Sunday, January 8, 2012

Tudor Reading Challenge

 

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Rules:

· All book formats are allowed for this challenge as long as they have an ISBN number or the equivalent. Both fiction and non-fiction are allowed as well. Re-reads ARE allowed but your review must be a new one. Crossovers from other reading challenges DO count!

· All the books read for this challenge must be Tudor related. Books that feature any Tudor from Henry VII to Elizabeth I and any spouses, lovers, close family members, or themes count. There are a lot out there, so no worries!

· Each month visit The Musings of ALMYBNENR and add your link to your Tudor-related reviews. You do not have to have a blog to participate, you may post wherever you review, i.e. Goodreads, Library Things, Selfari.

Levels:

•Henry VII (Creator of a dynasty): 5 books

•Henry VIII (Larger than life): 10 books

•Mary I (The first queen of England): 15 books

•Elizabeth I (Gloriana & the Golden Age): 20 books

Timeframe:

1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012

Host: The Musings of ALMYBNENR

 

My Goal:

Elizabeth I (Gloriana & the Golden Age): 20 books

Why am I doing this challenge?

I am a Tudor fanatic. Sadly, my Tudor-related reading declined last year, so I thought that this would be the perfect way to get back into the Tudor-reading groove! Plus, I need to tackle Tudor-To-Be-Read Pile, which is pictured below!

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(My T.T.B.R continues to grow!)

Books I intend to read, in no particular order:

Fiction

1- In A Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener

2- Keeper of the King’s Secrets by Michelle Diener

3- The Pleasure Palace by Kate Emerson

4- Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson

5- By Royal Decree by Kate Emerson

6- At The King’s Pleasure by Kate Emerson

7- The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

8- To Die For by Sandra Byrd

9- His Last Letter by Jeane Westin

10- The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

11- The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

12- The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

13- Honor In The Dust by Gilbert Morris

14- The Last Wife of Henry VIII by Carolly Erickson

Non-Fiction Books

15- Elizabeth & Leicester by Sarah Gristwood

16- Death and The Virgin Queen by Chris Skidmore

17- The Life of Elizabeth I by Alison Weir

18- The Lady In the Tower by Alison Weir

19- The Children of Henry VIII

20- The Tudor Age by Jasper Ridley

21- The Other Tudors by Philippa Jones

22- The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser

To find out more about this challenge you may do so HERE

 

Best Wishes,

Angela Renee

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Wuthering Height- A Classics Challenge Prompt

 

This is the first posting prompt for the Classics Challenge and it will focus on the author of the novel.

Here is the rules according to the challenge host Katherine @ November‘s Autumn:

To clarify how this will work: I'll post various questions, don't feel obliged to answer all of them. Some may require a little research but you can be creative in how you answer. Participants have the full month to post and share their answers. The different levels are based on how far into the book you are.

Here are the levels:

Level 1
Who is the author? What do they look like? When were they born? Where did they live? What does their handwriting look like? What are some of the other novels they've written? What is an interesting and random fact about their life?

Level 2
What do you think of their writing style? What do you like about it? or what would have made you more inclined to like it? Is there a particular quote that has stood out to you?

Level 3
Why do you think they wrote this novel? How did their contemporaries view both the author and their novel?

Level 1 Answers:

The Author:

Emily Jane Brontë

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Pen Name: Ellis Bell
Born:

July 30, 1818 

Where she lived:

Haworth Parsonage

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(This photo was taken shortly after the death of her father, Patrick Bronte)

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Haworth Parsonage is now called The Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in Haworth, West Yorkshire, England and is maintained by the Brontë Society.

 

Handwriting:

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This page is from the joint journal of Emily and Anne Bronte. You can see that this page is written in Emily’s hand and it contains information about Anne.

 

Novels:

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Wuthering Heights was Emily’s only novel although she did amass a collection of poetry.

 

Interesting and random fact about her life:

At the age of 17, Emily attended the Roe Head girls school where her sister, Charlotte was a teacher, although she only remained three months before becoming homesick. She returned home where she and Anne opened their own school. Her refusal to look people in the eyes and her anxiety when away from home leads many people to believe that she had Aspergers, a form of autism that often enhances creativity. 

Level 2 Answers:

Writing Style:

Emily’s writing style in Wuthering Heights has a gothic feel to it, which surprisingly varies greatly from her poetry, although both , her poetry and novel contain that connection to nature. Wuthering Heights is filled with emotion, anger, passion, the supernatural, and violence and to help portray those feelings Emily mirrored the weather to match the feeling of the scene which greatly improved the atmosphere of the novel.

