Yet another review that is mostly random thoughts and vibes than a cohesive analysis.
I start every new year by reading a classic novel, and th[image]
Yet another review that is mostly random thoughts and vibes than a cohesive analysis.
I start every new year by reading a classic novel, and this year decided on The Hobbit. For some reason I have read Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien, and nothing else. So it was time to start from the very beginning.
First off, this book made me even angrier that the Hobbit films were three movies. They easily could have been two considering the last 50 or so pages in this book is the entire third film, but whatever.
Tolkien's writing style takes some getting used to but after a while the story flows. Bilbo on this great adventure with a bunch of (ungrateful) dwarves. It's easy to see why this is a beloved classic and how it set the narrative for the fantasy genre that lasts almost a century later.
I didn't love love this book, but I enjoyed it a lot and it was great to spend some time in Middle Earth....more
After a thirteen year old girl boasts about witnessing a murder at a Halloween party, hours later she is found murdered in the library. An 3.5 stars
After a thirteen year old girl boasts about witnessing a murder at a Halloween party, hours later she is found murdered in the library. An author who was at the party invites her friend Hercule Poirot to investigate.
This book inspired the movie A Haunting in Venice, but let's be honest they are two completely different stories, each good in their own turn. This book held my attention and even though I suspected who the murderer was fairly early on, the breakdown of motive and maneuvering was interesting to follow along. Not much that is spooky about this book, not much about Halloween, but still a solid mystery novel....more
If you’ve been following me on Goodreads, you know I have a tradition of reading a classic novel at the beginning of every new year. I 3 stars
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If you’ve been following me on Goodreads, you know I have a tradition of reading a classic novel at the beginning of every new year. I always want to read more classics, and never do, so this is one of the few ways I can read more. I adore the Disney movie Alice in Wonderland, and have owned the book for years, but never read it.
Well… this book really was like reading a fever dream. Not much of it really made sense to me and everything changed so fluidly, as if you were in a dream. It’s easy to get sucked into the story and Carroll does have a very inventive mind. But I think this is one of those books where the legacy it created is better than the original (please don’t shoot me anyone). I love the pictures included and will always be a fan of Alice in Wonderland, but not sure I will read anything else by Lewis Caroll....more
When I was a kid I started reading this book and never finished it. I’ve seen no less than five film and/or television adaptations of this book[image]
When I was a kid I started reading this book and never finished it. I’ve seen no less than five film and/or television adaptations of this book, the 90’s version one I grew up on and loved. I adore the 2019 version, and June Allyson and Katharine Hepburn playing Jo are just magical.
I begin every new year by reading a classic book, and I decided it was time I finally finish Little Women once and for all. And after reading it, I can see why I quit when I was young. They put all of the good parts of the book in the films, and everything else was dull as tombs. Almost 500 pages and some of it so tedious and uninteresting, it broke my heart!!
I will always have love for this story, will read and watch any spinoffs or adaptations of this story. But this is one of the very rare cases where I think the films are better than the book.
I like to start off every new year by reading a classic novel. Sometimes it’s the only one I’m able to read all year because I am such a moo 4 stars!
I like to start off every new year by reading a classic novel. Sometimes it’s the only one I’m able to read all year because I am such a mood reader. I know I read Burnett’s A Little Princess when I was a child, but I don’t remember if I read The Secret Garden or not. I was obsessed with the 90’s movie growing up, it’s still one of my favorites.
The Secret Garden is about a young girl named Mary living in India with her family. Neglected by her parents her entire life, she is sick, ugly and a spoiled brat. When both of her parents die from cholera, she is sent to England to live under her uncle’s care. There she is also somewhat ignored, but this time the serving staff encourage her to play outside, leading to a rejuvenation in Mary’s health and spirit.
One of the things that really stood out to me in this book was the importance of children playing outside, as well as the mind healing the body. Here we have two neglected children who used to stay indoors all the time, but when they wander outside and learn to play and just be children, it changes them in body and soul.
