An Immense Gift & Book Cub

I so enjoy sharing my passions with other people-especially my family and younger generations. Therefore I was immensely pleased to create a little book club for two of my little girl cousins last autumn. It's been going quite well- one of the main purposes was to improve their reading skills, and this has slowly but surely been taking effect (to my joy-I was rather surprised,as I usually am when things turn out exactly as they were planned ;).

I'm also teaching them to embroider during book club, and when we finish our second(current) book, we'll have a little tea party. I've made them embroidered bags for their little projects in celebration of completing our first book which we recently finished...Little House on the Prairie  by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was one of my childhood favorites, and I will eternally treasure the opportunity to explore it with them. Last week we began Charlotte's Web by E.B White, another childhood book that impressed me deeply.

It nurtures my soul on so many levels to be able to share my love for reading with them, and to encourage them to love it themselves.The lack of familiarity with literature-with written word in general, is absolutely tragic and, in my opinion, revolting. How kids these days are making it through school when they can't even spell past 4th grade level is beyond me...oh wait, many of them aren't....

Reading isn't just a "sit with this book for half an hour just so you don't spend all day on electronics" kinda thing (at least it shouldn't be. I read an article once about how parent's today often use reading as a punishment or restriction. How depressing!). Reading Is adventure, thrills, education, expansion- it does more than just entertain. It teaches. It improves. What more could a person ask for? To be able to be immensely entertained  and improve your vocabulary all at the same time, for free! Who wouldn't want that? ;p  Just like who wouldn't want my lame jokes....

Reading has been an enormous gift to me, and I'm on fire about giving that gift to all the little people (and big people,though they tend to be more resistant :p) I can. In the present, I'm satisfied with my little book club, but maybe it'll manifest in bigger ways in future...who knows? I'm open. :) 

{My eldest book clubee has actually made her own little corner of the blogiverse for her bookish observations.}

Top Ten Books on my To Be Read (or re-read) list for Winter

The Broke and the Bookish

1. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens: I just love that name. But I suppose a lot of people do. It's original and cute. Anyway, not here to talk about another name I'd assign to a future cat. I begun reading this book on my iBooks app sometime this year, and I want to finish it this winter. We're going on vacation in less than two weeks and I'm hoping to do a lot of reading! But I might get stuck reading...
2. The Pickwick Paper's by Charles Dickens: Yes, Dickens is for winter. I want to re-read this book, which I've raved about previously here . The first and only time I read it, it was in a fortnight. That's how intrigued I was. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to laughing my head off and rebuilding my vocabulary again. 
3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: I said to a friend yesterday that one of the advantages of not having easy access to a library is that you can re-read your own books as many times as you want; and no one can accuse you of avoiding new material. Not that I want to avoid new material anyway. I really do want to get to the library...why do I keep going off? Yes, Little Women- I was originally planning to re-read it this month, November seemed so suitable. But November has slipped away along with my little, casual attempt at NANOWRIMO, and so I 'm bringing this book with me on vacation as well. It's just such a cozy read!
4. The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins: If I had lots of dedicated followers who've read every single one of my posts, I'd be afraid that you're tired of my mention of this book. But yeah, it's awesome. Makes me cry every time, it's nostalgic, excellent plot, great...just everything. And it's a romance, a mystery, and some other genres. Always on my winter re-read list, unconsciously. :)
5. An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott: This book is up there with Little Women for me. It may be dull and boring to some, but I find it absolutely charming and even encouraging. I can't wait to read this with the little book club I have with my two younger cousins. (If anyone's interested in reading an eleven year old's perspective on our current reads, click here and follow :)
6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: I saw the 2011 movie adaptation. First word that comes to mind is-lame. It was less than any other adaptation I've seen or heard of, and the only interesting thing was the change up of the show of timeline. Then I watched what I call my version, the 2006 one. Which is awesome. Anyway, I need to refresh my memory to do a proper mental movie and book re-analysis. Did you say nerd?
7. Agatha Christie: I would like to read and re-read some Agatha Christie books. I've read the Tommy&Tuppence series, and loved it. It combined my love for the old-fashioned with my new experience of mysteries. 
8. The Time Machine by H.G Wells: I started reading this (I must state how uncharacteristic it is of me to not finish things... but when it comes to reading electronic books or uninitiated self help....) I have no idea when, but should finish it this winter. Should. Do I want to? Yes. I've heard it's interesting and rather creepy. That intrigues me. Do I really want to? I have no idea. 
9. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: A friend of mine will be giving me the audiobooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've longed to read this for so long, but could not obtain a copy. I'm excited. Yay. This is more on my "instant inhale" list....
10. Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: Thank goodness I have an available paperback. I have a feeling this may end up being read near spring...but we'll see. We briefly went over this in my English class of Senior year, and I decided to read it in entirety. Some decisions need time for action..eh?

 I actually made it to 10...can you believe it....
Hope this was interesting.... or that you had another person or something nearby to keep you from falling into a coma...

