Saturday, November 29, 2008 - November 29
November 29th is an important day for a lot of reasons.
Some pretty big events happened on November 29. For instance, in 1890, the first Army-Navy football game was played. In case you wanted to know, yes, Navy did win, 24-0.
Today, November 29th, 2008 is also an important day.
One, it is the 22nd anniversary of the death of Cary Grant. *sniff* Wow. I might have to go light a candle or something. Or at least go watch Notorious for the hundredth time. Zeppo Marx and Ralph Bellamy (who coincidentally acted his best when costarring with Cary Grant) died on this day as well, in 1979 and 1991, respectively. George Harrison also died on this date, just seven years ago.
As for more happy news, there are a lot of big birthdays on November 29th, too.
Louisa May Alcott was born on this day, 177 years ago. (and her father, the famous writer and philosopher, Bronson Alcott, was born on the same day 209 years ago). Most people know her as the author of Little Women, but I love her for being the author of three even more incredible books--An Old Fashioned Girl, Eight Cousins, and Rose in Bloom (the last being one of my favorite books ever!).
Madeleine L'Engle also was born in this day in 1918.
Even better than that, this November 29th will be C.S. Lewis' 110th birthday. (and in case you are wondering, that means next year will be his elventy-first birthday, as his good friend Tolkien may have put it!). Now I don't think I need to express how much Lewis means to me. He's the one person most like me that I've never known. :D
And most important of all (yes, possibly even more important than C.S. Lewis' birthday!), it is my baby sister's 11th birthday.
ELEVEN.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to accept the fact that your only little sister is turning eleven?!?!?!?!?
She's so old. :o
This little girl:
has turned into this:
*sniff*
So happy birthday, Louisa and Jack. And Lila--here's looking at you, kid.
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Saturday, November 15, 2008 - Read once again with me...from page 904....
I love the Phantom of the Opera.
I love Gerard Butler as the Phantom of the Opera. I mean, come on! He's Scottish, 'nough said. But seriously:
There's a lot to like about that one side of his face. I hear the other side isn't too bad either.
I digress.
I've always wanted to be the Phantom of the Opera. One, I would get to dress like this:
and this:
There is one catch, though.
I'm not musical. So, I can't really be the Phantom of the Opera. I have to figure out how to be the phantom of something I'm actually good at.
Thus, my brother and I got the great idea that I should be the Phantom of the Library.
It's really perfect, and quite simple. I live in the floorboards of the library--or perhaps the rafters. At night, I creep to people's rooms, and teach them how to read. All the while, I am working diligently on my masterpiece: Don Juan Triumphant: A Novel in Three Parts.
But alas, there, of course, would be a problem with that.
Every night, I, disguised as the Angel of Literacy, would go behind the mirror of a certain young man and read to him parts of my brilliant novel. There's a special reason behind this--this man, Christian Daae, owns the largest publishing house in Paris Maryland. And if I can only teach him my novel, one day he will publish it and I can reach the whole world through it.
But alas. There's another woman.
And she, Raouline, loves Christian too. Insolent fool!
So instead of getting the man I love, publishing my book, and living happily ever after, I turn to the dark side, and begin murdering librarians every which way. AND stealing library books. AND not paying fines. I'd give Christian one more chance, though, when he shows up (with Raouline, the ditz!) at the Summer Reading Club party. Will he come back to me? Or is it over for the Bedtime Stories of the Night?
'Tis a sad, sad tale.
(But best of all: if I were the Phantom(ess) of the Opera, there'd be no stringy haired, effeminate, sissy Raoul to deal with. Thank goodness!)
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Thursday, November 13, 2008 - Hymns for a Kid's Heart
It is a privilege for me to begin reviewing books for Crossway Books and Bibles. This first edition is dedicated to a book that really delighted me from the first time I read it! I hope you all can get a chance to look at this book sometime and enjoy it as well--and while you are at it, head over to the Crossway Blog! Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Volume One by Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth As Christians, we believe we live in the twenty first century because God has placed us here for "such a time as this." With that, though, comes the changing cultures--for good and for bad. That includes the emergence of contemporary Christian music. While we can enjoy worshipping through that kind of music, it is sad to many to see that we aren't just adding on contemporary music, but replacing cherished hymns with it. A young child now would not be familiar with most of the songs some of us (or our parents!) worshipped with years ago. However, that doesn't mean that they are any less meaningful, relevant, or beautiful. How do we continue to pass on these old favorites and instill their wonder to our children? Hymns for a Kid's Heart is a wonderful place to start. Volume One contains twelve traditional hymns, conveniently organized into the categories of Hymns about God, Hymns of Truth from the Bible, Hymns about Christian Living, and Hymns of Prayer for our Country. They are: You are probably at least a little bit familiar with many of these hymns (but do not worry if you are not--because the book includes a cd with beautiful renditions of each, as well as containing the lyrics and music if you'd prefer to perform it yourself). But do you know the stories behind each of them? You may find yourself surprised as you learn the story behind some of your favorite songs and what influenced the writers to pen them. Besides these inspirational stories, for each song you will also find a related Scripture, prayer, and devotional. I especially enjoyed hearing the author's own personal feelings on each song. They presented clearly what the song met to them and how they first experienced it. They have transported me back onto slave ships with John Newton as he wrote Amazing Grace and into the halls of the US Naval Academy chapel as midshipmen sing Eternal Father, Strong to Save! This book is a wonderful tool for parents to teach their children more about favorite hymns. It could be used as a devotional program, a music program, and in Sunday School or co-op classes as a great tool to teach not just hymns, but simple Biblical truths through song. Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth said in their introduction: "We want to share the bounty of a lifetime of hymn-singing with you and your little ones. The deep truths that have sustained us, cheered us, and tenderly tied us to those people we cherish are waiting to be poured into the hearts of the children whom you love." Through this book, you can pour these same truths into the hearts of your own children!