There is definitely racism of the time included in this book, most prominently how the characters speak about Indians and their culture. I think if a child is going to read this book, it’s a great opportunity to discuss racism with them and at least make sure to have that conversation with them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can see why it holds up as a classic. There’s something very magical about this story and these characters that remain with the reader a very long time. ...more
There are SO MANY pop culture references regarding this book, it almost shocks me how many years 4 stars!
“In the midst of life, we are in death.”
There are SO MANY pop culture references regarding this book, it almost shocks me how many years went by without reading this book. Ten strangers have all been invited to a luxurious, remote island to be guests of a mysterious Mr. Owen. But on their first night it is revealed they are all presumed killers, and one by one they begin to die.
“But no artist, I now realize, can be satisfied with art alone. There is a natural craving for recognition which cannot be gain-said.”
I find I always have a difficult time getting used to Christie’s writing style whenever I begin one of her books. Her characters are a bit one-dimensional to me, but she makes up for it with an amazing mystery to solve. I didn’t know the end of this book, and thankfully no one spoiled it for me like someone did while I was reading Murder on the Orient Express (curse that person forever). So luckily, I found the book very compelling and a quick read.
Just for the sake of pop culture references, you need to read this book. If you want a “cozy” mystery for the upcoming fall/winter season, this is the book for you.
“I don't know. I don't know at all. And that's what's frightening the life out of me. To have no idea....”
I grew up watching the 1963 film The Haunting which is based off of this book. So going in I had a good idea of what was going to happen. Jac 3 stars
I grew up watching the 1963 film The Haunting which is based off of this book. So going in I had a good idea of what was going to happen. Jackson's writing is incredible... but the pacing was all off for me. Maybe because of when this was written in 1959? But very few horror moments a lot more conversation about trivial things than I expected.
I'm glad I read it because I always meant to, but this wasn't anything special to me. I cannot see myself rereading it (but I can see myself rewatching the 1963 film and the Netflix series).
I could see how this would be a lot better visually, so I am excited to see the new film. That and a coworker spoiled the end, so this was not my cup I could see how this would be a lot better visually, so I am excited to see the new film. That and a coworker spoiled the end, so this was not my cup of tea.......more
Jane Eyre is a book I've been meaning to read for years, literally almost a decade and never have. I remember when I was in middle school my 4 stars!
Jane Eyre is a book I've been meaning to read for years, literally almost a decade and never have. I remember when I was in middle school my mother showed me the black and white movie and I loved it, and then I saw the 2011 movie and loved the story then as well.
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My 2016 new year's resolution was to read a variety of genres and to read books I owned in paperback/hardcover that have been sitting on my shelves unread. Jane Eyre was next. In high school and college I read a lot of literature, but in the last 3 years became addicted to YA, NA and Contemporary romance, so the idea of reading a classic was a bit daunting and intimidating. I needn't have worried because after about 30 pages I was completely sucked into this book with its beautiful language and imagery. There's a reason this book is a famous classic that has withstood the test of time, because there isn't anything out there like it.
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Jane Eyre begins at Jane's childhood, recounting her harsh life being raised by distant family members who do not want her. She is sent to a boarding school that is harsh and unsettling. She survives and thrives with information, which leads her to obtaining a job as a governess at Mr. Rochester's estate, educating a young girl who is under his patronage. Here she finds happiness in her job and among the other inhabitants of the house. And soon she develops feelings for Mr. Rochester himself.
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I fell in love with the language of the book, it flowed across the page so beautifully. Jane as a heroine is unique, as she is plain and often overlooked, but she observes much and keeps a keen eye on her surroundings and occurrences. I was surprised to constantly read about how plain she was, and how her love interest Mr. Rochester is ugly. But it was refreshing to read about normal people and not beautiful blessed ones. Made the story more believable and authentic.
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Very angsty romance, and I thought I would love Rochester more than I did. In the book he seemed a tad bit more selfish considering the time period and what he was asking of Jane, whereas in the movies his actions came across as more romantic. Since I have seen the movies I knew what would happen, but the creep factor was still present in the books and I found myself shivering at all the strange happenings around Jane.
If you are considering trying something new (or in the case of this book, old) I highly recommend this book if you are considering delving into the classics. I do not regret reading this book, and I am glad I finally cracked it open.
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