september meme//classics club

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Time for September’s Classic’s Club meme question!

Pick a classic someone else in the club has read from our big review list. Link to their review and offer a quote from their post describing their reaction to the book. What about their post makes you excited to read that classic in particular?

I chose Emily of A Happier Emily and her review of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.

My first exposure to Les Mis was when I was about 12 or 13 and the choir I was in sang “Do You Hear the People Sing?”  That song will forever give me chills.  It’s so…EPIC!!!

Even so, I had no idea what the book/musical/movie was about.  I added it to my CC list cause I figured it was time I found out what makes it such a timeless piece!

This beautiful thought in Emily’s review caught my attention and has definitely peeked my interest all the more!!

“What struck me the most, throughout the novel, was how love was ever present in the characters’ lives. Even in their miserable, wretched, and often destitute states those outcasts, underdogs, rejected from society and rebels against society- they were often motivated by some form of love.”

Don’t know when I’m going to finally pick this book up, but I am totally looking forward to reading it :).

i write in the morning

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I write in the morning when the sun peeks through the trees.

When the air is brand new and the world revived.

When my words are fresh, when my slate it clean.

I write in the morning.

I write when there’s a song in my heart.

When His Word is foremost in my thoughts.

When birds sing.

When wind blows.

When all is peaceful.

When all is well.

I write.

gone with the wind//classics club

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September beings tomorrow!! And although I know fall doesn’t officially begin until the 22nd, the end of August spells the end of summer for me.  I’m already itching to get out my fall & winter clothing.  I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record but I’m longing for crisp breezes, scarves, and cute boots!!

In the meantime, Austen in August is over today :(.  I mentioned when I reviewed Persuasion, I had hopes to finish two titles this month but it didn’t quite work out that way!  Now, I’m setting Austen aside and picking up Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind.  Classics Clubber of August, Fanda over at Fanda ClassicLit is hosting a Gone with the Wind Read Along that will begin on September 1st and end on November 7th.  I’ve never read the book and still haven’t seen the movie so besides a Civil War time story, I don’t really know what to expect from this epic classic.

I have this beautiful Scribner paperback edition.  It’s a thick 959-page read!!  I almost fell over when it arrived in the mail! Am I going to finish it in time??  We shall find out!  This is actually perfect timing since I’m study the Civil War and Reconstruction.  This is an intriguing period of America’s history and I’m looking forward to reading this book :).

persuasion review//classics club

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I’m finally finished with this book!! It should not have taken me this long!  I was hoping to knock out two titles for the Austen in August event but life kind of got in the way!  Oh well!

All that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed Persuasion :).  I have seen the BBC adaptation twice and was pleased to discover that the book is way better!  I must say, Captain Wentworth is much more agreeable and likable in the book than in the mini series!

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet read this book and plan to in the future, do NOT read further!! You have been warned ;)

The plot progressed a bit slowly in the beginning, which, I must admit, made it challenging for me to stay interested but Austen’s mastery of subtle humor had me cracking up on more than one occasion! Anne Elliot is, by far, one of the sweetest tempered women in literature.  You can’t help but admire her everlasting constancy and patience with her family members who continually take advantage of her graceful character and generous heart and then consequently take her utterly for granted when she is no longer “needed”.  She’s quiet and unassuming, never needing to draw attention to herself.  One can definitely learn a thing or two from this woman!

There is much to be said about the book but here are 4 things that especially caught my attention.

1. Anne’s Avoidance of All Things Silly & Ridiculous

Anne’s family members were quite ridiculous in my opinion!  I can’t help but wonder how she managed not to end up like her self-absorbed sister Elizabeth or her sister Mary, the family hypochondriac. And how about Sir Walter’s obsession with appearance?  Anne doesn’t drown in the drama.  She listens, she soothes, she advises and moves on.  I love that about her.

2. Awkward

Austen was a master at awkward situations and missed opportunities.  Lots of tension.  Lots of wondering what the other person’s thinking.  Lots of frustration.  Too often, not enough time to figure out what just happened.  And much of it hinged on one fact:

“Now they were as strangers; nay worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted.”

Quite vexing!

3. Prudence

Anne may have been an easily persuaded woman 8 years ago but not so anymore.  This is most evident in the case of Mr. Elliot.  She keeps hearing what a great guy he is and how they are so suited to each other but she’s not quick to agree; she remains cautious.  While she likes him well enough and enjoys his company, she’s emotionally prudent.  She, of course, is still in love with Captain Wentworth, but she’s able to evaluate her opinion of Mr. Elliot apart from that regard.  Talk about emotional discipline!  A characteristic that, of course, saves her from much misery in the end.  Much unneeded drama would be avoided if only more people were that emotionally cautious, just sayin’.  I love this bit:

“Though they had now been acquainted a month, she could not be satisfied that she really knew his character. That he was a sensible man, an agreeable man,-that he talked well, professed good opinions, seemed to judge properly and as a man of principle,-this was all clear enough…

Mr. Elliot was rational, discreet, polished,-but he was not open. There was never any burst of feeling, any warmth of indignation or delight, at the evil or good of others. This, to Anne, was a decided imperfection…She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or a hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped.”

