In Which I discuss books, music, and movies

Okay, so it has been a little bit. And, sadly, this post is not going to be a review. It is going to be.... miscellaneous? I'm really not sure what to call it.

First, I would like to start out by telling you guys how UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED I AM. Why am I excited? Only because three books I have been looking forward to are coming out soon! Yes, you heard that right.... THREE NEW BOOKS.

Books

Here they are (in order of date being published):

September 2, 2014

This is the newest installment in the comfy, cozy, Father Tim Mitford series. I am looking forward to catching up with Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, and the rest of my "old friends." 

Synopsis:

While glad to be at home in Mitford, something is definitely missing: a pulpit. But when he’s offered one, he decides he doesn’t want it. Maybe he’s lost his passion.

His adopted son, Dooley, wrestles with his own passion—for the beautiful and gifted Lace Turner, and his vision to become a successful country vet. Dooley’s brother, Sammy, still enraged by his mother’s abandonment, destroys one of Father Tim’s prized possessions. And Hope Murphy, owner of Happy Endings bookstore, struggles with the potential loss of her unborn child and her hard-won business.

All this as Wanda’s Feel Good Café opens, a romance catches fire through an Internet word game, their former mayor hatches a reelection campaign to throw the bums out, and the weekly Muse poses a probing inquiry: Does Mitford still take care of its own?

Millions of fans will applaud the chance to spend time, once more, in the often comic and utterly human presence of Jan Karon’s characters. Indeed, they have never been more sympathetic, bighearted, and engaging.

October 20, 2014, obviously

I am actually REALLY excited about this one; I am not sure I can even wait.... I might explode. This book is going to be much different than my usual literary tastes, but.... it sounds awesome. And Jennifer Freitag is awesome. Here blog is awesome. Therefore, I am hoping this book is awesome as well. I read her first book, the Shadow Things, and really liked it. I can't wait to see how her skills have been even more fine toned in this upcoming novel. (To read snippets, details, etc. go to her blog and click on the Plenilune tag.)

Synopsis:

The fate of Plenilune hangs on the election of the Overlord, for which Rupert de la Mare and his brother are the only contenders, but when Rupert’s unwilling bride-to-be uncovers his plot to murder his brother, the conflict explodes into civil war. To assure the minds of the lord-electors of Plenilune that he has some capacity for humanity, Rupert de la Mare has been asked to woo and win a lady before he can become the Overlord, and he will do it—even if he has to kidnap her. 

En route to Naples to catch a suitor, Margaret Coventry was not expecting a suitor to catch her.

November 5, 2014

I love Rachel Heffington's first novel Fly Away Home, and I am really excited for Anon, Sir, Anon. It is an old fashioned British murder mystery, quirky villagers and all! So I am really excited about it. :)

Synopsis:

In coming to Whistlecreig, Genevieve Langley expected to find an ailing uncle in need of gentle care. In reality, her charge is a cantankerous Shakespearean actor with a penchant for fencing and an affinity for placing impossible bets.

When a body shows up in a field near Whistlecreig Manor and Vivi is the only one to recognize the victim, she is unceremoniously baptized into the art of crime-solving: a field in which first impressions are seldom lasting and personal interest knocks at the front door.

Set against the russet backdrop of a Northamptonshire fog, Anon, Sir, Anon cuts a cozy path to a chilling crime.

Music

The Civil Wars (especially Poison & Wine)

Tenth Avenue North (especially... everything. :))

Clair de Lune by Debussy

Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack 2005 (especially Daydreams)

Collide by Howie Day (especially the Anne and Gilbert version. Go look it up on YouTube. I think you are going to like it!)

Movie(s)

Dead Poets Society: So I watched this last night, and it was... interesting. It was different than I thought it would be. It was thought provoking, and it was rather tough. I may have a more coherent review later, but then again, maybe not. Some ideas and impressions just stick in my brain, half-formed, only really felt, not easily expressed. This is why I have difficulty in English class. They love for you to dissect, describe, and pretty much rip an idea to shreds. Which, I am sure, is a good exercise, but hard to put into practice. My head is full of half-formed, baby thoughts, too fragile or too rough to behold in the harsh light of day. That sounds rather silly, but that really is how it is. Do you all ever have that kind of thought? (Or thoughts?)

