Monday Maunder: In The Books

Hello Monday!

This week has been a pretty decent reading week.  For that reason, I thought I would just share my weekly books.  I wanted to share some pictures with you, but that will have to wait until a future week when I am actually done with them!

I finished three books this week.  The first was Ivy & Bean Break the Fossil Record, the third in the series.  I read this one with my daughter.  I have no intention of reviewing this book, but I will say that my daughter adores this series.  Myself, I honestly could take it or leave it.  As long as she wants to read them together, I'm going to continue to read them!

The second book was Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare, the final book in the Infernal Devices trilogy.  I will be writing a review on this one, but as a sneak peek, I adored this one!  I will save the details for the full review though!

The final book was Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi.  I will not be writing a review on this book either.  I was rather annoyed on so many levels that I simply do not want to devote any more of my time to it.  I think I read it with a look of disgust on my face through most of the story.

Today, you will find me in the middle of Insurgent by Veronica Roth.  I decided to pick this one up sooner rather than later thanks to a good friend pushing me to do so.  It is going quickly, so I anticipate moving on to Allegiant and finishing up that series this week.  I may even be able to dive into Chew, Volume 1 by John Layman and Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones.  Wish me luck on another great week of reading!

What's happening in the books for you this week?  

Fairy Tale Fridays: The Frog King

Fairy Tale Fridays is back!!  Just in case you missed the announcement last month, you can check out all the details and a list of my favorite tales here.  Once a month, I will be chatting about the classic fairy tales.  Today, we talk specifically about The Frog King as written by The Brothers Grimm.

I really decided to go with this story because of my love for the Frog Prince in the Fables series.  At first, the Frog Prince is only a minor character, but he eventually turns into a major character in Willingham's graphic novel series ... a character that I adore and stands as one of my favorites of the series.

My collection of fairy tales is still packed away in one of my many boxes, so I had to search out a copy at my local library.  I found The Bicentennial Edition of The Annotated Brothers Grimm with notes by Maria Tatar, and discovered so much more than I was planning for.

Many may remember The Frog King with the title of The Frog Prince, the story of a prince that was cursed, but brought back to human form thanks to a kiss from a princess.  Disney used this little tale as inspiration for The Princess and the Frog.  However, when I began to read this tale, I discovered that it is so different from my memories of the story!

The Brothers Grimm re-wrote many of their stories to add lessons or to make them flow more smoothly (from the dictated versions of oral tradition).  The beginning of this story is a prime example of how the stories have changed over time.  The original version from 1812 begins like this . . .

Once upon a time there lived a princess.  One day she went into the forest and sat down by a cool well.  A golden ball was her favorite toy.  She loved to amuse herself by throwing it up into the air and catching it when it came back down.

This is the beginning of the story that I read, dating back to 1857 . . .

Once upon a time, when wishes still came true, there lived a king who had beautiful daughters.  The youngest was so lovely that even the sun, which had seen so many things, was filled with wonder when it shone on her face.   

There was a deep, dark forest near the king's castle, and in that forest, beneath an old linden tree, was a spring.  Whenever the weather turned really hot, the king's daughter would go out into the woods and sit down at the edge of the cool spring.  And if she was bored, she would take out her golden ball, throw it up in the air, and catch it.  That was her favorite plaything.

That is quite the difference!  As an aspiring author myself, I found this change quite amazing.  The images flow more freely in the second and updated version.  They both give the same message, but the latter is really much more enjoyable to read.

As I continued to read, I also discovered another interesting difference.  The story that I grew up with and that many think of when they think of the Frog Prince, ends with a kiss from a princess.  However, that is not what happens in the original tale.  What actually happens is that the princess gets annoyed with the frog and throws him against the wall.  In fact, the princess is not a sweet little girl, but a snotty brat that breaks promises and throws innocent little frogs in the hopes of harm.  Of course, after the frog turns into a prince, the two still get married.  I am just left wondering why the marriage ever took place.  Why would the prince ever want to marry a woman who throws you across the room in her anger and frustration?!?

