This book was a favorite of mine in my childhood, and, when I returned as an adult to re-read it, I found myself mesmerized once more by the story of This book was a favorite of mine in my childhood, and, when I returned as an adult to re-read it, I found myself mesmerized once more by the story of Sara Crewe. The charm is still there. "A Little Princess" is one of the most wonderful, most magical books ever to be found in the world of literature--and you don't have to be a little kid to enjoy it.
Sara herself is a lover of books; at one time she found herself fully immersed reading but needed to intervene in the playroom crisis. "People who are fond of books know the feeling of irritation which sweeps over them at such a moment. The temptation to be unreasonable and snappish is one not easy to manage."
This is a story about a different kind of princess than one might imagine; a princess that is an orphan--lonely, cold, hungry and abused. Sara Crewe begins life as the beloved, pampered daughter of a rich man. When he dies a pauper, she is thrown on the non-existent mercy of her small-minded, mercenary boarding school mistress. Stripped of all her belongings but for one set of clothes and a doll, Sara becomes a servant of the household. Hated by the schoolmistress for her independent spirit, Sara becomes a pariah in the household, with only a few secretly loyal friends. But through her inner integrity and strength of will, Sara Crewe maintains the deportment, inner nobility and generous spirit of a "real" princess.
"Whatever comes cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. It would be easy to be a princess if I were dressed in cloth of gold, but it is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it."
Being a princess is not about the fame and fortune, but about how you act in the situation into which you have been placed. You can be kind, or you can be mean; you can be content, or you can be greedy; you can be upset, or you can be optimistic. The book really relates to people who are going through tough times in their lives and need reassurance and confidence.
The magic in this book is unsurpassed in children's literature. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Sara comes home, hungry, wet and cold and neglected, to find that a magician has transformed her world, you can't help but be enchanted. "I don't know who it is, but somebody cares for me a little. I have a friend."
This story is a real classic, and needs no re-writing to be as enjoyable and readable today as it ever was. Be sure to get an unabridged edition: this book is beautifully written and should not be simplified.
Book Details:
Title A Little Princess Author Frances Hodgson Burnett Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"It's going to be all right, sir," Harry said over and over again, more worried by Dumbledore's silence than he had been by his weakened voice. "We're"It's going to be all right, sir," Harry said over and over again, more worried by Dumbledore's silence than he had been by his weakened voice. "We're nearly there... I can Apparate us both back... Don't worry..." "I am not worried, Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water, "I am with you."
This has got to be the most heart-wrenching book of the entire Harry Potter series, yes notwithstanding the last book. Who knew that once one opens this book what will happen to the wizarding world as we know it? I was simply not prepared for it.
It is within these pages where we see the aftermath of Voldemort's return: of the senseless murders committed, of the atrocities he is prepared to do and the consequences that follow. We also learn that the Muggle government (well, at least the Prime Minister counterpart) is well aware of the magical community's existence. One can't help but be mad at the Ministry of Magic's attempt to make Harry a mascot for the Ministry, after the way they have treated and abused him. Too bad the Ministry cannot commit to an Unbreakable Vow like the one performed by Snape with Narcissa, in order to protect Draco.
Speaking of Draco, I must say that I found it frustrating on the part of Harry that his two bestfriends kept downplaying his hunches of Voldemort's plan. The evidence's staring them right at the face, but of course one couldn't foresee in way did Professor Dumbledore play in Draco's redemption and changing of ways in the last book. One can't help but feel a twinge of pity for him, for fearing for one's life and that of your family's.
Another character who's torn in terms of familal obligations (although on a different level) is Neville -- he who will show his own brand of inner strength before the book series comes to an end. "Hmph," snorted Professor McGonagall. "It's high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she's got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have -- particularly after what happened at the Ministry."
The Weasley family is not spared in this installment. They have committed (and have placed in danger) all of their family members, in the quest of possibly defeating Voldemort and the Death Eaters. If I felt my heart skip a beat upon the possibility of Mr. Weasley dying within the Department of Mysteries in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" , what more of Ron almost dying due to poison fully intended for Professor Dumbledore? "Dumbledore's told us how you saved him with the bezoar," she sobbed. "Oh, Harry, what can we say? You saved Ginny... you saved Arthur... now you've saved Ron..." "Half our family does seem to owe you their lives, now I stop and think about it," Mr. Weasley said in a constricted voice. "Well, all I can say is that it was a lucky day for the Weasleys when Ron decided to sit in your compartment on the Hogwarts Express, Harry."
Add to that the instance of Bill being bitten by Greyback and the possibility of being turned into a werewolf. I was proud of Fleur for standing behind the man she's about to marry. "You thought I would not weesh to marry him? Or per'aps, you hoped?" said Fleur, her nostrils flaring. "What do I care how he looks? I am good looking for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!" And then, Harry did not quite see how it happened, both women were crying and hugging each other.
It's lucky that Bill won't transform into a full-fledge werewolf and not suffer the prejudice that has been felt by Professor Lupin right from the start. "But you are normal!" said Harry firecely. "You've just got a -- a problem -- " Lupin burst out laughing. "Sometimes you remind me a lot of James. He called it my 'furry little problem' in company. Many people were under the impression that I owned a badly behaved rabbit."
The mystery of Tonks's depression finally came to light towards the end, triggered by what has befallen Bill. "You see!" said a strained voice. Tonks was glaring at Lupin. "She still wants to marry him, even though he's been bitten! She doesn't care!" "It's different," said Lupin, barely moving his lips and looking suddenly tense. "I don't care either, I don't care!" said Tonks, seizing the front of Lupin's robes and shaking them. "I've told you a million times..." "And I've told you a million times," said Lupin, refusing to meet her eyes, staring at the floor," that I am too old for you, too poor, too dangerous... "
I was excited when Rowling chose to devote a couple of pages to Fred's and George's Weasley Wizard Wheezes in their new store in Diagon Alley. One could use those Patented Daydream Charms of theirs, and I'd definitely want a purple Pgymy Puff of my own. Speaking of funny scenes, I laughed out loud when Professor Dumbledore decided to retrieve Harry from the Dursleys. It is their fault that they refuse to drink Professor Dumbledore's offer of oak-matured mead. Harry looked around; all three of the Dursleys were cowering with their arms over their heads as their glasses bounced up and down on their skulls, their contents flying everywhere.
Lessons proceeded back to normal (or as normal as they could possibly be) in Hogwarts School, with the introduction of the use of nonverbal spells in almost all of their subjects. It must've been a streak of rebelliousness in Harry's part to render Snape speechless in their Defense Against the Dark Arts class: "There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor."
A hilarious bit was thrown in, involving Ron's family, Harry and Death Eaters: "There's no way they'd let me be a Death Eater!" said Ron indignantly. "My whole family are blood traitors! That's as bad as Muggle-borns to Death Eaters!" "And they'd love to have me," said Harry sarcastically. "We'd be best pals if they didn't keep trying to do me in."
