This is part of Diane's American Literature Course Series Owen Wister’s The Virginian Oh, that old thing? Why, yes, it’s been one of my favorites for many years. I noticed, though, while doing research for our American literature class, that it seems to be going out of style. Too trite and formulaic, perhaps? Wait! Please note that … Continue reading The Virginian
My Life in France
In 2015, my husband and I watched the film Julie and Julia. I thought that “Julie” was whiny and unlikable. Despite all of Amy Adams’s efforts to make Julie adorable, I thought that the real life character being portrayed on the screen was dull and forgettable. But, I loved her concept. I thought that her … Continue reading My Life in France
Tumtum and Nutmeg
“Once there were two married mice called Mr. and Mrs. Nutmouse, and they lived in great style.” That is a great opening line for a children’s book! Children immediately know who and what the main characters are - married mice, that they live in such a way that we might be interested in knowing more … Continue reading Tumtum and Nutmeg
Will Wilder: The Relic of Perilous Falls
Darn it. Double darn. Will Wilder: The Relic of Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo has me so frustrated! So much creativity. Such an interesting concept. Such a great infusion of Catholic traditions into the spiritually diverse genre of fantasy. Such a great opportunity to do what N.D. Wilson does so brilliantly: reveal how all good … Continue reading Will Wilder: The Relic of Perilous Falls
Anne of the Island
In this review, I lament how disappointed I was in Anne of Avonlea after having loved Anne of Green Gables so much. I am happy to report that I found Anne of the Island to be a vast improvement on Anne of Avonlea. Still not as good as the original, it is a worthy follow-up … Continue reading Anne of the Island
Bambi
Oh, Bambi! I had no idea. My husband inherited his dad’s copy of Felix Salten’s Bambi, so it was in our family library until we passed it on to our son. Though my husband assured me that it was nothing like the cartoon, for over 30 years I resisted reading it. I assumed that … Continue reading Bambi
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling
“In this way Penelope’s happy and sad feelings got all mixed up together, until they were not unlike one of those delicious cookies they have nowadays, the ones with a flat circle of sugary cream sandwiched between two chocolate-flavored wafers. In her heart she felt a soft, hidden core of sweet melancholy nestled inside crisp … Continue reading The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling
Thoughts About The Benedict Option
In this speech, the author of The Awakening of Miss Prim says that only a minority of readers see her story as one of a spiritual journey and conversion. I was shocked when I read that. It seemed so obvious to me that that was the only thing it could really be about. In talking … Continue reading Thoughts About The Benedict Option
Anne of Avonlea
Anne of Green Gables is pretty nearly a perfect book. Even if you don't love the story or the character, it is hard deny that Anne Shirley, in her debut novel, has been an international sensation for more than 100 years. According to Wikipedia, Anne of Green Gables has been translated into 36 languages and … Continue reading Anne of Avonlea
The Chronicles of Prydain #1: The Book of Three
More than 10 years ago, family friends were raving about Lloyd Alexander and The Chronicles of Prydain. At that time, I had a newborn baby and didn't have enough headspace to investigate their recommendation, but for some reason, I never forgot how much they loved the books. A few years ago I was studying the … Continue reading The Chronicles of Prydain #1: The Book of Three