Aiken's Wolves is a Read-Aloud Winner

Since we homeschool, I read A LOT of children's books. Most of them I really enjoy. "The Wolves of Willougby Chase" by Joan Aiken is one of those books.

Not only is the story exciting, the characters particularly lovable or loathsome, and the tension palpable, the vocabulary is really challenging. I found myself needing to look up words! How sad is that? But tell me ... do you know what a blunderbuss is? Well, if you don't know, you can look here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blunderbuss

In any case, this story has the wonderful parents leaving because the mom is ill, the distant-relation-now-governess who is up to no good, scheming servants, humble heroes and all the traditional Dickens-esque characters one would expect in 19th century England. Aiken even names her characters with those outlandish Dickens-esque names: Miss Slighcarp, Pattern, and Mrs. Brisket to name a few.

Anyway, it was a delight to read aloud to the children, and I know your children would enjoy it as well. (Just keep the dictionary handy!)

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!

Ernest Shackleton, a True Hero

I've been revisiting my books on Ernest Shackleton, and my all-time favorite is still Alfred Lansing's "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic."

Originally published in 1959, it has since seen over 26 republishings. It is the best, most-detailed account of Sir Ernest Shackleton's failed attempt to reach the South Pole. I say "failed attempt" because he didn't reach that goal. However, the fact that all of his men came back alive as well as the tremendous odds which they overcame clearly point to a larger success story here.

Lansing was able to interview at length several of the original crew members, and he had access to lots of their diaries as well. It makes for a wonderful read.

I first stumbled upon the name of Shackleton in Sebastian Junger's "Perfect Storm" back in 1997. He mentions him as crossing the South Polar Sea in an open lifeboat and his survival of a "rogue wave" towering over 90 feet in height! That sparked my interest, and I've been hooked ever since.

I've read several books about Shackleton and this voyage, but this one is the best. If you are looking for an inspiring, true, larger-than-life, unbelievable, kick-hiney story, then this is it!

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!

Charles Dickens --- Genius and Cad!

Jane Smiley's biography of Charles Dickens is amazing. The subject is amazing, and her skill at writing is equally amazing.

Now, I am not a Jane Smiley fan. I've never read any of her other works although I have heard of her, and I know she is quite gifted. I just had not expected that a non-fictional treatment of Charles Dickens could be so beautifully written.

Smiley presents us with Dickens and all of his facets. He is an interesting study in and of himself. Smiley chronicles his life and works. It was interesting to learn about how his works were received at the time he wrote them, how he did write them, and how he became, quite literally, the first literary superstar.

She doesn't hide his foibles. He really isn't all that likable. Nevertheless, one can only be mesmerized by his talent, energy and creativity.

Since Smiley is a novelist herself, she often gives us insight into the creative process and notices things that I had not noticed or thought of previously.

This book is one of the Penguin Lives series. I highly recommend it. If you like Dickens, you'll love this. Even if you don't like Dickens, I think you will still find it fascinating reading.

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!

How the Scots Invented the Modern World

I love a bold and brash title. Who needs humility? If you have written a great book, if you have a great thesis, then you need a GREAT title. There are too many books in the world for your work to be too modest. I say, "Go for it!"

Well, this author has certainly done that. Arthur Herman, perhaps piggy-backing off Thomas Cahill's "How the Irish Saved Civilization," has a wonderful tome entitled "How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It." Now, if that isn't a daring title, I don't know what is. I think he may have even one-upped old Cahill!

In any case, I had to read this one. Herman has a wonderful thesis, and I think he proves it well. Basically, he shows how the Scots have helped to create our modern western heritage through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Exploring the rise of education and univerisities, and depicting the work and thoughts of Hume, Hutcheson, Smith and others, Herman makes a strong case. I wasn't aware of the impact this nation had. No wonder they are such a proud and feisty people.

If you are looking for an interesting and provoking read, then this is it!

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!

Payment in Blood

I just finished reading "Payment in Blood," Elizabeth George's second Inspector Lynley mystery. This one finds the inspector and his sidekick Havers in Scotland at recently renovated manor house. A dramatic troupe is there doing a reading of revisions for a new play opening in a few weeks. Everyone is related to everyone, and Lynley's 'friend' Lady Helen Clyde is involved as well. At first the play's writer is killed; then another chap who works there at the home is killed as well. Hmmmmm......

I loved the character development in this one. Also, what a cast of characters. You've got communist spies, despicable actors/actresses, dysfunctional families, alcoholics, etc.

I did enjoy this one. I started to read "Well-Schooled in Murder" as well, but I had to put it away. The subject matter was a little too much for me. I don't like murders of children.

I have learned that the BBC has canceled the Inspector Lynley Mysteries there in the UK. It stars Nathaniel Parker. I think he does a nice job in his portrayal. Such a shame.

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!

Hamish Macbeth a Bit Predictable

I just finished one of M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth's mysteries. I have read most of them. I enjoy reading about Hamish, a constable living in the village of Lochdubh (pronounced Lock-doo). Hamish likes his simple life, and he is wonderful at solving murders in the various villages of the Highlands of Scotlands.

This book was entitled "Death of a Dustman." A dustman is basically a garbage collector. This one, however, is also a blackmailer. Hamish must untangle the mystery assisted by Elspeth, the local beat reporter who is a bit of an eclectic. Hamish is drawn to her even though at times he is annoyed by her. His old flame, Priscilla, also makes a few appearances.

In any case, this book just was a bit too predictable. I think the clues were a little obvious. I did enjoy the book, just not as much as I usually do.

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!