As this was my first time reading this classic, both the feelings of not believing I waited so long a“I like good strong words that mean something…..”
As this was my first time reading this classic, both the feelings of not believing I waited so long and the joy of the initial meeting of these characters were giving me a sense of duality. I was engrossed in this coming of age story from the start and couldn’t help, but adore this family. I listened to the fantastic audiobook version narrated by Laura Dern and a full cast.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
My thoughts felt entwined with the story and the March family. I found myself thinking about these characters and the time period when I wasn’t reading. Books that call to me in this way stand out. Being fully engaged in a novel that takes place during a significant historical period lends weight to the challenges of that time. I found myself researching the clothing, furniture, customs and more.
“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”
Little Women delves into adolescence giving it a unique perspective and forging a connection for generations of readers. There aren’t many books that take place towards the end of the Civil War and afterward that focus on adolescent characters. Each of the four March sisters have distinct personalities and goals. Alcott demonstrated the importance of each sister’s life goals though they held different views. There was a clear message that there is no singular “right” way to become a fulfilled woman.
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying love is all a woman is fit for.”
Alcott’s forward thinking upbringing by her transcendentalist parents is evident throughout. In fact, Little Women was written on a desk built by her father for her in an era when it was frowned upon and considered unladylike for a woman to have her own desk. It was a widely accepted belief that women should not be in the public eye and to encourage a woman to publish a book would move her from the private sphere to the public. Some physicians of the time also believed that “brain work” (writing) was detrimental to a woman’s health. The Alcott family disagreed and supported Louisa’s writing.
“I rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
This was a wonderful example of everyday life shining brighter than elaborate tales when shown through the lens of characters that so many relate to.
“…..for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.”
In the last book the focus shifted from Anne to her children and in this one there is a further departure as the story moves from the Blythe householdIn the last book the focus shifted from Anne to her children and in this one there is a further departure as the story moves from the Blythe household to the Meredith household. The narrative centers around the Meredith children who meet the Blythe children at Rainbow Valley becoming fast friends.
“We miss so much out of life if we do not love. The more we love the richer life is.”
I wish I could write a review gushing about how I adored another volume of Anne and her friends’ adventures, but as always I’m honest and this novel fI wish I could write a review gushing about how I adored another volume of Anne and her friends’ adventures, but as always I’m honest and this novel failed to pique my interest or stir my spirit. It has never taken me this long to make it through one of these books. It wasn’t a mess, there just wasn’t much to grasp onto as a reader. Outside of the family many of the new characters are two dimensional presented more like lessons than people. The best characters have many sides and these do not. Gilbert has a family member that outstays her welcome and she’s rude and uninteresting as a character and no one has the backbone to put her in her place or ask her to leave. She even slaps one of their children and no one likes it, but they accept it in the name of family. I missed the fiery young Anne in those moments.
“….there is no such thing as a common day. EVERY day has something about it no other day has. Haven’t you noticed?”
After reading a novel titled Anne of Ingleside I should be able to fill pages with the details of Anne’s life at Ingleside. Well, I would be a miserable failure if the task were put before me. After finishing this book, all I can say is her life includes gossiping, some light parenting, and attending dinners. Anne has become a supporting character in a book that bares her name; Gilbert a mere afterthought. Susan their housekeeper has a larger role and speaks more than either of them.
“It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.”
This book should have been presented as a collection of short stories because it lacks cohesiveness as a novel. It was difficult to sink into the story because of the abrupt changes in direction. There are adventures featuring Anne and Gilbert’s six children and Anne’s stories open and close the book. Anne’s stories were incredibly cookie cutter. It made me sad to read them. Seeing some of Anne’s personality traits pop up in the children was nice. However, the children are written pretty close to perfect in their thoughts and behavior. It reads flat after a while.
“Well, that was life. Gladness and pain….hope and fear ..and change. Always change! You could not help it. You had to let the old go and take the new into your heart…learn to love it then let it go in turn. Spring, lovely as it was must yield to summer and summer lose itself in autumn.”
