March Book Madness! Day 25, Do you love books more than people?

Girl Reading by Jean Monti

Recently, I reviewed Diane Setterfield’s novel The Thirteenth Tale. As I relived my experience reading and pondering her story, I remembered a particularly poignant conversation Miss Winters had with the main character Margaret. Miss Winters asked Margaret if she would kill someone, about to destroy the last copies of her favorite books. When with the author asked this question, Margaret responded she wouldn’t. However, later when she was alone, Margaret recanted her answer, stating, 

Of course I loved books more than people. Of course I valued “Jane Eyre” over the anonymous stranger…Of course all of Shakespeare was worth more than a human life.

Diane Setterfield, The Thirteenth Tale

When I read this excerpt the first time I felt so conflicted. The question, “Is knowledge more valuable than human life?” was a unsettling one for me to consider. I argued back and forth in my brain how I couldn’t possible decide between one or the other.

Picture of Notre Dame Chapel in Paris France

It is the same as deciding between preserving ancient architecture and history over preserving human life. It’s the same as choosing to rebuild the recently damaged Notre Dame Chapel or donating to people starving around the world. Which do we choose? Which is the moral choice?

There is no right answer to any of these questions. I hate absolutism. I always wonder if there couldn’t be an option 3 or 4 to any of these paradigms. Both books and people are important. What if the person about to destroy the last books we love will become one of the greatest authors or scientists of our time?

We could wrap our heads around these type of philosophical questions and get nowhere.

Not every book is equal in value.

Not every person has lived a virtuous life.

People have burnt books to smother minorities or degenerates.

People often praise ideologies that are damaging and dangerous to individuals and families.

There have been moments in history when people have had to kill in order to obtain a book or record of great value for future generations.

Though there is no perfect answer for every possible circumstance, it is important to learn the value of books, the knowledge they contain, the authors who write them, and the people they may reach.

Food for thought.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 24, My Life in Books Tag

March Book Madness! Days 26-31 My favorite new reads from this month

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 24, My Life in Books Tag

Young Woman Reading by Richard Boyer

An original Book tag by Elaine Howlin, I found this tag on library looter‘s blog. Since I have limited time on my hands currently, I’ve been doing more book tags. This particular tag is quick, easy, and fun! I always put links for the authors and books so feel free to click on the provided links if any seem interesting.

Let’s get started.

Find a book for each of your initials

A- As You Are by Sarah M. Eden

E- Even This: Getting to the Place Where You Can Trust God with Anything by Emily Belle Freeman

M- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Count your age along your bookshelf: What book do you land on?

Pseudonymous Bosch‘s The Name of This Book Is Secret (2007)

SInce all my books are packed away, I went through a library catalog of my books on my phone! Since I am 30 years old, I stopped on this little trinket. It’s a fun book which I think fans of Trenton Lee Stewart‘s The Mysterious Benedict Society, or Lemony Snicket‘s A Series of Unfortunate Events would enjoy.

A book set in your city/country?

Rick Riordan‘s The Titan’s Curse (2007)

Funny story! Percy and his friends go to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. People probably would recognize it as the sad village in the mountains. Percy buys a plastic rat from someone because he feels sorry for them. So I lived there at the time I read this book! I still think its hilarious.

A book that represents a destination that you’d love to travel to?

Jennifer Deibel‘s A Dance in Donegal (2021)

I would love to travel to Ireland like Moira Doherty in this book! I have an extensive Irish ancestry. It is on my bucket list of places I want to see in my lifetime.

A book that’s your favourite colour?

Catherynne M. Valente‘s In the Cities of Coin and Spice (2007)

I love, love, love, love orange! This is one of the first books to pop in my mind with this color.

Which book do you have the fondest memories of?

Kate DiCamillo‘s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006)

I’ve read this book multiple times throughout my life, and each reading is special to me. No matter how many times I experience this story it remains memorable and heartwarming.

Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?

Fyodor Dostoyevsky‘s Crime and Punishment (1866) (In Russian)

I’ve picked my way through several Russian novels but Crime and Punishment is by far the hardest I’ve attempted. I have yet to finish this book completely.

Which book on your TBR will give you the most satisfaction to finish?

Geoffrey Chaucer‘s The Canterbury Tales (1400)

Ever since my European tour in 2013, I’ve wanted to read this book. I finished it once upon a time as a teenager and hated it. However, I learned the history behind this classic collection and realized I had read it with the wrong mindset. I would love to dive back into this novel to understand the archetypes Chaucer tried to depict.

Thank you for reading! Spread this tag around! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 23, The Fellowship of the Ring Book Tag!

March Book Madness! Day 25, Do you love books more than people?

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 23, The Fellowship of the Ring Book Tag!

A Girl Reading by Johann Georg Meyer

Here I am again filling out a book tag. With how busy I am lately, they are a good way for me to finish writing fast and have fun. Todays Tag I found from Suzy’s Cozy World. Since I love Lord of the Rings, this seemed like the perfect Tag prompt.

Let’s get started!

Gandalf – A book that taught you something

Kate Milford‘s The Boneshaker (2010)

I learned so much about automatons, mechanics, medicines, old Southern folktales, and the culture during the early 20th century. It was simply fascinating to read this book. Her other book Greenglass House is just like that as well. Milford really paints history in beautiful, fascinating colors.

Frodo – A book that left a mark on you

Ruta Sepetys‘s Between Shades of Gray or Ashes in the Snow (2011)

I knew about the German holocaust, the billion people killed in China, and Russia’s internment camps. I did not know about the Slavic people’s from Lithuania and other neighboring countries mistreated, killed off, and imprisoned in Russia. This book opened my eyes to parts of history I did not know. It is one of my favorite books from these past few years. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not read it.

Legolas – A book you finished in one sitting

J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)

This is the one book I know for sure I read in one sitting. I probably did the same with the 5th and 6th books in this series, but this felt like my most impressive accomplishment.

Gimli – A book that features an unlikely friendship

Juliet Marillier‘s Wildwood Dancing (2006)

For this question, I immediately thought about the sweet friendship between Jena and her frog Gogu, who she could understand and talk to. Their relationship is the heart of this beautiful fairytale book.

Merry – A book that pleasantly surprised you

Tahereh Mafi‘s Furthermore (2016)

I honestly didn’t expect Furthermore to be as interesting a read. The cover is beautiful, but the premise seemed too predictable. However, when I sat down and started reading, this book had its hooks in me. The story and writing style are just as colorful as the cover. 

Pippin – A book that made you laugh

Philip Ardagh‘s A House Called Awful End (2003)

A House Called Awful End is the funnier version of A Series of Unfortunate Events. I laughed so hard reading this story. the stuffed weasel, the house and people who smelled like old hot water bottles, and even the silly old man with his fake gun stole my little heart as a teenager.

Boromir – A book/series that you think ended too soon

Brian Selznick‘s The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2008)

This book unfolds like a dream. It’s beautiful artwork, writing, and conclusion stole my heart the first moment I read it. My one grievance against it was it ended so fast. Because it is so beautiful I wanted more.

Sam – A book with memorable side characters who stole the show

Eva Ibbotson‘s The Secret of Platform 13 (1994)

I am not sure who constitutes as a main character in this story, but I love all the quirky side characters scattered throughout the book. Ibbotson always has such amusing side characters and this book is no exception.

Aragorn – A good book with a bad/average cover

Elizabeth Marie Pope‘s The Sherwood Ring (1958)

My friend Erica really likes this book and gave it to me to read. I didn’t want to because its cover wasn’t very appealing to me. In fact, I think it is kind of ugly. But as I read it, I actually enjoyed it. It’s a good story, and a fun look into Revolutionary History in the United States.

