Sorry for the dark image. This is how I found my daughter in the back seat when we arrived home one evening this week. Yes, she was reading in the dark. Not sure how much she could see. I envision I will be buying one of those portable reading book lamps when she is old enough to read so she can read on car trips.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My Daughter Mine
Sorry for the dark image. This is how I found my daughter in the back seat when we arrived home one evening this week. Yes, she was reading in the dark. Not sure how much she could see. I envision I will be buying one of those portable reading book lamps when she is old enough to read so she can read on car trips.Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What's On My Nightstand: February 2010
I have mixed feelings as we come to the end of yet another month. I feel both excited and discouraged as I look at the stack of delicious reads I have waiting on my nightstand. Excited because of the obvious reason -- I love reading, I love new books they're each like a new adventure or friend waiting to be met. I also feel discouraged because I no longer have much time for reading (or blogging). Since the beginning of the year my at-home part-time job has picked up and I've been putting in 10-20 hours more than normal each week. By the end of the day when all my work (job and house) is done and I've spent some time with my husband and daughter there is usually only 30 minutes or so to pick up a book. As a result I only finished three books during the month of February (this is seven short of the total read in February 2009). I do hope that after mid April things will quiet down, but in the meantime thank you for sticking with me through these busy months when my reading is limited and my blogging even more so.
That said, here is a list of all that is sitting on my nightstand:
Current Reads:
* Mrs. Tim of the Regiment by D. E. Stevenson
* Emma by Jane Austen
Upcoming Reads:
Upcoming Reads:
* An Appointment With Death by Agatha Christie
* Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
* The Spinster Book by Myrtle Reed
* Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist In History by Scott Andrew Selby & Greg Campbell
* The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
* My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House by Lillian Rogers Parks
-------------
I know, quite a list! We'll see where I am by the end of March, hopefully I've made some sort of dent into that list. What about you? What are you reading? Leave a comment or head over to 5MinutesForBooks and post your list.
-------------
Related Links:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lavender And Old Lace by Myrtle Reed
267 pages Published 1902
G. P. Putnam's Sons
New York and London
"Happiness is not a circumstance, nor a set of circumstances; it's only a light, and we may keep it burning if we will. So many of us are like children, crying for the moon, instead of playing contentedly with the few toys we have. We're always hoping for something, and when it doesn't come we fret and worry; when it does, why there's always something else we'd rather have. We deliberately make nearly all our unhappiness with our own unreasonable discontent, and nothing will ever make us happy, deary, except the spirit within." (Chapter 10, page 147)
To date Lavender And Old Lace stands out as my all-time favorite novel by Myrtle Reed. I loved it.
In a nutshell: this is another classic love lost, love found, love hoped for story by Reed. And like all her works it's also so much more; it has it's share of mystery, drama, and sharp and witty character analysis through description and dialogue. But for anyone expecting just another "boy meets girl" romance this is not that book. It's also not a story about two old women who kill off their tenants like the similarly named Hitchcock film, Arsenic and Old Lace. (No spoiler here, no one is murdered in this book.)
As the novel begins Ruth Thorne, the smart and witty heroine, arrives in a small unnamed seaside village where she is to spend an extended vacation resting (as required by her editor and doctor for her health) and house-sitting for her aunt, who is traveling abroad. When Ruth arrives she is met with one mystery after another. First, after years of near solitude and no traveling what has made her spinster aunt pack up and travel all the way around the world? Then there's the instructions left by her aunt that insist Ruth must place an oil lamp in the attic window each evening until dawn. When Ruth takes time to explore the attic she finds more questions than she does answers. What follows is a story that includes the weaving of several romances -- some lost, some found, some surprising, and some absolutely entertaining. But as the story comes to a close not everything is the typical happily-ever-after.
Still, I believe Myrtle Reed struck gold with Lavender And Old Lace. I loved Ruth's character in this book; she's sharp, witty, and full of spunk. She's also a little unique for the heroines of the early 20th century being that she's a working woman. Likewise, I really enjoyed her male counterpart in the story, Carl. Although their romance was definitely predictable I still loved watching Ruth and Carl's friendship and love develop. They spar and tease and made me laugh out loud. I laughed a lot while reading this story.