There is also the introduction of Apparition lessons, with a preview of Side-Along Apparition done by Harry and Professor Dumbledore in the opening chapters. I can't help but agree with a lot of Hogwarts students in the importance of having a license to perform disappearing and appearing. Frustration was running high and there was a certain amount of ill-feeling toward Wilkie Twycross and his three D's, which had inspired a number of nicknames for him, the politest of which were Dogbreath and Dunghead.
Frankly, I never thought I'd find Potions to be exciting were it not for the introduction of a new character, Professor Slughorn as the new Potions Master. Where else shall we see Harry perform admirably (the helping hand of the Half-Blood Prince can't be striked out however) and get to know various highly interesting potions such as Amortentia (the most powerful love potion in the world) and Felix Felicis (liquid luck that'll make an ordinary day extraordinary). Smelling the latter also gave us a clue of who might be Harry's true love: They chose the one nearest a gold-colored cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents Harry had ever inhaled: Somehow it reminded him of treacle tart, the woody smell of a broomstick handle, and something flowery he might have smelled at the Burrow.
But that's getting ahead of ourselves. The relationship which seemed to be the focus was the one brewing between Ron and Hermione. There were instances of Ron's near jealousy over Harry's closeness to Hermione but did seem to pay off in his favor come his Gryffindor team try-outs: "If you ask me," said Harry quietly. "McLaggen looks like he was Confunded this morning. And he was standing right in front of where you were sitiing." "Oh, all right, I did it," she whispered. "But wasn't that dishonest, Hermione? I mean, you're a prefect, aren't you?" "Oh, be quiet," she snapped, as he smirked.
Unfortunately it was Harry who found himself suddenly caught in the middle of this on-off relationship between his two bestfriends. It was not as though he was really surprised, thought Harry; he had an inkling that this might happen sooner or later. But he was not sure how he felt about it... What if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it? What if they become like Bill and Fleur, and it became excruciatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?
Ron behaved like a total prat with his immature and inconsistent jealousy of Hermione going out with Victor Krum a long time ago. He felt the need to retaliate by going out with Lavender who ends up sending him a thick gold chain of a necklace with a pendant "My Sweetheart" and calls him "Won-won" in front of his mates. I can't help but feel triumphant for Hermione, but at the same time couldn't see a way for them to come out in the open with their feelings. "She can't complain," he told Harry. "She snogged Krum. So she's found out someone wants to snog me too. Well, it's a free country. I haven't done anything wrong."
"He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes," said Hermione. "I really couldn't care less."
Meanwhile Harry finds himself in a predicament of confronting his real feelings for Ginny, after experiencing pangs of jealousy of seeing her with Dean. A bigger issue is that of the possibility of choosing Ginny over his friendship with Ron: She's Ron's sister. But she's ditched Dean! She's still Ron's sister! I'm his best mate! That'll make it worse. If I talked to him first -- He'll hit you. What if I don't care? He's your best mate!
I was blissfully happy when Harry and Ginny finally ended up together. Readers are provided with how this change of feelings within both Harry and Ginny actually occurred. Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard, blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her.
I never really gave up on you," she said. "Not really. I always hoped... Hermione told me to get on with my life, maybe go out with some other people, relax a bit around you, because I never used to be able to talk if you were in the room, remember? And she thought you might take a bit more notice if I was a bit more -- myself." "Smart girl, that Hermione," said Harry, trying to smile. "I just wish I'd asked you sooner. We could've had ages... months... years maybe..." "But you've been too busy saving the Wizarding world," said Ginny, half laughing. "Well... I can't say I'm surprised. I knew this would happen in the end. I knew you wouldn't be happy unless you were hunting Voldemort. Maybe that's why I like you so much."
But as easily as it was for them to naturally fall for each other, it seems even more easy to forget that Harry's task is still ahead of him. Owing to his special classes with Professor Dumbledore, we learn of the parentage and early life of Voldemort, as the young orphan Tom Riddle. We get a glimpse of memories painstakingly research by Professor Dumbledore in order to aid the 'Chosen One' who's prophesized to defeat the Dark Lord. "You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!" said Dumbledore loudly. "The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's! In spite of all the temptation you have endured, all the suffering, you remain pure of heart, just as pure as you were at the age of eleven, when you stared into a mirror that reflected your heart's desire, and it showed you only the way to thwart Lord Voldemort, and not immortality or riches." "I'd want him finished," said Harry quietly. "And I'd want to do it."
We now know about the real identity of the Half-Blood Prince, Snape overhearing Professor Trelawney's prediction regarding the 'Chosen One' and the request of Voldemort to become a professor at Hogwarts (resulting to a curse placed upon the Defense Against the Dark Arts post), the precious artifacts left behind by the Hogwarts Founders which were turned into Horcruxes by Voldemort in order to chase after immortality. The scene of Harry and Dumbledore retrieving Merope's necklace at the cave was the most frightful thing I've ever read within the book series. All of these are important to remember once one begins to read the final book in hopes of solving the location of Voldemort's Horcruxes.
The moment of Professor Dumbledore's death is the most shocking of all. As a Harry Potter fan, you don't want to believe it. Almost, you are waiting for a deux machina to undo the killing curse done by Snape. When Harry felt the spell wore off of him and when Hagrid picked up Professor Dumbledore's body from where it had fallen, I thought that there must be a magical cure for what has been done. After all, he's Dumbledore! It can't be possible for him to be beat, to be dead -- and at the hands of one he trusted. When his portrait appeared in the Headmaster's office, I felt that maybe he is dead. It was confirmed when Fawkes sang his mournful song, and I knew that the greatest wizard is now gone. "No other headmaster or headmistress ever gave more to this school," growled Hagrid. "Hogwarts should be Dumbledore's final resting place," said Professor Flitwick. "Absolutely," said Professor Sprout. "And in that case," said Harry, "you shouldn't send the students home until the funeral's over. They'll want to say -- " The last word caught in his throat, but Professor Sprout completed the sentence for him. "Goodbye."
Book Details:
Title Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Author J.K. Rowling Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... And the Da"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies... " Finally all the questions that Harry Potter fans have been yearning for is finally revealed by no other than Headmaster Dumbledore. I imagine that Harry must've been relieved to finally uncover the reasons why Voldemort sought him out in the first place and the events in the series culminating into this current book.
But that is not all that's darkly different when Harry goes back to Hogwarts. In fact, he didn't even have time to go back to his classes when ominous things started happening. Foremost was of course the appearance of dementors near Dursleys' residence and the discovery of Mrs. Figg as a Squib tasked to keep an eye on Harry under Professor Dumbledore's orders. I have to admit that I never saw that one coming, I just dismissed her as a neighbor back in the start of the series. But if it were not for the dementor attack, Harry wouldn't have realized how aware Aunt Petunia seems to be of the wizarding world which she claims to despise greatly. That's even more unlikely than Mrs. Figg being a Squib, I tell you.
