Romeo and Juliet Stories

Mass-produced colour photolithography on paper for Toy Theatre; Romeo and Juliet (background and surroundings removed) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Soon I will be introducing my students to Shakespeare through Romeo and Juliet.  It’s a timeless story repeated throughout literature and film.  Two lovers not meant to be together yet drawn to love one another regardless of their circumstances.  I didn’t realize how strong that story line ran until I watched Lorna Doone the other night.  And there it was right before me–John Ridd and his pure love for Lorna Doone.  Such a gorgeous love story.  I then began to think about all about the other Romeo and Juliet stories I’ve come across without realizing it.  Some end happily and others do not.  It’s the telling of the two hearts intertwined that makes the story so memorable. I do believe the world has been made a bit lovelier for the joy that comes from the sorrow that happens when two hearts are kept apart because it is so wonderful when those hearts do find their way to be together after all.

A handful of Romeo and Juliet themes:

Lorna Doone

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The Summer of My German Soldier

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Tristan and Isolde

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Pyramus and Thisbe

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West Side Story

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I am looking forward to the upcoming release of Romeo and Juliet starring the lovely Hailee Steinfeld, nominated for her role in True Grit. There are many  Romeo and Juliet versions, yet I am hopeful this new version will be a standout. The depth Ms. Steinfeld brought to the role as Mattie Ross, she will, I hope, bring as Juliet, for a Romeo does need his inspiration.

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Bookmarks Past and Present

It’s not often I read a book in one sitting, and finding a bookmark is often a necessity that leaves me in a bit of a flummox.  I try to keep one consistent bookmark, yet that seem to evaporate.  My current favorite is a ticket from a vacation spent in Seattle.  I have attached good memories to the stub and combined with a good read it’s a double pleasure.  I’ve managed to keep hold of it since summer.  It might just be a record.

Bookmarks come and gone:

• paper scraps:
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  napkins

• yarn

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• pens, pencils

• odd bits: flashlights, calculators, television remotes

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  Then there are the bookmarks that are actually bookmarks. The MEPA has provided the niftiest magnetic bookmarks.  The library seems to collect them more than I–they have reminded me more than once that I have left them once again in a book returned to them.

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  What about your bookmarks?  Any oddities or favorites to share?

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Reading Between the Lines

image: Walmart.com

I had no idea how wrong I was really reading until I read Thomas Foster’s book.  Okay, not so much as wrong, but unenlightened.  The catchy title hook of “a lively and entertaining guide to reading between the lines” is truly that.

Professor of English at the University of Michigan, Foster showcases his deep and wide literary knowledge through his delightful instructive on how to really read literature.  His style is as if you are sitting in on lecture due to its friendly, conversant tone. And yes–it is quite entertaining. If there were more literature professors like Foster we might have an overrun of English teachers in the population, then again, maybe the population would become more knowledgable about literature after taking his class.  However, if traveling to Michigan  is inconvenient, I suggest picking up this book.

Reading like a professor simply means gaining an understanding of  all those hidden nuances of that suddenly pop out in 3D once you know they are there.  Kind of like finding the Waldos in the picture once you know what he looks like.

Here is a smattering of chapters:

• Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It’s Not)
• Nice To Eat With You: Acts of Communion
• If It’s Square, It’s a Sonnet
• When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare…
• ….Or from the Bible
• It’s Greek to Me

Foster provides the literary basics (themes and motifs; models; and narrative devices)and utilizes a tremendous variety of examples of genres ranging from Homer to Shakespeare to Toni Morrison (Foster has an absolute thing for Beloved). Succinctly stated, Foster literally reduces the intimidation of reading literature.

You can even test your newly acquired knowledge on the included short story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield.

For those of you who prefer novels to literature you can check out his companion book:

This is one of those books I wished had been available when I was struggling with Melville and the like in college.  Future AP students be forewarned: expect Foster’s book on the summer reading list. A much better choice than Moby Dick (which you will be able to read once having read Foster).

