Saturday, December 18, 2010

"Bleak" is not Bleak

Bleak HouseBleak House by Charles Dickens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't remember ever hearing of this novel, considered by many to be Dickens' best narrative & social history of 19th century England. A month ago I listened to the audio book & found it extremely compelling. Then I checked out the 3 DVD (3 1/2 hr!)BBC series video from the library & we watched it in one sitting. NOW I'm reading the 900 page book and it's *still* a page turner! His characters are wonderful & the story with all its inter-related subplots is compelling. I had forgotten how much I loved Dickens prose. Next I'm going to read 2 other novels of his with which I am unfamiliar: "Nicholas Nickleby," and "Our Mutual Friend."



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Friday, December 17, 2010

A Short Guide to a Happy Life

A Short Guide to a Happy LifeA Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A fast read (less than 30 minutes)by one of my favorite authors. It was originally a commencement address. Very uplifting call to reality & what is most important.



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