Guest Post: Once Upon A Week

I would like introduce a guest here at Tif Talks Books today . . . drum roll please (or at least imagine it!!) . . . Vanessa from Today's Adventure!  Vanessa has a special event coming up next week known as Once Upon A Week.  Since it goes along so very nicely with Fairy Tale Fridays here, I thought . . . Wouldn't it be nice if she stopped by and shared some of her thoughts on the subject?

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Why Fairy Tales?

About a year ago, I read a great little book by the name of Beastly. Alex Flinn did a great job of taking the classic story of Beauty and the Beast and bringing it to the modern era. I loved it. Actually, I loved it so much I decided to spend an entire week featuring retold fairy tales on my blog. Several other bloggers mentioned that they would like to join in, and Once Upon a Week was born. In organizing this event, I’ve learned that I’m definitely not the only one out there who truly LOVES fairy tales. But I’m still working on what it is exactly that pulls us to these stories.

I think that, for me, a big part of the appeal is that fairy tales allow us to enter a world where anything is possible. Magic is real, and the normal rules don’t apply. Twelve princesses can travel each night to an underground forest, a wolf can impersonate grandma, and straw can be spun into gold. The scullery maid can marry a prince, or a lowly soldier can win the hand of a princess. Virtue is always rewarded, and endings are happy more often than not. When a fairy tale is modernized, it brings the magic to the mundane world we’re all too familiar with. Who

wouldn’t want to spend time in a world like that?

I also love fairy tales because they are cultural common ground. The details differ, but many stories can be found in some form almost anywhere in the world. I don’t think fairy tales are the key to world peace (wouldn’t that be great?), but I think it’s telling that the same fears, dreams, and values show up in the stories of every culture.

Whatever the reason is, fairy tales seem to really strike a chord with a lot of us. I hope you’ll all have fun with me this coming week (Aug. 1-7) as we spend some time celebrating the stories we all love. In the meantime, tell me- What is it about fairy tales and retellings that you enjoy most?

Thanks so much for having me, Tif!

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Thank you so much Vanessa for stopping by today!  I look forward to your posts coming next week and writing some of my own!  Happy Reading!!

For more information, I recommend the following links:

• Vanessa's Feature:  Once Upon A Week
• Vanessa's Website:  Today's Adventure
• Vanessa on Twitter:  NotNessie

Fairy Tale Fridays: The Story Bag

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe 

This week's selection for Fairy Tale Fridays was a Korean tale known as The Story Bag.  Before I move into how I feel about the story, let's go to a quick synopsis . . . A spoiled little rich kid loved having stories told to him; however, as they were told, he would stuff the little tales into a bag and would imprison them, making it unable for them to escape.  As years passed, the boy became a man that was chosen a bride . . . but, the forgotten stories decided to get a little revenge.  Thankfully, a servant overheard the plotting amongst the stories and was able to save the bride and bridegroom from all dangers, leaving us with the following moral to ponder . . .

"That is why when stories are heard they must never be stored away to become mean and spiteful, but must always be shared with other people.  In this way, they are passed from one person to another so that as many people as possible can enjoy them."

This is my favorite moral by far!!!!  Considering our current trend here on Fairy Tale Fridays of exploring tales from other countries and cultures, I am a big supporter of passing on the story, sharing the love and enjoyment of a tale, and passing on the culture and traditions right along with it . . . . to generations to come!

Therefore, along with this week's usual Fairy Tale Fridays, I am going to also propose a challenge!!!  Pass on your favorite tales this week, whether it may be to a child or to a friend, whether it may be to a classroom or a nursing home, whether it may be in the comfort of your own home or to the world on your blog . . . Share your tales and share the love!  In fact, it is perfect timing since Vanessa over at Today's Adventure is hosting the annual Once Upon a Week event.  I will be sharing some additional fairy tale posts in addition to next week's selection and be sure to check back later today because Vanessa will be guest posting right here with a little tale-sharing herself!!

Did you go with this tale or with another Korean tale this week?  Do you intend you take me up on my challenge?

UPCOMING TALES:

Friday, August 6th:  The Twin Brothers (Danish Folk and Fairy Tales)

Friday, August 13th: Chunda's Wisdom Quest (Tales from Tibet)

Friday, August 20th:  Choose Your Own Tale

Friday, August 27th:  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Friday, September 3rd:  Fairy Tale Flick (special post to come for details!)

**SPECIAL NOTE:  I have linked those stories that I can find above either in writing or as a video of the reading via YouTube.  The generic link via the country's tales will take you to a listing of additional tales or possible replacements.  Enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

It is time for another visit of Rowling's classics, with the focus this time on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Keeping with my original plan to simply share brief thoughts, some of my favorite quotes, and a quick wizarding recipe, I will get straight to it!