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - October Book Reviews
Yes, I only had four books in October. But they were four books that totaled over 3500 pages. That makes up for not having eight or so books that have about 350 pages each, right?
The Abolition of Man: Or Reflections on Education With Special Reference to the Teaching of English in the Upper Forms of Schools
Books with long/cool subtitles positively make me giggle. And very few things do, so pay attention.
'Men without chests". It is probably one of the most famous terms C.S. Lewis popularized, and most of you have probably heard it before. It is in this book he explains what this phrase means and how it involves education.
Lewis was introduced to an English book that he thoroughly disagreed with. He wrote this book partly as a rebuttal of said book. This book, Lewis said, although claiming to teach merely English, did more than that--it subjected young children to philosophy.
Lewis then goes on to expand on his feelings on education--including how to educate children in order not to make them "men without chests" (in other words, ensuring that they do not become heartless brainiacs!) How do we educate children, then? How do we teach them to think, and not mimic what they are "taught"?
I think this book is fairly popular with homeschool moms, but it is for everyone who is interested in not just teaching, but learning. It is as relevant to the state of America's schools in 2008 as it was to the English ones of 1943!
War and Peace
Although it is 1400 pages, I am proud to say I read this book in exactly seven days. I'm not sure how I managed to do that, but I did. Go me!
The novel is the story of several upperclass Russian families during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. From 1805 to 1813, we are told the story of Natasha Rostova (from age twelve) and Pierre Bezukhov as they suffer the hardships of not just the war, but peace--life in general. From love and to death (warning: incredible death scene in this book!), to philosophy and religion, this book gives us the character's experiences in everything. Along the way we are introduced to the stories of their friends and families, as well as being treated to a narrative of the war itself--which Tolstoy treated with incredible detail, even going so far as to use actual correspondence from the war in the novel.
Overall, you can't miss this one. And please, don't let the size intimidate you. There is nothing hard about, despite the length (okay, the Russian names can be confusing--but I assure you, they are the MOST confusing part of the book!). Don't feel bad taking it slowly--enjoy it!
Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume I
This book was first published in the 1400's by Caxton. Sir Thomas Mallory wrote it because at the time, so many legends and written tales (both in English and French) existed on King Arthur. Mallory compiled many of these into one book, creating his masterpiece that is now the authority of Arthurian literature--Le Morte D'arthur, or, The Death of Arthur.
I do love Arthurian literature. I've read many parts of Le Morte D'arthur before, but never sat down and read the whole thing. I only read the first volume this month, but I'll look into the next volume eventually.
As an Arthurian literature next, this book is amazing. It contains so much detail and information, and combines all of the never-ending early medieval sources for the stories of King Arthur.
It also gives a different perspective of Arthur. I think we are led to believe Arthur and his knights are perfect. This tells the other side of the story--authors since (such as Tennyson and others) have made Arthur an exemplary hero who did no wrong. How many of us would have guessed he also had children (including his own) murdered for his own reputation, that his knights would kill senselessly, and that, overall, he's not the perfect person we were led to believe?
From a more personal perspective, I will say I enjoyed Tennyson's retelling, Idylls of the King, more. However, both are good works, and Le Morte D'arthur is definitely worth the read.
The Faerie Queene
I'm not going to lie--this book was a challenge for me. I don't normally come across that feeling, so this is hard for me to admit. This is probably the hardest book I've ever read--and I honestly came away feeling like I didn't get more than a third of it.
Most of it had to do with the way it was written. It was published in 1590, so as you can imagine, it's a fair bit different way of writing. If you are fine reading 1400 pages of this:
How then shall I, Apprentice of the skill,
That whylome in diuinest wits did raine,
Presume so high to stretch mine humble quill?
Yet now my lucklesse lot doth me constraine
Hereto perforce. But ô dred Soueraine
Thus farre forth pardon, sith that choicest wit
Cannot your glorious pourtraict figure plaine
That I in colourd showes may shadow it,
And antique praises vnto present persons fit.
then you are okay. But for myself, I came to the conclusion that this book (1300 pages long, and taking me about eighteen days to read) needs to be read, re-read, studied, and most importantly and read ALOUD to fully get everything. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to do that. I would like to one day, however.
