GIFT FROM THE SEA

Author:  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  1955

Personal Rating:  1/5 (don't bother)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Claudette Colbert

Yearly Count:  56

Here lies a bunch of rambling words trying to make connections between life and sea shells. 

I seriously must have a different book from everybody else.  This did absolutely nothing for me.  It didn't touch me, talk to me or even breeze by me.  I'm bewildered.

Thoughts of Joy

LES MISERABLES

Authors:  Victor Hugo and SunNeko Lee

Genre:  Classic Graphic Novel (Manga), Standalone

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  51

From NetGalley:

Adapted for stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo's classic novel of love and tragedy during the French Revolution is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition!

The gorgeous art of TseMei Lee brings to life the tragic stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the beautiful Fantine, in this epic adaptation of Les Miserables!

I thought the story was very clear in this graphic novel form; however, I know it from seeing the musical several times.  The interesting part about it was reading it "manga style."  Reading a book from back to front and right to left turned out to be a very easy transition, but surprisingly, it made my experience a little bit fun.  :)  I thought the graphics were terrific and would certainly read another in this style.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

ETHAN FROME

Author:  Edith Wharton

Genre:  Classic Fiction, Standalone

Published:  1911

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count:  112

An unknown narrator tells the story of Ethan Frome.  Ethan lives with his wife Zeena and Zeena's cousin Mattie.  Mattie has been invited into their home to help with the household chores due to Zeena's illness.

I teetered between 3.75 and 4, but decided upon the 4 because it was a classic.  Most classics for one reason or another just do not appeal to me and this one did, so it gets the benefit of the doubt.

Without any prior knowledge, I was very curious as to where the story was heading.  Gratefully, I was intrigued throughout.  I'm glad I read this one at this time in my life.  If I had read it in high school like many people have, I think I wouldn't have appreciated the tension and mindset of this trio.    

Oh my goodness - I just noticed that this book is almost 100 years old.  Happy Century, Ethan Frome!

  

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

Author: Zora Neale Hurston

Genre: Classic, Standalone

Published: 1937

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 73

In Southern Florida, Janie Crawford, an African American in her 40s, recounts her relationships with men - which is the broad plot. How Janie grows as an independent woman is the heart of the story. The majority of her tale is told to her friend Pheoby regarding the years she spent out of town.

I was concerned about this one - my attention span was waning, but near the middle of the book my head was turned. As soon as one of Janie's suitors entered the picture I perked up; their "dance" was so much fun to observe.

While the audiobook was easy to follow along (no dialect adjustment on my part), I had to listen to the ramped up inflection and drama, which actually had a negative effect on my experience. However, despite the vocal gymnastics, I think this turned out to be a good classic read. Yay!

A SEPARATE PEACE

Author:  John Knowles

Genre:  YA Classic, Standalone

Published:  1959

Personal Rating:  3.25/5

Yearly Count:  4

A New Hampshire boarding school for boys, houses roommates Gene and Phineas.  The boys develop a close relationship that doesn't necessarily bring out the best in either of them.  They struggle with their internal thoughts that many coming-of-age teens experience along with the added emotional challenge of an impending war.

The first half kept my interest and it felt like a genuine experience.  However, as the book continued, it slipped a little.  I can't pinpoint when the change took place, especially being that the boys still seemed authentic, but whenever it was - it contributed to my 'little better than just okay' rating.  Again, even though I recognize the symbolism, the theme and the general exploration of the human heart, I think this is another classic that I would have enjoyed discussing in a classroom.

THE PEARL

Author:  John Steinbeck

Genre:  Classic

Published:  1947

Personal Rating:  3.5/5

Yearly Count: 166

A Mexican man finds a pearl of great value on a dive.  He, then, attempts to trade it for security and education for his wife and their little boy.

Yay!  I read another classic.  I thought this one was good.  It kept me wondering and hoping the family would redeem their fortune.  Since finishing it, though, I have pondered the progression of the story and the outcome.  I find that I have ambivalent feelings about the moral/theme/lesson.  It fits this story, but in general, I'm not so sure I agree.

22nd Challenge Completed!

Wow!  I am happy-happy!  After all my grumbling (I really tried to keep it in check), I am thrilled with the outcome of this challenge.  I was able to cross off many books from my TBR list that I was afraid to tackle (I suffer from classic-phobia).  This time around my personal ratings averaged a 3.9 with 6 books.  I consider that a huge success!

Thank you Trish from Trish's Reading Nook for hosting this challenge.