Chamber of Secrets is my second to least favorite book of the Harry Potter series, but it would still get full rankings in the long run.  It covers much needed information, introduces us to some very important characters, and some very important pieces of history (for those that know how the book ends).  In fact, throughout this re-read I found some great quotes that I have listed for you below.

"No," said Ron, without hesitation.  "Hearing voices no one else can hear isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world."  (p. 145)

"Because that's what Hermoine does," said Ron, shrugging.  "When in doubt, go to the library." (p. 255)

The last one, I actually believe may contain a spoiler for those that have not yet read the book (therefore, I've made it so you have to highlight it to read it).  Who knew something so blatant was written in one of the first books?!?!

"Voldemort put a bit of himself in me?" Harry said, thunderstruck.  (p. 333)

Amazing, isn't it?!?!

Now, for the fun stuff!!  I had a hard time deciding which recipe to go with this time, but I finally decided on one that is simple, but very yummy.  In fact, I can guarantee that you will choose this little drink over troll bogies anyday!!  (Sorry, no picture this time!  And, this could have been a good one!)

DRAGON SNOT

What you need:

Lime Sherbert

Sprite

Directions:

1.  Simply scoop a bit of lime sherbert into a cup, preferably one that is see-through!

2.  Pour Sprite over the top of the sherbert, filling the cup.

3.  Wait a few minutes for the mucus to set and drink the best snot you will ever taste!

Sunday Synopsis: July 25, 2010

I'm going to attempt to make this Sunday Synopsis very brief tonight for one very good reason . . . I want to go curl up in my bed and READ!!!!!  Afterall, I am on vacation all this week, just hanging out with my kids, catching up on some much needed tasks, and of course, relaxing with some good books.  I actually have a goal of trying to finish re-reading the entire Harry Potter series by this time next week.  I am about a third of the way through the third book, so we will see how far I can get!

What did I get posted this week?  Not much, but here it is . . .

• Fairy Tale Fridays:  The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I am in the midst of attempting to get my Google Reader down to less than 1000 posts.  I worked on it for a while today, but did not have much luck.  The number still says 1000+!  I've only got one link for you this week, but I'm hoping to have a whole slew of them next week as I trudge through my weeks of negligence!

• Another great post has come out of The League of Extraordinary Writers examining The Creativity Crisis.  This is a topic that can tend to be my soapbox, particularly when you start talking about standardized testing in today's schools.  This topic alone could generate a lot of discussion, BUT I would really recommend that you instead take a peek at the post for the original link to the Newsweek article as well as a twist on how we can creatively reflect on the dystopian genre.

I received two packs of books this week, both from giveaways that I won.  I am so excited to read these because they look so good!

• Pam from Bookalicio.us sent The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner, Kissed by an Angel Trilogy by Elizabeth Chandler, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey, Hunted and Tempted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.
• Kristen from We Be Reading also sent me a copy of one of her favorite books, The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox.

Be watching for some more Harry Potter reviews this week, along with some other reviews and possible wish list items.  I plan on doing a lot of blog writing (and scheduling) this week with my extra time.  However, in the meantime, I'm off to curl up with my book!

Happy Reading!!

P.S.  DON'T FORGET:  It is the last week to enter my current giveaway and vote for my next great adventure!!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

It is time.

After the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in July 2007, I have not re-read the world re-knowned books by J.K. Rowling.  Since I finished that last page of Deathly Hallows, I knew that I would one day pick up the series again and re-read the books from the beginning.  I knew that I would appreciate some of those small details that wound up being so important, especially when I knew just how important they were in the end.

The time has now come!

I am currently in the midst of re-reading my favorite series of all time!  I cannot stress how much I love these stories, about how easily I can get lost in the world of wizards and the wizarding school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  There are so many different thoughts and opinions out there on these books, from positive to negative.  There are many who are in the same boat as me who have re-read the books multiple times.  And, there are those who have not (and may never) choose to pick up the books.  Whatever the case, the majority know the story line and I do not find it necessary to repeat any of that here.

As I review my re-reads of these books, I will be taking a bit of a different approach.  I will share a few thoughts, maybe some of my favorite quotes from the book, and then wrap it up with a fun little Harry Potter recipe!  For the release of the final Harry Potter book, I threw a wizarding bash complete with magical treats. I've decided to share a few of those treats in my reviews so you can bring the wonderful world of wizardry into your own home!  I hope you enjoy!

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the book that kicked off the series and got many people hooked on the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.  I was introduced to Harry via a friend and got to discover him on my own during my honeymoon.  I loved the characters from the beginning and have never looked back since!  Not a bad reaction considering I feel that this is one of the weakest of the seven books!  Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book . . .