4. The Letter

Oh, the letter!!  I will not spoil this most important part for those who’ve not read the book yet.  Suffice it to say that it was perfection!

Bottom Line: The story is about all that should’ve been, could’ve been, and would’ve been.  It’s about the deep current of commitment that runs between two people in spite of themselves and despite the direct hit their affections suffer.  It’s about all that changes and all that stays the same.  It’s about assumption, misunderstanding and well, persuasion.

Totally worth reading again!

august meme//classics club

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Classics Club members are joining in on the fun of the monthly meme questions on the brand new Classics Club website! August’s inquiry is,

“What is your favorite classic book? Why?”

Despite my bookworm status, I had no trouble choosing a title. The first book that came to mind was Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet read this book and plan to in the future, do NOT read further!! You have been warned ;)

When I was a little girl, my mother read me Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books, which, along with the TV series, I still love. I still revisit Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy books every once in a while, am captivated by Austen’s Lizzy & Darcy, and adore Montgomery’s Avonlea, but Little Women is special.

I first read the book when I was in the 8th grade, and like so many other girls have done since the book’s publication in 1868, I wished I was Jo March. I’m not much of a tomboy, but I’ve always resonated with her the most, even though, like Meg, I’m the oldest, like Amy, I have my little vanities (although I try not to flaunt them quite as shamelessly as she did!) and like Beth, my castles in the air have always been simple and unassuming. Jo has spunk and an unfiltered love of the simple things of life that makes her completely lovable

But what is most alluring about Jo is the fact that she was an aspiring writer. I started writing my first (and only) novel when I was in 8th grade so I could relate to Jo’s creative dreams. And I so wanted a little garrett space of my own to write in! Still working on that :).

“I’d have a stable full of Arabian steeds, rooms piled with books, and I’d write out of a magic inkstand, so that my works should be as famous as Laurie’s music.  I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous; that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.” – Jo, Chapter 13 Castles in the Air

And who doesn’t love Marmee? She always had the best advice!!

“I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world – marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing,–and, when well used, a noble thing,–but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.”

“Poor girls don’t stand any chance, Belle says, unless they put themselves forward,” sighed Meg.

“Then we’ll be old maids,” said Jo stoutly.

“Right, Jo. Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands,” said Mrs. March decidedly. “Don’t be troubled, Meg, poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover. Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls, but so love-worthy that they were not allowed to be old maids. Leave these things to time; make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if they are not. One thing remember, my girls: Mother is always ready to be your confidante, Father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.” – Chapter 9 Meg Goes to Vanity Fair

There’s only one thing that I’ve struggled with all these years: Laurie. It’s taken me a long time to reconcile with the fact that Jo & Laurie didn’t end up together.

“I’ve loved you ever since I’ve known you, Jo, couldn’t help it, you’ve been so good to me. I’ve tried to show it, but you wouldn’t let me; now I’m going to make you hear, and give me an answer, for I can’t go on so any longer.” – Chapter 35 Heartache

Agh!! Poor Teddy! He had his heart set on her :(! This chapter is most properly titled! I’m still not completely taken with Professor Bhaer. Really, I think it’s just the age difference that bugs me! I can handle Jane Eyre’s Edward Fairfax Rochester, but this was tough! However, I do understand why Jo couldn’t marry her best friend. But I suppose that’s a whole other blog post on it’s own!!

I could go on and on about my favorite chapters (like Camp Laurence & Secrets) or dig up even more memorable quotes. I could even write about the different movie adaptations (the 1949 and 1994 versions are my favorites). But unfortunately, it’s already noon and my to-do list is calling my name. Suffice it to say that Jo March is my favorite literary heroine (with Anne Shirley coming in at an extremely close second ;)) and Little Women will forever be my favorite classic book! Goodness! All this talk about the book makes me want to read it again! Good thing it’s on my Classics Club list ^.^.

“Touched to the heart, Mrs. March could only stretch out her arms, as if to gather children and grandchildren to herself, and say, with face and voice full of motherly love, gratitude, and humility–‘Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!'” – Marmee, Chapter 47 Harvest Time

austen in august

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The Austen in August event, hosted by The Roof Beam Reader, began a few days ago and since I have 3 Austen novels on my Classics Club list, I’m joining in!  I’ve chosen Persuasion, Pride & Prejudice, and Northanger Abbey.  Now whether or not I’ll be able to finish all 3 in one month remains to be seen, but I’ll give it shot!!

If you’re an Austen enthusiast or have always wanted to read one of her books but never got around to it, why not give it a try?

i write in the laundromat//poetry

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Great piece by Marcy Sheiner (=

I Write in the Laundromat

I write in the laundromat.
I am a woman
and between wash & dry cycles
I write.

I write while the beans soak
and with children’s voices
in my ear. I spell out words
for scrabble while I am writing.