Classics Challenge Reads:

Anne of Avonlea (Montgomery)

*The Remains of the Day (Ishiguro)

Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck)

The Bell Jar (Plath)

Flowers for Algernon (Keyes)

Travels with Charley (Steinbeck)

*Classic Wannabe Extra

Here is my original list of books with links to my thoughts.

Favorite:

Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck)

Least Favorite:

Travels with Charley (Steinbeck)

TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY: In Search of America

Author:  John Steinbeck

Genre:  Classic Travelogue

Published:  1962

Personal Rating:  3/5

Yearly Count:  110 

At the age of 58, John Steinbeck realized that he had spent much of his career writing about the United States . . .  without seeing it.  He felt it was time to explore America first hand, so he packed up a camper truck and made a three month trek around the outskirts of the country. Seeing the land and the people of America taught Steinbeck much, but not necessarily what he had expected.  And, who's Charley?  Charley is Steinbeck's companion, a French standard poodle.

I loved Of Mice and Men, and was disappointed to find nothing special in this travelogue. Steinbeck shared his days on the road with a subdued tone.  Yes, there were some highs and lows, but for the most part his experiences and thoughts about them seemed to be a bit mundane.  I was expecting more.

FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON

Author:  Daniel Keyes

Genre:  Science Fiction

Published:  1966

Personal Rating:  4/5

Yearly Count:  109

Charlie Gordon is an adult with a low IQ that has been chosen for an experimental brain operation that previously had only been performed on mice.  Algernon was one of those mice.  Charlie and Algernon become acquainted through maze testing and behavior comparisons.  Charlie shares his frequent progress reports of his mental capabilities before, during, and after his surgery.  He discovers a lot about himself and the world around him.

 Keyes has done a fabulous job with the voice of Charlie.  His character felt very genuine and honest.  Also, I'm impressed with Keyes ability to make this story flow and to blend the science fiction with reality.  The story of Charlie and Algernon is quite a thought provoker; therefore, making this a great choice for discussion groups.

THE BELL JAR

Author:  Sylvia Plath

Genre:  YA Classic

Published:  1963

Personal Rating:  4/5

Yearly Count:  104

Sylvia Plath writes a semi-autobiographical account of her college years (early 1950's) as Esther Greenwood.  "Esther" is a driven and talented student - succeeding at everything she attempts.  As her life progresses, her stability begins to waver.  Esther struggles with maintaining purpose in her life and experiences deep depression.

The character, Esther, was so believable; I found myself drawn into her world right from the start.  The writing of Esther's story brought about many emotions and definitely was a sobering read.

OF MICE AND MEN

Author: John Steinbeck

Genre: Classic Lit

Published: 1937

Personal Rating: 4.75/5

Yearly Count: 94

During the 30's, George and Lennie are California farm laborers that are tired of traveling from job to job. To keep their spirit alive, this brain and brawn duo dream of owning their own farm one day. George wants to be independent and live off his own land and Lennie wants to take care of the rabbits. At their latest place of employment, some of what they encounter includes dependency, bullying and racism.

Wow. I loved this book. With few words (novella), Steinbeck created memorable characters and a plot that gripped my heart. The narrator did a spectacular job with this unforgettable story.

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 1989

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 91

A deeply devoted English butler, Stevens, reminisces about his life in Darlington Hall. He believed, as a butler, it was his duty and responsibility to be selfless in every aspect of his life. Therefore, he devoted himself to giving Lord Darlington his very best. During this reminiscing, Stevens begins to discover himself.

This was a very good book. It took me a long time to become interested, but eventually I became attached to Stevens. After that happened, I was eager to hear more about his life. Interestingly enough, last year when I read Never Let Me Go I had the very same reaction. Ishiguro has a great talent for luring me into the depths of his novels and leaving me in a state of thoughtfulness. I'm glad I read this and the bonus is that it fits into three challenges!

ANNE OF AVONLEA

Author: L. M. Montgomery

Genre: YA Fiction

Published: 1909

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

Yearly Count: 90

This sequel to Anne of Green Gables finds Anne learning the ropes as a school teacher and Green Gables inhabiting some little people. As Anne remains bestfriends with Diana, new friendships blossom with old and new neighbors. And - Anne's dreaming never ceases.

I found this sequel to be a little less enjoyable than the first. I like Anne and the rest of the characters and will eventually continue with the series, but I wasn't drawn to her as I was before. Maybe it's because she's growing up and acting more mature while I was anticipating more of the younger Anne - I don't know, she did have some impulsive moments. Anyway, I'll be more prepared for the next book.