Top 5 Books I Read that were Outside of my Comfort Zone

I'm going to do five from this week's topic, I can't ever think of 10 for one topic anyway. :)

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Five Books I Read that were Outside of my Comfort Zone

1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: I read this in my senior year for English class. I didn't really want to, but was intrigued since it was such a classic. It turned out that I had a love-hate relationship with the book, as did many of my classmates. I could see why it was a classic (excellent writing, a bit of a page turner, though slow burning at times), but it didn't suit my taste.
2. Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling: You may or may not, if anyone reads this, be surprised to learn that this was one of the first books of modern fiction I had ever read. Seeing as I read the whole series, it can be deduced that I enjoyed the books. :) I think J.K Rowling is brilliant.
3. The Mother Daughter Book Club Series by Heather Vogel Frederick: I haven't read the entire series yet, but this was an entirely foreign branch of fiction to me, being a very modern book (in my opinion). Nonetheless, I found them amusing and refreshing, though all the pre-teen/teenage angst-ish stuff was irritating...Anyway, I enjoyed them discussing their readings of the classics (Anne of Green Gables, which is the only one I can remember at present) and their stories.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I didn't really know what to think about this book. At points I wanted to stop reading, finding it boring. At times I thought it very excellent. Love-hate then? I think it was a bit of an acquired taste....
5. The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald: I also thought of this as modern fiction, being in the 20's swing which was very similar to nowaday's I think. ;) It was another love-hate one (no, not all of the out of my comfort zone books end up in that type of relationship :p), rather odd I thought. I haven't read all these books in a very long time, and only once each, besides Harry Potter, so forgive my bit of vagueness. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I could Read again for the First Time

Hello! It's been a while! I'm back now, and thought I'd do today's Top Ten while I conjure up some personal bookish posts I want to do :)
Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday is a really fun meme with a different topic every time!This week is a really good one, which I think I can come up with 10 to!

1. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I automatically thought of this one, because I recently re-read it and it was like-probably better-than the first time. Such a refreshing series! I highly recommend it. Absolutely delightful. For those who don't know, it's about an orphan girl who "accidentally" gets adopted by a middle aged brother and sister, and her experiences and growth. Poor summary, but there it is. 
2. The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins. I've mentioned this book before, I'm sure, because I absolutely adore it. I loved it from the time my mother read the first words aloud. Every time I read it, it's like the first time so I don't know if it counts...but it's certainly relevant :) About another orphan girl, rescued from almost absolute death and a terrible existence by an old lamp-lighter, and her life-full of such unexpected twists and turns. Absolutely lovely :)
3. Emma by Jane Austen. This I sincerely wish I could read for the first time again. I've read it several times, but the first time was so delightful, and so surprising and enjoyable, no re-read has amounted to it. :p If you're not familiar with Austen novels you must've been living under a rock. But this one's about a rich, rather arrogant young woman and the learning of her lessons. Ultimately a delightful romance and otherwise entertaining story. 
4. Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. I haven't re-read this yet, but there are no words to describe how much I enjoyed it the first time I did. I'm planning to re-read it this winter, and I hope it's as enjoyable. Which, knowing Dickens books long-standings as classics, it shall be. This incredible story is a wonderfully amusing and entertaining novel with an amazingly intricate plot. This book gave me all the admiration and respect for Dickens brilliance that I didn't have before I read his work. One of the best, Pickwick Papers is. 
5. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I'm currently re-reading this, and it's almost as good as the first time. It's not as good, because my dislike of certain characters is stronger :p. But, I've been gaining a lot of insight into human character that I didn't realize the first time I read the book. Lovely story about a young girl and her trials subsequent to her father's remarriage. Intricate plot and excellent writing. Truly. Recommend.
6. Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of Nihm by Robert C. O'Brien. This is certainly one of the books I wish I could read again for the first time. I don't think I could re-read it with as much pleasure-I think most of my enjoyment of this book came from the unexpected contained within. For those who love all animals, mystery, and unique stories, this book is for you. 

Well, not even past 6 and I'll have to admit, I can't come up with 10 to this! But I enjoyed it anyway, and I hope you take up one of my recommendations if they appeal to you :)

From Evernote:

Top Ten Tuesday:Dynamic Duos!

An awesome weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish . Check out her list and the lists of other link ups-which I hope you'll choose to be one of! Or at least check them out :)

I woul dlove to add images but as the way I post can't handle that, I'll just do with words :) I don't wanna put this off...here we go!

