tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53603773111988384452024-03-12T18:03:14.388-07:00What Lindsay ReadsLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129315500639016270noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360377311198838445.post-35785433298677101972013-11-23T22:07:00.001-08:002013-12-06T23:52:29.386-08:00Review: The Ordinary Princess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnvsf-0pDUZuH9niVUwgz1NBL1cxIt6XBzXkPrJ5YUNRwMpgzZvU5C0H_jBkRj4zrR5oWYAJMULatQiz5kBuJKJFCyI-6vRFVjSY9AUYsp6V-fJ_IT7egN7OsF1xTvSjoDPgkrx2AXQxH/s1600/the-ordinary-princess-cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnvsf-0pDUZuH9niVUwgz1NBL1cxIt6XBzXkPrJ5YUNRwMpgzZvU5C0H_jBkRj4zrR5oWYAJMULatQiz5kBuJKJFCyI-6vRFVjSY9AUYsp6V-fJ_IT7egN7OsF1xTvSjoDPgkrx2AXQxH/s320/the-ordinary-princess-cover.png" width="208" /></a></div>
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<br />
I took some time last night to read the <i>The Ordinary Princess</i> by M. M.
Kaye. This book has been on my TBR list for some quite time now. I
decided I wanted a lighthearted quick read and I figured what better
book?<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b><br />
<br />
Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne
of Phantasmorania is given the unexpected gift of "ordinariness"
by her fairy godmother, Crustacea. The young princess grows into a
gawky youth with an upturned nose, a smattering of freckles, and a
mop of uninspiring mouse brown hair - quite different than her six
graceful, golden haired sisters.<br />
<br />
Amy (as she comes to be called) is, however, cheerful, brave,
witty and charming and soon realizes she can have much more fun than
her prim and proper sisters are allowed. Amy spends her days
exploring the forest of Faraway while her parents puzzle over what is
to become of her.<br />
<br />
Prince after prince come to court Amy, only to unceremoniously
back out when they see her very ordinary features. Amy's parents
finally conspire to hire a dragon to lay waste to the countryside.
Any prince who can slay the dragon will earn Amy's hand in marriage,
at which point he'll be in too deep to refuse her. Amy learns of this
plan and, quite put off by the whole affair, decides to run away to
live in the forest of Faraway.<br />
<br />
Amy lives quite happily in the forest but eventually realizes her
dress is in tatters. She meets Crustacea who tells her that ordinary
people get jobs when they find themselves wanting for something. Amy
sets off towards the nearest town in search of work and becomes the
fourteenth assistant kitchen maid in the palace. It is here that she
meets the charming Peregrine, a man of all work, who turns out to be
just as ordinary as she is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38EHyAkLJ86c3Lv6w7qr21xVa5aUx8_PazUAS4AFjEeEhYWilD41HrPB_wJDA7btAIES8oLHOSdE20FvwE7o_1_wjnQDkhvYNJXih2WZrM_oGPpmfBgBtG08_HyJiMhqyWch5bFRWhYk/s1600/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38EHyAkLJ86c3Lv6w7qr21xVa5aUx8_PazUAS4AFjEeEhYWilD41HrPB_wJDA7btAIES8oLHOSdE20FvwE7o_1_wjnQDkhvYNJXih2WZrM_oGPpmfBgBtG08_HyJiMhqyWch5bFRWhYk/s400/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations1.png" width="350" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>My Thoughts</b>
<br />
<br />
This was an adorable little book. It was a pleasantly quick read and
had the feel of a traditional fairytale. The story moves along at a
nice pace and doesn't dawdle on unnecessary details.<br />
<br />
The illustrations, done by the author, are wonderful! They add so much to the story and are just so sweet and magical.<br />
<br />
The message of this story is, of course, that looks are not
everything. A princess's best assets needn't be her blue eyes or her
golden hair. There are princes out there waiting for even the most
ordinary of princesses.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
I've seen some reviews argue that Amy
is too perfect, too good, too clever, too charming. I suppose she is
but insisting on making a fuss over this only serves to diminish the
overall message here... Are these not traits to be glorified? What's
wrong with being witty or brave?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Yes, perhaps Amy would have been more
realistic if she were jaded with envy and lacked courtly grace but
