Book Review : My Ántonia

A cousin of mine recommended this book to me because it was my grandmom's favorite. My grandmom passed away when I was 6, and I have hardly any memory of her, only stories from my dad. So anything that can bring me closer to her spirit, I accept readily.

My Ántonia is a beautiful mess of a book. The story is very slow, and from the moment I started till past halfway through the book, I felt like I'd jumped into a story that started somewhere else. None of the characters are particularly likable; in fact, the main character is downright annoying on many occasions, and the ones that have potential don't get much "page time."

These flaws have kept me from truly enjoying this book, and yet still it holds an element of intrigue. I read most of the book in a day, which is curious as it usually takes me months to struggle through to the end of a book I don't like. Willa Cather's writing is introspective with an autobiographical feeling to it. She lived in Nebraska, which is the story's setting, and it obviously had great impact on her life. Her descriptions are fluid, vivid, and read like none other I've read. When she writes I can smell the prairie, feel the cold of silent, grey winter twilight and the power of sun in a wide Nebraskan sky.

If you want to read a book with what I would call exquisite writing, then I would recommend you give this book a chance.

2.5/5 for the story
4/5 for the writing

25 Bookish Facts About Me

1. I prefer the look of hardcovers but mostly enjoy reading paperback. It's just so awkward for my little T-Rex hands to hold a hardback.

2. If I'm really into a book, I become a speed-reader. 300 pages books in a day, 700+ pages books in 2 (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the second Inheritance Cycle book, Eldest, for example).

3.  I've only read about 16 books this year. And that's more than last year and probably the year before that. I may be a speed-reader but that doesn't mean when I end one book I jump into the next right away.

4. I didn't read Harry Potter until I was 21. And still lived a fulfilled, imaginative childhood. How 'bout that. (Though yes, I do think they are brilliant now.)

5. I don't like to read when it's rainy. I know, it's the epitome of reader behavior, but when it's rainy I get a headache which makes for an unfavorable condition in which to read.

6. I don't eat or drink anything while reading. Ain't nobody got time for second breakfast when traveling to Mordor!

7. I get extremely irritated if interrupted while reading. This is something I've had to work on.

8. I judge a book by it's cover. You do it too, ya know ya do.

9. I'm not a library person. The libraries I grew up around were...pathetic. Small town, two closest libraries had poor selections, worn books (not antique worn, but disgusting where-has-this-book-been books), and were loud as they were the central hub for preteens getting out of school. I just didn't become that person who is comfortable going to the library for hours on end.

10. I AM a bookstore person. On the other hand, rare trips to "civilization" often included going to BAM! or Barnes and Noble. I get shivers entering those stores. Hundreds of books, geek out stations, coffee shops, writerly magazines...I could spend hours on the floor or curled up in a chair in the attached coffee shops with a pile of books, oblivious to the world.

11. I prefer owning my books. This probably relates to not growing up with great libraries.

12. I hate loaning out my books to people. You take my book, you have a set time to get it back to me. You do not bend back the front cover. You do not crease it at all. You do not let anyone else borrow it — actually, you don't let anyone else touch it. You do not get fingernail polish marks on it. You keep it away from all stoves, water, animals, small children...let's face it, I never loan my books out to people.

13. I never imagine characters I read to look like real-life people (e.g. celebrities). I do, however, do this for the characters I create in my own writing. Characters in books I read almost always have some sort of physical characteristic of my own, probably because I act out the emotions on my face while I'm reading (not necessarily purposefully...)

14. I rarely read one book at a time. It is annoying, yes, but I can't help myself.

15. Besides my dog, my books are my babies. Refer to #11.

16. I often get sad at the fact Narnia isn't real. I'm talking down in the dumps, stare into the sky longingly while cursing your over-productive tear ducts sad.

17. I hate reading e-books. I have several, which is disappointing because something about reading a book on a screen just bothers me, and I can't get into it.

18. I love Jane Austen, but no, Pride and Prejudice is not my favorite of her books. Shocking, I know.

19. My first literary crush was Haldir from Lord of the Rings. If you didn't like him, or worse, have no idea who that is, walk away. Right now.

20. I'm obsessed with dragons but really haven't read many "dragon books." There's been the Inheritance Cycle, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and that adorable book Dragonskin Slippers... and I think that might be it. I haven't even read The Hobbit (though I have seen the movies). Recommendations?!

21. I like audiobooks...sometimes. I enjoy them when I'm sick, or late at night when my eyes are too tired to read. My mind does tend to wander, though.

22. I have many unread books on my shelves. Many of them I just haven't gotten to, others I've tried and can't get into them, others I flat out don't want to read (most of those are books I acquired during school years and somehow managed to get away with not reading them). However...

23. I cannot get rid of books. Even if I'm not throwing them away, but donating them or giving them to a friend or church library, it hurts a little. I love seeing tons of books on my shelves, and parting with any of them...ugh.