An addition to the characters we all love is that of Nymphadora Tonks or just plain Tonks as she preferred to be addressed. She turns out to be this Metamorphmagus or one who can change her appearance at will. That is such a useful talent, isn't it? She's introduced as part of the advance guard who fetches Harry in order to take him to # 12 Grimmauld Place or simply known as the HQ of the Order of the Phoenix.
It was there that we get to know Sirius's family background (that he turns out to be the only Gryffindor member of his mainly Slytherin family): the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. The mania that's the intermarriages and interbreeding prevalent in pureblood families comes into a most unflattering light, resulting in almost all of them being related to one another. Sirius being related to the Weasleys, for example, and well, being distantly related to the sisters Bellatrix & Narcissa Black. How Sirius must've loathed being back at home -- a place he has detested with his entire being! Talking about families, it has now come to light what Percy would be willing to sacrifice in the name of his career and his ambition. I feel most sorry for the Weasley family in having spawned such a son/brother.
I was shocked for a second during the scene where Mrs. Weasley was holding the dead body of Ron. Thankfully it turned out to be only a boggart. I simply cannot imagine the Harry Potter series without Ron in it. It's a grim foretelling of what'll happen to the Weasley family come the end of the book series (both in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"). Adding to the woes of everyone is the discrediting tactics of the Ministry of Magic aimed against Professor Dumbledore (who has been demoted from his many exalted posts) and Harry (painted as a "deluded, attention-seeking person who thinks he's a great tragic hero") resulting in his hearing against the whole Wizengamot court.
This was followed by the appointment of Umbridge (I can't even imagine calling her a "professor") to the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts and ultimately as the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts with all her educational decrees (fully supported by Filch & her Inquisitorial Squad of course). I cannot imagine a more despicable person (followed closely by Professor Snape, Minister Fudge and Rita Skeeter, in that order). Hem, hem. She was the one responsible for drafting an anti-werewolf legislation, making it impossible for Professor Lupin to get a job! But Hogwarts students found a way to fight back: first was the establishment (owing to Hermione's brilliant idea) of Dumbledore's Army or shortened as the D.A. Dobby enters the picture by directing Harry and the others to the best-kept secret of Hogwarts: the Room of Requirement. The walls were lined with wooden bookcases, and instead of chairs there were large silk cushions on the floor. A set of shelves at the far end of the room carried a range of instruments such as Sneakoscopes, Secrecy Sensors, and a large, cracked Foe-Glass.
The close second would have to be what would go down in Hogwarts history: the stunts of Fred and George. Can't wait to read about the established Weasleys Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. "Give us hell from us, Peeves." And Peeves, whom Harry had never seen take an order from a student before, swept his belled hat from his head and sprang to a salute as Fred and George wheeled about to tumultous applause from the students below and sped out of the open front doors into the glorious sunset.
Unfortunately the discovery of the D.A. forced Headmaster Dumbledore's hand into claiming responsibility for it. Minister Fudge was foolish enough to believe that he'll be able to get a chance to imprison Professor Dumbledore in Azkaban! "I have absolutely no intention of being sent to Azkaban, I could break out, of course -- but what a waste of time, and frankly, I can think of a whole host of things I would rather be doing."
Harry heard Phineas Nigellus's voice. "You know, Minister, I disagree with Dumbledore on many counts... but you cannot deny he's got style..." I felt very frustrated at the happenings within the castle when Professor Dumbledore left (fortunately his office sealed itself against Umbridge; serves her right), namely Umbridge's attempts of harming Hagrid (poor Fang, getting hit by Stunning Spells) and successfully sending Professor McGonagall to St. Mungo's.
St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is the place where we get to find out what has happened to Professor Lockhart after a badly attempted Memory Charm back in . A more depressing scene was that of Neville's parents, who were tortured primarily by Bellatrix Lestrange. My heart goes out to Neville, for having parents brave enough to withstand Voldemort and in the end, become insane and not even recognize their son whenever he visits them. Neville looked around at the others, his expression defiant, as though daring them to laugh."
The most successful attempt of overthrowing Umbridge was of course the tell-all interview given by Harry to The Quibbler, as written by Rita Skeeter who's being blackmailed by Hermione. After such a triumph and of suceeding in converting the rest of Hogwarts students to the truth, it was a matter of time before Umbridge's dislodged from her throne. Professor Sprout awarded Gryffindor twenty points when Harry passed her a watering can; a beaming Professor Flitwick passed a box of squeaking sugar mice on him at the end of Charms, said "Shh!" and hurried away; and Professor Trelawney broke into hysterical sobs during Divination and announced to the startled class, and a very disapproving Umbridge, that Harry was not going to suffer an early death after all, but would live to a ripe old age, become Minister of Magic, and have twelve children.
A quirky addition Harry's group was Ravenclaw Luna Lovegood (who'll play a bigger part in the last book of the series) who was one of the few to assure Harry of his saneness at seeing thestrals. It was also her, Ginny & Neville who accompanied the trio on their rescue mission of Sirius within the Ministry's Department of Mysteries.
Further welcome developments in the book include that of Ginny's newfound ability in overcoming her shyness around Harry (by overcoming her crush on him), Neville excelling in the D.A., and Harry's first crush, first date and yes, first kiss with Cho Chang. Unfortunately he has no idea on how to deal with this surge of new emtions and discusses it with his two bestfriends. It was the funniest bit in the book when Hermione blew Ron out of the water due to his insensitiveness of the situation: "Ron," said Hermione in a dignified voice, dipping the point of her quill into her ink pot, "you are the most insensitive wart I have ever had the misfortune to meet."
"Just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean we all have," said Hermione nastily, picking up her quill again.
In the midst of all of these happenings was the O.W.L.S., a very important exam for fifth-years that'll determine who'll go on to take up their N.E.W.T.S. "We shouldn't have taken the stupid subject in the first place," said Harry. "And from now on, I don't care if my tea leaves spell 'die, Ron, die' -- I'm just chucking them in the bin where they belong."
What a stringent situation-controlled event the O.W.L.S. turned out to be! I liked the part when Harry was asked to perform a Patronus Charm for a bonus point. "Now, I must warn you that the most stringent Anti-Cheating Charms have been applied to your examination papers. Auto-Answer Quills are banned from the examination hall, as are Remembralls, Detachable Cribbing Cuffs, and Self-Correcting Ink."
Not to be missed was the Career Advice of Hogwarts students with their respective Head of House. Harry has the now burning desire to become an Auror (as suggested to him by the impostor Moody) and I couldn't agree more that such is the perfect career path for him. "I should have made my meaning plainer," said Professor McGonagall, turning at last to look Umbridge straight in the eyes. "He has achieved high marks in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher."
