hereditary? Will her Jewish friends shun her
once they find out the truth? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDjZrR6R-Yo/VrzcFCp5PtI/AAAAAAAAApM/2PyZ38-w_io/s1600/krakow-plaszow01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDjZrR6R-Yo/VrzcFCp5PtI/AAAAAAAAApM/2PyZ38-w_io/s320/krakow-plaszow01.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Before she can
find the answers that will create a deliverance from this vile torment,
Jennifer must face her darkest, most terrifying fears. Jennifer’s journey of
understanding and eventual reinvigoration will lead her to Israel, Krakow, and
deep within the nadirs of the death camp overseen by her heinous
Grandfather. Through the written word,
Jennifer and her co-author, Nikola Sellmair, offer an intimate look into a
complete mental and physical breakdown, while showing that in life, your
genetics do not define you. You are, instead, a product of who you choose to
be, and for Jennifer, that was a survivor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. It runs the gambit
of emotion, from the utter devastation of discovering your family’s murderous
history to the psychological liberation of learning to let it all go. I was
pleasantly surprised to be so beguiled by this story that shows the Holocaust
from a new and unique perspective that is typically missing in most historical
accounts of that period in time. I give this book four stars for its raw,
visceral nature. Through the internal digestion of her family's past, Jennifer
was able to humanize such a callous and unimaginable evil that was Amon Goeth,
while reconciling that the monster did not reside within her own soul.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-66618593600368534232015-12-15T15:42:00.000-05:002015-12-15T16:33:35.553-05:00Outlander (STARZ Original Series)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co6Yfb1nhbs/VnB3D4kCH8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/lhjrHricCuk/s1600/outlander-the-story-continues-key-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co6Yfb1nhbs/VnB3D4kCH8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/lhjrHricCuk/s200/outlander-the-story-continues-key-art.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<i>Outlander
</i>the television series “Follows the story of Claire Randall, a married
combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where
she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened.
When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young
Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited that tears Claire's
heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3006802/plotsummary">IMBD</a>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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For as long
as recorded history has existed, mankind has had a fascination with time
travel. Whether the motivation stems from the desire to rewrite history or to simply
experience a time far removed from one’s own, the notion of leaving the present
to travel to a distant past has inspired fictional works such as <i>A Wrinkle in Time </i>and even <i>A Christmas Carol</i>. While escapism has always
been the common thread, be it voluntary or not, the conflict of past meeting
present is always an interesting mix of confusion and enlightenment. True to
form, Diana Gabaldon’s <i>Outlander </i>series
falls within these bounds. The involuntary time travel of Claire Randall brings
two vastly different worlds crashing into each other, creating a love story
that transcends both time and space. Now brought to life on the small screen,
fans of Gabaldon’s novels can watch the pages unfold right before their very
eyes on the STARZ network blockbuster series -- <i>OUTLANDER.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The year is
1945 and World War II has just ended. Claire Randall, a military nurse who has
seen the absolute horrors of war, has returned to her home to be with her
husband Frank. Frank also served in the war with British Intelligence. After
being separated for the majority of 6 years, the couple decides to reconnect on
a second honeymoon to Scotland. During the onset of their travels through the
highlands, Frank shows off his considerable historical knowledge, much to the
indifference of Claire. While she politely listens to Frank’s ramblings, she
finds herself being distracted by the beautiful scenery of the Scottish
countryside. Eventually they reach their destination, and Frank becomes absorbed
with tracking down any genealogical information on his ancestor Captain “Black Jack”
Randall who served during his military career in the Scottish Highlands
squashing Jacobite rebellion. Franks preoccupation allows Claire quite a bit of
free time to explore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Claire’s exploration
leads her back to a mysterious grouping of rocks that jut up from the ground in
the style of Stonehenge. Just the night before, she and Frank had witnessed a troupe
of woman performing an old, pagan ritual at that very location, only adding to
the mysterious nature of the rock and earthen monument. As Claire enters the
ringed structure, she begins to feel an eerie presence. She reaches down to
pick a cluster of purple flowers and places her hands upon the most central rock formation in the
grouping to steady herself. Almost immediately, she is whisked away, unbeknownst to her, back to
1743. Scared and alone, Claire makes her way back to where she parked her
vehicle, only to find an empty field. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRc3Y8pXsDA/VnB4lt6WSZI/AAAAAAAAAng/at1PqVxRguk/s1600/claire1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRc3Y8pXsDA/VnB4lt6WSZI/AAAAAAAAAng/at1PqVxRguk/s320/claire1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Bewildered, she runs through the
forest where she encounters a man that looks oddly familiar…”Frank?” she
questions. But it is not. It’s none other than Captain “Black Jack” Randall.
Taken aback by why any respectable Englishwoman would be traipsing through the back
woods of Scotland, Captain Randall proceeds to attempt to have his way with
Claire. In swoops Jamie Fraser, a virile and ruggedly irresistible Scottish
warrior, to her rescue. From this moment, Claire’s life takes a major turn, catapulting
her directly center stage in the Jacobite uprising. She finds herself embroiled
in mystery and intrigue, while all the while subjecting herself to danger due
to her modern, free-thinking ways. As her time with the Highland clans ensues,
Claire finds her loyalties to Frank and her own time in history tested. Will she choose to follow her heart and stay
in the past, or will she follow her head and try to get back to 1945?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvyUKbJWdRE/VnB4lpnjO8I/AAAAAAAAAn0/775kELutQkw/s1600/jamie1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvyUKbJWdRE/VnB4lpnjO8I/AAAAAAAAAn0/775kELutQkw/s320/jamie1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
While I
tend to be one of those book snobs who typically feel like the book is always
better, I must digress that with this series, I am not so certain. The STARZ
network has taken the best of Gabaldon’s books and created a vivid, visually
enticing masterpiece that completely mimics what my mind’s eye created from the
written word. While, in complete and total transparency, I have yet to
completely read the entire 9 book series for myself (I am currently working on
that faux pas), I have discussed my opinion with those who have, and they will
attest that STARZ has done a fabulous job keeping with the integrity of
Gabaldon’s novels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Outlander</i> has its fair share of action,
adventure, and intrigue to please even the most discerning palate. In other
words, it’s not just for the girls. (*wink wink nudge nudge*) With other series
that I watch, I find myself feigning in between seasons. With <i>Outlander</i>, I am waiting with baited
breathe and a longing heart to find out what lays ahead for the delicious Jamie
Fraser and his strong-willed Sassenach, Claire.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehVrKYk7jf8/VnB4lnXITwI/AAAAAAAAAnw/jbI7ryctDDw/s1600/jamieandclaire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehVrKYk7jf8/VnB4lnXITwI/AAAAAAAAAnw/jbI7ryctDDw/s320/jamieandclaire.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been
thoroughly enraptured by this series from episode one. The strong, distinctive
characters are portrayed in such a way, that I found it hard not to become completely
obsessed, and the storyline is engaging with twists and turns that keep you on
the edge of your seat. Not just a “romantic frolic through the Highlands”, I give the STARZ <i>o</i>riginal series <i>Outlander </i>two thumbs up…If only I had more thumbs to give. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-57969578659830040632015-10-16T12:56:00.000-04:002015-10-16T13:01:41.755-04:00The Taming of the Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rghe0g65BU4/ViErmcBNHdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/OESeCxYWzog/s1600/25106953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rghe0g65BU4/ViErmcBNHdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/OESeCxYWzog/s200/25106953.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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The post-Pilgrimage of Grace
religious upheaval late in Henry VIII’s reign finds credence in another of
Philippa Gregory’s prolific Tudor series. The protagonist in this story is
Kateryn Parr, the sixth wife of England’s most notoriously wedded monarch.
While most readers know her fate, the author puts a spin on the tangle of rival
factions and also describes the reasoning behind the madness of the King of
England.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(<a href="https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-taming-of-the-queen/">https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-taming-of-the-queen</a>/)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why would anyone knowingly marry a
serial killer? In the most recent installment of Philippa Gregory’s Tudor Court
series, <i>The Taming of the Queen,</i> the
answer to that question becomes all too clear: because he is the KING! Kateryn
Parr, the final Queen in the reign of Henry VIII, is the subject of this latest
piece of historical fiction. Picking up shortly after the execution of
Katherine Howard, King Henry’s fifth wife, this book introduces the world to
the little known Queen Kateryn. With
most of the attention given to the more eccentric and flashy queens like Anne
Boleyn and Katherine of Aragón, little has been published about Queen Kateryn until
recently. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she is just as noteworthy as
the more scandalous wives of King Henry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DG57qREEYTQ/ViErIDtEb7I/AAAAAAAAAm4/rcCUqW2uDbA/s1600/kateryn%2Bparr%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DG57qREEYTQ/ViErIDtEb7I/AAAAAAAAAm4/rcCUqW2uDbA/s200/kateryn%2Bparr%2B5.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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As the story begins,
thirty-year-old widow, Kateryn Parr, is in a secret affair with Thomas Seymour.
After involuntarily catching the eye of the king, she is forced to end her
secret affair and marry a man old enough to be her father…A man who has notoriously
buried four wives - King Henry VIII. Kateryn is fully aware of the danger she
faces. She is attentive to the fact that the previous queen lasted only sixteen
months, and the one previous scarcely half a year. As much as her logical
reservations tempt her to quickly turn tail and run, she knows that her fate
would be much worse if she did. In her mind, either way, she is a dead woman
walking. She decides to accept the King’s
proposal and marries him, much against her better judgement. <o:p></o:p><br />
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She takes some comfort in the fact
that King Henry initially adores his new bride. She is kind and gentle with the
infamous wife killer, even as he suffers from a chronic leg injury that skews
his attitude and judgement in a most violent and sporadic way. Kateryn slowly begins to trust him and makes
great efforts to unite his extremely fragmented royal family. Her success leads
her to be allowed more freedom. She uses this new found trust to create a free
thinking study group at the heart of the court, and even rules as Regent in the
absence of the King.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJxlHf6mD9o/ViErIGbIdII/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZOEV1DEjwcw/s1600/King-Henry-VIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJxlHf6mD9o/ViErIGbIdII/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZOEV1DEjwcw/s200/King-Henry-VIII.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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As trusted as she seems to be, are
her efforts enough to keep her safe? As her influence as a religious reformer
grows, suspicion of the Queen runs rampant amongst the anti-protestant movement
that is sweeping the country. Kateryn dangerously stands out as an independent
woman with a mind of her own, as evident in being the first woman to publish in
English. Her exertions and sacrifices, however, are for naught as Henry’s perilous
gaze turns on her. Persuaded by the
clergy and other power hungry rivals, Kateryn finds herself accused of heresy.
The punishment for such a crime is death by fire, and her husband, the king,
has signed the warrant…<o:p></o:p></div>
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(As those who regularly read the
Lit Writ know, it can be safely assumed that Philippa Gregory is my favorite
writer in this genre. So, in the spirit of full disclosure, I feel I must
preface the following commentary by divulging that bit of info.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After finishing the previous book
in this series, a small part inside me was sad to say the very least. Like an
addict, I searched frantically to find my next historical fiction fix. After
reading several other authors, who were fantastic in their own right, I was
still left feeling a little empty. Then, much to my joyous elation, I saw <i>The Taming of the Queen </i>on an upcoming
release list and immediately put it on hold. While this is not my favorite book
in the series, I am happy to report that I learned more from this work than
from any of the others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kateryn Parr is a little known
force in the long list Henry’s wives. She was well educated and strong willed.
Considerably older than most of Henry’s brides, Kateryn was the perfect match
for an aging and debilitated Henry. She managed to bring his royal children all
under the same roof…a feat unsuccessfully attempted by others in the past.
While Henry was easily swayed by his mates in religious matters, she was the
first to have the royal authority to translate and publish religious works into
the common tongue – an allowance that almost cost her her life. Ultimately, in
a great disservice to her legacy, history would push her aside in favor of more
“Hollywood- ready” queens like Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragon. This, however, does nothing to diminish her
spirit and achievements throughout her reign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I close yet another series by
Philippa Gregory, I am sadden by the fact that it is over, while none the less
excited that I was able to delve into such a little known Queen who pleasantly
surprised me with her tenacity and bravery in the face of a monstrously evil
force like King Henry VIII. I highly recommend not only this book, but the
entire series to anyone interested in this time period. I give <i>The Taming of the Queen</i> 4 stars and look
forward to devouring whatever dynasty Philippa Gregory decides to tackle next. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-24383929326816782632015-09-22T14:07:00.001-04:002015-09-22T14:08:28.574-04:00The Crown<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkij42mKlx8/VgGYXXc9JeI/AAAAAAAAAmE/Mbrz39HGU4c/s1600/The%2BCrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkij42mKlx8/VgGYXXc9JeI/AAAAAAAAAmE/Mbrz39HGU4c/s320/The%2BCrown.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><u>Summary:</u></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that
her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake.
Defying the rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her
cousin’s side. Arrested for interfering with the king’s justice, Joanna, along
with her father, is sent to the Tower of London.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">While Joanna is in the Tower, the ruthless
Bishop of Winchester forces her to spy for him: to save her father’s life she
must find an ancient relic—a crown so powerful, it may possess the ability to
end the Reformation.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">With Cromwell’s troops threatening to shutter
her priory, bright and bold Joanna must decide who she can trust so that she
may save herself, her family, and her sacred way of life. This provocative
story set in Tudor England melds heart-stopping suspense with historical detail
and brings to life the poignant dramas of women and men at a fascinating and
critical moment in England’s past.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">(<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10900793-the-crown">GoodReads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><b>Review:</b></u></span><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">One day at the library, I was discussing with a
well-read patron my need for a new historical fiction writer, as I had
exhausted many of the works of my favorites. She suggested Nancy Bilyeau, an
author whose name I had heard mentioned in various historical fiction circles.