So I have a confession to make: I have never liked poetry. I really actually hate it. I know, shame on me. For three consecutive years my English teachers have taken a unit to introduce students to good poetry, teach them how to appreciate it, analyze it, dissect it, and altogether absorb it. And I was having none of that. I was sure after each unit that I would never want to read poetry on my own. But, now I kind of do. Because, if I only had ever read books through what the school assigns, I daresay I would think I disliked reading....

So what poems/poets/books do you guys recommend (especially for a beginner! Especially for someone who has disliked poetry in the past...) I have no idea where to begin, and I'm hoping for some recommendations. Also, if anyone has some good tips on how to read/understand/really digest poetry, I am all ears. Thanks in advance! :)

Sunshine Award

I have been nominated by Hamlette for the Sunshine Award. So I have to answer five questions:
1.  What is the next book you plan to read?

I plan to read Corrie ten Boom's book The Hiding Place. I have heard good things about that book, but I am hesitant to start it because I know it'll be sad. :(

2.  Have you ever seen the same movie in the theater more than once?

Hmm... nope. I actually don't go to the theater that much, period. I watch more old movies than new ones.

3.  Do you prefer pirates or cowboys?

Hmm... Cowboys. Pirates would rob me and sink my ship. Cowboys are usually good and they are country, so they would probably have a sweet Southern drawl. :)

4.  Have you ever been to an ocean?

Yes, in fact I just came back from a trip to Hilton Head Island, SC... so beautiful! We watched the sunset on the beach every night and there were always dolphins nearby where we were staying. 

5.  You're casting a new movie version of your favorite book.  Who are your top choices for the leads?

Hmm... I can't think of any improvements I would want to make of the movie version of Anne of Green Gables with Meagan Follows, so I shall choose another favorite book. I'll pick a trilogy. And I don't care if that is "cheating." It's my blog. :)

The Mark of the Lion series: (If I were choosing my dream cast)

Hadassah 

Emmy Rossum

Marcus Valerian

Julia Valerian

Ryan Newman

Atretes

Chris Hemsworth

Rizpah

Gemma Arterton

Arria

Amanda Seyfried

Prometheus

Logan Learman

Cauis

Ian Somerhalder

Calabah

Emilia Clarke

Dr. Alexander

Emanuele Bosi

Here are just some of the characters and how I envisioned them to be. I got these pictures and ideas from some Mark of the Lion dream cast Pinterest boards I'm following, so the credit really goes to them. :)

I know I haven't done Julia's 1st or 3rd husband, Decimus, Bato, Theophilus, Ania, and other characters (there are a lot!) but I tried my best. 

Man I wish this was a real movie!!! Are there any Hollywood directors reading my blog (haha)? Cause we could make this thing happen :)

Well this was fun! Thanks for nominating me Hamlette.

A Review of Stepping Heavenward

Stepping Heavenward is an amazing book! I am surprised I haven't heard about it before now. It is in my favorite time period 1800s-1900s. The book begins January 15, 1831 when Kate Mortimer, the heroine, turns 16 years old. (Already we had that in common :)) 

Kate is kind, impetuous, short tempered, fun, amusing, and I wish she was my friend. She begins as a carefree sixteen year old who wishes to have more out of life. She believes she could find the fulfillment she needs in Christianity, as her mother does. 

And so begins "One Woman's Journey to Godliness," as the cover says. Kate is not a perfect saint, though she does good deeds and is definitely a godly woman. She has difficulties, bumps, in the roads, doubts, and tempers. She is extremely easy to relate to. She is a wonderful picture of the Christian life as it should be, turning to and depending on her Savior through every trial, whether big or small.

Her husband is just who I picked out for her immediately, before I even really fully knew who he was. And her rash romance earlier in the book I never liked. I understood why she was deceived, but I knew that Charley would be no good for her.

Her trials with Martha and Martha's father were sometimes  humorous, sometimes exasperating, and always interesting. 

Dr. Earnest Elliott was reserved, and sometimes I would despair along with Katy his lack of showing affection. But he truly loved her though he wasn't demonstrative. I am still rather upset that he forgot some of their wedding anniversaries, but he had a lot on his plate most of the time. 

Mrs. Mortimer, Kate's mother, was almost too good to exist. I didn't mind though, because she is very lovable. Helen Elliott was a darling and just shy of being too perfect. My heart broke for her when the tragedy happened. (I won't tell you what that is, because I don't want to spoil it for you!)