Emily’s writing style depended heavily on emotions and atmosphere , which made her writing style a little less plot-orientated than the works of her sister Charlotte.

What do I like about it? What would have made you more inclined to like it?

The emotional tug of the novel is amazing and allows you to feel what the characters are feeling. Emily chose to focus on her characters raw emotions rather than where her characters were headed and how the plot was going to unfold and it fit the novel well. She also focused on the atmosphere of the novel-by using the wild vastness of the windswept Yorkshire moors, she incorporates the turbulence and instability of both the characters and the landscape.

I liked Wuthering Heights the way it is and do not believe it could or should be changed. It also may come as a shock that I felt bad for Heathcliff and hated Cathy.

Is there a particular quote that has stood out to you?

The following quotes were the ones that stood out to me and best characterized the relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff.

“I was only going to say that heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbing for joy. That will do to explain my secret, as well as the other. I’ve no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there has not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn’t have thought it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that not because he’s handsome, Nelly, but because he’s more myself that I am whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same; Linton’s is as different as a moonbeam from lightning or frost from a fire…

…My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath; a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff.
-Chapter 9
Cathy

“May she wake in torment!” he cried, with frightful vehemence, stamping his foot, and groaning in a sudden paroxysm of ungovernable passion, “Why, she’s a liar to the end! Where is she? Not there-not in heaven-not perished-where? Oh! You said you cared nothing for my sufferings! And I pray one prayer-I repeat it till my tongue stiffen-Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you-haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murders, I believe. I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always-take any form-drive me mad! Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! It is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!”
-Chapter 16
Heathcliff

This last quote is my absolute favorite.

“I disturbed nobody, Nelly.”, he replied, “and I gave some ease to myself. I shall be a great deal more comfortable now; and you’ll have a better chance of keeping me underground, when I get there. Disturbed her? No! She has disturbed me, night and day, through eighteen years’-incessantly-remorselessly.”
-Chapter 29
Heathcliff 

Why do I think Emily Bronte wrote this novel?

As the daughter of a clergyman, Emily was constantly taught the themes she included in Wuthering Heights. Love and hate; crime and punishment; good verses evil; class structure, revenge, the ills of obsession and lust and I believe that she wanted to show what would happen when you entwine these elements with a complex love. I also believe that she wanted to push the bounds of writing.

Emily must have loved the characters that she created as finalized a sequel. Sadly, the manuscript was lost after her death.

How did their contemporaries view both the author and their novel?

Many early reviews are the same as they are today, they either loved it or hated it. While most critics recognized the power and creativity of this novel, many found it unlikable and ambiguous.

The Atlas review called it a "strange, inartistic story", but commented that every chapter seems to contain a "sort of rugged power

The Graham's Lady Magazine critique bluntly stated "How a human being could have attempted such a book as the present without committing suicide before he had finished a dozen chapters, is a mystery. It is a compound of vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors."

The Douglas Jerrold's Weekly Newspaper critique was more positive, yet still shocked at the novel's raw depictions, noting "In Wuthering Heights the reader is shocked, disgusted, almost sickened by details of cruelty, inhumanity, and the most diabolical hate and vengeance, and anon come passages of powerful testimony to the supreme power of love—even over demons in the human form. The women in the book are of a strange fiendish-angelic nature, tantalising, and terrible, and the men are indescribable out of the book itself". However the review also emphasized the "great power" of the novel and its provocative qualities; it said that it was a "strange sort of book—baffling all regular criticism" and that "[it is] impossible to lay it aside afterwards and say nothing about it".

Although the Examiner agreed on the strangeness, it saw the book as "wild, confused; disjointed and improbable".

The Britannia review mirrored those comments made on the unpleasant characters, arguing that it would have been a "far better romance" if the characters were not "nearly as violent and destructive as [Heathcliff]". The unidentified review was less critical, considering it a "work of great ability" and that "it is not every day that so good a novel makes its appearance".

 

Until We Meet Again,

Best Wishes & Happy Reading,

Angela Renee

Sunday, January 1, 2012

2012 Time Travel Reading Challenge

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Rules:
*Challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31st, 2012. *You can join anytime.
*Books from other challenges count as long as they are about time travel.
*Books can be children's, middle-grade, YA or adult fiction.

Levels:
*Surprise Trip: 1 to 3 time travel books.
*Great Adventure: 4 to 6 time travel books.
*Fantastic Journey: 7 to 9 time travel books
*Mind-boggling Voyage: 10 to 12 time travel books.