"One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore.  "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair.  People will insist on giving me books." (p. 214)

"If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love.  He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark.  Not a scar, no visible sign . . . to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.  It is in your very skin. . . . It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."  (p. 299)

"They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home.  I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer . . ."  (p. 309)

For the first of the fun Harry Potter recipes, I am going to go with a couple of simple ideas that your imagination can magically turn into something more.

• Butterbeer:  You can go with something as simple as A&W Root Beer (or any brand that suits your fancy).  You can spice it up with a little scoop of ice cream to make it a bit more frothy or just leave it plain.  This can also be a great treat for the younger crowd as you can choose the non-caffeinated option.
• Wandsicles:  I simply use the inexpensive Pop Ice Popsicles.  Imagine the wizarding duals with the flying colors of these cool treats on a warm day.  You will just want to eat them fast before they break and cause a disaster like dear Ron Weasley knows all too well!

The remainder of the upcoming recipes will get progressively more creative and complex (with some pictures included of my own creations!), so stay tuned.  In the meantime, you can find me with my nose in the middle of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!

Fairy Tale Fridays: The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe

This week in fairy tales, we are visiting India with The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal.  We begin this story with the introduction of Tiger, who just so happens to be locked in a cage.  The Brahman then appears and is convinced to let the Tiger go.  Unfortunately, the Tiger turns on the Brahman and ends up giving him an ultimatum . . .

" . . . the beast promised to let the Brahman go if the man could find three things that thought the tiger's action unjust."

Sadly, every thing the Brahman asked resulted only in failure, from the pipal tree to buffalo to even the road.  He began to turn back to return to the Tiger when along comes the Jackal.  The Brahman attempts to explain the situation to Jackal, but to no avail; therefore, they return to the Tiger together in the hopes that an understanding can ensue.  It may at first appear that the Jackal is "slow in his wits," but he may just surprise us all in the end!

I have always viewed jackals to be deceitful . . . maybe because I have always thought of them as similar to hyenas . . . but this deceit may not always work in the negative as this story represents!  In fact, I would not even term the jackal deceitful in this tale because his purpose is not used for the means of dishonesty or trickery; rather, I believe I would rather use the term cunning because of his intent to help and reduce harm.

This line of thought then got me thinking along the lines of pre-conceived images or thoughts.  We often enter situations or stories with an idea of how we think they are to go, but can often be surprised by what we find or encounter.  Life is a learning process and many of our expectations end up being just tossed aside.  I think a perfect example of this is the Wicked Witch of the West.  When Baum wrote this character, she was written as deceitful and out for herself.  When the film was released, she was painted green for technical filming reasons and to this day, her character and even the color green bring very specific reactions from people.  However, Gregory Maguire turned these pre-conceived notions around with his novel, Wicked and even more so with the release of the musical.  Now that I have completely went off on a tangent . . .

In short . . . I have gone into stories, particularly during my Fairy Tale Fridays series, with an idea of what to expect.  I have been pleasantly surprised (and not so much!) with a completely different picture being painted about characters or the stories taking a turn that I never could have guessed.  In the end, it's refreshing to experience this dissonance and expand my mind a bit more!

All in all, this was a simple and enjoyable read, and one that I would recommend to anyone!

What did you think of the tale?  Did you end up reading a different Indian tale?  Have you had any experiences in fairy tale dissonance?

UPCOMING TALES:

Friday, July 30th:  The Story Bag (Korean Folk and Fairy Tales)

Friday, August 6th:  The Twin Brothers (Danish Folk and Fairy Tales)

Friday, August 13th: Chunda's Wisdom Quest (Tales from Tibet)

Friday, August 20th:  Choose Your Own Tale

**SPECIAL NOTE:  I have linked those stories that I can find above either in writing or as a video of the reading via YouTube.  The generic link via the country's tales will take you to a listing of additional tales or possible replacements.  Enjoy!

Umm . . . Tuesday Synopsis: July 20, 2010

Let's start out with the obvious . . . It's my Sunday Synopsis post and it is NOT Sunday!  I am completely aware that it is actually Tuesday and I am VERY late in posting my weekly wrap-up!  I'm going to claim a fabulous, action-packed week for my excuse this time . . . and I mean that quite literally!!  Read on to find out more!!

However, before we get to the exciting stuff, let's do a quick wrap-up for the week.  Here's a quick list of what I was able to get posted this last week:

• Presenting The Book Chook Cook Book
• The Book Chook Cook Book & Beyond
• Choose My Next Adventure
• The Stand Read-A-Long Wrap-Up (Finally!)
• Fairy Tale Fridays:  The Lion, The Hare, and The Hyena

Don't forget that I am also having a GIVEAWAY!!!  Click on over to Literary Locals:  July 2010 to read all about the details!  

I am claiming disorganization for my posts to come this week!  Whatever I get posted is what will be posted!!!  

I also haven't posted in a while about what's happening around the blogosphere.  Check out the following awesome links:

• First and foremost, I gotta give a BIG shout-out to J. Kaye over at 365 Days of Novel Writing.  A couple of weeks ago, she presented me with the Sugar Doll Award!  She completely made my day and I will be adding this bling to my Awards page soon!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
• It has been way too long, but in case you missed it the first time around, I would recommend that you head over to The Book Chook to check out Literacy Lava 5.  It is another great edition of some literacy love!
• Have you heard the news about Book Blogger Appreciation Week yet?  Mark your calendars now for September 13-17.  For those wondering, I signed up but did not submit myself for awards.  This past year has been too rough to even consider it!!
• Have you ever wondered about the difference between dystopian and steampunk?  Do you even know what either of these are?!?  Either way, I highly recommend that you check out Can Steampunk be Dystopian? over at one of my new favorite haunts, The League of Extraordinary Writers!  Though I point out this particular post, I really have not yet found any of the writing boring or uninteresting over there!
• Alexia's Books and Such posted What's the Frequency, Kenneth? a few weeks ago, discussing what is considered the proper amount of posting.  For me, I try to post 3-4 times a week, BUT really life sometimes gets in the way.  And, in my opinion, if I enjoy your blog, I will read whenever you post!!  Head on over to the linked post to join in the conversation!

Okay, that's it for the highlights!  Now for the really exciting news!  As I shared with you last week, I got to head to Chicago this past weekend to attend a meeting for a position that I volunteer my time for.  When I booked this trip and even when I flew out on Friday morning, I had no idea what my weekend would actually behold.  In just a couple of days, I encountered two different once-in-a-lifetime experiences!!  The first was the opportunity to meet the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin.  It was only in passing, but quite impressive for this girl nonetheless!!  The second was the very cool timing of arriving in the city the same day that the filming of Transformers 3 began filming AND I just happened to be staying just around the corner!!  I didn't get to see any stars, but I do believe I got to see a "transformer"!!  Aren't they the real stars of the movie anyways?!?!  And, just for fun, I will leave you with a few pictures from the latter of these experiences.  Just be warned . . . I had to take them with my phone because I didn't think I would need my actual camera . . . bad, bad, bad thinking on my part!

Hope you all have a great week!!  See you all back soon!!

Fairy Tale Fridays: The Lion, The Hare, and The Hyena

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe

This week for Fairy Tale Fridays, we are traveling to Africa to visit a native folktale, The Lion, The Hare, and The Hyena.  According to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales, this story comes from Kenya.  According to tradition, the hare and hyena are common rivals that are always trying to outdo each other.  In this week's selection, the hare comes upon the injured lion and nurses him back to health.  The lion grows stronger thanks to the hare, enabling him to be able to begin hunting and providing small meals for the two of them.  The bones laying outside of the cave attract the hyena, drawing him in and bringing on an attempt to outwit the hare.  Who wins this time?  I won't give away the details, but I will say that it may explain the reason why the hyena's hair stands on end!

This was a very interesting story!  I believe it shows the animals with very humanistic traits . . . the hare as clever, the hyena as cunning (and maybe a bit selfish), and the lion, though the king of the jungle, as one who has weaknesses and doubts that may come along with his strength.  It was an enjoyable tale, one in which I read multiple times and even listened to a reading by Alan Rickman on YouTube.  (For Harry Potter fans, I'm talking Snape here!)  I believe the visual on the reading was boring, and I would have preferred to see more African artwork instead multiple photos of Rickman.  However, I will say that Rickman does a fabulous job of narrating this tale!

Before I close for this version of FTF, I would like to bring your attention to an upcoming event next month . . . Once Upon A Week hosted by Today's Adventure!  I recently discovered this through a mutual blogger (thanks to the1stdaughter at There's A Book!) and I immediately signed up!  Assuming you are as clever as the hare in our story today, I would recommend that you hop on over there yourself to learn more and get signed up for more details!

UPCOMING TALES:

Friday, July 23rd:  The Tiger, The Brahman, and the Jackal (Indian Fairy Tales)

Friday, July 30th:  The Story Bag (Korean Folk and Fairy Tales)

Friday, August 6th:  The Twin Brothers (Danish Folk and Fairy Tales)

Friday, August 13th: Chunda's Wisdom Quest (Tales from Tibet)

**SPECIAL NOTE:  I have linked those stories that I can find above either in writing or as a video of the reading via YouTube.  The generic link via the country's tales will take you to a listing of additional tales or possible replacements.  Enjoy!