as a companion to To Kill a Mockingbird for the 50th Anniversary. Harper Lee doesn't give interviews anymore so this biography was done entirely from interviews Charles J. Shields did with people who knew Harper Lee and from information he could find from the time period involving her. It was also, basically, done without Harper Lee's permission although the fact that the book is out shows me that she doesn't have a huge problem with it. The biography is made up of ten chapters that begin with Harper Lee's childhood to the point where she quit giving interviews and some more present day stories of her. When I first started the biography I was surprised by how novel-like Shields managed to make it. He did a great job setting up the scene of Harper Lee as a child living in a small town called Monroeville, Alabama. While most of the images were probably created by Shields himself I think there was still some truth in them.
What really amazed me about this book was how much of To Kill a Mockingbird is based on Harper Lee's own life. Her father was a lawyer and the character of Atticus is loosely based on him. Scout is really based on Harper Lee herself, who was a tomboy and had a quick mouth as a child. Dill is based on Harper Lee's childhood friend Truman Capote who was also handed around to relatives like a bowl of mashed potatoes and was a bit eccentric as a child. What I gathered from the book is that the case in the book is based off a couple of cases and experiences Harper Lee had as a child. It was really interesting for me to finish To Kill a Mockingbird and then move on to this book because I saw where so many of the ideas came from. Shields also pulls out quotes from the book and since I'd just finished it I could remember exactly where the quotations came from which gave them a little more context in the biography.
Harper Lee attended University of Alabama where she was a writer and editor on a school publication called the Rammer Jammer. While this section was interesting because I got to see some early writing of Harper Lee's I think it dragged on a bit too long. There is also a section about Harper Lee's involvement in the research of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, which at first is fascinating but turns into a big yawn rather quickly. It's 45 pages! The book is only 280-some pages! I felt like I was reading about Truman Capote and not about Harper Lee for 1/5 of the book. I think that chapter was necessary but really needed to be weeded down. The portrait I came away with was not very different from the portrait I had going into the book, but it was nice to read the story of how To Kill a Mockingbird came to be. There is one point in the biography where Shields makes the suggestion that Harper Lee might be a bit of a one-trick pony. She was asked to submit a short story to a magazine and wrote what sounded like a short story version of To Kill a Mockingbird. He uses this as a possible suggestion for why she has never published a book since To Kill a Mockingbird. I thought this was an interesting idea although I think a lot of authors write similar stories in multiple books.
I give this biography a C.
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on an alternating daily fashion for at least one year of my life. I woke up and watched as much of that day's movie before I went to school, then came home and finished it after school, and did the same thing the next day, and the next day, and the next for one year. 365 days. Which means I've seen each movie a minimum of 183 times. I'm honestly not kidding about this. I was around eight when the obsession consumed me. I just loved those movies, and I adored Steve Martin. Mostly because he reminded me of my dad. I'm not a huge fan of stand-up comedy, but I was interested in Steve Martin's autobiography Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
simply because he had such a huge impact on my childhood, and in turn my life. I read his novella Shopgirl a year ago, so I knew that Steve Martin was a fantastic writer. Within the first ten pages of this book I knew I was in for something great.
Actually on the first page he shines, "My most persistent memory of standup is of my mouth being in the present and my mind being in the future; the mouth speaking the line, the body delivering the gesture, while the mind looks back, observing, analyzing, judging, worrying, and then deciding when and what to say next"(1). I've never been a stand-up comic, but that description instills the fear and heightened awareness he must have experienced every single night. He ends the chapter in a similarly fantastic fashion, describing why this book is a biography and not an autobiography: "In a sense, this book is not an autobiography but a biography, because I am writing about someone I used to know. Yes, these events are true, yet sometimes they seemed to have happened to someone else, and I often felt like a curious onlooker or someone trying to remember a dram. I ignored my stand-up career for twenty-five years, but now, having finished this memoir, I view this time with surprising warmth. One can have, it turns out, an affection for the war years" (3).
