Classics

  by  paul bica 

"A classic is something that everybody wants to have to read and nobody wants to read" - Mark Twain. 


For now, this will be the final post on classics as I bought two new books yesterday and am hoping to share them with you in my next post! But if you haven't read the books below yet, please add them to your TBR (the book to read) pile. I first heard this term from http://annsreadingcorner.blogspot.com/.  Happy reading :]

• Gentleman Prefer Blondes: the Illuminating Diary of a Professional Lady by Anita Loos - I read this book in my 1920s class last year. This novel is great if you're looking for an easy read and a good laugh. The entire story is told in diary style by a young blonde who travels through Europe as she shops, goes to parties, etc. Basically, Lorelei is a gold digger and her comments are so funny. I never got to read the sequel, But Gentleman Marry Brunettes, though on principle, I'd like to! A quote from the novel: "A kiss on the hand may feel very very good, but a diamond and sapphire bracelet lasts forever." 
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - At first I was reluctant to buy this one because of its stigma as a self help book, but I had been hearing from so many people that it's a great book to look into. Last summer, I noticed it was on the summer reading pile at Barnes & Noble so I finally decided to purchase it. I'm so glad I did because although Mr. Carnegie does advice, his observations on people are right on and because of this I really enjoyed his book. A quote from the book: "The unvarnished truth is that almost all the people you meet feel themselves superior to you in some way, and a sure way to their hearts is to let them realize in some subtle way that you recognize their importance, and recognize it sincerely."
• Passing by Nella Larsen - This book is by a Harlem Renaissance author, but is intriguing because it focuses on a beautiful black woman whose skin is light enough to pass as white. When she meets an old friend, she tells her about her struggles trying to "pass" as white, but jealousy overtakes this friend who worries that this woman is trying to take her husband from her. A quote from the novel: “I think being a mother is the cruelest thing in the world." 
• The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer - I know that this one can also go either way — people love it or hate it. I was introduced to this book my senior year of high school by a teacher who was so enthusiastic about Chaucer and then again two semesters ago by a wonderful professor who even has a Chaucer tie. So maybe these experiences helped, but personally, I think Chaucer is hilarious and the fact that his characters are still easy to relate to after seven centuries says something. All of the characters go on a pilgrimage and each decide to share a tale along the way. A quote from The Canterbury Tales: "People can die of mere imagination." 
• The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy - I read this novel my junior year of high school and it was my first introduction to Hardy. It's considered a tragic novel, but I think any novel by Hardy is worth a look! A quote from the novel: “…happiness [is] but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.”

What are some of your favorite classics? I'd love to hear from my readers :]! 

I'd like to introduce some guest bloggers and contests once we reach enough followers so if you enjoy reading these posts please subscribe to the blog by following it at the bottom of the page and tell your friends! Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

  by  paul bica 

I'm on a Classics Kick

  by  Sprengben [why not get a friend] 

“When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than there was before.”

― Cliff Fadiman

Until I add more books to my summer reading list (I hope to buy a few new books today, so stay tuned) I'm going to continue our list and discussion of classics. So whether you're rereading some of these books or looking at them for the first time, here are five more classics I think you should read!   


Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - I'm sure many of you have already read this one, but if not, please read it! I read some excerpts from the book in high school, but believe it or not the first time I read the entire book was this past semester, during my sophomore year of college for an American lit class. As my professor mentioned, Twain is excellent at using dry humor and subtle one liners. The novel follows (who else?) Huckleberry Finn and his friend Jim as they travel down the Mississippi river. Throughout the book, I was rooting for both of them! 
A quote from the novel: "You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There was things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth."


A Passage to India by E.M. Forster - This book was a summer reading book for my senior year of high school. It is set during the time when the British occupied India and India wanted independence. Like many of the classics, this novel really helps you to understand what it was like at that time and how petty people can be.  
A quote from the novel:  "It is easy to sympathize at a distance. I value more the kind word that is spoken close to my ear."


Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - As you can see from this and the last post, I'm a big Austen fan. As Jennifer, http://dreamreads.blogspot.com/, mentioned Austen is great at capturing human nature. I read this book this fall in my British literature course. As my professor informed us, this novel is meant to be a parody of the Gothic novel. Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland goes to visit family friends and there she meets the comical character of Isabella, Isabella's brother, Henry Tilney, and his sister. She falls in love with Henry and when she goes to visit Henry's estate she expects it to be just like the estates in her Gothic novels, but, in a humorous sense, it is different than her expectations. When Henry discovers something about Catherine, he must choose between his father's snooty opinions and his love for Catherine. 
A quote from the novel: "To look almost pretty, is an acquisition of higher delight to a girl who has been looking plain the first fifteen years of her life, than a beauty from her cradle can ever receive."


