Bleak House, by Charles Dickens

I have sadly neglected this blog and my own reading.  I have been focused on homeschooling,  and we have moved twice since the last time I posted.  Four years in DC with traffic and crowds made for short time to do anything else!

I have finally finished this book.  It seemed to take forever, even though I enjoyed it.  This is the first Dickens I have ever read.  I heard a rumor that Dickens got paid by the word and that is why he was so verbose,  but I don't  know. It was a good story.

Completed: Day of Infamy

On April 13, I finished reading Day of Infamy, by Walter Lord.

I enjoyed this book very much.  It is a real version of what happened and how individuals responded to exceptional circumstances.  Here is my review post with some pictures of the USS Arizona Memorial.

(c) 2010 Bookish Banter

Continuing Pride and Prejudice

Rating: 7.5 out of 10


I have finished the second novel in a series by Sharon Lathan, written as a continuation of the story of Pride and Prejudice.  The first, Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, starts from the beginning of their marriage through the early spring of their first year together.  I wrote a brief review here.  The second, Loving Mr. Darcy, continues that story. 

It is interesting to see the development of their relationship, and the continued deepening of their love.  However, I have to say that I am glad I didn't spend money to buy these books.  The description of their intimacy, I feel, is a little much.  Once per chapter, if not more, there is a description of their interludes.  Maybe I am prudish, but I feel this much detail is a little excessive.  There are some aspects of a marriage relationship that belong solely between a husband and wife, and even literary characters such as Darcy and Lizzy are entitled to some privacy.   

Hit the Books: Strong Willed 4

Chapter 4 addresses the common errors parents can make during this training process.  (I am sure I need to be trained as much if not more than my children do!)

p99- "There is no more ineffective method of controlling human beings (of all ages) than the use of irritation and anger."

p100- "Disciplinary action influences behavior; anger does not....Adult anger produces a destructive kind of disrespect in the minds of our children.  They perceive that our frustration is caused by our inability to control the situation."

p101- "...anger often becomes a tool used consciously for the purpose of influencing behavior.  It is ineffective and can be damaging to the relationship."

p107- "You don't need anger to control children.  You do need action occassionally."

p107- "In fact, the closer the action (you take as parent) moves to the front of the conflict, the less punishment is required."

Hit the Books: Strong Willed 3

Continuing in my reading of The Strong-Willed Child, by James Dobson

p61- The overall objective... is to teach the child that his actions have inevitable consequences.

Chapter 3 deals with protecting the spirit.  How do you shape your child's will while preserving their spirit intact?  That is a very good question.

p78- It is accomplished by establishing reasonable boundaries and enforcing them with love...while avoiding any implication that the child is unwanted, unnecessary, foolish, etc...

It is good to know that the goals are, but how do you get there?  Chapter 4 addresses the common errors that many parents make in this process.

Hit The Books 2010: Wuthering Heighs

I have mentioned before that my in-laws got Hubby and me a Kindle for Christmas.  Most of my reading material comes from the 19th century, and I have discovered that many classic books are available for free for the kindle.  Wuthering Heights is one such book.

I ended up watching the movie with Laurence Olivier over the holidays.  The book goes into a lot more detail about the relationships and actions of the various characters.  I found Heathcliff to be a completely unsympathetic character.  I am not sure if he is even supposed to be considered the hero.  He is malevolent and driven to destroy everyone around him.  Mostly I found him tiresome.  Very similar to Emma, by Jane Austen. 

Mean, bullying characters do not interest me. 

Finished Book

For Christmas, my in-laws gave Hubby and me a Kindle.  It is so cool!  Plus, I have discovered that many of the classics are free to download, from Amazon or from Gutenberg.org or from ManyBooks.net.
This morning I finished reading Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley.  It has been a long time since I read this book.  It is hard to believe that Mary Shelley wrote that story at 19.  There were a few plot twists I had forgotten.  Definitely a good book.  But now, back to my assignment!