The rest of the biography relays the events of Steve Martin's life, and it must be said that the first half of his life covered is rather boring. This isn't really a great biography to read if you want to hear a really interesting, fabulous story about a celebrity. Martin worked at Disneyland, he didn't get along with his father, he liked doing magic tricks. He's different, but not astounding. All of that said, I felt like I knew Martin pretty well by the end of this biography simply through his writing. He can be repetitive, and there were times I wondered why he included the information he did-- but overall I loved this book.
I give this biography an A.
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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a book I never wanted to admit I'd never read. I felt like it was something everyone read when they were much younger than me, thirteen or fourteen I figured. It's been on my TBR for a long time even though I've never owned a copy. Even though I'd never read the book, Anne Frank Huis was one of my must sees while in Amsterdam. Just because I didn't read the book didn't mean I didn't know the story. Unlike my experience with Dachau and The Book Thief, I was immediately overcome with emotion upon entering Anne Frank Huis. It's a totally different experience, and for me, a much more powerful one.
Anne Frank Huis does not have any furniture, but the walls are done like they were when the Franks hid there. In the center of the rooms are glass cases with artifacts from their time. What really got to me though, were the pictures of Anne Frank at the very beginning of the museum. She looks so happy.
Throughout the house there are quotes from her diary printed on the walls. It was as if she was telling her story to you, which I guess she was. The experience was also powerful for me because I had so many things in common with her. A love of reading and writing, nature, bicycles, and as a teenager I fought with my mother constantly and was extremely close with my father. When reading her diary I found it difficult to read the parts about her mother because I knew she would never get to experience the close relationship with her mother that I've had with mine.
I can't really review her diary, that seems unfair. It is slow in spots but overall a worthwhile read.
"The best remedy for those who are frightened, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be alone, alone with the sky, nature and God. For then and only then can you feel that everything is as it should be and that God wants people to be happy amid nature's beauty and simplicity.
As long as this exists, and that should be for ever, I know that there will be solace for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances. I firmly believe that nature can bring comfort to all who suffer."
I purchased my copy of the diary at Anne Frank Huis and also purchased The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography
as a companion. It is an absolutely wonderful companion because it tells the before and after of the story and gives insight into what other characters' experiences were like.
The artwork is more traditional than I thought it would be, but there are some seriously disturbing images of Anne and her sister after they were found and sent to a concentration camp. I think I got a little more emotional looking at those images than I did reading her diary. The experiences are extremely different. While reading the diary I thought about how normal Anne's thoughts were for a girl her age: boy, friends, ambitions. That was what made it difficult, she represents the every girl, which makes you realize something like this could have happened to you. Reading the graphic biography gave me a lot more insight and history into her family, the experience of being in hiding, and what happened to the family after.
If you've never read The Diary of a Young Girl, I would highly recommend it and I would recommend reading the graphic biography after. It seemed to be a more fulfilling experience. If you've read the diary, you might want to try the graphic biography-- it might answer some of your unanswered questions.
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Name: Victoria Volkova Age: 23 | Height: 5’9″ | Thornhill, ON Victoria is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in Political Science. In addition, she is a professional model and is currently writing a motivational book. Her ultimate goal is to become a published writer, motivational speaker, and promoter of child welfare. She believes that the only mistake in life is letting yourself be trapped by your fears and not taking chances. Victoria hopes to inspire people to realize and achieve their greatest potential and to never be fearful of pursuing their dreams even when they may seem unattainable. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) Victoria speaks fluent English and Russian.
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Sonia Judge Age: 25 | Height: 5’10″ | Mississauga, ON Sonia is a proud born Canadian raised in Mississauga. As a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, she received an Honors Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science. She later went on to receive a Bachelors of Education along with a Master’s of Science in Education. Sonia’s passion for education and making a difference in the lives of Children is something she strives for. Sonia has volunteered for charities such as the Canadian Women’s Breast Cancer and Free the Children. Her hopes for the future include furthering her schooling and one day attaining a PhD in Education, and to go be a volunteer as an educator in a third world country. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English, Punjabi, and I can understand Hindi
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com
source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Awhile ago I announced that I planned on reading all of my humongous Montaigne essay collection in 2011. The year tends to start more in February for me than January, because January is my birthday month so I'm never on a "normal" schedule. I'm planning on updating the Montaigne reading list later today so you can follow along with what I'm reading if you so choose. I'll post my thoughts about the essays I read every Monday along with some questions about them. EDIT: The new schedule is now available online.