1. Anne and Diana:Anne of Green Gables Series- When I first read the series (over a few years time, and after first watching the movie), I wanted a bosom friend so badly. One to tramp outside with, one to share secrets with, one to hold hands with, one to relate with. I'd never had one, you see, and therefore Anne and Diana stood in my memory so preciously. They still do-even more so now that I do have a bosom friend. Yes, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to this, but Anne felt that she was too, so I'm not alone :) Anne and Diana are the perfect match- Anne being spontaneous, imaginative, passionate, and bold. Diana's sweet, calm, and relaxed nature contrasts with Anne's but I think it also complements it. Some characters are living in other's shadows, but they are nonetheless irreplaceable. Who can imagine Anne without Diana? No one but Josie Pie I suspect....
2. Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley:Emma by Jane Austen- I saw many people chose the Pride and Prejudice couple, Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy, but I thought that Emma and Mr.Knightely were really a duo because they worked together for the peace and happiness of their loved ones, even in their union. They fought, they made up, they danced, they didn't dance, they were friends before lovers and like I said united in their efforts. :) 
3. Tommy and Tuppence Beresford: The T&T Series by Agatha Christie- A friend introduced me to this dynamic duo and I've loved them ever since. I've only read the first two books in the series, but that same dear friend recently lent me the rest to read. I'm so excited because, though mysteries aren't really one of my genres, this couple really intrigues me and so does their detective work. :) Tommy and Tuppence are such a casual, chummy duo that you can't resist them. At least I can't...see I'm hardly saying anything specific or sensible here...too enamored.. :p 
4. Holmes and Watson:The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle- I haven't actually read any of Doyle's works but I've read much about them and seen the recent movie adaptation so I'm quite fond of what I know of them and absolutely love the dynamic duo they make. :) I think they balance each other out well..but I'm an inexperienced judge so I shall stop here and only say I will endeavor to read some Doyle so I can better judge. If you shall judge me for not making statements without knowledge, *ahem* my site my right and I shall try to be more educated in future...
5. Rose and Alexander Campbell:Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott- I'm in the process of re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re- reading these two books and in perfect time to declare them a fabulous duo. I envy Rose that she has such an uncle-who's friend, father, elder brother, sometimes mother, and uncle all in one. They get along soo well and their companionship is so lovely yet not overdone. 
6. Josephine March and Theodore Laurence:Little Women Series by Louisa May Alcott- What chums. What pals. What buddies. Though their relationship changes over time, they continue to preserve a bond that cannot be broken. Their connection was obvious from the beginning and proves that perhaps, in a perfect world, a boy and a girl can be friends, one of them take it too far, get over it, marry the other's sister, and still stay great friends. :p 
7. Stanley Yelnats and Zero: Holes by Louis Sachar- The touching friendship that this duo displayed in their troubles was..touching :p 
8. Gertrude Flint and William Sullivan:The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins- Another couple that started out as  friends for years and grew to something deeper. Much like Emma and Mr.Knightley, they worked, hurt, grew, and loved together. One of the most pleasing and dynamic duos out there. :)
9. Mr.Pickwick, Mr.Tupman, Mr.Winkle,and Mr.Snodgrass:The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens- I thought I wouldn't fall into what some people did (listing a duo that wasn't actually a duo), but if you divide this one in half there'd be two duos, which is highly suitable because I don't have a 10th duo. THIS.DOUBLE.DUO.IS.AWESOME. To the point of indescribableness... Ah yes, that's a word. Seriously, I don't have words for the awesomeness that is the Pickwinians. Mr.Pickwicks genuine ingenuity, Mr.Tupmans romantic heart, Mr.Winkles prideful yet comical character, and Mr.Snodgrass's peculiar soberness blend together so perfectly I can rightly pronounce Dickens-a GENIUS. :) 

Top Ten Five Tuesday:Movie Adaptations (late)

"Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!"

I'm only doing 5 because of time and brain space. :p

1. Jane Eyre: The 2006 movie adaptation is absolutely wonderful. Period. Ok, yeah, maybe it isn't completely accurate, but it is completely...AWESOME! :P Here's my review...
2. Sense and Sensibility: The 1990 something and 2008 adaptations(my review) are both wonderful, though I have a soft spot for the 1990something version with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and other great actors. :) The book is my favorite of Austen's, and so I treasure the movies too. 
3. Pride and Prejudice: Of course, of maybe not so of course for some people, I'm talking about the 1995 adaptation with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. Though its a long movie (TV series actually) it is just so...indescribably wonderful. I think it reallly conveys the Austen spirit. 
4. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Is it just me or does Lemony Snicket sneak his way into all of my top tens? :p The movie adaptation with Jim Carrey is absolute brilliance-the only thing I could wish for is that they would've done the whole series....
5. Emma: Both recent movie adaptations- 1990something with Gwyneth Paltrow and the 2009 one(my review) with Romola Garai are both fantabulous. Both bring something new and different and yet without losing any of the classic Austen or Emma. 

There's my top 5-agree or disagree?

From Evernote:

Character Connection:Gertrude Flint Clipped from: http://www.theintrovertedreader.com/2011/02/character-connection-deeba.html

"Don't you just love larger-than-life characters? The ones who jump off the page and grab you? Whether you love them or hate them, you can't be indifferent to them.

I would love to know about the characters who just won't leave you! Most of you will probably post about how much you love (or loathe) each character, but this is a great place for the more creative ones among you to let go and have fun! Write yourself into a scene with Anne and Diana. Write a love poem in elvish for Aragorn. Draw a picture of Harry obliterating Voldemort. The possibilities are endless.

Be sure to post the book's title and author, and be very careful not to give away spoilers while talking about how much you love your characters.

Mr. Linky will be posted here on The Introverted Reader every Thursday."

