A Very Original Title I Can't Think Of

I was about to start decorating, for lack of a better word, my portfolio when I realized I hadn't posted on my blog. I really don't know what to post, but anyway...

I was out sick this Thursday, Friday and was still sick on Saturday, so I had plenty of time to read. I mostly read historical fiction, which was a little surprising. I finished Cate of the Lost Colony, which was a romance that took place in the Roanoke settlement of 1585 that was never seen again, and I loved it. Politics, romance, history - all it needed was fantasy and it would be one of my ideal books. The author, Lisa Klein, also wrote Ophelia, which was her take on Hamlet, and that's how I picked that book up. I started Bulfinch's Mythology, which was referenced in another book I liked, and it's slow going. I finished the second chapter, though. Essentially, Bulfinch's Mythology is Bulfinch's retellings of Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Egyptian myths, and then some of King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Charlemagne (French king).

I can't believe that it's almost the last week of PATH. Crazy.

Poetry Everywhere

I listened to and watched poems being read on Poetry Everywhere. I thought the site was

I listened/watched Emily Dickinson's poem "I started Early - Took my Dog", which was read by Blair Brown and animated by Maria Vasilkovsky. It was really imaginative, the way I understood it, and described swimming in the sea and being swallowed up by it. I enjoyed the poem, and the animations that went with it. Here it is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/poetryeverywhere/

I also listened to a clip of Robert Frost himself reading his poem "Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening", which I've read before on my own, but Robert Frost read his poem so well. He sounded kind of like a narrator from an old album, but his voice was calm, sort of. It's hard to describe, but he read the poem well. Found: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/poetryeverywhere/frost.html

As well, I listened to Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "One Boy Told Me", which I listened to in PATH 1 and wanted to hear again. It was read by the author. I still love the line about a car being served in a cup. Link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/poetryeverywhere/nye.html

I think Robert Frost's poem was best, simply because I liked his slow way of reading and his voice. I thought it fit his poem. I also think that the simple animations added to Emily Dickinson's poem, but it would take attention away from the poem itself if the animation was more complex.

Finished Tamora Pierce! 27 books in 52 days (March 12 to May 2). Almost two books each day. Currently reading Howl's Moving Castle, The Sight, and Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation.

April

My reading experience with Poetry Month... I had a lot of fun. My poetry notebook on poets.org isn't completed, but I don't think it ever will be (I'll keep adding and adding and adding as I find things). No favorite poems, but I've decided I really like Edna St. Vincent Millay's poems. They're direct, but I can read into them. I'd compare it to Robert Frost. I definitely will keep reading poetry. I have three (I think) collections of poetry in my to be read stack, which is uh, four feet high.

I'll keep reading and writing poetry, but I'm going to be writing sonnets as little as possible.

50 pages away from finishing my Tamora Pierce marathon.

This Week's Poetry - and other things...

No, Clara, if I get a candy reward in English I'm not sharing it with the class. I doubt each of us would get more than a mouthful.

Poetry I liked from poem a day: Anne Waldman's Matriot Acts Act I (it intrigued me enough to read three times); Donald Hall's The Things (I enjoyed how the author drew attention to little things that I've thought of as clutter, but they hold meaning to him); Evie Shockley's excerpt from the Farewell Letters; and Carl Phillip's Civilization (I liked the last stanza best).

I've been rereading Romeo and Juliet in English, so Shakespeare's blank verse wakes me up during first hour.

Also, I'm two books away from finishing my Tamora Pierce marathon, and I'm rereading Quidditch through the Ages.

Poetry

Someone commented last week that many of the poems through poem a day are disturbing/gross/weird. I agree, but I like about half of them. Some I even like enough to go into my notebook on poets.org (found here http://www.poets.org/notebookdetail.php/prmNotebookID/381071 (hopefully)). What does this say about my poetry tastes? Interesting question to ponder... I already know that I will read long and/or depressing books. I guess the same applies for poetry.

