The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a 1922 publication.
"Gatsby" was a school assignment for me- and although it was rare for me toThe Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a 1922 publication.
"Gatsby" was a school assignment for me- and although it was rare for me to enjoy assigned reading, I liked it. But, for some reason, I have never read another book by Fitzgerald. I have, though, been quite curious about him and his wife in their private life- which has been the subject of books and movies for years. I have several books on my Kindle about Zelda, which I had planned to work into my reading schedule sometime this year. But, in the meantime, I thought it would be a good idea to read another book by this author. I chose this one for two reasons- the simplest one was that I already had it on my Kindle, and because allegedly Fitzgerald had modeled the characters after himself and Zelda.
Unfortunately, the book fell flat for me. To begin with the characters are not at all likeable. They are too empty, shallow, lazy… and BORING- with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I kept thinking things would pick up- but they just kept getting worse with the characters circling the drain, even after they finally get what they thought would bring them happiness.
My experience with this book has given me second thoughts about reading anything about the Fitzgeralds- but because so much has been made about that marriage- and Zelda in particular, I’ll still probably delve into their lives at some point- but I’m not in a big hurry to tackle those books anytime soon, if they were anything like the couple in this book. Oy!
Overall, this book isn’t terribly long- but I felt like it took ages to read it and that’s never a good sign. I’m not sure I’ll ever tackle another novel by this author- but if I do, I’ll approach it with caution.
Recently I stumbled across a series that was evidently based on the Robin Hood legend. Though not my usual genre, I found myself intrigued enough to c Recently I stumbled across a series that was evidently based on the Robin Hood legend. Though not my usual genre, I found myself intrigued enough to consider adding it to my TBR list. But then I thought maybe it would be a good idea to read some of the older stories about the legendary folk hero- which other than a Disney-like story I read as a child; I had never done- to my knowledge. I have seen a few movies- but I wanted to read what I thought might be some of the 'original' tales and not the Hollywood version of them- which led me to this book. This compilation of stories set the tone for Robin Hood going forward- though, the tales of Robin Hood had been around long before Pyle put his stamp on them.
This collection of stories was written by Howard Pyle back in 1883. He adapted the older Robin Hood ballads, changed a few things up, including Robin’s original villainous reputation –making him into a hero who robbed the rich to feed the poor.
The book starts off with the story about how Robin Hood became something of an outlaw and wound-up living in Sherwood Forest. From there we are introduced to his Merry men and off we go on a variety of often hilarious adventures, and a few nailbiters, too- meeting an eclectic group of people- some who become allies and some who remain staunch enemies.
I never would have thought I’d find Robin Hood stories this enjoyable- but I admit I had a good time reading this book, which was nothing at all like I thought it would be- and doing a little research about the origins of the folklore hero. The language in this book, as I learned, was made up of a fake medieval dialect and it was hard to follow on occasion, as a result. It was also unintentionally funny sometimes because words today mean something entirely different from when this book was published.
All the same, I have a renewed respect for the Robin Hood legend. This was a fun exercise and was certainly a much-needed change of pace. I feel much better equipped now to pursue more stories or pastiches built around the legend of Robin Hood! Who knows, maybe I’ll even tackle Ivanhoe someday.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges is a 1991 Simon & Schuster publication.
Not the best way to start off the new year!
This is one of those bWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges is a 1991 Simon & Schuster publication.
Not the best way to start off the new year!
This is one of those books that has now made it into the ‘classics’ category- but I’ve heard more about the movie adaptation than the novel. When I saw the book in the KU program, I decided to check it out on a whim and then, after I read it, I planned on watching the movie -which I found on one of my streaming services.
Well, I must tell you, I didn’t get what everyone else saw in this book. By the time I got to that ghastly conclusion, I knew I’d never watch the movie. I couldn’t get this one in the rearview mirror fast enough- and I’d rather just keep Gilbert Grape as a distant memory instead of tormenting myself with the visual saga of this dysfunctional family on steroids- great acting or no.