I bought a few books recently that I'm really excited about. The first is Reading Jackie: Her Autobiography in Books
, which is about Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her career as a book editor. I heard about this book in December on Books On the Nightstand and wanted it immediately because I love biographies and I think biography in books sounds like the best kind of biography. I also got House of Leaves
due to a superb recommendation from my friend Marleen. The book looks super bizarre but I can't wait to read it, which is unfortunate because I don't think I'll get to it until Spring Break. I bought Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
on a whim while perusing the newly arranged Young Adult section at the Barnes and Noble in my mall. It's a story collection including stories and art from M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, David Levithan, Bryan Lee O'Malley, Scott Westerfeld, and several others.
Today I'm catching up on some reading and doing a little homework. Jason and I are also recording a new podcast for Green Reads. I'm talking about a book I'm super enthusiastic about, Farmer Jane: Women Changing The Way We Eat
and Jason is talking about The 1,000-Year Flood: Destruction, Loss, Rescue, and Redemption along the Mississippi River
. Keep your eyes peeled for that so you can hear about these great books!
Is anyone else going to Book Expo America this year? I'm going and I'm still looking for a roommate if anyone is interested-- let me know!
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Name: Sierra Wagner Age: 22 | Height: 5’7″ | Saskatoon, SK Sierra Wagner was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is the youngest of five sisters. Although she is the youngest that does not stop her one bit from achieving her goals. She has a very strong compassionate side and will do anything to help those in need. This charismatic, adventurous woman can do anything she puts her mind, heart and soul to. Sierra graduated from the Mckay Institute of Massage Therapy in 2010. After College she followed along with her passion and starting treating clients out of her home. She loves to keep busy along with her career; she also works at two other jobs where there is never a dull moment. With a very steady schedule Sierra will always take the time to put a smile on someone’s face. Sierra is also working on her personal training certificate to further her experience in the health field. Sierra is extremely devoted to the healing and happiness of others through Massage Therapy. She aspires to become Miss Universe Canada to show teenagers the road to a healthy lifestyle inside and out. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Stefania Balasoiu Age: 19 | Height: 5’9″ | Laval, QC Stefania was born in Antwerpen , Belgium and is of Romanian background. She moved to Canada at two years old with her young parents that ran from the communist system and wanted to give their child a better future. She was raised in Montreal and was a very active child. She played Volley-ball and basket-ball in her school teams and she also practiced swimming and athlestism at competition levels. Then, at 16 years old, she was crowned Miss Diaspora Canada 2008 and went in Romania for the international finally as the reprensentative of our country. She currently speaks,writes and reads five languages and has the capacity to understand and speak seven.She will be starting university in september this year at Concordia’s School of Business in their Administration program. She also is a model and plans on taking a year off from university to pursue her dreams and accomplish her carreer in the fashion industry. During that year, she wishes to model internationaly and travel all around the world.Stefania has participated to many volunteer activities such as fundraising fashion shows, political campaigns, etc. She is very involved in the Montreal and Romanian communities and Stefania is a very generous person when it comes to giving her time to others. Finally,Stefania lives her life at it’s fullest potential and wishes to make this opportunity one that will bring out in her all the best she has to give to the world. She is not afraid of losing because she believes that from every experience, you learn something new and you come out to be a winner in your own unique way. She always says : “Life is all about taking chances and doing everything you do at your best!”. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) French, Romanian, Spanish, English, Italian.