I write as I drive to the office
where I type a man’s letters
and when he goes to lunch
I write.

When the kids go out the door
on Saturday I write
and while the frozen dinners thaw
I write.

I write on the toilet
and in the bathtub
and when I appear
to be talking
I am often writing.

I write in the laundromat
while the kids soak
with scrabbled ears
and beans in the office
and frozen toilets
and in the car
between wash & dry.

And your words
and my words
and her words
and their words
and I am a woman
and I write in the laundromat.

persuasion//classics club

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I’ve chosen Jane Austen’s Persuasion for my first read in my 50 classics challenge.  I’ve seen the BBC film adaptation and heard the radio drama version but of course, reading the book will be quite a different experience.  Upon initial introduction, it didn’t strike me as inviting as Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility.  It took a little longer for me to follow the ins and outs of the story.  But I’ve read that this, Austen’s final novel, is the most highly esteemed of all her work and I’m now eager to find out why…

the classics club

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Jillian over at A Room of One’s Own started this awesome online book club of sorts called the The Classics Club. It’s a challenge to read and blog about the classics!

The rules are simple:

  1. Make a list of at least 50 literary works to finish in up to 5 years. These can include fiction, non-fiction, plays, short stories, essays, etc.
  2. Set a deadline to complete your reading list.
  3. Blog about each book after you’re finished with it.
  4. Choose a prize to reward yourself with at the end.

Super awesome challenge for a bookworm such as myself! So I’ve put together a list of classics. Some are re-reads like some favorites from childhood (Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess…) some I listened to as audiobooks but never actually read in print (Jane Eyre, Persuasion…) and a few authors are a bit daunting but I’m determined to at least try (Dostoyevsky, Gibbon, Tolstoy…).

50 Classics

(alphabetical by author)

  1. Little Women//Louisa May Alcott
  2. Old Fashioned Girl//Louisa May Alcott
  3. Pride & Prejudice//Jane Austen
  4. Persuasion//Jane Austen
  5. Northanger Abbey//Jane Austen
  6. Go Tell it On the Mountain//James Baldwin
  7. Jane Eyre//Charlotte Bronte
  8. The Pilgrim’s Progress//John Bunyan
  9. A Little Princess Frances Hodgson Burnett
  10. Mildred Pierce//James A. Cain
  11. Don Quixote//Miguel de Cervantes
  12. The Count of Monte Cristo//Alexandre Dumas
  13. Little Dorrit//Charles Dickens
  14. The Old Curiosity Shop//Charles Dickens
  15. The Brothers Karamazov//Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  16. Crime and Punishment//Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  17. The Narrative of Fredrick Douglas
  18. An American Tragedy//Theodore Dreiser
  19. Invisible Man//Ralph Ellison
  20. Silas Marner//George Elliot
  21. As I Lay Dying//William Faulkner
  22. The Great Gatsby//F. Scott Fitzgerald
  23. The Autobiography of Ben Franklin
  24. Cranford//Elizabeth Gaskell
  25. North & South//Elizabeth Gaskell
  26. The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire//Edward Gibbon
  27. The Wind in the Willows//Kenneth Graham
  28. Tess of D’Urbervilles//Thomas Hardy
  29. For Whom the Bell Tolls//Ernest Hemingway
  30. Les Miserables//Victor Hugo
  31. Portrait of a Lady//Henry James
  32. To Kill a Mockingbird//Harper Lee
  33. The Scarlet Letter//Nathaniel Hawthorne
  34. Moby Dick//Herman Melville
  35. Gone With the Wind//Margaret Mitchell
  36. Anne of Green Gables//Lucy Maud Montgomery
  37. The Scarlet Pimpernel//Baroness Orczy
  38. Pygmalion//George Bernard Shaw
  39. The Grapes of Wrath//John Steinbeck
  40. Of Mice and Men//John Steinbeck
  41. Anna Karenina//Leo Tolstoy
  42. The Warden//Anthony Trollope
  43. Around the World in 80 Days//Jules Verne
  44. The Color Purple//Alice Walker
  45. Ben Hur//Lew Wallace
  46. The Age of Innocence//Edith Wharton
  47. The Importance of Being Ernest//Oscar Wilde
  48. Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Wilder
  49. A Streetcar Named Desire//Tennessee Williams
  50. Mrs. Dalloway//Virginia Woolf

UPDATED LIST

My deadline should be exactly 5 years from today, July 3, 2017 but I’m going to change it to my 25th birthday in a few years (well under the 5 year mark!). I want to finish all these books by the time I’m 25!! Right now, I’m just hoping to make it through Ben Hur. I was required to read it in 8th grade and was BORED OUT OF MY MIND! Now I’m thinking, “Elyssa, you’re an adult now, you should be able to get through it with less pain and perhaps even enjoy it!”

Anyone else have a reading challenge they’re working on? If not, consider this one! It should prove to be lots of fun!!

Happy Reading!!

the road not taken//poetry

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I love this piece =)

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost