We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

I picked this up on a whim at the library because of the cover. I had no idea this book is actually well known and quite old. The library calls this a horror novel. It's weird and strange, I'll give you that, but I'm not sure it's really a horror.

This book is about a girl who lives with her sister and uncle in a big house. They live pretty much isolated from everyone because of something that happened to the family. There is a routine that the family lives by and when another distant family member comes to visit, it throws it all out of whack. I don't want to say more about it because I don't want to give anything away. It really is worth finding out for yourself.

This is the kind of story that you need to read more than once in order to fully appreciate the different aspects of the story. It was totally apparent that I had totally missed some pretty intense nuances of the story once I read the introduction. I made sure to save the introduction till the end because I knew it would talk about this old story and reveal some plot points that I didn't want to know ahead of time.

I don't know how to describe this story, really. It's strange, but so compelling. It kept me glued to the page and I had no idea what would happen next. I got so into it I almost missed my bus!

I'm totally bummed I found this by accident and I hadn't heard about it before. If you have heard of this and haven't read it yet, I really suggest that you do. It's pretty darn interesting.

Recommendation: For the lovers of a good story. It's not too scary, I promise!

The BFG by Roald Dahl

If you haven't read this yet, or at least heard of the amazingness that is Roald Dahl (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, among others!) then please let this book be a lovely introduction to his work.

This book is short, sweet, and all types of great. As a child I read the odd book or two of his, but I was reading at a higher level pretty quickly and I think that's why I may have missed out on quite a few great children's classics. I think I did read it as a child, but I can't remember so when I found a set of Roald Dahl's books on sale, I grabbed it up.

The reason I'm talking about this book today is because it's coming out as a movie very soon and I am excited!! I'm making my boyfriend read the book too before we go and see it. I have high hopes for the movie and I cannot wait to see it because I'm sure I'm going to love it!

Recommendation: Read this, go see the movie, enjoy the greatness! You won't be disappointed.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

I didn't read this book as a child and I seriously wish I had. It is such an interesting and surprising read!

I had no idea how it was going to go and it ended up being a really surprising experience.

In case you haven't heard of this book before, its a children's book, like age 11 and up. It's a classic and it won the Newberry Medal in 1963.

It's about a girl, her brother, and a friend who go on a journey together after meeting this stranger. It delves into the idea of time and space and it's chock full of metaphors and super cool ideas. All I can say without giving things away is that you really won't expect what happens.

I really enjoyed this book. And its part of a quintet. I do wish the book was longer and a little more detailed but that would be my only issue. It most certainly is a hidden gem and a book that I think everyone should read at least once. Also: I can't help staring at this cover!

Recommendation: Read this. Doesn't matter how old you are or what you are into, I think you should read this at least once. It needs to be experienced.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I thought I had read this one in school, but after reading it now I'm not so sure.

This is one of those books that we were all supposed to read as a child/teen. It won the Newberry Medal in 1990. Many consider this one a classic.

First off, I found the idea interesting. I liked the idea of community with no pain, war, or fear. Everyone knows what they are going to do. Every decision is made for you, but everyone is happy. The idea of a community that actually works this way is so strange that I am drawn to the story.

Of course someone needs to know what the world really is full of, and that is the job given to the main character Jonas.

What I didn't really like was the end of the story. I felt really let down. It was left so open ended that it just rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like it colored what I got out of the story and my memories of it. Not a terrible read at all though, I just didn't like the end.

Recommendation: If you found the story behind Divergent interesting, I think you would like this. Can't promise you'll love the ending though.

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain

I read this in one sitting as I often do and I have to say it was not what I was expecting. Having said that, I'm not even sure what I was really expecting.

It's a novel of pure betrayal and murder. It's written in slang and you can't help but read it in the voices of the characters. This novel is a classic, and as such, I really wanted to read it.

It's not like my usual reads. It's the kind of book that makes you witness something but leaves you on the side lines with a confusion as to how to feel. My usual reads pull you in, cuddles you up with a warm drink and a blanket, and tells you a story. This was not that kind of book.

It's a good murder mystery, its written in such a way that you'll not forget it very quick that's for sure, and its got an ending that I don't think many people would have chosen if it had been up to them. I wouldn't have ended it the way it ended. I understand the choice, but it still got to me. 