Overall, I can’t say the book was a disappointment or letdown because I only read it out of curiosity. That said, I struggled with it from the get-go and was tempted to throw in the towel on numerous occasions. I finished it- but was left scratching my head- wondering what on earth it was about this book that captivated so many people.
I could go into the cons of the story- but I don’t think I’ll spend that much of my time on a book I didn't like. You know it’s bad when I’m willing to take the abuse for my one star review.
A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to readin A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to reading. It is a much beloved novel, but with some recent bad experiences with ‘much beloved classics’, I approached this one with some caution.
Thankfully, despite the often-bleak circumstances, I found the book to be an accurate depiction of the time, never flinching from hard themes. Our Francine is a character we root for, hoping her future is more promising.
The love of reading and books plays a big role in Francine’s life, which also gives her a yearning to write. Naturally, this appeals to this voracious reader, as did the family saga, another favorite of mine.
Many, many reviews, doing the book far more justice than I ever could, have been written, so anything I might add has all been said before- and more eloquently, as well.
I will say that I ended up truly loving this novel and can understand why it has appealed to so many people and why it has endured for all these years. For once, a classic novel lived up to its reputation- and then some!!
Overall, if you haven’t read this classic family drama, I hope you’ll squeeze it into your reading schedule someday. You’ll be glad you did!
*Fun fact: I read this book in digital format. This edition has an introduction written by Ann Patchett. Because the novel is rather lengthy, I found the audio version on Hoopla and switched back and forth between both formats. Interestingly, the audio version, recorded many years ago, also came with an introduction by Jacqueline Mitchard. I am glad I was able to enjoy hearing both authors’ comments about this book!...more
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. SPassing by Nella Larson is a 1929 publication.
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. Set in the Harlem Renaissance, the story is centered around two childhood friends, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendy. Both are light-skinned black women- but Irene lives in Harlem with her husband and two children, while Clare passes for white, enjoying the benefits of a society wife. Irene is proud of her heritage, while Clare felt ‘passing’ would provide with her a more comfortable life.
When the two women meet again after many years of separation, the consequences of their decisions will alter their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
This novel explores the themes of race and identity- subjects that are still quite relevant today. I thought this was a taut, tightly wound story in many ways. There is always an uneasy feeling humming just beneath the surface. The repercussions of living a lie, the constant fear of exposure, and the burden it places on others who are forced to keep secrets, on top of the building tensions in Irene’s marriage once Clare forcefully inserts herself into Irene’s life again, made for some disquieting and complex situations that had me holding my breath as the suspense builds to its shocking climax.
With any short story the issue of character development can be a problem for me, but in this situation the dialogue and Irene’s inner thoughts are all that is required to create plenty of complexity.
The conclusion, though deliberately ambiguous, was stunning nonetheless, and left me feeling a little numb for a while.
The novel is very well-written, thought-provoking, suspenseful and tragic. I highly recommend this incredible, timeless classic!
“Mildred Pierce” by James M. Cain is a 1941 publication.
This month, "Turner Classic Movies' has been airing their “Thirty Days of Oscar” special coll“Mildred Pierce” by James M. Cain is a 1941 publication.
This month, "Turner Classic Movies' has been airing their “Thirty Days of Oscar” special collection of movies. As I scrolled through all those incredible movies, I was struck by how many of them I had never seen, including “Mildred Pierce”.
But, every time I considered watching the movie, I decided to wait and read the book first. So, I set my DVR to record the movie and then set out to find a copy of the book at the library… and so FINALLY- I have read a book I’d been meaning to read for ages.
Okay- so my thoughts on the book:
I love noir- and this book is labeled as classic noir- but it is not a detective novel or a piece of crime fiction, which is how I normally think of noir. The story is often bleak, dark and moody, and chock full of flawed, morally bankrupt people. It’s a look at a complicated mother/daughter relationship during the depression era, and a cautionary tale about the ugly side of ambition.