I also cried. The ending is a happy one for Ruth and Carl, but it's a tear-jerker in another way, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I said, I loved this story. I loved it so much that I ran out and bought a used copy for my own library (available online for as little as $4-$13). But if you're not willing to bite the bullet and pay a few dollars for an ex-library edition there are plenty of other options. You can read the novel online at: Project Gutenberg, Google Books, Public Bookshelf, or Online-Literature. Or for those audio book lovers you can listen listen thanks to BooksShouldBeFree.com.
Up next, my review of The Master's Violin by Myrtle Reed (coming in two weeks, next week another D. E. Stevenson novel).
--------------------------
Related Links:
Also, there's little information online about Myrtle Reed's books, but I did discover Wikipedia as an entry for Lavender And Old Lace. But beware! This entry is full of plot spoilers and should not be read until after you've read the book.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My Favorite Romantic Reads
In honor of today being one of the most romantic days of the year I thought it might be fun to list my top 10 favorite romantic reads. In this list you will not find any chic-lit or the cheap "romance" novels you might find at the grocery store check-out line. Most of these books are classics; several are books I've read multiple times, and they are all books that I have finished with that delicious sigh of contentment a reader has when the story ends perfectly.Happy Valentine's Day!
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen
8. He Fell in Love with His Wife by Edward P. Roe
9. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
As you might have guessed it was very difficult to keep this list to only ten, so because I can't help it, here are the ten runners up that didn't make it to the first list, in no particular order: Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Lavender and Old Lace by Myrtle Reed, Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell, Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman,, Celia's House by D. E. Stevenson, Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, The Blue Sapphire by D. E. Stevenson, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carsen Levine, and Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge.
What about you? What is your all-time favorite romantic story? Or your top ten, twenty, or more?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Whole New Level to Blogging
It's official, I've taken the leap and am now on Twitter!Initially, while I am learning the ins and outs of tweeting, I plan to use Twitter to link over to this blog, but eventually I plan to use it to also to link to other book related blogs, twitter accounts, and miscellaneous noteworthy items.
If you wish to follow me I can be found at @libraryhospital. If you already have a book related Twitter account that you'd like to share with me, please leave a comment so I can find you!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday Finds
This week's Friday Finds actually goes hand-in-hand with a book I currently have on my nightstand waiting to be read: Mrs. Tim of the Regiment by D. E. Stevenson.I discovered D. E. Stevenson in 2009 thanks to several other bloggers' recommendations, not to mention my friend Alison's quick eye. (See below for a list of books by Stevenson that I've read and reviewed.)
The Plot: Mrs. Tim of the Regiment tells the story of Hester Christie, the husband of Tim, a military man. When Tim gets stationed far away, Mrs. Tim is busy with more responsibilities than she can handle—domestic chores, social obligations, and parenting, to name just a few. She decides to write diaries of her daily events, as a means of gaining control of her life. Now, all her mischief and curiosity is recorded. All may seem innocent until a certain Major Morley turns up and begins to court her while her husband is away." (Summary courtesy of the publisher.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other books by D. E. Stevenson reviewed at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Spinner in the Sun by Myrtle Reed
393 pages Published 1906
G. P. Putnam's Sons
The Knickerbocker Press
New York and London
I'd almost forgotten about Myrtle Reed until my friend Veronica mentioned she'd read a wonderful story that I HAD to read. Remembering how much I enjoyed A Weaver of Dreams I immediately checked my library to see if a copy of A Spinner in the Sun was available. And as luck would have it, it was available through Inter Library Loan!
Some readers would class A Spinner in the Sun as a romance for on the surface it is the story of two women and their journey to true love and happiness. But I found, in typical Myrtle Reed fashion, this novel contains more than just a love story or two within its pages. Woven seamlessly into the story is a study of the heart: of bitterness and forgiveness; of hope and faith and the total lack thereof; of what could have been and of what is; and of second chances.
