The Other Brontë

Agnes Grey

By Anne Brontë


We all know Charlotte's Jane Eyre and we know Emily's Wuthering Heights. But, have you read Anne's Agnes Grey? This was Anne's first novel, published in 1847. Like her sisters and many other women of the time, Agnes was a governess and this book draws heavily on her experiences. It explores many themes, the isolation of the governess from the rest of the family, the social stigma that accompanied a working woman and the treatment of women altogether.
It's a short sweet read, my version topped out at about 190 pages. I found it engaging though, the idea of being a governess sounds terrible not the least because of the children.
Agnes is governess to two families during the story. The first is the Bloomfield family whose children are rotten buggers. They run and scream, are violent to animals, and don't do as they're told. The parents are worse in both families because they will not allow their children to be disciplined and yet they blame Agnes when their children are rotten. 
The second family is the Murray family. There Agnes only has to deal with the two oldest girls, but even they are bad enough. Rosalie is a vain, selfish creature focused only on looks and wealth. Mathilda is a brutish girl, loud and obnoxious she cares only about horses and dogs. 
While working for the Murrays, Agnes meets Mr. Weston the curate. Mr. Weston is kind and a much better spiritual guide than the odious rector Mr. Hatfield who only brushes off the poor who come to him for guidance. Weston actually expresses an interest in Agnes's thoughts and ideas and she sees the goodness in him.
Without giving the ending away too much I can just say that Agnes does get to escape her dreadful students and have a happy ending.




Bonus Brontë

Shirley
By Charlotte Brontë 


Anyone who has read Jane Eyre or even Agnes Grey understands that it is not always a quick or easy read. But the story is enjoyable and anyone who likes the above mentioned titles will enjoy this.
Brontë extensively explores the idea of the role of women in society; the title character Shirley delivers several poignant monologues on the place of women. 


Brontë also explores the working man's role in society in the age of new machinery. In the Napoleonic times mill owners began to replace working men with machines that didn't need paying, this of course did not sit well with local men and many rebelled and assaulted the mills and their owners. This is an additional plot point with Robert Moore, the mill owner.


This is the story of the folks in Yorkshire; Caroline Helstone and Shirley Keeldar are the two main heroines. Caroline is soft and sweet and well-loved by almost everyone. Shirley is an independent heiress not afraid to speak her mind. The entire novel synthesizes the troubled times- economic and political unrest- with Caroline's love for Robert Moore and Shirley's love for a man who we do not meet until the 400 page range...in a 600 page novel.
I liked Caroline much better than Shirley; Shirley always meant well but I lost respect for her when speculation arose about a relationship between her and Robert.


It was a long read, sometimes slow, but I did enjoy it because I was rooting for Caroline the entire time. I loved Robert Moore, even if I was angry with him about a certain incident between Shirley and him, but all in all it was typically good Brontë.

Truly Awesome

True Grit

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfeld

Rating: PG-13

Score: 3.75/4

3.75? Is that a real score? Maybe not, but I wanted to give it a 4 out of 4 but...

a) sometimes I couldn't understand what Jeff Bridges's character was saying

b) having never read the book or seen the 1969 version I didn't know what the ending was...I thought it was bum.

Fourteen year old Mattie is determined to hunt down and bring to justice the man who killed her father in cold blood. To do so she hires Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn, a U.S. Marshal who likes to drink and smoke. They are not the only ones looking for Tom Chaney, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf has been hunting Chaney and he joins in on the manhunt. 
Unfortunately LaBoeuf and Cogburn's constant squabbling greatly impede the three, then they run into Lucky Ned's gang of outlaws. It turns out that Chaney has joined up with Ned, they now have a double mission: find Ned's gang thereby finding Chaney. 

All the actors were brilliant in their roles, Hailee Steinfeld was brilliant as the tenacious Mattie. The PG-13 rating is not so much for language, but it is a Coen brothers film; one man gets his fingers cut off and Cogburn threatens to pull out LaBoeuf's tongue and rummages around in his bloody mouth. 

I thought the ending was disappointing because it seemed a bit abrupt but overall I highly enjoyed the movie. 

  

Especially Festive

There are so many good movies that center around Christmas; some are serious, some are comic, and all will have you wishing for a white Christmas. Here are some holiday movies that will be sure to fit into the season.

A Christmas Story

There is only one thing Ralphie wants for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and "a thing that tells time". Unfortunately no matter who Ralphie talks to, be it his mother, teacher and even Santa, they all say the same thing, "You'll shoot your eye out!" To top it all off Ralphie must also put up with his weenie kid brother Randy and the local bully Scott Farkus. The movie charmingly captures the nostalgia of a childhood Christmas.