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Valerie Remillard Age: 23 | Height: 5’9″ | St-Félix-de-Valois, QC Valerie was born in a small village in Quebec. It is a determined girl who does everything to achieve his dreams. Soon graduate nursing Valerie aspires to improve the university level. She has a talent she has been practicing for several years: the song. She also earned a degree in Performing Arts during which she could show her talent during a tour. Valerie is a model. Valerie made in recent years volunteering to help to organizations working for children and a senior center where she made the zoo-therapy. His philosophy in life is to be yourself, that every dream if we really believe we will achieve. We are the master of our lives. Miss Universe Canada is an achievement for her. It’s a chance to project ideas of a strong woman and determined to exceed the limits. Become Miss Universe Canada for her would be an honor!!! Sponsored by: BOSTON PIZZA de Joliette, La Famille Rémillard, Coiffure Karine Laroche, Centre de Santé Magali Beaulieu Inc., Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) I speak French it’s my native language . I understand and speak English well
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Valery Karen Michaud Age: 24 | Height: 5’7″ | Montreal, QC Valery Karen is currently completing a commerce degree at Montreal University, this business savvy individual is actively implementing her entrepreneurial visions through the creation of her own lingerie brand, “Glo”. Her greatest ambition is to travel the world and achieve all of her dreams. Valery also enjoys volunteering for “The Missing Children” foundation as well as “The Ride to Conquer Cancer” which is an epic and challenging two day journey. However, what she rejoices in most are times spent with family and true friends, aerial trapeze, Opera performances and great healthy food. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English, French, Biblical Hebrew.
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Sheri Cuillerier Age: 20 | Height: 5’5″ | Cornwall, ON Born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Sheri Cuillerier would describe herself as an optimistic and very outgoing woman who works hard in everything she does. She promotes a happy and healthy lifestyle by staying active. She is a proud sponsor of a young girl living in El Salvador, and is looking forward to one day having the opportunity to go visit with her and her family. She has been a Jazz dancer for twelve years and has been an instructor for two of them. She believes that in order to live a healthy lifestyle you must be able to love yourself. Her philosophy on life is to “Never live life with regrets.” In life there are curveballs, and the way they are perceived will stay with someone forever. Whether a goal is accomplished or failed, knowing that a hundred and ten percent was giving, and the feeling of self-achievement is greater than any feeling possible; you will love yourself and everything around you. Sheri has graduated from St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, Ontario, with a Social Service Worker Diploma. She has worked in group homes for developmentally disabled, seniors, and psychiatric clients.All of these opportunities have built her to become the kind and loving person she is today. She is currently working full time as a waitress at a local restaurant to save money to further her education and attend University. When she is not working she loves to spend her time with family and friends doing simple things like supper or movie nights. She also really enjoys, reading a great book, talking walks, fashion, beauty, writing, learning new things, and always embracing a new day. Sheri feels fortunate to be given the opportunity to represent her community within Canada, and then the potential to represent Canada to the world. Being a part of ‘Miss Universe Canada’ to her is more than anything that has ever been offered to her. She hopes to be able to show all the young women just like herself that anything is possible, and self-confidence will get them there. She has met many people in her life that have made an impact on her. All she hopes to do is inspire future generations to strive for the most gratifying outcomes in life. Sponsored by: Service Master, Phatty Kat’s, Lee Ladouceur Photography, Bridal Dreams, The Cotswold Studio, Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Name: Rana Khaled Age: 27 | Height: 5’7″ | Montreal, QC Rana Khaled is a loving, down to earth individual of Syrian origin. Not only is she fearless and motivated, Rana is full of life and unstoppable when it comes to achieving her dreams. Giving back to her community is important to her, which is why she has volunteered at many events and organized fundraising activities. Being determined has helped her start, at her own cost, a web-based TV show supporting young entrepreneurs while bringing the Montreal community closer together. She respects each person’s dreams and encourages them to work hard to make them come true. Working out, maintaining a healthy life style, and filling up her time with activities is very important for Rana. Currently, Rana works as a project manager for 3men@work Integrated Networks. Sponsored by: http://www.3menatwork.com., Uniglobe Lexus travel – Uniglobe Voyages Lexus, Monkey Skull Arts Tattoo Studio, Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) Arabic and English
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
I am currently about fifty pages from the end of To Kill a Mockingbird. Yesterday I mentioned that I was planning on watching the movie for the actual fiftieth anniversary, but since I wasn't finished with the book I decided to wait. Today is a rainy day and I have nothing to do, so I think it's the perfect time to actually finish up this book. I've been reading Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles J. Shields at the same time. I'm not very far into this biography about the extremely private Harper Lee, but I feel like the book is full of information that makes the book even more interesting.