Though her name is so odd,as she is herself, Gertrude Flint is one of my absolutely favorite characters. Ever. The heroine of little known Maria Cummins book, The Lamplighter, she has been beloved by me since I was about 8 or 9. One of the first 19th century books I ever read-indeed, one of the first lengthy books I had ever read. If you question the interestingness of this novel about a young,mistreated orphan girl taken in by a kindly old lamplighter and the many twists and turns her story takes, I can tell you that it has captivated me over and over for almost 10 years. I recently finished re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re reading it. :) 

Why I connect to Gertrude: Gertrude is one of those not so frequent characters that develop and grow consistently throughout the book, and who approaches trials realistically and practically, which very much appeals to my nature. :) While keeping her faults under constraint, she is nonetheless true to herself and directs her fiery yet deep impulses towards positivity. And she is such an original character. Originality is very endearing to me. :) 

Her good qualities (faithfully and unreservedly loving those who prove themselves worthy of it) are also realistic and not over-dramatic. 

I could go on and on about this book and its several awesome characters and plots, but I would highly recommend you read it for yourself. Its available as audio for free at librivox.org 

until next time!

a lover of literature

From Evernote:

Top Ten Tuesday:Characters That I'd Name My Children After Clipped from: http://www.brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/

"Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers' answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!"

I'm excited to be doing a meme again!! Especially this week's- Top Ten Characters (and Literary Figures) That I'd Name My Children After.  :) I'll be changing it to That I'd Name My Children or an Animal After. :P

1.Emma (Emma by Jane Austen): I've been drawn to this name for as long as I can rightly remember, and I cannot tell you why. I just find it so lovely in a simple way..

2.Anne (Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery): I absolutely LOVE the name Anne (with an e ;)!! I have the same excuse as I do as to why I like the name Emma, but I must add that it of course reminds me of Anne Shirley  and she is such a fascinating character. :)

3. Charles Dickens: because I love this name and it just won't leave me alone. No, its not for a child, but for a future cat I hope to own. :) 

4. Louisa May Alcott: I don't like the name Louisa, but I am very fond of the combination May Alcott. I don't know if I'll name a child May, but I do want to name an animal Alcott. Preferably a cat...they just seem so much more...literary...:P

5.Lemony Snicket: For those of you who frequent my blog or know me, you probably saw that coming, or its no surprise. Besides adoring A Series of Unfortunate Events, I also adore this alias because its so original and catchy. Two things I love in names. :) 

This would be for a cat, once again. Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm giving the impression of becoming a cat lady. :p

6.Oscar Wilde: Another original and catchy name, its endeared to me by the many witty or otherwise known as sarcastic quotes of his. I have yet to read one of his works, but I soon shall. :)

7.Adelaide: I might name my child this..or perhaps keep it as an optional middle name..I'm not sure. But I do know that I like this name very much. Its lady like, youthful, and original. 

8.Dumbledore(Harry Potter): Again for a cat. Gosh, I just can't help it!!! There aren't a lot of literary names out there that I'd name my children after. And I don't see myself owning any animal except for a cat so...

And now that I've come so far and so close to bed time (in fact a few minutes past), my mind has drawn a blank for names. And it doesn't help that I'm only coming up with ones for cats :p  Hope to post again soon! 

Character Connection:Thomas (Tommy) Beresford

Hosted by the lovely Jen at The Introverted Reader, Character Connection is a way to weekly write about the character's that you connect to or love, or both, in whatever way you want. Sounds like fun, eh? So let's get to it...

Earlier this week I read The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie, the first in her Tommy and Tuppence series. My friend here connected to Tuppence this week, and when thinking of who I'd connect to, I remembered how much I like Tommy and how he and I are alike.

Tommy Beresford is often described with words such as slow, thoughtful, factual,thorough,  sensible, or described as doing things such as thinking things through, doing things thoroughly, bringing up the facts, or being realistic. I personally admire these attributes, and feel sympathy for how people (in the book I mean) sometimes view Tommy, because he is so slow. I feel sympathy for him because I'm often thought of as slow, and negative (when I bring up the facts or obstacles) and I am perhaps too thoughtful at times. I cannot claim to be very thorough, but anyway.... :p So I connected to Tommy not only because I could sympathize with him, but because I liked how everyone realized that his slowness was valuable, very valuable. Perhaps one day that will happen to me  :p I jest, fellow readers, I jest.

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Male Literary Character's and Top Ten Favorite Books of all Time

*i'm using my mother's computer so no top ten picks picture :p*

Another Top Ten Picks  topic, hosted and created by Jillian at Random Ramblings. I didn't get to do last weeks, so I'm doing it, since I found out you can do past topics and still link up-on the specific topic's post! :) So I'm going to do Top 5 of this topic, and Top 5 of this weeks topic, which is Top Ten Favorite Books of All Time.