Miss Clifford was a delight, she was so sparkling, witty and vivacious. And dear saintly Mrs. Campbell who had to go through many trials and was an invalid, taught me along with Kate about some great spiritual truths. Finally, I must mention Reverend Cabot, who was with Kate throughout the journey, patiently guiding her, answering questions, and giving her a Sunday School position. His wife, also, though a very minor character, was an inspiration. 

This book was wonderful, convicting, and it answered a lot of the questions I had about the Christian walk. I can only hope by the end of my life I am half as good and godly a women as Kate Mortimer Elliott was.

This is a wonderful book, and Kate is sort of Anne Shirley and Jo March combined. So you can't really go wrong with that, can you? You must read this book. It has quickly become one of my favorites that I know I shall reread again and again.

graceful review

This book. It could have been written specifically for me. And in some ways, it was. This book is for the "good girl." It is about letting go of your try hard life. Letting go of the fear, the stress, the loneliness, the feeling of unworthiness or a need to always prove yourself and be acceptable to others. 

So if you can relate to any or all of those feelings, you may want to read this book too. (It is for teens and young women though, so if you feel you want an "older" version, there is Grace for the Good Girl.)

It is kind of ridiculous how many pages I marked but I didn't want to forget anything. Here are just some of the quotes that spoke to me and apparently others, because I found these on Google images.

Time for "Maddie getting rather personal and serious" so hold on....

So I have been awakened from my humdrum existence to the fact that God and Jesus Christ are a huge deal and I can't keep on as though they shouldn't be the center of my whole life. And changing the center of your whole life is really hard people. 

So I get a Bible. I read it. I start praying more often. I go to church weekly. I try to keep Him on my mind. But I still feel like I am not really getting it. So now what? What do I have to do? Someone give me a list. Tell me step by step what to do and I will do it! But...... it doesn't really work that way. And that's what Emily P. Freeman was addressing. 

"I said to myself, 'I am not perfect, so I'll try harder. Filled with determination and rules, I was ready to follow step-by-step to get life right, including my relationship with Jesus. I thought for sure I could figure it out if I tried hard enough, like algebra or skiing or driving. If praying to receive Jesus was the starting point and seeing him face-to-face was the end, I wasn't sure what to do in the middle. I prayed. I read my Bible. But what I did best was simply be good. I desperately wanted to experience life with Jesus, but I didn't know  how. I did what I could and hoped for the best."

After reading that quote I kind of just sat there. I mean, that is exactly how I felt and exactly what I was doing. How could she know? And what more did she know? (Cause I was assuming since she was writing this book she had that experience and I had a feeling that she came to that experience through a different channel than she was talking about here.) 

So I read on. And Every chapter she would talk about a different side of me. Some were more central to me than others, but I was all the girls she talked about in some way, whether little or big.

I was the Actress, the Girl Next Door, the Activist, the Heroine, the Bystander, the Judge, the Intellectual, the Dreamer. One second I'd feel like a punctured balloon because even the "good" things I was doing were wrong.... well not always wrong, but for the wrong reasons. 

In essence, I was doing all these good girl things to impress, to live up to, to prove myself. To achieve the expectations I thought God and people had for me and to lead to the acceptance of God the I absolutely .needed. 

Then she introduced me to the concept of Grace. Sure, I had heard of it before, but I really didn't get it. I thought I did, but I was wrong. (Not like that hasn't happened before.. ha)

No matter what I did, I couldn't earn God's grace and love and companionship. When I read this, I freaked out. A lot. WHAT?! But... but..... then what do I do?

And then she dropped a bombshell on me. Since I can't get it by myself, that is why Jesus helped me get it. Through God's grace, he sent his only son to die for me, the sins I should have died for. The pain I should have experienced. The hopelessness I should have felt. I sort of got that but then it was really explained to me. Through Grace, not through anything else, could I receive God's love and acceptance. 

That is kind of freeing and kind of scary,  because if I had steps and rules then I could get it myself. I could achieve, do good deeds, and still have some me time left, preserve some of myself. Realizing it is a gift, I could never repay Him for it. My whole life I must follow him, love him, serve him. No me time. No room for selfish wants and desires. And I am kind of becoming okay with that. 

I don't want to be a selfish human being. I really don't want to live for me. I don't want to be the heroine of the story. I am small, I am a very minor character in the story of Life. But I am loved, accepted, I am unique. 