24. I get annoyed when an author's name is bigger than the book title on a cover. I can deal with it if they are near the same size, but when I look at a book, I want to know what it's called, not author's name. It's comparable to casting someone in a movie based only on how famous they are.

25. I have a hard time with "the classics." Jane Austen, Fahrenheit 451, Jane Eyre, those I love. Shakespeare, To Kill a Mockingbird, Charles Dickens...I will run away screaming.

There you have it! Do you relate to any of these bookish things?

Book Review: An Elegant Facade, Hawthorne House #2

To anyone else, Lady Georgina is a typical, spoiled young woman enjoying her first year out in society looking for a husband. Her ridiculous antics especially annoy Colin McCrae, a connected businessman lacking impeccable bloodlines. Little to the knowledge of her family and friends, Georgina is driven by a shameful secret, one that she has carefully hidden through the years and can only be remedied by her high social aspirations. But how long can she keep up this facade?

I haven't enjoyed a Christian fiction book in a while. So many of them are the same, in characters, predictability, storyline, etc. 

However, I enjoyed An Elegant Facade; I always love those stories which give a nod to Jane Austen. From the title character's mistaken first impressions, to chats during ballroom dances and the worry of finding a suitable husband, I think it's safe to say any Janeite interested in the genre would enjoy this story. 

 Kristi Ann Hunter adds mystery, danger, and intrigue, interspersed with delicious foreshadowing, just enough to keep you turning to the next page but distracted from discovering Georgina's secret too early. I thought Hunter did a wonderful job of introducing something new to an otherwise predictable story. I loved the author's writing style, and her characters had me hooked. 

( This is the second book in a series, and while you could read it alone, like I did, I think I would've had a few things cleared up if I'd read the first one. )

4/5 stars

**I received this book for free in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. 

I also want to apologize for the font issues in this post. I've tried everything I can think of and can't seem to fix it; hopefully it is a problem Blogger is having that will be sorted out in the next few days. I'll keep an eye on it.

Book Review: Jane's Fame — How Jane Austen Conquered the World

This is the story of how I conquered reading this book.

Don't go ahead and dismiss this review, however. It had its ups and downs, though that does make for a confusing book to review. But to start off on a good note, just look at that cover art; it makes my heart happy.

I purchased (or rather, I believe my mother did?) this book several years ago, started it, stopped. Started it. Stopped. Finally in February of this year I began the book again, determined to cross the finish line. It took me until now, with a month's break, but I was finally able to close the book on the last words. Satisfying.

As I got into the first couple chapters,  I was skeptical. It appeared a lot of what the author was stating as fact were assumptions, but the fact is, Jane Austen's life is shrouded in conflicting accounts and few material evidences of her life. If you're going to write a biography on her life, expect speculation.

By combining family accounts, personal letters, and the views of the time, the biographer Claire Harman is able to give us a glimpse into Jane's life, one that I'd never heard before reading this book. She covers Jane's personal life, her character, her writing and struggle with publication, and eventually modern-day Janeites and adaptations through the years.

I let go of my skepticism and gobbled up the first few chapters. Everyone has their own personal view on Jane, but to receive a personal view influenced by hard facts was fascinating, and made me love Jane Austen even more. (I especially enjoyed reading about what Jane Austen thought of her own writing and the process, gathered mostly from letters and family accounts. It humanized her.) I did notice the author seemed to repeat herself, especially in mentioning that there isn't much information to go on...everyone has a different account...but then continue on with her said assumptions. She could've cut down on these observances.

The middle chapters were rather dull, and that's where I set the book aside for a month. Leaving the personal world of Jane Austen and focusing on more technical aspects, such as publications and numerously mentioned critiques, I found myself skimming through the notes.

Again, this is how Austen conquered the world — her influence on chick lit, feminists, and film, to name a few. You'll get a couple chapters on her life, but if you're a true enthusiast and want to know more about how persuasive she's been over the lives of millions, I highly recommend you read this book. Decide for yourself what you accept as fact or fiction, possible or impossible.

And know that Jane couldn't care less what you think of her.


3.5/5 stars

Audiobook Review: The Red Necklace

   In April I came down with a sinus and ear infection. I've never had the latter, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. The combination of the two rendered me useless, and all I could do was lay on the couch with my eyes closed. Even my fall back, television, was useless.

So came up with the idea to listen to an audiobook. I don't often use audiobooks as I find, unless the words are directly in front of me,  my mind wanders in a thousand different directions. When you literally have nothing else to do, however, they come in quite handy.

I found an audiobook for The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner and read by Tom Hiddleston. I'd never heard of the book or its author before, but what drew me was my like for the charming British actor who would be reading said book to me, and well, there was no way I wasn't taking advantage of that.