Gollum – A book that had great potential but disappointed you in the end

Colleen Houck‘s The Lantern’s Ember (2018)

I read this book fairly often because I love the IDEA of it. I have a soft spot for Halloween-esque stories in forested towns. I love who the characters are, especially Jack with his Pumpkin who carries his soul. But, Houck’s execution just fell so flat. This felt more like a third or fourth draft rather than a well-polished finished novel. In fact, if she took her story and fixed it up I think it would do it a lot of good. I still love reading despite these flaws because it sparks my imagination.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 22, A Book For Each of My Initials

March Book Madness! Day 24, My Life in Books Tag

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 22, A Book For Each of My Initials

“Mom and Child” Carlton Alfred Smith

Fun little book post today! Here is a book for each initial of my name. I got this idea from One Book More.

A– Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War (2004) by Clive Barker (5/5)

A wonderful, and magical sequel for Abarat.

All things in their time . . .

Candy Quackenbush’s adventures in the Abarat are getting stranger by the hour. Why has the Lord of Midnight sent his henchman after her? Why can she suddenly speak words of magic? Why is this world familiar?

Candy and her companions must solve the mystery of her past before the forces of Night and Day clash and Absolute Midnight descends upon the islands.

A final war is about to begin. . . .

Goodreads Overview

U- Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption (2010) by Laura Hillenbrand (TBR)

I saw the movie but would like to watch the movie for a deeper perspective.

On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.

The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.

Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.

Goodreads Overview

B- The Big Sleep (1939) by Raymond Chandler (3/5)

An interesting mystery, but I didn’t like the main character AT ALL.

Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid….He is the hero; he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man.

This is the Code of the Private Eye as defined by Raymond Chandler in his 1944 essay ‘The Simple Act of Murder.’ Such a man was Philip Marlowe, private eye, an educated, heroic, streetwise, rugged individualist and the hero of Chandler’s first novel, The Big Sleep. This work established Chandler as the master of the ‘hard-boiled’ detective novel, and his articulate and literary style of writing won him a large audience, which ranged from the man in the street to the most sophisticated intellectual.

Goodreads Overview

R- Reilly’s Luck (1970) by Louis L’Amour (5/5)

A fascinating testimony on what it means to be a truly successful and virtuous man.

Val Darrant was just four years old the snowy night his mother abandoned him. But instead of meeting a lonely death, he met Will Reilly-a gentleman, a gambler, and a worldly, self-taught scholar. For ten years the each were all the family the other had, traveling from dusty American boomtowns to the cities of Europe-until the day Reilly’s luck ran out in a roar of gunfire.

But it wasn’t a gambling brawl or a pack of thieves that sealed Will’s fate. It was a far more complex story that Val would uncover, one that touched upon Val’s nearly forgotten childhood, the woman who was Will Reilly’s lost love, and the future of a growing country. In the meantime, Val would make sure no one forgot Will-least of all the men who killed him. But he need not have worried, for Will’s enemies were now his own….

Goodreads Overview

E- Edenbrooke (2012) by Julianne Donaldson (5/5)

A fantastic romance that kept me at the edge of my seat.

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

Goodreads Overview

Y- You Are Special (1997) by Max Lucado

A charming picture book on loving yourself and creating a personal relationship with God.

Max was interested in helping children understand their value – not from the world’s perspective, but from God’s. Wemmicksville is a land created by Eli, the “God” figure of the story. He creates each Wemmick in Wemmicksville uniquely, each with its own look and personality. Each story and video is a new adventure with the citizens of Wemmicksville. Punchinello is the central character, along with his friends Lucia, Splint, and Chip. When Punchinello strays from Eli, he begins to have problems. Only when Punchinello stays close to Eli does he clearly see how to walk through his life in Wemmicksville.

In this heartwarming tale, Eli helps Punchinello understand how special he is-no matter what other Wemmicks may think. Children will learn a vital lesson-regardless of how the world sees them, God loves each of them just as they are.