There’s a lack of direction and the colorful characters are missing. Perhaps because although this is the sixth book in event chronology it was the last Montgomery penned. She died soon after this was written. However, the prose is as beautiful as ever.
“They would glorify the grey days that were bound to come. What would matter drifted snow and biting wind when love burned clear and bright, with spring beyond? And all the little sweetnesses of life sprinkling the road.”
There are smiles to be had in these pages and the lush descriptions of nature still paint quite the picture, but I couldn’t help missing some of the sparkle of the earlier installments.
“Oh, the old magic had not gone. The world was still full of it.”...more
Beautiful with a more somber tone than the previous novels, Anne’s House of Dreams, stole my heart, broke it, then mended it with the cracks still visBeautiful with a more somber tone than the previous novels, Anne’s House of Dreams, stole my heart, broke it, then mended it with the cracks still visible. It reminded me of the ups and downs we all experience. There was such life in these pages.
The story is one of newlyweds settling into their own space, which turns out to be much more than a house. It is a decades old home bursting with rich history and a promising future. Anne and the supporting characters love this little house of dreams and so it’s easy as the reader to feel its charm.
I adored the new characters. That’s not often the case with a series. However, Montgomery has a way of introducing new characters and making it feel like they belong, as though the story was just waiting for them to pop in.
This is an emotional novel. There’s a concentration of poignancy and despondency blended with happiness and humor. There’s the usual prose about nature, novels, and friendship, but this book delves deeper. There’s a look at what it takes to continue when life deals another harsh blow. Loss, unfair circumstances, and loneliness each situation is heartbreaking and is studied by looking at different characters in their unique turmoil and life stages. I found it to be a contemplative novel.
The thread of wisdom woven throughout felt like a natural progression that forged a connection to the emotional components. Stunning ...more
This is the fourth book in the series if reading according to event chronology, although it was the seventh written.
The novel covers a three year perThis is the fourth book in the series if reading according to event chronology, although it was the seventh written.
The novel covers a three year period of the characters’ lives and quite a bit of it is epistolary. Anne’s personality shone through her words in her letters to Gilbert. Could you imagine receiving letters from someone as whimsical, imaginative, and outgoing as Anne and hearing about her adventures? I’d be thrilled!
Anne has a new job as the principal of Summerside High School in the quaint town of Windy Poplars. She finds unique lodging and friendships in a house known as Windy Willows. Its inhabitants Aunt Kate, Aunt Chatty, and Rebecca Dew were written wonderfully to play off of Anne and each other.
Not everyone in town is thrilled that Anne received the principal position.
One of the highlights for me was that Anne went back to Green Gables for the Christmas ...more
I remember being a child and feeling like Anne and the supporting characters were people I knew and Avonlea was a place so familiar almost as though II remember being a child and feeling like Anne and the supporting characters were people I knew and Avonlea was a place so familiar almost as though I could close my eyes and visit just that quick. I’ve forgotten most of the minor details so the stories read like they are new to me, but the landmarks, places, and the gut feeling of experiencing something incredible gives me a wonderful sense of deja vu.
Big changes are in store for Anne Shirley as she heads toward her future, attending Redmond College. I had a moment of thinking back on how far Anne has come and was so proud for her character. While visiting, she is hit with the realization that life in Avonlea doesn’t stop when she’s away.
The quirks get real when, Anne experiences living with roommates from different walks of life. I loved the scenes in the little cottage they rent. Multiple suitors come to call. The way the author used these scenes was brilliant because she showed Anne’s growth, added humor, and further developed the plot all through introducing a few suitors. The writing of these scenes is smooth and flows nicely with the other plot lines, but Montgomery accomplished a lot without adding tons of chapters.
I soaked this beautiful novel bursting with life in and had to remind myself to savor it, otherwise I believe I would’ve devoured it in a single sitting. I didn’t want to miss any details and the prose is too lovely to rush through.
These novels cause my heart to ache one moment and soar the next with well placed laughter somewhere in the middle.
Treasure Island published in 1883, has aged like the finest bottle of rum.