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  University of Michigan Library Card Catalog (Photo credit: dfulmer)

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Egads, Those Cads of Literature

You know who they are.  Those bad boys who jilt the girl, cheat the honest friend, and play havoc with the plot.  They are the cads of literature.  Having finished Jane Austen’s Persuasion I have added Mr. Elliot to the list.  His subterfuge was most deplorable.  Then again, I do adore how she swiftly cast him aside for someone much more worthy of her devotion.  My favorite heroines have done just that–put those cads in their place.  Since I am on a Jane Austen revisiting read here are some cads that live in her books:

Henry Crawford (Mansfield Park)–I detected cad from the very start

Frank Churchill (Emma)–what a naughty game you played with so many hearts

Oh, Willoughby (Sense and Sensibility)–we wanted so much to like you

Elliot (Persuasion)–did you really think you could turn Anne’s head or her heart away from Wentworth?

Tsk tsk, Wickham (Pride and Prejudice)–your charm could not cover your secret faults

 

As to Northhanger Abbey, I haven’t decided who the cad truly is.  It’s up on my list to review.  As to other literary cads–any nominees?  Rhett Butler comes to mind, but then was he a cad or simply a foil for Scarlett?

Happy reading!

English: Engraving of Steventon rectory, home of the Austen family during much of Jane Austen’s lifetime (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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The Library Times Are Changing

Bob Dylan could very well be singing the theme song for today’s library.

image: travelgoat.com

Are you old enough to remember when libraries only contained books?  I can’t remember back exactly when I noticed that the library went into BB  [beyond books] mode, and I am not sure if it’s a problem or not.

Long time ago when I worked in a middling sized library we held off on offering VHS movies for check out.  Yes, that was a long time ago, wasn’t it?  Our director deliberated for nearly six months whether or not we would incorporate them into our collection because, after all, the library is all about reading, isn’t it?

Counter arguments included: Well then, what about the cassettes we offer?  Not all are  audio books, many are music.

Hmm, that is a good point.

Long story short is VHS movies moved in on the shelves and *Surprise!*–people kept checking out books. People aren’t going to stop reading books.  Even when given options. Yes, I do believe this

As much as I would like to be a purist and spout: Books Only! I realized today’s libraries, like any smart enterprise, has learned to diversify in order to serve the changing public needs and tastes.

Go into any library today and you will find computer labs, video games, DVD collections, and other options among the shelves.  It hasn’t gone so far as this one cartoon portrays though:

I admittedly check out DVDs, audio books, music, magazines, and even video games (for others I know).  Of course, I rarely leave without at least one book in my bag.

Are the times a-changing too drastically? I figure the library is a reflection of current society.  Right now we are currently into media which translates into both entertainment and information. The library folk are savvy enough to know it’s best to provide in order to survive.

So, Bob D–sing through those lyrics one more time, wouldja?

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Jane’s First Novel Makes Much Sense

Mention Jane Austen and people go “Pride and Prejudice.“Why don’t they go, “Sense and Sensibility?”  It was, after all, her first novel, and it has much going for it.  Okay, okay, Edward isn’t exactly Darcy, but all the other elements are there:

• close sisters (Marianne and Elinor meet Elizabeth and Jane)
• an annoying mother (not Mrs Dashwood–Mrs Jennings)
• an insufferable matriarch (boo Mrs Ferrars)
• mixed up romances (just hang in there, Marianne/Elinor/Lizzie/Jane)
• a charming cad (yo whazzup, Willoughby–yah, itz good, Wickham)
• wealth (30,000 a year!)
• poverty (250 a year!)
• sex without marriage (tsk tsk Kitty, poor Eliza)
• catty women (meow Fanny)
• happy endings after waiting and waiting for things to get sorted out

English: “I saw him cut it off” – Margaret tells Elinor that she saw Willoughby cut a lock of Marianne’s hair off. Austen, Jane. Sense and Sensibility. London: George Allen, 1899. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, why doesn’t Sense and Sensibility make the connection with JA word association?  It might be because we relate to “pride” and “prejudice” more than we do “sense” and “sensibility.”  What the snuffbox is “sensibility” anyhow?