It is Evelina, the leading lady and heroine, that the title A Spinner in the Sun refers to. For 25 years prior to the story's opening Evelina was betrayed by love and has since suffered alone and in the dark with scars that cause her to hide he face behind a veil of white chiffon. A Spinner in the Sun is her journey from loss and bitterness to the discovery of hope and faith that lead to forgiveness, true love and pure joy.
The supporting lady within this tale is Araminta (a.k.a Minta), a young woman who has been raised from infanthood by her spinster aunt after the death of her parents. Thanks to her aunt's rather peculiar and alarming views on life Minta reaches adulthood extremely sheltered and with some peculiar outlooks on life and marriage in particular. Enter the dashing prince who must rescue the maiden and help her discover that true love is a worthy thing after all!
Of course A Spinner in the Sun wouldn't be complete without a colorful supporting cast that add depth to the story with their pitiful, despicable, laughable, or lovable personalities and dialogue. Minta's part of the story and her prince charming definitely add to the wittiness of this book and help lighten the mood after dealing with some of the darker and deeper issues and scenes within the story. (*Note within the story there is a suicide and a brief scene of animal cruelty.)
At this point (and at the risk of a bit of a spoiler) I should probably note that while Myrtle Reed seemed to have a gift for capturing the psychology of humans within her novels, including the most lovable and beautiful traits complete with the happily ever afters, she herself was far from happy. Although married and a best-selling author, Myrtle Reed ended her life at the age of 36, listing unhappiness and her husband's ill treatment of her as her reasons. I can't help but think some of the emotions and issues Myrtle addresses within A Spinner in the Sun were emotions and issues she found in her own self and own life. It's just a shame she wasn't able to reach the same point of happiness that her heroines do.
Overall I enjoyed A Spinner in the Sun. It isn't just another early 20th century version of chic-lit. It's a worthy read for those looking for a somewhat unconventional 20th century romance. Not able to find a printed copy through your library? No worries, FREE electronic copies are available at Achieve.org, OpenLibrary.org, and ManyBooks.net. Or you can purchase a copy through various online sellers.
Stay tuned for my next Myrtle Reed review, Lavender and Old Lace, which will be posted next week.
-----------------
Related Links:
Review: A Weaver of Dreams
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday Teasers: The Blue Sapphire
"'No, he's at the other end,' said Uncle Randal, pointing. 'He's a bit shabby, poor fellow, but that's because he's read.''So, he doesn't mind being shabby,' said Julia, standing on tip toe to reach the shelf and bringing the well-worn copy of Pope's Poetical Works to it's owner.'No he doesn't mind a bit,' agreed Uncle Randal, turning over leaves wit his long, thin fingers. 'To tell you the truth it always grieves me when I see a book that's never read. There's something a bit pathetic about its crisp leaves and immaculate binding. Poor thing! What's a book for if it's not to be read and enjoyed?'"
(The Blue Sapphire, by D. E. Stevenson, Chpt. 23, pgs. 149-150)
Monday, February 8, 2010
But Wait, There's More!
We are still digging our way out of the 2 1/2 feet of snow we received over the weekend, but now we have some more news. There's more coming our way! As of right now the meteorologists are calling for another 10-20" starting tomorrow afternoon and lasting until Wednesday evening. I'm not sure where this snow will go, already our street is clogged with the snow overflowing from the yards and sidewalks.This picture (right) was taken during the legendary blizzard of 1966, which hit the Midwest and pounded New York state with as much as 102" in 48 hours (near Buffalo, NY). This picture was actually taken in North Dakota, but I've seen similar pictures in my grandparents photo albums from that storm.
We're staying warm and preparing ourselves for another day of shoveling. More book related posts to come in the next few days.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
702 pagesOriginally published 1879-1880
Translated by Constance Garnett in 1912
Reprinted 2004 by Barnes & Noble Classics
New York, NY
I count the reading of The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky as one of my greatest literary accomplishments. It may not have been the longest book I have read, but it was the first piece of Russian literature I have read and it was also one of the most difficult books I have ever read, if not the most. (Next to it Dickens seemed fairly easy to read and understand.) There were a few times I was tempted to set the book down, especially when some very "yummy" Inter Library Loan books arrived at my library, but I kept my resolve. I began The Brothers (as I soon came to call the book) on January 1st determined not to read anything else until I finished the book. It seemed the only way I could get the book finished before the January 20 book club meeting where my friends and I would be discussing the novel. My persistence paid off as I finished all 702 pages in 17 days!