"Potter," she said in ringing tones, "I will assist you to become an Auror if it is the last thing I do! If I have to coach you nightly I will make sure you achieve the required results!"
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" ends on a very sad note: that of the death of Harry's godfather, Sirius Black. I simply could not believe it when he died due to the curse thrown at him by his own cousin and when he fell back into the veil at the Department of Mysteries. I cannot help but feel that were it not for the botched up Occlumency lessons between Professor Snape and Harry, then certainly The-Boy-Who-Lived wouldn't be that acessible to Voldemort accessing his thoughts. It was too late when Professor Dumbledore realized that the utmost enmity between Snape & James Potter could not be easily forgotten. Shame on Kreacher for betraying Sirius and resulting to his death (no matter how he behaved in the seventh book)! I guess I fully expected the rush of anger and the emotional outburst of Harry, over the unfairness of it all. "I don't care!" Harry yelled at them, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I've had enough, I've seen enough, I want out, I want it to end, I don't care anymore -- "
Book Details:
Title Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Author J.K. Rowling Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
As Hagrid has said, what would come, would come... and he would have to meet it when it did.
Long before her fourth installment appeared, Rowling warnAs Hagrid has said, what would come, would come... and he would have to meet it when it did.
Long before her fourth installment appeared, Rowling warned that it would be darker, and it's true that every exhilaration is equaled by a moment that has us fearing for Harry's life, the book's emotions running as deep as its dangers.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" proved to be the darkest book in the series so far, the lines are drawn more clearly and powerfully than ever before in the ongoing struggle of good versus evil, as we witness the rebirth of Voldemort back into his old body, aided by horrific spells and the contribution of flesh, blood and bone. It is made clearer to the readers exactly what was so appalling during the reign of Voldemort and of his Death Eaters; we now know what the Dark Mark is and what were the Unforgivable Curses (Avada Kedavra, Imperius, Cruciatus) used to frighten and punish everybody into submission.
Readers are immediately introduced to the Riddle House (which would play a bigger part later in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" ) and are exposed to the established connection between the Dark Lord and Harry Potter via his lightning bolt-shaped scar. There was the painful part when the reader shares the same thoughts of Harry -- of no escape from Voldemort when restored to power -- were it not for the occurence of Priori Incantatem due to the sharing of the magical core of their wands. I was shocked when Cedric died, it had seemed so unnecessary at the time. But that is what's shockingly terrifying of Voldemort -- the total disregard of innocent lives -- of destroying whoever stands in the way.
Light-hearted moments can be had when we find ourselves realizing exactly how do wizards and witches blend into the Muggle world if, and when, forced by circumstances. A fine example was the crowd who were jostling to set up camp in order to watch the Quidditch World Cup: A little farther on they passed a tent that had three floors and several turrets; and a short way beyond that was a tent that had a front garden attached, complete with birdbath, sundial, and fountain. And don't forget Archie, the wizard who insists on wearing a long flowery nightgown as his Muggle disguise!
And now we're set; swept into the contagious excitement and frenzy that is the 422th Quidditch World Cup: Bulgaria vs. Ireland. As Muggles we get to read about how professional Quidditch is supposed to be played, with Krum being the crowd favorite. Who knew that leprechaun gold vanishes after a couple of hours? Or that veela women can really make you want to say or do extraordinary things just to make them notice you?
We make the acquaintance of the two older Weasleys, Charlie & Bill and are also made aware of the existence of Portkeys as another way to travel long distances. A glimpse of Percy and his ambition is already being given foundation to, what with his entering the employment of the Ministry of Magic. And lest we forget, Fred and George and their plans of establishing Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Remember the Ton-Tongue Toffee which Fred "accidentally" dropped for Dudley to consume? You kne instinctively that the twins will be a success at what seems to be their inborn talent: that of pranks and having a blast in life. "Take it," he said, and he thrust the sack into George's hands. "It's for the joke shop." "Listen," Harry said firmly. "If you don't take it, I'm throwing it down the drain. I don't want it and I don't need it. But I could do with a few laughs. We could all do with a few laughs. I've got a feeling we're going to need them more than usual before long."
A new house elf is introduced in the form of Barty Crouch's house-elf Winky, aided by Dobby's appearance (who finds employment in Hogwarts' kitchens, since he finds it hard for wizards to come to terms of a house-elf as an employee and not as a slave). We note how he's adjusting to a life not anymore bound in slavery but that of a free elf: "Professor Dumbledore offered Dobby ten Galleons a week, and weekends off," said Dobby, suddenly giving a little shiver, as though the prospect of so much leisure and riches were frightening, "but Dobby beat him down, miss... Dobby likes freedom, miss, but he isn't wanting too much, miss, he likes work better." Ahem, Hermione and her campaign for S.P.E.W. and Ron kidding her regarding the House-Elf Liberation Front. Watch out for Ron more or less imbibing S.P.E.W.'s doctrines later in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".
Also answered is something that I'm curious about: the possibility of Muggle technology in Harry's magical world. "All those substitutes for magic Muggles use -- electricity, computers, and radar, and all those things -- they all go haywire around Hogwarts, there's too much magic in the air." Hmmm, I know, no internet even if I do get my Hogwarts letter...?
Along the way, Rowling conjures up more new characters as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, one of the best Aurors there is who may or may not be getting paranoid in his old age. I was flabbergasted when the impostor Moody was made to drink Veritaserum; I kept thinking, no way, he can't possibly betray Dumbledore. "Because you've got to know. You've got to appreciate what the worst is. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you're facing it. Constant Vigilance!"
I owe it to Moody who gave a comedic turn to this book when he gave Ron what he dearly wished for: "Don't talk to me," Ron said quietly to Harry and Hermione. "Why not?" Hermione asked in surprise. "Because I want to fix that in my memory forever," said Ron, his eyes closed and an uplifted expression on his face. "Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret..."
We also have the very nosy Rita Skeeter, armed with her Quick-Quotes Quill that turns even the most innocent assertion into tabloid innuendo. Hurray for Hermione for teaching her a much-deserved lesson in the end! I laughed out loud when the golden trio railed against her in Dumbledore's presence (since she almost suceeded in getting Hagrid sacked due to her article in The Daily Prophet): "I have gone temporarily deaf and haven't any idea what you said, Harry," said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.
It was great that Rowling has decided to enlighten her readers regarding the many different nationalities of witches and wizards around the world, from very young children to middle-aged ones. And nothing exemplifies this more than the 700 year old friendly competition that is the Triwizard Tournament. We're introduced to Dumstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic; both schools responsible for producing Europe's future wizards & witches. Both are proud to located in an Unplottable area and armed with Muggle-repelling charms like Hogwarts is. Reiterated once more was the differences between the students specially selected for the Four Houses of Hogwarts as sung by the Sorting Hat: "In Gryffindor, the bravest were Prized beyond the rest; For Ravenclaws, the cleverest Would always be the best; For Hufflepuff, hard workers were Most worthy of admission; And power-hungry Slytherin Loved those of great ambition." and now Rowling aims to widen our perspective by including others outside of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Unfortunately the Triwizard Tournament brought a strain to the close friendship shared by Harry and Ron: He thought he could have coped with the rest of the school's behavior if he could just have had Ron back as a friend, but he wasn't going to try and persuade Ron to talk to him if Ron didn't want to. Neverheless, it wasy with dislike pouring in on him from all sides. but which was resolved later. After all, that's what true friendship is, after all. "There you go, Harry!" Ron shouted over the noise. "You weren't being thick after all -- you were showing moral fiber!"