I searched within the libraries catalog and was pleasantly surprised we carried
the very book the patron had stated was the one that got her hooked on the
author. I immediately went to the stacks, pulled the book, and began to devour
it on my lunch break, and might I say: Who
knew the lives of nuns and monks could be so exciting? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">After reading, “The Crown”, Nancy Bilyeau’s
first installment in the Joanna Stafford series, my </span>assessment of the
men and women of the cloth has gone from one of meek and mild-mannered devotees
to that of cunning and intelligent sleuths doing all they can to protect their
home, faith, and way of life. The story begins with Joanna Stafford, a young
and naïve member of the fallen royal Stafford house recently turned novice
Dominican nun, wandering unaccompanied through London’s Cheapside. King Henry
VIII has announced that there is to be a traitor burned at the stake, and
Joanna is desperately searching for its location to confirm her worst fear—that
the intended burn victim was to be her beloved cousin Margaret. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Margaret, like many
devout Catholics at the time, was angered and enraged by King Henry’s
nonchalant casting off of the old ways in favor of the new religious separation
from Rome. This separation was brought about by Henry’s anger over not being
granted an official divorce by the Pope, allowing him to marry his Boleyn
mistress. All who opposed him by standing up for their religious beliefs were
labeled traitors and effectively dealt with as such. Margaret was no exception.
Accused of leading an uprising, or rather not talking her husband out of a
revolt, she is sentenced to death by burning. Catching wind of King Henry’s
intentions for her cousin, Joanna sneaks out of Dartford Priory to try to
convince those in charge that her cousin should be spared. That is when her
trouble begins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After attempting
to be near her cousin in her finals moments of life, Joanna is accused of
trying to help Margaret escape, and finds herself locked in the Tower of
London. While held captive, she has a chance run in with treacherous and
deceitful Bishop Gardiner, who bribes her to join his search for the infamously
cursed Athelstan Crown. This sets Joanna off on a path of mystery and intrigue,
leading her to not only question the church, but her own faith as well. With a
new obstacle around every corner, Joanna finds herself in some not-so-nun-like
situations, relying on her wit and instincts to pull her through, while all
along attempting to preserve her commitment to not only her family, but the
fold as well. With the amount of excitement and deceit that unfolds along her
path, it is easy for the reader to forget they are reading about nuns, monks and
priests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a
self-proclaimed historical fiction junkie, I must say I am rather impressed
with Nancy Bilyeau’s novel, “The Crown”. While it is not a easy to devour as a
Philippa Gregory novel, (I am a little bias, as Ms. Gregory is my favorite
author of all time) it is closely comparable and is chalked full of good, down
and dirty Tudor suspense, stratagem, and huggermugger. I would highly suggest
this as a good place to venture once you have exhausted the entire Gregory
catalog. I give this book 4 stars overall and 5 stars for the mysterious plot line.
I look forward to reading another of her works soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-511139723861051232015-01-05T16:04:00.000-05:002015-01-07T09:02:39.256-05:00An Old Betrayal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xH9oQkje2tU/VKr7KmTnO5I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ndnfay7ffOg/s1600/An%2BOld%2BBetrayal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xH9oQkje2tU/VKr7KmTnO5I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ndnfay7ffOg/s1600/An%2BOld%2BBetrayal.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Summary</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; line-height: 115%;">On a spring morning in
London, 1875, Charles Lenox agrees to take time away from his busy schedule as
a Member of Parliament to meet an old protégé’s client at Charing Cross. But
when their cryptic encounter seems to lead, days later, to the murder of an innocuous
country squire, this fast favor draws Lenox inexorably back into his old
profession.</span><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Soon he realizes
that, far from concluding the murderer’s business, this body is only the first
step in a cruel plan, many years in the plotting. Where will he strike next?
The answer, Lenox learns with slowly dawning horror, may be at the very heart
of England’s monarchy.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Ranging from the
slums of London to the city’s corridors of power, the newest Charles Lenox
novel bears all of this series’ customary wit, charm, and trickery—a compulsive
escape to a different time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17286755-an-old-betrayal">Goodreads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In the latest installment of the Lenox Detective series, Charles
Finch evokes the time-tested feel of a “Sherlock Holmes” mystery with his novel
“An Old Betrayal”. The year is 1875, and
the opening scene plants the reader in the chambers of the British Parliament. Charles Lenox, a former, yet highly regarded detective,
has left his investigative vocation for a less exhilarating position as junior
Lord of the Treasury in the House of Commons. When he receives word that his protégé,
Lord John Dallington, needs assistance with a pressing new case, Lenox jumps at
the chance to delve back in to his once well-loved profession. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> On the day that the duo is to meet with their new client,
Dallington falls ill, leaving Lenox to take the meeting on his own. But when
the meeting falls through due to enigmatic circumstances, Lenox is filled with
more questions than he began with. Little does he know that that initial cryptic failed-consultation
will open up a Pandora’s Box of intrigue, scandal, and death that will take him
to the doorstep of the Monarchy. A centuries old grudge transforms itself into
a contemporary mystery for Lenox and Dallington, instilling horror and fear in
the heart of the very Queen herself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am always hesitant to read a piece of fiction that is a
part of a series without out first reading all of the books up to that point.
On the suggestion of a patron, I broke my own tenet, and picked up “An Old
Betrayal”, the 7<sup>th</sup> book in the Charles Lenox mystery series, and
proved that there are always exceptions to the rule. Although I plan to go back
and read the first 6 books in the series, I was pleasantly surprised that “An
Old Betrayal” is a fantastic and action-filled standalone that is reminiscent
of writing style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Again, as with most extensive book
series, character development is generally complete by book 2 or 3, but in the
case of Lenox and Dallington, Charles Finch continues to reveal nuances and
attributes that make even the reader new to the series feel as though they haven’t
missed anything by starting part way through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As with any mystery, a well-defined, yet slowly revealed plot
is essential to keeping the attention of the audience. In “An Old Betrayal”,
Finch used humor, wit, and period-appropriate vernacular to introduce the plot
to the reader in a subtle and colorful fashion, while simultaneously creating
two sub-plots. At first, the sub-plots seem completely disconnected from the
original crime, but upon further investigation, the connections between them
are undeniable and shocking, allowing the reader to believe they have solved
the mystery alongside Lenox and Dallington. Oh, but then comes the twist! As
with any mystery worth its salt, Finch draws the reader into a solvable
situation only to drop a bombshell that will completely catch them off guard. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Overall, I must say, I am
impressed with the writing skill and attention to detail that Charles Finch
demonstrates in this installment of the series. “An Old Betrayal” has given me
a new found appreciation for mystery writing that I had all but given up on as
a genre. While Hollywood and the rest of the world may be enamored by blood,
guts, and sexual intrigue that tend to overshadow a lack of plot, Charles Finch
gives the reader a good old fashion murder mystery jammed packed with style,
flair, and finesse that has been missing in this genre for quite some time. I
can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I give this book 4 stars!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-16241988040857735442014-12-02T16:31:00.002-05:002014-12-02T16:31:54.852-05:00My Top Ten Books To Read . . . or Re-Read over the Holidays!<div class="MsoNormal">
Through all of the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, the one thing that everyone craves is "Me Time". When the sliver of free time finally reveals itself in all of its glory, my favorite thing to do is use it up to the last drop reading a good book. Below I have compiled a list of my top ten all-time favorite reads. Many that made the list could be old friends of yours, too. Reading for the first time, or re-reading for the hundredth, any and all of these treasures could quite possibly be the best gift you give yourself this Holiday season. As always, these can be found at your local library. So, find a cozy spot, brew a tasty, piping hot pot of your favorite beverage, snuggle up under a warm blanket, and escape the craziness of the season with one of these fantastic gems! You won't be disappointed!</div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> 10)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The Hitchhikers
Guide to the Galaxy</i></b>-</span> by Douglas Adams</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUFrsh54gbs/VH4uDzqGANI/AAAAAAAAAic/Maake5ogXHM/s1600/Douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUFrsh54gbs/VH4uDzqGANI/AAAAAAAAAic/Maake5ogXHM/s1600/Douglas.jpg" height="200" width="121" /></a>Seconds before the Earth is demolished to
make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his
friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's
Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an
out-of-work actor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Together this dynamic pair begin a journey
through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is
about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can
have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the
two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the
galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur
tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid,
brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate
student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he
bought over the years.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 9)</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The
Alchemist</i></b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Paulo Coelho</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JiOw9G858V4/VH4uaQ4U6CI/AAAAAAAAAi0/gmkPhYqZE4c/s1600/coelho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JiOw9G858V4/VH4uaQ4U6CI/AAAAAAAAAi0/gmkPhYqZE4c/s1600/coelho.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has
inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its
powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy
named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in
search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy
woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point
Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or
if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what
starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the
treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of
Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and
the importance of listening to our hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuajXnMBM-k/VH4uE8V3qgI/AAAAAAAAAik/nwi9KElGSA4/s1600/austen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuajXnMBM-k/VH4uE8V3qgI/AAAAAAAAAik/nwi9KElGSA4/s1600/austen.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 8) </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">Pride
and Prejudice</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Jane Austen</span></div>
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When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible
bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited, while he
struggles to remain indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she
later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship
between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to
dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows,
Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes
the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkUzJad-37A/VH4uHS2pP2I/AAAAAAAAAis/GrbjC6QLsCo/s1600/dickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkUzJad-37A/VH4uHS2pP2I/AAAAAAAAAis/GrbjC6QLsCo/s1600/dickens.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">7) </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">Great
Expectations</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Charles Dickens</span></div>
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In what may be Dickens's best novel,
humble, orphaned Pip is apprenticed to the dirty work of the forge but dares to
dream of becoming a gentleman — and one day, under sudden and enigmatic
circumstances, he finds himself in possession of "great
expectations." In this gripping tale of crime and guilt, revenge and
reward, the compelling characters include Magwitch, the fearful and fearsome
convict; Estella, whose beauty is excelled only by her haughtiness; and the
embittered Miss Havisham, an eccentric jilted bride<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz1ESQ9EIfU/VH4u5v_IwYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/5YU1d0SwhJA/s1600/Tolkein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz1ESQ9EIfU/VH4u5v_IwYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/5YU1d0SwhJA/s1600/Tolkein.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">The
Hobbit</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by J.R.R. Tolkien</span></div>
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Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a
comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or
cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company
of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure.
They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the
Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their
quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter
both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5BMiFQfwY/VH4vDTnRpTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/UVtqfQ3LDdY/s1600/doyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5BMiFQfwY/VH4vDTnRpTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/UVtqfQ3LDdY/s1600/doyle.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">5) </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">The
Complete Sherlock Holmes</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</span></div>
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This book contains all the investigations
and adventures of the world's most popular detective. Follow the illustrious
career of this quintessential British hero from his university days to his
final case. His efforts to uncover the truth take him all over the world and
into conflict with all manner of devious criminals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">Hills
Like White Elephants</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Ernest Hemmingway</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k32LhqSANrw/VH4vONfFwjI/AAAAAAAAAjg/qwBfJt56huA/s1600/hemmingway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k32LhqSANrw/VH4vONfFwjI/AAAAAAAAAjg/qwBfJt56huA/s1600/hemmingway.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a>A man and his girlfriend wait for a train
to Madrid at station in rural Spain, the almost casual nature of their
conversation evading the true emotional depth of what’s happening between the
two of them. “Hills Like White Elephants” is considered to be among Ernest
Hemingway’s best short fiction, showcasing the author’s powerful ability to
strip writing down to its bare bones and allow the reader’s imagination to fill
in the subtext.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">The
Bell Jar</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">- </span>by Sylvia Plath</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYRYueIOfnI/VH4vOlveBsI/AAAAAAAAAjU/FvNDHf5x3Uc/s1600/plath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYRYueIOfnI/VH4vOlveBsI/AAAAAAAAAjU/FvNDHf5x3Uc/s1600/plath.jpg" height="200" width="122" /></a>This novel is Sylvia Plath's shocking,
realistic, and intensely emotional novel about a woman falling into the grip of
insanity. Esther Greenwood is brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and
successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. In her acclaimed
and enduring masterwork, Sylvia Plath brilliantly draws the reader into
Esther's breakdown with such intensity that her insanity becomes palpably real,
even rational—as accessible an experience as going to the movies. A deep
penetration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche,
The Bell Jar is an extraordinary accomplishment and a haunting American
classic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hTffVtiuf4/VH4vOHdJ1hI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/IhQ0EO18B7E/s1600/kerouac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hTffVtiuf4/VH4vOHdJ1hI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/IhQ0EO18B7E/s1600/kerouac.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">2)<span style="color: red;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">On the
Road</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">- </span>by Jack Kerouac</span></div>
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On the Road chronicles Jack Kerouac's years
traveling the North American continent with his friend Neal Cassady, "a side
burned hero of the snowy West." As "Sal Paradise" and "Dean
Moriarty," the two roam the country in a quest for self-knowledge and
experience. Kerouac's love of America, his compassion for humanity, and his
sense of language as jazz combine to make On the Road an inspirational work of
lasting importance. Kerouac's classic novel of freedom and longing defined what
it meant to be "Beat" and has inspired every generation since its
initial publication.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YlZ6zccO2E/VH4vOGUJUNI/AAAAAAAAAjM/cuCKPIMTYQE/s1600/hawthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YlZ6zccO2E/VH4vOGUJUNI/AAAAAAAAAjM/cuCKPIMTYQE/s1600/hawthorne.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">1) </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="color: red;">Rappaccini’s
Daughter</span></i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">-</span> by Nathaniel Hawthorne</span></div>
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Part fairy tale, part Gothic horror story,
"Rappaccini’s Daughter" is an inspired tale of creation and control.
