Book Nook Early Summer Inspiration

I love to read. It is one of my favorite pastimes. I love finding a good book that will draw you in and that you wish you could linger with. The minute a good book is over you feel a sense of longing and almost loneliness. Fortunately for the last couple weeks I have had some wonderful books to linger with. For my birthday I received "Blue Castle" by LM Montgomery. It is a wonderful book about finding yourself and standing strong in who you truly are, plus it is a romance so it gets a thumbs up from me.

The next one is not a book but it too was a little inspiration in my day and it had my very favorite poem in it. Mr. M and I watched Invictus the last couple of nights...oh how I love Netflix. It was so uplifting. In case you have never heard it here it is.

Invictus

William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

Int he fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but he Horror of the shade,

And yet he menace of the years

Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

My dear friend suggested I read this book and I was not disappointed. It is absolutely charming. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has a funny name but was wonderfully written. It is historical fiction and like all good books made me want to know more about the actual events. It takes place during and following WWII in the Channel Islands just off the coast of France. So uplifting. As with all books about WWII I am in constant awe of those who endured it, and showed such amazing courage. I also can not fathom how there could be people who are so destructive of life, beauty and culture.

Finally, I LOVE this book. It is a new favorite of mine. My sister Alisa had read a review in the paper on this and picked it up. She devoured it and then loaned it to me. I love Alisa because she finds such great finds and then tells me about them. I too could not put it down. In fact I received it for my birthday from Mr. M and kids and last night picked it up again with the same effect, I could not put it down. It is based in Regency time period and is fun, romantic and interesting. The author Sarah Eden has quite a few other books that are currently out of print but scheduled to be released in the next few years. I can't wait. This was the perfect summer time read and I think I may read it again at the end of summer.

Hope you are finding inspiration and great reading this summer. I would love to hear some good book suggestions. I find myself in need of some more good reading.

Jane Eyre a book and movie review

When I was a sophomore in high school one of the books required for my English class was Jane Eyre. I started it, but didn't make it past Lowood school. I read the cliff notes, and watched a movie I found at the library and did my best to pass the test. As a junior in college I started realizing that I really wanted to read the classics. I hate to admit it but I had never even read a book by Jane Austen at that time. So I started to compile a list of the books I should read. I am still working on that list.

But I started out with Persuasion, then Pride and Prejudice, and fell in love. The summer I graduated I picked up Jane Eyre again. Only this time I could hardly put it down. I read it in a few days and enjoyed every single page. Over the years, Jane has become one of those characters that no longer exists in my mind as fiction, but seems like a friend, a real person who I value and who has made a lasting impression in my life.

A month ago I again picked up my now favorite book. I finished reading on April 15th, just in time to go see the new Jane Eyre movie out in theaters, with my sisters. I love the book Jane Eyre for many reasons, most of all because Jane is a strong woman of Great character.

I love as Mr. Rochester describes what he reads in Jane's face..." I can live alone, if self respect and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to by bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only a price I cannot afford to give. Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms. The passions may rage furiously, like true heathens, as they are; and the desire may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgement shall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience."

I have to say I enjoyed this new movie. It was well cast and although they skipped and abbreviated several sections, to fit it into a movie time length, I thought it was well done. I thought it captured the essence of Jane Eyre and beautifully portrayed this timeless story.

My favorite version remains the Masterpiece Theater version of Jane Eyre (below). However I think it is definitely a close second. If you haven't seen either of these movies they are worth making the time to go see them. If you are in the Salt Lake City area, Jane Eyre is showing at the Broadway Theater.
Most of all if you haven't read Jane Eyre or haven't read it in awhile. I highly recommend adding this beautiful book to your list of "To Reads" Jane is who I strive to be like. Strong, kind, determined and most of all true to herself and the beliefs she holds dear. She is able to see real and true beauty and to understand love at a deep and intimate level. I could go on forever about Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece. I hope you get a chance to let this story into your heart.

Book Nook: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

This book was recommended to me by a dear friend. I finished last night and found this a beautiful read. It was truly bitter and sweet. The book flips back and forth between the years of 1986 and 1942-1945. It is full of interesting facts and heartfelt moments. The main characters Henry and Keiko will capture your heart and spin a tale of the conflicts inside America during WWII. It highlights the cultural differences between various groups and injustice between cultures, while painting a beautiful picture of loyalty, honor, service and love. I completely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Hope you are having a joy filled week.

Emily