But it was interesting to note the development of Ron's and Hermione's relationship, due to the Yule Ball. This just proves that girls do mature faster than boys: "Hermione, Neville's right -- you are a girl..." "Just because it has taken you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean no one else has spotted I'm a girl!" "Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!"
Serious topics are discussed and learned: of believing in yourself, of not allowing biases and prejudice to color one's attitude towards everything and everyone, and of the importance of true friends who believe in you: He looked at Harry for a moment and then said, very seriously, "Yeh know what I'd love, Harry? I'd love yeh ter win, I really would. It'd show 'em all... yeh don' have ter win, I really would. It'd show 'em all... yeh don' have ter do it. Yeh don' have ter be ashamed of what yeh are. It'd show 'em Dumbledore's the one who's got it righ', lettin' anyone in as long as they can do magic."
Book Details:
Title Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Author J.K. Rowling Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
Following Harry Potter's defeat of Tom Riddle when the latter was a Hogwarts student, it's now time to expl"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Following Harry Potter's defeat of Tom Riddle when the latter was a Hogwarts student, it's now time to explore other magical implements abundant in Harry's world. One prime example is the triple-decker, violently purple Knight Bus (the equivalent of taxis for lost Muggles perhaps?), magic mirrors that talk back (first introduced in Harry's room within the Leaky Cauldron), more fascinating shops in Diagon Alley, the Time-Turner (very tempting magical item indeed) and of course the now famous Marauders'Map. "Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present The Marauders Map"
Add to this the enticement presented by Hogsmeade Village (the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in all of Britain) located nearby Hogwarts. Here you can visit the post office, Zonko's (where Fred & George routinely refresh their supplies), the Three Broomsticks (serving the most delicious hot butterbeer) and of course, Honeydukes: "It's this sweetshop," said Ron, a dreamy look coming over his face, "where they've got everything...Pepper Imps -- they make you smoke at the mouth -- and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and really excellent sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like you're thinking what to write next --" "-- and massive sherbert balls that make you levitate a few inches off the ground while you're sucking them," said Ron.
I was never really a sports-fan but I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional high experienced by the Gryffindor team when they played against Ravenlaw (ahem, Harry meeting Cho Chang and experiencing the first pangs of teenage crush) to finally win the much-coveted Quidditch Cup: Then Wood was speeding toward him, half-blinded by tears; he seized Harry around the neck and sobbed unrestrainedly into his shoulder. Harry felt two large thumps as Fred and George hit them; then Angelina's, Alicia's, and Katie's voices, "We've won the Cup! We've won the Cup!" Tangled together in a many-armed hug, the Gryffindor team sank, yelling hoarsely, back to earth. Plus I think Lee Jordan's the best Hogwarts commentator during the Quidditch games (yes, better than Luna Lovegood in my opinion). Remember when Harry received his Firebolt from Sirius Black as thirteen years' worth of birthdays? "Jordan! Are you being paid to advertise Firebolts? Get on with the commentary!" Highly entertaining; makes you feel like you're watching the game alongside him.
Of course, an additional book to the Harry Potter series wouldn't be complete without the introduction of new and interesting characters. If anyone loathed Lockhart in the previous book for being such an obvious fraud, one is made to hold judgment in the case of Professor Sybill Trelawney, the Divination teacher. I guess it's because of Headmaster Dumbledore's comment later in the book when he mentioned that she already gave two authentic predictions so far. But I'm grateful for her presence due to the comedic additions such as: Harry, at last, felt extremely foolish, staring blankly at the crystal ball, trying to keep his mind empty when thoughts such as "this is stupid" kept drifting across it. "I don't need help," Ron whispered. "It's obvious what this means. There's going to be loads of fog tonight." Both Harry and Hermione burst out laughing. Kudos to Hermione for dismissing Divination as a worthy subject to study, but I wouldn't say the same thing if it was a True Seer who's conducting the lessons.
If Hagrid openly expressed his suspicion of Lockhart's lack of authenticity, Professor McGonagall is more tactful with hers regarding Trelawney: "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
A more important character, Professor Remus Lupin was introduced early on, riding the Hogwarts Express train car with Harry, Hermione and Ron. Without his introduction, we wouldn't have known how to best keep Dementors at bay with the highly advanced Patronus Charm. Concentrate on a very happy memory of yours, everyone! Wonder what my own Patronus Charm would be like?
It was just a disappointment when he was forced to resign owing to him being a werewolf. I guess he's the "tamest" and most academically-inclined werewolf one'll ever meet. I laughed out loud during his introductory lessons with the boggart in the wardrobe, using Neville's fear of Professor Snape: There was a noise like whip crack. Snape stumbled; he was wearing a long, lace-trimmed dress and a towering hat topped with a moth-eaten vulture, and he was swinging a huge crimson handbag.
And of course, during the dreaded finals, did anyone ever doubted what Hermione's greatest fear would be? He seems like a very good teacher," said Hermione approvingly. "But I wish I could have had a turn with the boggart --" "What would it have been for you?" said Ron, sniggering. "A piece of homework that only got a nine out of ten?"
"Hermione!" said Lupin, startled. "What's the matter?" "P--P--Professor McGonagall!" Hermione gasped, pointing into the trunk. "Sh--she said I'd failed everything!"
What makes "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" so interesting is you really get to learn about the relationships between James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Severus Snape. You wonder what were they like during their student days in Hogwarts? It was impressive how they were able to transform themselves into Animagi, explore all the hidden passageways and the entire grounds of Hogwarts castle and get into all sorts of mischief in between while excelling in class at the same time.
The biggest shocker was of course the real reason why Sirius Black ended up in Azkaban in the first place and how he was able to escape. It sheds light on Scabbers's real identity, the friendship of the Marauders, the switch made regarding the Potters' Secret-Keeper involving the complicated Fidelius Charm (the magical concealment of a secret inside a single, living soul). It must've crushed Harry knowing that there was a hastily snatched glimmer of hope he's going to live with Sirius instead of going back to the Dursleys's for the summer.
These five characters, and their relationships with one another, are huge portions of the foundation on which Rowling built her series. As though an invisible hand were writing upon it, words appeared on the smooth surface of the map. "Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business." "Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git." "Mr. Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor." "Mr. Wormtail bids Professor Snape good day, and advises him to wash his hair, the slimeball."