Giovanni Guasconti, a student at the University of Padua, is enchanted to
discover a nearby garden of the most exquisite beauty. In it abides a young
woman, perhaps the most beautiful Giovanni has ever seen; yet as he looks out
from an upstairs window, he soon learns that the garden--and the matchless
Beatrice--are not the work of Mother Nature but rather the result of a
monstrous abomination of creativity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(All Summaries were taken from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/">GoodReads</a>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-18505621562043805332014-11-18T14:02:00.002-05:002014-11-18T14:02:41.550-05:00Big Help For Writers!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVP7tmXVbZs/VGuXIyVQ86I/AAAAAAAAAiE/Q8eF4LOyrPQ/s1600/Informative-speech-topics-for-college-students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVP7tmXVbZs/VGuXIyVQ86I/AAAAAAAAAiE/Q8eF4LOyrPQ/s1600/Informative-speech-topics-for-college-students.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQSG0SqY238/VGuXK-YfNZI/AAAAAAAAAiM/fagSDmULD8w/s1600/Learning-Disabled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQSG0SqY238/VGuXK-YfNZI/AAAAAAAAAiM/fagSDmULD8w/s1600/Learning-Disabled.jpg" height="117" width="200" /></a>It’s that time of year where
college students and high school students alike are scrambling to complete
written assignments that are due before the winter break. Well, in light of
this, I have compiled a listing of various invaluable resources, with short
descriptions, that are intended to make this process a little less daunting.
Who knows. . . You may even find that you LIKE to write! I honestly don’t know
what I would have done without some of these tools. I hope you all find these
helpful and insightful, and best of luck on the remainder of your semester! As
always, if you find you are having trouble and can’t find answers elsewhere,
feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:jstoltey@oplin.org">jstoltey@oplin.org</a>,
and I would be happy to answer your question or direct you to someone who can!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Purdue
Online Writing Lab</b>-- <a href="https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/">https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Contained within this site are your basic grammar rules and writing tips.
This easy to use website helps even the most grammatically defunct writer achieve
great success…best of all it’s Free!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Capitol
Community College Foundation</b>-- <a href="http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/">http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.5in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
The Guide to Grammar
and Writing is sponsored by the <a href="http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/giving/">Capital Community College Foundation</a>,
a nonprofit 501 c-3 organization that supports scholarships, faculty
development, and curriculum innovation. This online guide provides
tutorials and digital handouts designed to teach basic skills for writing
various types of essays.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>LEO: Literacy Education Online-- </b><a href="http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/">http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.5in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Developed by St. Cloud State University, this
site breaks down various common issues people have when writing research
papers, and allows the user to hone in on one specific topic instead of making
them sift through tons of concepts before getting to the heart of their
problem. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>NSCU
Libraries-- </b><a href="http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/citationbuilder/">http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/citationbuilder/</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.5in; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
North Carolina State
University offers this free online tool to assist in creating APA and MLA
source citations online. While you must still provide the information, it does
place said information in the correct place for the bibliographical citation.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.75in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>The
Chicago Manual of Style-- </b><a href="http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html">http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One of my personal
favs<b>…</b>more than likely because my
favorite professor in college required this style to be used. Now, I actually find this to be the easiest
method to use and understand. At any rate, this is a priceless resource to
anyone unfamiliar with Chicago Style citations. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.75in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Kate L. Turabian’s
Manual for Writers Online-- </b><a href="http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html">http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Within this website,
writers will find a wealth of knowledge take straight from Kate Turbain’s 8<sup>th</sup>
edition <i>Manual for writers. </i>Commonly
known as Turabian Style Citation, this site is a great source for understanding
how to cite sources in this style.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.75in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Paper
Rater-- </b><a href="http://www.paperrater.com/">http://www.paperrater.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.5in; margin-right: -.75in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
While there is a
paid component to this, the free version is more than sufficient. Simply upload
your work (or copy and paste), agree to the terms, and click “Get Report”. It’s
that simple. Features include grammar and spelling check, plagiarism check, and
word choice check to name a few.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzisJgna9X4/VGuWmGxWCPI/AAAAAAAAAh8/BTUdJ_seQi0/s1600/kcalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzisJgna9X4/VGuWmGxWCPI/AAAAAAAAAh8/BTUdJ_seQi0/s1600/kcalm.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-50424330612909569952014-11-06T14:40:00.000-05:002014-11-06T17:12:47.112-05:00My Notorious Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tFufZWUTq8/VFvOBn_874I/AAAAAAAAAcE/lC54R2eR2sQ/s1600/NotoriousCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tFufZWUTq8/VFvOBn_874I/AAAAAAAAAcE/lC54R2eR2sQ/s1600/NotoriousCover.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Summary:</span></h3>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A brilliant rendering of a
scandalous historical figure, Kate Manning’s<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>My Notorious Life</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is an ambitious, thrilling novel
introducing Axie Muldoon, a fiery heroine for the ages. Axie’s story begins on
the streets of 1860s New York. The impoverished child of Irish immigrants, she
grows up to become one of the wealthiest and most controversial women of her
day.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">In vivid prose, Axie recounts how she is
forcibly separated from her mother and siblings, apprenticed to a doctor, and
how she and her husband parlay the sale of a few bottles of “Lunar Tablets for
Female Complaint” into a thriving midwifery business. Flouting convention and
defying the law in the name of women’s reproductive rights, Axie rises from
grim tenement rooms to the splendor of a mansion on Fifth Avenue, amassing
wealth while learning over and over never to trust a man who says “trust me.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">When her services attract outraged headlines,
Axie finds herself on a collision course with a crusading official—Anthony
Comstock, founder of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. It will take all
of Axie’s cunning and power to outwit him in the fight to preserve her freedom
and everything she holds dear.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Inspired by the true history of an infamous
female physician who was once called “the Wickedest Woman in New York,”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>My
Notorious Life</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is a
mystery, a family saga, a love story, and an exquisitely detailed portrait of
nineteenth-century America. Axie Muldoon’s inimitable voice brings the past
alive, and her story haunts and enlightens the present<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">(From </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130211-my-notorious-life"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Review:</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> I would like to preface this
review with this brief description of this piece . . . What a wild ride! From
start to finish, Kate Manning takes the readers from the impoverished Irish
immigrant neighborhoods of New York City to the Midwest via the infamous orphan
trains, then right back to NYC, but this time with an upscale flair. Needless to say, while reading “My Notorious
Life”, I was thoroughly captivated by not only the geographical adventure, but
the ever-evolving characters presented in the book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P76sMc8CvA/VFvLvPZUHdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/8Vx0Ms5aM5w/s1600/poorkidsnyc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P76sMc8CvA/VFvLvPZUHdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/8Vx0Ms5aM5w/s1600/poorkidsnyc.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> The story begins on the dirty
and dangerous street of New York circa 1860. Anne “Axie” Muldoon and her two siblings,
Dutch and Joe, are the children of poor Irish immigrants. Left to essentially
fend for themselves after the death of their father and the debilitating injury
sustained by their mother, the siblings are taken in by the Children’s Aid
Society and shipped by orphan train to Illinois with the promise of “a place of
hot cider and oxtail stew, new boots and green grass all around.” Quickly, Dutch and Joe are adopted out, but strong-willed,
opinionated Axie has a harder time finding a home and
eventually is sent back to New York. Upon her arrival, she finds that her
mother has remarried and is pregnant again. Shortly thereafter, her world is bludgeoned
by heartbreak after the sudden death of her mother during the birth of the new
sibling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAjx_iFzrP8/VFvNR4WkpHI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ag2nfNzjTmE/s1600/poorchiildrennyc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAjx_iFzrP8/VFvNR4WkpHI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ag2nfNzjTmE/s1600/poorchiildrennyc2.jpg" height="156" width="200" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> Alone again, and even more
destitute than before, Axie is determined to change her fate, and accepts a job
working for a doctor and his wife who specialize in “female maladies”, which
included lunar pills and at times, abortions. As the doctor begins to trust Axie, she is
taught the secret and illegal skills of his profession and finds that she is a
natural. This chance opportunity springboards her into a career path that will
bring her wealth, riches, notoriety both good and bad, heartbreak, jail time, and
ultimately closure to her miserable and wretched past. </span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twAn6Ejtrlo/VFvL547Kl5I/AAAAAAAAAbo/BKzOMP8E240/s1600/200px-Madame_Restell_arrested_by_Comstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twAn6Ejtrlo/VFvL547Kl5I/AAAAAAAAAbo/BKzOMP8E240/s1600/200px-Madame_Restell_arrested_by_Comstock.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> This story is based loosely on
the life of </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Ann Trow -Lohman, who was
dubbed the Wickedest Woman in New York<span class="apple-converted-space"> by Mr.
Comstock, the leader of the </span>Society for the Suppression of Vice<span class="apple-converted-space">, and the media who documented her trials and
tribulations. I found this fast paced, exciting story was given much
authenticity by the use of Irish lingo and jargon, and the depiction of immigrant
street life is as close to accurate as can be. I found in Axie an unlikely
heroine. Regardless of your feelings about her profession, it is hard not to
find her triumph over tragedy endearing. The way with which Axie holds her head
high through even the roughest waters is admirable and commendable, and left me
with a real veneration for her strength and determination. The twist at the end
will truly catch you off guard, as well as make you appreciate the writing
prowess and creativity of the author. With <i>My
Notorious Life</i>, Kate Manning has found a niche that has been missing in the
fiction world. Most of the stories told from this time period are typically
male dominated, but in this piece the female voice is strong and true, and brings
a fresh, new perspective to 1860’s New York City. I give this book 4 stars and hope that she
writes a follow up in the very near future.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_chAIxzwn4/VFvNn44xzJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/AGC-2jpmTio/s1600/abortionist11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_chAIxzwn4/VFvNn44xzJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/AGC-2jpmTio/s1600/abortionist11.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-5491326695127905212014-10-29T15:15:00.000-04:002014-10-29T15:15:35.588-04:00The King's Curse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0J_EjUe4xI/VFE7VuC7PDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/BmjXp_om2rc/s1600/The%2BKing's%2BCurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0J_EjUe4xI/VFE7VuC7PDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/BmjXp_om2rc/s200/The%2BKing's%2BCurse.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Summary:</span></h3>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Regarded as yet another threat to the volatile King Henry
VII’s claim to the throne, Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York (known as
the White Princess) and daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, is married off to
a steady and kind Lancaster supporter—Sir Richard Pole. For his loyalty, Sir
Richard is entrusted with the governorship of Wales, but Margaret’s contented
daily life is changed forever with the arrival of Arthur, the young Prince of
Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon. Margaret soon becomes a
trusted advisor and friend to the honeymooning couple, hiding her own royal
connections in service to the Tudors.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">
After the sudden death of Prince Arthur, Katherine leaves for London a
widow, and fulfills her deathbed promise to her husband by marrying his
brother, Henry VIII. Margaret’s world is turned upside down by the surprising
summons to court, where she becomes the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen
Katherine. But this charmed life of the wealthiest and “holiest” woman in England
lasts only until the rise of Anne Boleyn, and the dramatic deterioration of the
Tudor court. Margaret has to choose whether her allegiance is to the
increasingly tyrannical king, or to her beloved queen; to the religion she
loves or the theology which serves the new masters. Caught between the old
world and the new, Margaret Pole has to find her own way as she carries the
knowledge of an old curse on all the Tudors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15849910-the-king-s-curse">Goodreads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Review:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I
have recently finished devouring the greatly anticipated finale to Philippa
Gregory’s Cousin’s War Series entitled <i>The
King’s Curse</i>, and I must say it was well worth the wait! In this final
installment, Gregory brings the reader into the lavish and dangerous court of
King Henry VIII as seen through the eyes of Margaret Pole. Margaret is the
close cousin of Elizabeth of York, mother of King Henry VIII. She is the
daughter of his uncle George, Duke of Clarence, who was killed for speaking
treasonously against his own brother, King Richard. With such a strong link to
the throne, Margaret is safely married off to a loyal Knight to ensure that she
is not a threat to the reign of King Henry VII, a Tudor and sworn enemy of the
York dynasty. She lives in utter anonymity until the fateful day when the newly
married Prince of Wales is sent to live under her roof. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the story
opens, Arthur, the Prince of Wales and his young Bride, Katherine of Aragon are
being looked after by Margaret, who has been appointed their royal guardian
during their honeymoon. Events quickly turn tragic, and Prince Arthur falls ill
and dies of the Sweat, leaving poor Katherine a young widow. On his deathbed,
Arthur commands Katherine to promise that she will deny that they consummated
the marriage, leaving her free to marry his younger brother Henry, who is to be
the heir to the throne. Katherine, strong willed just as her mother the Spanish
militant Queen Isabella I, heads for London to fulfill her promise to her dying
love. Once there, the accusations stir up in regard to her claim of a
non-consummated marriage to Arthur, prompting Margaret to be summoned for
questions by the overly pious grandmother of the king. Margaret keeps her
promise to Katherine and Arthur, and never reveals the knowledge of their
honeymoon bliss, insisting that Katherine is a still as pure as the driven
snow. Margaret is rewarded by being installed as Queen Katherine’s chief
Lady-in-Waiting, beginning a fiercely loyal and loving bond between the two
women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rumors and
turmoil begin to fly around the court as the King openly courts, not one, but
two young Boleyn girls, leaving many to wonder what type of king would raise a
commoner so high. While many at court privately discuss their displeasure, no
one dares confront him on the matter for fear of being on the receiving end of
his ever increasing temper. Katherine is publicly shamed with the knowledge
that her once dotting husband has allowed not only his eyes, but his heart to
stray, leaving her devastated and demeaned in the wake of the Boleyn scandal
that all but shattered England. Though it threatens to destroy all that she
holds dear, Margaret manages to hold firmly to her beliefs, even when confronted
with the choice between her fealty to a pompous and irresponsible King and her
love and loyalty for Katherine. This determination to do what is right,
however, may very well cost her her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> If I have not already expressed this fact, I
feel I must disclose out of complete transparency that Philippa Gregory is my
favorite author of this genre of historical fiction. I particularly like her
way of telling the story not from the obvious voice of the royal involved, but
often from a bystander, or from the vantage of someone who merely plays a
supporting role. She is a master of finding the strength and fortitude of the
women who becomes the storyteller. Also, her attention to historical detail and
accuracy speaks volumes to her academic prowess in research and writing. I have
previously reviewed the series “The White Queen” that covers the material in
this, as well as three other books in the Cousin’s War series. (<i>The White Princess, The Red Queen, and The
Kingmaker’s Daughter</i>). I highly recommend the series, both book and film,
to anyone interested in this time period. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, back to
this novel. . . In the final installment of the Cousin’s War, Gregory totally
outdoes herself, and writes a book that, even as a standalone, is captivating
and full of royal intrigue. This is by no means a Chick-lit book. Oh no!