The Family Man

Jack was at a crossroads in his life. While at the airport preparing to leave to study in London, Kate, Jack's girlfriend, begs him not to go. Jack tells her the best thing for both of them would be if he goes to London.
Several years later Jack is single and a wildly successful business man. He drives a Ferrari and dates beautiful women. On Christmas Eve he receives, and ignores, a call from an old girlfriend, Kate.  Then, Jack has a strange encounter with a man named Cash who asks him if he really is happy with his life.

On Christmas day Jack wakes up in a new life. Instead of getting on the plane for London he had chosen to stay with Kate instead. Instead of his Ferrari, penthouse, and riches Jack has a mini van, a house in the suburbs of New Jersey, and a job at a local tire store. But, he also has a close group of friends, two children, and of course there is Kate herself. Jack must learn that happiness comes not from money but from people and the choices made in life.
Similar to It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, this movie explores what life could have been like if one choice had been made differently.

   Scrooge

The traditional and sometimes cheesy story of A Christmas Story with Albert Finney as the title character. There are eleven musical pieces within the film, all cute and sweet. Alec Guinness makes his appearance as the ghost of Jacob Marley with dry wit and his ever present chains. The only change from the original story is Scrooge's trip to Hell where Marley expands further on the afterlife awaiting Scrooge should he fail to change his ways.

The Family Stone

Meredith is a successful executive; but she is also uptight and conservative. Her boyfriend, Everett Stone decides to take her home to meet the family and ask his mother Sybil for the heirloom ring so that he can propose to Meredith. Meredith also meets the rest of the chaotic Stone family, including Amy who takes an instant dislike to Meredith and contrives to make her stay difficult and awkward.
A fun film centered around the ruckus of a fun family at Christmas. Funny, touching, a little sad, and at times cute this movie will be sure to remind anyone of their own family dynamics around the holidays.

Home Alone

Of course, the movie that makes the holiday. The well-known story of what happens when you can't stand your family...and "...make them all disappear!"
Kevin has a huge family and he is often lost in the shuffle being the youngest and most helpless. It's Christmas and the family decides to take a trip to Paris. Unfortunately, they forget Kevin and he ends up home alone.
He proceeds to do what any kid left alone would do: everything! But, two burglars have targeted the house and once Kevin learns what they're up to, it's war!

The Great Ship

Titanic: The Long Night
By Diane Hoh

Usually a horror writer, Diane Hoh creates a splendid story revolving around the infamous sinking.

Elizabeth Farr is in first class with her parents on her way to New York, her parents have arranged for her to marry the rich Alan Reed. Elizabeth instead wants to go to college and become independent while avoiding marriage to Reed. Elizabeth is constantly arguing with her parents over her future. Then, Elizabeth meets Max Whittaker who is the son of a rich family. But, Max is  the black sheep of his family, after bucking his parents' rules he went to Paris. Max helps Elizabeth realize the best way to show her parents her reliability is not but shouting and having tantrums like a child.

Katie Hanrahan is in third-class with her childhood friends Paddie and Brian. Everyone thinks that Katie and Brian are a perfect match but Katie is really interested in Brian's more mischievous brother, Paddy. Paddy however much a troublemaker, does have a sense of honor and refuses to even consider Katie while he thinks that Brian loves her. While on board Katie becomes responsible for two children.

Both girls must find a way to survive when the ship begins to sink. Elizabeth must leave her father and Max on board and Katie must save the two children while looking for Paddy and Brian. Who will survive?

I loved this book! Its compelling to see Elizabeth grow up from a child focused on what she wants, to an adult developing her independence. Paddy is a delightful character with an unexpected sense of honor that runs deep. Despite the horrific event that is the focal point of the story, for the most part a happy ending is given...to almost everyone.

Just Watched...

It Happened One Night
Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly

Score: 4/4

This 1934 film could easily be called one of the most 'risquè' movies of the time... before the the MPAA began enforcing its production code that is.

Ellie Andrews is the stereotypical spoiled heiress who causes trouble for her loving father just because she can. Ellie marries "King" Westley, a fortune-hunter whom her father despises. Her father finds her and drags her away from her new husband before the marriage can be solidified. Ellie however escapes and runs away, determined to make it  back to her new husband in New York City.

Ellie meets Peter Warne at the bus station, Peter is a newspaper reporter looking for just the right story to revive his career. When he learns who Ellie is he proposes a deal:  she gives him her exclusive story and he will help her get back to New York City. If she doesn't accept than Peter will contact her father and let him know where his daughter is and collect the reward that has been put out. Low on funds and desperate for help, Ellie agrees to the arrangement.

What made this movie so controversial was the hitchhking scene. Peter can't stop a car no matter what kind of techinique he uses. Ellie however manages to stop one by pulling up her skirt and showing off her leg. The actress, Claudette Colbert, originally refused to do the part saying it was 'unladylike.' However, when director Frank Capra brought in a chorus girl to be her leg double Claudette reportedly agreed to do it, apparently if it was going to be in the
movie it would be Claudette's leg and no one else's.