Goodreads Overview

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 21, Piers Torday’s The Last Wild 5/5

March Book Madness! Day 23, The Fellowship of the Ring Book Tag!

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 21, Piers Torday’s The Last Wild 5/5

Book Details

In a world where animals no longer exist, twelve-year-old Kester Jaynes sometimes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he’s told there’s something wrong with him. So when he meets a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he’s finally gone crazy.

But the animals have something to say. And they need him. The pigeons fly Kester to a wild place where the last creatures in the land have survived. A wise stag needs Kester’s help, and together they must embark on a great journey, joined along the way by an overenthusiastic wolf cub, a military-trained cockroach, a mouse with a ritual for everything, and a stubborn girl named Polly.

The animals saved Kester Jaynes. But can Kester save the animals?

Goodreads Overview

Ethereal, Wondrous, and With a Bright Confidence in the Future

Piers Torday wove a fantastic adventure set in a bleak, fearful future. What struck me most as I read through this story was how it challenged absolute despair. I think the decision to believe in a better future despite negativity and tyranny is a powerful thing.

The characters felt so real to me. Kester with his inability to speak, Polly with her wavering optimism, and all the animals on the brink of extinction had my full attention and support.

I recommend this book for fans of books like Colin Meloy‘s Wildwood Chronicles or Kate Milford‘s Greenglass House series.

March Book Madness! Day 20, The Spring Cleaning Book Tag

March Book Madness! Day 22, A Book For Each of My Initials

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 20, The Spring Cleaning Book Tag

May Queen J.C.Leyendecker via Spring Cleaning

Since I am super busy with other personal projects and moving, here is another fun book tag I found via KRISTIN @ KRISTIN KRAVES BOOKS. Let us begin the cleaning!

The struggle of getting started: a book/book series that you have struggled to begin because of its size.

Charles Dickens‘ David Copperfield (1850)

Last December, I started listening to David Copperfield‘s audiobook on Kindle. Though I found the story really interesting, I realized anew I can’t listen to Charles Dickens novels. He adds so much detail and redirects his story so much I get lost in it. I prefer to read the book the old fashioned way.

Cleaning out the closet: a book and/or book series you want to unhaul.

All of Cassandra Clare‘s Series

No words can describe the torment and confusing tug of war I went through when reading Clare The Mortal Instruments series. I loved certain parts of her writing and story and hated other parts of it. I kept going through her books wondering if this dissatisfied feeling would go away but . . . it didn’t. I am not her biggest fan but I like seeing her book covers in the the store.

Opening windows and letting fresh air in: a book that was refreshing.

Sarah M. Eden‘s As You Are (2008)

So many male figures in books are domineering and aggressive. The main character Corbin was shy and struggled to express himself, the exact opposite of many abusive male leads I’ve come across. It’s always refreshing finding stories whose characters don’t have disturbing or questionable behaviors.

Washing out sheet stains: a book you wish you could rewrite a certain scene in.

Throwing out unnecessary knick-knacks: a book in a series that you didn’t feel was necessary.

I would still have this book today if not for the off-putting sex scene and rape vision Marillier wrote into the story. the writing and premise is gorgeous and I like the romance up to that point. Taking the sex scene out in particular would not detract from the story or character development whatsoever.

Polishing the doorknobs: a book that had a clean finish.

Markus Zusak‘s The Book Thief (2005)

Though the book ends sadly, this conclusion was one of the most satisfying I’ve ever read.

Reaching to dust the fan: a book that tried too hard to relay a certain message.

Diane Setterfield‘s Bellman and Black (2013)

If the theme song for The Lego Movie (2014) is “Everything is Awesome” than the theme for Bellman and Black is “Everything is Hopeless.” The main character’s life is devoid of any semblance of love and hope because of an obscure choice he made as a child. Lesson he learns. . . there is no redemption for anyone who kills a rook.