Margaret and Katherine are tough, independent women who stand up for what they
believe, regardless the cost. This story does not mince words when it comes to
violence and death, allowing the reader an intimate and accurate look into the
Tudor Era. As told from the perspective of Margaret Pole, a York royal denied
her birthright, <i>The King’s Curse</i>
takes you from the elegant, over-the-top court of Henry VIII to the gritty,
backroom conspiracies that directed the course of British, and quite possibly
world history. It was bittersweet to finish this book knowing it was the last
in the series, but I feel as though I have been thoroughly entertained and
completely educated given her strict adherence to using a fact based timeline
of events. I give this book a full 5 stars, and wait with baited breath to see
what Philippa Gregory comes up with next! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-53859089266645237462014-10-22T16:55:00.001-04:002014-10-22T16:56:07.643-04:00The Obituary Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqNrnm5_G-U/VEZ6SeCqWtI/AAAAAAAAAFg/QCe6NBvGmww/s1600/The%2BObituary%2BWriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqNrnm5_G-U/VEZ6SeCqWtI/AAAAAAAAAFg/QCe6NBvGmww/s1600/The%2BObituary%2BWriter.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange;">Summary:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> On the day John F. Kennedy is
inaugurated, Claire, an uncompromising young wife and mother obsessed with the
glamour of Jackie O, struggles over the decision of whether to stay in a
loveless marriage or follow the man she loves and whose baby she may be carrying.
Decades earlier, in 1919, Vivien Lowe, an obituary writer, is searching for her
lover who disappeared in the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. By telling
the stories of the dead, Vivien not only helps others cope with their grief but
also begins to understand the devastation of her own terrible loss. The
surprising connection between Claire and Vivien will change the life of one of
them in unexpected and extraordinary ways. Part literary mystery and part love
story,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The Obituary Writer</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> examines expectations of marriage and
love, the roles of wives and mothers, and the emotions of grief, regret, and
hope.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17573684-the-obituary-writer">Goodreads</a>) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;">Review:</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
construct of an obituary seems fairly straightforward: Name, birthdate, death
date, spouse name, surviving family, military history, employment, etc. . .
etc. The generic fashion in which an obituary neatly encloses a person’s life
into a few short paragraphs leaves many to wonder, who was this person, really
and truly? The span of a life is much
more interesting than just the basic vitals and statistics. It has much more
depth and character than the company one was employed by, or the fact that they
may or may not have had 15 grandchildren. In the novel <i>The Obituary Writer, </i>Ann Hood allows the reader a unique insight
into the world of obituary writing, using two very separate and distinct women
in differing eras to show that a person cannot be summed up in a singular way.
Instead the multi-faceted nature of a human life is much more complex, and
deserves to be expressed in such a way as to give a more accurate impression of
the deceased beyond the basic, nonspecific ramblings of modern day obituaries. In
the end, the connection between the two will allow them both to find that place
of release from grief and guilt that they have carried upon their shoulders
like weights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1906,
Vivien is the happiest she has ever been. She has a handsome and wealthy lover,
David, whose main purpose in life is to shower her in lavish gifts and
expressions his undying love for her. However, that was all about to change.
Soon after leaving for work, David goes missing in the Great San Francisco
Earthquake. Distraught, Vivien searches the city, looking for any trace of him,
to no avail. Fast forward 13 years, the reader finds a mournful and still
grieving Vivian working as an obituary writer for the local newspaper. Her
obituaries have taken on quite the following, and her talent for conveying the
life of the person, not just their statistics, has proved rather profitable.
Her own grief being masked by the grief of others, Vivien never completely
gives up on finding David, who by this point she assumes has amnesia and is
living another life. Fate, in the form of a grief-stricken young woman, was
about to run her over like a freight car, leaving her to question everything
she thought she knew, including her time with David.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leap ahead
to the tumultuous and rapidly changing 1960’s. Claire is the quintessential housewife
and mother trying to emulate the perceived perfection that was the Camelot
Kennedy Era. It’s inauguration day, and while all of the other ladies are
taking bets as to the color and print of Jackie O’s dress, Claire is having an
internal struggle with her conscience. Should she stay in a somewhat loveless
marriage, or run away with her lover, who could quite possibly be the father of
the child she is carrying? As the events of the day unfold, a tragic event will
either shatter her marriage or bring them closer together, but at what cost?
Claire’s devotion and loyalty to her husband is tested, leaving her with more
questions than answers. While all along, her own betrayal of her wedding vows eats
away at her, threatening to drive her mad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout
the novel, the theme of feeling trapped runs rampant. In the case of Vivien,
she feels as though she is trapped in the same spot, running in circles, ever since
the Great Quake. For her, the chapter of David is never really closed until she
is able to confirm without a doubt that he has passed on. Claire, too, carries
the sensation of being trapped. . .trapped in a unhappy marriage, trapped by
guilt over her affair, trapped in the cookie cutter mold of the conventional
1960’s domestic goddess. Both ladies are struggling to break free, but find
that they are so paralyzed by their own fears of inadequacy and grief that
moving past their hurdles in life seems impossible. Impossible, that is, until
they find that they share a connection that neither would have imagined. ( I am
purposely dancing around the connection, by the way, to encourage you to read
the novel to find out what it is!) Ann Hood uses this connection to wrap these
essentially individual short stories together, but in my opinion, it came a bit
too late. I think had the reader been trusted with a little more information regarding
the connection, it would have made this fluid, easy to read novel a lot more
deep and meaningful. Other than that minor flaw, I enjoyed this book. It gives
a unique perspective on what it truly meant to be a woman in two very differing
and tumultuous times in American history. I give this book 3 ½ stars.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-77488736905411712262014-10-15T09:54:00.000-04:002014-10-15T09:54:03.104-04:00The White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqQE_QdOMlY/VDwbPZi7gSI/AAAAAAAAAEw/L93Z5VSCBi4/s1600/The%2Bwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqQE_QdOMlY/VDwbPZi7gSI/AAAAAAAAAEw/L93Z5VSCBi4/s1600/The%2Bwhite.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary:</span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"I
was born a white at sea on the way to the New World . . . But I was taken by
those whom we called Indians. Nearly speechless for a time, I was beset by
terrors." This is the voice of Mary Jemison, who, in 1758, at the age of
sixteen, was taken by a Shawnee raiding party from her home near what would become
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In this intimate reimagining of her life story, Mary
endures the brutal scalpings of her parents and siblings and is given to two
Seneca sisters who treat her as their own--a symbolic replacement for the
brother they lost to the white colonists. Renamed Two-Falling-Voices, she
gradually becomes integrated into her new family, learning to assist with the
hunt and to cultivate corn. She marries a Delaware warrior, raises a family in
her adoptive culture, becomes friends with two former slaves, and eventually,
remarkably, fulfills her lifelong dream "to own land bordered by sky, as
my mother and father had once purchased woods and fields which were dappled
with changing light." A testament to the resilience of the human mind and
spirit, The White is a cut-crystal narrative of Mary's life among the Seneca,
lit by flashes of her own voice and revealing her curious, open heart. From the
novel's bloody opening to its arresting conclusion--by her own choice Mary does
not return to white society--Deborah Larsen never flinches from the violence
and the splendor that marked the settling of the New World.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(From
<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Deborah+Larson&qf=FORMAT%09Format%09BOOK%09Books&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Larsen%2C+Deborah%09Larsen%2C+Deborah&qf=PUBDATE%09Publication+Date%092002%092002&te=ILS&rt=false%7C%7C%7CAUTHOR%7C%7C%7CAuthor">mfpl.org)</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Review:</span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWxmB8nWJSI/VD2GZkNIiyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/_qADkTV4GvU/s1600/mjemison%2Bstatue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWxmB8nWJSI/VD2GZkNIiyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/_qADkTV4GvU/s1600/mjemison%2Bstatue.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There have been a plethora of books written
about the young colonial woman, Mary Jemison, who was violently ripped from her
family and home near present day Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In <i>The White,</i> Deborah Larsen gives a raw
and at times violently graphic account of the events leading up to and after
her capture. Mary’s story is a tale so frightening, that one could easily
assume that it holds no basis in truth, but that would be a rather large
mistake. At the tender age of 16 and terrified beyond belief, Mary must witness
the brutal slaying of her family and neighbors, only to be forced to live among
the very people who committed these heinous acts. Rendered unable to speak due
to the sheer terror of her circumstances, Mary is given to two grieving Seneca
tribeswomen who use her as the physical replacement of a brother lost during a
skirmish with the white colonists. They give her the name Two-Falling Voices. This
seems to represent not only the fallen voice of the brother she is to replace,
but also the lost “voice” of Mary herself. Over time, Mary becomes more than
accustom to the native ways, marrying a Delaware tribesman, and raising a
family within his native culture. Many years later, when given the chance to
leave the tribe, Mary makes the unexpected choice to stay; finding her new way
of life actually suited her in a more spiritual way than that of the white
colonists. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose this book by happenstance. I was shelving
books one day at the library and came across it quite by mistake. I saw a
small, simple book with the bold title “The White” written very plainly along
the spine. This immediately piqued my interest. Where was the flashy script
writing with the fancy, artistic curlicues that so typically adorn the cover of
fiction novels? I grabbed it from the
shelf, and decided to take a peek at it during my lunch break. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! My initial
reaction to the writing was one of admiration. Deborah Larsen wrote this novel
with a subtle, yet lyrically expressive voice. Her descriptions of the colors
that surround Mary in the natural settings that have become her home are mentally
exhilarating. I could easily visualize
Mary and her warrior husband frolicking among the golden fields of corn and
amber hues of the autumn leaves. Although at times her descriptiveness was unnecessary
to the scene, and seemed like fluff, it was rather attractive fluff and exceptionally
enjoyable to read and visualize.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Once
you wade through the cream of Larsen’s eloquent and elaborate writing style,
Mary’s narrative takes on a life of its own that transcends her contemporary
time period. It can be translated into various modern scenarios, which makes
her tale endearing and relatable. To the modern day reader, Mary is remarkably
strong-willed and free-thinking for a woman of her time. She comes across as a
person who is dealt an undeserved hand, and finds a way to make the best of her
situation. She shows tolerance and compassion in the face of complete and utter
despondency, not only in her dealings with the native people, but also her
treatment of the former slaves she befriends. Hers is a true life saga that
expresses wholeheartedly the internal fortitude and grit necessary to overcome
any obstacle, and shows that even in the direst situations, hope can spring
eternal. I give this book three and a half stars. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-11568967905785726732014-10-10T15:26:00.002-04:002014-10-10T15:26:53.156-04:00Frog Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szjtNAeuoNU/VDboGiMtrrI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Smxgk7hAKMA/s1600/FrogMusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szjtNAeuoNU/VDboGiMtrrI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Smxgk7hAKMA/s1600/FrogMusic.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Summary:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818;"> Summer of 1876: San
Francisco is in the fierce grip of a record-breaking heat wave and a smallpox
epidemic. Through the window of a railroad saloon, a young woman named Jenny
Bonnet is shot dead.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The survivor, her friend Blanche Beunon, is a French
burlesque dancer. Over the next three days, she will risk everything to bring
Jenny's murderer to justice--if he doesn't track her down first. The story
Blanche struggles to piece together is one of free-love bohemians, desperate
paupers, and arrogant millionaires; of jealous men, icy women, and damaged
children. It's the secret life of Jenny herself, a notorious character who
breaks the law every morning by getting dressed: a charmer as slippery as the
frogs she hunts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">In thrilling, cinematic style, FROG MUSIC digs
up a long-forgotten, never-solved crime. Full of songs that migrated across the
world, Emma Donoghue's lyrical tale of love and bloodshed among lowlifes