As I read the annotated edition, I was also quite surprised at the sexual overtones.  In the original version, after the princess throws the frog against the wall, he "falls down into her bed and lies there as a handsome young prince, and the king's daughter lies down next to him."  I won't even go into the detail about the frog being used as phallic symbol.  All this just ruins my innocent little thoughts about this story!

After reading The Frog King in its original form, I think I much prefer the more modern version.  I would rather think of the prince or princess as more of a hero, than a man that decides to marry an ungrateful woman that throws innocent animals in her rage.

I could go on in more detail regarding my thoughts about the story. . . about the importance of keeping a promise or the introduction of a character in the final paragraphs of the tale or the use of folk sayings within the story . . . but, I will not.  I will leave you with only the points that left with me the largest impact after revisiting this tale.  I now invite you to read a version of the tale here, then let me know your thoughts.

What do you remember about The Frog King (or The Frog Prince)?  What were your thoughts after you read the tale?  Was it as you remembered it?  What differences stood out to you?

Recommended Reads: Graphic Novels

I read my first graphic novel back in my college days for a literature class.  It was Maus by Art Spiegelman and it left a mark on me that I will never forget.  For some reason, it took me a decade to return to graphic novels.  A few years ago, I picked up another graphic novel and I have not set them down again.  I read them regularly and am always looking for more recommendations.

If you are looking to pick up your first graphic novel or to find a few more favorites to add to your collection, I now share my top ten current favorites, in no particular order.

1. Fables by Bill Willingham:  Fables is an on-going and longer series featuring the well-known fairy tale characters that we grew up with.  They have been exiled to our world after the adversary took over their imaginary lands, and they do what they have to in order to survive.  Willingham has created an elaborate world that I love to get lost in every single issue.
2. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman:  You may be familiar with this one if you watch the popular show on AMC; however, the book is so much better.  The books and the television show have a similar premise, but have a multitude of differences.  A must-read for all zombie fans!
3. Bad Island by Doug TenNapel:  TenNapel is one of my favorite graphic novelists, for both his amazing imagination and story-telling skills, but also for the outstanding artwork that accompanies his tales.  In Bad Island, a family's vacation takes an unexpected turn and they must work together to escape.
4. Maus by Art Spiegelman:  Maus is a two-part memoir, written from Spiegelman's point of view about his father's time during the Holocaust.  Cats and mice represent the Germans and the Jewish respectively, and that symbolism is just the beginning.  It's a story about our world's history that we cannot forget, but it is also a very personal story about the author and his father.
5. Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale:  If you are looking for a fairy tale re-telling that is fun and friendly for the younger eyes, this is the one I recommend.  It's an entertaining read, and one that I wish to someday add to my own personal collection, so I can re-visit it again and again.
6. Y - The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan:  Vaughan explores the gendercide in this graphic novel series.  A man and his pet monkey are the only males to survive.  They embark on a journey to find answers to what happened and to figure out what can be done to help the human race survive.  Yorick (the sole remaining man) is witty and humorous, but unresistingly adorable!
7. Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel:  TenNapel makes another appearance with probably his most famous of graphic novels, Ghostopolis.  A young dying boy is somehow transported to a ghost world.  He finds he has unexpected talents in this world, but will it be enough to return him home?!?
8. Saga by Brian K. Vaughan:  Vaughan takes us into a fantastical world through the eyes of two lovers from different worlds.  These worlds also happen to be at war with each other.  The unlikely couple set off on their own to raise their child in peace, but they encounter many obstacles along the way.  Saga is a newer graphic novel series that has completely won me over and currently sits on my list of all-time favorite reads!
9. The Good Neighbors by Holly Black:  Black won my heart with her trilogy featuring Rue, an only child of a family filled with secrets.  I don't want to give too many details away on this one, but I will say that it is a paranormal favorite.
10. Locke & Key by Joe Hill:  Hill takes us on an action-packed adventure in his Locke & Key series.  It's horrifying, yet intriguing; you simply will not be able to look away, especially once the different keys are introduced into the story.  You never know what they may unlock!

