Book Review - Persuasion by Jane Austen

Lest you think I'm only reading "junk" and watching Netflix all of the time, I present to you my review of Jane Austen's Persuasion - considered a  literary classic.

Is it heresy to say I found it a tad slow and frustrating to read? I'm a Jane Austen fan - Pride and Prejudice is really good. Based on that, when my PA friends book club had choices I eagerly picked Persuasion.  I do suppose it was a good book to read in this time of being rather home bound. The Elliots and assorted friends and family pretty much kill time through the whole book - walking, reading, sewing, and pining and yearning. Hoping for a proper introduction, an invitation, and such concerns over looks and manners. Arrghhh - I wanted to scream.

Then again, I realize Jane Austen was writing for her time and in bringing her observations on vanity and pretension, she truly paints a picture of fashionable society in Bath and Lyme.

p. 34 "There is hardly any personal defect (freckles)," replied Anne, "which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to."

p.141 Good company requires only birth, education, and manners.

Anne Elliott, old now at twenty seven, might have missed her chance for marriage. If only Captain Wentworth....
Now near the end of the book, a letter arrives that brings about a change of fate and fortune. Can it be love?  I suppose I softened near the end of the book and was pleased for Anne's sake that her efforts were not in vain. She was not a simpering fool, like so many of the other characters. I was persuaded. 

Book Review - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Remember the Hunger Games?

Let's go back in time with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins and see how Coriolanus Snow became the President of Panem and Katniss Evergreen's nemesis. This book is an excellent prequel.

 In the Capitol on the 10th annual Hunger Games opening, Coriolanus Snow is eighteen, prepared to be a mentor, win prizes, and bring glory to the House of Snow which has fallen on hard times.  Alas, he's in charge of Lucy Gray of District 12 - a wisp of a girl who proves cunning. She leads him on a quite a path of glory, cheating, triumph, despair, and the desire to survive.

Snow is a youth with a heart who's still learning about himself. It's interesting to read his journey and see his transformation - knowing what we know from the Hunger Games series - there are aha moments. Collins doesn't slack on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This is a very satisfying book and sadly, still a scary possible future world.

Wednesday Moment and Book Review - If It Bleeds

 I liked this meme. 

Reading a lot as we stay home. For Ray's sake, his favorite author  - Stephen King - brought out If It Bleeds, a collection of four novellas. Ray ripped through the book, and I decided to read it too. These are a dark treat - typical twists,turns, and sarcastic humor. The man has a style and it works.

The title story If It Bleeds brings back Holly, a cop from another series of his, and she's still chasing an outsider creature. Too many coincidences in a reporters appearance at some horrible tragedies. She starts putting together clues, finds another man who's tracked this evil too, and together they work to lure this time travelling killer into a trap.

Sometimes evil can manifest in friendship. Craig befriends Mr. Harrigan and there's a sweetness in this.  But what happens after Mr. Harrigan dies and Craig calls his cell phone to chat with him. Maybe wishes do come true in Mr. Harrigan's Phone

The other stories, The Life of Chuck and also Rat, prove to be creepy. As always, King does write well about the writing life and ambition and turns to the dark side too. If you like Stephen King's style, then you will find that If It Bleeds will keep you up turning pages - and yes, you'll have all of the lights on in the house. Check your locks.

Book Review - How to Pronounce Knife

This book was an excellent find from reading book reviews. How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa is a collection of stories with funny, wrenching realities of trying to build a life far from home. (cover blurb)

The author was born in a Lao refugee camp in Thailand. She was raised and educated in Toronto, Canada. Now a prize winning author, this collection rings true, no doubt, from her experiences. The title story - a young girl brings home a book and has her father help her with pronouncing "knife". Alas, it's a tricky word, and back at school, the language exposes her to ridicule.

In other stories, a failed boxer works in his sister's nail salon, a young woman navigates working at a chicken processing plant, and in other stories you've got youth versus parents - all trying to figure out life, work, and keeping your self while assimilating.

I enjoyed How to Pronounce Knife - the stories were interesting, entertaining, well written, and thought provoking.

...and seriously....the silent K....why?

Frivolous Friday - Field of Dreams

 Brand new ballpark in Arlington - Globe Life Field - stands empty awaiting fans, baseball, boys of summer.
Here's one boy - Ray - who joined me on a tour of the new ballpark. The facility just opened to tours and we took one on Monday. Masks, social distance, small groups, didn't touch a thing - it worked out great and was a fun safe outing.

 The place seems huge without the throng of fans. Here is a lovely brick corridor and food stands ready to sell hotdogs, beer, and other decadent junk food treats.

 The glory of it all and the reason for the "new" stadium - a roof!!!  A retractable roof. Oh, this and air-conditioning will help immensely on those 100 degree days. Summer Ranger baseball can bring you to your knees - and they are sweaty.

 I wore my Elvis Andres #3 Ranger shirt. Blending in with a nifty graphic

An upper level view of a pretty field - ready for "Play Ball" to echo forth.

Meanwhile, everyone stay safe and cool this weekend.

Wednesday Seriousness

I truly am not qualified to say a freakin' word about the subject at hand these days.
Crazy times.

I will let Mr. Nelson Mandela speak. I've always respected this man's life, words, and mission.
His time in South Africa - wow.

Somehow,  America must find its way.

I do believe in the general goodness of people - face to face, looking at kids, caring about seniors...We want the best life.  Let's do it together and support each other.

No need to comment.

Monday Moment - Patio Confrontation

"You talkin' to me?"