captures the pulse of a boomtown like no other<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18295858-frog-music" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> When I originally read the description of this novel on the New York Times Best Seller list, I was intrigued. I am a sucker for a based on reality, historical crime novel. I immediately added it to my reserve list at the library, and patiently waited for it to come in. Finally, after a month wait, I got the long anticipated email telling me this treasure awaited me behind the circulation desk. I dove head first into this novel as soon as I arrived home, and quite honestly suffered from sleep deprivation the next day because I did not want to put it down. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> The opening scene, set in an old dusty 1870’s saloon just outside of San Francisco, hooked me quicker than stink bait does a hungry catfish. Yes, I know that might be a slightly unusual way to describe it, but it is the complete truth. The death of a main character in the opening paragraphs seems a bit morose, and quite daring, but Emma Donoghue pulls it off with a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. The raw, gritty way that Donoghue portrays the death of Jenny Bonnet instantly grabs hold of you, and no matter how unfortunate it may be you can’t get away. What starts off as a couple friends, Jenny Bonnet and Blanche Beunon, singing songs from their French homeland while preparing for bed, quickly turns into a violent, confused scene of murder. The way she chronicles Blanche mentally dissecting the situation as it is happening plants the reader right in the room with the two women, allowing you to almost feel the bloody bed and smell the sulfur for yourself.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8bH7ODvLuY/VDgtudUyt_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/58HB6z4OWnc/s1600/frog%2Bmusic%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8bH7ODvLuY/VDgtudUyt_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/58HB6z4OWnc/s1600/frog%2Bmusic%2B1.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> So, who killed Jenny Bonnet and why? To answer that question, the story rewinds to approximately two months prior to the fatal night. Blanche, a French burlesque dancer, is the toast of the nightlife scene. Men want to be with her and women want to be her. Her talent to seduce and tease on the stage is second to none, and her “off stage skills” are in high demand. Little did she know that her life would forever be altered by the fateful day that she was nearly run over by the cross dressing frog catcher, Jenny Bonnet. From that point on, whether they liked it or not, their fates would be intertwined. The characters of Jenny and Blanche were such a breath of fresh air. Not once was there a moment of needy whininess. Oh no! Not from these girls. These were strong-willed, no nonsense, Wild West ladies looking to escape the bondage of male domination. Jenny’s way of doing this was by dressing as a man, which allowed her access to places that a proper lady would never venture. Her male disguise also gave her a separation from her secretive past, which ironically is the inspiration for her persona. Blanche, on the other hand, used her sexual power over the men to her own advantage, earning a very sizable living on their concupiscence. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> For Blanche, however, the stakes were slightly higher. Enter P’tit, her love child with her Bohemian boyfriend, Arthur. Blanche felt that she would not be able to provide a stable home for her child given her lifestyle, so she agrees to allow her Madam to farm him out, if you will, to a family who takes in unwanted children. To her dismay, Blanche comes to find out that this was not the reality of the situation, causing her world to be turned upside down. She quickly discovers that everything she held as evident truths was nothing more than a lie. The tailspin that ensues threatens to bring about momentous changes in the lives of those around her, including the very existence of Jenny Bonnet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cG4KADG3e0I/VDgyzE3QDyI/AAAAAAAAAEg/g-E34WM81_w/s1600/saloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cG4KADG3e0I/VDgyzE3QDyI/AAAAAAAAAEg/g-E34WM81_w/s1600/saloon.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> At this point, I will discontinue my explanation of events to prevent me from giving away too much. I will, however, add a bit of commentary about the writing prowess of Emma Donoghue. I am an enormous fan of a good storyteller, and Donoghue did not leave me disheartened in the slightest. The action and intrigue in this book are astounding. Her narrative is colorful and filled to the brim with dynamic and vivid depictions of what life was like in San Francisco just before the turn of the century. From the constant fear of contracting smallpox, to the vast chasm that existed between the wealthy and the poor, Pre-1900 San Francisco was the epitome of the Wild West following the Civil War. Emma Donoghue was able to accurately and romantically bring the characters of Frog Music to life in this dusty, and at time earthquake ridden city, while maintaining the integrity of the factual details of the murder of Jenny Bonnet. I confidently give this book 4 stars.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-88072881031203070282014-10-06T14:54:00.000-04:002014-10-06T16:31:23.018-04:00Booth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sM_NbLABrk/VDLNMueHBiI/AAAAAAAAADs/IAolbDcFAcA/s200/booth.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></div>
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Summary:</h3>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">A gripping historical novel set amidst the confusion and
chaos of the Civil War,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Booth</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is the story of the only conspirator
in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln who was not killed or executed--a
young man who falls under the spell of the charismatic and captivating
world-famous stage actor, and is gradually sucked into the vortex of Booth's
insidious plans.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The novel opens in 1916, the last year of
narrator John Surratt's life. Surratt, who has spent the years since Lincoln's
death as an obscure shipping clerk, is approached by D.W. Griffith to read from
his Civil War diary in Griffith's movie<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Birth of a Nation</em>. As
Surratt reads over his diary for the first time in fifty years, the reader
returns to the tumultuous days of 1864, and a chance encounter between Surratt
and John Wilkes Booth. Booth, a larger-than-life personality whose
appetites, fame, and sheer force of will bedazzle everyone around him, helps to
secure Surratt a position as the assistant to renowned photographer Alexander Gardner. Over
the following weeks, Booth continues to lavish attention on Surratt, slowly
drawing him bit by bit into his web of intrigue. By the time Surratt
discovers the desperate nature of Booth's true intentions, it is too late, and
he finds himself caught up in a firestorm of violence that shatters forever his
insulated life and mild ambitions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">(from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1863159.Booth" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Review:</span></h3>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> If you are a history
geek like me, you are all too familiar with the story. . . A group of Southern
sympathizers collaborate to exact revenge on the man that they hold responsible
for the collapse of the Confederates hopes of a successful cessation. The man, who in their eyes turned his back on
half of the nation that he swore to protect; a man whose lofty political
aspirations defied the very fabric of Southern society by abolishing their <i>peculiar institution</i>. This man was
Abraham Lincoln. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> The novel begins a
little more than 50 years after the assassination of Lincoln. John Surratt, the
son of Mary Surratt (the only female conspirator to be hanged), is contemplating
a recent offer to do a filmed reading of his Civil War diaries. While Surratt is
perusing the diary that has been untouched since that fateful time, the reader
is instantly transported back to 1864 on the very day that he meets John Wilkes
Booth, actor extraordinaire! The emotional roller coaster that is Booth is
immediately known to the reader, while John Surratt comes across as a naive,
easily lead by the nose young man seeking the approval of this semi-celebrity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> I will begin my
critique of this novel by saying I am absolutely appreciative, from a history geek
standpoint, how accurate and based on factual events this piece of fiction
truly is. I realize there would be no way for David Robertson to have been privy
to the intimate conversations that took place in the Surratt house, and his
speculation as to the nature of the relationship between Mary Surratt and John
Wilkes-Booth is based solely on hearsay. With that said, the layout of events,
as well as the precise way he maintained a genuine adherence to the conspirator’s
motives and intentions makes this novel not only an adventure in intrigue and suspense,
but a real history lesson, too. I very much liked the evolution of the association
between Surratt and Booth. At the start, Surratt seems mystified by the larger
than life Booth, but as time passes, Booth’s star seems to fade into a drunken
stupor, leaving him looking like a washed up has been. John Surratt, on the
other hand, has a measure of success working as a photographer’s assistant, but
risks it all to help out Booth’s cause. As the only one in the group not to be
convicted and hanged, John Surratt is able to quietly fall into obscurity until
he is approached 50 years later to relive these events through the words of his
personal diary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> This is the only book
that I have read by David Robertson. I found him to be a compelling and
attention holding storyteller, easily blurring the line between fact and fiction.
After the conclusion of the novel, he carefully dissects his use of creative
license to reveal how he interwove the factual aspects of the assassination by
way of diaries, first-hand accounts, official records, and contemporary news
articles with his own imagined interpretation of events. I also appreciated the
use of actual photographs of the hangings and the conspirators, allowing me to
have a visual connection with them as well. I have read other pieces by
different authors that make an attempt to do what Mr. Robertson has done with
the Lincoln assassination, each leaving me with varying aftertastes. In <i>Booth</i>, I found an impeccably written, believable
storyline that made me want to learn more about that time period and the
fascinatingly sinister conspirators who played such a detrimental role in
American history. For those reasons, I give this book four stars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-46276558631400533812014-09-29T12:07:00.001-04:002014-09-29T12:07:29.490-04:00Gone Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwofgZ3vitU/VCV9N3hS2GI/AAAAAAAAADY/kHbnnZmgXQs/s1600/19288043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwofgZ3vitU/VCV9N3hS2GI/AAAAAAAAADY/kHbnnZmgXQs/s320/19288043.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
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Summary:</h3>
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On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? </div>
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(from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19288043-gone-girl" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</div>
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**<span style="color: red;"> I would like to preface this review by stating that there will be NO spoilers in this commentary</span>. **</div>
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I, like many other avid readers, prefer to read the book prior to watching Hollywood’s on-screen interpretation. When I found out that <i>Gone Girl</i> by Gillian Flynn was being made into a blockbuster film, I immediately grabbed the book off the library shelf and began plunking away. I could not have imagined that the journey I was about to undertake would be so infuriatingly long and drawn out. The novel is broken up into two very distinct and differing sections. The first half I found to be hard to digest, while the second half, albeit more reader friendly, was not as satisfying as I would have liked. For that reason, I am going to assess the novel in two parts. </div>
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<i>PART I-</i> It is difficult to place my finger on exactly what it was that rubbed me the wrong way about the first section, for the writing was superb. I am leaning towards the notion that the scenarios that were presented were not as true to life as the author was pushing for, leaving the reader full of doubt that the story was really going in any direction. My best description would be that I felt as though I were on a perpetual round-about, desperately wanting to make a right turn to exit, but knowing deep down that once I start a book, I must finish! Previous to my reading the book, a friend had forewarned me that I might feel that way, but suggested that I trudge along because the second section was much more worthwhile.</div>
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The first section of this book is told from a first person point of view through the present eyes of Nick and the past journal entries of Amy. At this point in the story, the reader is unsure of the guilt or innocence of Nick in the disappearance of his wife, although he seems to be a prime suspect. Amy comes across as a needy and weak wife who desperately seeks the approval of her husband and her parents. Nick, on the other hand, looks to be a pompous and arrogant man-child whose only concern is his own happiness and the hometown bar that he now operates. I felt as though each narrator was hiding something, and this left me with an mistrustful taste in my mouth. Amy’s depiction of her loving and supportive reverence toward her husband does not mesh well with Nick’s morose view of his wife, causing me to question the integrity of each account. Amy’s sudden disappearance on the eve of their 5th wedding anniversary, with the information given, could not possibly be contributed to anyone but Nick! </div>
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<i>PART II</i>- In part two of this novel, the truth begins to unveil itself, revealing a lot of ugliness and deception on both sides. Nick is outed as a husband who has made some egregious mistakes, but did they drive him to harm his wife? While Amy, who worked fiercely to uphold her squeaky clean, good girl image, is not necessarily what she seems to be on the surface. Once the reality of the situation is revealed, the ingestion of the story is much more palatable. Flynn’s wit and flair truly shine when she stops trying to deceive the reader. Had she used this approach during the first portion of the piece, I would have found this a much more enjoyable ride. Without giving away the twist, the finale of the book did raise a lot more questions than answers. I am not one of those readers who must always have storylines tied up with a bright shiny bow, but it would have been nice to walk away with some semblance of justice. In a sense, I felt cheated, making me dislike the author more than the wretchedness of the characters she created. For that reason, I give this book three stars. I hope the upcoming film can redeem my faith in Gillian Flynn.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-50406411925037106062014-09-24T13:48:00.000-04:002014-09-24T13:48:49.230-04:00The White Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47_JnrpV1ww/VCMAQ2B11uI/AAAAAAAAACg/O4UhMgLRl7w/s1600/KEY-ART-Starz-Original-Series-THE-WHITE-QUEEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47_JnrpV1ww/VCMAQ2B11uI/AAAAAAAAACg/O4UhMgLRl7w/s1600/KEY-ART-Starz-Original-Series-THE-WHITE-QUEEN.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Summary:</b></span></h3>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
1464, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>War of the Roses</em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>between the Houses of York and
Lancaster is in its ninth year. Although the sly Earl of Warwick has
succeeded in having the easily-controlled Edward IV of York crowned, all his
work could be undone when the new monarch falls in love with Elizabeth
Woodville, a commoner. This BBC adaptation of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Philippa Gregory</span></strong>'s
series,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Cousin’s War</span></strong>, follows the women
caught up in the battle to be the rightful king of England.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
show was commissioned by the BBC and aired in the UK first. However, an
'uncut' version of the show was later shown by Starz in the US.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(From </span><a href="http://www.tv.com/shows/the-white-queen/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">TV.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://38.media.tumblr.com/add5086da7e95d02441933ae5d54311b/tumblr_mqawj7Rl7Z1sq05kfo2_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://38.media.tumblr.com/add5086da7e95d02441933ae5d54311b/tumblr_mqawj7Rl7Z1sq05kfo2_500.gif" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Review: </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Having read Philippa Gregory’s Cousin War
Series (The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker’s Daughter), I was
over the moon excited to find that Starz and BBC had created a made for TV
series sculpted after the novels. With Philippa Gregory as executive producer,
I hoped that the series would run true with the books, and I was not
disappointed. Set in late 1400’s England, The White Queen brings viewers inside
the intriguing and secretive world of the York and Lancastrian dynasties.