This movie was funny and cute, without being slow or sticky in details. Of course it was a typical ending but Ellie pulls it off with style. The very end will make you smile with its references to "the walls of Jericho".

Spotlight on an Author

Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen is well-known for her brilliant insight into the mind of the teenage girl. If you are one and have ever had a problem chances are Dessen has covered it in one of her novels. All of my girl friends had read at least one of her books and raved about it so I read one too. I went to my local bookstore and picked up Just Listen. I loved it. I've only read it about three times in the couple of years I've had it but it's got so much going on that I don't feel like I need to re-read it over and over again for it to really mean something to me. 

Just Listen

 Annabel only seems to have it all. She is a model for a local department store, her two beautiful older sisters are models, and their mother is utterly supportive, and in some cases more passionate about, Annabel's modeling career. But Annabel feels like she has nothing.

She had a huge fight with her former best friend Sophie over Sophie's on-again off-again boyfriend, now Sophie spends her time torturing Annabel and spreading rumors about her at school. 

Annabel's older sister is discovered to be anorexic because she was striving to be the perfect model, so she leaves New York to live at home.

Annabel also doesn't have the passion for walking the catwalk that her mother does, it may not be what she wants to do, but how can she break out of the mold?

Then, she meets Owen Armstrong, an oddball and former delinquent obsessed with music; he may be just what Annabel needs to overcome the turmoil inside herself. Their friendship gives her the strength to confront the issues over what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends. 

The Truth About Forever

Macy is only sixteen when she experiences a most devastating loss: the sudden death of her beloved father. This sets up her summer as one of the worst in history. Besides grieving she must deal with SAT prep, her terribly mind-numbing job at the library, and to top it all off her boyfriend will be out of town. 

This all changes when Macy helps her mother at an open house event. Macy meets the wacky catering staff of Wish Catering. Before long she is swept up into their energetic and close-knit circle of people. There she meets Wes, the artistic and good looking guy who understands what Macy is going through.

But Macy still has many obstacles to overcome: her mother's disapproval of the tattooed Wes, her jerk of a boyfriend Jason, and of course the anger, grief, and guilt that comes with a death of a close family member. 

Sarah Dessen's characters all have an obstacle that is keeping them from moving forward, some internal struggle that is obsessed over. As any teenage girl will understand, sometimes the most difficult challenges faced are the ones created by ourselves. 

Classically Frightening

Dracula

By Bram Stoker

We have all seen the cheesy spoofs of vampires, the sexual representation of blood-sucking, and of course the Twilight series picture of a vampire. But what was the beginning?

While Dracula was the first highly popular published novel on vampires, the myths of frightening creatures that will drain the blood out of living creatures have abounded for centuries.

Through his journal entries we find Jonathon Harker traveling to Trannsylvania to visit a client, the mysterious Count Dracula. Jonathon is a lawyer in charge of the purchase of London property for the Count. On his journey he will encounter strange folk and occurrences and multiple warnings to turn back. Being a rational Englishman he does not heed the warnings but does find himself becoming more and more frightened as he finally arrives at Castle Dracula.

Dracula himself is an enigma. He does not seem to eat, sleep at night, and Jonathon himself discovers the Count has no reflection in a mirror. After some searching Jonathon finds the Count supposedly sleeping in a box of dirt, with fresh blood trickling down his chin! He also discovers he is a prisoner in the castle until such time as the Count sees fit to release him...if at all.

There the story cuts away to Mina's journal, she is Jonathon's fiance and is eagerly waiting his return to England. In the meantime she is staying with her friend Lucy in the seaside town of Whitby. Through Mina and Lucy's diary entries we discover that strange things are being to happen to Lucy at night, she is sleepwalking and seems to be growing weaker. 

Dr.Seward is a paramour of Lucy's and the head of a lunatic asylum. When he witnesses Lucy's illness he sends for his old mentor and friend, the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing. 

Van Helsing's diagnosis is more frightening than Seward could imagine; Lucy is being drained by a vampire! 

The entire story is told through a series of journal entries, telegrams, and letters. This gives insight to many characters and depth to the goal of hunting down and destroying the terrible Dracula. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the book! My version was an even 400 pages and easily read. An interesting aspect is that the real edge-of-your-seat climactic tension doesn't occur until the last fifteen pages, the previous pages are a magnificent build up. The characters are enjoyable, my favorite was Mina because of her sweet clarity and overall goodness. I would also recommend picking a version with an introduction to analyze the story. My version's intro was by Brooke Allen and she gives thought provoking insight as to why certain characters are more affected by Dracula than others, what role women play in the story, and why Dracula is such a memorable character. If you don't already know the story then read the analysis after the story.

Enjoy!