Timeframe: Jan. 1st 2012, to Dec. 31st 2012

Host: Library of Clean Reads

My Goal:
Fantastic Journey: 7 to 9 time travel books.

Why am I doing this challenge?
This is a relatively new genre for me, normally I prefer Historical Fiction. Then last year I read Legacy & Catriona, both by Janette Baker as well as The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley. After reading those books, I found that I loved the time-travel aspect and now I have found this challenge, which hopefully will encourage me to explore more of this genre.

Books I intend to read, in no particular order:

1. Mariana by Susanna Kearsley  Date read: 
2. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells Date read:
3. The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma Date read:
4. Whispers In The Sand by Barbara Erksine  Date read:
5. An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon  Date read:
6. Nell by Janette Baker Date read:
7. This Time by Joan Szechtman Date read: January 14,2012 Review

To find out more about this challenge you may do so HERE

 

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Jane Austen reading challenge

jane-austen-challenge 

I found this 8 genre Jane Austen reading challenge and could not resist. 

The rules are fairly simple, read 1 Jane Austen-themed book from each of the 8 genres listed below during the allotted time (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012)

With this challenge you do not have to post a review, but I will do so anyway. If you would like to know more about this challenge, please check out their group on Goodreads.

The Genres:

1. Variation Stories
2. Sequel
3. Jane Austen as a Fictional Character
4. Paranormal
5. Modern Adaptation
6. Mystery
7. Supporting Characters
8. Books by Jane Austen

Although you do not have to add what you will read, I am going to add what I am intending to read. Titles may change if the book is poorly.

1. Variation Stories- Pride & Prejudice, Hidden Lust by Mitzi Szereto

2. Sequel-  Darcy’s Temptation by Regina Jeffers 

3. Jane Austen as a Fictional Character- Just Jane by Nancy Moser

4. Paranormal- Sense & Sensibility with Sea Monsters- 

5. Modern Adaptation- Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton

6. Mystery -The Phantom of Pemberley by Regina Jeffers
7. Supporting Characters- Mr. Darcy’s Little Sister by C. Allyn Pierson

8. Books by Jane Austen- Either a re-read of Persuasion or Lady Susan

Friday, December 16, 2011

Thursday Tea

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The Book: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Ok, so today did not get off to a good start. I woke-up at 7 am, put the kettle on and about ten minutes later the power went off. Apparently the whole town was without power.  So, I had no heat, no electric and no lights save for the random candles I was able to gather and the book light that is attached to my reading/laptop desk. 

Oddly enough I just put batteries in my book light, so thankfully I had a light to read by. I mean what else was going to do? I could sit there and watch the telly, but I am pretty sure I would receive a visit from the men in white coats leading me to a padded cell.

I received an ARC of Cinder in the post today! Yay! I am a total nerd when it comes to revamped fairy tales although I have never read one that is set in the future with humans, androids, and cyborgs. I just finished chapter one and there seems to be a wealth of stuff going on. First, Cinder is a cyborg apparently with a rather small foot as the first chapter opens with her removing said foot and waiting for her assistant to bring her back an adequate one. We also learn that no one other the baker knows she is a cyborg, although I don’t think well have to worry about the baker as comes down with the plague at the end of the chapter. Chapter one also introduces us to the Prince, who brings his android to Cinder’s shop for repair. 

It is very futuristic, which is exceedingly different from what I normally read but it has caught my attention and now I want to find out what happens.

The Tea:

I started with a cuppa semi-cold Earl Grey thanks to the power going out. Luckily, four hours later, the power is back one, although the power company informed us that we may be experiencing power cuts throughout the day so I now have a pot of Blackberry & Sage sitting on top a warmer.

Do they go together?

I am not really sure what one drinks when reading a futuristic fairy tale. The book does mention the plague and wasn’t tea used as cure for it in the Middle Ages? So, I suppose that in a way any tea would work. 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thursday Tea

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The Book:
  I am reading Cotillion by Georgette Heyer. I am a big fan of GH. Ok- I will admit that may have been a bit of a lie. I am not overly fond of her mysteries and I couldn’t quite get into Beauvallet, but I do love her Regency romances. My love for them started thanks to the sexy voice of Richard Armitage. A friend of mine was listening to the audio book of Sylvester or the Wicked Uncle which was being read by AR while we were going on a car trip and his brilliantly sexy baritone voice is stuck inside my head every time I read a GH novel.