let's be reasonable. This is a pleasant story about a kindhearted
princess who must find her own happiness in a world that primarily
values beauty. This is not a story of an embittered princess who must
come to terms with her shortcomings. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuxfi9rhMjOBj3pHWuww7L919DsogOXnVj49n7ZOv5Cx9Vz0IEkQWl6S7OKw9cF3WbJ6Lk03j6r1lzGPh2pXNH6HvvfrqjM00agNiYIkpOagjbiYGfYcyU5Y20EtpmpUcpphzc2X5VOO2/s1600/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuxfi9rhMjOBj3pHWuww7L919DsogOXnVj49n7ZOv5Cx9Vz0IEkQWl6S7OKw9cF3WbJ6Lk03j6r1lzGPh2pXNH6HvvfrqjM00agNiYIkpOagjbiYGfYcyU5Y20EtpmpUcpphzc2X5VOO2/s400/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>In Closing</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Characters: Simple but
relatable.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Resolutions: Satisfying if
predictable.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plot: An interesting twist on
traditional fairytale princesses.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing Quality: Very good,
an easy read.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lasting Impact: Strong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rating: ★★★★✰
4/5 </div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3r4iLLglGi1NGOKpXSCRRmKhhk2BiyHVAL1nm2sx_5iB5f-FLwok2Zzu_r87BmXh-BiEUjHzpu5cZ28DDIHjzcq_OgH4I1sB49ya0s4dReFPuWngprDN2SYebyXBaqAWowzyYc_8zl-B/s1600/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3r4iLLglGi1NGOKpXSCRRmKhhk2BiyHVAL1nm2sx_5iB5f-FLwok2Zzu_r87BmXh-BiEUjHzpu5cZ28DDIHjzcq_OgH4I1sB49ya0s4dReFPuWngprDN2SYebyXBaqAWowzyYc_8zl-B/s200/the-ordinary-princess-illustrations3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129315500639016270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360377311198838445.post-6870875889536747852013-11-19T17:37:00.000-08:002013-11-23T18:53:09.309-08:00Review: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbAg2S2MbriSbfX3UWNSFdmwwmCYC1wPHj22jwO7uAC6ZVCpmt1m-EY-IHSZLTccW3DXBVhBAWwd8fSEKg6ZnvmhycjL0wtm1ZxEIkqB2iZPpYDiqVFamBl4U3SvzCpZ8caGgNZVyeJtb/s1600/The_Physick_Book_of_Deliverance_Dane_cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbAg2S2MbriSbfX3UWNSFdmwwmCYC1wPHj22jwO7uAC6ZVCpmt1m-EY-IHSZLTccW3DXBVhBAWwd8fSEKg6ZnvmhycjL0wtm1ZxEIkqB2iZPpYDiqVFamBl4U3SvzCpZ8caGgNZVyeJtb/s1600/The_Physick_Book_of_Deliverance_Dane_cover.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en">I've been trudging through <i>The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane</i> by </span><span lang="en"><span class="kno-ecr-st-val">Katherine Howe</span> for the past week or so. It's actually a very easy read, I just didn't like it so it took me a bit of time to force myself to finish it. Curious? Read on. <b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en"><b>Synopsis</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="freeText113507825288971717332"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="freeText1135078252889717173311"></a>
<span lang="en">Connie, a Harvard graduate student working on her
doctoral dissertation, finds herself tasked with the massive
undertaking of cleaning and readying her deceased grandmother's house
so that it can be sold. It is here that she finds, tucked within a
seventeenth-century Bible, a mysterious key and a scrap of paper
bearing the name <i>Deliverance Dane</i>.</span></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Connie discovers that
Deliverance Dane was in fact a previously unknown Salem Witch and,
what's more, she kept a physick book of spells that could prove
invaluable as a primary source for her dissertation and change the way scholars ultimately view witchcraft. However, the
clock is ticking and Connie soon realizes she's not the only one with an interest in the book.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>My Thoughts</b></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This book seemed promising
enough. New England setting, witches, history, a level headed grad
student who must unravel a mystery.... Sounds safe, right? Truth be
told, however, this book was incredibly disappointing.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For most of the book we
follow Connie as she attempts to track down Deliverance Dane's
physick book. She does this by combing public records and archives.