Starting with the chance meeting of Elizabeth Woodville and Young King Edward,
The White Queen depicts the a more intimate side of the English court. The
series allows the viewer to catch a glimpse of the ethereal royals in very
earthly and precarious situations ranging from adultery, jealous rages, and
blissful unions.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> To draw comparisons between the books and the
series, one would assume, would cause me to find great fault where actor choice
and scene selection are concerned. Surprisingly, that did not occur. The choice
of actors for the roles of Queen
Elizabeth Woodville, Richard Duke of Gloucester, (later King Richard III), Anne
Neville, and Lady Margaret Beaufort were exceptionally true to their
descriptions in the books, leaving me to wonder if someone was spying on my
mind’s eye as I read the novels. I was particularly thrilled that the scenes
from the books that were omitted in the series were few, and those included
were taken directly, word for word, from the pages of the three novels. My only
criticism is the manner with which the series ends. Originally, the White Queen
was to have multiple seasons in order to encompass the breadth of material in
the novels. After mixed reviews on the BBC, the series was pulled, leaving
those who have not read the books at the edge of an exceedingly lofty
cliffhanger. With that said, it was an appropriate place to end had another
season been in the works. My suggestion would be to read the three novels, or
her entire Cousins War series if you are feeling adventurous, and then watch the
series. Doing so will give you a greater appreciation for the close
relationship between what was written and what was shown, as well as not
leaving you wanting when the series is over. I give this series four stars. It
could easily have been a five if the series had not been canceled. The books,
however, get a resounding and bold five stars! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-665082259787793292014-09-18T17:24:00.002-04:002014-09-19T09:09:51.612-04:00The Invention of Wings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ngau9bsX50/VBiPp4GVhaI/AAAAAAAAAB8/-WW7mytEdWs/s1600/books.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Hetty "Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household. The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Kidd’s sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid.We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty-five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">As the stories build to a riveting climax, Handful will endure loss and sorrow, finding courage and a sense of self in the process. Sarah will experience crushed hopes, betrayal, unrequited love, and ostracism before leaving Charleston to find her place alongside her fearless younger sister, Angelina, as one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women’s rights movements.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">(From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079776-the-invention-of-wings?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Review:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">What
does it mean to be free? Does it take the literal form as being physically free
from bondage? Or, perhaps freedom can also be used to describe an independent
state of mind? In Sue Monk Kidd's <i>The
Invention of Wings, </i>both scenarios are true. Set in the slave-driven south,
Kidd’s fictional interpretation of the lives of famed abolitionists and female
rights activists Sarah and Angelina Grimke delve into the idea of freedom as a
concept both mental and physical, showing each from the unique perspective of
both hesitant master and slave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> The
opening scenes of the book truly set the stage for what will develop into a
complicated and, at the time, socially unacceptable relationship between Sarah
Grimke and her 11<sup>th</sup> birthday present, a young slave named Hetty “Handful”
Grimke. Sarah, even at the young age of 11, knows that slavery is wrong, and tries
to reject her “gift”, much to the chagrin of her overbearing mother. This
disdain for the peculiar institution of slavery never leaves Sarah, even after forcibly
accepting Handful as her slave. If anything, it propels her to follow a path
that she feels is righteous and true. Sarah
has dreams and aspirations of pursuing a career in law, just like her father
and brother, hoping to be able to one day make a real difference in the world.
She feverishly studies her father’s law books, and even garners her father’s
praise as having a gift for the vocation. A turning point for both girls is the discovery
that Sarah has taught Handful to read. This is viewed as criminal in the racially
divided South, leaving Handful with physical scars from a severe beating, and Sarah
with the mental scars of being severed from her father and his beloved books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> After
having her dream of attaining a law degree is dashed, Sarah leaves the South
and Handful behind to pursue an abolitionist’s cause. Once in the North,
however, Sarah finds that her freedom from the South is merely just a physical
removal, encountering her own form of discrimination because she is a woman who
holds strong opinions. Her struggle for women’s rights brings her great notoriety,
as well as influential enemies bent on suppressing her voice. This begs the
question: Is she TRULY free?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> Handful,
in contrast, spends her days perfecting her seamstress craft. Eventually, she
becomes well known for her talent with a needle and thread, and finds herself
in high demand, not only on the Grimke plantation, but all over Charleston,
South Carolina. Handful hopes this new found demand is her ticket to freedom. She
creates a mental sense of independence that gives her the courage to believe
that one day she could be free. Her true freedom comes by way of a family quilt
started by her mother that depicts the lineage of her family. Her need to
finish this quilt allows her a spiritual freedom that transcends the physical
bondage of slavery, even though she remains on the Grimke plantation where even
Sarah is unable to set her free. It becomes clear that her mental freedom is far
more liberating than Sarah’s bodily freedom in the North.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">After
reading this novel, I was left with a real admiration for Kidd’s attention to
detail and adherence to historical reality . . . as much as that is possible in
a piece of fiction. As I read the story, I found that I could </span><i style="color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">hear </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">the characters speaking to me right
from the page. The dialogue is written in such a way, that you feel as though
you are there, hearing every twang and colloquial term that you might expect
from the time period. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The complex task
of unveiling the antebellum South through the eyes of both master and slave is
done with great mastery, while still making this a story of triumph over great
adversity that transcends the centuries.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Admittedly,
I have not read any other pieces by Sue Monk Kidd, so I really have no basis to
compare this with her other novels, but as a stand-alone </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Invention of Wings </i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">has all of those smart touches that makes
the reader want to devour more of her work. She runs the gamut of emotion from
witty humor to unabashed disgust over the treatment of Hetty and her fellow plantation
workers. Readers will laugh, cry and cheer out loud! If you are expecting the
run of the mill antebellum novel, you will be more than pleasantly surprised at
the depth of the characters, as well as the brazen and bold face put to the early
abolition and women’s right movements. Without reservation or hesitation, I give this book 5 stars. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-58092070888853986072014-09-17T16:53:00.000-04:002014-09-17T16:53:15.847-04:00Hello! It's nice to meet you. . .<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_PttRXIwTQ/VBn0kFvkLAI/AAAAAAAAACM/PP4WF1QkbCw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_PttRXIwTQ/VBn0kFvkLAI/AAAAAAAAACM/PP4WF1QkbCw/s1600/images.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Greetings! My name is Jenny, and I will be the new author of the Lit Writ blog! I hope to delight and inform you with the same enthusiasm as my predecessor, with a heaping spoonful of my own quirkiness and unique perspective. Feedback is always welcome...if you think I should review something, shoot me a message, and I will check it out! I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with you, and hope you find them useful, or at the very least entertaining. My first official blog entry is currently brewing! Check back soon for my debut! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00259694432687079477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-59668941364484641422014-09-11T14:19:00.000-04:002014-09-11T14:19:44.746-04:00Farewell Post<p>Hey Lit Writ readers!</p>
<p>Starting very soon, a new author will be taking over The Lit Writ. This will be my last post. I've had a lot of fun writing this blog over the
last six months, and I hope you've enjoyed reading it.</p>
<p>The Lit Writ will be going on a brief hiatus as the new author moves in. Don't fret: we'll be back soon!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfUtFZOSfHQ/VBHnX_EniQI/AAAAAAAAAzU/hrVI15p5q3A/s1600/b000217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfUtFZOSfHQ/VBHnX_EniQI/AAAAAAAAAzU/hrVI15p5q3A/s1600/b000217.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-2585128826889261752014-09-06T15:54:00.000-04:002014-09-06T15:54:13.881-04:00Weekly Book Review: The Golden Compass<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=The+Golden+Compass&te=ILS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ObL4XTD8FF4/UzRpKSzs-VI/AAAAAAAAALQ/icIa1O0dwLw/s1600/119322.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to find this book in our catalogue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Golden Compass</b> by Philip Pullman <br />
<b>Released:</b> July 1995 <br />
<b>Genre:</b> Fantasy / Science Fiction / Steampunk
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Here lives an orphaned ward named Lyra Belacqua, whose carefree life among the scholars at Oxford's Jordan College is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors.
First, her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, appears with evidence of mystery and danger in the far North, including photographs of a mysterious celestial phenomenon called
Dust and the dim outline of a city suspended in the Aurora Borealis that he suspects is part of an alternate universe. He leaves Lyra in the care of Mrs. Coulter, an
enigmatic scholar and explorer who offers to give Lyra the attention her uncle has long refused her. In this multilayered narrative, however, nothing is as it seems.
Lyra sets out for the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate, Roger, bearing a rare truth-telling instrument, the compass of the title. All around her
children are disappearing—victims of so-called "Gobblers"—and being used as subjects in terrible experiments that separate humans from their daemons, creatures that
reflect each person's inner being. And somehow, both Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are involved.</p>
[From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/119322.The_Golden_Compass">Goodreads</a>]
<p><b>Review:</b></p>
<p>I have no trouble declaring <i>The Golden Compass</i> of a higher order than most fantasy novels. Be aware: this is coming from someone who, from the age
of 8 to around the age of 24, read nothing but fantasy novels and assigned texts. Many fantasy novels ignite the imagination, but few ignite the
brain, at least not as skillfully as Pullman's magnum opus. <i>The Golden Compass</i> has the guts to confront both philosophy and religion in ways that
are sure to offend or alienate certain readers.</p>
<p>Lyra Belacqua/Lyra Silvertongue, our not-so-humble protagonist, may be neither physically powerful nor particularly booksmart, but she has street smarts
in abundance. Lyra is a capable heroine who rescues herself as often as she is rescued, and often her rescuers are led to defend her through her own machinations.
Her problems are solved through quick wits, skillful lies, and the help of the alethiometer, a compass that can answer any question, provided one can read its spinning
hands and many-meaninged symbols. Lyra can be spiteful, arrogant, and, in her own words, lacking in imagination, but that is, in my opinion, all the more endearing.
Too often female leads in both the fantasy and YA genres are "perfect" aside from a few shallow flaws (clumsiness is one of the most common). Lyra's virtues and vices make
her more vivid and more human than her superficial peers.</p>
<p>Almost all of the major characters are memorable. The cast includes an exiled armored bear, a Texan balloonist, the matriarch of a witch clan,
one of the greatest villainesses ever put to page, and a herd of soulbeasts who range from cuddly (Pantalaimon) to terrifying (the golden monkey).
That it manages such a diverse cast without feeling bloated is testament to its quality.</p>
<p><i>The Golden Compass</i>' mythology is inventive and almost wholly original. Lyra's alternate world is populated by such creatures as
shapeshifting animals who serve as physical representations of the soul, intelligent bears with a penchant for blacksmithing, and matriarchal,
immortal witches. Despite the outlandish nature of some of its concepts, <i>The Golden Compass</i> straddles the line between
oddity and realism fairly well through abundant detail and a supply of world-building anecdotes.</p>
<p>Recommended for anyone who can deal with a little religious criticism. Those who can't, steer well clear.</p>
<p><b>You should also read:</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=the+amulet+of+samarkand&te=ILS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmAPdh0NWoQ/VAtjQ6gEZmI/AAAAAAAAAy0/6mA_tsH-QS8/s1600/334123.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Amulet of Samarkand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-81392665366266579902014-08-27T10:19:00.001-04:002014-08-27T10:21:10.531-04:00Weekly Book Review: Harry Potter (Full Series)<b>Harry Potter and the Blankety Blank</b> by J.K. Rowling <br />
<b>Genre:</b> Fantasy <br />
<b>Released:</b> 1997-2007
<p>To make up for missing last week's Weekly Book Review, I present you with mini-reviews for every single <i>Harry Potter</i> book. These reviews
are arranged in order of preference, from my favorite at the top to my least-loved at the bottom. I should clarify, before we begin, that while I
have many complaints about those books near the bottom of this list, I still loved reading each and every one of them. The series as a whole gets
an A+ from me, and only <i>His Dark Materials</i> comes close to the sheer number of rereads I've done over the years. <i>Harry Potter</i> lies
close to my heart. I criticize it out of love.</p>
<a name='more'></a>
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<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=prisoner+of+azkaban&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS3nZAtdG0Q/U2o38VuuyWI/AAAAAAAAAZU/G59Xi6vMIL4/s1600/Cover-PrisonerOfAzkaban.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 8th, 1999
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Harry Potter is lucky to reach the age of thirteen, since he has already survived the murderous attacks of the feared Dark Lord on more than one occasion. But his hopes
for a quiet term concentrating on Quidditch are dashed when a maniacal mass-murderer escapes from Azkaban, pursued by the soul-sucking Dementors who guard the prison.
It's assumed that Hogwarts is the safest place for Harry to be. But is it a coincidence that he can feel eyes watching him in the dark, and should he be taking Professor
Trelawney's ghoulish predictions seriously?</p>
<p>[From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5.Harry_Potter_and_the_Prisoner_of_Azkaban?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>.]</p>
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p>My love for <i>Prisoner of Azkaban</i> starred in a <a href="http://writebelco.blogspot.com/2014/05/surrealities-top-five-fantasy-faves.html">blog post</a>
back in mid-May. Check out that post for a refresher.</p>
<br />
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<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Half-Blood+Prince&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBynVMcby9M/U_jhpLZ727I/AAAAAAAAAu8/Irt5ET9OLYI/s1600/HP6cover.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 16th, 2005
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names.
Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.</p>
<p>And yet, as with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate—and lose a few eyebrows in the process. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love.
Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.</p>
<p>So it's the home front that takes center stage in the multilayered sixth installment of the story of Harry Potter. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full and
complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort—and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.</p>
<p>[From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.Harry_Potter_and_the_Half_Blood_Prince?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>.]</p>
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p><i>Half-Blood Prince</i> plays on the strengths of its immediate predecessor, <i>Order of the Phoenix</i> while learning from its failures.
