Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florance Atwater

A Newbery Honor Book

139 pages

Published 1938, reprinted as paperback 1992

Little, Brown and Company, New York, NY

This was the second or maybe third time I have read Mr. Popper's Penguins. The first time my mother read it to me, the second time I read it myself when I was around 12, and now years later I picked it up to re-read for the fun of it and to post a review.

Published in 1938, Mr. Popper's Penguins is the comical story of a mild-mannered house painter, Mr. Popper and how he and his family came to be the owners of a traveling troupe of performing penguins and the adventures that ensue.

Although I've known of this book for many years I only recently discovered that Mr. Popper's Penguins was not intended to be a co-authored novel by Mr. and Mrs. Atwater. It began as an idea Richard Atwater had after watching a documentary of Richard Byrd's 1928 expedition to Antarctica; but came to an abrupt halt when Richard suddenly suffered a stroke and was unable to continue writing. Wishing to finish what he started, Richard's wife, Florence, stepped in and finished writing the novel. Richard and Florence's writing styles compliment each other well, making for a seamless story that is wholesome, charming and entertaining for readers of all ages.

I loved this story as a child and having re-read it once again I have to say I still love it. It's a delightful children's story with a good measure of comedy and adventure. Because it is set in a time and place so different from the world we live in today it becomes historical even in its fictional setting.

I will note, that the only "negative" aspect of the book comes from a change in culture more than anything. For me, a modern woman living in the 21st century, the idea of a husband who sits around when he's not at work and does nothing to help with the house or children while the wife slaves away is... well, just foreign. But it was fairly normal for couples in the 1930s, so it makes sense that it is a part of Mr. Popper's Penguins. As I said, it is mostly a cultural aspect and something I noted while reading, but it never became an issue that interfered with my enjoyment of the story.

Besides the entertaining story plot, one of my favorite aspects of this book are the illustrations by Robert Lawson. Lawson is most famous for his illustrations in books like Ben and Me, Ferdinand, and Rabbit Hill (to name a few). While I was growing up my mother read several of these books to my siblings and me. Now whenever I pick one of them up I am swept up in memories of the past. I just love Lawson's artwork.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Mr. Popper's Penguins a 4. I really enjoyed this book, it is an American classic. I bought a paperback copy for my daughter's library and look forward to sharing it with her when she's a little older. Readers who aren't sure if they want to commit to their own copy should be able to locate one in their public library, after all it was the 1939 winner of the Newbery Honor Award.

 

In closing I want to share a quote from the beginning of this book -- this is precisely how I feel about books: When Mrs. Popper asks Mr. Popper if he ever gets tired of reading about places (i.e. Antarctica), he replies: "No, I don't. Of course I would much rather go there than read about it. But reading is the next best thing."

What's On My Nightstand: April

Just a couple books sitting on my nighstand right now, but that's always subject to change...

Top to bottom: Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace, The Methods of Lady Walderhurst by Frances Hodgson Burnett (sequel to The Making of a Marchioness), and Confessions by St. Augustine (to be read for the May 20th book club meeting). I just finished another book (not pictured) that I'll review in the next day or two. The month of May will also include another Agatha Christie mystery, possibly another Anne novel by L. M. Montgomery, and lots of other surprises.

What are you reading? Leave a comment telling me, or a link over to your Nightstand post. Want to see what other bloggers are currently reading? Click on the Nightstand button above and head on over to 5 Minutes for Books.

Check back on Thursday for my April wrap-up post and further projections for my May reading.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

383 pages
Published 2003
Bloomsbury, New York, New York

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale is possibly my friend Alison's all-time favorite novel... Actually, I'm pretty sure it is. (After all, The Goose Girl was the novel she chose to give-away when Carrie at Reading to Know I had our autumn book swap themed "My all-time favorite read.") It was a little before that time that I had first learned of the book from Alison, but it wasn't the first I'd heard of Shannon Hale. In 2007 I read Austenland and in 2008 I read Princess Academy. Both from completely different genres, but both very unique and delightful reads that I highly recommend. (Sorry! No reviews.) Thus, between Alison's enthusiastic recommendation and my pleasant experience with Hale's writing I decided it was time to pick up and read The Goose Girl.

The Goose Girl is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale by the same name. It is the story of Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree (also known as "Ani"), who had to become a goose girl before she could become a queen; of a girl who had to find her own talents before she could lead her people.