If you can get past all of that, however, a gem does lie underneath. It is utter genius--I mean, come on, it's the longest poem in the English language--and the author only completed half of it before he died. That says something about it's brilliance, huh?
It's also very symbolic. It was originally supposed to be twelve books of twelve cantos (each canto averaging about fifty stanzas) each. Spenser was only able to write six books before he died, but each one is unique as it represents one of the twelve virtues.
Also, it is an allegory written about Queen Elizabeth.
So, I'm not recommending this one to everyone. If you have the time to study it and analyze it, then by all means, do so. But don't attempt it as light reading--at least not the whole thing. If you just want to get familiar with it, read just one book (I recommend the first one, actually). It is a good story--with lots of adventure of knights, ladies, and myths, but it's not a book you can just read and get much out of it. It takes a whole lot more than that.
Oh, and apparently a modern translation does exist. Perhaps I'll try that one as well!
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Down Once More....
Seeing Obama win doesn't feel nearly as bad as I thought it would.
Sure, I'm not happy about it. Yes, I'm sad about it. But it hasn't come to a point that I've packed for New Zealand or thrown myself off the Grand Canyon. No, I'm waiting till January to do that.
:D
Maybe this is what we need. It's definitely what we deserve.
The world has constantly had bad times. We'll continue to. America has had bad times. We've gone through economic disasters, wars, riots...hey, come on, we are the country that elected FDR as a president. Really, it can't get any worse than him, right? :D (sorry, FDR fans. But I do blame him for everything. I'm worse about blaming him than Dems are about blaming Bush. And I don't care!)
There will be changes in this country. There will be bad times. It will get bad, I can tell you that with complete confidence. Things are going to go down hill for a lot of us. I'm anxious about it. I could be content if we had another eight years of Clintonesque leadership--of doing virtually nothing. I'd like that with Obama. But I don't think that's what he is giving us. He's already promised change--and change is what he is giving us. But change is only good if it stays in your pocket, right? Say goodbye to that, then.
He can take our change out of our pockets. He can turn us into a socialist country--which leads first to unified poverty and second to Communism. He can kill our children and put a big target on all of us. He can give our kids over to the government from birth. He can divide the racial barriers even further.
Let's pray that Obama does virtually nothing. Maybe he won't keep all of his promises. Maybe this time he'll be dishonest and we like it. Yet it doesn't look that way.
Like I said, I'm anxious. I'm anxious because with what Obama promises, not only will we have little freedom, we're in danger of losing our lives. Or our children's and grandchildren's. You can't have socialism without violence eventually prevailing--and we're on the path of a very dangerous America. We're on the path of Hitler's Holocaust and Stalin's massacres (and in some ways we're there already), of Inquisitions and martyrdom.
And, why, you ask, am I not as upset as I should be over this?
Because humans have lived through these things before. They have stood up to these things before. They have defeated these things before. These humans are our history and our heroes. When things get bad for America, it is a tragedy. But it also is a privilege--and privilege that God has put us here for such a time as this, knowing the full course of history--and a privilege that now it is our turn to stand up and become heroes of the future as well. Who knows, maybe one of us will end up being the next William Wilberforce! Men have done it before--we are setting out on a great adventure of making sure it is done again!
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - A Christian's Response to Special Needs
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Although the month is drawing quickly to a close, I did want to do a post highlighting an issue that is pretty close to my heart.
As most of you know, I have two siblings with Down Syndrome. Stephen is fifteen, and Lila is just a few weeks shy of eleven. Because Stephen is only two years younger than me, I've virtually lived in "Down Syndrome world" all my life. I grew up with it. I know a lot about it, and special needs in general. I can understand my sibling's speech when nobody else can. I can name the best therapists in the country. Scratch that. I knew how to do Beckman oral therapy in elementary school. I know about muscle hypotonia and congenital heart defects, Mosaicsim and palpebral fissures.
It's a sure bet that I know more about the world of Down Syndrome than the average person. I know more about the medical and physical aspects of it, though--I know about life with it. I know about life with special needs children in general--from having two Downs siblings, as well as two special needs siblings that died.
I also know that people with any special needs, and their families, need a lot of support. Sadly, I see secular groups giving more support than Christian ones. This is a fabulous opportunity to help others--and expand the Kingdom--yet where are the churches when it comes to aiding those with disabilities? Groups like Special Olympics, NDSS, the ARC, and other outreaches are great secular organizations. But where do the Christian groups and individuals fit in? Secular organizations do great earthly work-but who does the eternal in the special needs community?
We're quick to help "the widows and orphans" in other countries. We can pack up a shoebox of presents for children in Africa, or help build a church in Iraq, thanks to some wonderful ministries. These are great. But the destitute in other countries aren't the only ones who need help or even salvation. Look around your community, and probably even church, and you are definitely bound to find a family with special needs.