"Mischief managed."
Book Details:
Title Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Author J.K. Rowling Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"There were a hundred and forty-two staircases at Hogwarts: wide, sweeping ones; narrow, rickety ones; some that led somewhere different on a Friday; "There were a hundred and forty-two staircases at Hogwarts: wide, sweeping ones; narrow, rickety ones; some that led somewhere different on a Friday; some with a vanishing step halfway up that you had to remember to jump. Then there were doors that wouldn't open unless you asked politely, or tickled them in exactly the right places, and doors that weren't really doors at all, but solid walls just pretending. It was also very hard to remember where anything was, because it all seemed to move around a lot. The people in the portraits kept going to visit each other, and Harry was sure the coats of armor could walk."
Honestly, I don't know anybody who'd refuse to even entertain the thought of attending a school for wizards. Yes, the experience itself may be daunting and scary but really, most of us would welcome an opportunity to escape the mundane world and enter one of the fantastical. And such is what "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is: an introduction to world that you could never have imagine may possibly exist.
I've already lost count as to how many times I've re-read the Harry Potter series. The plot and characters are well known and described in many reviews, so I will not address them. I don't even think I need to convince anybody to read these books and/or watch the movies. Harry Potter and the magical world that J.K. Rowling has creating (Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts) in the first book alone have already become household names the world over that you have to be living under a rock if you haven't been aware of this phenomenon. "Welcome," said Hagrid, "to Diagon Alley." Harry wished he had eight more eyes. He turned his head in every direction as they walked up the street., trying to look at everything at once: the shops, the things outside them, the people doing their shopping. There were shops selling robes, shops selling telescopes and strange silver instruments Harry had never seen before, tottering piles of spell books, quills, and rolls of parchment, potion bottles, globes of the moon...
I believe that I maybe counted as one of the millions of readers worldwide who wished something better for Harry Potter, especially being made aware of the miserable treatment done to him by his Muggle relatives. I too wish to know the contents of the mysterious letters which were detailedly addressed to the exact location of Harry. I cheered when Hagrid finally got a hold of Harry and conveyed to him the message that he'll be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that coming term. "Harry had never even imagined such a strange and splendid place. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting."
I was looking forward as well to the process of selecting a wizard's wand and what exactly it is that aids magic: "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wans are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
Instead of retelling the plot of which most people are already familiar with, I'd like to post here my favorite scenes and quotes from the book itself. One treat was finding out the type of delicious treats available to those who travel aboard the Hogwarts Express: "What she did have were Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands, and a number of other strange things Harry had never seen in his life."
I didn't expect the fast and true friendship that would form between Harry, Hermione and Ron. Early on we've managed to catch glimpses of the personalities of the two boys but of Hermione, I snickered: "I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed -- or worse, expelled."
One item (aside from a witch's wand) that I'd like to have is most probably Harry's Invisibility Cloak. Just think of the possibilities! And yes, I wouldn't pass up the chance to stand in front of the Mirror of Erised: "I show not your face but your heart's desire." No matter what Dumbledore may say that: "It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts."
The best laugh out loud moment of the entire book would be: "Devil's Snare, Devil's Snare...what did Professor Sprout say? -- it likes the dark and the damp --" "So light sa fire!" Harry choked. "Yes -- of course -- but there's no wood!" Hermione cried, wringing her hands. "Have you done mad?" Ron bellowed. "Are you a witch or not?"
But what would make one continue reading and ultimately finishing the Harry Potter series? It's because, like Harry and the rest of the magical world, we all want to know what exactly happened that night when Voldemort tried to kill the Potter family. How was it possible that Harry, as a mere baby at the time, survived? Would the friendship between Harry, Ron & Hermione survive the test of being constantly thrust into the limelight fraught with dangers? Why does Prof. Snape hate Harry so much, that you couldn't help tagging him as the one trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone all this time? "The truth." Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should be treated with great caution."
Book Details:
Title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Author J.K. Rowling Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
Quite enjoyable in its audio book format wherein Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Grier Home for orphans. As the oldest, she is in charge of thQuite enjoyable in its audio book format wherein Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Grier Home for orphans. As the oldest, she is in charge of the younger children. An anonymous benefactor on the Board, "Mr. Smith," decides to send her to college, as long as she writes to him faithfully detailing her education. Originally published in 1912, Jean Webster's coming-of-age tale continues to be relevant to young women today. While some experiences and circumstances are dated, the emotions and life situations of Judy are timeless. Judy is an outspoken woman in a time when women didn't even have the right to vote; she is a socialist, a reformer, and an author.
Through a series of letters Jerusha writes to "Daddy-Long-Legs," a relationship filled with affection and respect develops, even though she is the only correspondent throughout the years. She calls him "Daddy-Long-Legs" because she saw his tall shadow as he left the building. The writing is entertaining, intelligent and always realistic. That is exactly how a person in their late teens to early twenties writes and it is so refreshing to read an author who knows what she is talking about on the subject.
Although the narrative unfolds slowly, the language is sophisticated, highly descriptive, and witty. This tale will appeal to listeners who revel in rich, detailed imagery to present a character wholly believable and likable.
Here are a couple of quotes from the book that I loved:
"Half of the time I don't know what they're talking about; their jokes seem to relate to a past that everyone but me has shared. I'm a foreigner in the world and I don't understand the language." This is the realization of Judy upon stumbling into the college world and leaving her orphan home behind.
"It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh--I really think that requires spirit."
"It's different with me than with other girls. They can take things naturally from people. They have fathers and brothers and aunts and uncles; but I can't pretend to be on such relations with anyone. I like to pretend that you belong to me, just to play with the idea, but of course I know you don't. I'm alone, really--with my back to the wall fighting the world--and I get sort of gaspy when I think about it."
"I'm going to enjoy every second, and I'm going to know I'm enjoying it while I'm enjoying it. Most people don't live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn't make any difference whether they've reached the goal or not."
The ending is marvelous with a great little twist. I think this book is great for girls 8-80 years old and am sorry I did not read it sooner.
Book Details:
Title Daddy-Long-Legs Author Jean Webster Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
If you had the power to kill with your bare hands, what would you do with it?
”Graceling” takes readers inside the world of Katsa, a warrior-girl in hIf you had the power to kill with your bare hands, what would you do with it?
”Graceling” takes readers inside the world of Katsa, a warrior-girl in her late teens with one blue eye and one green eye. This gives her haunting beauty, but also marks her as a Graceling. Gracelings are beings with special talents—swimming, storytelling, dancing. Katsa's Grace is considered more useful: her ability to fight (and kill, if she wanted to) is unequaled in the seven kingdoms. Forced to act as a henchman for a manipulative king, Katsa channels her guilt by forming a secret council of like-minded citizens who carry out secret missions to promote justice over cruelty and abuses of power. Readers meet her as she is rescuing the father of the Lienid king, who has been abducted. The reasons for his capture are part of a tightening plot that Katsa unravels and resolves, with the help of Prince Po, the captive's grandson.