What are some of your favorite graphic novels?  Which graphic novel would you recommend to a newbie to the medium?

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins is a classic author that I had not heard of until I began blogging.  He was never mentioned in my high school english classes.  His works were never mentioned in my college literature courses.  (I was not an English major, however, so I only took a couple of general courses.)  Even when I took on my own personal goal to read the classics on a regular basis, Collins never graced my shelf.  Thankfully 2014 has been my year to finally discover classic Collins -- first with The Frozen Deep, then with The Woman in White.

The Woman in White has it all -- mystery, mistaken identity, murder, and mayhem.  We follow the life of Mr. Walter Hartright, an artist commissioned to teach a rich man's nieces how to draw.  The night before he is set to leave for his new job, he meets a mysterious woman.  The random encounter fades into the background, but he soon discovers that it may not all be coincidence.  After an unexpected twist, Hartright is forced to take a separate path from his students.  However, they are not to be separated for long after the mayhem ensues.

Collins' tale is very well constructed and deeply thought out.  Minute details become key aspects to his story.  His characters are thoroughly developed, creating strong emotions for the good and the bad.  Personally, my favorite was Marion Halcombe, though Walter Hartright comes in a close second.  I was left guessing at what would come next, and was seldom left distracted or bored.  My only complaint was that I felt Collins was a bit wordy in parts, though the rambling often proved to be worthwhile as I read on.

After reading the final pages, I was left with a number of questions.  Here are a few of the questions that are still floating through my mind . . .

1. Why have I not read this book before?
2. Why have I not been previously exposed to this author?
3. Why was the author or this book never discussed in my formal english or literature courses?
4. Why is Marion Halcombe never discussed when it comes to strong women in classical literature?  

The Woman in White is one of the GREAT classics.  The writing, the story, and the characters are all brilliant.  And, Marion Halcombe is a true unsung hero in classical literature.  In short, I loved it!

Have you enjoyed The Woman in White yet?  What other Wilkie Collins' novels do you recommend?

Monday Maunder: February in Review

It's the first Monday in March, and I am left wondering what the heck happened to February!  Is anyone else wondering where an entire month went?!?

Since the month has come and gone, I thought I would share a few highlights.  Maybe it will help me remember what exactly I did with the time that flew by!

The TOP POST for February (both in hits and comments) was my weekly Monday post on book series.  That was a fun conversation!  If you have more to add, please do!!

My TOP PIC from Instagram was of this adorable little library with 22 likes.  I really do want one of these of my own!

I read four books during the month, for a total of thirteen for the year so far.  It was a little light, but I was in the midst of reading quite a classic chunkster.  The good thing is that as of the last day of the month, I was still one book ahead of schedule for my Goodreads Challenge!  Here's the list of books I speak of . . .

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
2. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
3. Runaways, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
4. The Unwritten, Volume 6 by Mike Carey

Well, that was February in a nutshell . . . unless you count where most of my time was spent ... helping my daughter with her first year of selling Girl Scout cookies and coaching my son's basketball team.  Oh, now I know where February went!!  I wouldn't change it though.  I had a GREAT experience, particularly with coaching.  I just now have to get through the final two weeks of cookie season!

How was your February?  

Literary Link Love: February 2014

It's time for a little Literary Link Love ... the post in which I share all the fun links I have distributed via my social media sites, all summarized here in one place!  And, just like last month when I kicked off this new feature, I have some extra bonus links for all my fellow bloggers.  Enjoy!

Are you a fan of YA or wondering where to begin in the YA world?!?  If so, I highly recommend this awesome flow chart for "green reads."