I read that Ms. Hale was inspired to write The Goose Girl after reading one of Robin McKinley's novels. Hale had enjoyed McKinley's retelling of Beauty and Beast (titled Beauty) so much she thought it would be fun to write her own fantasy. I too loved Beauty, so I had high hopes for The Goose Girl. I just wasn't certain if I would like the story because of what I remembered from the original -- in typical Grimm fashion it was dark and gruesome and a little disturbing... (A talking horse head? Death by riding in a barrel drawn by horses and pierced with nails? Ick...) But as I read began to read The Goose Girl I discovered that it was equal to Beauty; a masterpiece as a fairytale retelling. Ms. Hale was faithful to the tale without making it dark or gruesome. Her version of The Goose Girl is what I think a fairytale should be filled with: drama and adventure, magic and mystery, friendship and betrayal, murder and swash-buckling revenge, love, hope, and dreams come true.

I admit, the first few chapters did make for slow reading, but once the story background was set I found myself caught up in the tale. And as for the heroine of the story, the princess/goose girl, Ani, I found her to be a perfect heroine. Neither too weak and listless, nor too bold and modern. Her character sets the pace of the story and keeps the reader turning pages -- wanting to know, caring how things will end.

Overall I really enjoyed The Goose Girl. It is the first in a series of fantasy novels set in the mythical land of Bahern. I borrowed The Goose Girl from my local public library and since they have the entire series, I intend to keep reading, so watch for reviews in the coming months. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent, I would rate The Goose Girl a 4.5. I really really enjoyed it. This is one series fans of fantasy and fairytale should consider adding to their library.

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Note: Because it is a fantasy/fairytale there are some elements that may be considered magical/mysterious, including the ability to talk to animals. Some may find this disturbing, but I felt it was in keeping with the story's genre.

Note 2: The rest of the series includes (in order of how they should be read): The Goose Girl, Enna Burning, and River Secrets. Ms. Hale has not ruled out the possibility of additional books in this series some time in the future. For more information check out Shannon Hale's website.

Shakespeare Meme

On this day... 445 years ago, William Shakespeare was born. Happy birthday to the bard.

And so, in honor of his birthday, I thought I'd post the following meme, which I found over at the blog: At Home With Books.

1. What was your first introduction to William Shakespeare? Was it love or hate?

My first introduction to Shakespeare was in late Jr. high/early high school when my sister and I read Romeo and Juliet together. I had heard so many people complain about reading Shakespeare's plays that I was expecting a boring and difficult read. Reading it aloud with my sister made the assignment fun and I found the story very exciting. I wouldn't say I was in love with his writing, but I certainly have enjoyed it.

2. Which Shakespeare plays have you been required to read?

I'm having trouble remembering, but I believe they were: Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, and A Midsummer's Night Dream. But then I also read: Henry V,  Much 'Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, and Richard III... so any of those could have been assigned, or they could have been read just for fun. I don't remember.

3. Do you think Shakespeare is important? Do you feel you are a “better” person for having read the bard?
To echo Alyce I think reading Shakespeare and learning about Shakespeare is an important part of our literary history and heritage and thus key to a readers education. I don't consider myself a better person for having read Shakespeare, just a well-read person.

4. Do you have a favorite Shakespeare play?
Hard to say, but I think Much 'Ado About Nothing for a comedy, Romeo and Juliet for a tragedy, and Henry V for a history. But that is subject to change.

5. How do you feel about contemporary takes on Shakespeare? Adaptations of Shakespeare's works with a more modern feel? (For example, the new line of Manga Shakespeare graphic novels, or novels like Something Rotten, Something Wicked, Enter Three Witches, Ophelia, etc.) Do you have a favorite you'd recommend?
Again, to echo Alyce. If the contemporary takes are done well they can be effective. I think the modern adaptations, whether in period costume or not, can create new interest in the original plays. It was through Kenneth Branagh's adaptations that I became acquainted with Henry V and Much 'Ado About Nothing, which in turn sparked my interest in reading more of Shakespeare's plays. Some contemporary takes are a little out-there and honestly, I'm just not interested in reading the new line of Manga Shakespeare graphic novels, but that doesn't mean others don't find them fun reads.

In closing I will add: If you have never read a play by William Shakespeare then you must add one to your list to read in the next year to five years. I'd say at least one of his plays should be on the list of Top 100 books you should read before you die. While good to read alone, these plays were intended to be acted out, so read aloud they do fair better than when read silently. My solution in high school was to read aloud with one of my siblings.

Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament by Paul Gallico

Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament is the next in the series of four books following the adventures of London char woman, Ada Harris and her friend, Mrs. Butterfield. This novel picks up where the previous one, Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York, left off. Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Butterfield have returned to their simple quiet life in the London suburbs where they spend their days cleaning and cooking for the wealthy and the lonely and their evenings relaxing and visiting with each other and on Thursdays, with their friend John Bayswater, for "tea and telly time."

While watching a television show on one such Thursday evening, Mrs. Harris becomes rankled over the wishy-washy behavior of a certain member of Parliament and gives a speech on "Live and Let Live" -- detailing how she believes things should be handled and would be handled if the right person or people were elected to Parliament. It is when she later repeats this little speech to a wealthy and influential client (while cleaning his house) that an idea begins to form and before she realizes -- Mrs. Ada Harris has been invited to run for a seat in the House of Commons. It is all very exciting and surreal, a dream come true.... That is until Mrs. Harris' friends uncover a plot to use her candidacy to split the votes, in turn causing a third party candidate to win and thus embarrass Mrs. Harris. This cannot be and quickly her friends start planning a counter-plot.

Initially I wasn't sure that Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament was going to be as good as the previous two Mrs. 'Arris novels. And in a way I was right... The first novel, Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris, remains my favorite of the series, but Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament is definitely a bitter-sweet comedy and a delightful read. I am curious to see what happens in the last book of the series as Parliament leaves off with some interesting possibilities.

I definitely encourage readers who have enjoyed the Mrs. Pollifax series, or like comedy with adventure and a short novel to check out the Mrs. 'Arris series. While libraries may not always carry the series I was able to find inexpensive used, but good copies online.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament a 3.5 to 4 -- I really liked it. Stay tuned for my review of the last Mrs. 'Arris book some time in May or June.

A brief leave of absence...

With the exception of one or two posts that I have scheduled for this coming week I will be fairly silent here at the Library Hospital. I'm off to the west coast to visit family and will have limited to no access to the Internet. Look for the return of posts the last week of April, including more book reviews and my Nightstand post and monthly recap.

Lord Egware Dies by Agatha Christie

Lord Edgware Dies is the thirteenth detective/mystery novel by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. It is also the seventh staring the Belgian detective with his "little grey cells" Hercule Poirot and his ever faithful friend, Captain Arthur Hastings. It also contains a guest appearance by Scotland Yard's Chief Inspector Japp.

Interestingly enough current readers can find this novel printed under two different titles, which at times can be confusing. Out of curiosity I checked my local public libraries (two different library systems) and found that one had the novel listed under the original title, Lord Edware Dies, which was how the book was originally published in the UK during the early fall of 1933. The other library had the book listed as Thirteen for Dinner, which was the American title as published in the late fall of 1933.

Either way the story centers around the murder of Lord Edgware, though that is not how it begins. Like so many of the previous murder cases Poirot and Hastings have been involved with, this one began with no suspicion of a crime. While enjoying dinner at the Savoy Poirot is approached by the beautiful American actress, Jane Wilkinson (a.k.a. Lady Jane Edgware, wife of George Alfred St. Vincent Marsh, fourth Baron Edgware). Jane begs for Poirot's help in getting a divorce from her husband, but foolishly adds that if he can't help her she will be left with no alternative but to "bum him off myself." Curious as the interesting situation Poirot agrees to pay Lord Edgware a visit.... which leads to some surprisings news: Lord Edgware will give his wife the divorce she so desires. Poirot returns to give Jane the news and all seems well until things take a nasty turn... The morning after Poirot's visit, Lord Edgware is found dead and it appears the very last person to see him was his wife! One thing leads to another and the bodies start to pile up...

In typical Christie fashion, the reader is taken on an exciting ride the moment the story begins with twists and turns and clues and false clues and dead ends before reaching an exciting reveal. As for the detectives... Japp, as usual, jumps to conclusions, Poirot is as reserved and puzzling as ever, and Hastings as skeptical of Poirot's methods as always... You'd think he'd get over it with time and the rate of success by Poirot! In the end Poirot solves the case, gives the credit to Japp and the rest of Scotland Yard, and if the reader is attentive enough they should not have to difficult a time figuring out some, if not all of the answers to this mystery. I was so very close to solving this one, but was off a small degree with my guess of "who dun it". (Oh well, better luck next time.) As a side note, I did notice an echo of familiarity about some of the characters or settings in this story, yet even with that feeling the story remained a enjoyable read with a fresh plot.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Lord Edgware Dies (or Thirteen for Dinner) a 3.5. I liked it; it was a good read.