The meeting with Po will prompt her to make a decision that will change the course of her life and her world as she and Po learn more of their Grace powers and of treachery and madness that lay within the corridors of another kingdom that will threaten the already fragile political stability of the seven kingdoms.
The romance was captivating. Even though it is obvious where the romance is going from the very first encounter, it was skillfully written. Another aspect of the best romance plots that this book has in spades is that the lovers act as catalysts for important emotional growth in each other. At multiple key turning points in the story, Po does what no one else has ever been able to do for Katsa. He helps her realize that she has the freedom, and responsibility, to choose exactly how she will use her Grace. And at a very key point in the story for Po, Katsa acts as a catalyst for Po, too, helping him make a crucial life-changing choice as well. The magical elements of the story are not overwhelming, but alter reality just enough to make for a fun, fantastical world. I found myself reading this book in one sitting, and I was sorry to see it end.
It sounds like a typical fantasy novel and to a large degree it is, but ”Graceling” is so confidently and smoothly written that it felt fresh and new. The action and pacing of the plot moved at a brisk clip that I never felt bored. Cashore also made good use of dialogue in that it was appropriate to the station of the characters. She also made a good decision in resisting the urge to make her characters speak in a modern rhythm. Instead, the dialogue had a classic style that gave it a timeless feel. Combining elements of fantasy and romance, Cashore skillfully portrays the confusion, discovery, and angst that smart, strong-willed girls experience as they creep toward adulthood. Katsa wrestles with questions of freedom, truth, and knowing when to rely on a friend for help. This is no small task for an angry girl who had eschewed friendships (with the exception of one cousin that she trusts) for her more ready skills of self-reliance, hunting, and fighting. Katsa also comes to know the real power of her Grace and the nature of Graces in general: they are not always what they appear to be. This book went way past all my expectations. Truly ”Graceling” is an amazing story of an individual's struggle to grow and find her place in the world.
What would you be willing to do, to undergo, in order to have your Heart's Desire?
"You and your firstborn child and his or her firstborn child...It'sWhat would you be willing to do, to undergo, in order to have your Heart's Desire?
"You and your firstborn child and his or her firstborn child...It's a gift that will last as long as I live." "And what would that be, sir?" "Your Heart's Desire."
I love "Stardust"! This is THE fairy tale meant for adults. It retains the fantasy that you'd want yourself immersed in: a world that is so much older than what we know, where everything is possible & where you're only bounded by your own unimaginativeness.
Here you meet a refreshing take on the creatures of Faerie: The wood-nymph who became a tree with copper leaves that rustle prettily; a small, hairy creature in floppy clothes who proved to be an invaluable member of the Fellowship of the Castle (I do wish Gaiman expounded on this); the exotic bird/Lady Una with her deep violet eyes & mysterious aura ("I gain my freedom on the day the moon loses her daughter, if that occurs in the week when two Mondays come together"); Tristran Thorn, the most unlikely of heroes who in the end realizes what is truly his Heart's Desire; and of course, the fallen Star, Yvaine ("the way she glitters and shines, upon occasion, in the darkness").
My heart twinge in sadness at what the star must've felt when she thought she had lost the heart she gave to a boy: "I'm called Yvaine," said the star. "So," she said, "you are Victoria Forrester. Your fame precedes you." "The wedding, you mean?" said Victoria, and her eyes shone with pride and delight. "A wedding, is it?" asked Yvaine.
This book features an interview with Neil Gaiman on how he was inspired to write “Stardust” as well as a separate story, “Wall: A Prologue.” Been hunting for this edition for quite some time now, having disliked the current movie tie-in covers currently published.
Book Details:
Title Stardust Author Neil Gaiman Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. Satiny poppies of all tints danced in the breeze by the score, gaily defyin"It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. Satiny poppies of all tints danced in the breeze by the score, gaily defying flowers which had lived in the garden for years and which might be confessed seemed rather to wonder how such new people had got there. And the roses--the roses! Rising out of the grass, tangled round the sun-dial, wreathing the tree trunks and hanging from their branches, climbing up the walls and spreading over them with long garlands falling in cascades--they came alive day by day, hour by hour. Fair fresh leaves, and buds--and buds--tiny at first but swelling and working Magic until they burst and unfurled into cups of scent delicately spilling themselves over their brims and filling the garden air."
Bratty and spoiled Mary Lennox is orphaned when her parents fall victim to a cholera outbreak in India. As a result, Mary becomes the ward of an uncle in England she has never met. As she hesitantly tries to carve a new life for herself at imposing and secluded Misselthwaite Manor, Mary befriends a high-spirited boy named Dickon and investigates a secret garden on the Manor grounds. "Might I have a bit of earth?"
She also discovers a sickly young cousin, Colin, who has been shut away in a hidden Manor room. Together Mary and Dickon help Colin blossom, and in the process Mary finds her identity and melts the heart of her emotionally distant uncle.
The characters involved are all very different and unique in their own way. Even though this story took place in the early 1900's, the characters can still be related to in this day and age. Their actions and attitudes resemble the same type of people around today such as the little girl Mary's stubbornness, gardener Ben Weatherstaff's crabbiness, the country boy Dickin's whole-heartiness, the lady's maid Martha's warmth, Susan Sowerby's maternal love or the uncle's coldness. A most unforgettable character for me in all of children's literature is the character of Dickon--I believe there is none as perfect as him--as we follow him with his "creatures" trotting along or when he converses with Mary (not quite as contrary) or Colin (the young rajah) in his broad Yorkshire.
This have been one of the most memorable books I've read growing up--a book made up of shimmering adventure of magic and adventure. This book combines gentle "magic", that is, the spiritual side of things, and a fairy tale story of two neglected children who are healed by the help of that "magic"; some good simple people, and a tragedy greater than themselves. Their coming out of their selfish ways into greater health and wisdom is a lesson for everybody. Reading it gives you a taste for the greater things to come in literature.
Book Details:
Title The Secret Garden Author Frances Hodgson Burnett Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"Anne's House of Dreams (Anne of Green Gables, #5)" is the fifth book in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. The book begins with Anne and "Anne's House of Dreams (Anne of Green Gables, #5)" is the fifth book in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. The book begins with Anne and Gilbert's wedding at Green Gables, and chronicles the first few years of their lives together through happiness and hardship.
Despite the fact that Anne and Gilbert finally seem to get their happy ending in Anne's "House of Dreams" (for it was exactly the house of her dreams complete with trees she so dearly loved and a brook nearby), some of the magic of the earlier books is lost in this novel. The one thing that remains wonderful about this series is Montgomery's wonderful style of writing.