It can be a bit overwhelming to work with anyone with special needs. What do you do, and how do you react to their disability? Will you say the wrong thing? What if the individual doesn't respond to you? Those are normal fears. I live with special needs siblings, and although of course I'm fine with them, when I meet other children and adults with special needs, I'm a bit nervous. Why? Because they are people, and different people. Even special needs people are different from each other. They all require a different sort of attention. And you aren't going to know what kind of attention to give them until you get to know them. For example, my brother Stephen is very quiet and withdrawn--unless you are very affectionate and playful with him. You can't be "oh, he wants to be left alone, so I'll give him some space" with Stephen. You have to be in his face. Yet with other children I've seen, it's the opposite. They'll love you, but you don't have to overdo it with them. You really have to just feel the individual out--like you would with any person, but it is exaggerated with special needs people. It will be hard at first--and it will be work. But it will pay off!
Now, how do you help? How are some ways to get involved in the special needs community?
1. Your church.
Most churches don't have a special needs ministry, but a lot of them have special needs children and adults in the church. They need a place in the church, too, but it's hard often, as they don't fit in like a typical person would. For instance, a sixteen year old with Down Syndrome may not have the ability to fit in a high school youth group. Yet it might be unfair to put him in a class of seven year olds. Churches that employ a special needs ministry often have a special class for special needs children, or they use volunteers to work one on one with the individuals in their own classroom, so the teacher doesn't have to take the time out to give him more attention than the other students, which he may require. Most importantly, get the parents and families of the individuals involved. See which kind of programs they enjoy. Another great option is to have a churchwide support group. Organize fun outings together--for the whole families of special needs individuals. This is also a great evangelism tool as you can open the events to the community. You'd be surprised how many people have no interest in church merely because there is no place for their children with disabilities.
2. Homeschooling
If you know a homeschooling family with special needs kids, it is a great place to get involved. The special needs kids will require extra help in school, and thus more time. This is difficult not just for the special needs kids, but for the moms and even for the other children in the family who need Mom's attention. You can easily help out here--whether by giving the mom a break, or helping with tutoring. Or just help the kids have fun! We had a friend who came once or twice and just played games with my brother all afternoon. They both loved it! Another thing--if there is a special needs child in your homeschool co-op class or team, it easy to be encouraging, help them, and accept them into the class, while understanding that they will require different standards and attention than you will. That goes for teachers as well as students!
3. Support Awareness and General Human Rights
About 90% of children diagnosed with Down Syndrome before birth are aborted. That's not birth control, that's not helping the parents, that's not "I can't handle a special needs child" even. That's eugenics. That's killing off an entire group of people. Millions of people. That's definitely another holocaust.
In February Al-Qaeda in Iraq strapped explosives on two women with Down Syndrome and set the unknowing victims into crowded markets. The remote controlled explosives killed 91, including the two women. This isn't the first time Al-qaeda has used disabled people to do their dirty work.
In Russia, children with Down Syndrome are most often placed in an institution. This is not to be confused with an orphanage. In an institution, children are kept in a room--or often even restraints--and in horrible conditions. There is no school, no therapy, no people to engage them. In fact, in many institutions, visitors aren't allowed to even pick up a child, for fear the child may bond with another human and demand attention and love after that--and how dare they!
In Illinois, a baby was born with Down Syndrome. The parents had wanted an abortion but it was unsuccessful. The baby survived, was delivered, and even appeared to be doing well. The nurse, however, "disposed" of the live baby. Legislation was proposed to protect these fullterm healthy babies who survived abortions and make sure they receive proper medical care that an adult or older child would be entitled to.
Worldwide, the statistics and incidents are startling. Despite the progress that has been made in our own country--people do, normally, accept and love disabled children--we've come a long way from the point where no one has ever even heard of Down Syndrome because children born with it were "put away quietly" in shame. Yet we've still got a lot more to do. How can you help here?
You can get involved with a number of groups. Even if you can't physically volunteer, adopt, or help with your own abilities, then consider helping financially. A great start is NATHAAN/CHASK, which is a support group for and adoption agency. CHASK places adoptions of children with special needs, saving many babies from abortions. Groups like Samaritan's Purse have ministries to help fly children with heart conditions to America for life saving surgery, as well supplying medical con supplies in foreign countries.
Another point---my last example about the baby in Illinois. Something you can do to affect this--vote. Vote in this election for the candidate who would not support this atrocious act. Forget that Sarah Palin has a beautiful little boy with Down Syndrome (who, by the way, has the best opportunities possible for a child with DS, not to mention, would even more so with a mother as a VP, as she would be able to devote herself more fully to motherhood with that position), and promises to fight for the support of special needs children. That is great, but also remember this--Barack Obama voted AGAINST the Illinois act to save babies, including this baby with Down Syndrome. Your simple vote this election for John McCain will help to improve conditions for disabled individuals all over the world. John McCain is the only candidate--not just against Obama but ALL of the third party candidates--who will support life all over the world, and including the life and rights that our special needs individuals deserve.
4. Individuals
I saw them every week at Special Olympics. The parents were in their seventies, at least. They should have been retired. They should have been enjoying grandchildren, leisure, and even being taken care of by their children at their age. Instead, they were still taking care of a child--their fifty year old daughter with Down Syndrome. They faithfully brought her to practice and competitions. They took care of her.