So what exactly is The Brothers Karamazov about? On the surface it is the story about the dysfunctional family of Karamazov living in 19th century Russia; of the very different lives and beliefs of the three Karamazov brothers Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha. Of the life and debauchery of their father, Fyodor; and of his mysterious and brutal murder and the investigation and trial that follows.
At least, that is what I understood the book to be about when I bought a copy and started reading, but what I soon learned that it was much more.
For starters, Dostoevsky takes his time telling this story, spending at least 400 pages to set the story, develop the characters, and explore deep philosophical thoughts about the origins of good and evil and the nature of freedom. During these first 400 pages it was definitely work to get through each chapter. I found the hardest chapter to understand was the one titled "The Grand Inquisitor," which is steeped full of theological and philosophical questions and pondering. I was so puzzled (and a little bored) when I finished the chapter that I first turned to my husband and said, "Blah blah, blah blah..." before pulling up the Cliff Notes website where I could read about what I had just read.... in 21st century English. (This definitely helped. From then on when I came to a section I didn't quite grasp, I made a note of it and returned later to review it in the Cliff Notes.)
But it wasn't all work. For a reader who quits before page 402 they have indeed quit too soon. For after this point Fyodor Karamazov is murdered and as the saying goes, the "plot thickens" and likewise begins to pick up its pace. What follows is a very different type of detective novel as the local police and the three brothers work to solve the mystery of who killed their father and for what purpose. Without realizing it the story moved into overdrive and before I knew it I had reached page 550 of the book and suddenly I was reading a page turner, which I couldn't put down until the end of the Epilogue on page 702... Which actually isn't really the end.
That is to say, when Dostoevsky wrote The Brothers Karamazov he intended it to be the first in a trilogy about the family. But this was never to be, as shortly after its publication Dostoevsky died. So while the story does take a while to get started, it does leave the reader with a little bit of an open ending. All the important questions are answered, but there are still enough lose ends to leave the reader Nothing that doesn't answer the important questions brought up within this book, but enough that the reader can use their imagination to decide the fates of each brother and the supporting cast.
There were numerous passages that I jotted down in my "Book of Books" as quotes I just had to remember. And when it came time to discuss the book at my book club I found that everyone who had read the book all the way through felt the same as I did. The Brothers Karamazov is a classic. It is a worthwhile read. But it doesn't follow that it'll be an easy one. Dostoevsky has been likened to writers such as William Shakespeare and Leo Tolstoy and I couldn't agree more. There was so much dialog in the book with very little description or narration that at times it almost felt as though I was reading one of Shakespeare's plays, except without the "doth" and "wherefore art thou" in the language.
All in all, I was surprised by The Brothers Karamazov. As I read I didn't think I would like it -- it was depressing... a lot, it was confusing... a lot, and it was a challenge to read. But in the end I did like it. The story had meaning. The characters were well developed. It got me to really think about certain aspects and I felt as though my reading comprehension was expanded and maybe that my brain grew a size. (LOL)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday Teasers: Lavender and Old Lace
"The rain beat steadily upon the roof and dripped from the eaves. The light made distorted shadows upon the wall and floor, while the bunches of herbs hanging from the rafters, swung lightly back and forth when the wind rattled the windows and shook the old house. The room seemed peopled by the previous generation, that had slept in the massive mahogany bed, rocked in the chairs, with sewing or gossip, and stood before the old dresser on tiptoe, peering eagerly into the mirror which probably had hung above it. It was if memory sat at the spinning wheel idly twisting the thread and bringing visions of the years gone by."
(Lavender and Old Lace by Myrtle Reed, Chpt 2, pg. 24)