According to the old Wikipedster it relates to sentimentality or the emotional response, which JA wasn’t too keen on, and hoped her novel would point out the need to have rationalism rather than emotionalism. I think we moderns can respond and relate to the emotional response idea but we don’t necessarily live there.  Instead I think we counter react by not not reacting and create characters known for not having emotions, like House or  siccing out zombies as a means of coping with sensory overload.  Hysterics are in vogue right now it seems; on the other hand we do recognize everybody or every creature isn’t all bad. Maybe that’s why monsters these days have feelings.  Unlike the original Barnabas Collins modern vampires twinkle or is that sparkle? Perhaps that explains the odd coupling of monsters with Regency mavens such as Elizabeth and Elinor. Could it be Regency meets Modernism?  An odd ying yang match? Give me the old-fashioned classic sans monsters, please.

Another theory about the second novel surpassing the first is Jane’s choice of title. I’ve been trying them out:

1. Practical and Passion–still has that alliteration and ideology
2. Sedate and Sensitive–nope, sounds like a Saturday Night Live skit
3. Reason and Raison d’être–or is that the same thing?
4. Sensible and Silly–that’s being rather harsh on Marianne, I suppose
5. No-nonsense and Neurotic–maybe too modern

Pride and Prejudice is definitely a great read, after all it’s a classic; personally I believe it makes for better films than a novel.  Of all the JA novels I’ve been revisiting, Sense and Sensibility is the only one I’ve snuck to school in hopes of reading on my lunch break (two pages before students found me).  Maybe it’s because I “watched” while I read since I had just come off a three film S&S film fest (1981, 1995, 2008) and had each major scene indelibly imprinted in my mind as I scoured the chapters comparing and assessing the plot.

So far in my rediscovering reading of JA Sense and Sensibility leads.  I’m off to reread Persuasion. I’ll let you know the score after I turn the last page.

REad ThiS                                                                                                   NOT ThiS

 

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  image: Barnes and Noble

 

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Have You Heard the Latest One About the Library?

I learned from a blogger that Saturday February 9th is National Library Appreciation Day.  Very much excited about this new and most needed celebration I quickly Googled the event only to discover it is a UK holiday–not a USA one.  At least not yet.

However, while researching I happened upon some incredibly funny cartoons about libraries.  Hope you chuckle, giggle, laugh, and enjoy as much as I did.

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Calling All Bibliophiles

Saturday I decided to go visiting other bloggers and what a fun time!  There are soooo many interesting people and posts out there. It’s blogdelicious!  I invited folks to join up on Book Boosters, which is a recognition page of bibliophiles (lovers of books), and whopping 15 people responded and we are now sporting a roster of 55 Book Boosters.

If you would like to add your name to the roll call of Book Boosters simply drop me a line.  I look forward to hearing from you

Do you love books?

Do you have favorites you read, recommend, and even re-read?

Are you a frequent flyer at the local library?

Are you an on-line regular of book sites, be they promoting to buy, review, or boast books?

Perchance you operate on a need to read basis–you have to have a book in hand, by the bed, stashed in the car, or have one nestled in the backpack.

You then, my friend, are a Book Booster.  And you are in good company.  Add your name to the list and welcome to the shelf of those who appreciate and advance the cause of books.

Join the continuing ranks of Book Boosters:

1.  www.BookWrites.wordpress.com

2.  www.eatsleeptelevision.wordpress.com (adambellotto)

3.  www.homeschoolhappymess.com

4.  www.carolinareti.wordpress.com

5.  www.opinionatedmama.wordpress.com

6.  www.jessileapringle.wordpress.com

7.  www.wcs53.wordpress.com

8.  www.spookymrsgreen.wordpress.com

9.  www.cecileswriters.wordpress.com (Samir)

10.  www.HannahBurke.wordpress.com

11.  www.thecoevas.wordpress.com

12.  www.Jayati.wordpress.com

13.  www.collecthemomentsonebyone.wordpress.com

14.  http://scriptorwrites.wordpress.com (scriptor obscura)

15. http://jinnyus.wordpress.com/

16.  http://1000novelsandme.wordpress.com/

17. http://literarytiger.wordpress.com/

18.  http://chicandpetite.wordpress.com/ (Bella)

19.  http://booksandbowelmovements.com/ (Cassie)

20. http://bookrave.wordpress.com/

21. http://fromagoraphobiatozen.wordpress.com/ (Marilyn Mendoza)