Favorites so far from poem a day: My love is as a fever, longing still and Self portrait as Thousandfurs.

I reread Sick by Shel Silverstein to add it to my collection, and it made me laugh the however many time 'round. Go check it out if you haven't read it.

I only have three more books to go on my Tamora Pierce marathon, and my English teacher is offering a candy reward for the person who reads the most pages in my English class...

Last thing: My stepdad found a book of Robert Frost poetry that I'm going to start soon, and I've decided that he is my second favorite poet, first being Edgar Allen Poe. The Bronte sisters are good, too. Funny - I just noticed, in listing my fav poets, that all of them were depressed at some point in their life. Hmm.

Spring Break Reading

I have been reading mostly Tamora Pierce and Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (audio book in the car). Hoot is good - I've read it before, but it's a different experience out loud. It seems more real, but it goes so slow. I could have finished it already, but reading in the car gives me major headaches.

I haven't decided which poem to memorize yet.

Tamora Pierce marathon is going extremely well - I have 6 and three quarters books to go, out of 27. I'm currently reading Bloodhound, which is about, essentially, a police force around 1200 AD trying to find a set of counterfeiters. Not my favorite Beka Cooper book, but there are some amazing scenes...

The poem a days I've been reading haven't been sticking out in my mind. There was an interesting one to do with a grasshopper.

Trends and Tamora Pierce... with an Interlude from Octavian Nothing

I've been reading three things this week: Tamora Pierce, books regarding the history of vampire fiction, and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing.

Octavian Nothing is for book club. It is very good, but a little strange. Morbid, sort of. Haven't gotten very far in it, but I'd recommend it for those who aren't easily grossed out.

Vampire books are disturbing. There is a percentage of the book I'm currently looking at - Our Vampires, Ourselves - that feels like it's persuading me to believe in vampires. I don't believe in vampires outside the imagination. Thanks, but no thanks.

Tamora Pierce marathon still going strong. 15 down, 12 to go.

Tamora Pierce Marathon Update

I finished the third book in the Circle of Magic series. Loved the ending even more than the last time I read it.

13.5 read, 13.5 to go. Dead middle!

Trend Reading this Week

Many, many emails. Many, many author's websites. (I decided to email some authors of vampire novels to get their opinions.) Many authors' websites don't have quick links to their contact info and FAQ, and it takes forever. It's coming along nicely, though.

Also, I've continuing to read for my Tamora Pierce marathon. So far, by series:

Song of the Lioness: done

Immortals: 2/4

Protector of the Small: done

Circle of Magic: 3/4

13 down, 11 to go.

Tamora Pierce Marathon Day Two

I got sick this morning, so I went to school for the first three hours and came home. I crawled onto my bed and picked up a book - Tamora Pierce's Squire.

Update:

Finished Squire.

Finished Alanna: The First Adventure

Finished In the Hand of the Goddess

In the middle of The Woman Who Rides Like A Man.

4 read, 23 to go.

Tamora Pierce Reading Marathon

I won't have much homework tomorrow (hopefully) since it's the start of the last trimester, and I've decided to hold a reading marathon. Tamora Pierce, this time. I'm going to see how quickly I can read all of her books. I finished First Test last night, and am now halfway through Squire. Love her books. They just get better.

This is my goal: All her books in before the 31st of March. Probably won't happen - in that case, all her books before Spring Break ends.

Her books, by series:

Beka Cooper: 2

Song of the Lioness: 4

The Immortals: 4

Protector of the Small: 4

Trickster: 2

Tortall and other Lands (short story collection)

The Circle of Magic: 4

The Circle Opens: 4

The Circle Reforged: 2

All in all, 27. Who thinks I'm insane?