Overall, the book is highly absorbing and thought-provoking. Although there are words the author used, rather too frequently, that were offensive, and some violent scenes made me uncomfortable (which is something that is going to pop up in anything categorized as “noir” or hard-boiled that was written during the 1940s), this is yet another novel I wish I had read a lot sooner.
The characterizations are incredible and will stick with me for a long while.
4.5 stars
*I FINALLY watched the classic movie starring Joan Crawford, as well. The movie is very good- but while some parts were close to the book, there were many changes to the story that gave it an entirely different slant- but that's par for the course in Hollywood. I liked the book better- but the I understand why the movie received such high praise. I recommend enjoying both the book and the movie, if you haven't already....more
An Old- Fashioned Thanksgiving by Mary Louise Alcott is an 1868 publication.
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for thAn Old- Fashioned Thanksgiving by Mary Louise Alcott is an 1868 publication.
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for the big holiday feast. Unfortunately, a family emergency leaves the Bassett children in charge of the festivities. They are determined- but can they pull it off by themselves?
What a sweet and cozy short story! This little gem has never shown up in my search for a Thanksgiving story, somehow. Heartfelt thanks go out to my dear GR friend, Tina, for sending me the link to this lovely story.
Times have certainly changed since this story was first penned, but coming together in times of stress, working together, enjoying our friends and family, and being thankful, are themes that are timeless, and endlessly inspirational!
Paying it forward- Anyone interested in this story can find it here:
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns is a 1984 Mariner Books publication.
Occasionally, this book will pop up on my radar and I’ve always been curious aCold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns is a 1984 Mariner Books publication.
Occasionally, this book will pop up on my radar and I’ve always been curious about it. It sounds like a sort of folksy southern family drama, which is something I tend to enjoy most of the time. The book generally continues to garner positive ratings, though I had noticed a few more recent reviews mentioned some issues with race and classism in the book.
As with any book published this far back, one is faced with the possibility- if not the probability- of encountering those issues. So, I decided that now was just as good a time as any to see what has given this book the staying power it has, especially as it is the only completed novel by this author.
I ended up with some mixed feelings about the novel. I can't say I agree that it is 'timeless', due to the aforementioned issues some recent reviews mentioned. It was a conflict, that is for sure. I felt pulled in different directions while reading the book.
I can see why many people were pulled in by the drama, and the 'folksy' charm, the coming of age elements, and the shocking revelations that come late in the story. There are some hilarious moments, some poignant moments, and it is ultimately a bittersweet, coming of age tale.
But, for me, personally, it fell flat for the most part. There are some difficult passages of abuse, animal cruelty, and even some of Will's comical shenanigans seemed a little mean spirited- then after all that, the ending wasn't exactly a happy one- but there is a suggestion of hope, so while it is sad, it also points to better times ahead for all concerned.
Overall, I have satisfied my curiosity. The story wasn't exactly what I was expecting, which can be a good thing, but maybe not so much in this instance. The story moves a bit too slow, only to have several huge developments take place all in the last quarter of the book, and the ending left me feeling a bit frustrated after having held on that long. All, that said, I've waffled about the rating. I liked parts of the book, while the rest of it was just okay....
So- 2.5 stars. I'm only rounding it up to 3 because rounding down is a bit too harsh and I'll say that despite arguments against this- there really are times when a book falls inbetween two solid numbers. Sigh.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a 2012 Duke Classics publication. (Originally published in 1898)
I’ve been reading classic ‘horror’ novels duriThe Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a 2012 Duke Classics publication. (Originally published in 1898)
I’ve been reading classic ‘horror’ novels during the month of October for the past couple of years, and it was so fun, I decided to make it a tradition. I have watched several movie versions based on this short story, but, of course, movies tend to take liberties, so I wanted to read the book this year and see it through a fresh lens…
I was surprised to see this classic has only earned a tepid rating average on Goodreads, though. I understand why someone today would find it rather bland if they are expecting modern day theatrics, which is unfortunate because the atmosphere, nuances, allegory, and subtlety are what made the ambiguous tale the fodder for so much debate- which continues on even today. I doubt anyone, one hundred years from now, will still be debating ANYTHING written today. So, there’s that.