The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - This book can go either way. People either love this book and Holden Caulfield or they hate the book and Holden Caulfield. I fall into the former half of readers. I first read this book during my sophomore year of high school. Although you later find out that Holden is telling the story as a flashback to a psychologist in what we can assume to be a mental hospital or something similar, I still find Holden and his comments on human nature to be hilarious.  
A quote from the novel: "All morons hate it when you call them a moron."


To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I first received a copy of this book from my grandma, who loved this novel. I then had to read it in high school. The book takes place during the Great Depression in Alabama and is told from the perspective of a six-year-old: Scout Finch. This novel is special and if you haven't read it yet, please add it to your list!
A quote from the novel: "When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em."


What are some of your favorite classics? I'd love to hear from you so I can add them to my list :] 


I'm so pleased with the way this blog is growing and it's thanks to all of the great readers like you! Once the blog gets enough followers I'm hoping to start introducing some guest bloggers and contests, so if you enjoy some of these posts please feel free to subscribe to the blog at the bottom of the page. 


Stay tuned for five more great classics. 

  by  MSVG 

More Great Classics

  by  paul bica 

"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself."
- Henry Miller

As a continuation of the last post, I'd like to share more favorite classics. Although there are so many great modern books out there, there is something special about books that stand the test of time and are still easy to relate to. Here's another list of five great classics:

A Separate Peace by John Knowles - Ms. Bach, http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com/ , reminded me of this novel, which I read during my sophomore year of high school. Gene Forrester returns to his old prep school fifteen years after he graduated and looks back on the friendship he shared with his old friend Phineas (Finny) and one terrible act that changes their friendship and Gene's life forever.  

A quote from the novel:  “To keep silent about this amazing happening deepened the shock for me. It made Finny seem too unusual for – not friendship, but too unusual for rivalry” 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Jane Austen is so good at capturing some of the pettiness that exists in human nature and at using subtle one liners. This story follows the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy (who I think I'm in love with, even if he is a fictional character). After reading the book, I also recommend watching the movie; although movies are usually never better than the book, this film still came out really well! 

A quote from the novel: “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - Another comical romance (similar to Pride and Prejudice) by Jane Austen. The story follows three sisters and their relationships. I thought the film for this book was pretty well done too! 

A quote from the novel: Elinor Dashwood: I do not attempt to deny that I think very highly of him, that I... greatly esteem him... I like him.

Marianne: "Esteem him?" "Like him?" Use those insipid words again and I shall leave the room this instant.

Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy - This book is definitely heavy and the ending is shocking, but the novel is one worth reading!  

A quote from the novel: “Did it never strike your mind that what every woman says, some women may feel?”

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I know a lot of people probably already read this book in high school, but the first time I was assigned to read it, I was in my second semester of college in a class that centered on the roaring 20s. So if you haven't read this book yet or read it a long time ago and want to reread it, it's a must! Although its sad, you will never forget the mysterious Gatsby. 

A quote from the novel:  "Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known."


Stay tuned for the next post in which I'll add five more great classics to the list! What are some of the great classics you've read? I'd love to come up with a big list of all your suggestions :]. 

  by  paul bica 

Excellent Classics

  by  Â» Zitona « 

"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library" - Jorge Luis Borges.  

Although the last time I was on a classics kick was this winter and recently, I've been reading a lot of modern writers, I've been thinking about some of the great classics I've read. I'm sure many of you have already read them in school or on your own, but like myself, very few people have read all of the classics. I'm posting this list because if you have missed any of these, it's time to add them to pile! For now I'm going to provide my top five list and save the rest for future blog posts as I know when I'm presented with too many books at once I get overwhelmed and never know which ones to choose from! 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith - I read this book going into my freshman year of high school. I loved it then as did my mom and I bet that if I read it now I would appreciate it even more. The novel takes place in the first and second decades of the 20th century and is split into five episodes relating to the characters' lives. It follows an Irish-American family who live in poverty. The book starts with eleven year old Francie Nolan. This book really takes you into the world at that time and Francie, the protagonist, is easy to connect with. 

A quote from the novel: "In the future, when something comes up, you tell exactly how it happened but write down for yourself the way you think it should have happened. Tell the truth and write the story. Then you won't get mixed up. It was the best advice Francie ever got."

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte- This novel is one of my all-time favorite books. If you haven't read this novel, please do! I first read this during my junior year of high school and have read it several times since then. While the book involves two men fighting over a woman, the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is more intense than any modern romance I have read or seen in a movie. This book is definitely one that stays with you!  

A quote from the novel: "Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being." 

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner - This novel is super confusing so reading the Sparknotes version along with the book the first time might help (or at least, it helped me in high school!). But it's worth it because this novel is special. It uses four different points of view and follows the fall of a Southern family. 

A quote from the novel: "I never promise a woman anything nor let her know what I'm going to give her. That's the only way to manage them. Always keep them guessing. If you cant think of any other way to surprise them, give them a bust in the jaw."

The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy - Thomas Hardy's books always have this wonderful mysterious feel to them and I especially loved this novel because of that trait. Eustacia Vye is definitely a character you will remember. 

A quote from the novel:  

"Though I should like Paris, I love you for yourself alone. To be your wife and live in Paris would be heaven to me; but I would rather live with you in a hermitage here than not be yours at all."

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - The Bronte sisters are my idols. Personally, I feel that anything they write is a masterpiece. The book follows Jane who lives with her cruel aunt and children at the start of the book, goes away to a charity school, then becomes a governess, where she meets Mr. Rochestor. Eventually, they fall in love, but he keeps a dark secret that threatens their relationship. 

A quote from the novel: "I would always rather be happy than dignified." 


What are some of your favorite classics? I'd love to hear about them! Thank you to all my readers and for helping the new blog grow :] Once the blog gets big enough, I'm hoping to hold some fun contests! 

  

  by  Ð…am 

Children's Reading List

  by  Brandon Christopher Warren 

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."

— Jacqueline Kennedy

Today I finished teaching a creative workshop for children at my local library. I'm so glad I started this workshop as the kids were so enthusiastic about writing! Before I started teaching on Monday, I decided I'd compile a list of books (and authors) that I enjoyed reading when I was between the ages of 10 and 14 (the initial age range for the group). Google helped me remember many of these books. There were seven kids in the group between ages nine and eleven. Of course, some of the books on the list are geared for kids closer to age 14, while others are better for children closer to age 10. Then again, I'm twenty and I'd probably still enjoy any of the books on this list. Because of the age gap I reminded the students to ask their parents before reading any of these books. Some of them are educational, while others are simply fun reads. Here's what I came up with:

• Judy Blume - I remember loving all of her adorable, funny books. 
• Agatha Christie And Then There Were None - This was the first Agatha Christie book I read in seventh grade. I really enjoyed this novel and many sites online suggested that out of all her books, this one was probably best for younger (or at least, middle school aged) children. 
• Sharon Creech Walk Two Moons - This book is probably one of the best books I have ever read (or at least that's what I thought at the time). I'd definitely recommend this novel to adults as well. 
• Lisi Harrison The Clique Series - Probably not a book schools would use for educational purposes, but I started reading these books ninth grade (maybe I was late on the train because online it suggests middle school is an appropriate age for this book too) and went through all of them so quickly. I couldn't wait for the next ones to come out! 
• Carolyn Keene Nancy Drew Series - I found these books in my grandparents basement (they used to be my mom's) and my grandparents suggested reading them. I'm so glad I did! The Nancy Drew books are great and I went through so many of them. 
• C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia - I'm not sure if this one is for much younger kids (because I remember reading this in third grade) and I only read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but the series is pretty classic (and now a movie) so I figured I'd add it to the list.
• Lois Lowry The Giver - I remember reading this in seventh grade and loving it. I'm typically not into sci-fi type books, but this was different. Whenever I ask friends about great books they read when they were younger they always reply, "I loved The Giver." I recently heard talk about a movie. 
• L.M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables series - I adore Anne of Green Gables. I was first introduced to her when my grandparents gave me the movies, which you have to watch if you haven't already. I can't count the number of times I have watched those movies; the films are excellent for both children and adults. Although I usually don't like reading books after already seeing the movies, I remember really liking these books as well. 
• Marissa Moss Emma's Journal: the Story of a Colonial Girl - I used to love journal style books when I was younger — still do. Books like these are neat because you learn something about history while reading about girls who seem just like you. 
• J.K. Rowling Harry Potter series: So I'm super late on this one since everyone has probably already read the books or seen the movies, but I had to add Harry to the list! Need I say more?
• Lemony Snicket A Series of Unfortunate Events - I think I first read this series in ninth grade, but again these books are good for middle schoolers as well. Although I wasn't a big fan of the movie (which I saw after I read the books so maybe that's why), I remember loving these books. They're so quirky and comical and I think young kids appreciate that. 

I'll be teaching creative writing workshops at two other libraries this summer as well. Does anyone have any more suggestions I can add to the list? What books did you enjoy from your childhood or enjoy reading to your children? I'd love to have a big list so keep the suggestions coming :]!  

The blog's still less than a week old and I'd love to hear from new readers so if you enjoy these posts please feel free to subscribe to my blog by clicking the follow link at the end of the page! Stay tuned for the next post in which I'll be discussing wonderful classics. 

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  by  ` TheDreamSky 

Non-fiction Must Reads

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” - Stephen King

Sorry if it's overkill, but I love Stephen King quotes. Although I usually read a lot more fiction than non-fiction, I read some spectacular non-fiction books last summer. I want to share them here as if people don't know about these books yet, they should!

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - Various blogs suggested reading this book if you are/want to become a writer so I had to check it out. It was definitely worth it! Anne Lamott is so funny and her voice really comes through in her work. Not only does she give great advice on writing, but she also provides life lessons. 
• The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - Please read this book! Maybe I'm biased because I've always found books on happiness (even Ben Franklin's autobiography, which Mrs. Rubin mentions in her book) intriguing, but her memoir is certainly worth reading. Some people argue that if you're constantly measuring happiness, you'll never be happy, but reading this account is worth it. Mrs. Rubin studied a lot of different happiness scholars and her finished product shows it! The cover of her book reads The Happiness Project "Or, why I spent a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read, Aristotle, and generally have more fun." She reminds us why we should live life to the fullest by being content with what we have. The premise for her book is that "The days are long, but the years are short." If you're interested in learning more about her book, Mrs. Rubin keeps an awesome blog: http://happiness-project.com/. 
• My Year with Eleanor by Noelle Hancock - I loved this book! This phrase is such a cliche when it comes to book reviews, but I'll say it anyway; her book was so inspirational. Please check this one out. Ms. Hancock is hilarious and (I'm going to sound like a preteen here) she seems like such a cool person. When Ms. Hancock turns twenty-nine she decides to live by Eleanor Roosevelt's quote, "Do something every day that scares you." For 365 days she does just that: swims with sharks, takes fighter pilot, tap dancing, and trapeze lessons, interviews all of her ex-boyfriends, works at a funeral home, does a comedy show, asks her long-term boyfriend about marriage, etc. I find bucket list style books so interesting. This memoir is a great summer read! Here's the link to her blog: http://noellehancock.blogspot.com/. 
• On Writing by Stephen King: Another incredible book if you are/want to be a writer. Not only does Mr. King discuss the craft, but he also provides us with an autobiography in which he discusses his childhood, meeting his wife at college, his struggles with alcohol and drugs, as well as his accident (when he was hit by a car) and how this experience affected his writing. Because Mr King's writing is so vivid there is never a dull moment in this book. 

Happy reading :] Stay tuned for the next post on a general list of excellent books. Since the blog's still just starting off, I'd love to meet my new readers; if you enjoyed this post please feel free to subscribe to my blog! 

  by  John Althouse Cohen 

Freerice.com

  by  Tony Fischer Photography 

"What is needed is a marriage of two impulses, a coupling of the urge to do something positive with the willingness to constantly re-evaluate how effectively our actions lead to our goal - that of ending world hunger..." - Harry Chapin

I want to use this post to share http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1360 with you. My high school teacher first introduced it to us and since then, I still love going on this site. If you haven't heard about it before you're probably wondering what a website involving rice has to do with writing. As Aldous Huxley reminds us "Words play an enormous part in our lives and are therefore deserving of the closest study."As writers, this quote is even more applicable. Freerice.com is special because it serves two purposes: it helps improve vocabulary and helps feed the hungry. 

There are various subjects on Freerice.com: English Vocabulary, English Grammar, Famous Paintings, Literature, Multiplication Table, Basic Math (Pre-Algebra), Chemical Symbols, German, Spanish, French, Italian, World Landmarks, Identify Countries on the Map, World Capitals, Flags of the World, Human Anatomy, and SAT test preparation. The last two sections appear to be new, at least since I've last been on the site. As an English major I'm partial to the first two subjects and typically play those sections or the language sections. I'll use English Vocabulary as an example of what Freerice.com is like. 

 

An example that I just took right off http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1391 is this: 

rhabdomancy means: 

•                divination with a rod, wand, or the like

•                crazy about rhubarb

•                divining with crystal, or the like

•                obsession with red

You would then select the answer you think is correct and if you get it right, you donate ten grains of 

rice to hungry people. There will be a bowl at your right that shows your progress as you answer more 

questions correctly. If you get an account, you can permanently track the amount of rice you're 

donating. As you keep getting questions correct, the level of difficulty increases (I believe it goes up to 

around level sixty). You can also adjust the levels on your own. 

I wanted to share this site because I'm not sure if many people know about it and it's so fulfilling (no

pun intended) to know that you're helping fight world hunger while learning new words!  

Let me know if you've checked out the site and your thoughts on it! If you know any other cool sites

like this one please share them :] 

Next time I'll be discussing some great non-fiction reads so stay tuned! 

If you enjoy reading, please feel free to subscribe as this blog is just a few days old and I'd love to get to know my new readers! 

  by  lemuelinchrist 

This beautiful photo's caption is "Color hunger," so I figured I'd share.