Next on my list to read is: Murder on the Orient Express. Watch for a review in May. To read any of my past Christie mystery reviews click on the Agatha Christie label on the right-hand sidebar.

Wordless Wednesday: My little spring bunny

Tuesday Teasers

"'Yes, lick your lips over that. TO ASK FOR MONEY. And I went away without getting any. And that same evening -- that very same evening -- Lord Edgware dies. Good title that, by the way, Lord Edgware Dies. Look well on a bookstall.' He paused. Still Poirot said nothing." (Lord Egeware Dies by Agatha Christie, Chapter 13, page 100.)

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Hill is the third book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. As the novel opens Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are 9 going on 10 years old and they believe they have finally reached teh perfect age. After all, isn't it when you have two numbers in your age that exciting things start to happen. Like the previous two novels in the series, this one is a sweet, simple, but entertaining read. The three girls have their share of adventures, including traveling over the Big Hill to visit a new settlement in Deep Valley, Little Syria.

One of the aspects of the Betsy-Tacy series that I love is how real the stories feel. I know for a fact that Mrs. Lovelace used people and events from her own childhood when creating Betsy and Tacy's world, so the feeling of reality makes perfect sense, but what is more subtly noted is that she also incorporated historical people, places, and current events from the early 20th century. Two examples of the latter are found in Besty and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. The first is the mention of the Flatiron building, which upon its completion in 1902, was one of the tallest skyscrapers in NYC. Another example is the coronation of King Alfonso of Spain, whom Betsy, Tacy and Tib (because she didn't want to be left out) fall in love with. Unfortunately this eventually leads the three girls into the biggest argument ever between them and Betsy and Tacy's older sisters. It takes some ingenuity on the part of several people before the argument is resolved and it is decided who will be Queen of Summer on the Big Hill.

Another aspect that I found of specific interest to me as I read Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill was the small Syrian community. Having recently read a book about women from the Middle East I was struck by the fact that in 1902 many people were emigrating to the US because of religious persecution by the Mohammedans -- something that still happens today. Another interesting characteristic of these emigrants was how patriotic they were. They were in America and they wanted to be treated as Americans. They worked hard to learn American history, to become fluent in English and they put aside their foreign ways and dress, except on special occasion or in the privacy of their home. They wanted to be Americans.

The last aspect of this novel that I found interesting was how much fun the children had without the modern forms of technology this current generation must have. Every evening they would gather outside and play games until it was dark and time to retire for the evening. The children knew the Star Spangled Banner by heart, something that a lot of children don't know today and organized patriotic parades as part of their play-world. The world, or more specifically the United States was certainly a different place and culture 100 years ago.

Overall, and as you might have already guessed, I loved Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. It is such a delightful story and like the two preceding it, I cannot wait to be able to read it aloud to my daughter when she is a little older. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate this one a 5. This is definitely a series that readers with young children in the home, or fans of the Anne series should add to their library.

And although only the first four books in the series are currently in print, I recently discovered some good news. According to the Betsy-Tacy Society the last seven books (the high school years) will be back in print by the Fall of 2009. Check out the Betsy-Tacy Society for more information.

Next... Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown. Stay tuned, look for my review in early May.

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Note: I've always been curious why Tib is not included in the title of this book. Unfortunately in reading the book I am no closer to solving this mystery. I'd say it's because the series is the Betsy-Tacy series... and yet the second book in the series included Tib in the title. Interesting....

Anne of Windy Poplars by L. M. Montgomery

This may sound strange, but while re-reading Anne of Windy Poplars by L. M. Montgomery I was reminded of a sweater I bought in Hawaii... Before my daughter was born, my husband and I took a "5th wedding anniversary" trip to Hawaii. While we were there I found a beautiful cashmere sweater on sale for a really great price at one of my favorite stores. (I know! They sell sweaters in Hawaii???) Anyway, I couldn't wear the sweater at the time because a) I was 7 months pregnant and b) it was too warm outside; so I set the sweater aside to put on post-baby when the weather was cooler. The first time I pulled that sweater out I got a faint whiff of that brand-new-store-bought sweater smell. Immediately I was immersed in a wave of wonderful memories from our trip to Hawaii.