I know this has been quite a vague review, but since this is a classic, I don't want to go into too much depth because it is a short book and I am afraid of giving away too much.

I have not seen any of the movie adaptations that have been made either. I would like to though. 

Recommendation: It's a classic murder mystery and deserves to be read and appreciated. 

Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

This is one of those books that has been around quite a long time. If you've watched the movie Sister Act 2 with Whoopie Goldberg and Lauryn Hill then you will know that Whoopie told Lauryn to read the book.

It's a series of letters written by Rainer Maria Rilke who was a poet. The man writing to him was asking Rainer to look at his work and to give him advice on writing. There are no letters from the point of view of the man who wrote to Rainer, only the letters that the man received from Rainer. 

The reference that I have seen often when this book has been mentioned is what Rainer says about writing. I am paraphrasing here, but he says that if you look inside yourself and ask yourself "must I write?" and if the answer is anything but a resounding yes, then you should just walk away. If the answer is yes, then you must write. 

His point of view is very interesting, and the book is full of wonderful quotes about life and writing. He focuses on details of the self and of using whats around us in our work. 

It's not a easy read even though it is very short and comprises 11 letters that Rainer wrote. His thoughts are esoteric and at times a little difficult to follow. 

The beauty of it is, Rainer was being completely candid and open with his thoughts and feelings during this period of time. It was like reading some one's journal. I found it quite interesting. 

Recommendation: Pick this up if you are interested in writing, or even following your dreams. It's so full of wisdom that I think it's worth having around to pick up again and again because I'm sure you'll come across something new each time. 

The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde

Reading classics used to be a pain only inflicted upon me while in school. I don't know where my huge aversion came from, but I tended to stick to my isle of the library and read only mysteries and the occasional fantasy.

From vague references here and there I learned a bit about the story of Dorian Grey. What really piqued my interest was the movie The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The idea that there was a man who didn't age because his portrait did it for him was so neat. 

Obviously, the book isn't quite as sinister as the portrayal was in the movie. It had a totally different tone to it, but that wasnt a bad thing. The premise was still the same. 

I read this book in about 5 hours I think, in about two sittings. I really enjoyed the imagery and the descriptions in the book. I will say though that I found parts of the book a little unecessary. As if there was too much there but not for the right reasons. 

It is a classic. One that I think is meant to be read. I, for one, will be reading it again. Who knows? perhaps my feelings towards parts may change on second reading. It has been quite a while since I've read it. Classic novels are classic for a reason. 

Recommendation: Read this as the classic and interesting story that it is. 

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

I came across this book in the reference section under writing. Immediately it called out to me. I snapped it up and I am so darn glad I did.

This book is an inspiration to new writers and old writers alike to write. She talks about the how-to's the why and the just do's to get any writers hand moving across that paper (or key board). She writes like she's sitting in a coffee shop across from you tell you stories, but at the same time lifting you up and inspiring you again and again.

I loved this book immensely. It was a great introduction into the writing of this author. She is such a huge inspiration and her words are just so amazing. This book was non stop wisdom. Every page is a new blast of inspiration and advice.

Every writer needs to have this book on their shelves to refer to at any time. There's no question why this book is a best seller.

Her methods are simple but effective. She does go into a little bit of detail with regards to her Zen practices and how they have helped her, along with the lessons they have taught her. I found it really interesting which is why I've also read another one of her books The True Secret of Writing which covers more of that including the writing workshops she's held and the methods she teaches them. Don't worry, the review on that book is coming soon!

I can dive into this book on any page at any time and feel revived and inspired. I am cherishing my copy, that's for sure.

Recommendation: Attention all writers, aspiring writers, and those thinking of writing: You need this book. It's a must. A serious must. Don't question it, just read it!!

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

My first knowledge of Sylvia Plath was on a teen show quite a few years ago. The guy was making fun of a girl for being emotional and broody and he referred to The Bell Jar. It's still the first thing I think of when this book comes to mind. This show (possibly the same episode) was also when I learned of Jane Austen and her works.

Since then I have learned that Sylvia Plath was a brilliant writer and poet. I am familiar with her life story, and although it's not the happiest, it's still very important.