For most parents, parenting is a lifetime job. It's not usually "oh, they are eighteen, let's forget them". Most parents are involved in their child's life beyond adulthood. Yet for parents of special needs, they aren't just eternal parents to their children. They are eternal caretakers for their child. Other children grow up and settle. These children never grow up, never settle. There are two options for them--being thrown into a group home, which although many times great, sometimes are places of abuse, and of course, simply, they are places of change. The individual is taken away from his home, his family, because his parents are too old to properly care for him any more. If he remains with his parents, how is he going to be taken care of? Who is going to take care of the parents as they age? How will they afford growing care and medical costs as they probably no longer have an income?
A seven year girl has a severely autistic brother. He's a handful, for sure. The seven year old girl's friends and their families are all getting together for a pool party. The girl isn't invited, though. She may or may not realize it, but it's because of her brother.
Maybe it is not even that intentional. Maybe a boy with autism is not invited because he's severely disabled or even "a handful." Maybe he isn't invited because he isn't friends with anyone. Not that people don't understand him--he just gets overlooked. So does his family. Special needs kids blend in the background, sometimes. Don't forget them or their families.
The above three situations, along with many more, occur more than you would think. Keep your eye out for them--and step in if you can! There's a multitude of ways--by your finances, talents, and even just love, that you can help a family with special needs children. They are everywhere--and they might need your help!
These are all just a few ideas of how to get involved. Help. Befriend. Support. Give. Play. Teach. Volunteer. It's easier than it sounds. Just a few minutes of your time-- hugging a child at church, or inviting an overlooked special needs child to a birthday party, are really easy tasks and can be done by anyone. As Christians, we have responsibility to show God's love to everyone--and in this way churches and Christians have sadly neglected it. Find a way to get involved!
Finally I'll leave you with a few links:
Samaritan's Purse's Project Restoration
Christian Institute on Disability
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - Blog awards and camping...
Announcing the 2008 Homeschool Blog Awards!
HSBA has many different categories--from best homeschool mom blog to teen awards to best super homeschooler and more! It is that time of year again--time to honor all the best homeschooling blogs. Right now, nominations are under way. For more information, and to nominate blogs go to the website at:
http://homeschoolblogawards.com/2008/10/2008-homeschool-blog-awards-nominations/
oh, and just for clarification, I am NOT asking you to nominate me as best teen girl blog, of course. :P No, I really am not--because there's a lot better teen girl blogs out there that need your nomination! And any blog, really...
I've already put my nominations in, and encourage you to do so as well. I'm looking forward to seeing who makes it to the awards for voting soon!
_____________________________
In other news, we spent the weekend camping in Shenandoah National Park. It was a bit chilly, but well worth it!
Double cuteness!
Trying to stay warm...
Mmm...marshmallows. Almost as good as those hot dogs we made...
Methinks Lila was a bit tired of climbing here. Look at her panting! :D
after hiking up to the highest point in the park..
Look at those leaves!
Have to show off my new cool jacket...
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Thursday, October 9, 2008 - Class of 2009 contest!
It's with great pride that I say that I am part of the class of 2009. 18 long years of homeschooling have whizzed by!
For those of you that are seniors, or know homeschooled seniors this year, everyone should know about the site Homeschooled Seniors. It's a wonderful site to get plugged in with other seniors! Thanks to Jocelyn for running it! I am so excited about it and what we will do this upcoming year.
That being said, Homeschool Boutique has been kind enough to donate one of their brand new Class of 2009 t-shirts to Homeschool Seniors for a contest.Jocelyn has the rules on both her blog and the Homeschool Seniors site--it's easy, all you have to do is post about the contest and then comment her with the link, and you will have the opportunity to do what I'm doing--enter for a chance to win a class of 2009 t-shirt!
Seniors or parents of seniors, please check out the site at:
http://homeschoolseniors.blogspot.com/
and the contest: http://aponderingheart.com/blog/?p=980
Don't those shirts just make you wish you were a senior? :)
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - September Book Reviews
At the Back of the North Wind
Although it is quite different from any other George MacDonald book I've ever read, it is one of his more famous ones. Unlike Phantastes and Lilith, which I reviewed a few months ago, At the Back of the North Wind is a pleasant children's story. In fact, it is credited with being a pioneer in the children's novel. It also is equally engaging for adults, though, as it contains a good deal of spiritual symbolism.
Little Diamond is a young child who lives a pretty regular life with his poor parents. One day, though, he meets a new friend--the North Wind. Diamond travels with the mysterious North Wind--who takes many shapes, from big storms to tiny breezes. Although he is certain he loves the North Wind, Diamond is confused by her. He does not understand all of her actions--like why she must, through her large gusts, sink a ship of innocent people. Why is she helping people sometimes, but causing pain and death with others?
Diamond must learn the answer to this question, always hoping that he will, through his love of the North Wind, get to the country that is at her back one day.
At the Back of the North Wind is a sweet little fantasy for children, but it is not for children alone. A good one for the whole family to enjoy!
The Discarded Image: an Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature
This, the last book written by C.S. Lewis, is a different kind of literature book. Rather than focusing on learning or even criticizing different literature from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Lewis goes a lot further.
