Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: Phenomenal Woman
m not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,They think I'm telling lies.
I say,It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
~Maya Angelou
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Finally Finished The Lost Symbol
In The Lost Symbol, Langdon is quickly caught up in an adventure from the very beginning as usual. This time, his lifelong friend, Peter Solomon, and his family are central to the narrative. Peter is a Freemason of the highest degree and harbors the organization’s most captivating secrets. His sister, Katherine, is a scientist who is secretly conducting experiments on Noetic Science – the study and explorations of the nature and potential power of the mind ( its consciousness, soul, and spirit). However, he and his family are under attack by a lone perpetrator who seeks to reveal the secrets of the Masons and destroy Katherine’s research. Sounds interesting, right? It is! But extraneous dialogue, excessive descriptions, and irrelevant character development all detract from the central storyline instead of developing a sense of suspense.
In the end, the ultimate message is that much of what is written in the Bible is a celebration of the human mind and the potential that humans can achieve when they use their mind to its fullest potential. It is about the untapped power of the human mind and the collective unconscious of humanity. It is about how science and religion can eventually coexist - a common theme throughout Dan Brown's works. This can happen not so much by having blind faith but simply by changing one’s perspective.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: A Poem by Me
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Roman Holiday
Monday, September 28, 2009
Happy Banned Books Week!
I'm glad to know that many of the books I have read are on the 2008-2009 list: The Twilight Saga, The Kite Runner, To Kill a Mockingbird, My Sister's Keeper, etc.
Ironically, the next book on my nightstand, The Book Thief, deals with this very issue. In it, a little girls becomes obsessed with reading and turns to stealing banned books to satiate her hunger for reading. Wouldn't it be funny if it made the banned/challenged books list?!
Here's to exercising our FREEDOM TO READ!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: A Psalm of Life
"Life is but an empty dream!"
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act to each to-morrow
Finds us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,--act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing
Learn to labor and to wait.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The History Channel and Discovery Channel Go All Out for Dan Brown's New Novel
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Dan Brown's 20 Worst Sentences
I'm still reading The Lost Symbol. Like most of Dan Brown's books, it gets your attention right away and keeps you hooked. However, I came across this article, "The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's 20 Worst Sentences," and thought it was actually, quite funny. It is true that Dan Brown is not the best writer when it comes to his use of figurative language. But, as a national bestselling author, I don't think he has to worry about his use of metaphors, similes, or even basic word choice. Apparently, most of the population is purchasing, reading, and discussing his books. The critics may say whatever they want, but at the end of the day Dan Brown is the one laughing all the way to the bank.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's here!
Friday, September 11, 2009
In just a few days...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Running Away with the Circus
Jacob is now a 93 year-old man and through his memories, we are transported to the gritty way of life on a circus train during the Great Depression. The struggles of the social classes between the circus workers and performers mirrors that of the dispairty between the poor and the rich of the era. Gruen's descriptive prose and attention to historic details depict the lawlessness and debauchery of the circus and the time period while at the same time highlighting its beauty and the hope that it brings to so many unfortunates.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: Seussian Insight
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Kids' Events at Books & Books
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the bookshop will be celebrating the birthday of author, H. A. Rey, the creator of Curious George. The event will take place from ten to noon and will feature many activities surrounding this lovable character.
On Monday, September 21 2009, Tomie de Paola will be presenting his new book Strega Nona's Harvest. Based on the same characters from the beloved book, Tomie de Paola creates a new adventure for Strega Nona and Big Anthony. As a teacher, this was one of my favorite books to use in my lessons and the kids were fascinated by it. Tomie de Paola has written many memorable children's books. This is a great opportunity to meet the author and get an autographed copy of his new book or an old favorite.
For more information on the events at Books & Books click here.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Author Spotlight: Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights was required reading (and probably still is) for high school English classes. However, it truly is one of my favorite novels. After reading Twilight and seeing so many references to it, I was inspired to reread the same copy I've kept for over 10 years. I must say that I enjoyed it as much as the first time I read it. It is full of beautiful yet dark imagery, intriguing figurative language, mysterious characters, and an unrequited, tumultous love set in a similarly, unruly and violent landscape.
Although it was Emily's only novel, it is such a masterpiece that it transcends time and continues to inspire movies and other pieces of literature. After rereading it, I noticed that it was not only mentioned throughout the Twilight saga, but there are also references to the novel in The Kite Runner and The Glassblower of Murano. Who needs a happy ending when you've experienced such an insanely passionate love story?