Trend Reading

Thank heavens for Google. My trend (the uprising of super/inhuman books) is proving hard to find secondary sources for - things like articles and expert statements - because it's very recent. Any assistance is welcome. For example, my poll. I am going to ask everyone to answer whether or not they have read a book about super/inhumans - vampires, werewolves and the like. Many have asked me why I don't just say vampires. Think of it this way: there are many types of vampires, depending on an author's imagination. One definition (Stephenie Meyer) says that vampires sparkle. That rules out the majority of vampire novels. Another definition says that vampires can be killed/maimed by garlic and crosses. That rules out some of the more recent vampire novels. And what about the werewolves and zombies?

This is an insane topic, but it's fun.

I also have realized that authors influence one another, and to answer some of the questions in my thesis, I have to take a look at the history of paranormal fiction. It goes back a long ways - 1811, first book published for the public on undead creatures in German (translated to English in 1813). Wikipedia is also proving very useful. (Before a storm of Wiki-haters comments, I use it for quick comparisons on dates and plot summaries.) It's fast, and generally reliable.

Any sources for material are welcomed. Remember my poll! It's for the intro or conclusion, though, not a source.

Finally, my Final Thoughts on Romeo and Juliet

I really enjoyed Romeo and Juliet. Juliet was my second favorite character (I really liked Mercutio), partly because she was so practical. Shakespeare's language gave me the most trouble, and I frequently, after I read someone's monologue, I had no clue what was said. Once I got into the rhythm of iambic pentameter, though, it was easier. Shakespeare obviously didn't write for a middle school audience - there's marriage (and the morning after), death, poison, and what would probably have been considered lewd/bad language. If he was writing for today's middle school audience, he probably would've used smaller words and less iambic pentameter. The story line could've been mostly the same, except perhaps with Romeo and Juliet dating instead of marrying. I also have a much different view on the play then at first, especially after I read The Juliet Club, which was a modern spinoff of Romeo and Juliet meets Taming of the Shrew. Romeo and Juliet was definitely a great play.

The End of Romeo and Juliet

I read the rest of the play today before church, so when one of my friends walked into our Sunday school room (where I was reading) I had my fingers in my ears mouthing Shakespeare, and I immediately burst out with "What? Lady Montague dies?". She was very confused. I was too - I had misread the sentence. Then, after continuing reading, I read the last line aloud. The people listening looked at me like I was crazy.

Either way, I really liked the play. I don't care about other people's (read: the people in my class I wish to smack) ideas that enjoying Shakespeare makes someone a geek (or a nerd) - I liked it.

So, Juliet faked her death, Romeo missed his letter, Paris died at Romeo's hand, and Romeo died. Wonderful, happy ending. At least the Capulets and the Montagues made up.

I still think Romeo and Juliet should've run away and not died.

Why? R&J Act Three

Time jump - from going to get married to after being married for an hour. I would have liked to see the wedding.

Tybalt killed Mercutio. Romeo killed Tybalt. What a way to get to know their in-laws. Why did they have to kill each other? But that's what makes it a tragedy... Everybody dies.

I want the Nurse to live. (If you know whether she lives or dies, don't ruin it for me please.) I like the Nurse. I also liked Mercutio a little, but Benevolio is nicer.

I didn't like how Romeo said his love for Juliet made him effeminate. No. I strongly disagree with that. I'm starting to really appreciate Juliet, though. She's a very headstrong woman for a romance story, especially a Shakespearean romance, from what I know.

Romeo or Juliet?

Pain and R&J

I have the day off today, so I went ice skating during my normal homework time yesterday. It was lots of fun - I only fell twice! Except for a slight problem: I fell really hard n my wrist. We don't think it's broken - going in for an x-ray today. It still hurts like the dickens. So, last night I iced my hand and read Act Two of R&J (and typing is really annoying with one hand)...

At least the jokes distracted me. And, it is Valentine's Day.

So, Romeo fell out of love with Rosaline and head over heels in love with Juliet. He forgot Rosaline insanely quickly. And also, they're getting married two days after they met. Isn't that a little fast? So far, I like the nurse and Benevolio the best. I'm curious to see this part of the movie.

Favorite characters, anyone?