Harry has largely calmed down despite the terrible things that happened in the last book. His angst-meter readings are low. The stakes are high, but the book still manages to be
fun, with a number of light-hearted moments amidst the growing gloom. This is also the first book to show that the series'
resident bully, Draco Malfoy, might be an actual person with actual feelings, loyalties, and fears. <i>Deathly Hallows</i> might not go as far
with this plot thread as I'd have liked, but its beginning is rife with pathos.</p>
<p><i>Half-Blood Prince</i> also adds a human element to both Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Things remain as black and white as ever, but at least
we gain an understanding of what made Voldemort the noseless wonder he is today.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsg9JS9QeZc/U_3j6X8x_-I/AAAAAAAAAxU/psNfvID4q30/s1600/Seated_Voldemort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsg9JS9QeZc/U_3j6X8x_-I/AAAAAAAAAxU/psNfvID4q30/s1600/Seated_Voldemort.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's strange. This is exactly how Voldemort was described in the books, <br />but it's nothing like the Voldemort in my head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>I am, perhaps, a little biased toward this book due to its increased focus on my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Snape">absolute
favorite character</a>. From <i>Harry Potter</i>s' beginning, Snape has evolved in complexity and relatability, culminating in a man whose many layers provide
some of the best moments in the series. <i>Half-Blood Prince</i> is as much Snape's show as it is Harry's, and, for me at least, it was his I most
wanted to hear.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7890Bvn0ak/U_jfKA1PTmI/AAAAAAAAAus/8K68xtqh8oA/s1600/Severus-Snape-severus-snape-9231025-2560-1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7890Bvn0ak/U_jfKA1PTmI/AAAAAAAAAus/8K68xtqh8oA/s1600/Severus-Snape-severus-snape-9231025-2560-1703.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snape > everyone else</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Goblet+of+Fire&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Goblet+of+Fire&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdGmRuXqr5Y/U_zBJ9DYvDI/AAAAAAAAAvw/bcb26gafy6o/s1600/6.jpg" height="200" width="133" />
</a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 8th, 2000
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can't wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and
there are spells to be learnt, potions to be brewed and Divination lessons (sigh) to be attended. Harry is expecting these: however, other quite unexpected events are
already on the march ... </p>
<p>[From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6.Harry_Potter_and_the_Goblet_of_Fire?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>.]
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p>The Tri-Wizard Tournament, the Quidditch World Cup (and seeing different wizarding nationalities for the first time), the Yule Ball, Viktor
Krum, Mad-Eye Moody, the introduction of the pensieve . . . I loved almost everything about this book. This was the first book I had to wait for
(<i>Prisoner of Azkaban</i> was already out when I started reading the series at the tender age of 10), and it didn't disappoint. It's fun,
it's funny, and it takes place before Harry's reached peak angst mode. What's not to like?</p>
<p>Well, there are a few things. Chief among them, at least in my opinion, is Harry and Ron's overlong fight in the middle of the book.
It's so pointless and so strangely virulent for a fight among friends that the whole situation made me dislike Ron as a character. Sorry, Ron fans.</p>
<p>Oddly, I don't hate Rupert Grint's interpretation of Ron at all. For all the complaints I have about the movies ditching important plot points
while emphasizing those that needn't be, they did fix a few of my problems with the originals, and Ron is probably the best example. Good job,
filmmakers. Good job, Rupert Grint.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srqSLJay5ww/U_zWkvDy6jI/AAAAAAAAAwo/X9hflQrDxzI/s1600/ron-weasley-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srqSLJay5ww/U_zWkvDy6jI/AAAAAAAAAwo/X9hflQrDxzI/s1600/ron-weasley-5.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We cool, <a href="http://wiki.unknowableroom.org/Roonil_Wazlib">Roonil Wazlib</a>?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Chamber+of+Secrets&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Chamber+of+Secrets&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk91at4h9F4/U_zBXpCtShI/AAAAAAAAAv4/O0p9pGAzYSM/s1600/15881.jpg" height="200" width="132" />
</a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 8th, 2000
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to
Hogwarts, disaster will strike.</p>
<p>And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor,
Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister,
Ginny.</p>
<p>But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone—or something—starts turning Hogwarts students to stone.
Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the
one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself.</p>
<p>[From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15881.Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets">Goodreads</a>.]</p>
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p><i>Chamber of Secrets</i> is a decidedly middling book (relative to the rest of the series), but it boasts a number of great scenes and one of
the best villain confrontations in the series. Oddly, this book, despite being one of the more juvenile, is also the closest the series comes to
horror. <i>Chamber of Secrets</i> is a tightly plotted book that introduces some interesting new concepts that will end up being quite important by
the series' end.</p>
<p>The weak point of this book is that it requires a good deal of plot-stupidity from Harry and a whole lot of coincidence in preserving the villain's
victims. Coincidence is fine when used sparingly, but making it the backbone of your novel's structure can lead to suspicion and disbelief on the
part of the reader. It required a certain amount of <i>deus ex machina</i>, and for some readers that may be enough to ruin the whole.</p>
<br />
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<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Order+of+the+Phoenix&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Order+of+the+Phoenix&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzvKGF67K0Q/U_3faTckRII/AAAAAAAAAw4/j-EuyqThfPo/s1600/2.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 8th, 2000
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends Ron and Hermione have been very
secretive all summer and he is desperate to get back to school and find out what has been going on. However, what Harry discovers is far more
devastating than he could ever have expected...</p>
<p>[From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone?ac=1">Goodreads</a>.]
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p>I doubt this book is this far down on many fans' lists. In truth, <i>Order of the Phoenix</i> probably deserves to be higher.
This book has possibly the best villain in the series, the too-familiar Dolores Umbridge, whose faux sweetness and rigidly
traditional teaching methods have been known to inspire more hatred than Voldemort himself. It is also the book that introduced fan-favorite
Luna Lovegood, and for that it can be justly applauded.</p>
<p>My biggest problem with this book is Harry himself. His angst, his penchant for SHOUTING IN ALL CAPS AT VARIOUS PEOPLE, INCLUDING PEOPLE WHO
HAVEN'T WRONGED HIM IN ANY WAY, and his incredible plot-necessitated stupidity, the result of which is one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in
the series, make this a deeply unpleasant book. In Harry's defense, it is a turbulent year, and he suffers greatly throughout. Unfortunately,
that doesn't make it any more fun to read.</p>
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<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Sorcerer%27s+Stone&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS&dt=list" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Sorcerer%27s+Stone&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&te=ILS&dt=list" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSiYKlIVZ4M/U_3iEyZHOoI/AAAAAAAAAxE/q1K9c2mLabI/s1600/3.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> January 1st 1997
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a Cloak of Invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a
dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a
tiny cupboard under the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in ten years.</p>
<p>But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never
dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...
if Harry can survive the encounter.</p>
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p>This book suffers from having been the first in the series, written well before Rowling found her footing in regards to both story and prose. It's
innocent, charming, and fun, but it lacks the emotional depth of the series' later entries. Many of its beloved characters (Snape, Neville) are
nothing more than empty stereotypes at this point in time, and though that is understandable given how little page space is devoted to each, their depth is sorely missed.</p>
<p>Despite its faults, <i>Sorcerer's Stone</i> is a worthy introduction to the series. It ensnares readers with whimsical glimpses of the wizarding world
through the eyes of a not-yet jaded Harry and sets up the overarching plot without sacrificing the novel's strength as a standalone. This isn't one
of the books most will look back on as a particular favorite, but I'd be surprised if there were any readers who left it at the bottom of their list.</p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Deathly+Hallows&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&qf=FORMAT%09Format%09BOOK%09Books&te=ILS&dt=list" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Harry+Potter+and+the+Deathly+Hallows&qf=AUTHOR%09Author%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.%09Rowling%2C+J.+K.&qf=FORMAT%09Format%09BOOK%09Books&te=ILS&dt=list" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eU5PX-reck/U_3jIoi6EeI/AAAAAAAAAxM/g_ym79U314g/s1600/136251.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</b><br />
<b>Released:</b> July 21st, 2007
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing - if
they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfill the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him?</p>
<p>[From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136251.Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>.]
<p><b>Why?</b></p>
<p>This is the only <i>Harry Potter</i> book that breaks away from the this-year-at-Hogwarts story structure, and it suffers for it. <i>Deathly Hallows</i>
begins on a high note that lets its readers know exactly what they're in for. Shortly after, it grounds itself in a particularly boring and overly long
travel narrative. I hope you like forests and a lot of childish sniping, because that's what you get for many long pages.</p>
<p>Another of <i>Deathly Hallows</i>' missteps is that its plot revolves around three <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin">MacGuffins</a>,
two of which were never mentioned prior to this book and one of which was retconned into something more important and rare than it
was initially presented as. With five horcruxes yet to be found, the Deathly Hallows add nothing but bloat to an already overinflated quest. Had they
been introduced earlier in the series, and had they a greater role in the conclusion, I might have been willing to give them a pass. As it is, the best
thing to come from the Deathly Hallows is that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdSpZgE3fD4">really cool animated sequence</a> from the first
of the two <i>Deathly Hallows</i> movies.</p>
<p>And another thing: <i>Deathly Hallows</i> got two movies? Really? Not <i>Order of the Phoenix</i>, longer and more plot-heavy than its younger
brother? Not <i>Goblet of Fire</i>, whose film adaptation deprived us of almost all of the Quidditch World Cup, the entirety of the Winky sideplot,
Blast-Ended Skrewts, and a much cooler interpretation of the final game of the Tri-Wizard Tournament? We really needed a movie composed mostly of "hiding
in a forest" book-ended by two more interesting scenarios?</p>
<p><i>Deathly Hallows Part 2</i> was pretty good, though. It did Snape justice, which was my primary concern. Good job, filmmakers. Good job, Alan
Rickman.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHhJiNj2kvk/U_3kKDTPcyI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Pz2ibO5Bvpk/s1600/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-one-movie-poster-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHhJiNj2kvk/U_3kKDTPcyI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Pz2ibO5Bvpk/s1600/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-one-movie-poster-1.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the points to Slytherin. All of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-56635710777939475132014-08-15T16:33:00.000-04:002014-08-15T16:33:28.977-04:00Weekly Book Review: The Hunger Games<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=the+hunger+games&te=ILS" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=the+hunger+games&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZLxvjc5J0I/U-5sMi0pNpI/AAAAAAAAAts/sq1H9u_KjO8/s1600/2767052.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to find this book in our catalogue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Hunger Games</b> by Suzanne Collins<br />
<b>Released:</b> September 14, 2008<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Sci-Fi / Young Adult
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer
districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual
televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and
one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and
are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.</p>
<p>When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her
male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a
death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.</p>
<p><b>Review:</b></p>
<p>It's easy to see why <i>The Hunger Games</i> became such a phenomenon. Mixing an interesting idea with decent world-building and a whole lot of tension, The
Hunger Games is a gripping read that pulls its audience in with a disturbing premise and keeps them hooked through swiftly escalating action. Its
prose serves more to propel the reader through the plot than compel further reading through its own merits. <i>The Hunger Games</i> is a thing of short,
clipped sentences and light description, favoring action over moments of thought or observation. Whether that's good or bad is up to your tastes.
For me, the prose wasn't bothersome, but it certainly wouldn't have been enough of a draw to keep me reading without Collins' tight plotting.</p>
<p><i>The Hunger Games</i> sets itself apart from many YA dystopias in that it presents a somewhat believable setting. We have a clear catalyst for the division
of the districts and a historical explanation for the Hunger Games themselves. There are a few details that don't quite gel with reality, but I'd
wager only the most demanding readers will find fault with novel's presentation of the world until after they've blown through it.</p>
<p>My biggest quibble with <i>The Hunger Games</i> and all of its sequels (especially its sequels) is that it falls into the common YA trap of saddling its
heroine with a love triangle made up of two dudes who are both unappealing in their own special ways. Gale doesn't quite breach jerk territory until
the next book, but he's also such a non-character in <i>The Hunger Games</i> that it's likely his inner jerkitude was simply biding its time. Peeta, on the
other hand, is omnipresent. He somehow manages to be both the unwelcomely (and unnecessarily) protective boyfriend (despite Katniss' disinterest in
the relationship except as it relates to their survival) and the damsel in distress at the same time. His presence is annoying, often dragging
the excitement down as Katniss must break away from the action and her own developing plans to babysit him. His meagre personality isn't a good
match for Katniss', and his strange obsession with her borders on creepy more often than it should.</p>
<p>The romance is, however, responsible for some of the best tactical moments in <i>The Hunger Games</i>, and for that, it can be partially excused. I can
only wish Katniss were attached to a more interesting boy.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asWXVAD0Zrs/U-5tLDuo1yI/AAAAAAAAAt8/ecaSUrwo2Eg/s1600/Tom_Hiddleston%2C_Loki_(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asWXVAD0Zrs/U-5tLDuo1yI/AAAAAAAAAt8/ecaSUrwo2Eg/s1600/Tom_Hiddleston%2C_Loki_(1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like Tom Hiddleston.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Among dystopian YA, <i>The Hunger Games</i> is one of the best. There's a reason it let loose such a trend. Fans of dystopian YA, as well as YA in general,
should give it a read, if only to see what all the fuss is about.</p>
<p><b>You should also read:</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kr6ErZr90bY/U-5uMdHLgeI/AAAAAAAAAuE/SmD3uZEIHxs/s1600/divergent_hq.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divergent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-29586737424709840262014-08-13T13:11:00.000-04:002014-08-13T13:11:50.225-04:00Silver Screen Selections: Guardians of the Galaxy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GZlekUeiQ/U-pqa0E5slI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Ok7lrFRy_nQ/s1600/GOTG_Payoff_1-Sht_v4b_Lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0GZlekUeiQ/U-pqa0E5slI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Ok7lrFRy_nQ/s1600/GOTG_Payoff_1-Sht_v4b_Lg.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guardians of the Galaxy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Guardians of the Galaxy</b><br />
<b>Studio:</b> Marvel Studios<br />
<b>Director:</b> James Gunn<br />
<b>Released:</b> August 1, 2014<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Superhero / Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>After stealing a mysterious orb, American pilot/outlaw hero Peter Quill is hunted down and thrown into an inter-galactic prison. In order to
secure his freedom, Quill reluctantly joins forces with alien bandits Drax, Gamora, Rocket and Groot to form an alliance of misfits known as the
Guardians of the Galaxy, and with the all-powerful villain Ronan hunting the orb, the fate of the universe is in their hands.</p>
<p>[from <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=guardians+of+the+galaxy&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb">Google</a>.]</p>
<p>Dear movie-makers,</p>
<p>Take a good, hard look at <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>. This movie is proof that films can still take risks and succeed
beyond all expectations if their quality is up to snuff. <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> isn't a new property, but it is a relative
unknown in Marvel's expansive library. It also stars a sentient tree and a talking raccoon. Not exactly mainstream material. Marvel took a huge
leap of faith when it greenlit this project, banking on the goodwill it has earned with a fantastic line-up of heroes and the fun, funny, and irreverent
movies they star in. It's paying off with upwards of <a href="http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/08/08/guardians-of-the-galaxy-blasts-disney-to-a-1b-u-s-box-office/">$1 billion</a> in ticket sales as of this post, written only a week and a half after the movie's debut.</p>
<p>As the second Marvel-produced superhero team-up movie (<i>X-Men</i> and <i>Fantastic Four</i> don't count, as both were produced by Fox),
<i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is certain to draw comparisons to <i>The Avengers</i>. Of the two, it is, I think, the better movie. More focused and more
thoughtful, with a cohesive and affectionate, if dysfunctional, cadre of heroes, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> does the team-up movie justice by setting up its
characters' relationships with real moments of camaraderie and friendship. <em>The Avengers </em>seemed merely an alliance of convenience in comparison. The only thing <i>The Avengers</i> has over <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>
is Tom Hiddleston, who would, had the world any justice, play at least one character in every movie. Not just Marvel movies, either. <i>Every</i>
movie.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok5fzru022Q/U-prFkmX56I/AAAAAAAAAs4/Qi-nWz7rWq0/s1600/Tom-Hiddleston_reuters_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok5fzru022Q/U-prFkmX56I/AAAAAAAAAs4/Qi-nWz7rWq0/s1600/Tom-Hiddleston_reuters_1200.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Hiddleston's face shall henceforth feature in all Lit Writ posts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>All of the characters in <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> have their moments. There isn't a weak link in the roster, and I'm certain that
each will cultivate a thriving fanbase. That they managed to give a tree and a genetically modified raccoon so much pathos
is astounding. Vin Diesel should be commended for finding so many ways to say "I am Groot."</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7qEe_ktU8c/U-ps3hBF4DI/AAAAAAAAAtE/iNOCqX5dRNs/s1600/3820347-iron_giant_jpg_595x325_crop_upscale_q852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7qEe_ktU8c/U-ps3hBF4DI/AAAAAAAAAtE/iNOCqX5dRNs/s1600/3820347-iron_giant_jpg_595x325_crop_upscale_q852.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There <i>is</i> precedent, however.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Despite the occasional bout of predictability, every joke strikes home. <i>Guardians</i> is practically a thesis on the value of timing in comedy.