Lewis points out medieval thought and imagery and relates it to the literature of that time. He uses the worldview of the medieval period to successfully analyze literature. Thus, by putting each of his readers into the shoes of a medieval person, he is enabling them to better understand the literature. Lewis points out the views that influenced the writers of the period by explaining what they believed about the planets, earth, life, people, education, and more. It is altogether a fresh and unique way to approach literature--laying away our modern views to think like a typical medieval person.
The Prophet of Yonwood
This third book in the Ember series is a bit different from the other two. Whereas the first two books chronicles the life in Ember, and the life of the people who depart from Ember to the earth, this book goes back before the Great Wars, to when Ember was just being built.
Nickie is an eleven year girl from Philadelphia. Her family is left a mansion in North Carolina, so she and her aunt travel there to fix up the place to sell. Nickie is determined, though, that the home will stay in the family. She dreams of it being a happy place where her mother, father (who is often away on mysterious trips), and herself can live like a normal family.
However, the city of Yonwood is anything but normal. With world war looming ahead, citizens everywhere are tense, even in the quiet town. Yonwood is also under the control of a "prophet," and although everyone is intimidated into obeying her, Nickie and others feel that something about her just doesn't seem right. Would God really want the prophet to tell them to do some of the things she asked them to do? Are the people the prophet proclaims "evil" really that bad? What is good and what is evil? Can we ever know?
The only thing I do have to complain about is I'm not crazy about the main character. She's too mature--sometimes the stuff she says sounds like it could come out of the mouth of a lonely depressed thirty-five year old, rather than a little girl.
This novel is definitely the most philosophical in the series so far. An apocalyptic book, it deals with war and destruction, but on an even more intense note, it is an interesting look into false prophets and the fear that leads people to follow them. It's a great reminder that we must look to God, not men.
The Dark Tower and Other Stories
After the death of C.S. Lewis in 1963, his brother Warren went through some of his old papers. There were many many papers that he could not understand or did not have the time to go through, so he was planning on burning them. But first, he called Walter Hooper, C. S. Lewis' secretary and adviser of his estate, to take a look at them. It is very lucky that Warren did, because Hooper uncovered among these writings several manuscripts written by Lewis, which are included here along with a few previously published short stories.
The Dark Tower
The first of these was, of course, The Dark Tower. It is a science fiction story that is connected to Lewis' Space Trilogy. The Dark Tower is a story of a group of academics at Cambridge University. Long have they discussed time travel, but now they were thrown into the world of it when one of the group invents a machine that will enable them to see the future. They use this machine to observe the future world--complete with bizarre aliens. Yet surprises are in store for the group when they discover that some of them have a double in this "future world", and when one of them is accidentally transported to the world, it cannot be good for any of them!
It's really a fascinating story--unfortunately, Lewis never wrote any more beyond the first 75 pages. Although it is somewhat dissatisfying to read a book that doesn't finish, it is a lot of fun speculating on what may have happened. The editor gives some hints on where Lewis may have intended the plot to go, which eases the dissatisfaction. Even with the disappointment, though, at it being incomplete, it is still a remarkable beginning and a must read for science fiction or Lewis fans!
The Man Born Blind
Although probably my least favorite of the stories in this collection, it is nonetheless interesting. It is a short, several page story chronicling a man who is given sight after being blind all his life. It is a neat concept--exploring the perspective of a man who hasn't seen before. How do you explain color to him? How do you explain light? But it all ends in tragedy for the man, as he comes across a stranger who tries to explain just that to him.
The Shoddy Lands
A man at a college experiences a visit from a young friend in this short story. The friend brings along with him his brand-new fiancé. The man was beginning to get bored, however, until he suddenly found himself in a new world. It bared resemblance to the old world--for instance, his friend's fiancé Peggy was there--yet it was different. What follows is a bizarre story of how the man views this new world--and wondering all the time, "is it a dream?"
Ministering Angels
I'd be crazy if I didn't say this story is a bit....weird. Unusual. Strange. Bizarre. And dare I say rather funny?
A group of scientists, technicians, and astronauts (all male) are sent to Mars. They are to stay there several years, studying the planet. They are all of different backgrounds--from newly married to old men, meteorologists and botanists--all different men. Yet they all have one thing in common--they are pitied by those they left behind on earth, because, of course, what would men do without any women?.
So in a gesture of kindness, those on earth send up two women to keep the men company. Of course, what happy woman would want to leave a planet full of men on earth for a dangerous journey into space? Not many, so the men are stuck with two flirtatious--yet horribly unattractive--women. Lots of laughs as they try to avoid the duo!
Forms of Things Unknown
There is nothing better than mixing mythology and modern day space travel/science fiction. All of that is accomplished in this story about a young lieutenant, John Jenkin, who volunteers to voyage to the moon. It is a risky voyage--because the three before had ended in disaster. Each of the three previous explorers had landed alive on the moon, and sent messages--but every single message was interrupted, and the three men were never heard of again.
