Mansfield Park

Another Austin classic will be playing tonight at 9pm on PBS. I am anxious to see how this one turns out. I read it last summer and I am nervous because in the previews the characters seem modern and very Hollywoodish and so I hope they don't butcher this book. I''ll let you know how it goes!

Twilight the movie

Okay, Okay I know this is a BOOK club and not for movies, but we have to mention that they have cast edward and bella in the twilight movie. I found this clip on youtube that shows a montage of photos on the new edward and bella.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh39sgIMP8g

My thoughts are like this..

1) I love bella- I think she is perfect

2) I don't like edward, but there were a few shots of him where I was like "Now that could be edward" so maybe I won't mind him too much. But, lets face it, pretty much anyone they choose was going to a disappointment since he is the best in your imagination.

3) they are still looking for jacob black, so if you know any tall and ridiculously good looking Indian boys, let them know.

4) I have decided how the story should end. If you have not read the books, you might not want to read this: It turns out that just like a vampire bite makes you a vampire, a werewolf bite makes you human. Jacob has to make the big sacrifice and agree to bite edward to make him human so he can save bella, even though he still won't get her. Then edward and bella can grow old together. And then jacob finds some nice girl he's imprinted on and they all live happily ever after. The end.

And I love these books way too much, I think I need therapy.

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

This morning, when I woke up I hugged my pillow. I lay awake in bed, savoring my blanket, and attempting to feel every inch of my smooth sheets with my fingertips.

When Tyler woke, in the wee hours of the morning, I was anxious to go to him. A tiresome chore was changed. I held his little body, memorizing his breath turning my thoughts to mothers whose children were taken from them. Mothers who spent long, lonely nights in Barracks crying to hold their sons.

Yesterday, I told Preston these stories and I cried.

Last night, as I prayed, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude. Not just for what I perceived as blessings, for everything. Grateful for the pain and trials, things that days earlier had threatened to break my heart were lifting my spirit and reminding me of the Lord’s mercy.

And now, as I type this, I remember the five Bible’s that lay on assorted shelves throughout my home and I feel shame. Ashamed that women risked their lives for this gift, a gift I too often forget to read.

How can I describe a book that has changed my life? I have read countless Survivor stories from those inhumane events that took place during World War II and loved them all, and yet, this was different. While reading those pages my heart changed. I ached as I witnessed the depths of evil that man can allow himself to fall. And I rejoiced over the beauty, resilience, and power of the soul that trusts in God.

Thanks Lynsey for recommending this book…it must have passed me by in high school English too. I am kinda glad, I think I may not have appreciated it as much when I was 14.

Let's Talk about LIFE OF PI!!!!

OK...I can't wait any longer. I need to know what you guys(those of you who have finished the book) think. So let's discuss it. In order to not spoil it for those of you who haven't finished, I thought I would ask some questions in the comments. I would love to get your take on it!

OK I know this is a book club blog not a movie blog but since I am SUCH an Austin fan I had to comment on tonight's showing of Northanger Abbey. Loved it! I do wish it was longer, 90 minutes barely does the book justice, but aside from my complaints that it was too short I have nothing but praise for the adaptation of the book to the screen. I loved that they didn't try to make it fit in our modern world but stayed true to the world Jane lived in when she wrote the book at the age of 23.
Thanks PBS. I think I may for the first time actually make a pledge next time they do one of those annoying "Support Public Television" marathons. All these Austin movies are making me want to revisit her books.

Dont forget Jane Austin night tonight at 9:00pm on PBS. YESSS!!! I am getting the popcorn ready!

The Chosen

The Chosen by Chaïm Potok

OK so I am sorry to report a book that I didn't love. If you Google search it it is highly rated and was once a best seller in the sixties when it was written but...I am sorry to report it wasn't my favorite. There were redeeming parts...
A huge part of this book is Judaism, which I enjoyed learning about. I found a group of people so different from me and yet hugely familiar. The things that are important to them are to me- Faith, culture and family all play a huge part in this book.
I enjoyed the father son relationships in this book . A book with no female dialog, completely filled with father son conversation was unusual and I enjoyed this new dynamic.
BUT overall I would not recommend it. It was too wordy with descriptions that made no sense and I found myself skipping pages upon pages of description just looking for the next set of dialogue. Sorry...not my favorite. Hopefully I have better luck in my reading endeavors next time!