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Today’s the Day!
Well, today’s the day!! We are leaving Atlanta for the UK, and I’m so excited. I will do my best to blog from across the pond, but I’ll be slightly limited to blogging from spaces with Wifi. I’ll also try to post some fun pics on Instagram, so check those out as well. Mom […]
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Sometimes I think the authors we read in school deserve a second chance outside the classroom. Today’s example: John Steinbeck. I read Of Mice and Men and The Pearl while I was in school, and I did not enjoy either of them. So when I started East of Eden I had to try and forget those negative experiences. I’m so glad I did, because this novel was, for me, another Tess experience. The book is so full of symbolism and Biblical references that I know I will be thinking about it for a long time.
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
A bildungsroman is a type of novel that tells a coming-of-age story, a story of education or growth. There are many, many examples of this type of novel, from the Harry Potter books to The Kite Runner. Brooklyn is a beautiful coming-of-age story about a young Irish immigrant who moves to New York. Eilis Lacey, the protagonist, leaves […]
Downton Abbey and the Power of Happy Endings
Last night, after six wonderful seasons, Downton Abbey wrapped up its run as my favorite television show. I’m planning a post in the near future about my favorite moments from the show, but for today I thought I’d take a few minutes to talk about the ending of the series and about happy endings in general. […]
Pride and Prejudice
There isn’t much that can be done to improve Jane Austen’s best known novel; it is perfectly charming and funny on its own. That being said, this audiobook version, performed by Rosamind Pike, somehow manages to make Pride and Prejudice come to life in a remarkable way. Sometimes audiobooks are questionable because they involve the […]
Six Reading Goals for 2016
The new year is approaching quickly, and I’m excited to wrap up my 50 books for 2015 and move on to a new 50 books next year. 2016 will be my fifth year of aiming to read 50 books. Please notice that I did not say that 2016 will be the fifth year I’ve actually […]
The Irrational Season by Madeleine L’Engle
Every time I read another of Madeleine L’Engle’s Crosswicks books I find myself amazed at her talent. Somehow she is able to take the liturgical calendar and turn it into a thoughtful, rambling, cyclical book about faith, writing, and motherhood.
Whale Tales
For those of you keeping track, we have reached Week 31 of the year. I usually try to keep my reading on track with the week number, so I know I won’t run out of time. At this point I’ve only read 27 books, which puts me about 4 off the pace of one per […]
Book Fifty 