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8/25/2020 0 Comments

My 100 Classics-The First 50

This list was derived from crowdsourcing off my social media accounts along with researching other lists.  Feel free to add your own in the comments.  
  1. The Works of Jane Austen
  2. A Land Remembered
  3. The Yearling
  4. Jane Eyre
  5. Old Yeller
  6. To Kill A Mockingbird
  7. Fahrenheit 451
  8. The Hiding Place
  9. Great Expectations
  10. Where the Red Fern Grows
  11. Frankenstein
  12. The Giver
  13. The Awakening
  14. The Chronicles of Narnia
  15. The Odyssey
  16. Anne of Green Gables
  17. Count of Monte Cristo
  18. Gone with the Wind
  19. The Color Purple
  20. The Three Musketeers
  21. The Joy Luck Club
  22. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
  23. The Kite Runner
  24. A Raisin in the Sun
  25. The Alchemist
  26. Collected Poems of Langston Hughes
  27. Things Fall Apart
  28. American Indian Stories 
  29. Invisible Man
  30. Fences
  31. Their Eyes Were Watching God
  32. The House on Mango Street
  33. The Great Gatsby
  34. One Hundred Years of Solitude
  35. In Cold Blood
  36. Crime and Punishment
  37. The Call of the Wild
  38. Moby Dick
  39. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
  40. Wuthering Heights
  41. 1984
  42. The Grapes of Wrath
  43. Beloved
  44. The Code of the Woosters
  45. Dracula
  46. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
  47. The Lord of the Rings 
  48. The Catcher in the Rye
  49. The Outsiders
  50. Romeo and Juliet 
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8/20/2020 0 Comments

Podcasts for the History Peeps

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I'm somewhat of a history buff, especially interesting little tidbits that I missed in college 101.  As a 46 yo (happy bday to me;), I also have an appreciation for learning from the past I didn't have as a late teen.  So, for those of you out there who share my love for all things in the rearview mirror, here are some podcast recs.  Varying from true crime to hidden historical gems, these shows cover the spectrum.  Have fun exploring!  If you have a rec, please leave it in the comments.  
  • 13 Minutes to the Moon-Epic stories of Nasa's missions. to the Moon
  • 1619-In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia.  America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began.  No aspect of the country that would. be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed.  
  • American Shadows-Focuses on the darker stories from American History: the people, places, and things that are hidden and forgotten in the shadows.  From better-known tales like the conspiracy to steal Lincoln's body, to less-known stories, like the rainmaker who flooded San Diego.  
  • Catlick-The lost story of how spies, villains, and midnight vigilantes nearby destroyed the South's grandest city.  Part true crime, part historical narrative, and part memoir.  B.T. Harman weaves masterful storytelling into a riveting sonic experience that traces on of the most tragic series of events ever to befall a single American city.
  • Hope Through History-Explores some of the most historic and trying times in American History, and how we came through these moments as a unified nation.
  • The Plot Thickens-A documentary classic from Turner Classic Movies.  Each season brings a story about classic movies and the people who make them.  
  • Cabinet of Curiosities-Tales of the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre.
  • Lore-Dark historical tales exploring the mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that fill the pages of history.  Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.
  • Noble Blood-Author Dana Schwartz explores the stories of some of history's most fascinating royals.  






















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8/11/2020 1 Comment

Authors of Influence: Jane Austen

Where are the Austenites?  I know you are out there.  So, let's talk about Lady A, herself.  What do we love about Jane?
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8/5/2020 0 Comments

Mara and Seth-A #Soyouthinkyoucanwrite Challenge Submission

#Soyouthinkyoucanwrite asked participants to write 400 words or less on an alpha-beta hero pairing.  Here's my submission with comments from readers and editors.  Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments/feedback!

Mara Malone dropped the fork on the empty salad plate with a clink and folded her trembling hands in her lap.  Upon looking at Seth, her older brother's best friend, unmistakable fire lit her eyes.  

In measured tones, she replied through gritted teeth, "You do not get to tell me what to do."  

In response, the infuriating man stared at her with such patronizing patience, she stifled the overwhelming urge to scream.  In deep, velvet tones, he urged, "Calm down, Mara.  At least try to act like a grown-up.  You must see the boy, and that is what he is, doesn't deserve you."  Finally, all pretense of dignity flew out the french doors and over the bay.

Her eyes narrowed.  "Is this what tonight is about? she asked, shaking her head as it all became clear.  "You didn't pick me up from my apartment to celebrate my twenty-first birthday.  You made a babysitting call to tell me who I can and can't date!" 

Tossing her napkin on the white tablecloth, she ignored the stares from the other tables.  It wasn't every day this five-star establishment received a show worthy of daytime television.  Well, they might get their money's worth tonight.  