Classics Challenge 2008

COMPLETED:  August, 2008

UGH! Oops! I promised I would try not to grumble about this challenge. As many of you know, I am NOT a fan of classics. I have a very bad track record and do not relish the idea of reading more; HOWEVER, Trish has creatively put together a fun, updated challenge that I think I can successfully complete without too much angst. Check out the link below and join us! It'll be fun. It'll be fun. It'll be fun. (That is NOT grumbling!) *smirk*

Hosted By: Trish's Reading Nook

(5 +1 books/July - December, 2008)

Anne of Avonlea (Montgomery)

(Finished: July, 2008)

*Classic Wannabe: The Remains of the Day (Ishiguro)

(Finished: July, 2008)

Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck)

(Finished: July, 2008)

The Bell Jar (Plath)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

Flowers for Algernon (Keyes)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

Travels with Charley (Steinbeck)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

Something Wicked This Way Comes (Bradbury)

The Catcher in the Rye (Salinger)

Kidnapped (Stevenson)

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery

Published: 1934

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

Yearly Count: 59

Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective, is called back home from a holiday, so he makes arrangements to take the Orient Express. During the trip, an American man is brutally murdered. Poirot takes the case.

This was my first introduction to Hercule Poirot and I liked him. The investigation was played out right before my eyes, but he was always way ahead of me. He gathered all the clues there were to gather, then he didn't rely just on the facts alone. He developed reasonable guesses and tested those guesses out on the suspects. Eventually, he arrived at not just one answer, but two.

POLLYANNA

Eleanor H. Porter

Genre: Children's Classic

Published: 1913

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 50

Pollyanna is orphaned at eleven years old. Her wealthy Aunt Polly feels it's her duty to have Pollyanna move in with her. Right from the start, Pollyanna spreads her "gladness" wherever she goes. As time passes, she touches the lives of many people in her community until her own "gladness" is in need of repair.

This was delightful! Of course, I am aware of the Pollyanna stereotype, but now I have a clear image ingrained in my mind. I am so glad that I finally read this uplifting book. I am. I am.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

Agatha Christie

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Published: 1939

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 47

Ten strangers have been invited by a mysterious host to stay for a visit in the host's luxurious house. This house resides on a private island. Once they all are settled in, they are confronted with the reason why they had been chosen for the occasion. The reason has each member in the house looking at each other with apprehension - and rightfully so. Unfortunately, their time together as a group is limited due to the one-by-one elimination of each house guest.

I really enjoyed this! Throughout the entire book, the level of suspense was kept high by all the twists and turns. It made me eager to get back to it as soon as I could; I was definitely hooked. However, I have to say that the very ending wasn't as exciting as the rest of the book. For some reason, I expected to be wowed and I wasn't, but it was still a very good read and I'm glad I finally made time for it.

INGOTS OF GOLD

Agatha Christie

Genre: Short Story

Published: 1932/1985 Collection

Personal Rating: 3/5

(SS) Yearly Count: 5

The storyteller this time is Raymond West. He is Miss Marple's nephew and is a writer by profession. His story involved his visit to a new friend's home that was high up in the cliffs, with a good view of the sea. Six months prior, a ship carrying gold was wrecked upon the rocks and when searched, the gold was missing. One question is, was the gold stolen before the wreck or afterwards? Miss Marple, with her general knowledge, was able to answer that question.

This story was just okay. I think it was the topic that didn't interest me. The idea of diving for sunken treasures or looking for gold doesn't thrill me and that was the feeling behind this tale. Also, the resolution wasn't that exciting either . . . just okay.

THE TELL-TALE HEART

Edgar Allan Poe

Genre: Short Story

Published: 1843/1992 Oxford Book Collection

Personal Rating: 4/5

(SS) Yearly Count: 4

A man, who insists he is sane, decides to kill an older man because he is disturbed by the older man's eye.

Yep, it's true. I never read this. But I have now! While it is a very short story, it demonstrates what the conscience can do in a big way.

THE IDOL HOUSE OF ASTARTE

Agatha Christie
Genre: Short Story
Published: 1932/1985 Collection
Personal Rating: 3.75/5
(SS) Yearly Count: 3

My second Miss Marple mystery in The Tuesday Club Murders turns out to be another good one. In this short story, Dr. Pender, the elderly clergyman, tells the happenings of a tragic experience. He shares that he "saw a man stricken to death by apparently no mortal agency". He, of course, knows what really happened and apparently so does Miss Marple.