1. Gilbert Blythe. Anne's longtime secret (or maybe not so secret) admirer-er, a one in a thousand young man, and of course he must be good looking, or else Josie Pye wouldn't have bothered, I'm sure. :p If you don't know who Gilbert is, you MUST read the Anne of Green Gables series, by L.M Montgomery. Not just for him, of course. *secretly grins*
2. Klaus Baudelaire. I like Klaus for one reason and one reason only. His amazing ability to read thousands (or was it hundreds?) of books and remember their contents. Jealous I am, you say? No, I am an admirer-er. :) And of course, any of the three Baudelaire children can be admired for their capabilities and their extreme endurance during a series of unfortunate events.
3. William Sullivan from The Lamplighter. "He's a dream!" is a phrase that can be used to basically describe Willie. But of course he's only a dream because he has a deeper foundation of character, love, and he is always himself. The Lamplighter  is not a well known book. Its one of those things I marvel at-how can people not have read or heard of this lovely, fascinating, awesome book? So I've taken it upon myself to spread the word. Find this at your library, or an online bookstore (even amazon). If not, listen to it for free at Librivox. 
4. Mr.Knightley from Emma. who doesn't have an Austen man on their list? :p Mr.Knightley has been my favorite since I saw the 1995-6 movie adaptation of Emma. When I saw the (2009?2010?) version it was cemented. His sense of humor is, I think, what makes us so perfect for each other :p Joking aside, Mr.Knightley is such a true gentleman, and has so much character (and not such a bad judge of it either;) he is really admirable. You see, I often ask three questions when considering characters. 1-If I met them in real life, would I like them or admire them the same? 2-If they are imaginary (as in fanciful, for example, character's in Alice in Wonderland), do they have a point to their lightness? 3-Are they handsome or intelligent? or both? :p ok that last one is doubtful, but nonetheless, in Mr.Kinghtley's case I can answer the first and third question quite satisfactorily.
5. Edmund Pevensie. I have always ( I think) liked Edmund because he made a mistake, was forgiven, and learned his lesson so so well. Once he got over his faults, he made for quite a nice young man, adding some wisdom to his brother and sisters. 

Now for my Top 5 Favorite Books of all Time

1. Elsie Dinsmore. I am just so attached to the Elsie Dinsmore series, but the first one especially. This is the book that  got me into reading, and I can't be grateful enough to Martha Finley for that. 
2. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This book just fascinates me. Brings me to tears, to laughter, and  back to reality, yet lifts me to the heavens. It is so versatile in its age group, and the moral point is just so mind-blowing (if you're a christian or messianic).
3. Sense and Sensibility. I'm getting to feel I should add a label just for this book because I'm constantly mentioning it! I cannot stop saying how much I love this book. I connect to the character's, I love the plot- I could go on and on. But I think it's enough to add it to this list.
4. The Lamplighter. I obviously cannot stop mentioning this book. I think its simply wonderful. It really is. Its really really is.A story about a girl, a generous man, a friendly boy,and basically-when people touch each others lives.  What could be better?
5. The Pickwick Papers. Humor has to be my second favorite genre in any category. I cannot get enough. And I won't even add a yet to that. "A day without laughter is a day wasted". Well, during your reading of this book, no day will be wasted. Its the ultimate classic comedy. A must read for humor-lovers. 

There's my five of each! Go link up before the next topic comes!

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Books to Movies

Go check out hostess Jillian's picks for her weekly meme! And join in and link up!


BBC's recent adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma was simply fabulous!!!! I cannot admire it enough. It was-really really good. Very good. See? I can't stop admiring it. A must watch! They have it on youtube. I've written about it here. Did I like the book or movie better? Well, the book is much richer, but I'd watch the movie more times than I'd watch the boo-ahaha, I mean, read the book. I should rephrase that- I have watched the movie more times then I've read the book.
I can't remember what year this excellent adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic book Little Women was produced in, but all I know is that it is such a good, homey movie. I must have watched it a million times. Don't believe me? I can tell you the very first line of dialouge in the movie. "Marmee's home!" Book or movie? Book, definitely. But this is about my favorite books to movies, or movies to books, so...

I have to say that the 1995 or 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is really good. I mean, the cast is amazing- great acting, and its just a classic. Though I hear that the new adaptation is more accurate, and I do think it has a lot of great aspects and other things, but I can't feel about it how I feel about this adaptation :p Book or movie? Book, though the newer adaptation is a great light watch, if you don't feel like watching this seemingly longer version, or reading the book.

Number 4- Mansfield Park. I prefer this version, I much much prefer this adaptation to the 1995 one. Though its not exactly accurate and etc etc, it has a lot of faults, but I still like it. Book or movie? Book!!! Much better than the movies. People get the wrong idea about Fanny in the movies- you must read the book!

David Copperfield. I'm not sure which year or anything, I just know that there are known British actors in it, and the guy that does Harry Potter-David something ( I know I'm butchering this) plays David Copperfield as a boy. This is a great adaptation-very long, but very accurate. And good-excellent. Book or movie? I'd say movie. This adaptation that is. :)


The 1990-something adaptation, the only adaptation, I think, of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic Wives and Daughters, is really really good. I'm reading the book now, and there are some thing's that aren't accurate in the movie, but its still so good that you can't complain or be upset. The movie has an incredible cast-its just altogether excellent.

I almost forgot about this just because its like second nature to me- such a part of myself that this is the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation and so much like the book that they're one and the same, I think.