Seth grasped her arm, and she stopped, for once towering over him.  "Don't worry, Seth.  I'm of age—officially.  Consider yourself off duty.  Go back to your life."  Seth began to say something but thought better of it.  His grip tightened, but she jerked away.  

Mara ran down the steps and made her way down to the boardwalk.  The intoxicating combination of rippling water and cool breeze allowed for gratifying deep breaths.  Several moments passed before the cadence of her heart slowed. 

Then she jumped as Seth stepped to her side.  A hand flew to her heart.  "The time in the FBI has made you annoyingly stealthy.  I could always hear you coming from a mile away when we were kids."

He chuckled and nudged her shoulder, playfully.  "That's probably because Marshall and I were fighting."

She mumbled. "Probably."

"Mara," he began.

When she ignored him, he tilted her face toward his.  "Mara." 

"What?" she bit the word out. 

"I'm not trying to ruin your birthday.  And no one sent me to talk to you.  I care about you.  You know that."

Slowly, he closed the space between them and planted a kiss on her forehead. 

Comments: 

I could feel the tension! Darn that kiss on the forehead though...
Anna Christine

Love it! I wanted to know what happens next.
Negar Arvanaghi

I love this.  I really want to see where this goes.
Kelly K. Heuser

Older brother's best friend AND he's FBI?  Excellent!
Marcie McEachern

I get the impression there's deep feelings boiling beneath the surface. 
Maurine

Connolly (SYTYCW Editor)
This was such a fantastic scene! I love the hooks layered in here and the way that you dropped readers into a relationship with a lot of background without making us feel like we were missing essential information.  I'd be interested too know how and when they would ultimately get together.  Great job!


If you have comments or hopes for Mara and Seth, let me know!




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8/4/2020 0 Comments

Books This Week

Praise God for multiple ways to take in content!  4 books, y'all!  Woohoo!
Here's the intel: 
1) The Silent Dolls by Rita Herron (Kindle)
A mystery set on the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia introduces the fascinating character of Detective Ellie Reeves. Ellie is called in to investigate the disappearance of a little girl. Eventually, with the help of a very handsome FBI agent, she realizes this is not an isolated incident. This one is not for the faint of heart. It's a thriller that gets into the heads of the protagonist and antagonist. Here are my 5 things:
  • The AT is the perfect place for a mystery.
  • Ellie Reeves is a likable character, while still believable. 
  • It's a page-turner; I was up until the wee hours of the morning.
  • Rita Herron is an experienced writer who weaves a plot and all its nuances fluidly.
  • This book contains language and sex. If that is a deal-breaker for you, then pass. 

2) Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Audible and Paperback)
I've heard a lot about this book before reading it, but I didn't really know what it was about. I love how Celeste Ng begins with fire, tells the story, and ends in the same place, guaranteeing that I will go back and re-read the beginning. There is a television show based on this book, but I have not watched it yet. 5 things: 
  • It's layered. Little fires everywhere have a literal and figurative meaning that will keep you thinking about the story long after you've finished the book.
  • The characters are three dimensional. You know these people. I empathized with those I couldn't stand and call my favorites out for bad behavior.
  • The writing is stellar, painting pictures that make you want to savor each word. 
  • If you are an artist, you'll be drawn in by the character of Mia Warren.
  • It will make you want to know all sides of a story before casting judgment. (Hello 2020)
  • Bonus: Again, language and some references to sex. 

3) Beach Read by Emily Henry (Paperback)
Oh, this book is so dang smart! It's absolutely delightful situational irony from beginning to end. Two authors, complete opposites, live next door to one another on a beach while trying to write a novel. It's fresh and unexpected! If you like any of the romcoms, you'll LOVE this book. (There is language, and there is sex. Proceed with caution.) 5 things: 
  • The SETTING
  • It's a novel about writer's block. How. About. That?!
  • You will root for these very flawed, adorable characters.
  • Favorite quote: "Your mother has been a lot of people in the twenty years I've known her, and I've had a chance to fall in love with every single one of them, Janie. That's the key to marriage. You have to keep falling in love with every new version of each other, and it's the best feeling in the whole world."
  • This was a green light on @thepopcast with Knox and Jamie.

4) Twilight (Kindle)
I'm only over a decade late on this one. I get it. But when I binge-watched the entire series with my daughter during the never-ending quarantine, I decided I had to take the plunge. Ok, so I've always said 95% of the time the book is better. Y'all. The book is better. No offense to the movie peeps, but I understand so much more about America's favorite vampire family. Ironically, this is the only book this week that really doesn't involve sex or language. Go figure;) 5 things:
  • No stereotypical vampires allowed.
  • The Pacific NorthWest
  • A new twist on "Vegetarian."
  • Forget Jacob and Edward. It's CARLISLE! 
  • Honest to goodness, klutzes have never been so popular!
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    Amanda H. Williams

    Thank you for reading my scribbles! 

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