THAT same thing happened when I opened Anne of Windy Poplars (or any Anne book for that matter). I read Anne of Green Gables through Anne's House of Dreams when I was a teenager, and for the last several days as I re-read Anne of Windy Poplars I was immersed in wave after wave of faint, but sweet memories from my high-school years. Cozy winter evenings or sweet summer afternoons when I was free do whatever I like... such as read a book without interuption. Like remembering our trip to Hawaii every time I wear that sweater, reading an Anne book always makes me smile as I remember the "good-ol' days" of childhood.

The novel, Anne of Windy Poplars, picks up where Anne of the Island left off -- Anne and Gilbert are engaged, Anne has graduated with a B.A. from Redmond college, and she is to teach at a private school in Summerside, PEI for the three years that Gilbert is in medical school. While there are some third-person accounts of Anne and her adventures (as most of the novels are written in), the majority of this novel consists of letters that Anne writes to Gilbert during the three years she is teaching in Summerside. The letters are fun to read because they don't read like letters. Anne's letters are more like an ongoing conversation that allow you to hear the conversations or see the adventures (and in some cases the misadventures) as if you were present when they happened. There are some great little stories within this novel, some even made me laugh out loud, resulting in me having to share them with my husband... A true sign of a good read.

The only thing I missed was getting to see Gilbert and Anne's courtship-engagement play out, as you never get to read the love letters, nor Gilbert's responses. And yes, I did miss Gilbert's presence, but never-the-less Anne of Windy Poplars is a delightful and delicious addition to the Anne series.

Fans of the Kevin Sullivan produced Anne movies will recognize many characters and happenings in this book from the Anne of Avonlea movie, although not all are identical. (The movie compiled characters, conversations, and events from Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island and Anne of Windy Poplars.) For example, the character Emmaline in the movie is really Elizabeth in the book Windy Poplars book. While Pauline is Emmaline's aunt in the movie, she is of no relation to Elizabeth in the book, but her experiences are much the same as the movie. Also interesting is that Anne's conversation with Diana just before Di's wedding (the one where Anne talks about becoming a nun or working as a red cross nurse and stroking a feverish brow of a handsome millionaire) are actually said TO Anne by the stary-eyed Hazel More. But don't let these changes stop you from reading the book or watching the movie. They are each enjoyable in their own way and fans of one, should easily enjoy the other.

As I am slowly collecting the series I chose to purchase a copy of Anne of Windy Poplars for my own library... I just wish it didn't have to be one of the mass-market paper backs. (Yuck!) On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent, I would rate Anne of Windy Poplars a 4.5. I really enjoyed this book. It isn't the best of the Anne books, but it is a great read and not to be missed.

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Note. Anne of Windy Poplars was adapted to the big screen in 1940, I'm curious to know if it was any good. Has anyone seen it?

Tuesday Teasers

"Aunt Kate doesn't believe in reading novels, but informs me that she does not propose to censor my reading-matter. Aunt Chatty loves novels. She has a 'hidy-hole' where she keeps them...she smuggles them in from the town library...together with a pack of cards for solitaire and anything else she doesn't want Aunt Kate to see. It is in a chair seat that nobody but Aunt Chatty knows is more than a chair seat. She has shared the secret with me, because, I strongly suspect, she wants me to aid and abet her in the aforesaid smuggling. There shouldn't really be any need for hidy-holes at Windy Poplars, for I never saw a house with so many mysterious cupboards."

~ Anne of Windy Poplars by L. M. Montgomery, The First Year, Chapter 2, page 20.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

For many years I kept running across Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder by Evelyn Waugh but never picked it up to read. It took the recent adaptation to the big screen starring Emma Thompson to make me take action. Being a fan of most of Thompson's works I wanted to see the movie, but felt I needed to read the novel first. And now having done so, I am glad I did. I learned a few things about this novel that are worthwhile to know before watching the movie, but more on that l
ater.

First, what is the story of Brideshead Revisited?

It is the coming-of-age story of Charles Ryder, his relationship with the Flyte/Marchmain family and theirs with each other and their country estate, Brideshead Castle.

The novel is divided into two books. The first book opens in the mid 1940s with a middle-aged Captain Charles Ryder who is fighting in the second World War and has just moved his troops from a camp in Scotland down to the English countryside near a very large and old estate that has been commissioned for use by the War department. As the sun rises on a new day and his troops begin to get settled Charles realizes their new headquarters is actually the home of his old friends; it is Brideshead Castle and Charles is immediately swept up in his memories, both the sacred and the profane.