I recently learned that Harper Lee was childhood friends with Truman Capote, but I had no idea that he was that base for the character Dill. I also didn't know that Harper Lee's father was a lawyer and in some ways he is like Atticus in the book. Some of the similarities between her life and the book you could guess, but it's interesting to read an account of them and see how things might have come together. Shields put together this book without interviewing Harper Lee, which made it extremely challenging and I'm amazed by how well he did. He used old interviews and accounts from people who knew or know Harper Lee to create the story. It's a great biography and reads like a novel.
I'm also following the To Kill A Mockingbird Anniversary Facebook Fan Page and found this article by Tom Brokaw about his first experience with To Kill a Mockingbird. It's really interesting to read an account by someone who was there for the release of the book and it made me think about things I hadn't really considered before. Check out this article if you're interested! There are several other posts on the Facebook fan page that are also great for different ideas about the book. Also, be sure to check out Capricious Reader's post about To Kill a Mockingbird as well.
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Name: Tina Grant Age: 19 | Height: 5’10″ | Calgary, AB Tina Grant is a very vibrant, energetic and positive individual. She comes from a mixed background of Guyanese, Spanish and Ukrainian. This born and raised Calgarian lives a very active life style as health and being well balanced are very important to her. This artist can be found sewing and designing as fashion designing is her passion. This passion began at the early age of 12 and has continued since. She loves all forms of art and is always creating something. Tina is currently enrolled in fashion design courses in Calgary and is a hopeful prospective student at Ryerson University. She is also into the performing arts. She has appeared in a Tide Acti-Lift commercial, as well as several charity fashions shows. In her spare time you will find Tina skateboarding, snowboarding, being active outdoors, and always cracking jokes. In 2008, Tina competed in an all females skateboard competition called “See Jane and Skate”. She placed second in her category. Tina is very much the adventurous type and is always willing to try something that she is absolutely scared of. Last summer she went skydiving and is now hooked and would love to someday be a skydiving instructor. She believes that pushing your limits allows you to find out what you’re capable of. Tina’s philosophy in life is ”it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you came from. The ability to triumph begins with you, always.” Sponsored by: Just One By Justin Seth, Afrikana Beauty Supplies and Salon, Kris Labelle Presents, Jungle Strength Inc., White Cedar Photography, Kane Keller, Elisa Choi (nutritionist), Jake Purves, The Stem Support, Family and Friends. Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
I finally picked up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
because it was the September selection for the Drunk Literature Book Club. I apparently had more luck than Rebecca though because I actually finished it. I must agree with her, crime fiction is not really my cup of tea, but I was strangely in the mood to give some a try. Maybe it's because a lot of my friends and some of my favorite podcasts have been talking so excitedly about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that I felt like I was missing out on something. The story is about a journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, who is offered a large sum of money by the wealthy Henrik Vanger to find out what happened to Vanger's favorite niece many years before. Blomkvist takes the challenge, mostly because he thinks it will give him so power in the middle of the libel case he is a part of. Blomkvist gets some help from investigator Lisbeth Salander along the way. Lisbeth is young, incredibly intelligent, and deeply misunderstood.
One of my favorite aspects of this book that I don't think gets discussed very much is the portrayal of violence against women. There are moments in the book where Lisbeth is raped or put in the position of sexual submission, and other moments later in the book where you find out several other stories about women who were treated violently. And these things are by no means only present in the book. Things like this happen all the time in the real world, and just like no one does anything about them in the book, most people don't do much about it in the real world either. I think Stieg Larsson did a great job of portraying the after effects of sexual violence against women in this novel.
While I really enjoyed that aspect of the book I found the first half painful to get through. I was expecting a page turner, something I really needed at the beginning of the semester, and what I got was much denser than I expected. I also didn't like the repetition, sometimes you would learn something and then ten pages later you would have to learn it again. He probably did this so the reader didn't have to think about it and could just keep reading without having to search in their brains for what the plot, but I always find this device rather insulting. The second half of the book was quite thrilling, but I thought the ending was a little dull. So overall I wasn't as excited as I thought I would be, which is why...
I'm giving this book a C.
For October the Drunk Literature Book Club selection is biographies. Any biography you want-- you should join in if you can!
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This week's list at The Broke and Bookish is most dislikable characters. Let's start the hate fest!