Book vs. Movie: Rebecca

Whenever a movie is made of a favorite book I'm always torn. I'm so excited that I'll get to see my favorite story acted out but on the other hand what if it's terrible? It would ruin the experience! Many times the movie will divert from the original storyline and sometimes it's tolerable and sometimes it's terrible. I would say that just about every time the book is better than the movie. But, a side by side comparison will also show the movie is not so bad. 

 

This is one of my favorite stories and a favorite movie as well. The novel was released in 1938 and in 1940 Alfred Hitchcock adapted it to the big screen. The movie won two Academy Awards, one of which was Best Picture. 

This is the story of the unnamed narrator, a young girl in the service of the odious Mrs. Van Hopper. While the two are in Monte Carlo the narrator meets the mysterious Maxim de Winter. Rumors abound over the secretive aristocrat who lost his wife in a sailing accident. After only a few weeks Maxim proposes marriage and the narrator goes to live with him at his Cornwall manor, Manderly. There the new Mrs. De Winter receives a chilly welcome at best from the residents of Manderly; her greatest advesary lies in the frightening Mrs. Danvers, the former companion and confidante of the late Rebecca De Winter.

Was the first Mrs. De Winter a perfect wife and socialite, a paragon of virtues who managed to make every one like her? Worse, is Maxim still in love with her?

Or...was she evil, distant, and up to something sinister that still lingers at Manderly even after her death.

Thrilling both psychologically and physically, the only difference between the movie and book was one alteration of the events. The Hollywood Production Code had requirements that demanded that change of the event, but the ending remains somewhat the same.  

Hitchcock adapted the film wonderfully, Joan Fontaine is the perfect second Mrs. De Winter. It's hard to live up to the shadow of the first wife, especially when no one will say anything about her.

Nonfiction Niceties

Fiction is my first love, but sometimes when a subject is just too good to stick to one genre, I have to read the real background. Case in point being my love of history; sometimes I'd rather read the history book discussing a time period rather than a historical fiction novel based on the time period. So begins a nice little side series of some well-written nonfiction books!

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew
by Daniel Pool

Have you ever wondered how to play whist? Ever thought about the difference between a Hall and a Park? Ever wondered what the difference was between a lawyer and a solicitor? And of course: Oxford or Cambridge?

For those fans of Austen, Brontë, Dickens, Trollope, and Gaskell, this book will explain any references you may not have gotten the first time around.
It covers every aspect of English life, from the government to society to economics. 
One of the best aspects of this book is the continuous references to popular 19th century books like The Eustace Diamonds, Emma, Jane Eyre, Can You Forgive Her?, and many others. It will explain the hallmark of a true lady or gentleman (the fact that they did not have to work for a living), what made certain trades acceptable (the fact that you did not accept money directly for services rendered), and how to address a Duke or Earl and what happened when you gambled away all of your property. It will explain currency, the smallest being the half farthing and the largest being the 1,000 pound note; holidays, the first of the year being Twelfth Night on January 5 and the last being Boxing Day,the first weekday after Christmas.

Also helpful is a large glossary with frequently used terms and phrases used in the books that are no longer used in today's society. For example; an abigail was a lady's maid, a bathing machine was a large covered wagon pulled by a horse in the water, and a boxseat is what the coachman driving your carriage would sit on.

Easy to read, divided into convenient sections and at times humorous, the book is an interesting supplementary read to whatever English literature you might be reading at the time.  



If you liked this then you will like: Governess: The Lives and Times of the Real Jane Eyres by Ruth Brandon

Spotlight on a Series

The Wheel of Time
By Robert Jordan

I first began reading this series about four years ago, I read the first four books but then left off. Not because I wasn't interested, but the books are big and enormously complex so I was slower reading them than other books. I picked them up again a year ago and got to book seven I believe, but then had to leave off again. 
The author, his real name is James Rigney and he is also well known for the Conan the Barbarian stories, died in 2007 before he could complete the series. Another author, Brandon Sanderson finished the series (books 12-14) using Jordan's notes and plans; the last book is due out in 2012. This brings it to a total of 14 books with a prequel to the first book published by Jordan three years before he died. 
The list:

0. New Spring -2004
1. The Eye of the World -1990
2. The Great Hunt -1990
3. The Dragon Reborn -1991
4. The Shadow Rising -1992
5. The Fires of Heaven -1993
6. Lord of Chaos -1994
7. A Crown of Swords 1996
8. The Path of Daggers -1998
9. Winter's Heart -2000
10. Crossroads of Twilight -2003
11. Knife of Dreams -2005
12. The Gathering Storm -2009
13. Towers of Midnight -2010
14. A Memory of Light -Due 2012    

The story is highly detailed and it would take a lot of time and space to highlight every aspect. The basic premise is good vs. evil. Rand is the Dragon Reborn, that is a savior that will prevent  the imprisoned Dark One from destroying the Wheel of Time. Rand discovers he has magic powers, only in his world only women, called Aes Sedai, are able to use their power without going mad. That is what happened to the last Dragon, his power drove him insane and he killed everybody he loved while fighting the Dark One. Rand is just a farm boy one day, the next both the savior and potential destroyer of the world. Because, if he goes mad before he defeats the Dark One he himself will destroy everyone.