I try to read a few classics each year, and Treasure Island is one of my soTreasure Island published in 1883, has aged like the finest bottle of rum.
I try to read a few classics each year, and Treasure Island is one of my son’s favorites, I chose it so we could discuss it. Well, I was WOWED! This is one classic that has stood the test of time. I could see how much it has influenced films and other stories throughout pop culture.
Jim Hawkins finds a REAL X marks the spot treasure map. Sure, there’s a mountain of obstacles between him and Treasure Island. Not to mention, the bloodthirsty pirates after the very map in his possession. Now, young Jim has quite a bit of gumption and an equal measure of luck if you ask me, but will that be enough to make to the island and back in one piece?
I breezed through this in a day. The larger than life characters were wonderfully imagined and made me smile. It didn’t matter if they were friend or foe, I thought the characterization was brilliant and I just soaked this novel right up. The settings were lush, gritty, and realistic. I felt like I was right there swatting mosquitoes alongside the travelers, to be this absorbed in a story is a blast! (The gift of no bug bites is a plus.)
Audible’s dramatized version is simply outstanding!
It is an indescribable feeling to begin a book with no expectations and be carried away to another time and place, a wondrous escape.
I love these beautifully written novels. Anne of Avonlea tells the story of Anne from the ages of sixteen through eighteen. She has put off attending I love these beautifully written novels. Anne of Avonlea tells the story of Anne from the ages of sixteen through eighteen. She has put off attending college for the time being to help at Green Gables and takes a job teaching at the local school.
Marilla takes in a set of orphaned twins, Davy and Dora. The twins have complete opposite personalities. I wondered why the author made Dora’s character so overlooked by the other characters. Especially, as the children’s mother had just died. No one seemed to look past her quiet exterior and try to get her to come out of her shell, nor did imaginative Anne consider that quiet Dora might be an imaginative soul on the inside. It just seemed like she was in the background. It bothered me. Rambunctious Davy, on the other hand, gets loads of attention in a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. He showed a lack of understanding that other people had feelings or mattered at times. He was written over the top. The other characters talk about how he’s their favorite twin and that he needs them more. It just sounded misguided to me. It showed me the characters’ flaws for sure and also made me think about the expectations people had for the behavior of boys and girls.
Anne has some growing pains as a teacher. It was interesting to see her struggle through finding a balance between ideals and reality. Haven’t we all been there?
We also see she hasn’t lost her lovely imagination or the ability to see beauty and joy in nature and friendship. I love how she and Diana call all the outdoor landmarks names that sound straight out of a fairy tale just like when they first named them in Anne of Green Gables. It makes me want to name my pond. ...more
This audiobook dramatization is an exquisite rendering of a classic that has delighted readers for generations. Audible did an amazing job on the prodThis audiobook dramatization is an exquisite rendering of a classic that has delighted readers for generations. Audible did an amazing job on the production and brought the world of Avonlea to life with flair. I felt transported to another time and place. From the moment I began to listen, I knew this was special and my expectations were exceeded by a mile.
I’ve often considered this to be one of those stories that is the total package because it appeals to a wide range of ages and depending on where I’ve been in my own life I’ve pulled different items of importance from the narrative. There’s beautiful yet, accessible writing. The story evokes a plethora of emotions from laughter to tears. Anne is a memorable character with her positive attitude, huge heart, vibrant imagination, and vulnerabilities.
I spent hours as a child within Avonlea and what a gift it was to revisit the familiar story in a fresh manner....more
Stephen King’s debut is packed with themes constant readers will recognize as staples throughout his body of work. It would be easy to label Carrie asStephen King’s debut is packed with themes constant readers will recognize as staples throughout his body of work. It would be easy to label Carrie as a horror novel with paranormal elements and call it a day, but the story is much more, and besides where’s the fun in that? The story holds up today, with a little age on it, I found myself glued to it once again. It is a gut wrenching experience to place oneself in this poor creature’s shoes. Carrie gets me right in the feels no matter how old I get.