1. Penelope from The Luxe Series. Oh boy, I loathe her. This is more like what character to you love to hate. She's so conniving and creatively wretched you kind of have to give her props. She's also a spoiled brat though, and she thinks what is best for herself is what is best for everyone, and that makes her awful. 2. Armadale from Armadale (the one they actually call Armadale throughout the book). The professor I had for this book would argue with me about this, but I just can't stand Armadale. He's so immature, indecisive, and oblivious to the world around him. I found his character really difficult to sympathize with, which is probably why I supported most of the villains in the book. 3. Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment. I read this book and high school and found it really difficult to get through because I didn't like Raskolnikov. I don't think you're really supposed to like him but maybe you're supposed to sympathize with him. One of my friends said to me, "Well how would you react if you murdered someone?" I didn't really have an answer, it was hard to place myself in his shoes. 4. Howard Roark from The Fountainhead. This is another book I read in high school and didn't really care for. Howard Roark just had no personality in my opinion. He is so focused on his vision that he misses out on the world. I could see the genius in a person like that but I don't think it's someone I want to spend 500 pages getting to know. 5. Luke from The Lightning Thief series. Luke! I'm only through the second book but I was (spoiler alert!) so disappointed at the end of the first book when Luke turns so bad. I thought he was such a nice guy. I don't think Riordan plays up his badness enough though, I wish he made him much worse than he is now. 6. Robert Audley from Lady Audley's Secret. Robert is just an annoying little pansy playing detective. I think Lady Audley could have wooped his ass. "Oh I miss my friend," "Oh I think I'm in love with my uncle's wife," blah, blah, blah. Go read your French novels and sulk on your own time. 7. Orlando from Orlando. Maybe the reason I didn't really like Orlando the book is because I didn't really care for Orlando the character. Male or Female, Orlando is incredibly self centered and a bit unaware of him/herself. 8. Truman Capote in Mockingbird (Harper Lee Biography). Okay, I'm not saying I hate Truman Capote, but in Mockingbird the picture painted of him is not so nice. Harper Lee helped him a lot with In Cold Blood and he basically took his manuscript and ran, leaving her a measly dedication at the beginning of the book. Can you say ugh?! 9. Paul Gauguin in Sunflowers. Another real person, but for 8 and 9 I'm not trying to be mean about the real people, I'm just calling it like I see it from the book. Gauguin was pretty mean to Van Gogh in Sunflowers and I'm not sure how much of it is known or based on fact, but yowza. Gauguin seemed like quite a pig to me, trying to steal other guy's ladies and all. 10. Miss Minchin from A Little Princess. Miss Minchin is so mean! She is the ultimate boarding school tyrant and all she cares about his money. You kind of have to hate her.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group USA, I have one copy of The American Journey of Barack Obama available to give away!
Description: For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama. The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly. In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama. All readers will feel that they are bearing witness to a singular, undeniably American story.
Contest ends November 15. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US and Canadian residents only.
This week's Booking Through Thursday is all of these questions!
1. Favorite childhood book? Lily's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes was my favorite picture book. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery was my favorite chapter bok.
2. What are you reading right now? In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Best American Essays 2008, and The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.
3. What books do you have on request at the library? Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion.
4. Bad book habit? Putting them down on the table with the spine up.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? The Catcher in the Rye, About a Mountain by John D'Agata, Sleeping Naked is Green by Vanessa Farguharson, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
6. Do you have an e-reader? Yes, I have a nook.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? Several, although lately I've been focusing more on one at a time.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? Oh yeah, I read a lot more and I'm more conscious about what I think while I'm reading.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?) The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year? Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? Not very often.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? Genres I know I can count on like literary nonfiction, graphic novels, young adult series, and classics.
13. Can you read on the bus? Yeah I do it all the time.
14. Favorite place to read? Outside as long as I don't have the sun to my back.
15. What is your policy on book lending? I'll lend to anyone I'm friends with.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books? I used to but now I use bookmarks and sticky notes.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Often.
18. Not even with text books? Still do it here.
19. What is your favorite language to read in? English though I can read some French.
20. What makes you love a book? Strong female characters, strong characters of any kind, detailed description but not flowery language.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I come away from a book thinking it either changed the way I look at something or helped me learn a lot about a subject or life.
