Willa Cather

My latest read is Alexander’s Bridge by Willa Cather—I couldn’t find a picture I liked, so you get a portrait of Cather instead. I have a love for Cather that I can’t quite describe. She writes so beautifully, pulling me into her world, the lives of her characters. I thought Bartley’s emotional unfaithfulness to his wife was less understandable than Ethan Fromes, though, which made it more difficult to sympathize with him. I was simply annoyed that his wife sat back at home, blissfully unaware.

But I still love Cather’s style. So lovely.

My latest read (and book purchase). Yes, a children’s picture book. I adore picture books. Don’t worry—I’m reading Frankenstein too. Harry and Lulu is charming and precious. Maybe I love it because, like Lulu, I just want a dog. Her adventures with her magical stuffed-turned-real red poodle in Paris are darling. I want a Harry.

I sat on the floor of Half Price Books reading this story—when I giggled out loud on the last page, I knew I had to have it.

Books in Progress

(because an English degree made me restless and unable to read a single book cover to cover—so many books, so little time…)

Reading List catch up (in no order…and most assuredly incomplete since I haven’t updated since…umm…September?):

1) House of Mirth Edith Wharton

2) Finding Alice Melody Carlson

3) The Witness Dee Henderson (this was such a waste)

4) Ventricle, Atrium Gabriel Gadfly

5) Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury

6) Blue Heart Blessed Susan Meissner

Another tardy Summer Reading List addition!

Darcy’s Story by Janet Aylmer was lent to me by a dear friend of mine; it is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice told from the point of view of (surprise!) Mr. Darcy. While we both agreed that it wasn’t quite “literary,” it was definitely amusing. I especially enjoyed the second half of the book, the portion of the story that Aylmer had to invent Darcy’s actions and thoughts. My favorite scene, though, involved a rather twitterpated Mr. Bingley after Jane has agreed to marry him. He’s adorable.

Anywho, if you’re looking for something light and enjoy Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, check out Darcy’s Story. You will, no doubt, be amused as I was!

I’ve gotten behind in my Summer Reading List, and now summer is over. le sigh. I’ll begin another book list, but I’ll finish those I read this summer first.

I loved Perfect Reader, by Maggie Pouncey. It explores a woman’s coming of age, the literary community, friendship, family…so many aspects of life, but in a sensitive, poignant way. While the protagonist has some rather hostile attitudes toward Christianity and some of the language is less then ideal, overall I enjoyed the book (and really, the author treats Christianity respectfully even if the main character doesn’t.

I feel like I say this about every book I’ve read this summer, but I do want to read it again, and I would highly recommend it.

this is how I would spend all my time if I could: curled up in a nest of bedding with a good book (this time it was Perfect Reader by Maggie Pouncer, which I loved)

A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter

I love this book. I have been reading it since I was pretty young (probably middle school?), but I definitely enjoyed it more now that I am older. Several of the themes probably went right over my head when I used to read it. It was so lovely. I’m feeling lazy at the moment, so I’m not posting as much analysis as usual. Maybe I will sometime soon.