"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
I love how Rowling introduces her readers to more of her magical "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
I love how Rowling introduces her readers to more of her magical universe, building on what she revealed in the first book and setting up some incredible connections to Half-Blood Prince in particular. Like the first book, this one has a strong detective novel feel to it.
Also, Gilderoy Lockhart. Such a delightfully ridiculous character with the perfect name.
Also, my heart is shattered over this brief exchange in the last chapter:
'Least I could do, Dobby,' said Harry, grinning. 'Just promise never to try and save my life again.' The elf's ugly brown face split suddenly into a wide, toothy smile.
(Those who have read the whole series will understand.)
Finally, I've always loved Dumbledore's conversation with Harry about choices as that which distinguishes him from Voldemort despite their many similarities. This theme is just one of many that runs through the whole series. ...more
My best understanding is that this play is thought to be an adaptation of a lost Shakespeare-Fletcher play. So how much of Shakespeare's essence carriMy best understanding is that this play is thought to be an adaptation of a lost Shakespeare-Fletcher play. So how much of Shakespeare's essence carried over I don't know, but I do know I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
The world-building is so good, the set-up so much like a classic detective novel, and the storytelling so steeped in the litera"Harry — yer a wizard."
The world-building is so good, the set-up so much like a classic detective novel, and the storytelling so steeped in the literary tradition, it's really no wonder that this series took off and still mesmerizes readers today. I will always get excited alongside Harry to be introduced to this world of magic and the characters who inhabit it. As someone who's read the series several times, I also love watching for the connections to later books in the series. Rowling is a structural genius.
And can we talk about this moment of dialogue?!
"There's no need to tell me I'm not brave enough to be in Gryffindor, Malfoy's already done that," Neville choked out.
All the feels when you know Neville’s journey.
P.S. Whatever your Hogwarts House, get your hands on one of these Bloomsbury Hogwarts House sets if you can. Such a great addition to my collection....more
Honestly wasn't sure what I'd think of this one since it's not entirely Shakespeare's work, but I enjoyed it, and there was plenty that felt like, "AhHonestly wasn't sure what I'd think of this one since it's not entirely Shakespeare's work, but I enjoyed it, and there was plenty that felt like, "Ah yes, this is the Bard." Retelling of Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale."
It didn't feel like Shakespeare starting out (he didn't write the whole thing), but as the story kept moving along I was getting plenty that anticipatIt didn't feel like Shakespeare starting out (he didn't write the whole thing), but as the story kept moving along I was getting plenty that anticipates his masterful romances (The Winter's Tale especially). Fairy tale elements abound.
Complicated. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes this play hard to talk about in a Goodreads review. I commend Shakespeare for knowing once againComplicated. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes this play hard to talk about in a Goodreads review. I commend Shakespeare for knowing once again how to hold everything in tension. Coriolanus has genuine nobility and even by my observation acts as a Christ figure in certain ways. But he is simultaneously problematic, the dragon who must be slain.
Been plodding my way through the Miss Marple series for three years (not because it's boring but because I get distracted) and finally completed it wiBeen plodding my way through the Miss Marple series for three years (not because it's boring but because I get distracted) and finally completed it with the short stories! These are great to dip in and out of. As I recall, the preface includes Dame Christie saying she thought Miss Marple was a better fit for short stories than novels, so if you agree, you're also getting Miss Marple in her element. ...more
A strong ending to the Miss Marple series. Greats twists and turns and red herrings and suspense. I did entertain the actual culprit as a definite posA strong ending to the Miss Marple series. Greats twists and turns and red herrings and suspense. I did entertain the actual culprit as a definite possibility, but I couldn't put the puzzle pieces together well enough to commit to it. Probably because like Gwenda and Giles, I was too quick to believe what people said. And shame on me for not looking into one of the literary allusions! It really was the clue to end all clues. ...more
Used for Advent 2023. Focused on Jesus' roles of prophet, priest, king, and Messiah. Used for Advent 2023. Focused on Jesus' roles of prophet, priest, king, and Messiah. ...more
While I was reading what both Goddard and the Riverside Shakespeare have to say about The Comedy of Errors, I saw Plautus' Roman comedy mentioned as SWhile I was reading what both Goddard and the Riverside Shakespeare have to say about The Comedy of Errors, I saw Plautus' Roman comedy mentioned as Shakespeare's source material and couldn't pass up the opportunity to read it myself.