John is delighted to have been chosen to be the fourth. He is not concerned about the risk, because he believes he has discovered the secret of why the men had seemingly disappeared mid-message. Each message, he realized, only ended as the speaker was describing what was behind him. For instance, one message ran, "On my left, far away across the crater, I see the big peaks. On my right I see the Yerkes cleft. Behind me--". Each message was cut off in the same manner--and John realizes that, for some reason, on the moon, you cannot turn around.
John is proven right in this climatic ending. Yet what lurks behind you on the moon is more terrifying than even he can ever imagine.
This was my favorite of the short stories. It has a wonderful build up and ending--but as a warning, if you read it and don't quite understand the ending, look up your mythology. Or just ask me, because I researched it and have it all figured out--but I won't give it away till after you've read the story!
After Ten Years
This is another unfinished book. I think it is even more sad to see this book unfinished that it was to see the Dark Tower unfinished, though, because I honestly believe this story had the potential to be Lewis' best book ever.
It follows closely in the path of Lewis' Till We Have Faces, but much more intense from chapter one. It is a retelling of the tale of the Trojan War, but from the eyes of Menelaus (if you aren't' familiar with the story, Menelaus was the king of Sparta who waged war on Paris of Troy after Paris stole Helen, the wife of Menelaus). We find Menelaus struggling as he wars against Troy, wanting to find his wife, yet enraged at her unfaithfulness. He is conflicted--should he take her back as his wife, or treat her as a miserable slave? And will he find his wife the same woman as when he last saw her?
The first four chapters are the beginning of the story, then Lewis skips somewhere ahead to what is called the fifth chapter, but that actually would take place in the middle of the story. This gives one an idea of where Lewis was going with the story, and Hooper reiterates this by giving some good ideas on how Lewis may have intended to end it.
The amazing thing about this book is that, although it only goes on for five chapters, you can already see the brilliance behind it. The plot is catching, and the characters are so well developed. It is a shame it was never finished, because it would have been a great classic work.
An Experiment in Criticism
I've really got to stop reading so much Lewis. I'm coming to a point where I'm afraid to read any more of his writings, because I am honestly afraid I might discover something we disagree on. No one I've ever "meant"--whether in real life or through their writing, have I been able to relate and agree with any more than Lewis. I swear we have the same mind (hey, he was a genius!). Maybe we were switched at birth--come on, it could be possible. He's only 93 years older than me!
I think I have decided this is my favorite of his non-fiction works. It's a different kind of literary criticism. Lewis explores how we should approach literature by first showing the differences between the literary ("The Few") and the unliterary ("The Many"). He shows how each of these two groups read literature, why they read literature, and what literature they read.
Lewis also argues on how we need to judge books. Do we judge them by other criticism we have read (here Lewis points out--in what I've always said--that literary criticisms are not good for someone wanting to read a book, but for someone who has read it and wants to explore more)? Do we judge it by preconceived notions? Do we have prejudices and biases going into literature? Do we care what is "popular", "smart", or "distasteful" at the time when we read?
This is a must have for any student of English and serious reader or writer. It is also highly relevant to others, as it is not just a commentary on how we view literature, film, and other forms of media, but deep down, on how we view culture. I can't recommend this book enough--it is the best introduction for literature or even reading there is. If you are a student, get it to complement your literature courses. If you are a parent, read it and make sure your kids do as well. If you are a teacher, there is no excuse for not reading this. If you are just a big reader, it is you who this book is directed to. Don't miss out.
A Long Fatal Love Chase
I always knew Louisa May Alcott had this book in her, even before I had heard of this book. Some of her works, like Little Women and Jo's Boys, hinted at it. I wasn't sure she was capable of something deeper and darker, though, until I read her Rose in Bloom (sequel to Eight Cousins and my favorite of her books!), and saw the intensity that loomed over a certain story line in it.
But still, she never completely gave in to that intensity until this book. In fact, it was so intense that was deemed too sensational and not published in her lifetime--actually, it was only published 13 years ago. Take the story of Faust, who sells his sole to the devil, and mix it with Jane Eyre, and you've got A Long Fatal Love Chase.
Rosamond Vivian is a young girl living on an island in England with her grandfather. She's lonely--her only friends are books. Although a pleasant and vivacious young girl, she's also a bit innocent. Thus, when her grandfather's friend, Tempest, appears one night, she falls for him. Tempest, twice her age and an admitted scoundrel, returns the girl's favors and "buys" her off her grandfather. He marries her, and they start a happy life together traveling around the world.
Soon, though, young Rosamond finds out some secrets about her mysterious husband. Is he as wonderful as he sounds? When she discovers his true character, she runs away, and thus begins the long "chase." Tempest will not have his wife running off, and is determined to hunt her down. "Mine!" he swears, "Mine first - mine last - mine even in the grave!" His determination leads to a startling tale of deceit, lies, love, and reckless obsession. Will Rosamond ever escape her husband and his tormenting secrets? Can she undo any of the wrong he has done? Will she ever find a man who truly loves her, and does not think of their love as but a game?