If I get a failing grade on a science paper, I am not filled with self loathing, believing I have failed, I am stupid, I am no good. The end result is still, the same: I study harder for the next test. But the feelings, the driving force is different. 

I don't know about you, but all this was news to me. So I am working on it. I don't have a step by step list, I sort of have an outline, but mainly I just have a change of thinking and feeling. I have a change of center. 

I am not earning my redemption; I have received it and am trying to live it out.

I can't explain all the wonderfulness and graceful-ness of this book. If you relate to any of this at all, pick up a copy and read it. It is only 157 pages, it won't take too long. But it'll leave you with a lot to think about. 

Not exactly a review, is it? But I think I have told you generally what it was about, what to expect, and what I thought of it. 

Summer is so nice. I feel so unbelievably relaxed and happy.

  How is your summer? What do you think of the ideas I brought up about the book and living a life that is graceful?

Oh, and if you liked that, check out her blog. I think it is pretty great: http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

Our Mutual Friend (1998) Review

So it has been a little while since I have seen this. I probably saw it March-April-ish so bear with me.

When I watched Dicken's Our Mutual Friend miniseries, I had not yet read the book, so at first I was really confused. Then as things became more clear I couldn't wait to watch the next episodes.

Our Mutual Friend begins with the death of a wealthy heir, John Harmon, (or whatever his name was at the time, since he changed it a lot. For this review, I am just going to call him John Harmon.) who is sailing to meet his future bride. (The only way he can inherit the fortune is to marry Bella Wilfur.)
What is supposedly his dead body is found in the river by Gaffer Hexam and his daughter Lizzy. Thus begins the intricate plot of Our Mutual Friend. There are the token creepy dudes off to find the Harmon fortune (Silas Wegg and his friend.) There is also Charley Hexam's teacher, who is attracted to Lizzy Hexam. At first I thought maybe those two would work out, but people. He is NUTS. Very weird. Very vindictive and angry. By the end everything he did disgusted me. And he really could not have loved sweet Lizzy or he would have been happy for her instead of ruining all her hopes and dreams.

There are also the Boffins, the faithful servants of old Mr. Harmon and the new heirs to the fortune. Sometimes I liked them and sometimes they were a little weird. But really, their hearts were in the right place. And for all his declared "dimness," Mr. Boffin came up with an ingenious plan to show Bella where her true priorities lay.

                                            
Bella was pretty, but selfish and rude. She cared all about herself, she complained often, and was often petulant. I did not like her. How could John have? But he did and she refused him. (I could have told him that would happen. Plus, he was kind of being stalker-ish so I might have been a little worried too if I had been Bella.) Her change was believable though and I really grew to be quite fond of her. How could she be so okay with John lying to her and keeping such a big secret from her? I would have forgiven him, but I would have been mad at first. I mean, lying about your identity is kind of a big deal.... anyway.

Eugene Wrayburn and Mortimer Lightwood were foppish. Mortimer not as much, but still. And they were bored of everything. (though I could rather understand that, "Society" is dreadful company.)

                           
At first I wasn't happy with Eugene liking Lizzy. She kept saying she was beneath him, but honestly? He was beneath her. He put his own needs in front of hers. Except when it really mattered, he tried to do what was best for her. And he married her. What would Society think? Society be dashed! It was a great transformation for him.

Mortimer Lightwood... He finally saw the light and proclaimed the truth to society. BUT he was still back in London society when the show ended, so I am not really sure how well off he was. There was not even a nice girl in the picture. Sad, that.

Anyway, it all works out. The bad guys are punished, the good guys prevail, and the heros and heroines get their happily ever afters. (After a lot of worry and distress and SUCH a complicated plot.)

It was classic Dickens, with lots of characters, sub plots, and everyone was somehow related to everyone else. It was really good, and I enjoyed it. I found it for free on YouTube here.

And now I am going to post a bunch of Bella's dresses 'cause I love 'em. :)

                    

                                                           

                             

Confessions, recommendations, and a quick update

A quick update since I haven't posted in a while. School is ending soon. AP exam week is upon me, end of the year tests and exams are looming their heads and I just pray I'll have the strength to make it through with something good to show for it.

Lately, the only thing that has kept me sane are books. I once again stumbled upon Francine Rivers while at my local library. I had nothing else to read, so I picked up Voice in the Wind, the first book in the Mark of the Lion series. It wasn't my usual type of book. It was set in Rome, with gladiator fights and Christians being fed to the lions. I was rather uncomfortable with some scenes in the book, but it all serves a purpose: to show the weakness and corruption of us all and the salvation that is there for those who heed and follow Christ.

I used to be really uncomfortable when people would "talk religious." That was only for Sundays. For church. Only priests and crazy zealous Christians spoke that way. People didn't have a personal relationship with an all powerful God, did they? Apparently, they do. More and more I have come to understand God is not to be put away on Sunday and brought out again with the nice Sunday service clothes. He wants me. All of me. Everyday. Why? I don't know. But I am so thankful.

So for Christmas I asked for a Bible. Since I left Catholic school, I have not been to church with any regularity. That has changed. I wonder how I never listened very well before. Church was a chore, do be done as math homework or cleaning your room. Wow, was I wrong.

Every sermon, every word hits home. That's me. Every word applies. Every word speaks to my heart. And before I would have scorned any such admission. I am a good person. Everyone says so. God must be pleased. Wow, had I got a lot to learn. I still do. Before I read the Mark of the Lion series, I feared talking of God and Jesus Christ. What would my friends and family think? I know what I would have thought. I would've been extremely uncomfortable, eager to change the subject. I didn't even want to talk about it on this blog! And on this blog I am pretty anonymous, so that is sad.

But I am here to say I am working on it. Pray for me. And whether you read this series or not, I just thought everyone should know about it. It might not have the impact it had on me, but maybe it will. So I am putting the recommendation and story out there..... This is hard. But I am glad I am doing it. I better stop rambling and publish the post before I lose my nerve.

Goodbye, lovelies! Hopefully soon I will actually have the time and energy to do a comprehensive review. Until then, au revoir!

Beautiful Blog Award

So I have again been nominated for an award! Shocking, these things are like dominoes. It seems if one comes your way, they all come your way. I am very pleased that Emma Jane sent the Beautiful Blog Award my way.
                                        
Without further ado, here are the questions and my answers.

 ~What is one of your favorite period drama lines that you find yourself quoting often?
Oh goodness. Well I think several in my head, but not out loud. No one seems to get them. And my sister always thinks I am odd when I do so. But I often find myself saying "Soary, Anne" to her in a Gilbert-like way. Just because that is so fun. :)

 ~What was the last book you read?
The Shadow Things by Jennifer Frietag. It is not really a book I usually read, so I was a bit wary at first. However, I really ended up liking it and finished it in about two days. (I could have finished it in one but sadly school got in the way...

 ~What is the best movie you've seen so far in 2014?
Um.... Frozen? I think I saw that in 2014. Or maybe it was late 2013. Oh well, it was recently and I liked it a lot. The music is fabulous.

                     

 ~Who is one of your least-favorite period drama couples?
Least favorite? Hmm... Mme. and M. Thenardier from Les Miserables are the first to come to mind.

 ~Who is the one period drama man you can most imagine yourself marrying? (This doesn't have to be your favorite literary/period drama hero, just the man you think you would be most suited to.)
Gilbert. Honestly, I think we would do very well together. I find his sense of humor funny, he is kind, intelligent, and he is an everyday type of guy who is perfectly imperfect to me.... yeah as you can see I have never really gotten over my first big literary crush. (And now I don't think I will.)

 ~ What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
Edwardian? 1800-early 1900.

 ~Are you familiar with the Irish music group Celtic Woman? If so, who is your favorite of the singers?
I am familiar with them. I think some of their songs are lovely but I really don't listen to them all that much. So I can't say I have a favorite singer because I do not know their names.

 ~What is one of your all-time favorite book covers?
Oh my... well I really like my Sense and Sensibility cover and my An Old Fashioned Girl cover. So I'll cheat a little and post both of them. :)

     

Here is a little interesting tidbit on my Sense and Sensibility: It was the first Jane Austen book I ever owned and read, and I got it for free from my libraries summer reading challenge when I was 11 or 12.

 ~Is there a specific period drama/literary character whom you often find yourself quoting?
Anne of Green Gables, for sure. I just love those books/movies. And the quotes just fit so many occasions.

 ~Is there a specific period drama/literary character whom you find yourself acting a lot like sometimes? 
Hmm. I don't think I am a lot like Anne Shirley, I wish I were more like Elinor Dashwood or Elizabeth Bennet.... I should be honest with myself and say I am more of a Catherine Morland. (But hopefully not quite so silly.) Does this mean I get a Henry Tilney? :)