About stories of all kinds
One of the oldest English legends, the story of Robin Hood has been told and retold for generations. It’s been adapted into books and movies, and the characters make cameo appearances in all sorts of media due to their being immediately recognizable. Aside from Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, I’ve read two book retellings of the Robin Hood legend: Shadow of the Wolf by Tim Hall and Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead.
One of the enduring types of fiction, one of the most prolific types of stories told to this day, through whatever medium, is the adventure story. There are quests, colourful characters, cut-throats, intrigues, losses, rescues, betrayals, cloaks, daggers… the works. I’m categorizing ten of my 100 books to read as predominantly adventure stories. 1. Kidnapped… Continue reading 10 Adventure Books: 100 Books to Read #4
I’m a chronic re-reader. I can’t not have the desire to revisit books I have previously enjoyed. Particularly when I have a stack of unread books in queue waiting for more of my attention than just an occasional dusting. Part of this liking for re-reading books feeds into my need to own all the books.… Continue reading Re-Read to Weed (but also just to re-read)
The Nest of the Sparrowhawk by Emmuska OrczyMy rating: 3 of 5 starsThe Nest of the Sparrowhawk is an intrigue placed in the upheaval following the execution of Charles I and during the Protectorship of Cromwell. Lady Sue, orphaned daughter of royalist parents, has been placed under the guardianship of Cromwell supporter, Sir Marmaduke de… Continue reading The Nest of the Sparrowhawk Book Review
Cromwell. The Roundheads. The Cavaliers. Bonny Prince Charlie. Wait, wrong Charles. Recently, I read three books in a row set in and around the English Civil War and it has definitely brought the time period to life for me. I’ve realised that when I read historical fiction I absorb a lot unintentionally about historical events,… Continue reading Recent Reads: Three Perspectives of the English Civil War
“100 Books You Should Read Before You Die;” “100 Books Everyone Should Read;” “Top 100 Books to Read.” You've probably seen these lists around with varying amounts of recommended books on reading sites and blogs. To be perfectly honest, I cringe a bit when I think about them, because (as I’ve briefly mentioned in a… Continue reading 15 Children’s Classics: 100 Books to Read #1
Admittedly, it was the cover of this book that got me. Reading the synopsis, I wasn't too sure it was up my alley--the story of a young woman's experience in a new blended family--but the cover kept me coming back to it. It's interesting because this book is so focused on appearances and how they… Continue reading Boy, Snow, Bird: Mirror Reflections
What makes great literature great? What comprises great literature? Why are some works still relevant, while others have been relegated to the studies of period specialists or the perusal of those who enjoy archaic culture? Why do we even study literature? Coming to the end of the material from my first year English on-line literature… Continue reading On-Line English Literature Discussion: Great Literature
“I never thought, when I used to read books, what work it was to write them.” [She said.] “It’s work enough to read them sometimes,” I returned. David Copperfield I've been slowly coming to terms with the fact that I will not be able to read every book in the world (along with Jesse… Continue reading Books: The Beautiful and DNF’d
Ah, time travel: creator of paradoxes, destroyer of timelines, and conveniencer of plots. I like a good time travel story, whether it be the new Who (Moffat loops and all) or the good old Back to the Future. Time travel tends to frequent science fiction, but is also exploited for its potential in the historical… Continue reading Time in Flux (Capacitor): Ruby Red and The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
Fictitiously Yours 