The tiring yet satisfying finish of spring cleaning: a book series that was tiring yet satisfying to get through.

Brian Jacques‘ Redwall Series

In high school, I remember checking out all the books for this series. It took me almost a year to read all of them but at the end, I was so happy I did. It’s since remained one of my favorite series.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 19, The Last 10 Books Tag

March Book Madness! Day 21, Piers Torday’s The Last Wild 5/5

Feel free to donate! Anything is appreciated.

March Book Madness! Day 19, The Last 10 Books Tag

Woman Reading by William Wood via bookmarin

I found this book tag from Marc Nash, and A Little But A Lot while reading The Corner of Laura‘s post. Since I’ve had the most fun filling out lists this past month, I thought I would give this a go! (I would love if anyone tags me for any future book tags.)

Let’s Begin!

The Last Book I Gave Up On

Ashley Poston‘s Bookish and the Beast (2020)

The writing style, characters, and overall set up just rubbed me the wrong way. I fought too hard to get invested and gave up after reading 50 pages.

The Last Book I Reread

Heidi Kimball‘s Where the Stars Meet the Sea (2020)

Though it isn’t the most gloriously written romance, I enjoy going back and reading this book. It has a sweet love story and is a Regency romance so I still find it enjoyable.

The Last Book I Bought

Barnes and Noble Edition of Agatha Christie‘s Murder on the Orient Express and Other Hercule Poirot Mysteries

I’m an avid Christie fan and I wanted to read her book Curtain included with this hardcover collectable.

The Last Book I Said I Read, But Didn’t

Catherynne M. Valente‘s The Boy Who Lost Fairyland (2015)

Though I have re-read the first three books in the Fairyland series, I still haven’t read this one. I will get to it, but for now I kind of pretend I’ve read it to avoid unnecessary questions.

The Last Book I Wrote In The Margins Of

The Book of Mormon Translated by Joseph Smith Jr.

Since I read a few pages of this book daily, I write in the margins all the time. Once I finish reading it, I get another copy and start all over again. I do write and mark all my favorite books. It’s a habit I developed in college.

The Last Book I Had Signed

• 

• 

Katherine Arden‘s books Small Spaces (2018) and the first two books of her Winternight Trilogy

The only book signing I’ve ever gone to was in Provo, UT for Katherine Arden. I’m really happy I met her and had her sign my books.

The Last Book I Lost

Honestly, I cannot recall any recent books I’ve lost or had stolen. Technically A Monster Calls would work but I found it again fairly recently.

The Last Book I Had To Replace

Patrick Ness‘s A Monster Calls (2011)

Fun story, I actual lent my copy of this book to a sibling and it disappeared for years. So, I bought a new one and low and behold a few months ago it popped up again! That’s why it doesn’t count for the previous question really.

The Last Book I Argued Over

Funny thing, I don’t argue over books. I’m pretty respectful of other people’s opinions and feelings about books, movies, and television. To each his own. I do argue about manga quite a bit but that doesn’t apply right now.

The Last Book I Preordered

Clive Barker‘s Absolute Midnight (2011)

I don’t pre-order books because too many times I pre-ordered a book and hated, and regretted wasting money. So sad. However! The one time I can think of where I preordered and loved a book was Absolute Midnight. I waited six years for it and it didn’t disappoint!

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow!

March Book Madness! Day 18, Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale 5/5

March Book Madness! Day 20, The Spring Cleaning Book Tag

Click the link to donate!

March Book Madness! Day 18, Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale 5/5

Book Details

Mystery

The enigmatic Winter has spent six decades creating various outlandish life histories for herself — all of them inventions that have brought her fame and fortune but have kept her violent and tragic past a secret. Now old and ailing, she at last wants to tell the truth about her extraordinary life. She summons biographer Margaret Lea, a young woman for whom the secret of her own birth, hidden by those who loved her most, remains an ever-present pain. Struck by a curious parallel between Miss Winter’s story and her own, Margaret takes on the commission.

As Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good, Margaret is mesmerized. It is a tale of gothic strangeness featuring the Angelfield family, including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire.

Margaret succumbs to the power of Vida’s storytelling but remains suspicious of the author’s sincerity. She demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves.

Goodreads Overview

Haunting, Cautionary, and a Modern Day Gothic Novel

I’ve read The Thirteenth Tale twice in the last ten years and I still feel as though its mystery has a grip on me. I categorize novels as shocking as this as “How Not To Live” books, meaning its characters make wrong choices and pay terrible consequences for them. In Setterfield’s case, this story feels like a haunting reminder what happens when children aren’t raised with honorable parents.

Because so many characters lacked moral influences, they made choices rampantly, with no thought to those they could hurt. In The Baghavad Gita, Krishna referred to these type of choices as Rajas, or unbridled activity. Those whose lives center on Rajic energy make choices fast-paced with no thought to any damage it can have on others. It is like running at full speed and spreading fire through every step.

The Thirteenth Tale is a testament to how damaging decisions led to multiple people’s demise and suffering, a chilling reminder of what awaits the selfish and unchecked.

The Narration

 Setterfield is one of the few authors besides Agatha Christie to hold me in suspense till the end of her book. The writing and layout for this story are impeccable. It has a similar build and feel to it as Gothic books like Emily Brontë‘s Wuthering Heights or Wilkie Collins‘s The Woman in White. Throughout its duration, the story feels as though it is unwinding itself, trying to release and heal from the horrors trapped within the author Vida’s mind. 

The moment I started reading, this book had its hooks in me. I could barely put it down. It doesn’t participate in idle chatter or get sidetracked. It knows the type of story it wants to tell, and it does it well.

The Characters

The main character Margaret serves as a modem for releasing Vida Winter from her horrifying past, one she had been running from for a long time. Once Vida begins her tale, it is obvious why. Many characters’ actions are really shocking and disturbing. This is partly because there are a plethora of examples of different types of mental illness and disorders scattered throughout the cast of characters.

That being said, no character Setterfield placed in this story feels obsolete. They all serve a purpose, whether they are people from Vida’s past or those characters like Margaret living on the sidelines, listening in. They are in a word unforgettable.

Who is this book for?

I would not recommend The Thirteenth Tale to anyone younger than 21 because, as I said before, there are really heavy themes and topics discussed throughout this book. Its done in a tactful way but it can still be upsetting for anyone unprepared. If you enjoy Agatha Christie mysteries like And Then There Were None or Daphne du Maurier‘s Rebecca you might like this book.

Favorite Quotes

There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic.

There are too many books in the world to read in a single lifetime; you have to draw the line somewhere.

Our lives are so important to us that we tend to think the story of them begins with our birth. First there was nothing, then I was born…Yet that is not so. Human lives are not pieces of string that can be separated out from a knot of others and laid out straight. Families are webs. Impossible to touch one part of it without setting the rest vibrating. Impossible to understand one part without having a sense of the whole.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow!

March Book Madness! Day 17, Top 5 Books That Got Me Into Reading

March Book Madness! Day 19, The Last 10 Books Tag

March Book Madness! Day 17, Top 5 Books That Got Me Into Reading

Child Reading by Vladimir Volegov

Though it may not be Tuesday, this Tag comes from Meeghan @ Meeghan Reads! I’m super excited for this post. I always like talking about my book past because I can relive magical childhood memories. So, without further ado, here are my five childhood reading catalysts!

Charles M. Schulz‘s Peanuts Comic, Age 9

This comic needs no introduction. When I was in Middle School, I re-read collections of Peanuts cartoons for months. Finally, my mother and librarian said enough was enough and told me to find some thing else to read. Though I found new books to love, there will always be a special place in my heart for Charlie Brown and his world.