22. Favorite genre? Literary nonfiction.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) Current literary fiction.
24. Favorite biography? Wild Child: Life with Jim Morrison by Linda Ashcroft.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? I've read fitness walking books and study books.
26. Favorite cookbook? Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
28. Favorite reading snack? Popcorn or oranges.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. I think I expected too much from it.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? Depends on the critic. I usually agree with book reviews from the Believer. Bookmarks is more touch and go.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I feel that I always give reasons for why I don't like a book so I don't mind giving negative reviews. I try to find something good even in books I dont like.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Dutch.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? Middlemarch by George Eliot.
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
35. Favorite Poet? Emily Dickinson.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? I didn't have a library card until last week (I know, I know!) but including the university library I would say about 3 or 4.
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread? Frequently when I was younger, which is why I didn't get a library card again until last week.
38. Favorite fictional character? I have way too many! One I always remember fondly is Marcus in About a Boy by Nick Hornby.
39. Favorite fictional villain? Lydia Gwilt from Armadale by Wilkie Collins.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? Some literary nonfiction and historical fiction.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading. Three or four months probably.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish. Most recently I have been very challenged by Surviving Paradise. Not sure if I'll finish it or not.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? Noise, other conversations, my own nagging thoughts.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel? Jane Eyre! The PBS version.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation? I wasn't too fond of The Lightning Thief.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? Oh boy, no clue. Definitely upwards $150 dollars.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Not that often, surprisingly.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through? Boring plot.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? I like to keep them on shelves, but in no particular order.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I prefer to keep them.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? Gone With the Wind, even though I said I'd read it by the end of the summer.
52. Name a book that made you angry. I can name an essay that made me angry. Ticket to the Fair by David Foster Wallace.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did? I wasn't sure if I'd like Candy Girl by Diablo Cody and really enjoyed it.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t? Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere by Jan Morris.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? The Luxe series.
Marika Vecera is a young war reporter driven by the danger experienced during her assignments. During a trip to the Congo, she is held captive by rebel soldiers and barely escapes with her life. She returns to the States, battered and beaten, mentally worn. Upon her return, she discovers that her idol/mentor Robert Lewis, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, has committed suicide. She devotes her life for the next several months to writing his biography. During her research, she discovers evidence that indicates Lewis is still alive, living in a remote village in Papua New Guinea. Drawn to the possibility that Lewis is still alive, Marika embarks on a journey not knowing what she will find. Her guide is Tobo, a medicine man, provides her with guidance along the way. During this journey, Marika learns a lot about humankind, and more importantly, herself. The White Mary is an incredibly powerful and empowering tale about one woman’s dedication to her career. While the scenes detailing the atrocities that are occurring clear across the world are difficult to read at times, the end result gives you an appreciation for all that we have as inhabitants of the “civilized” world.
So far this month has felt like a fairly slow reading month. I'm reading about five books right now and I'm almost finished with a couple of them, but I don't feel like I'm getting anything done. Part of the problem is that I'm reading a little bit of Gone With the Wind every day, rather than reading big chunks of it at a time. I like reading it this way better because I'm making my way through it but I'm still free to read several other books. At the same time, sometimes I get frustrated that I'm reading the same thing every day.
Part of the reason I haven't gotten very much reading done is that I've been so busy packing and preparing for my move in three weeks. It's hard to believe, but these are the last three weeks I'm actually going to live at home with my parents. Forever. I've been spending a lot of time just relaxing before next month. Even though I'm still going to be out of school for most of August I will be working and organizing my townhouse so I'm not going to have much time for just relaxing.
This week I posted my initial thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird, which I will do again tomorrow. Today is the actual anniversary of the novel and I think I might watch the movie with Gregory Peck this evening to celebrate. I'm also currently reading Mockingbird, a biography about Harper Lee. So far I've been really surprised by how many things from the book were actually part of Harper Lee's life. I did a top ten list of hilarious book titles, a review of Candy Girl: A Year in the Life of an Unlikely Stripper by Diablo Cody, my thoughts on talking about books, an update on my summer internship, and an awesome essays post on The Pain Scale by Eula Biss.
Name: Sonia Judge