That said, the writing is hard to follow. It is too wordy- and the capitalization of nearly every pronoun was annoying. Even so, I still managed to read the book in one sitting-as it is a short story. Despite its age, I did find it effective, as I prefer this slow build up over the cheap thrills so prominent today. I could see where readers would experience some chills and thrills back in 1898- and to be honest, I felt a few shivers here and there, too.
Does the story live up to the hype, though? Well, if I had entered the book with overblown expectations, I might have felt disappointed, or at the very least, confused by all the fuss surrounding this book, which has garnered so much attention in movies, television, and even on the stage. But because I was somewhat familiar with the premise, and knew it was meant to be a psychological exercise, I was fine with it. It’s a book that one might want to read multiple times before one could settle on an opinion about the validity of the ghosts, or any other message one might find buried in the text.
It did not, when first published, come without its criticisms either- but some of that seems ridiculous to me. Maybe the book was simply meant to be unsettling- meant to challenge one’s own perception of the events described- which is what I think. The only debate I’ll step into is the one that argues the ‘Gothic’ category the book often falls into. Yes, it has some ‘Bronte-esque’ Gothic tones- but in my opinion, it is not a pure Gothic novel, therefore I would not categorize it as such.
Overall, I thought the story was thought-provoking- though the atmosphere was tainted a bit by my struggles with the writing. Someday I might read it again, and maybe take a closer look at some of the suggested allegory of the story when I have more time to study it.
I think a book that has this kind of staying power, is still popping up on television, and is still the topic of much debate says a lot about the impact of what might have been a simple ghost story. For that reason alone, it deserves at least a four-star rating....more
Gothic Classics by Horace Walpole and Clara Reeve is a 2022 Poisoned Pen publication.
Poisoned Pen Press has been releasing some of the more obscure BGothic Classics by Horace Walpole and Clara Reeve is a 2022 Poisoned Pen publication.
Poisoned Pen Press has been releasing some of the more obscure British Crime Library mysteries in digital format, which is just awesome. I’m so happy these mostly forgotten gems have been saved, reformatted into digital form, and is reaching new audiences. Like their work with mysteries, there is an audience for horror classics that have also been out of print or forgotten over time.
This collection contains two old Gothic classics:
The Castle of Otranto and The Old English Baron.
Anyone with an interest in Gothic literature, in all its various melodramas, will have heard of at least one of these stories. I think it’s great that the publisher placed these two early Gothic novels together in one book, the reason being that they are connected by style and format. Clara Reeve, the author of ‘The Old English Baron’, claimed her novel was the literary offspring of ‘The Castle of Ontranto.” Both novels combine romance with a ‘contemporary novel’ and sports the ridged rules of Gothic literature.
The Castle of Ontranto has been deemed the first Gothic novel- though some will argue it might be a precursor-so that alone should give it a place in history.
The story is absolutely over the top and beyond the pale in terms of believability. There’s a haunted castle, an ancient prophesy, intense melodrama, and tragedy. This style is one that is utilized in many other popular novels - such as ‘Dracula’, as an example. The influence this novel provided to more accepted literary works, should give it some credence and is therefore undeserving of some of the shrill criticisms it endures today. But then there were criticisms long before now…
The Old English Baron, on the other hand, is an attempt by Clara Reeve to give the Gothic tales a more literary approach. Reeve felt the need to correct the issues she discerned in The Castle of Ontantro. She lays out her critique of TCOO in the preface of her book. Her opinion is that the use of supernatural elements is overdone in Walpole’s book, and her novel, while still adding those elements, are toned down so that they are more believable.
The result, unfortunately, is a dull book that doesn’t even have the entertainment value of ‘Ontrantro’.
Granted, these stories do not measure up to our present-day standards, which explains the poor marks by some modern readers. Yet, I feel it is unfair to judge these stories through a modern lens. This style of writing has, of course, fallen out of favor, but these novels still hold a place in the history of Gothic novels and I’m glad they have been re-released for the sake of prosperity, if nothing else.