Arnold Lobel‘s The Frog and Toad Treasury, Age 7

Why do I love Frog and Toad? I’m not really sure. Not much really happens in these stories. The illustrations are beautiful but rather small. The eponymous friends carry on their friendship through mild misunderstandings and misadventures, always ready to forgive each other and forget. These gentle stories are among my favorite kids’ books. I have fond memories of Frog and Toad from my childhood, and I never tire of re-reading them to my 4-year-old daughter. She seems to like them, too.

Goodreads Overview

My mother used to read these stories to me when I was in elementary school. I’ve always had a special love for nature, so the green landscapes were relaxing for the childhood me. Overall, I think Frog and Toad is charming and unforgettable.

Kevin Henkes‘ Chrysanthemum, Age 6

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten’s First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria.
“Let’s smell her,” says Jo.

Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

Goodreads Overview

I have so many good memories of this picture book! My mom gave it to me as a present when I started kindergarten. Since I was so shy, I identified with how sad Chrysanthemum felt when leaving home for the first time. As I grew older, I struggled loving myself. When I felt especially sad, I would open this book and remember. Because of this book, I devoured so many other picture books throughout elementary school.

J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Age 10

Harry Potter’s life is miserable. His parents are dead and he’s stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he’s a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it’s his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Goodreads Overview

Behold my penultimate favorite childhood book series! When I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone for the first time, I was 10. I always felt Harry and I were on the same life path. We even graduated high school together. (The last book came out my senior year.) I must have re-read the first four Harry Potter books at least 10 times each. They helped me cope with bullying, face hard family situations, and carried me onto a path of never ending reading!

J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings, Age 13

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkeness bind them

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, The Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

Goodreads Overview

I was one of those kids who started reading The Lord of the Rings because of the movies. Though it took me a long time, I finished it by my 7th grade year. To fill the hole it left in my schedule, I started reading every epic fantasy I could find. You could say this is the book series that broke me from middle grade reading. It opened me up to so many other series and books I wouldn’t have tried before then.

There you have it! Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

March Book Madness! Day 16, Irish Book Tag

March Book Madness! Day 18, Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale 5/5

Yoga Inspiration: How do you honor your body?

Yoga Care via Behance

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with liking my body. It’s hard when one’s body type doesn’t fit the current model of societal beauty. There have been so many moments of shame and guilt, both with how I eat and how I exercise. Several years ago, though, a miracle happened. I lost a lot of weight because of an unknown illness. When sitting and reflecting on my good fortune, these words sprang in my mind: “I’ve given you what you’ve always wanted. What will you do now?”

Since then, I’ve made key changes in how I treat myself.

First, I haven’t weighed myself for three years. I associate my worth with my weight and that is not healthy.

Second, I don’t calorie count. I become obsessed and actually gain weight.

Third, one of my goals is to practice mindful eating. Our bodies know what they need better than we do.

Fourth, I took my yoga teacher training.

.If there is one thing I’ve learned from practicing yoga daily, it is how to accept myself for who I am in the moment. Does this mean I always succeed? No, but the intention is there. True mental healing concerning our body image comes when we stop punishing our bodies for simply being.

Common ways we punish our bodies are overeating, not eating, harmful exercise, harsh language, and even physically harming ourselves.

It is definitely not easy to treat ourselves well all the time because our bodies are constantly changing. So the question I ask myself is, “Will I accept myself for the way I am right now?” This acceptance means we find the balance between loving our current selves and embracing changes that come by challenging our limitations to embrace our innate abilities.

This means we don’t reprimand ourselves for not being able to fully express poses during our practice.

It means we actively choose to become stronger by practicing harder poses.

It also means honoring our bodies when they reach their limit.

Above all, it means we mindfully tune in to our bodies to know what they need.

Thank you for reading! I hope this helped you! May we all continue forward on this journey of discovering and loving our true, divine selves.