I can't rave enough about BBC's adaptation of Jane Eyre. It's really awesome. Must watch! Click the link there to read my previous rave about it and get the link to see it on youtube. Yeah, I didn't realize until recently that we have the BBc channel. So I see recent adaptations on youtube. :p

A Little Princess. Warner Brother's adaptation. Really really good. REALLY really really good. :) Book or movie? book. Why? I don't know-the book just has something really magical about it.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I think everyone knows what I'm talking about when I talk about the most recent movie adaptation of this book. Its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Book or movie? Both!

And there are my top ten! Go link up!

Character Connection: Mary (Polly) Milton

Hosted by Jen at The Introverted Reader, Character Connection is a way to express how you connect to characters in a personalized way. But go read about it for yourself at Jen's great blog.

Many of you may be wondering,"Who in heaven is Mary Milton, also known as Polly?" Well, I'm here to tell you.  
An Old Fashioned Girl. Not such a well known book as Little Women, but its not because Louisa May Alcott wrote something less than absolutely charming and delightful. I am still to figure out why this book isn't a renowned classic. At any rate, it is to me, and I have read it over and over and over and over again. Yeah, its that good.
There is a fantastic array of character's. But today I'm going to focus on Polly, the heroine of this story, because she's the one I connect with.
Polly, or Mary Milton, is such a darling girl! Sweet, country, old-fashioned, and virtuous-but with a temper, she is so fun to read. As a woman, she is more developed, adorable, and inspiring than ever. I would love to live Polly's life, but that being unrealistic, doing all  I can to imitate it is what I do. Anyhow, enough about my dreams. ;)
I connect to Polly, because, besides living a life I would like, she is a good example of several things-virtue, modesty, etc etc, and that's what I strive to be. She always tries to look on the bright side-a lot of times for other people, and she has self initiative, intuition, motivation, and diligence. But beware, she has her faults. But you're going to have to read the book to find out what they are, because I shan't tatlle.

Go Link up at Jen's!

Top Ten Picks: Favorite Reads This Year (so far)

Hosted by Jillian at Random Ramblings, Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme that allows you to explore your top ten picks of book and reading related things.

Whoa. Favorite reads. I am so glad to have an awesome friend that has lent me so many books, several different genres, this year, so that I can actually answer this question. And I'm thankful for having the miraculous self initiative to actually read. Well, maybe its not so miraculous, since I do love doing it ;)
At any rate, let me muster up my top ten favorite books I've read this year (so far). And in no specific order.

1. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. The movie adaptation of this book has been a favorite of mine for years now. I would beg my mom if we could watch it-over and over again. Yeah, it that good. Well, reading this book has been epic for me cause I'm actually reading a book that I saw the movie to first, and its not by Jane Austen. ;) But seriously, this is a  really good book-such an easy read, yet so much food for thought-if you look hard enough. 
2. The Unauthorized Autobiography (or The Pony Party) by Lemony Snicket. I had to add this because it was hilarious-in a priceless way, and is definitely one of my favorite books ever. See? I tell you I am in love with humor. We're getting married when we grow up. 
3. Around the World in 80 days by Jules Verne. Besides being proud of myself for having read this classic, short as it was, I found myself delightedly surprised by this book-expecting it to be extremely boring or extremely childish. I found it light, funny, and interesting. 
4. More Love to Thee by George Prentiss. This book made such an impression on me, that I always feel as if I had read it recently. I recommend this biography to Christians and those who know how to take the good and leave the objectional (so far as difference in religion goes). Otherwise, this book deeply touched me-and changed me, I think. Change is not always fireworks or surgery, sometimes its an adjustment of a hair or going under a wave. Or some other smooth flowing thing. ;)
5. I thought it was just Me by Brene Brown. This book, being about shame, power, perfectionism, and taking that out of your life, was a bit hard to read at times, as it dealt with insecurities and my inner self, but it was very good. And yes, life changing. For sure. 
6. The Fascinating Girl by Helen Andelin. An amazing, entertaining, and helpful book, it teaches young girls some things they may not know about bringing their femininity out and actually using it. Very fun, thought provoking, and easy read. Though not for children, I think. 
7. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Though it had too much scientific information to keep me from burning my brain every time I read it  for a long period of time, it was extremely thourough, excellently written, and action provoking. Heart breaking, yes. But good things sometimes come out of caring about things other than ourselves.
8. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Very dark and mysterious book, but not totally deprived of cheer, happiness, or etc etc.Basically there's a lot of lessons to be learned and things to be cleared up, and I like that because it leaves room for development. I have trouble in my own writing with doing that, so I think that putting character's in the midst of an un-seemingly epic and transforming event in their lives is a good idea. :) And of course, I was glad to read a classic. :) Yeah, they make me feel accomplished....
9. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. This was an awesome autobiography. Definitely inspiring and informing. Completely honest, completely open, reflective, to the point- great read. Definite definite favorite. 
10. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Last but of course not least, this was a good read, especially as I saw contrasting and a bit contradictory interpretations of Fanny in two different movie adaptations. I wanted to find out for myself what she originally was, so I did. I was not disappointed- a bit pleasantly surprised. IT is a different type-well, all of Austen's books are different in style. But because of all the "scandal" in this one, its a bit separated from the other. But its written from a nice point of view, and I know a lot of people hesitate to read Mansfield Park, but..don't. Unless of course it would be an inappropriate read for you.