"My great miseries in this world have been Heathcliff's miseries, and I watched and felt each from the beginning; my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the Universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it. My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods. Time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees — my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath — a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff — he's always, always in my mind — not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself — but as my own being — so, don't talk of our separation again — it is impracticable." ~Catherine's monologue, Ch. 9.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: One of My Faves
i am never without it (anywhere i go, you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret no one knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
- e.e. cummings
Monday, August 31, 2009
La Serenissima and the Glassblowers
The chapters in this book alternate between Leonora's life in the present and Corradino's life as a glassblower and political prisoner on the island of Murano in the 1600s. The two share a relationship that transcends time. Not only does Leonora discover her true self and family history while in Venice, but she also finds love and comes to the realization that the city is her true home.
This is a beautiful story written as though it were a mystery or suspense novel. It is reminiscent of classics, such as Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, but with a more modern twist. Incredibly, the city has a life of its own in this book and it becomes somewhat of a character itself. The descriptions, including those of the canals and buildings, the glassblowers and the way they work their craft, the events such as the Carnevale, etc., magically transport the reader to Venice.
If you've ever wanted to leave it all behind and live the life of an artist in Europe, then you can do so vicariously through this book. I highly recommend it ;)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
For all the TwiFans!
If you're like me and were disappointed after Breaking Dawn because you didn't know what you were going to do without more Twilight, then I highly recommend this manuscript. As I read it, I was engrossed by the plot development and the writing style. Consequently, I was glued to my laptop for several hours straight. I just can't get enough of these characters and their fantasy world, a world I'm sure we'd all love to experience for ourselves. If Stephenie Meyer continues her saga in the future, she may want to consult with this version. It has everything Twilight fans love about the books: Romance, suspense, drama, intrigue, action, etc. If not, then I hope Renee will provide us with more of her twist on this epic ;)
By the way, if you're not familiar with FanFiction, it is a website where amateur and aspiring writers post work that's based on other movies, books, and genres. You can find some decent material authored by people who may just be national bestselling authors in the making.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Poetry Wednesday: School Starts as Summer Ends
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Book Vs. Movie
I sometimes struggle with these movie versions of books that I really love. Although I try not to compare a movie to the book, I can't help noticing the instances where the director's vision took a departure from the author's intentions. The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to watch the movie as a separate form of entertainment. Since the interpretation of a book is heavily influenced by the reader's personal experiences, I try to keep in mind that the directors, producers, and screenwriters have also interpreted the book in their own way. But, that isn't always the case since moviemakers have their eyes on box office sales.
I recently saw Angels & Demons and didn't think it was as exciting or as informative as the book. They left out vital pieces of the story and it became more of an action movie which was entertaining nonetheless. I want to see The Time Traveler's Wife and My Sister's Keeper soon. Although I'm aware that there were some major changes to the storylines, I'll just have to keep an open mind as I watch both.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Human in the Next Life
As touching as this story was, there were many moments that made me laugh, especially, when Enzo tells his version of evolution stating that the dog is closer to the human than the chimpanzee. His rationale is hilarious. He also obsesses over his lack of opposable thumbs and a facile tongue which means his only form of communication with his human family are his gestures that he uses quite effectively. Lastly, there's the stuffed zebra that Enzo witnesses attacking all of Zoe's stuffed animals which reminded me of my own dogs' obsession with stuffed animals. However, the zebra returns often throughout the story as it represents the fear and anger harboring inside us all.
Throughout the book, Enzo shares the wisdom he has gained from living in a human world, from watching television, and from his observations of race-car driving. Through these experiences, Enzo tries to understand the true yet contradictory nature of man - both the kindness and the cruelty, the humility and the pride, the love and the betrayal. But, in the end, he learns "that which we manifest is before us." Therefore, Enzo tries to make the best of his canine life because he believes he will be reincarnated as a human in his next life (this belief was sparked by a documentary on Mongolia that he watched as a pup). Furthermore, he believes the purpose of his current life is to learn all he can about humans and strive to be as close to human as possible so he can be reunited with his family in the next life as a man.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Dreaming of Paris
Below is a small bookshop aptly named after Shakespeare near the university.
The Seine River outdoor booksellers conjure up romantic images of the past, especially their depiction in impressionist art. The antique and ornate book covers invite you to peer into the green, metal boxes and leaf through the books.
I could spend hours strolling through the booksellers on the river banks just perusing through their collections. Unfortunately, we were on a tight budget and our purchases from these booksellers were mostly gifts for our friends and relatives, like the biography of Victor Hugo we bought for a friend.