The series draws greatly on mythology and duality of people and forces, evident influences of Buddhism and Daosim. Rand's world has all manner of creatures and people, both good and bad, in it. The immense thought and cultivation that went into the series is awe-inspiring. Universal Pictures bought the rights and supposedly, The Eye of the World is in development for release in 2011. 

For fans of fantasy, or even sci-fi, this series is perfect. Of course, most books of this nature have similar themes of good vs. evil, frightening creatures, magic, and political and social schemes in societies where it is perfectly normal to kill someone in your way(just as long as you're discreet). 

Enjoy! 

The best summary can be found here. 

Just Watched...

Red Eye 
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox

Rating: PG-13

Score: 4/4

I don't usually give out a full score, I go a half point below it because I don't really think a movie could be absolutely perfect.  But I love this movie so much that I think it should be a full grade.


Lisa is the manager of a luxury hotel in Miami. When the movie begins she is on her way back to Miami from Dallas where she attended the funeral of her grandmother. Unfortunately she has to catch the red eye, because of the weather the flight has been delayed. 
While waiting for the plane she meets a handsome stranger named Jackson. We see the attraction between the two as they chat in the airport and finally discover they are actually sitting next to each other on the plane. But then it all goes wrong. 
Jackson reveals that his goal is actually to eliminate a political figure who is staying at Lisa's hotel. Jackson can use Lisa's authority to put the target in a room that can be easily accessed by the assassins. Jackson's leverage over Lisa? Her father's life. 
Lisa must find a way to save her father and the politician...oh and escape the man in the seat next to her.


It's chilling without being uncomfortable. It's edge-of-your-seat thrilling without wanting to hide under the blankets. It's the perfect combination! By far the best of the movie is Cillian Murphy as Jackson Ripner. Right after he tells Lisa what he will do she stands up in her seat on the plane. There is a perfect shot looking down at him and his chilling eyes; they're cold and emotionless and his raspy voice will make you believe he means what he threatens. 

The Great Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald

After reading This Side of Paradise I thought I wouldn't read more Fitzgerald. I know his works are huge and maybe it was just because Paradise was an early book but I just didn't enjoy it.  However, I did sit down and read Gatsby which is probably his best known work for it's exploration of the Jazz Age.

As always I found that I couldn't really like any of the characters; when I read This Side of Paradise there were no characters I could love; in fact I downright disliked some.  In the case of The Great Gatsby I found that I didn't hate anyone but I didn't love them either.
I thought this book was about the American Dream, but when I discussed it with others they said no, it is about the Jazz Age and having a roaring good time. 
I think it's both.

"Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry."

Gatsby is the mysterious and very wealthy neighbor of the narrator, Nick Carraway. They live on Long Island, Nick commutes into New York City to sell bonds. Gatsby is famous for having wild, turbulent parties. As stated by Nick in the book, "People were not invited- they went there."
Nick has a beautiful and shallow cousin named Daisy, she is married to Tom who is an arrogant block. Nick is introduced to Daisy's friend Jordan, a pro woman golfer whom Nick starts dating. When Nick is finally invited to one of Gatsby's roaring parties, Nick actually does wait to be invited, he finally meets the mystical Gatsby about whom swarm many rumors about his past and his current business connections. As is typical of Fitzgerald the Great War is discussed, both Nick and Gatsby fought in it. 
Soon, Nick discovers one of Gatsby's great secrets: he is in love with Daisy. He first fell in love with her when he was an officer. The past history between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom is reminiscent of Fitzgerald's own personal life. 

I know this is the Great American Novel, I also think it could be about the American Dream.  Jay Gatsby is a self-made man. He goes from being simply James Gatz from Minnesota to becoming the wealthy and influential Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is thought to be a bootlegger which is what gave him his enormous fortune and brilliant mansion.   
"His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people--his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all. The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God... and he must be about His Father's business, the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty. So he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen year old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end."

I actually did enjoy reading this, it was definitely quicker than Paradise and the story felt more solid and real. Fitzgerald has his typical vague metaphors in describing aspects of people and ideas but maybe that is what makes him so popular. I suppose it is the Great American Novel.

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."



 

19th Century England...Again!

The Silent Governess
by Julie Klassen

Ah, nothing like a trip back to merry old England back in the 19th century.   
Melodrama- the servants' world below stairs...the handsome Lord and his secretive cousin...the persistent stable boy...the strange gamekeeper...and the mysterious governess with a hidden past...
What do they all have in common? A penchant for stirring up trouble in unexpected ways. 