Go link up!

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Writers

This is my first (awesome!) time doing Jillian's weekly meme, Top Ten Picks, hosted at Random Ramblings. Isn't that a pretty button?  Anyway, each week there's a different top ten. This week is favorite authors, obviously. To join in just post about your favorite authors and put your link in the linky on her blog. There's no proper way to do it, so don't worry. But before you do, check out her answers by  clicking on the link to her blog. Alright, let's get started with this difficult task. To make it easier, I'm not going to list them in order of greatness. :)

1. Jane Austen. Is that too obvious? ;) And this is pretty self explanatory :)
2. Charles Dickens. He.is.awesome. I mean, the intricate details, personalities, and plots? I don't think there's another author like him. I especially like how long his book The Pickwick Papers is, and yet its a comedy! I love humor, so that book is a dream. 
3. Louisa May Alcott. Her books are just so sweet and pleasant. Little Women is a classic, and yet so lighthearted, yet real. That's what I call good writing.
4. L.M Montgomery. Incredible writer of personalities, humor, and depth of feeling. Because Anne of GG is intense :) A friend of mine has been reading her other books, and now I want to read some more of her work as well. 
5. Elizabeth Gaskell. Not as well known as my first four, but as good a writer. I'm currently reading Wives and Daughters, and am itching to read Cranford :) 
6. Martha Finley. Though even less known than the former author, her writing (a series called Elsie Dinsmore, another called Mildred Keith, and if I'm not mistaken some other books) is great for older children, I'd say 8-14, because as the books progress so do the plots and character's. And their ages :) 
7. Lemony Snicket. Oh.my. goodness. This man is a genius, a literary genius. His writing is so so good-yeah, its all dark humor, or things that might be otherwise thought boring, but his style and way of putting things just makes it a constant laugh. And I love laughing :)
8. Elizabeth Prentiss. Her book Stepping Heavenward is really really good. It can bring you to tears several times, over and over. You can relate to it, feel with it. Her other books(I'm not sure how many she's authored)  I don't like as much, but they are really good. I read The life and letters of Elizabeth Prentiss(by her husband George Prentiss) and she was really a remarkable lady.The book extremely blessed me.
9. Bronte sisters. Of course, their books are great, though I have yet to read some of them. 
10. E.B White. I must say, I love this man's writing. It is so-I can't describe it. I'm yet to read more of his books, but Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan brought me to tears, and I must also add I love quoting him. He's said a lot of wise things. 

Welp, there we go! 

Character Connection: Little Women

Its Thursday, and time for another Character Connection hosted by Jen at The Introverted Reader.

I chose the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, because I've kind of grown up with the characters, and know how I can relate to each of them. Yes, each of them :) Ok, ok, except Amy- I really don't like her that much. But more on that another time.

Margeret (Meg) March- I connect to Meg in that I hope to get married and have my own home one day. I am also like her in that I am the oldest in my family, try to be responsible, and keep the younger ones in check ;) I also am like Meg in that I don't talk much, but I am not necessarily as quiet as Beth is.
Josephine (Jo) March- I think many writer's sympathize with Jo, and many people that have a short temper ;). I have always enjoyed reading how Jo becomes a woman in the book, but still gets into scrapes.
Elizabeth (Beth) March- I connect to Beth because she is gentle and quiet, and that's usually the words people use to describe me (I don't think they're very accurate ;). I also understand how Beth likes to stay home and gets nervous about being in public and all. I fully sympathize with that. She also likes to take things slower.


Join in! You can name character's from one book, one character, or like Jen did this week, a character you love to hate. Make sure you enter in the linky Jen's put up on her blog!

Character Connection:Elinor Dashwood

Hosted by Jen at The Introverted Reader, here is her description of Character Connection.

We all have characters we love. Let's spotlight these fantastic creations! Whether you want to be friends with them or you have a full-blown crush on them, you know you love them and want everyone else to love them too! 
Be sure to post the book's title and author, and be very careful not to give away spoilers while talking about how much you love your characters.

 This is my first time doing this, so I will pick the character I have the most connection with.

Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

I recently re-read Sense and Sensibility and was almost overcome because of how much I relate to Elinor, see myself in her. Though I am perhaps not as discreet, wise, and composed, Elinor is a very big part of my personality. I must admit, I am have some of Marianne as well (my mother is a Marianne) but I really connect to the eldest Dashwood daughter.
I love Elinor because she looks at the facts, and act on them, so her foundation is always secure, in a way. But she feels deeply, though she lets no one know for a long time. She thinks of others before herself, but also thinks of herself.She attempts to guide Marianne, but eventually leaves off with that, and is just there for her, which I think in that point in time, was the wisest course.
I also love Elinor because her gentle strength is not to be trifled with, and she shows that you don't have to be desperate or obvious to get your heart's desires.
This is why I connect to Elinor, but please understand I don't claim to posses all these mature qualities. ;-)
Join in Character Connection!!!