The Complete Short Stories
This books contains every one of Robert Louis Stevenson's short stories. It's a fun read, with a variety of stories that only the author of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped, and Treasure Island could bring. Some are short stories, others more novellas. Whether they are horror ("The Body Snatcher"), medieval-style romances ("The Sire de Maletroit's Door") or just plain mysteries ("The Suicide Club"), you will find plenty of stories that will suit you.
I'm not going to take the time to review each of the stories, since there are so many of them, but as a collective whole, I would recommend the book, especially if you have enjoyed any of Stevenson's longer fiction. There are a few stories that seem to drag on, but most of them are enjoyable tales that will keep you turning pages!
Wives and Daughters: An Every-day Story
Well, I have heard so much about Elizabeth Gaskell lately that I figured I better read some of her books. It seems to me like she is fast replacing Jane Austen in popularity right now! And I can see why, I enjoyed this story and it is equal to Austen's novels, in my opinion. Keep a look out for more reviews of Gaskell's works as I plan to add more later on this year to my list!
Molly Gibson's mother died when she was young. She lives with her father, who she adores, and is very content. Of course, predictably, her father remarries, bringing into the family not just a new stepmother, but a new stepsister, as well. Molly, now seventeen, tries to love her new stepmother, but cant help but resent her a bit. But in her new sister, Cynthia, Molly finds a great friend her own age.
Cynthia and Molly are very different, however. While Molly is sweet and innocent (albeit a bit smart alecked sometimes!), Cynthia has been out in the world almost all her life. She is lively, worldly, and smart; Molly is quiet, simple, and wise. The two make an incredible duo.
Ah, but what kind of story would it be with men? Suitors began to arrive by the dozen--most of them preferring Cynthia. Molly, though, begins to love a certain young man--but her hopes are dashed when she realizes that Roger prefers Cynthia and only loves her like a little sister. Meanwhile, she finds out a secret about Roger's brother that she must keep, although it could be devastating if the family found out about it.
Although this story, actually, was not finished either, it was close to being done, so it has a pretty conclusive "ending". The characters in it are wonderful, and although the plot is predictable at times--well, as I always say, I'd much rather have good, developed, interesting characters in a less original plot then boring people in a more unique story!
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Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Quick Debate # 1 Analysis
Overall, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Unlike the steaming debates of 2000 and 2004, there was not a lot of backstabbing, not a lot of dirt, and frankly, it was, compared to those debates, almost boring. The economy questions went on way too long. Both candidates skirted the questions, couldn't give real concrete answers, and basically repeated themselves with each question. The first part was a disappointment in both candidates, I think, because they both took one issue with the other candidate, and re-stated it over the entire debate over the economy.
Also, I think this was the least "debaty" debate I've seen between Presidential candidates. It was pretty polite, and the candidates acted as if they were addressing the American people and, even more so, the facilitator of the debate, rather than each other. That's a speech, not a debate. It got better later on, though.
For each of the candidates, though:
Obama
Delivery:
- He stuttered a lot. I was rather surprised at this, I must admit. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt
- He was pretty stiff. I don't think many people could walk away from watching that debate alone and think that he's an incredible speaker over McCain. He may give a pretty speech, but let's face it, he's not too hot on the spot.
- I can get over him calling McCain "John" when McCain calls him "Senator Obama", but really, calling him Tom and THEN calling him Jim was a little much.
- A couple slips, no big deal, we all have them--the one jumping to my mind is "Noose Lukes"
Content:
- He did a good job with the economy stuff. He could throw out some impressive sounding figures; I did hear way too many numbers.
- Sorry, he just showed his naivety when it comes to foreign policy. He did a good job defending himself over it, but I think it was still pretty obvious he was muddling through it and didn't quite know all his facts
- Calling McCain a liar to his face without attempting to back it up doesn't go over well with me
- The "Let's blame Bush for everything" game is expected, but it's shallow to keep bringing it up. We're not re-voting for Bush. If you want to explain exactly why you think McCain is like Bush, cool. But just throwing in comments about what Bush did doesn't do that.
McCain
Delivery:
- He seemed really nervous at first. His voice seemed rather shaky to me, but he recovered within a few minutes.
- After the initial few minutes, he seemed pretty relaxed and much more personable
- He smirks a lot. And although I think it's adorable, when Obama is talking it looks a little condescending
Content:
- He had Obama on the defensive A LOT. That was good.
- He totally blew Obama away on foreign policy and security
- He did a good job of establishing why he isn't Bush's twin, in contrast to how Obama was insinuating he was
- He gave short, simple answers, for the most part--for the most part, he was pretty practical
- I liked how he often invited the American people to research statements he made. That said, "don't believe me, believe the facts." I was glad to hear it.
- I thought he repeated himself a LOT. Same phrases, words....there was a little lack of freshness.
I was also pleased to see that they both agreed on some things, and were NOT afraid to acknowledge it.
Overall, I can honestly say there was no "winner" in this debate. Both parties can walk away pleased with their candidate, but not wowed. This isn't a debate that will change any minds--it was all around fairly even. Let's just hope it gets better in the upcoming weeks. I'm all for things getting a little dirty!
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