The Bell Jar is a classic. Sylvia Plath wrote a tale of a woman's life dealing with depression and mental illness. Some of the events in this book actually mirror her own life and it is said it was semi-autobiographical. She originally published this book under a pseudonym.

This is a haunting tale, but it's an important read. It gives you a look inside the mind of someone dealing with depression. It's really hard to describe this book. It's powerful and emotional and will leave you with mixed feelings.

I would say that I am happy to have read it. I can understand Sylvia Plath and our draw to her like a moth to a flame. She was a beautiful writer, and a beautiful person. Her work was very important and it deserves to be appreciated.

Recommendation: Go look up this author and her work. If you can handle it, then please, read it. It is a classic and deserves to be read. Take it for what it is. I consider it a gem in my collection.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

When I was a kid The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings were big reads, especially among the boys. They were classics and for some unknown reason, I avoided them. No explanation, really. I had always intended on reading them. Eventually. 

I went to see the first Hobbit movie with some family
and immediately after I had to read the book because I was dying to know what would happen next.

Of course the book was just lovely. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I was still in school while I was reading it and I was making a point of reading bits at a time before I got down to studying. 

I took lots of notes when I was reading and I pointed out all the parts that weren't quite the same but it didn't really matter. I loved both the book and the movie. No idea why I haven't seen the other movies yet. I am terrible at actually going to the show to see something that's on. 

The fact of the matter is I loved this book. The writing was rich and colorful. My imagination had no trouble keeping up. The characters were full of life. Just a really superb read. I loved the cover I bought too. Something about it I really love.

Recommendation: Read the book. Watch the movies. No questions needed.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Who doesn't know the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald? Especially the Great Gatsby? (It's okay if you don't, I'm sure its just a little oversight)

Honestly, until the movie came out I wasn't in a hurry to read it. A couple years ago I made the decision to broaden my horizons and branch out from the usual authors to read the classics I should have read years ago.  I much prefer to read the books before I see the movies so I grabbed it up (for a great deal I might add) and read it.

Reading it didn't take me long. Figuring out what I felt about it took a whole lot longer. I felt like I was on the outside, being forced to watch something, and having no idea what to feel about it. There was so little to the story, but so much all at once that I didn't know what to focus on. It felt like everyone was talking about a party they went to around me and I just had to sit there and wait till they talked about something I could be a part of. 

I didn't dislike it. I honestly didn't know what to say about it at first, but I know I didn't hate it. I was pretty sure I liked it, but I was still having mixed feelings. 

With the movie coming out around this time there were articles online full of bits and pieces of the life and motivation of F. Scott Fitzgerald to write this book. The more I learned the more I started to appreciate this story and what it meant to him. It's like the pieces were clicking into place.

I have the movie and I've watched it many times. I think that the movie might do a better job of telling the story then the book does, but that's just me. Besides, Leonardo DiCaprio is just.... yeah. 

Recommendation: You are doing yourself a disservice by not having read this book yourself. Classics are meant to be experienced. Plus, it's pretty darn good! 

Thank you for reading!


Pamela

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

This is one of those books. It's a classic, and its one that no one really explains why they like it (even though many say they do.)

In my pursuit of expanding my reading of the classics, I picked this one up to see for myself what the whole rigmarole
was. 

Well I can honestly say I am more confused then before. This book was well and truly wasted on me. I didn't really like it, I didn't really enjoy it, and I didn't really understand it. I couldn't identify with the main character at all, which is what so many people say they like about this book. I just kept feeling lost like I was out in fog and I couldn't figure out where I was or even if I knew where I should be going. 

I googled the book after I read it and it was clear I missed a lot of the nuances and themes in this book. Even knowing more after didn't make the book any less odd to me. Perhaps if I had been required to study it in school perhaps, with someone to help me make sense of it? I might have at least been more comfortable with this book.

I keep having the feeling that this book is like the Emperor's Clothes. We all say this book is lovely and great for fear of some type of repercussion if we admit there really isn't anything of substance there at all. 

Recommendation: Read it at your own will. I don't think it should be missed, I think it should be experienced, but just know its well off the beaten path. 

*As usual, this is just my opinion. Take it and leave it as you wish. There is no possible way for us all to fall in love with the same things all the time. That's what makes us unique.*



Thank you for reading!


Pamela