As for Cotillion, I am especially enjoying the light-heartedness of this novel. It’s very different from the GH novels that I have read in the past and I must say it contains a wealth of hilarity which I was not expecting. I also think that this was the perfect title for the book as the word Cotillion means a dance for four people. I cannot wait to see how this novel will end.

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The Tea:
On a resent trip to Barnes & Noble I picked up Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial. It’s not like I needed another tin of Earl Grey, my tea cabinet is practically bursting with a mass of Earl Grey, I seem to have a mild addiction to this particular tea but seeing as there is no Earl Grey Drinkers Anonyms my addiction will have to continue…

This was the first time that I have tired the Imperial. You can definitely tell that it’s an Earl Grey, but I would describe as an Earl Grey with an extra dose or two or three of bergamot, meaning it’s a bit stronger than your average.

I also spotted this brilliant Keep Calm & Carry On mug which happens to match my Keep Calm & Carry on bookmark. I love it when things come together like that.

Do They Go Together?

Earl Grey goes with anything! Plus, it is a Regency novel and the Regency era is where tea of any type truly took hold. I think it is the perfect combo!

Best Wishes & Happy Reading,

Angela Renee

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Classics Challenge 2012

I love Classic novels, although due to my TBR pile, my Classics often get overlooked. Now, I have a reason to read them!

classicschallenge

The Challenge:
Read seven works of Classic Literature in 2012
Only three of the seven may be re-reads

How Does it Work?
I've organized this challenge to work a little like a blog hop. I hope this will make it more interactive and enjoyable for everyone.

Instead of writing a review as you finish each book (of course, you can do that too), visit November's Autumn on the 4th of each month from January 2012 - December 2012.

You will find a prompt, it will be general enough that no matter which Classic you're reading or how far into it, you will be able to answer. There will be a form for everyone to link to their post. I encourage everyone to read what other participants have posted.

What I am going to read:

1-Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: For some reason unbeknownst to be, I have never read this book. I have had a copy sitting on my bookshelf for what seems like an eternity and now I finally am reading it!

2-The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: I watched the BBC movie with Ben Barnes, now I am eager to read the book.

3-Sons & Lovers by D.H. Lawrence: I purchased this book a few years back, then came down with a horrid case of the chickenpox (I was 21 when I came down with them, so any case would have been horrid) and forgot that I bought it.

4-Dubliners by James Joyce: Another classic that fell by the wayside due to the chickenpox

5- Dracula by Bram Stoker: I cannot believe that I have never read this book…

6-Persuasion by Jane Austen- Re-read. I have been in a Wentworth mood as of late.

7-Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte- Re-read.  My favorite novel.

Until We Meet Again,
Best Wishes & Happy Reading,
Angela Renee

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Saturday Snapshot

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky below. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce @  At Home With Books

Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas

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Love, Loyalty, Friendship 

I never share my artwork, although once I had finished this piece, I knew I wanted it to be displayed. The story of the Claddagh was one that I grew up hearing and I wanted to capture the symbol of the hands holding the heart topped with a crown. The only problem that I encountered was how I wanted to capture the emotion of the symbol. I drew up several sketches, yet none of them felt right, and finally it donned on me; the symbol itself was enough.

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The Story of the Claddagh

Long ago, an Irish fisherman named Robert Joyce left his hometown of Galway, Ireland for distant ports. He sailed on a ship bound for the West Indies, but pirates came aboard and took over the vessel. They kidnapped Joyce, and sold him into slavery. He was taken to a goldsmith’s shop, and forced to work there, worlds away from the woman he loved.

Joyce never forgot the Irish woman who owned his heart, and he created the first Claddagh ring as a romantic symbol of their love. His loyalty and commitment to her were illustrated by the charming motifs he chose for the legendary Claddagh ring. Two tiny hands, gently clasping a crowned heart, were wrought from pure gold, and they symbolized the sacred nature of romantic love and faithfulness.

Joyce dreamed of returning to Galway and embracing his love, but instead, he languished for years, honing his skills as the Moorish goldsmith’s assistant. When King William III ordered the release of all slaves in 1689, he gained his freedom at last.

Despite the pleas of his master, who offered him all manner of worldly goods, and even his own daughter as a bride, if only Joyce would stay on and work for him, Joyce was resolute. He would return to his own true love, and make a life with her.

Upon his return, Bruce’s loyalty was rewarded. Margaret, the woman he loved so much, was there waiting for him, just as he had waited for her. And the couple lived out their life together. She wore her Claddagh ring until the end of her days

 

Until We Meet Again,

Best Wishes,

Angela Renee