Someone was bored and used their imagination to create a website for the Ministry of Magic.  I cannot express how much I really love this!

Can you guess the classic novel from its first sentence?  I took this little quiz and somehow scored 11 out of 17 correct.  I'm not sure how that happened since I haven't read a majority of the books!

I know the Super Bowl is long past, but these tips may still come in handy during a multitude of other upcoming events in your life.

Some of the biggest news stirring the pot this last month was when JK Rowling announced that Hermoine should have ended up with Harry.  I have so many mixed feelings about that announcement.  Most days I tend to ignore this latest development, despite understanding her logic.

Bookstores for readers are paradise, but these eighteen bookstores were ranked the best in the world.  I have visited two, so only sixteen more to go!

Rebecca at Love at First Book shares a fun bookmark tutorial.  I can't wait to try this one with my kids!

Cuteness alert!!  Babies re-create famous books.  Need I say more?

If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then check out this video and the titles that are available at a discount until the end of this month (only a few days left)!

Suey talked swooning over at Book Bloggers International.  Trust me when I say it is swoon-worthy!

Charleen shared her thoughts about the need for more platonic relationships.  I would love to see more platonic relationships.

Legos + Literature = Awesomeness!

Last, but not least, this article made me HOT, HOT, HOT!  It started with "I did think it a shame that adults were reading them (rather than just reading them to their children, which is another thing altogether), mainly because there's so many other books out there that are surely more stimulating for grown-up minds."  It only goes from bad to worse to ugly from there.

Bonus Blogging Links

Andi shares Five Simple Strategies to Make Blogging Easier.  After just celebrating her 9th blogiversary, I think she has learned a few things along the way!

As a blogger, do you find yourself stressing about your numbers?  READ THIS.  Every blogger should read this actually.

Which link do you love the most?  What was some of the most exciting news you read on the web this month?

Divergent by Veronica Roth

ONE CHOICE

decides your friends

ONE CHOICE

defines your beliefs

ONE CHOICE

determines your loyalties - forever

ONE CHOICE

can transform you

These are the words that appear on the back of my copy of Divergent.  The power of ONE CHOICE is what attracted me to Roth's story.  Of course, all the hype surrounding the upcoming movie release is what motivated me to pick up this one sooner rather than later.  In short, I'm glad I did.

Roth propels us into her world of factions:  Abgenation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite.  Beatrice lives in Abgenation and has been raised to serve others and to be selfless in all she does.  At the age of sixteen, she is approaching the Choosing Ceremony with her peers; she will get to make the choice of continuing to live a selfless life or to choose a different path altogether.  One thing is certain . . . her life is about to drastically change.

Roth has created a truly fascinating world, divided into characteristics or values that we all feel to be important to the success of our lives.  The difference is she breaks it down, focusing on each value individually via the assigned faction.  The hunger for knowledge is separate from selflessness.  The pursuit of happiness and peace stands apart from truth and honesty.  And, bravery stands alone.  I was enthralled by this story from the beginning on a multitude of levels . . . the concept of factions, the seemingly simple ways to break down desirable human characteristics, and Beatrice's coming-of-age story.  I cannot wait to see where Roth goes in the rest of the trilogy.

I could continue to talk details of Divergent, but I will leave you with one quick summary . . . Divergent is truly that - a different kind of story and one that leaves you pondering.  It is one that you want to read, maybe even for a book club!

Have you entered the world of Roth's factions?  What are your thoughts about Beatrice's path?

Monday Maunder: Reading Updates

It's Monday again, and I really don't have much to report this week.  Therefore, I will just stick with a few of my reading updates.

I finished reading The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins for Wilkie in Winter.  Overall, I enjoyed it and should have a review of it posted in the near future.

I also finished reading Runaways #1:  Pride and Joy by Brian K. Vaughan.  This review should also be coming very soon.

I am currently in the middle of The Unwritten #6:  Tommy Taylor and the War of Words by Mike Carey.