Carrie is the story of a teen girl raised by a religious zealot mother, who’s tormented at school. Late onset of puberty strengthens her telekinetic abilities. Bullying goes too far and Carrie snaps. Her power is unleashed upon the town.
King’s smart portrayal of women in his novels can be experienced from the beginning starting right here with Carrie. He nailed how horrible teenage girls can be and pulled zero punches. Carrie is a victim and a perpetrator. It is interesting to watch a character wear both hats. Her mother is a monster. The teenagers at school, who bully her, are predominantly female. There’s a few guys thrown into the mix, but it’s clear who’s pulling the strings in this story.
It’s brilliant and disturbing all at once.
A Few Quotes ⬇️
“Nobody was surprised when it happened, not really, not on the subconscious level where savage things grow.”
“In the sudden, brief silence, she heard something within her turn over. Perhaps only her soul.”
“….they came to see what happened to their town, to see if it was indeed lying burnt and bleeding. Many of them also came to die.”...more
A book that stands out is one that ignites thoughts and emotions forging connections between the characters on the page to the world around the readerA book that stands out is one that ignites thoughts and emotions forging connections between the characters on the page to the world around the reader regardless of place or time. Few novels have the potential it takes to become a well worn favorite that flops open on a lap, releasing that intrinsic magic, yielding another gem to ponder. There are simply not enough stars to rate such a book, Sense and Sensibility embodies these qualities and countless more.
Published anonymously in 1811, simply “By A Lady” was listed in the place where the author’s name would have been. No matter, Jane Austen’s debut went on to sell out its first printing. I listened to the audiobook version for the first time and was left speechless! Rosamund Pike’s (Gone Girl) captivating performance brought something special to the world of Jane Austen.
There’s a vein of cautionary tale that running through Austen’s romances. In Sense and Sensibility there’s warnings about impulsive decision making, the dangers of placing value on appearance above substance in matters of the heart, and the wickedness of greed. She also shows the lack of options afforded to women beyond marriage. And how money is the driving force behind which people are considered suitable matches regardless of their personal feelings towards each other in the society she’s brought to life. The subject is in depth and entertaining when shown through the lens of familial pressure, local matchmaking busybodies, and societal gossip. Austen’s incredible grasp of human nature coupled with her breathtaking writing technique adds layers to her characters both the ones we love and the ones we love to hate.
The promise of great romance is what draws most to Austen’s work (for good reason), but I have a confession to make. It’s her wit, that pulls me in. That unapologetic flair for handling undesirables using the most clever, eloquent language I’ve ever read in my entire life while maintaining an air of unshakable class. She is in a word ‘glorious’. Honestly, the snappy dialogue is alone is enough. It’s beautiful and so perfectly executed. The stunning prose, commentary on society, brilliant use of irony, characterization, charm, plot twists are each strong enough to earn a five star rating. Simultaneously, residing in the same book shows at least partially why this is a beloved classic.
Sense and Sensibility is at its heart the story of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Their father has recently died and thanks to their loser brother and his selfish wife their financial situation has become unfavorable. The sisters represent opposite ends of an emotional spectrum when the book begins. Marianne wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s the more emotional sister. If Marianne loves someone it would be with her entire being. I most related to how quickly Marianne sought out libraries during gatherings. Elinor represents a more practical personality. She’s more reserved even when distressed. I adored her quick wit. I related to how quickly she fell into caregiver mode. These teenage sisters experience a myriad of emotions throughout the story. Although the way they each handle both love and heartbreak are as different as their personalities would indicate.
Will the sisters learn the value of a more balanced approach to love?
Greed is the name of the game in the society Austen has placed her heroines in. It rears its head in gossip, marriage, decision making, and even families. I give Austen a tip of the hat for including a male gold digger and a husband easily manipulated by his wife’s selfish whims. This novel is filled with characters who have inherited money, married for money, but few with any desire to prosper independently.