Olivia is forced to flee from her parent's house when a horrible incident causes her to fear for her life and her mother's. She runs away to Brightwell Court where she accidentally overhears a dreadful secret that will greatly affect Lord Bradley, the young son of Lord Brightwell. Intending to keep her from revealing his secret Lord Bradley forces Olivia to become the new under nurse to the children of his beautiful cousin Judith, recently widowed and residing at Brightwell Court. Olivia soon becomes fast friends with the children but does not convince the Lord of her innocence quite so quickly.   
But, Olivia is not the only one aware of the Lord's secret; someone is blackmailing Lord Bradley. Could it be Felix, the lazy dandy under pressure to graduate from school who might just snap? Is it Croome, the frightening gamekeeper with something to hide? Is it a poacher, intending to make a pretty penny off of Lord Bradley? Or could it be Olivia herself, who has a great secret of her own and was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Julie Klassen really did her research when she wrote this story, each chapter starts off with an excerpt from a book about 19th century English life and sets a precedent for what the rules and conventions were for a typical household. Without giving away the main conflict: the details and intricacies can be muggy but it is all explained in the end.  
I really like the story and would definitely recommend it. Now excuse me; I'm off to reserve more Julie Klassen books from the library.

 

As I See It

Life As We Know It

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas

Rating: PG-13 

Score: 3.5/4

This movie starts off with the awkward date that first sets Holly against Messer for several years. They were set up by their mutual friends, Peter and Alison. When the date goes south before Holly even pulls out of the driveway in her 'Smart Car' it will become a running joke in the group of friends that Holly can't stand Messer. 
Fast forward to the present day, Peter and Alison live in a gorgeous house and have a baby girl named Sophie. Her one year birthday has just been celebrated and life is perfect.  Until the night that Holly gets a phone call from the police station telling her that Peter and Alison are dead and Sophie is an orphan.

A la Raising Helen, Holly and Messer have been appointed Sophie's guardians...even though they both have busy jobs and have never raised a child before. There is also the fact that they can't get along and the added bonus of Sophie's cute doctor, Sam, who likes Holly. 

Even though the concept of this movie has been done many times and of course had a predictable ending, I couldn't help but enjoy it.  Mishaps, that would probably not happen in real life, with the baby were funny (at one point Messer pushes Sophie down to keep her from walking for the first time before Holly gets there to see it) and the nosy neighbors that lived next to Alison and Peter's house were fun to watch. 
The movie felt longer than most chick flicks, I found myself shifting in my seat after the 90 minute mark, it's almost two hours long which is really no great stretch. 


It's predictable, unoriginal, and exaggerated. But it's also cute, sweet, somewhat funny, and great for just a day of relaxing.

Jane Austen: One Hundred Years Later

Frederica

By Georgette Heyer

When I first heard about Georgette Heyer I thought she was just another "chick-lit" writer.  I definitely wasn't expecting a story this charming!

Set during the Regency period of England's history Frederica is a sweet novel depicting the trials and tribulations of Frederica and her siblings.  Their parents are dead leaving Frederica as the head of the family.  Technically her older brother Harry is the head of the family but "Freddy" is much more capable.  Frederica brings her beautiful sister Charis to London for the Season so that she might make a wonderful match.  Accompanying them are the younger brothers Jessamy and Felix and their unhappy aunt.  Frederica makes an appeal for help to their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke who is indolent and selfish. 

Frederica doesn't want financial support, she wants the Marquis to use his social influence to launch Charis into Polite Society.  The Marquis of Alverstoke surprisingly agrees to do so; but only because he wants to spite his arrogant, demanding sisters who want him to launch their own daughters into Society. 

The Marquis soon finds that his Merriville cousins do not always follow the precedents set down by their peers, inadvertently of course they always seem to be getting into scrapes.  Along the way Charis gains a large set of suitors and to her surprise, and Alverstoke's, so does Frederica.  

This novel was delectable! Although at times I had trouble understanding the vocabulary because of the liberal use of nineteenth century British slang, I enjoyed it so much that using the context was enough.  It was like reading Jane Austen; the author had done so much research that the background and diction could have easily been Austen.

This is recommended for anyone who loves historical settings, Austen, and a good story!     

Passionate Patriotism

Time Enough For Drums
by Ann Rinaldi

I would have done a Spotlight on An Author  for Rinaldi but decided I wanted to specifically highlight this book.

It's the beginning of the Revolutionary War and Jemima lives in Trenton, New Jersey and is a passionate Patriot. Her older brother is in the army under Washington himself and her other brother is yearning to go to war. Jemima's parents are also supporters of the Revolution.
But Jemima is headstrong, spoiled, and very open about her views. She is constantly being reprimanded by everyone around her to keep from insulting those known as Tories. The reason being that her sister Rebecca married a British soldier and Jemima's tutor John Reid is a Tory.
John is a stern teacher and he and Jemima engage in many quarrels about her education and behavior. When John leaves on business Jemima is left to her own devices, which means she engages herself in the Patriot cause and sends her brother off to war. When John returns they both find that they missed each other more than they initially realized. Then, Jemima finds out that John is not doing exactly what he says he is and that he is in fact a Patriot spy!
The reality of this hits home when the Hessian and British soldiers settle in Trenton and Washington makes his famous crossing of the Delaware River. Caught between two armies, worried about her brother and friends, and of course John Reid, Jemima must learn to survive in this new, turbulent world. 