The Red Necklace combines historical events from the French revolution and gypsy magic. It's the first book in a series (the second book published in 2009, two years after the first, so I don't know if the author is planning any other books), and young adult. I highlight these two things because the book was slightly shallow and ended rather abruptly in my opinion, and I can only hope the second will flesh out the characters.

Overall, the story was enjoyable and characters entertaining. It took me about halfway through the audiobook to really get caught up in the story, and I feel like some of the character growth was more of a leap rather than a gradual journey. This isn't a story I would rush out and get for my own personal library, but if you want a light story with magic, adventure, and young love interwoven with accurate historical events, then I think you'll have fun with this book... especially if you listen to the audiobook.

Tom Hiddleston is known for being talented with accents and impressions, and he doesn't disappoint. Each character has his or her own unique voice. I sometimes cringe when audiobook readers try to create voices — I have this problem where I feel intensely awkward for someone else. When Hiddleston began the story and voices, I began to feel that "oh no" flush on my cheeks, but then I realized he was doing an amazing job. His narration contributed greatly to the entertainment.

3/5 stars
4.5/5 stars for the audiobook

Book Review: Marley & Me

I am not one for sad dog stories. I locked myself in the bathroom and cried violently after watching Eight Below. After watching Hachi, I was angry at my parents for bringing home such a movie. Don't even get me started on Old Yeller.

However, Marley and Me was the one "sad" dog movie I could watch and enjoy, despite shedding tears at the end. I figured I would try the book, as well. I'm thrilled I did.

Yes, this book is about "the world's worst dog," a dog that was kicked out of obedience school and ate an 18K gold necklace. But this isn't just a dog story. It's about a family, about love, and loyalty. It's about learning to work through the trials and tears life brings you, and always finding the joy in a day.

John Grogan cleverly takes us through Marley's life and the experiences he and his wife went through starting their own marriage and family, making you feel as though you're right there with them. I laughed, I cried, and I walked away unable to stop thinking of the book.

I never thought I'd be able to pick a favorite book, but Marley & Me might just be my answer.

5/5 stars

Advisory: This book contains a little bit of language, and Grogan is fairly open and honest about marital relations as good chunk of the book deals with the Grogans attempting to start a family; some of it is also emotionally heavy. It might be a bit much for younger readers.

2016 Book Shelf : Non-Fiction

Last time I posted my 2016 Book Shelf of fiction books. Now I'm sharing the nonfiction books I plan to read this year. I use to hate nonfiction, but I think you get to a certain age where reading at least some is necessary! 

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

I've read a few chapters of this and as an introvert, I love it. Time to finish.

The Annotated Jane Eyre

I received this book a couple birthdays ago. I'm ashamed I still haven't finished it, so I'm determined to complete reading it this year! (That isn't saying anything for the quality of the book; only that I'm easily distracted and time got split by moving!)

Jane's Fame

Another book given to me a long time ago that I haven't read, which is ridiculous considering how much I love Jane Austen. Plus, that cover is so lovely I could cry. 

Yes, Please

Amy Poehler is a brilliant comedian, and I had started listening to her audiobook version and was completely enthralled, until, you guessed it, something else in life came along. Alas, I exited out of the audiobook and never got back to it. I'll be dedicating an afternoon sometime soon to finish this memoir. 

Living the Invisible Disability

If you've kept up with the blog for a while, you'll know I've suffered a TBI and struggle with depression. I often avoid reading personal accounts of people with similar experiences because it makes me very emotional, but I'm also encouraged hearing stories where others have triumphed. This has been recommended several times, so I believe it's about time I read it. 

Lost in my Mind

Another story detailing the life of someone recovering from TBI and moving on in their life.

Costume Design 101

I adore researching about costume design; my favorite part of behind the scenes features on movies is when the costume department speaks of how they studied characters and came up with the ideas for the beautiful costumes on their shows. A career I've always been interested in, and while I don't necessarily expect to follow through with this dream, it's always good to have more information on your interests. 

Word Painting

I've been told in the past that dialogue is my strong point; whether that is true or not, I KNOW my weak point is descriptive writing. I'm curious as to what this book will cover.

Surprised by Joy

C.S. Lewis is a hero to me, and I'm anxious to find a copy of this partial autobiography.

On Writing

I started this a while back and never finished, but I fell in love with the writing style, stories, and tips. This is a must-read this year! 

If You Want to Write

I've heard this is a must-read for writers. Have you read it?

The Criminal Mind

Thank you, crime TV shows, for making me fascinated in criminal and forensic psychology. This will be perfect for a certain story idea I have been mulling over. 

There you have it. A short list of nonfiction books to read in 2016. These two lists are only the beginning; head over to my new Goodreads page to find an even bigger list! (Profile not complete as the site is giving me some trouble, but you can still find my ever growing 2016 reading list.) I've decided to try reading 100 books this year and have joined K.M. Weiland's Reading Challenge. I might fail miserably, but it's a good challenge!

What's YOUR reading goal for 2016?