22.http://bibliophiliacs.wordpress.com/

23.  http://thoughtsonmybookshelf.wordpress.com/

24. http://shelovesreading.wordpress.com/

25.  http://ajjenner.com/

26.  http://artsandyouthlove.wordpress.com/

27. http://readingreviewingrambling.wordpress.com/

28. http://365amazingbooks.wordpress.com/

29.  http://beckysblogs.wordpress.com/

30.  http://bookpolygamist.wordpress.com/

31. http://aliciadevoursbooks.wordpress.com/

32. http://readinginterrupted.com/

33. http://bundleofbooks.org/

34. http://bitsnbooks.wordpress.com/

35. http://justonemonkeytyping.wordpress.com/

36. http://alwayscouponing.wordpress.com/about/ (Book Nerd)

37. http://merlinspielen.com/

38. http://valerierlawson.wordpress.com/

39. http://the-room-mom.com/

40. http://gongjumonica.wordpress.com/

41. http://thewritecaravan.wordpress.com/

42. http://bookmust.wordpress.com/

43. http://opinionatedandcuriouskins.wordpress.com/

44. http://theoldbookjunkie.com/

45. http://slawriter89.wordpress.com/

46. http://inatwitter.wordpress.com/

47. http://lifelibertyandthepursuitofacademia.wordpress.com/

48. http://arlenshah.wordpress.com/

49. http://redpeffer.me/

50.http://pambustin.com/

51. http://lostandfoundbooks.wordpress.com/

52.http://lazycoffees.wordpress.com/

53http://thousandmonkeys.wordpress.com/

54. http://thehouseilivein.me/

55. http://joanngrasso.wordpress.com/

A Dollar for Your Thoughts…

Confession time.  *sotto whisper* I really like Dollar Stores.  There are different names for them, but they all amount to the same thing: cheap goods for cheap. I’m admitting my age, I know, when I say I grew up with a Woolworth store.  Oh my, how I reveled in the those aisles of little boxy displays of toys and delights.  It certainly was a sad, sad day when the Woolworth closed its doors.

However, my spirits lifted when  the dollar store concept arrived redressed and ready to go on the scene; my level of thrill skyrocketed due in part to nostalgia, but mostly due to my (Scottish roots?) of thrift.  Here are the top ten favorite buys at a dollar store:

1.  greeting cards–two for a dollar!

2.  toys–everything from magic tricks to fairy princess dress up essentials

3. gift bags–two for a dollar small to big bags just a buck

4. school supplies

5. decorating items–a bag of multi-colored glass marbles only 100 pennies (a yippee! find)

6. hair dibdabs–barrettes, bands, bobby pins

7. smell goods–candles, oils, incense

8. candy–oh don’t be a snob (just watch the expiration date)

9. kitchen gadgets

10.  serendipity finds-I bought a retro purple wool blazer among a shipment of very wrinkled clothing items [do I hear oohs and aahs in the background?]

And of course there is a book section.

 

However, I can’t help but feel only sadness, instead of glee, at finding great books at the embarrassing price of $1.00.  I would hate to be an author and find  [gasp] my book on the shelf.  I often check to see what titles are among the “finds.”  Some books I’ve never heard of, and some are not so unexpected (we all need an inexpensive version of Oliver Twist).  But goodness gracious I didn’t expect to see a Thursday Next upon the shelf.  I consumed that series and have hungrily awaited the movie version to appear (hint hint).

Haven’t been to a dollar store lately?  Well, don’t miss out on these treasures:

Mousetraps at a dollar store (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Typical Dollar Store, San Francisco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Bright Spots and Pass Alongs

When the world reveals too much darkness I tend to retreat.  I know I can’t just hide and pretend it will all go away, yet I don’t want to dwell on tragedies and troubling events.  So when the world is at its darkest I look up and out and around to find the bright spots.

And I escape by reading.

My love and prayers go out to those affected by the turmoil and troubles of the day.  I do encourage everyone to keep looking for the bright spots as I am reminded of Emily Dickinson who spoke of hope:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

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“Hope” is the thing with feathers— That perches in the soul— And sings the tune without the words— And never stops—at all—
And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard— And sore must be the storm— That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm—
I’ve heard it in the chillest land— And on the strangest Sea— Yet, never, in Extremity, It asked a crumb—of Me

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