After that, I plan to pick up one of those series books that I talked about last week.  I am currently debating between finishing a series with Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare or Inheritance by Christopher Paolini OR reading an entire series at once, beginning with a re-read of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.  I just cannot decide which one to pick up first!

What are you currently reading?  What series book do you think I should pick up next?

Stitches by David Small

Stitches is the memoir of David Small told in graphic novel format.  Small is an award-winning children's author, but his own childhood is far from a happy and successful one.  He was born into what many would consider a privileged home, his father being a successful doctor.  However, Small's life was filled with many disturbing details.  At the top of this list was that he was never told that he had cancer; the kind of cancer that stole his voice.

I began this book with no expectations.  I knew very little about Small's story.  When I turned the last page, I was left with very mixed emotions:  disgust at his parents, awe at his resilience, and so much more that I am not sure how to even put into words.  I am not even going to try to put it into words because Small's art will simply show you.

As a young boy, Small had his voice taken away, but through Stitches he has shared his story loud and clear through his art and his words.  He shows us that bad things can and do happen, but also that there is hope even in the most unlikely situations.  Stitches is not an easy read, particularly emotionally, but it is one that will stick with you for a very long time.

Have you experienced Small's memoir?  What did you take away from it?

Journal Circle: Family Stories

Welcome back to the monthly gathering of Journal Circle!

Last month, I kicked off this new feature discussing journaling in all its forms.  I was shocked, yet excited about the response that it received and I really enjoyed reading what others had to contribute.  Before we move on to this month's topic, I want to share with you the links from last month's contributors . . .

• Joy from Joy's Book Blog shared a book recommendation on journaling:  The New Diary by Tristine Rainer
• Jenna from Little Bird Reads shared a few photos from her beautiful journal, including a monthly gratitude calendar as well as some of her art pieces.

Thank you to Joy and Jenna for sharing!

This month, I want to talk about something that I have been writing about in my own personal journal:  family stories.  A few weeks ago, I found a little note that I received after my great grandmother passed away back in the late 90's.  I included it in my journal and found myself writing about this amazing woman.  This woman who was the youngest of many children and never expected to live beyond her toddler years.  She was a woman who defied all odds, outliving all of her siblings and living to an older age than any of her other siblings.  She stood only about half my height, but had the spunk of a giant.

It was so pleasant to remember this woman and write down a few of my favorite memories of her, both personal stories and my favorite stories shared with me by her children (i.e., my grandfather).  It spurred me to write more of these stories down, both of family members who are no longer with us and for those who I interact with on a regular basis today.  I found myself wanting to continue documenting these stories, maybe even to pass on to my own children someday.  Afterall, they have been asking more and more over the last couple of months about their own stories ... what they were like as babies, what were their first words, and my favorite memories of when they were younger.  I now have the desire to document these tales in my own journal instead of just sharing them verbally.  Here are a few stories that I have already worked on within my pages or intend to work on in the days to come . . .

• The Day You Were Born
• Playing Nertz Into the Daylight Hours
• Favorite Memories of My Father
• My Grandfather's Music
• Road Trippin'

I also plan to share some family trees, either something I can print (like here or here) to insert in my journal or I may try my hand at drawing or doodling my own.  As I have previously mentioned, I do not consider myself to be artistic, but I have found myself using more color and drawings in my journal these days thanks to the inspiration of other's (like Jenna above!).

It has been pleasant to revisit these memories.  And, I recently read that there is even more benefits to sharing these family stories, particularly with your children.  It gives me even more reason to keep writing them down, both from my past and my present.

Please share your own links to blog posts about what you have been writing, pictures you have shared of your art journals, and books you have read on the subject below.

Next Journal Circle:  March 20, 2014

What have you been journaling this month?  Do you find yourself documenting your family stories?  What kind of tales do you preserve in your pages?

An InLinkz Link-up