Overall, while I agree with Reeve that the supernatural content of ‘Ontantro’ is overwrought and unbelievable, at least today we can find humor in it. The same can’t be said of The Old English Baron, but I’m glad we have both books available in one volume to compare and study.
A Bonus introduction by Robert R. McCammon is included.
4 stars for the preservation of these novels and for combining them into one volume.
3.5 stars for The Castle of Ontantro- which is, a re-read for me.
2 stars for The Old English Baron- as Reeve failed to ‘correct’ the failures of ‘Ontantro’ in my humble opinion....more
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an 1886 publication.
What a strange case, indeed!
This classic tale of horror The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an 1886 publication.
What a strange case, indeed!
This classic tale of horror is one that, of all the old movies, like Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein and all their various incarnations, I watched repeatedly growing up, I just didn’t really care for all that much. I did, later in life, watch a movie version of this tale starring Spencer Tracey, and an all- star cast, which was petty good.
Still, when it came to reading the book, unless it was a classroom assignment, I don’t think I ever voluntarily read it, and if I did read it somewhere back there, I honestly couldn’t recall it, which is why I decided to select it for my classic horror Halloween read, this year.
Everyone knows the setup for this short story. A scientist, Dr. Jekyll, is resentful of having to repress the darker side of his nature and happens across a solution- one that allows him to express this side of himself by becoming, through the aid of ‘medication’, Mr. Hyde.
People who encounter this Mr. Hyde is put off by him, and do not understand his hold over the respectable and well-liked, Dr. Jekyll.
As the good doctor proceeds with his experiments, he discovers he is almost addicted to his alter ego- who is gradually becoming the dominant personality and becoming more and more dangerous with each passing day.
This is one horror/sci-fi story, one could find all manner of allegory, making it one of the more thought-provoking tales of this genre.
My mind went to the duality of people who often present one face in public, hiding their baser inclinations, exposing false morality, and hypocrisy.
Other themes are centered around the Victorian era itself, and some of the current political climate- a less obvious theme, in my opinion, but not to be dismissed.
Naturally, one could also go with the classic good vs evil trope-or even a more profound nod at spiritual warfare- as the good side of ourselves continually does battle with the dark side, and the fear that our darker impulses will win out in the end.
Bottom line- All these possible themes make sense, and they each give readers a great deal to chew on, so that the book is not just a horror novel, but a classic in many other ways as well.
Overall, I’m pleased I chose this novella to read this year. I’d considered it many times in the past, but always vowed to read it ‘next’ year. Now, I wish I had not waited so long!!
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck is a 2020 Shadow Mountain publication.
Somehow, over the years, I lost track of this short Christmas claChristmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck is a 2020 Shadow Mountain publication.
Somehow, over the years, I lost track of this short Christmas classic. If my Overdrive library had not advertised this adaptation, I might never have thought of it again. What a wonderful treasure and just the kind of story I needed this year.
The era the book is written in might make one feel wistful for the simpler times it harkens back to. But, of course, the main theme of the story is how as a teenager, Rob comes to realize how much his father loves him.
This moment of clarity prompts Rob to show his father how much he loves him in return by giving him one of the most thoughtful Christmas gifts ever.
Now, as an older man, Rob reflects on that special time in his life and once again sets out to give the gift of love- this time to his wife.
This story certainly puts things into perspective for me. I loved the tenderness and thoughtfulness Rob express through his actions- which as the title suggests, serves as an awakening to the true joy of Christmas!!
Sadly, as I read this story and the details of it came back to me, it occurs to me how far off course we’ve veered. The true meaning of Christmas is drowned out by all cacophony of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and more often than not the holidays inspires more dread, than cheer.
Rob's character also had me thinking a few other things about our society today, but most of all, this story reminded me that the true joy of Christmas doesn't come from a store, and the heartfelt, thoughtful words and deeds we use to express our love and gratitude to our family and friends will create those treasured memories that are worth more than anything money can buy.