In the tennis court

" My dear boys, if I didn't love you I would not say these things.I know they are not pleasant; but my conscience won't let me hold my peace when a word may keep you from two of the greatest sins that curse the world and send young men into destruction.You are just beginning to feel the allurement of them,and soon it will be hard to turn away.Stop now, I beg of you, and not only save yourselves but help others by a brave example.Come to me if things worry you;don't be afraid or ashamed;I have heard many sadder confessions than any you are likely to bring me, and been able to comfort many poor fellows,gone wrong for want of a word in time. Do this, and you will be able to kiss your mothers with clean lips, and by and by have the right to ask innocent girls to love you."

" Yes'm, thank you. I suppose you're right; but it's pretty hard work to toe the mark when ladies give you wine and gentlemen take their daughters to see Aimee," said Dolly, foreseeing tribulations ahead though he knew it was time to "pull up".

" So it is; but all the more honor to those who are brave and wise enough to resist public opinion, and the easygoing morals of bad or careless men and women. Think of the persons whom you respect most, and in imitating them you will secure the respect of those who look up to you. I'd rather my boys should be laughed at and cold-shouldered by a hundred foolish fellows than lose what, once gone, no power can give them back- innocence and self-respect. I don't wonder you find it 'hard to toe the mark', when books, pictures, ballrooms, theaters, and streets offer temptations; yet you can resist, if you try. Last winter Mrs.Brooke used to worry about John's being out so late reporting; but when she spoke to him about the things he must see and hear on his way to and from the office at midnight, he said in his sober way, 'I know what you mean, mother; but no fellow need go wrong unless he wants to.' "

Jo's Boys chapter 16

Parnassus

" Their house was full of unostentatious beauty and comfort, and here the art loving host and hostess attracted and entertained artists of all kinds. Laurie had music enough now, and was a generous patron to the class he most liked to help. Amy had her protegees among ambitious young painters and sculptors,and found her own art doubly dear as her daughter grew old enough to share it's labors and delights with her; for she was one of those who prove that women can be faithful wives and mothers without sacrificing the special gift bestowed upon them for their own development and the good of others...A stately, graceful woman, who showed how elegant simplicity could be made by the taste with which she chose her dress and the grace with which she wore it. As someone said, "I never know what Mrs.Laurence has on, but I always recieve the impression that she is the best-dressed lady in the room."

Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott

Bread and Buttonholes

"I haven't any talent, or any especial taste that I can see, and that is why I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good plan to pick out some very useful business and learn it, because I don't do it for pleasure, you see, but as a part of my education, and to be ready in case I'm ever poor," answered Rose, looking as if she rather longed for a little poverty so that her useful gift might be exercised.

"Well, now, there is one very excellent, necessary, and womanly accomplishment that no girl should be without, for it is a help to rich and poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. This fine talent is neglected nowadays, and considered old-fashioned, which is a sad mistake, and one that I don't mean to make in bringing up my girl. It should be a part of every girl's education, and I know of a most accomplished lady who will teach you in the best and pleasantest manner."

"Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in this helpful and cordial way.

"Housekeeping!" answered Dr. Alec.

"Is that an accomplishment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, for she had indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.

"Yes; it is one of the most beautiful as well as useful of all the arts a woman can learn. Not so romantic, perhaps, as singing, painting, writing, or teaching, even; but one that makes many happy and comfortable, and home the sweetest place in the world. Yes, you may open your big eyes; but it is a fact that I had rather see you a good housekeeper than the greatest belle in the city. It need not interfere with any talent you may possess, but it is a necessary part of your training, and I hope that you will set about it at once, now that you are well and strong."

"Who is the lady?" asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle's earnest speech.

"Aunt Plenty."

"Is she accomplished?" began Rose in a wondering tone, for this great-aunt of hers had seemed the least cultivated of them all.

"In the good old-fashioned way she is very accomplished, and has made this house a happy home to us all, ever since we can remember. She is not elegant, but genuinely good, and so beloved and respected that there will be universal mourning for her when her place is empty. No one can fill it, for the solid, homely virtues of the dear soul have gone out of fashion, as I say, and nothing new can be half so satisfactory, to me at least."

"I should like to have people feel so about me. Can she teach me to do what she does, and to grow as good?" asked Rose, with a little prick of remorse for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was a commonplace old lady.

"Yes, if you don't despise such simple lessons as she can give. I know it would fill her dear old heart with pride and pleasure to feel that anyone cared to learn of her, for she fancies her day gone by. Let her teach you how to be what she has been a skilful, frugal, cheerful housewife; the maker and the keeper of a happy home, and by and by you will see what a valuable lesson it is."

"I will, uncle. But how shall I begin?"

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 16

"Life, my brethren,

.... is like plum cake," began Polly, impressively folding her floury hands." In some the plums are all on the top, and we eat them gayly, till we suddenly find they are gone. In others the plums sink to the bottom, and we look for them in vain as we go on, and often come to them when it is too late to enjoy them. But in the well- made cake, the plums are scattered all through, and every mouthful is a pleasure. We make our own cakes, in a great measure, therefore let us look to it, my brethren, that they are mixed according to the best receipt, baked in a well-regulated oven, and gracefully eaten with a temperate appetite."
An Old Fashioned Girl, by Louisa May Alcott
Listen to it here