Another great spot in Paris to just relax and read a book is Le Jardin de Luxembourg. In the gardens, you'll find students engaged in discourse, lovers embraced on the grass, children playing precariously too close to fountains, and many people just sitting and reading a book. My favorite thing to do when we travel is to get lost in the city with a good guide book full of facts and history of the city. After much walking and sightseeing, we like to sit down just to read all we can about the city. That's me below at the gardens doing just that.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Poetry Wednesday
Verde viento. Verdes ramas.
El barco sobre la mar
y el caballo en la montaña.
Con la sombra en la cintura
ella sueña en su baranda,
verde carne, pelo verde,
con ojos de frĂa plata.
Verde que te quiero verde.
Bajo la luna gitana,
las cosas la están mirando
y ella no puede mirarlas.
Grandes estrellas de escarcha
vienen con el pez de sombra
que abre el camino del alba.
La higuera frota su viento
con la lija de sus ramas,
y el monte, gato garduño,
eriza sus pitas agrias.
¿Pero quiĂ©n vendra? ¿Y por dĂłnde...?
Ella sigue en su baranda,
Verde came, pelo verde,
soñando en la mar amarga.
mi caballo por su casa,
mi montura por su espejo,
mi cuchillo per su manta.
Compadre, vengo sangrando,
desde los puertos de Cabra.
este trato se cerraba.
Pero yo ya no soy yo,
ni mi casa es ya mi casa.
Compadre, quiero morir
decentemente en mi cama.
De acero, si puede ser,
con las sábanas de holanda.
¿No ves la herida que tengo
desde el pecho a la garganta?
Trescientas rosas morenas
lleva tu pechera blanca.
Tu sangre rezuma y huele
alrededor de tu faja.
Pero yo ya no soy yo,
ni mi casa es ya mi casa.
Dejadme subir al menos
hasta las altas barandas;
¡dejadme subir!, dejadme,
hasta las verdes barandas.
Barandales de la luna
por donde retumba el agua.
hacia las altas barandas.
Dejando un rastro de sangre.
Dejando un rastro de lágrimas.
Temblaban en los tejados
farolillos de hojalata.
Mil panderos de cristal
herĂan la madrugada.
verde viento, verdes ramas.
Los dos compadres subieron.
El largo viento dejaba
en la boca un raro gusto
de hiel, de menta y de albahaca.
¡Compadre! ¿Donde está, dĂme?
¿Donde está tu niña amarga?
¡Cuántas veces te esperĂł!
¡Cuántas veces te esperara,
cara fresca, negro pelo,
en esta verde baranda!
se mecĂa la gitana.
Verde carne, pelo verde,
con ojos de frĂa plata.
Un carámbano de luna
la sostiene sobre el agua.
La noche se puso Ăntima
como una pequeña plaza.
Guardias civiles borrachos
en la puerta golpeaban.
Verde que te qinero verde.
Verde viento. Verdes ramas.
El barco sobre la mar.
Y el caballo en la montaña.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Bookshop Search
Any recs for used bookshops would be greatly appreciated ;)
Life, Death, and Family
As I read the book, I found myself making judgments about each member of the family. Sara becomes so obsessed with saving one child's life that she neglects the needs of the other two. How far should she go to put her healthy daughter's life at risk to save the one that is terminally ill? Brian seems to use his work to escape from his family. His own son involves himself in dangerous activity that is the anti-thesis of his life's work. Anna is more difficult to understand. Is she really being selfish or just a child who wants to grow up with a normal life? Does she love her sister enough to donate an organ or does she resent her because she symbolizes everything she has had to give up to be her constant donor? Is Kate selfish for allowing her sister to be her own personal savior instead of letting her live her life to its fullest? Is living life expecting death really living or does living with death stalking you make you lose sight of hope? What about when death comes suddenly and unexpectedly? Does regret for all the things you could've said and done haunt you? The book made me realize that there are no answers to any of these questions, especially as a parent. As a parent, you just have to make the best decisions for your family as a whole because you love them all as Sara stated in her closing arguments. In the end, Anna does what she was born to do and the ending resonates with the bittersweet emotions associated with life, death, and family.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Author Spotlight: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
As I make preparations for the new school year, I am reminded of the first book my father gave me, The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. I must have read this book at least 5 times so far throughout my young life. It is one of those books that, depending on your stage in life, the meaning becomes more and more powerful. As a child, it was just a cute story. But, as I grew up, it's meaning became more and more pertinent. This book is written for children ages 9-12, but the meaning it conveys is ageless. In it, a stranded prince from a far away planet recounts his journey to a pilot stranded in the Sahara desert. The boy begins by asking the adult to draw different animals. The boy's perception of these drawings is vastly different compared to that of the adult and, thus, the fable depicts adults and their fixations with the most mundane activities as perceived by a child.