Overall, a warm and lovely story recommended to everyone!
*This adaptation has a place for the reader to write their own letter of thankfulness- and is intended to be passed along to the next reader of the book. This added bonus is a great exercise to help all of us remember the positive things in our lives, even in our darkest moments- and this past year has certainly had its fair share of those!
I am thankful for all my Goodreads friends and hope you are taking care of yourselves and will stay safe this holiday season!
The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb is a 1953 publication.
I’ve seen the movie, which was adapted from this book, starring Robert Mitcham, who did The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb is a 1953 publication.
I’ve seen the movie, which was adapted from this book, starring Robert Mitcham, who did an incredible job with the role of “Preacher”. It is yet another situation in which I’d seen the movie, but somehow never got around to reading the book, despite considering it countless times.
Naturally, I’m already familiar with the plot. A con man/ serial killer is stalking John and his little sister Pearl, because they know where a nice stash of stolen money is hidden. The Preacher insinuates himself into the children’s lives by marrying their mother, who accepts his proposal under the guise of providing a father to her children. From there a terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues, as the Preacher menacingly pressures poor John relentlessly, while his mother remains clueless about her new husband’s true motives….
It seems the book was well represented on the big screen as it appears, to the best of my recollection, it remained faithful to the book, with only a few differences. Was the book better than the movie? Well, in this case I’d say they were both very good, which is rare. I did think I got more insight into some of the characters’ actions and attitudes, like the way John behaved in Rachel’s care- which was a bit of a mystery to me- but made more sense after reading this book.
Overall, this a very chilling story of serial killer moving amongst people under the guise of being a man of God. It is also a story of hope for John and Pearl who are freed from the evil and danger that lurked around every corner, and land in a wonderful, stable, loving environment.
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster is a 2017 Amazon Classics publication. ( Originally published in 1908)
In the continuing saga of 'taming the TBR', IA Room with a View by E.M. Forster is a 2017 Amazon Classics publication. ( Originally published in 1908)
In the continuing saga of 'taming the TBR', I have found it easier to locate classics on my list that I have been meaning to read for years.
The brevity of this one convinced me to make time for it immediately instead of letting it continue to gather 'virtual' dust on my Kindle.
I had a little trouble with this one- in fact- I almost gave up on it. I was well over halfway in before I felt engaged in it at all. By the time I was finished, though, I was glad I stuck with it.
This is a light story, with some dramatics, terrific locales, fantastic characterizations, and a moral that is timeless, but overall, while I enjoyed it enough, it didn't make a lasting impression on me. ...more
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is a 1985 Pocket Books publication.
A little background- I do not read westerns- with the occasional exception of westLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is a 1985 Pocket Books publication.
A little background- I do not read westerns- with the occasional exception of western historical romances here and there over the years. When it comes to movies or television shows- again, that would be a big, fat, no- except for the movie Tombstone.
However, after reading a nonfictional book about Dodge City, I thought I might finally be ready to try a fictional western.
Overwhelmingly, my Goodreads friends recommended I read this book- and one wonderful friend gave me a special nudge to get started on it sooner, rather than later- and I really, really appreciated that!!
Reading this book also worked toward a personal book challenge I set for myself at the beginning of this year- which was to read more books ‘everyone on the planet had read, but me’ and to try authors I should have read by now.
With the book weighing in at over nine-hundred pages, I thought I should wait for a time when I could read large portions of the book at a time and really digest it, because the praise heaped on this novel indicated it would demand my undivided attention.
As it turns out, life thew my family a few serious curveballs this past summer and I found myself struggling to keep up with everything, so I took a little sabbatical from social media, including Goodreads, and dove headlong into this unforgettable saga.
I can’t add anything much to numerous, and far more eloquent reviews for this book. But I will say, these characters, the landscape and scenery, and dialogue held me in thrall.