This book is one of my favorites, I've read it over and over and still love it! While Jemima is not an exemplary character initially, it's still possible to understand her point of view and angst. Learning to live in a revolution is not an easy task but Jemima handles it well. Ann Rinaldi has written many other books dealing with American history, all of them highly enjoyable.

Parody of a Saga

Vampires Suck

Starring: Jenn Proske, Matt Lanter, Diedrich Bader, Chris Riggi

Rating: PG-13

Score: 2.5/4


Don't think that I disliked this movie based on the scoring, it was actually very funny. At least, it was hilarious in the beginning and through the middle. After that it started fizzling out. However, I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it.

The movie is a parody of both Twilight and New Moon and does a spot-on job of mocking some of the finer points of the stories. Edward and Bella’s chastity is a running joke in the spoof as is Jacob’s werewolf transformation. Every time we see Jacob he becomes more and more dog-like. The actress who played Bella, called Becca in the spoof, did a fantastic job. She had Kristen Stewart’s way of mumbling down perfect and fully represented the irritating teen angst that Bella stands for. Edward’s name in the movie is Edward Sullen and he also did a very good job playing the moody vampire with internal battles about Bella’s safety.

The most enjoyable part of the movie was the appearance of 'Team Edward' and 'Team Jacob' fan girls. As most people know the Twilight craze has spawned those enamored 'Twihards' who gladly fight over fictional characters.

While this movie is intended for those who couldn't stand Twilight it could also be enjoyable for those who do like it. Keeping in mind that the purpose of the movie is to make fun, I think that anyone could enjoy this.

The climax is actually anti-climatic when the 'Zolturis' and Edward come head to head at the prom, but the rest of the jokes are laughable. When I saw it the entire theater was always laughing at something, even the adults.

Spotlight on an Author

Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Susan E. Phillips is best known for her Chicago Stars books, 7 stories that follow Stars football players. The books can be read in any order although the correct order can be found on Phillips's website.
Phillips's books are contemporary romances but what sets them apart from others is the humor. Her stories are rife with wit, sarcasm, and verbal jousting that will have you laughing out loud while you read.
The first book of Phillips that I read was Match Me If You Can which is the sixth book in the Stars series. I fell in love with the style of storytelling and looked up her other books. MMIYC was a definite favorite along with Ain't She Sweet?. Her main characters are enjoyable without being too perfect, you can identify with, admire, or just plain enjoy them. The main girl is usually independent and strongly opinionated and won't take crap from the guys.

Match Me If You Can

The story follows Annabelle Granger, a spunky redhead trying to keep her late grandmother's matchmaking business afloat. Annabelle manages to snag Heath Champion as a client. Heath is a ruthless sports agent, infamous for his razor sharp instincts, cunning, and nicknamed 'The Python'.
Annabelle is also competing against Portia Powers, the founder and head of Power Matches, who is also trying to find the perfect wife for millionaire Heath.
Heath doesn't believe Annabelle will succeed; she's disorganized, bouncy, and altogether a mess. But together they will find out that maybe Heath's definition of a 'perfect wife' is not what he thought it was...

Ain't She Sweet?

Sugar Beth Carey was once the most well-known girl in the small town of Parrish, Mississippi. The daughter of the town's wealthiest man Sugar Beth was haughty, arrogant, and downright mean to her enemy, Winnie Davis. But Sugar Beth's reign comes to an end when she falsely accuses Colin Byrne, a young teacher from England, of sexual harassment as a form of revenge against him. Colin is sent back to England in disgrace and when the town finds out Sugar Beth lied, she also leaves town in disgrace.
Fast forward more then ten years. Sugar Beth is broke and desperate. She returns to Parrish to look for a valuable family painting to sell. What she finds when she returns home is a crowd of enemies waiting to knock her down, Colin living in her former family mansion, and no sign of the painting she desperately needs.
Will Sugar Beth be able to make up to old friends and apologize to bitter enemies? Her home life is probed during her stay and it's found that her glamorous life wasn't so perfect.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a wonderful read. Her books are carried forward by a sense of humor, a love of romance, and a desire for happy endings. Her books can be found at any library or bookstore. 