The cast delivers each line with wit and charm, and a snappy, clever script gives each the opportunity to shine.</p>
<p>For those seeking a space opera with the chops to take on <i>Star Wars</i>, look no further. <i>Guardians</i> is just as cheesy as
Lucasfilm's sprawling epic, but it more readily embraces its cheesiness, joyously subverting even its most serious moments with reminders that this
particular brand of sci-fi, with its inexplicable space magic (the infinity stones) and oddly human aliens (see Gamora, Drax, Nebula, the Nova Corp . . .),
is supposed to be <i>fun</i>.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qxrb24-UuY/U-p0-JZRkSI/AAAAAAAAAtc/VlJEUfPYP6c/s1600/aliens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qxrb24-UuY/U-p0-JZRkSI/AAAAAAAAAtc/VlJEUfPYP6c/s1600/aliens.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Aliens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>See <I>Guardians of the Galaxy</I> while it's still in theatres if you can. If not, it's well worth the eventual rent.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-4541079101132910322014-08-11T14:59:00.001-04:002014-08-11T14:59:16.192-04:00You Are Not in Control<p><i>and neither is Shayla Poling</i></p>
<p>So you've got this plot in mind. A full-grown plot, mind you, not just a fetal idea, half-formed and unable to survive outside the bounds of your
nurturing brain.</p>
<p>Don't get attached. There are those who want to see your plot completely and totally derailed. They'll stop at nothing to dismantle everything you've
built over days or weeks of planning and prewriting. These people? Your characters.</p>
<p>"But my characters aren't real!" you may be shouting at your monitor, completely disregarding the futility of this act. "They can't control me!
I control them! I AM THEIR GOD!"</p>
<p>No, my friend, no you are not.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-gZN8Ctu7Y/U-kQnOyLxwI/AAAAAAAAAr8/hrhSvzuCrIs/s1600/plzstop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-gZN8Ctu7Y/U-kQnOyLxwI/AAAAAAAAAr8/hrhSvzuCrIs/s1600/plzstop.png" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, maybe stop yelling at your electronics. It's weird.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Writing is an act of evolution, not intelligent design. Plot evolves as you write it, growing limbs in places you didn't expect and stepping
across the boundaries of genre just as the first footed creatures waddled out of the sea.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ99oiNxXjs/U-kQ-94C-AI/AAAAAAAAAsE/oMxL1f-C_RY/s1600/feebastomilotic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ99oiNxXjs/U-kQ-94C-AI/AAAAAAAAAsE/oMxL1f-C_RY/s1600/feebastomilotic.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokemon has taught us that evolution can be a little extreme.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Good characters evolve from simple caricatures into complex, multicellular beings. They think. They breathe. They choose. You can poke and prod them
into place, force them at pen-point to do what you need them to, but unless what you need them to do aligns perfectly with what they <i>would</i> do,
the action will seem as forced as it is. As a reader, you may have noticed some of the more pervasive examples of this: characters losing half of
their brain cells for just long enough to make the stupid decision necessary to push the plot forward, characters going against their own previously
established characterization, the plot dropping coincidence upon coincidence onto its character's heads in order to force them onward.
In the hands of a competent writer, these moments can be catalysts for a character's evolution. In the
hands of an incompetent writer, they are at best a digression and at worst a u-turn in a character's arc.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/The_Crossroads_of_Destiny" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/The_Crossroads_of_Destiny" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZwSdhL2fQ0/U-kRNR5cRGI/AAAAAAAAAsM/VzwFRcqM45M/s1600/Zuko_Iroh_-_The_Crossroads_of_Destiny.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AZULA ALWAYS LIES, ZUKO. WE COVERED THIS.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Fueling your plot with stupid leaves a pretty hefty signature, enough to pollute your reader's enjoyment—and belief in your world and
the events taking place within it—permanently. Don't make your readers roll their eyes.
<p>Like a mother bird, an author must sometimes shove its fledgling cast members from the nest and hope they flap themselves on course. Their path may be
a little circuitous, but if you've crafted characters who fit your story and, more importantly, your world, they'll make their way to a conclusion.
Eventually. After many unexpected—but nonetheless important—detours.</p>
<p>Respect your characters. Let them make mistakes, but don't force mistakes upon them. Back up characterization with scenes that
will let your characters display their strengths and weaknesses. Provide the setting, provide the conflict, then let them improvise. It might not work
out, but that's what editing is for.</p>
<p>Editing is also for ruining your life and damaging your self-confidence, but we'll cover that in a separate post.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-59037765375455954962014-08-09T10:59:00.002-04:002014-08-09T11:00:34.051-04:00Weekly Book Review: Landline<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Landline&te=ILS" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=Landline&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10VoUjMwLAs/U9-6mV-0pZI/AAAAAAAAArs/COFt-urdOH0/s1600/Landlinegrey-1-e1381519474537-300x441.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to find this book in our catalogue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Landline</b> by Rainbow Rowell<br />
<b>Released:</b> July 8th <br />
<b>Genre:</b> Romance
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it's been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves
her, deeply—but that almost seems besides the point now.</p>
<p>Maybe that was always besides the point.</p>
<p>Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can't go. She's a TV writer, and
something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her—Neal is always a little upset with
Georgie—but she doesn't expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.</p>
<p>When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything.</p>
<p>That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an
opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .</p>
<p>Is that what she's supposed to do?</p>
<p>Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?</p>
<p>[From Rainbow Rowell's <a href="http://rainbowrowell.com/blog/book/landline/">official website</a>.]
<p><b>Review:</b></p>
<p><i>Landline</i> is of a different genre and for a different audience than Rowell's normal fare. While all of her books could accurately be dubbed "romance,"
her most popular novels, <i>Fangirl</i> and <i>Eleanor & Park</i> (both of which have been reviewed on this very blog), are young adult romance, while Landline is a
romance of the chick-lit variety. I am not a chick-lit person. Keep that in mind as you read this review.</p>
<p>Like all of Rowell's books, <i>Landline</i> is stocked with funny, snappy dialogue and appropriately quirky characters. Not all of the characters are
particularly well-drawn, but Neal, the true subject of the novel despite Georgie's "main character" status, is both complex and interesting. Georgie
is a goal-oriented woman with ambitions and all the worries that come with such. Unfortunately, her goals never seem quite as important to her as
we're told they are, as this book is less about Georgie and more about Neal, Neal, Neal.</p>
<p>In fact, <i>Landline</i> could use more "showing" when it comes to certain aspects of <em>all</em> of our main characters. We're told that Seth and Georgie are funny people,
talented enough to earn their own TV show, but we're never shown any of their hilarity. We're just to take the book's assertion that it is so at
face value. Neither ever does anything particularly funny. They hardly even crack a joke. Neal, an artist, has a better excuse for his talent's
lack of detail, but aside from a cute scene with a cartoon Georgie, his art is just as formless as his wife's funny.</p>
<p>The present-day timeline is a cycle that rarely deviates from itself. Georgie wakes up, goes to work, struggles to stay focused, leaves, goes to
her mother's house, exchanges some witty dialogue with her family, tries to call present-Neal to no avail, and finally calls past-Neal by way of
an inexplicable phone-shaped temporal distortion. You could skip over everything but the phone calls without missing anything of importance. It gets
tiring, and these sections are almost solely responsible for my excessively slow journey through this book.</p>
<p>Luckily, the frequent temporal interludes bear the brunt of the action. These are far more akin to the brilliance of Rowell's other works: moving and
demonstrative of relationships grounded in something like reality. They come in two flavors: pure flashback and time-bending conversations between
a middle-aged Georgie and twenty-something Neal. Both have their strengths, and both are good enough to make me wish Rowell had done away with the
magical telephone conceit entirely and written a more traditional but more focused college-age romance more akin to <i>Fangirl</i>.</p>
<p>The overall effect of the landline's time-bending power is fairly predictable. I doubt the conclusion will shock anyone, but neither will it
disappoint. This is, overall, a very safe novel that chooses to use its sci-fi element for emotional rather than speculative effect. Don't come
here looking for any serious contemplation on the nature of time travel.</p>
<p>If chick-lit is your thing, give <i>Landline</i> a go. Despite the book's faults, it is a well-written exploration of romance through a sheer
time-travel gauze.</p>
<p><b>As <i>Landline</i> is the first chick-lit book I've ever read (seriously), I've got no basis by which to recommend another read. Anyone who's got an idea, feel free
to leave it in the comments!</b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356967449808367546.post-89147705185087671332014-08-01T16:26:00.002-04:002014-08-01T16:26:45.533-04:00Weekly Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=the+fault+in+our+stars&te=ILS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://enterprise.seo.lib.oh.us/client/mfp/search/results?qu=the+fault+in+our+stars&te=ILS" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvk4FHQ6TNs/U9v1xrK6EdI/AAAAAAAAArI/0EgDmkjbZzQ/s1600/fault.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to find this book in our catalogue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Fault in Our Stars</b> by John Green<br />
<b>Released:</b> January 10, 2012<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Young Adult / Romance <br />
<p><b>Summary:</b></p>
<p>Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.</p>
<p>[From John Green's <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/">official website</a>.]</p>
<p><b>Review:</b></p>
<p>If you've read anything about <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i>, you probably know that it's an emotional read. I'm here to confirm this. This book made me cry in full view of every patron of a bustling Wendy's. I tried to stop it, but the floodgates, once opened, would not be closed. To be
fair, I knew what I was getting into when I picked up the book. It's a cancer book. Stories about cancer, for a variety of personal reasons, make me
cry. I should've taken measures not to be caught reading the sad parts of the book in a public place, but I didn't. So there I was, oversalting my
french fries with tears.</p>
<p>This is a novel rife with moments of beauty and genuine emotion. Amid that emotion, however, are a few dissonant notes that
disrupt the experience, however slightly. Though its fans may clamor otherwise, <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> is not a perfect book.</p>
<p>Hazel and Augustus are a charming pair, full of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon">Whedonesque</a> quips and adorable quirks.
For this very reason, they ring a little false. Teenagers in general don't speak in platitudes and clever, quotable witticisms. I've been a teenager.
It wasn't all that long ago. I'd have liked to converse like Hazel and Augustus do. I'd still like to. Unfortunately, coming up with that
kind of material in time to keep up with a conversation isn't as easy as our star-crossed duo make it seem. It can be fun to read, but it risks
disturbing the reader's immersion.</p>
<p>Luckily, Hazel's narration doesn't suffer the same problems as her spoken dialogue. Writing, unlike speech, can afford both time and thought.
The writer can pause over a single sentence for hours without disturbing the flow of the work as a whole. If it sounds premeditated, that's fine, because it is.</p>
<p>This is another one of those books where the parents aren't absent, dead, or uncaring, so it gets extra points just for that. Though none of the
parents impact the plot in any significant way, their quietly supportive presence adds an extra dose of pathos to the teens' afflictions.</p>
<p><i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> has been heralded as one of the best YA novels of the past few years, and it very well may be. It does not, however,
rank amongst my personal favorites. I read it quickly, I enjoyed it, and I can see why it's inspired such fervor amongst the YA crowd, but perfect
it is not. Still, it is a strong novel from a writer whose popularity is largely deserved. YA fans should definitely check it out.</p>
<p><b>You should also read:</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0