33 more books... on the books :) I honestly couldn't tell you what some of these books were about- hopefully because they weren't memorable and not because I'm losing it! But then there were these five- the best of a year's worth of reading. Favorites of 2016 NONFICTION: The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman HISTORICAL FICTION: The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson CHICK-LIT: As much as I enjoyed Me Before You, I think I'll have to go with Unequal Affections by Laura S. Ormiston FANTASY (Young Adult): My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand SCIENCE FICTION: The Circle I saw a preview for a movie based on this book starring Emma Watson, and the next thing I knew, I was reading it. It had been over a month since I'd found a book worth reading- and this was certainly a good one to break the cycle! It has an absolute 1984/Brave New World feel to it, but now imagining just how far the power of social media could go. The more I read, the more disturbed I felt by the need we have for likes and followers, and by the story we leave online with every picture and post we create. You see the characters being manipulated- even brainwashed- and you start to see that same behaviors in yourself. Creepy. Insightfully creepy. This might be the last book I finish in 2016, but it was certainly a good one to finish on!
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It took me three weeks to find a book to read this month. Three weeks! This happens every so often. I search lists online, on Pinterest, and through my massive "To Read" list on Goodreads. I got really excited about a book called The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar because I loved The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas & Alexandra, but it was so poorly written that I couldn't get through it. I've also been listening to The Game of Thrones, which is really good, but after 20 hours, the last 10 hours is feeling a bit overkill. And so I eventually found my way to these two books- a WWII story and a book about loving books. Two books well within my comfort zone. The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff This is probably the least substantial WWII book I've read to date. It was a light read, which is odd for a this genre. I guess the story, though well written, lacked depth or emotion or something. I liked the characters for the most part, but the story is told from multiple different time periods and perspectives, and the present perspective seemed inconsequential to the other stories of loss and heartache. And yet, I did enjoy reading it! The characters were real and relatable, and the author is an expert at bringing scenery to life. Perhaps this would be a good book for someone interested in historical fiction but hesitant to read WWII Lit because of the heavy content. Clearly I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one... The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan This book just up and ended on me! I was in the middle of enjoying a very satisfying turn of events, when suddenly there were no more chapters. My blasted ebook made it appear as if I had at least 30 more pages to enjoy, but they turned out to be Acknowledgements and Author's Notes.
Admittedly, the book ended much better than it started. As an avid reader myself, I was a little disappointed in the author's trite allusions and obvious comparisons- the main character is supposed to be such a reader, and yet she didn't convince me of her expertise. But then she moves to the Scottish Highlands and opens a bookshop and meets dreamy foreign men and I find myself forgiving her for her earlier transgressions. And wanting to move to Scotland :) It's cute and quick. All in all, a nice little read that will make you simultaneously homesick for the Moors, desperate for a good book, and a bit more optimistic about exploring the outer limits of your comfort zone. When my dad was in his twenties, he spent two years as a missionary in London. He lived in various flats, learned to drive on the wrong side of the road, and wore out shoes walking the streets of the city. The way Dad talked about this time of his life, it was like listening, wide-eyed, to stories of adventure where he was the hero. He had brought home relics to bring the story to life- a real British Bobby hat, a red double-decker bus toy, journals, photo albums, and letters. And so, from an early age, I began to romanticize the British Isles. Discovering my English heritage was like a magical moment for me. I learned about my ancestors who first came across the pond from the United Kingdom- my maternal family has connections to a manor that is still standing today. Our family crest is a lion. In a way, I was part of all of this and it was a part of me. Then Mom introduced me to Jane Austen. I remember my very first