She discovers Deliverance was a witch and, by looking at property
ledgers and wills, she tracks the physick book only to discover it
was right under her nose the entire time. Oh, how convenient and
unsatisfying!</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Intermittently we see
flashbacks from the point of view of Deliverance and her ancestors.
These are very tantalizing bits of the story but, ultimately, really
add nothing to the plot as Connie is obviously not privy to any of
this knowledge.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, I assume I'm to believe
Connie is your average grad student. They must be setting the bar
pretty low because this girl sure is thick. The amount of time it
takes her to put two and two together is alarming. I'm not willing to
believe it can written off as a convenient character trait – for
instance her initial unwillingness to believe in anything that
challenges her narrow university way of thinking. I'm not an
unusually intelligent reader, so the only remaining possibility is
that Howe is simply a poor writer.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This book really just putters
along a very narrow and uninspired path. Every twist and turn is
easily predicted, nothing really happens, the big tense conclusion
ends with a “gotcha!” moment and Connie goes on to write a great
dissertation and lives happily ever after. The end. Boring.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's a number of points in the book that the author seems to fixate on, only to push them off to the side while the reader realizes they really weren't important elements after all. This, to me, is frustrating and shows poor planning. Why treat it as an important piece of the puzzle if it ultimately doesn't fit? Why not work it in? Why not replace it with a substitute or at least make the realization that the object is meaningless at least play back into the plot somehow? I feel Howe tried. I really do. She attempts to squeeze some of these bits back in but it's awkward, forced.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you want to read this one
I won't stop you. However, I would certainly never go out of my way
to recommend this to anyone. It's contrived, boring, unimaginative
and very bland. </div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>In Closing</b></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Characters: Average.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Resolutions: Convenient.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plot: Contrived.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing Quality: Good,
heavily descriptive.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dialog: Fair.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lasting Impact: Forgettable.<br />
<br />
Rating: ★★★✰✰ 3/5 </div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Sound off below! </div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129315500639016270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360377311198838445.post-86702993125896369392013-11-17T16:51:00.001-08:002013-12-07T00:04:56.475-08:00The BBC's Jonthan Strange & Mr Norrell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fSqBymwAdiT-cdtdlXI5L5mXlbHRK6l7_pM2xvyBjonYmT-Q35MlguJzxB0M_ED3FRSMMo_X4MV-kGyqE4rer3VzNs63edyikjYM4n0ptBYtHC-GuHBH-bxhJTk5bBZQPSTRY79hkxpw/s1600/Jonathan-Strange-Mr-Norrell-296902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fSqBymwAdiT-cdtdlXI5L5mXlbHRK6l7_pM2xvyBjonYmT-Q35MlguJzxB0M_ED3FRSMMo_X4MV-kGyqE4rer3VzNs63edyikjYM4n0ptBYtHC-GuHBH-bxhJTk5bBZQPSTRY79hkxpw/s1600/Jonathan-Strange-Mr-Norrell-296902.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en">Two magicians shall
appear in England.<br />The first shall fear me; the second shall long
to behold me;<br />The first shall be governed by thieves and
murderers; the second shall conspire at his own destruction;<br />The
first shall bury his heart in a dark wood beneath the snow, yet still
feel its ache;<br />The second shall see his dearest possession in his
enemy’s hand.<br />The first shall pass his life alone; he shall be
his own gaoler;<br />The second shall tread lonely roads, the storm
above his head, seeking a dark tower upon a high hillside. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're at all familiar with
Susanna Clarke's masterful <i>Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell </i>then
you already know fans have long been vying for a screen adaptation.
Subtle magic, British sensibilities, fairy enhancement? Come on. We
need this!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 2004, New Line Cinema paid a hefty sum for
the rights to product a film adaptation of <i>Jonathan Strange & Mr
Norrell</i>. The plans puttered about until the studio merged with Warner
Brothers in 2008. After which point the project lost steam, leaving
fans uncertain as to whether or not we'd ever see this adaptation
realized.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="firstHeading"></a>Luckily, on 30 November 2012, the BBC announced its plans to turn this book
into a six-part mini series. The series is being directed by <span lang="en">Toby
Haynes (whose past works include episodes of <b>Dr. Who</b> and <b>Sherlock</b>).