Naturally, I will have to be the only person to have a ‘pet peeve’ here, but before I say more, I do realize the time period in which the story is set, as well as the time period in which the book was written. But, I absolutely loathe the word ‘whore’ and as anyone who read this book can attest, it is a word that is used in nearly every other paragraph, it seems. I eventually became numb to it, though.
The ending threw me a little at first, too. I rolled it around in my head for a while trying to make up my mind about it. It is also one of the reasons why, after having finished the book months ago, I am just now attempting to verbalize my feelings- going back over everything that led to this crossroads of life for Call- and wondering if I was taking from the novel all that was intended.
But, when you get right down to the nitty gritty, this novel has many of the elements I love in a good long saga that spans over a long period of time. I love how the story takes readers on an adventure, giving the characters true tests of courage, and letting them develop in a way we don't see much of, these days.
Naturally, these characters will endure hardships and tragedy along the way- and the reader is right there in the thick of it, experiencing every emotion up close and personal.
Although I have read my fair share of long sagas, I have never experienced a book quite like this one. The writing is rich and vibrant, but with a raw grit to it, that occasionally caused me to pause for time, but despite the pain, and anger, and sadness- there are moments of lightness, humor and laughter, and a deep poignancy makes this a novel that sticks with you for the long haul.
I will never, ever forget these characters, or the incredible storytelling in this novel!...more
Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm is a 2014 Open Road Media publication. (Originally published in 1812)
This compilation is a samplingGrimm’s Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm is a 2014 Open Road Media publication. (Originally published in 1812)
This compilation is a sampling of Grimm’s Fairy Tales- featuring some of the more well-known stories like ‘Rapunzel’ and ‘Briar Rose’- aka ‘Sleeping Beauty'. However, I didn’t know well over half of the stories included in this book.
So, it was fun to read ‘new to me’ Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
While some of my favorite stories as a child came from the Disney adaptations, which were seriously toned down, I do remember hearing the original versions of some of these tales.
One of my favorite stories is the ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker'. I read that story over and over as a child. So, it was fun revisiting some old favorites, and discovering ones I’d never read before.
Some of the stories are similar, and some were far better than others. Some were barely a page long, while others were several pages in length. Some readers, younger than I am, who may be discovering these tales for the first time, might be taken aback by the dark and violent nature of some of the stories, and some may find some attitudes off putting. Some younger children could find a few of these tales disturbing.
However, keep in mind the time frame in which the books were written and try not to judge them too harshly. Frankly, I appreciated the moral of many of these tales- and everything always works out in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the books in this collection, bringing back a few childhood memories and providing me with a nice change of pace, as well. ...more
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier is a 1936 publication.
Time for a classic!
This book has all the hallmarks of a great piece of Gothic fiction… a persJamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier is a 1936 publication.
Time for a classic!
This book has all the hallmarks of a great piece of Gothic fiction… a personal favorite of mine. Cornwall, of course, a huge Inn that is basically a ‘front’, a delicate, cowering lady of the house, married to large violent, brute of a man, who is every bit as intimating as he looks…
This is the situation Mary encounters when she comes to stay with her aunt at the Jamaica Inn after her mother passes. The situation is hardly what she was expecting. Her aunt is a shadow of the girl she once was, and her husband is harsh, domineering and a mean drunk… and a criminal.
Thus begins Mary’s crusade to find a way to get herself and her aunt away from the Jamaica Inn….
This one is a bit different from the few other books I’ve read by Daphne du Maurier- or at least it felt that way to me. It seemed more like a tense crime thriller than a story heavy with atmosphere. That said, the book was often unbearably suspenseful, and it took me little time to read it, finding it hard to put down for any length of time.
The male characters, even those who were supposed to be a little softer, were so rough, it made it hard to fully enjoy the story as I’d hoped. I had mixed feelings about the conclusion, but it was also expected, especially from Gothic stories written during this time.
All that said, there’s a lot of tension packed into this story, and it definitely kept me on edge. Though this is not my favorite novel by this author, thus far, it is still a solid novel of suspense.
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