Beauty and the Beast

Have you ever read a fairy tale and been disappointed because it wasn't how you remembered it as a child? While flying home for Christmas, I downloaded Marie le Prince de Beaumont's version of Beauty and the Beast. It wasn't what I remembered from fairy tale books as a child. Most of my memories are, unfortunately, a result of Disney's retelling of this story. In Beaumont's version, Beauty, her father, sisters, and brothers are forced to live in a small cottage as her father's ships have been lost at sea and their fortune with them. While waiting, her father stumbles upon a castle in the forest and is forced to promise to bring back one of his daughters to live there forever. The beast is lonely and desires companionship, which is found in Beauty's willingness to live in the castle.
I won't tell more because you really need to read this - it won't take more than 30 minutes. It's a free download on Amazon's Kindle and worth the time.

Becoming Queen Victoria

While traveling during Christmas, I picked up this book and was captivated by the history I'd never known. Granted, I've read about Victoria and Albert: their reign, their children, the influence they had upon the world, etc. What I didn't know was the background to Victoria's reign and the circumstances that allowed her to become queen.

Kate Williams does an excellent job of including the historical facts but still keeping flow and interest. Never did I think about quitting as the story pulled me in and I wanted to fill all the gaps that I didn't know existed. The number of people who should have been crowned, but through unusually and tragic circumstances were unable to produce an heir, is what allowed Victoria (at age 18) to take the seat of one of the most powerful countries at that time. By her own account, Victoria did not fully believe she would become the sovereign. Her uncles and several cousins died, thus leaving the throne to her.
The kings and queens of Europe have always been fascinating to me, and this book provided more information and piqued my interest in studying some of the lesser-known royals of the early 19th century. 

Christmas Vacation

Every vacation I have a tradition. It's not something the ordinary person does: I go to the local library and check out several books to read. Today, I picked up the first 2 Harry Potter books, a biography of Elizabeth I and Philip of Spain, Becoming Queen Victoria, and a biography on the daughters of Queen Victoria. This may sound like a hefty reading list, but it's only for this week! With a trip to see family and 10+ hours in a car, what's a person to do besides read? In addition to this, my Dad showed me several of his books, written about the so-called greatest books of all time. 
Is this what you do over Christmas vacation? If not, you should start!

Little House on the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder's memoir of her life growing up on the prairie fascinated me and my sister growing up. We made molasses cookies, watched the tv show, and even thought our mom should be like Ma Ingalls. (You know: always nice, never making us do chores, that sort of thing). I recently reread this series as I live in NE Wisconsin and so many things make sense now. The vastness of the land, the howling wind, and excessive amounts of snow - I struggle living in these conditions and it amazes me that people survived 150 years ago without all the things we have today! What I love about these books is the simplicity of the life described and even in the midst of little, they had each other and were content. These are books everyone should read. Not just because they describe another time but because they are timeless.

Charlotte's Web

Do you remember the first time you cried while reading a book? At some point in elementary school, I read E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. The story of a pig with a spider friend doesn't sound that sad, but I remember crying while reading it. Why, I don't recall, so I suppose I'll have to read the book again to find out!

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens

While I realize the vast majority of the world doesn't enjoy reading books by Dickens, I have to say he is my favorite author. This particular book brings to light all the reasons why I love Dickens (in no particular order). First, characters that are interesting. Each one is unique and, in many cases, quirky. So many times I have been reading this book and laughed out loud at the absurdity of a character or their simple-mindedness. Secondly, detailed descriptions. Now, there are some authors that take this too far, but for whatever reason Dickens always has the right amount. At least, for me he does! I love being able to picture the scene - almost imagining I was there: hearing the boats, smelling the river, seeing the poverty. It creates an opportunity for me to travel without ever leaving my chair. Third, an interesting plot. Actually, not just one plot - there are usually several threading through the book like frayed ends of a rope. And as the reader, you have no idea if the fraying will get worse or if by some miracle they will be brought together at the end. Finally, I love how Dickens takes British society and thoroughly stomps all over the pretensions of society and the stupidity of government. While some of his descriptions are exaggerated, many of them show just how crazy 19th-century Britain was. 
So, enough about Dickens in general. What makes Our Mutual Friend worth reading? Well, all the reasons above should be motivation enough! But for those still not 100% sure, here's my reason for loving this work. In this book, Bella is only concerned with her future and living a "posh life." When her plans are turned topsy-turvy, her responses effect those around her. She ends up hurting the people she loves and almost loses the man who gave up much to earn her trust. Each frayed thread of rope is intimately connected to the others and it serves as a reminder of how my life is connected (even in small ways) to those around me. I may not know how my attitude, or reaction, or response is viewed by others outside my circle of friends. But I guarantee they are watching and noting how I interact and respond to people and situations. There are many more reasons to read this book, but if I explained them all, you wouldn't have a reason to find out for yourself why this is worth your time!

The Bible

Through my journey of reading some of the most famous books of all time, the top book has to be the Bible. Not only is it historical, biographical, tragedy, and comedy in one volume, it is also (and most importantly) the words of God. My goal every year is to read it from cover to cover. And even though I've read it many times, there is always something new to learn, another truth to meditate on, another sin exposed, and another aspect of God's character to be thankful for. I love reading through the Old Testament and the Children of Israel. Not only because of the "stories" that I remember hearing in Sunday School, or the truths about God demonstrated through amazing miracles, but because I identify with the Israelites. In my journey through life, I have the same tendencies they did: self-dependency, lack of trust in Almighty God, stupidity, the list goes on and on. Their mistakes and failures give me hope. Hope that God will forgive me, continue to show grace and patience even though it takes me a while to learn a lesson. 
So why would want to read this book every year? It's about God. And as His child, I want to know everything about Him. It's a life-long process and one that I'm thankful for.

Book Nook

This blog presents an opportunity for me to share some of my favorite books and why I love them. My inspiration comes from my family and friends who love to read and are constantly sharing with me their favorites. While I have read many of the "classics," there are many more on my bucket list. Through this reading journey, I hope to discover some long-lost treasures while also remembering why I love to read. Feel free to recommend books you love and I'll add them to my list. Once I compile my list, I'll post it and perhaps you'll join me on this reading adventure!