Filming is already underway. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en">As for the cast, I can
say I'm very satisfied! Let's take a look, shall we? I've even
constructed an image so you can easily put a face to these names.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXaBP9njk79ffUyEE7QXdnMjZFZIL4tbnfNC_t4LpLOocULz2sF8I8A6oqb9nbOOFnsixwzBbzwyKSntQfn0XaXeOpnI6DagtTcn3F73G00minONpLxYybLELtCpTFenkeEnWcLPEBUF9/s1600/cast2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXaBP9njk79ffUyEE7QXdnMjZFZIL4tbnfNC_t4LpLOocULz2sF8I8A6oqb9nbOOFnsixwzBbzwyKSntQfn0XaXeOpnI6DagtTcn3F73G00minONpLxYybLELtCpTFenkeEnWcLPEBUF9/s1600/cast2.png" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="en">Eddie Marsan - Mr Norrell</span>
<br />
<span lang="en">Bertie Carvel - Jonathan Strange </span>
<br />
<span lang="en">Charlotte Riley - Arabella </span>
<br />
Alice Englert - Lady Pole
<br />
Marc Warren - The Gentleman with the Thistle-Down Hair
<br />
Enzo Cilenti - Childermass
<br />
Samuel West - Sir Walter Pole
<br />
Ariyon Bakare - Stephen Black
<br />
Paul Kaye - Vinculus
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
What do you think? Like the cast? Hate it? Would you have chosen different actors? I was a bit iffy at first but at this point I'm pleased with the casting decisions. I can't make a final judgement without seeing everyone in character. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, I am looking forward to seeing this! From the very beginning I had hoped the BBC would get their hands on this. Who better?<br />
<br />
Will you be watching? <br />
<br />Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129315500639016270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5360377311198838445.post-61562152277915013822013-11-16T23:56:00.002-08:002013-11-17T19:31:47.559-08:00 Wonders by SJ Tucker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIUyvhjGhZmWNBX1vceQkR8zfX4uqlWfsJUOKQC9fz2HRN5oo5QDDY8hJM50FeWqoXosvSvwwzbAtVgyXySV74O6a9JSIiM8q1-TXH98J5M7OgElOBDvYyl5qg2VyKzsJjVjMpSAFh46P/s1600/a0831831079_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIUyvhjGhZmWNBX1vceQkR8zfX4uqlWfsJUOKQC9fz2HRN5oo5QDDY8hJM50FeWqoXosvSvwwzbAtVgyXySV74O6a9JSIiM8q1-TXH98J5M7OgElOBDvYyl5qg2VyKzsJjVjMpSAFh46P/s320/a0831831079_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">You may call my truest name and fling it to the floor,
<br />
but ticks and tocks from broken clocks can't hurt me anymore.
<br />
Let’s be done with fairytales and how they’re meant to end.
<br />
The truth is that I lost my way and found it here again
</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
It's no secret that my favorite author is Catherynne M. Valente. She's absolutely amazing. Few authors have moved me like she has. In truth, it was her work that reignited my love of reading. She showed me that some books still hold wonders unimaginable - that some books are still worth losing yourself to.<br />
<br />
So imagine my delight when I discovered <i>Wonders </i>by SJ Tucker, a beautiful collection of music inspired by Valente's <i>The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making</i>. I cannot stop listening to this album! There's truly something on here for everyone - from the haunting "Glashtyn Shanty" to the yearning "For Iago". You'll even find Valente's own lullaby, "Little Skylark".<br />
<br />
You can give this album a listen for free by visiting SJ Tucker's site: <a href="http://music.sjtucker.com/album/wonders">here</a>. Love it as much as I do? Purchase it and take this collection with you on your adventures.<br />
<br />
Have you found any music inspired by books you love? Sound off and tell me your favorites!<br />
<br />Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129315500639016270noreply@blogger.com0