It is the roaring 20s and Charles is attending Oxford University when he first becomes acquainted with Sebastian Flyte. The two become inseparable and it is through Sebastian that Charles first beholds the beautiful Brideshead Castle and meets the distinguished yet dysfunctional Flyte/Marchmain family. For one year life is carefree and good and life shines down upon Charles and his friends like the sun on a summer day... but then things begin to change and the storm clouds blow in.

For the rest of the novel the reader watches as the characters struggle to define who they are and what they believe. Literary critics praise Brideshead Revisited for its depiction of the lifestyle of the rich and the royal during the pre-war years. They also laud it for the detail and dialogue as the characters struggle between their desire to be obedient to their religion (Catholic) and their desires of the flesh (hence the subtitled "sacred and profane memories").

By the second half of the novel as the story comes to a close the reader sees through Charles' eyes how everything and everyone is changing or changed. What has been is gone and no one is really truly happy, least of all Charles, who who is a self-described agnostic and a middle-aged lonely and loveless man who misses the past.

My thoughts

Overall I was unimpressed with Brideshead Revisited. For starters I found the first half of the book a slow and rather dull read, even though it technically is the more exciting part of Charles' life. And then oddly enough, I found myself breezing through the chapters for the last half as my interest in the story and the characters grew.

Waugh's writing is good -- there are some quotable passages, and even the occasional comical scene (i.e. Rex's conversion). I read somewhere that it contained some very funny scenes, but if they exist they were lost to me. I just didn't get the humor and did not find Brideshead Revisited an entertaining book. Instead I found the story sad, the characters pitiful in their self-absorbed superficial lifestyle, and when I closed the book my impression could be summed up in one sound, "Blah." Yes, Waugh does deal with some heavy issues, but for me that doesn't make it a great read. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent, I would rate Brideshead Revisited a 2.5 to 3. It was OK.

That being said, I am glad I read Brideshead Revisited. I've always been curious about it and now I know. I still plan to see the movie adaptation as I am curious to see how the movie compares to the book, how the screenwriter and director choose to depict certain characters and scenes, and how Emma Thompson does portraying Lady Teresa Marchmain. But I must admit I have suspicions the movie will not be faithful to the book and will probably take liberties. I also suspect that I really should watch the 1982 BBC miniseries, as I've heard that is a more faithful adaptation.

I borrowed Brideshead Revisited from my local library, which is a good idea for anyone unfamiliar with the novel and uncertain if they will wish to re-read the book. There are many who love this book, but I am not one of them and I have no plans to re-read it. However, I do welcome comments from anyone who has read and loved Brideshead Revisited. I'm curious to know why others love it so much.

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Note: I found it slightly amusing to discover Evelyn Waugh is a man. All these years I assumed the author was a woman because of the first name... Interesting.

March: A Month in Review and Looking Ahead

After a great start to the year (having read 22 books in two months) my reading greatly lagged in March as I only five books:

1. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
2. Peril At End House by Agatha Christie
3. Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi
4. Betsy-Tacy-Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace
5. The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Even with so little time to read I was still able to meet my goal of one Christie novel per month. I didn't get on with my personal Anne of Green Gables challenge, but I did start re-reading a childhood favorite, the Betsy-Tacy series. My biggest accomplishment was working my way through the book selected for my April 1st book club meeting, Reading Lolita in Tehran.

Speaking of which -- our meeting was last night and I have to say it was not only one of our largest gatherings, but probably one of the best discussions in recent months, which says a lot. In addition to the discussion of the three books selected, we also talked about other related books about women living in the Middle East and we had a special guest attending who has spent several years living in the Middle East. She shared first-hand accounts of the culture there, particularly for women, which was both fascinating and a little depressing. Nevertheless, I am glad we took the time to read these books. For our next meeting we are moving away from modern literature and reading Confessions by Saint Augustine and On the Incarnation by Saint Athanasius. So stay tuned for my thoughts on those in the coming weeks.

I do not have high hopes for April as I will be out of town for a week with little to no time to read, so I am setting small goals. In April I plan to: re-read the next Anne of Green Gables book, finish Brideshead Revisited, read another Christie novel, possibly another Betsy-Tacy novel, and work my way through the two book club selections. Any books beyond those... well I suppose there will be a few, but depending on my moods we're all in for a surprise as to what they will be. Stay tuned and happy reading!