This book is a good reminder that sometimes as adults we need to revert back to childhood, forget about the worries of day-to-day life, and just enjoy the simplest of pleasures. For the Little Prince, this was his beautiful rose that he so missed on his home planet. For us, that rose symbolizes so much more that we take for granted on a daily basis. He had a hard time understanding the adults on the other planets and why their lives were consumed by meaningless routine. It is so easy as an adult to get caught up with our own work routine that I am reminded to enjoy each day as this new school year begins. I am reminded that all I have to do is look to my students to remember how easy it was to live everyday without a care in the world.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Ikea 2010 Catalog is Here!
For that home library I've always wanted, I found a few pieces that would work. I love these shelving units which can be mixed and matched and come in a variety of colors. The ladder gives it that extra touch that really makes it feel like a home library.
The chaise lounge and a side table from the pics below would fit just perfectly under a window flanked by the bookshelves.
I can just picture myself waking up early to have some coffee and read a book in my own, cozy space.Monday, August 10, 2009
Thank You for Your Votes!
I've actually already started My Sister's Keeper and can tell that it's going to be a page-turner! I have my tissue box ready as was suggested by some of the voters.
Thanks again!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A Picture of Afghanistan
Friday, August 7, 2009
Poll: What Should I Read Next?
You can also leave comments if you want to share why you voted for your selection.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Local Weekend Events
I know it's only Wednesday, but I'm already thinking of the weekend!
The landmark bookstore, Books & Books, in Coral Gables will be presenting a free poetry writing workshop for elementary students this Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. The event will be hosted by a Broward College professor and her service dog. This is the perfect event to get kids excited about poetry, especially, writing it!
For more information contact Books & Books at:
265 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables
305.442.4408
Also going on this weekend: Free Sundays in August at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you're looking for a beautiful spot to read a book, self-reflect, or just relax, take a comfortable blanket and head out early to the garden. Don't forget to check out the sculptures throughout the site and when you get hungry head to the cafe for a bite to eat and a refreshing smoothie.
For more information and directions to the garden, click here.
Lastly, check out your local library here for upcoming children, teen, and adult events.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Author Spotlight: Paulo Coelho
I've chosen Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho, for the first author spotlight because his work within and outside the world of literature truly reflects a global embodiment. He is a versatile artist as an actor, director, songwriter, journalist, and author. He is also known for his charitable work in his country. His 1988 book, The Alchemist, can be considered one of the most widely-read books having been translated into 67 languages and selling over 35 million copies. It is described as a fable about following your dreams. In it, a young man from Spain seeks out to achieve his "personal legend" - which is the ultimate quest to reach one's full potential and level of happiness. It is easy to relate to this fable as we all seek to achieve our own "personal legend" and face many trials and tribulations along the way.
Another favorite of mine from Coelho is Eleven Minutes. When I purchased this book at the bookstore, the clerk -a young man- gave me a very strange look and asked me if I was sure I wanted to buy this book. To that, he added that it was very risque. Then and there, I knew that I had to read this book. The book begins as follows, "Once upon a time, there was a prostitute called Maria." The story that follows is graphic but riveting. It is about a young, beautiful Brazilian girl who runs away to Europe in hopes of becoming famous. However, she eventually finds herself working in the red light district a long way from the fame and fortune she was seeking. And, a long way from love. Similar to The Alchemist, Eleven Minutes is about self-discovery and realizing a personal quest.
Warning: It is not for the faint of heart. But, if you're like me and have watched Pretty Woman an immeasurable amount of times, you'll have no qualms reading a book about a prostitute's search for herself and love in a harsh and unforgiving world.
You can find more information on Paulo Coelho and his body of work here.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Poll Time: What's on your nightstand?
Now that you know what's on my nightstand, what's on yours? What books are you excited to read?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Home Library
Something like this would be a dream come true:
Below is a picture of classic built-ins around a window seat. I would also love something like this. I can just picture myself reading by myself or to our future babies in the window seat:
Even these simple bookshelves with a nice, comfy chaise-lounge would create the perfect reading ambience:
Well, for now my books will have to stay hidden in drawers and I will continue to dream of my home library while we search for our perfect, first house!