encounter. I walked into Mom's bedroom where she was sitting on her bed watching the Pride & Prejudice mini series. Just then, Mrs. Bennett exclaimed, "You'll never be as pretty as your sister Jane, but I will say you look very well indeed." My curiosity was piqued! And so my love of all things British was born. While we all know about Downton Abbey and Shakespeare and the Beatles, these are some of my favorite recent discoveries and less known favorites from Britannia. Shows Do you ever feel hesitant when someone recommends a British TV show to you? Sometimes the style of their shows is so different from what we're used to that it's hard to see past the acting, directing, writing, and even sense of humor. For example, I know I need to watch Dr. Who, but I just couldn't get through that first episode when I first tried! Still, there are so many shows from the BBC that I just LOVE, so I'm always on the look-out. So, while Downton Abbey is over and I'm waiting for the next seasons of Call the Midwife and Sherlock, here are a few series and mini series that I am smitten with. Great British Bake Off | I could watch this sweet little bake show all day! It's reality TV minus the drama and dramatic music, and with the addition of the most lovable personalities baking with accents and characteristic British manners. You fall in love with the hosts, judges, and contestants as much as you fall in love with their food. I've got my eye on a Great British Bake Off cookbook just so I can have even more of this in my life. Lark Rise to Candleford | My mother in-law mentioned that I might enjoy Lark Rise to Candleford months ago, but I didn't give it a try until recently. It's available on Amazon Prime, and I was between shows on Netflix, so I figured, why not?! It is just darling. It's a 19th century period piece with rich vs. poor themes, but it is mostly about people and relationships. The characters have flaws that make them both endearing and lovable. I watch with a smile on my face and find myself laughing out loud at their quirks and comments. I'm pacing myself as I watch the 4 seasons, mainly so I don't run out too soon, but also because I've started to absentmindedly switch in and out of a British accent :) The series is based on the book Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson, which is itself based on the childhood experiences of the author. I've just picked it up from the library. I'm only ten page in, but I'm enchanted with the writing. "The hamlet stood on a gentle rise in the flat, wheat-growing north-east corner of Oxfordshire. We will call it Lark Rise because of the great number of skylarks which made the surrounding fields their springboard and nested on the bare earth between the rows of green corn. All around, from every quarter, the stiff, clayey soil of the arable fields crept up; bare, brown and windswept for eight months out of every twelve. Spring brought a flush of green wheat and there were violets under the hedges, and pussy-willows out beside the brook at the bottom of the 'Hundred Acres' ; but only for a few weeks in later summer had the landscape real beauty. Then the ripened cornfields rippled up to the doorsteps of the cottages and the hamlet became an island in a sea of dark gold." Dr. Thorne | Author Julian Fellowes has been busy since Downton Abbey's finale. I read his book, Belgravia, and was all too pleased to discover that he had done a miniseries for Amazon Prime based on the Chronicles of Barsetshire by Anthony Trollope. I watched all of Dr. Thorne in one sitting. It is another 19th century period piece showing a life centered on class and station, but it's less like Lark Rise to Candleford and more like an perfect mix or Jane Austen and Dickens, or Sense & Sensibility meets Downton Abbey. Broachchurch | Everyone seems to love David Tennant, so I felt safe watching this murder mystery series that he stars in as a detective. Everyone is a suspect. It wasn't too predictable, but it did get to be rather formulaic. Still though, it's riddled with well timed comedic relief and full of all kinds of mesmerizing accents and shots of the coast of Dorset. Books My mom and I used to laugh at how whenever we became absorbed in a Jane Austen book, we'd start to mimic the language and diction of her writing in everyday conversation. What is it about these gentry that spending time with them makes me feel more proper, more regal, and more British? The surest way of transporting myself to England is through literature. It's such an escape to a different time and place, and to a history that I feel is partly my own. Nonfiction: The allure of nonfiction is that these are stories as riveting as any novel, but they are about real people. Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle and Black Diamonds: The Downfall of an Aristocratic Family and the Fifty Years that Changed England are two books that are portals to another world. These are stories of great families and great houses, stories of triumph and financial ruin, and they document the pendulum swing of time and change through the course of generations. Fiction: If you like Jane Austen, or regency romance, or you're a woman with a heart, read Edenbrooke. Labeled as a "Proper Romance," this book and its sequel are pure British Chick Lit. Is mystery more your thing? Read any book by Kate Morton... Maybe start with The Secret Keeper. Told from multiple perspectives and from different time periods, her books (although formulaic), are spellbinding. Perhaps you're interesting in WWII? Try The House at Tyneford. It has been a long time since I first read it, but I remember loving it. Here is my book review from 2012: As soon as I reached the end, I seriously considered picking it up and starting it all over again. It's Downton Abbey with The Guernsey Literary Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society and Sound of Music all bundled together. I loved the style of writing- every time I picked it up from the very beginning, I was there. Elise, a young Jewess bourgeois from Vienna must leave her family and life of luxury behind to seek refuge in England as the Nazis rise in power. She is granted a work visa and offered employment as a maid at Tyneford House, a large estate by the sea. The war progresses and Elise finds strength and love through her heartache as the fate of her family is uncertain and the residents of Tyneford feel the war edging closer and closer. It's somewhat based on true events, the author having gained her inspiration from Tyneham House (an actual estate on the Dorset Coast in England requisitioned during WWII) and stories from her own Great-Aunt who, like Elise, managed to escape Nazi Europe by becoming a “mother’s help” in England. I loved all of the characters- Elise especially. She is a strong, resilient woman. And the story was powerful, providing perspective of the lack of communication and information during that time period, the tragedy of war for a Jew rejected by her own country, and also a glimpse into how changes brought on by the war were forced upon British high society and changed their way of life forever. Misc. Online | My trusted source for all things William and Kate is The Royalist. If ever you need to confirm or contradict a rumor about Kate being pregnant or the Queen abdicating the throne or Harry getting engaged, check here. And have you made an account at Pottermore yet? I've been sorted into Ravenclaw and my Patronus is a heron. Too fun! Food | The English are not known for their cuisine, but Dad did come home craving several sweets he had encountered while he lived there. Growing up, I remember how Dad would always buy a container of Bird's Custard mix whenever he came across it in the stores. Late at night, he'd cook us up hot custard "on the hob" and serve it with slices of bananas. I once ran into an Englishman while hiking in Yosemite and told him about our dad's love of Bird's Custard, and his response was simply, "Well, that's because he is proper gentleman." Digestives are another family favorite, but don't let the name fool you! The are yummy British biscuits (aka cookies) that come as plain sweet meal biscuits or covered in caramel and chocolate. YUM. They're such a staple in the UK that when the factory that supplied them had to shut down due to flooding this last year, they had emergency biscuits flown in. I'm not even kidding. This is what I buy whenever I come across them in specialty shops. Matt & I get them in our Christmas stockings, and they're always the perfect gift for Dad. Expressions | I've never really been a big fan of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" trend as we know it, but I do love its history. This slogan's roots come from WWII motivational posters hung in London as the people there were preparing for what would ultimately become known as the Blitz. It's simplicity and formality are so decidedly British, that I love it, but only in context. My favorite recently discovered British expression is "Needs Must!" It means both that we'll make due with what we have and we'll make the best of the situation all at once. I'm going to start using it in conversation and see if I can't get it to catch on here in the states. And while I'm at it, I'll use my influence to get others to start calling the restroom the loo. Kind of a random post, I know, but it was fun to write :) Now I'm going to read some more from Lark Rise and NOT run to the store to get some Digestives! Update from my dad! Here is some more detailed information about the pictures I posted:
