Friday, November 26, 2010

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Genre: Modern classic
FTC Disclosure: bought from Target
Published: 1943
Pages: 430
Content: PG-13

One Line Summary: A beautiful coming-of-age story.

From Goodreads: The beloved American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness -- in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience. 

I enjoyed reading about Francie and her journey with her family in Brooklyn. Even though our childhoods were completely different I still felt like I could identify with her struggles. I could see pieces of me growing up with siblings, the wants and longings of our childhood hearts.

It was amazing to find myself in her neighborhood, what it was like growing up in that era where everyone knows everyone, for good or bad. I loved how Francie loved to read and learn and was able to finally move forward on her dreams. I was also shown the deep love a child can have for her father even when he is less than perfect. Even though Francie's father was an alcoholic, he was still a loving father and enjoyed his children. There are many scenes in the book that really make you think about your worldview and to reexamine yourself accordingly. That's what a classic is supposed to do...entertain and make you think. This one does both in abundance.


Rating: 5/5

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

I'm grateful for my husband, my little boy, family, friends, love, knowledge, science, freedom, books, and the Internet! Hope everyone has a fabulous day here in the States and I hope everyone not officially celebrating has a fantastic day of love and hope!

Let's not forget about our dear turkey we're eating...poor little guy.
But may we eat together as friends!!!!
Cheers!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Chronicle Books Haul-idays Giveaway!!!!


What a Haul!
*** Blogosphere Bookstore Giveaway ***

$500 in books for 1 blogger
and
$500 for 1 blogger’s reader
for a total of $1,000


Rules: If you are a blogger post about this giveaway and browse Chronicle Books's catalog and list your own set of books up to $500. If you don't have a blog and would still like to participate, just comment on someone else's blog that has a list of books and things you would like to have as well! Done, just like that.
 
Signup here and for the official rules

 Check out this video to wet your appetite!


Here is my haul of books!









Chuck Dugan is AWOL by Eric Chase Anderson (19.95)

Aesop's Fables by Russell Ash and Bernard Higton (19.95)

Ernie a Photographer's Memoir by Troy Mendoza (12.95)




Mini Goals Notepad by Mary Kate McDevitt (9.95)


Kittenwar Card Game By Fraser Lewry
and Tom Ryan (10.95)

The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams (17.99)

Scary Stories Illustrated by Barry Moser
Introduction by Peter Glassman (16.95)


Werewolves: An Illustrated Journal of Transformation by Paul Jessup
Illustrated by Allyson Haller (19.95)

Ramayana: Divine Loophole by Sanjay patel (29.95)

The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the "Write" Side of Your Brain by Jamie Cat Callan (24.95)

Use This Book!: The Only Book You'll Ever Need by Melissa Heckscher (16.95)


Creature by Andrew Zuckerman (60.00)

1,001Ways to Live in the Moment by Barbara Kipfer (9.95)

If you decide to participate, I'd love for a link back to your list so I can see what you'd like as well!

Good luck!

I originally spotted this giveaway at vvb32 reads. Thanks, Velvet!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday Movie Meme-Mind Games

Feature Presentation...
MONDAY MOVIE MEME


 This week's movie topic is all about Mind Games...

We all have forgettable moments. When we do something embarrassing or stupid that we hope no one noticed or will quickly forget. The movies love to make their characters forget. Memory loss. Hypnosis. Spells. It makes for interesting plot possibilities and entertainment for the viewers.

I'm back for more movie fun with The Bumbles Blog and Molly!!! Yeah, I've been missing this meme a lot so I've decided to at least do this meme and may add one or two more...


1. Inception (2010): I chose this one because this one definitely did a mind job on me...but half the time you don't know whose mind or dream you're in or whether the main character is just plain loony!



2. The Net (1995): This one is all about how our lives can be completely controlled as long as we're on the Internet...how we can literally be forgotten on a whim. Sandra Bullock's mother also has Alzheimer's and doesn't remember who she is. This was right when the Internet was starting to really take off.



3. The Dollhouse (2009) (TV): OK, so technically not a movie...but Eliza Dukshu's brain keeps getting wiped clean every episode so she doesn't remember a thing. A really great and creepy show.

 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Pemberley Ball 2010

Velvet over at vvb32 reads is hosting her second annual Pemberley Ball! Yeah! This is a great excuse to get me to come out of my partial blogging hiatus for a weekend of blogging fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my attendance last year and even won a prize! Check out this link for a way to RSVP and enter her Darcy-licious surprise giveaway (it's open til November 20th).

I am Lady Godiva and will be arriving with clothing and not on a horse. I recall quite the zombie antics last year and am looking forward to more such undead antics, as well as lots of wine.

Lady Godiva
I also am looking forward to any young Darcys! Let the dance begin!

Favorite Darcy image:

Matthew MacFadyen from 2005 Pride and Prejudice