I consider this book to be the last book of the "Anne" series, since the following books in the series are mainly concentrated in her children, and Anne is just a minor character. Even though they are very charming, and each one has his or her "Anne-ish" side, they are not Anne, I feel as though this is a farewell to Anne. I like this book because in it, Anne has managed to maintain her "magic"--she might not make as many mistakes while cooking or baking, and might not lose her temper at a passing neighbor, and her hair is not as red as it used to be but she is still the same Anne in spirit--passionate, romantic. With her quick eye for romance, she manages to attract the people who would easily supply her with an abundance of it in many forms--both tragic and comic.
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that by moving away from Avonlea, we lose many of the characters we had grown to love through the years--Marilla, Diana, and many other acquaintances, and of course - Green Gables itself..
But for the most part, it met my expectations. You've got to remember that it had some pretty high standards that it's predecessors had set to live up to.
Quite enjoyable in its audio book format wherein Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Grier Home for orphans. As the oldest, she is in charge of thQuite enjoyable in its audio book format wherein Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Grier Home for orphans. As the oldest, she is in charge of the younger children. An anonymous benefactor on the Board, "Mr. Smith," decides to send her to college, as long as she writes to him faithfully detailing her education. Originally published in 1912, Jean Webster's coming-of-age tale continues to be relevant to young women today. While some experiences and circumstances are dated, the emotions and life situations of Judy are timeless. Judy is an outspoken woman in a time when women didn't even have the right to vote; she is a socialist, a reformer, and an author.
Through a series of letters Jerusha writes to "Daddy-Long-Legs," a relationship filled with affection and respect develops, even though she is the only correspondent throughout the years. She calls him "Daddy-Long-Legs" because she saw his tall shadow as he left the building. The writing is entertaining, intelligent and always realistic. That is exactly how a person in their late teens to early twenties writes and it is so refreshing to read an author who knows what she is talking about on the subject.
Although the narrative unfolds slowly, the language is sophisticated, highly descriptive, and witty. This tale will appeal to listeners who revel in rich, detailed imagery to present a character wholly believable and likable.
Here are a couple of quotes from the book that I loved:
"Half of the time I don't know what they're talking about; their jokes seem to relate to a past that everyone but me has shared. I'm a foreigner in the world and I don't understand the language." This is the realization of Judy upon stumbling into the college world and leaving her orphan home behind.
"It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh--I really think that requires spirit."
"It's different with me than with other girls. They can take things naturally from people. They have fathers and brothers and aunts and uncles; but I can't pretend to be on such relations with anyone. I like to pretend that you belong to me, just to play with the idea, but of course I know you don't. I'm alone, really--with my back to the wall fighting the world--and I get sort of gaspy when I think about it."
"I'm going to enjoy every second, and I'm going to know I'm enjoying it while I'm enjoying it. Most people don't live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn't make any difference whether they've reached the goal or not."
The ending is marvelous with a great little twist. I think this book is great for girls 8-80 years old and am sorry I did not read it sooner.
Book Details:
Title Daddy-Long-Legs Author Jean Webster Reviewed By Purplycookie...more
"Anne of the Island (Anne of Green Gables, #3)" takes us away from Avonlea to Kingsport, where Anne is attending Redmond College. This new setting doe"Anne of the Island (Anne of Green Gables, #3)" takes us away from Avonlea to Kingsport, where Anne is attending Redmond College. This new setting doesn't mean that we miss out on Green Gables altogether, as Anne does return home for vactions, but it does give one a sense of moving on. Never again will Anne be a child living under Marilla's roof--she is an adult, and in this book she is beginning to break away from Green Gables in preparation for the next chapter in her life. Many of the events in this book shape Anne for the rest of her life, and it is an important book for those wishing to read the whole series.
Anne of the Island is no less wonderful than the books preceeding it or following it. Like all the books, it has a blend of humour and poignancy; joy and sorrow. The key drawcards of the Anne books are the characters. The cast includes all kinds of interesting guests including the wonderful Miss Patty and Maria with their china dogs, Miss Ada and her cushions, Mrs Skinner and her romance ("Jog along, black mare") and the list goes on. Best of all, our old friends are back - Anne, Gilbert, Pricilla, Diana, Davy and Dora, Marilla and Mrs Lynde, Charlie Sloane, and all those we knew and loved in earlier books. There are also some fabulous new additions to the circle of friends - Stella, Aunt Jimsie and the irrepressible Philippa Gordon.
Meanwhile, after a thousand romantic dreams and enduring both Diana Barry's wedding and the rejection of Gilbert Blythe's proposal (her second actually), Anne finally meets her Prince Charming, Royal Gardner. He is handsome and rich, in short, everything that Anne ever dreamed that she wanted in a husband. Then comes the fateful moment when Roy proposes and Anne opens her lips to say her faithful yes. But this is but a false dawn in Anne's life and there is a fateful Book of Revelation that Anne has to endure before love takes up the glass of time. Even though I knew how the end of Anne of the Island would turn out, I still waited in suspense 'til the very last page.
There is romanticism and then there is that which is romantic and Montgomery shows the difference. There is a reason that this character and these books are enduring classics of (supposedly) juvenile literature.
It's written beautifully, and I found myself trying to speak as flowery as Anne but could never pull it off.
In "Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, #2)", the second story of the Anne series, we become reacquainted with Anne and her friends, and we are intIn "Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, #2)", the second story of the Anne series, we become reacquainted with Anne and her friends, and we are introduced to many fascinating new characters who either make her feel like tearing her hair out or enrich her life. The book's title is fitting, as Anne is no longer simply "of Green Gables" as she was in the previous book, but now takes her place among the "important" people (and the "grown up" people) of Avonlea society, as its only schoolteacher. She is also a founding member of the A.V.I.S. (the Avonlea Village Improvement Society), which tries to improve (with questionable results) the Avonlea landscape.
After her foster father's sudden death, 16-year old red-haired orphan Anne Shirley gives up a college scholarship to stay with her ailing foster mother Marilla on their farm in the village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Thanks to the unexpected generosity of childhood rival Gilbert Blythe, Anne gets the job of teacher at Avonlea's one-room school. The imaginative and enthusiastic Anne is determined to make the best of her situation. Armed with a teaching certificate, she takes on the challenge of inspiring young minds and finds education runs both ways. In between teaching and grading papers, she will begin to experiment with her own writing. When Marilla adopts the orphaned young twins of a distant cousin, Anne willingly adds child care to her responsibilities.
Although she is now sixteen and a fully fledged schoolmarm, she still displays the irrepressible knack for getting into scrapes that she had as a child, which include falling through a roof, dying her nose a ghastly colour, losing her temper with the irascible Mr Harrison, her next door neighbour, and sowing the first seeds of love with Gilbert Blythe.
We witness Anne maturing slightly, even though she still cannot avoid getting into a number of her familiar scrapes, as only Anne can -- some of which include selling her neighbor's cow (having mistaken it for her own), or getting stuck in a broken duck house roof while peeping into a pantry window.
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