It’s noticeable that Sense and Sensibility lacks strong dashing male characters. Yes, there’s love interests, but frankly, they’re rather bland. Don’t open this expecting a Darcy. The focus of the material is the sisters’ relationship and it’s a stronger novel for it. The reader receives a less distracted view of the society Austen has displayed. The realization that women had so few options grieved me. The discontentment must have been frustrating for those women who longed for more. In my opinion, the romance taking a backseat benefits the novel because the both sisters’ character arcs experience nice individual growth and it opens up the plot making multiple threads and plot twists possible creating a more memorable read.
Elinor and Marianne demonstrate how important it is to strike a balance between living a life of passion and practicality. Too far in either direction can have a negative impact.
Beloved characters simply don’t dissipate like phantoms in a fog. They have staying power. When I imagine the Dashwood sisters, I don’t envision them as hazy outlines from some bygone era. I see them as plain as day, together, making witty remarks over tea.
Edited to add: In the time since I reviewed this my son also read Call of the Wild and found himself engaged in Buck’s story. He dropped a copy into m Edited to add: In the time since I reviewed this my son also read Call of the Wild and found himself engaged in Buck’s story. He dropped a copy into my lap and said, “You said this was good and it is amazing, I can’t put it down, but it makes me feel so many things!” He also said his grandmother picked up his copy and read half of it when he left it on her table, so he brought it back so she could finish it the next day. She couldn’t wait to tell me how much she loved “the Alaska book”. I love how books make the rounds like this.
Call of the Wild deserves its place among the classics of literature. Raw and filled with brutality, if you’re looking for a warm fuzzy tale about dogs look elsewhere.
The story is told from the dog’s perspective and we see his difficult, harsh journey from stolen pet to sled dog during the Alaskan gold rush and beyond. The character development here is off the charts amazing. I was wowed by it. There’s fantastic language and imagery throughout this little book. It pulls zero punches and there’s an underlying truth woven throughout the story that is thought provoking.
For me, a great novel is one that causes a reaction from the reader. I have read this book twice and both times I experienced a multitude of emotions. Everything from sadness at the challenges set before Buck to outrage at the asinine characters he has to endure.
I’m probably in the minority by liking how the story ends, but it seems fitting.
I’m gonna go scratch my dog behind the ears now and try to ease my shredded heart. This book destroys me and I still love it....more
It’s no wonder A Christmas Carol is regarded as a timeless masterpiece. This version brings the beautiful language, atmosphere, and stunning characterIt’s no wonder A Christmas Carol is regarded as a timeless masterpiece. This version brings the beautiful language, atmosphere, and stunning characterization to life with Tim Curry’s phenomenal narration.
I’m glad I made time in the busy Christmas season to listen to the journey Scrooge takes from selfish, penny pincher to joyful, generous soul. Stories like this do the heart good and spark the holiday spirit within.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Story and Narration In fact, the narration is so fabulous I’d give it ten stars if I could. ...more
A short story that showcases Twain’s writing style and humor. I listened to the audiobook and as my children were walking through the house, I could hA short story that showcases Twain’s writing style and humor. I listened to the audiobook and as my children were walking through the house, I could hear their laughter. Before I knew it, they were collected all around me listening and laughing, wanting to see how it would end. If that’s not a story worth 15 minutes of time, I don’t know what is. ...more
Now, this is a strong science fiction and horror tinged short story. Butler says a lot with few pages and it makes for a memorable read. I can see wh Now, this is a strong science fiction and horror tinged short story. Butler says a lot with few pages and it makes for a memorable read. I can see why Bloodchild won many much deserved awards. I’m going to be thinking about this story for weeks to come and isn’t that why we read. ...more
Stunning from cover to cover, Gone With the Wind, earns every ounce of praise it has received over the years. It is a well written masterpiece. As a rStunning from cover to cover, Gone With the Wind, earns every ounce of praise it has received over the years. It is a well written masterpiece. As a reader, who typically reads multiple novels simultaneously, this one demanded every ounce of my attention. Foreshadowing, character development, and the descriptive world building are off the charts excellent. Upon finishing, I found myself sad that this was Mitchell’s only novel. I also wondered how many other amazing classics I might have been missing out on. ...more
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