The Forgotten Garden

A fellow librarian reccommended "The Forgotten  Garden" by Kate Morton to me and said that she was one of her very favorite authors. I had never heard of this book or this author, but I was very happy for the reccommendation because I ended up loving this book. "The Forgotten Garden" is about a four year old girl who gets abandoned on a ship bound to Australia from England. The girl is found by the man who runs the wharf in Australia and he takes her home and adopts her when there is no one else to claim her. When the girl is 21 the man tells the daughter the truth about her past. The novel is about her journey to discover the mystery of why she was abandoned when she was so young and is trying to find out who her birth parents are. The story jumps from each generation's view point which at first kind of gave me whiplash, but once you get used to the style of writing it is practically impossible to put the book down. Kate Morton is a very talented author and I think I will have to read more of her novels.

The Bridge to Terabithia

I know it's been forever since I have been on here but life has been crazy busy this last month and finding time to read has kind of been a struggle. Fortunately for me though I have recently aquired a job as a librarian, so I am surrounded by books all day, everyday. I am finding it extremely difficult to not take a few home at least every week (okay okay, sometimes it's everyday). My latest read was 'A Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. This book is about two lonely children who are sick of being bullied at school and decide to create a magical world for themeselves where they are king and queen. Through this magical world they learn to be brave and discover the true meaning of friendship. It is a wonderful story of imagination, family, friendship, and coming of age. I read it in about six hours (ish) so it is a pretty quick read.

After I read the book I just had to watch the movie to see if it did it any justice- and it did! I loved the movie and would highly recommend it (after you have read the book of course). You can watch the trailer for it below. And yes, it includes the hearthrob from The Hunger Games (he is such a cutie!).

http://youtu.be/3SvqEIKP4t8

The Maze Runner

A couple of weeks ago I finished 'The Maze Runner' series by James Dashner. The reason it has taken me so long to write this recommendation post is because I debated whether or not to recommend it. I actually couldn't figure out if I like the series or not. Although it kept me up nights with its page turning excitement, each time I finished a book the haunting question of "did I like that?" loomed over me. This question thus far has proven unanswerable, something that is quite baffling to me. It is with this struggle that I have decided to recommend it. If a book can cause me to puzzle over it for such a long time, actually make me stop and think about it and its complexities, than it must be worthy of reading. I would be lying if I didn't say that the book was almost scarring to me. Yes, it has it's entertainment factor, but the fear that this might actually happen to our world some day hovers over me leaving a lasting impression. So my friends, I would definitely recommend this book so that you can judge for yourselves.

“Such a display of death - how could it be considered a victory?” 
-James Dashner-

Desiderata

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Through the Pensieve

Character Love

To Kill A Mockingbird

I just finished the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee for the third time in my life, and I'm telling you, this book never gets old! It is one of the great American classics that everyone needs to experience at least once. Scout is growing up in the South when racial tensions are high and her father is assigned to be the lawyer defending a black man who is accused of raping a white girl. Although this book suggests a serious plot Harper Lee tales the story from a witty and sometimes even comical tone of voice. You can't help but love Scout with all of her crazy antics. This is a page turner and amazing writing. If you haven't read it then I highly recommend doing so at least once in your lifetime. Or at least watch the movie anyway.

A Good Book Teaches...

A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.
Henry David Thoreau

Funny

English Hard!