The particular edition I am reviewing is the one I read online here. I don't know enough Latin to take advantage of the side-by-side Latin and English or comment on whether Warner made a good translation, but I can say his version was a quick, entertaining read. I'm excited to see how the Bard took the story and made it his own.
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – "Rabbit trail" book)
Topical studies can be hit or miss with me. This one was more of a miss. Some passages definitely seemed like they were being forced into the interpreTopical studies can be hit or miss with me. This one was more of a miss. Some passages definitely seemed like they were being forced into the interpretative mold of dealing with anxiety rather than being explored for what they are actually about. Also skipped a lot of the study questions. Flimsy. ...more
'There are moments, Jeeves, when one asks oneself "Do trousers matter?"' 'The mood will pass, sir.'
Hilarious and fun beyond belief. I need to not let s'There are moments, Jeeves, when one asks oneself "Do trousers matter?"' 'The mood will pass, sir.'
Hilarious and fun beyond belief. I need to not let so much time pass before I read another Wodehouse. I love how he plays with the medieval romance in this one, and the subtlety with which he wields a literary allusion is unmatched....more
An easy, light read with a solid fairy tale and identity quest structure. Explores the different ways in which we play roles in life, for good or ill.An easy, light read with a solid fairy tale and identity quest structure. Explores the different ways in which we play roles in life, for good or ill. Touches on a legitimate play pirating issue in Shakespeare’s day. I most enjoyed the story’s wordplay and use of period-era language.
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Historical fiction/nonfiction)...more
Still a page-turner with exciting reveals, and I like that Christie breaks away from the murder mystery format so prominent in the previous books (thoStill a page-turner with exciting reveals, and I like that Christie breaks away from the murder mystery format so prominent in the previous books (though this book does still have a significant murder), but the execution of the story left something to be desired. All the threads are tied together, but not with the same precision I have encountered in other Christie novels. And while I am willing to suspend a lot of disbelief when reading, this novel got too unbelievable and over-the-top for my taste, especially in relation to the main crime and its mastermind. I think the novel’s greatest failure, however, is that there’s technically an open ending regarding the murder. Although the closing dialogue indicates that every effort will be made to ensure the murderer doesn't get away with it, we don't get any satisfying confirmation of whether those efforts succeeded. This denies the reader the sense that order has been restored and justice served—both critical elements to a good detective novel. I turned my page expecting and craving an epilogue and was disappointed to find none....more
I have read countless books that helped me get to know C.S. Lewis the Christian. Recently I have turned to books that helped me get to know C.S. LewisI have read countless books that helped me get to know C.S. Lewis the Christian. Recently I have turned to books that helped me get to know C.S. Lewis the literary scholar. But this one helped me get to know C.S. Lewis the man. With these letters, I feel it far more appropriate to talk about my encounter with Jack, not Lewis. His Christianity is still very much at the forefront throughout, but I saw it from a different angle than when I read the theological/apologetic books. Here, it comes flowing from a kind, generous, patient man trying to encourage someone else. Really, I was rebuked at how gracious Jack’s letters were time and again to this woman whose feathers always seemed to be ruffled about one thing or another.
The other reason why I said this book helped me get to know the man is that the letters offer a glimpse into Jack's daily life and interests. At various points he talks about his family, the weather, his health, his worries, current events, and even cats. (Seriously, don’t miss what he has to say about cats—it is delightful!) Truly, this book is everything that I love about reading letters.
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Book of letters, diaries, or journals)...more
“Our peace we’ll ratify; seal it with feasts. Set on there! Never was a war did cease (Ere bloody hands were wash’d) with such a peace.”
Five stars just “Our peace we’ll ratify; seal it with feasts. Set on there! Never was a war did cease (Ere bloody hands were wash’d) with such a peace.”
Five stars just for Imogen. What a fantastic Shakespearean leading lady. But there's SO MUCH packed into this play it would be five stars no matter what. Other standouts to me are the language (Shakespeare really had hit his stride at this point in his career), fairy tale patterns and motifs, and the echoes of earlier Shakespeare plays (with a twist, of course!), my favorite being the nods to Othello. This play’s Iago pulls off his own deception to call the wife’s chastity into question, but this time death is but a sleep, giving way to a resurrection. The couple is restored to one another, and the villain repents and is forgiven. "Pardon's the word to all."
(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Work by Shakespeare you have never read before)
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