That first photo was at the Southampton High Street right next to the Bar Gate. I’m with Elder Lynn Connelly from Idaho. The bike photo was outside our flat in Kingston on Thames. The little white wood window trim you see below the big window is where our outdoor water closet was. This is the back of the house where we entered our below-ground flat. Elder Robert Blotter (from Cincinnati, Ohio) was my Comp. (and my Greenie) This is the flat that my appendix burst in. The shoes picture was in December 1977 at the Metcalfe’s house in Bournemouth, Dorset England. My comp was Elder Bruce Harris, my trainer from San Diego, CA. I got to England the day after Thanksgiving 1977 and I left around the 15 of November 1979 Look up the “Bar Gate” in Southampton for a bit of history. Standing on top of the Bar Gate on April 10th 1912 at Noon, you would have been able to watch the RMS Titanic leave port on her maiden voyage. Since she didn’t dock in France or Ireland (only dropped anchor), Southampton was the last place the Titanic ever touched solids until she came to rest on the ocean floor. There is a Titanic Museum inside the Bar Gate (or at least there was one in 1978). Somehow, this back to school season has inspired me to read more, not less. I thought the fatigue and workload of teaching would make me less likely to want to read, let alone have time to read, but instead I'm finding that a good book is exactly what I need to unwind amidst all the grading and planning and emails (not to mention what a good book can do when you're feeling under the weather!). Reading truly is my release and my escape. And this month, my book list made that escape all the more sweet. Harry Potter & the Cursed Child by JK Rowling It took some serious self restraint, but I waited a month to read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child after it came out. My expectations were kept in check, knowing that this would be a script as opposed to a true 8th book in the series, but I still put the book in my Amazon cart more than once leading up to the release date. In the end, I borrowed the book from a student after he and his mom had finished reading it first, and I'm glad I waited. While it's a fun story, and I got to catch up with my favorite characters, it's actually not a book I need to own. Because it's a script. Reading Cursed Child has me anxious for the play to come to the states, but it also made me miss JK Rowling's writing. I'll use this as an example for my students of what detailed writing with imagery and sensory language does to a story- a script relies on the set and the actors to bring it to life, but a good book only has to rely on the words. You certainly shouldn't read this book if you haven't read all of the Harry Potter series- there is an expectation going in that you are very familiar with story and characters. But for someone like me, who likes anything Rowling publishes about the characters' lives since the battle of Hogwarts, it's a nice, easy read to continue a story we all wish had never come to an end. The Winter Sea And Firebird by Susanna Kearsley I'm kind of a book snob. I have a tendency to judge books by their covers, and I'm skeptical about book recommendations. A good friend at work recommended the Slains series by Susanna Kearsley, but before dubious me would add it to my "to-read" list, I had to put it through a bit of a vetting process. Recommended by an esteemed fellow reader? Check. Back of the book summary sounds good? Check. Goodreads rating? Average of 4.06 out of 5 stars from 44,000 readers. Check. Available at my local library? eBooks available for immediate download. Check. So I read the books! Now, I'd almost be willing to recommend these books to anyone who loves historical fiction with a bit of romance, told from two perspectives: now and then. But the author also asks you to buy into just a bit of science fiction. At first, I found this a little off-putting and distracting, but the stories and characters helped me through those initial hesitations. I especially loved the first book, following a young novelist living and writing in a cottage right on the northern coast of Scotland. What a dream! Unequal Affections by Lara S. Ormiston Jane Austen has inspired untold Pride & Prejudice enthusiasts to continue the story of Darcy & Elizabeth. How many of us finished that perfect story and lamented not getting to more time at Pemberley or to see the characters futures' unfold? Personally, I have read several P&P retellings hoping to satisfy that longing, many of which are sad disappointments (Mr. Darcy's Daughters or the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series), a few of which are new favorites. Austenland by Shannon Hale is cute. Longbourn by Jo Baker tells the story from the perspective of the servants- very interesting. Death Comes to Pemberley by PD James, now also a brilliant miniseries, puts a murder mystery spin on the characters' future. It's definitely not the happily ever after I had in mind, but the author stays true to Austen and her characters, so it's a must read for P&P lovers.
Perhaps my favorite new Pride and Prejudice novel is Unequal Affections by Lara S. Ormiston. I happened upon it in that article titled "The Very Best Pride & Prejudice Sequels, Spinoffs, and Retellings." Of all the recommended books, this one caught my eye. The very idea of getting to see Darcy and Elizabeth court and change and fall in love is exactly what I missed so much in the classic original. Pride and Prejudice is by far the superior novel, but this retelling made the girl in me who grew up with P&P just giddy. I got to read the whole book in a day on one of those rare sick days that happened to fall on a weekend when I was all caught up with work and not too sick to just sit and read. The story veers from the classic at Darcy's first proposal- What if Elizabeth had been so shocked by his feelings, that she immediately began to question all of their interactions and her judgments of him? If you can accept that Lizzy would have been able to suppress her passionate outburst that followed Darcy's condescending proposal, the rest of the story offers an alternative in which we see the characters go through some serious self-reflection. I especially love how metacognitive the author's portrayal is. From the perspective of the characters, we see their thought processes, their paradigm shifts, and their realizations. We see their concessions and their hopes and fears and motivations. We see them fall in love, and it's perfect. I'm sitting here with the windows open, enjoying what can only be described as a cool, fall breeze. It's already September! I don't know that we've ever summered so successfully, visiting family on both sides and seeing so much of the country, and now it's the start of my favorite time of year. These three books were perfect summer reads for me, but everything, in my opinion, is better in the fall. I highly recommend reading them somewhere with a blanket where you can see the leaves changing color. The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman This is my second attempt at this book. The first time around, I wasn't a proficient nonfiction reader, and I started the book thinking it was a novel. I'm glad I gave it another try! It is beautifully written and offers insight into WWII that I was completely unfamiliar with. I've finished the book with a newfound respect and admiration for the Polish people and their courage and resilience. Woven throughout the story of the zookeepers and their family are the powerful stories of many Poles and Jewish Poles who stood up to the Nazis and risked their lives for their country and their countrymen. Author Diane Ackerman also uses her background as a naturalist to show a side of the Nazis I knew little about- in addition to their philosophies of eugenics, they also sought to create superior breeds of plants and animals. And then there are the Żabińskas- The zookeeper and his wife. These are two incredible people whose story needed to be told. Their work with animals was inspiring, and their work with the Polish resistance is beyond admirable. Belgravia By Julian Fellowes You can certainly imagine my excitement when I heard an interview on NPR with Julian Fellows one morning discussing his new book, Belgravia. In what I can only assume is true Fellowes fashion, the book was released in the style of the great, old authors (i.e. Charles Dickens), one chapter at a time, but with a modern twist: Fellowes used a website to allow his readers additional access to research about the time period as well as true people and events detailed in the book. Nice move, Julian! My gut reaction was, of course, to sign up. But admittedly, this exciting new format still couldn't beat a free book from the library, so I bid my time. The book itself is a fun read- It really does read like a mini series, each chapter the perfect subplot of an episode. The time period feels like a mix of Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey- you can't go wrong with that! While Julian Fellowes is no Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, he does know how to do drama. The interwoven storylines creates a sense of irony and urgency. Although I often felt that I knew what was coming, this compelled me to see events and characters to their conclusion. The ending was a little too conveniently wrapped up, like any good series finale. But all literary criticism aside, Belgravia is a natural fix for any bored Downton Abbey fan. I regretted not reading the online format several times throughout the book as the nonfiction lover in me wanted to know more about some of the details of the era. I this style catches on, don't be surprised if I bite the bullet next time! Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly I was hesitant to read Lilac Girls so soon after finishing The Zookeeper's Wife because of their similarities in genre and story, but this book is quite popular right now. Essentially, my library hold list ultimately dictates what I read when.
Unlike many WWII books, Lilac Girls thoroughly focuses on life before, after, and during the war from the perspectives of three women who experienced the war very differently- a Polish political prisoner, a Nazi doctor, and an American charity worker. Their stories were based in truth, and the author did a beautiful job bringing the story to life. I ended up loving reading a fiction and nonfiction book back-to-back on the same topics. I felt an emotional connection with the characters who were humanized by the reality surrounding their stories. |