Reflections

Reflections from the Past
by Audrey Howard


Abby Murphy is working-class poor Irish in Lancashire, England in the 1860s. She lives in a sod cottage with her parents and many siblings and plans to marry her childhood friend and sweetheart Roddy Baxter.
One day a horrific accident happens at the glassworks that employs most of the village, the son of the owner is killed. The owner, Mr. Goodwin, has no other children and therefore the glassworks will pass out of the family that has owned it for many generations.
Mr. Goodwin arrives one day at the doorstep of Abby's cottage demanding she come away with him; Abby is actually his illegitamate granddaughter and the heiress to the glassworks. Abby is forced away with him and then pushed into a marriage with Noah Goodwin, the manager of the glassworks. Their marriage is one of convenience so that the works will stay in the family and so Abby will have children and continue the Goodwin line. In order to ensure Abby's marriage to Noah, Mr. Goodwin arranges the kidnapping and forced enlisting of Roddy Baxter so that he will not stand in the way. With Roddy out of the picture Abby and Noah commence with their marriage. But, Roddy returns a year later more determined than ever to have Abby. Abby must choose between her husband and sweetheart and be prepared to give up what that choice entails.

This book is a long read at 457 pages, it's a complex story with a likeable cast of characters. However, it's painful to read Abby's choices. I was cringing the whole time and actually flipped to the back of the book to see the ending. It takes awhile to figure out what time period it is set in because no actual dates are mentioned until about halfway through the book. Noah is not always likeable but you can tell he (sometimes) has a good heart. Roddy is earnest and honest but quite frankly a little annoying, at least to me, after awhile.

I did like the story though; I don't know that I would read it again but all in all it was enjoyable.

Book vs. Movie: The Chronicles of Narnia

Whenever a movie is made of a favorite book I'm always torn. I'm so excited that I'll get to see my favorite story acted out but on the other hand what if it's terrible? It would ruin the experience! Many times the movie will divert from the original storyline and sometimes it's tolerable and sometimes it's terrible. I would say that just about every time the book is better than the movie. But, a side by side comparison will also show the movie is not so bad. 

I decided to start to with a book from a well-known and much loved book series, Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. This book is the fourth in the series but actually picks up where the second book- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- ends. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are on their way back to school when they are pulled by magic back into the magical land of Narnia. There, they are met by Trumpkin, a dwarf who has been sent to bring them to the person who summoned them. The summoner is Prince Caspian who seeks help trying to overthrow his uncle Miraz who is tyrannically ruling Narnia. The children must make their way to Caspian and help him save Narnia from a man who would eradicate all the magical beings. Along the way, they gain help from the mystical lion Aslan. 

In the book, Prince Caspian and Peter work well together. Peter is a competent, though sometimes struggling, leader who tries to make the best decisions for his family. In both the book and movie everyone looks up to him, being the High King and oldest brother. In the movie, Caspian and Peter clash. By the England's time the children have only been away for a year, in Narnia time it's been more than a thousand. In the movie, Peter steps back into his position of authority, but Caspian has gotten used to being the leader. Their positions of authority clash and is not helped when Susan and Caspian develop feelings for each other (which did not happen in the book!). 

Usually, it really bothers me when a scene is added to the movie that did not occur in the book. This happened with Prince Caspian, but it turned out well because it revealed the dynamics of the Narnians. In the movie, once Peter and his siblings have reached Caspian Peter decides to make an attack on Miraz's castle. Caspian disagrees and this becomes another tense argument between he and Peter. Another thing that is in the movie and not the book is that the bad guys all have accents and look Mediterranean. This doesn't bother me but, the first time watching the movie can be difficult when trying to decipher accents. 


All in all, I really enjoyed the movie representation even though it didn't always follow the book.

Pointedly Intriguing

P

Point of Honour
by Madeleine E. Robins

It's a sad thought that if you make the wrong choice in life, your entire social standing is ruined. But that is what has happened in Point of Honour. 
Sara Tolerance was once a young lady from a good family; when she runs away to Amsterdam with her brother's fencing master that all ends. Twelve years later, Sarah's love has died of an illness and Sarah returns to Regency England and lives with her aunt, who is the mistress of a high-class brothel. Sarah has two choices: as a 'Fallen Woman' she must either become a prostitute to earn her money or find another profession. So, Sarah becomes an agent of inquiry. She "...is able to float between social layers, unearth secrets, find things that were lost, and lose things too dangerous to be kept." 
Sarah is hired by Lord Versellion to find an antique fan that his father gave to an old friend. Versellion insists that finding the fan is essential to keeping a family secret. As it turns out, Sarah is not the only person looking for the fan. In a world of treachery, political plotting, and murder, Sarah must find her footing in a man's world and try and earn her keep as an agent of inquiry. But everyone is not who they say they are and nothing can be taken at face value.

I really enjoyed the story, I was kept guessing through the plot twists and could not predict much of the ending. While Sarah's personality is not very developed the story is an easy read. The world of brothels is complex and interesting. The book was released in 2003 with a sequel called Petty Treason released in 2004. I would recommend this to anyone interested in mystery and intrigue. It's a fun read!