R&J Act One

I know the basic plot line of Romeo and Juliet (they fall in love, their parents hate each other, they die), but I never knew that Romeo loved someone before Juliet. I also never knew that Shakespeare wrote such, for lack of a different word, bawdy jokes (look up Act 1 Scene 3 on sparknotes.com if you don't believe me).

I'm enjoying R&J so far, after I got used to the language. I had to keep a dictionary (aka my computer) next to me the whole time. Still, Rosaline fascinates me. Paris, not so much. Juliet's Nurse is a good character, though.

Random thought: Has anyone else realized that on Sims 2, some of the preprogrammed characters (and their relationships) mirror R&J, and A Midsummer Night's Dream? It's in one of the cities that comes with the game.

Random R and J Thought

Guacamole and Romeo and Juliet go really well together. Somehow, eating guacamole makes it seem more fun. Maybe teachers should make use of this in schools...

Another random thought: in Twilight, Bella's favorite play is Romeo and Juliet. Maybe this explains the demise of Twilight (not that I'm complaining).

I had to share my random thoughts. My mother would think I was weird, and my stepdad would give me a lecture on A) properly appreciating Shakespeare, B) some story about him being in a production of R&J, or C) not to get my food on his copy of Shakespeare's complete works, even though I'm not currently using it.

Prologue to Romeo and Juliet

I read the prologue. It spoiled the ending, not that we all didn't know what was going to happen. It was hard reading, and I really don't know how I'm going to write on about it for a proper blog length.

So, to make this interesting, I finished a book last Tuesday called Don't Call Me Ishmael. It was hilarious - a bunch of ninth grade guys on a debate team, trying to win when they all have no clue what they're doing. It was a good book, though - Ishmael (main character) was narrating, frequently in second person, and he had amazing mishaps. Like the debate against Kelly Faulkner half way through the book. It was Ishmael's first time speaking, and he fainted. Not only did he faint, but this was after he mangled the topic sentence of his speech to say that the "private parts of public figures should be made public". Direct quote. Then he fainted, a decorated clothespin rolled out the hem of his pants (he had pulled them off the line), and he ended up trying to catch himself on the girl he was up against, but missed her shoulder. It's worth reading.

I hope everyone else's rewritten prologues are coming along well - I tried to get mine to rhyme, and ended up using a rhyming dictionary. Thanks to online rhyming dictionaries.

The Princess Bride (the book)

I sure hope that at least half of you have seen the Princess Bride. It's an okay movie, very funny, with it's most famous line being "Inconceivable!". The book is just as good, if not better. I think it's better. The book itself is satirical, and there are notes at the beginning and the end (and the middle) from William Goldman, who supposedly abridged it from S. Morgenstern's huge edition.

I looked it up on Wikipedia - William Goldman wrote it.

In the movie, the beginning starts with a grandfather reading it to his grandson, so I decided I would read it to my little friend Rose, who I babysit for frequently. I showed her the cover, and she was so so on it, but I told her I would start it while she unloaded the dishwasher (one of her chores). I continued to read throughout making dinner, and when dinner was done and on the table, she wanted me to keep reading. She loved and she's nine - I didn't finish it for her. It's long, and my voice was wearing out after the thirty pages we read. I am now about a third of the way through, and my mom told me I had to do all my homework and take a shower before reading any more.

I thought that was supremely unfair - after all, I have tomorrow off, and it's not like I'm watching awful (read: somehow not worthy of humans) TV shows. I could've read for twenty more minutes....

POSSIBLE SPOILER

I'm at the part where Vizzini just died and 'the man in black' is yelling at Buttercup. The man in black hasn't announced himself as Westley yet.

Done with The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

I enjoyed Act Two. I liked Act One better, but the end of Act Two was awesome.

****Spoiler Warning****

I especially liked how Thoreau refused to leave jail because he didn't want his taxes paid. I don't much about taxes, except that they fund the government, but I can see why Thoreau didn't want to fund the government. I also bookmarked seven pages that mention huckleberries. I think huckleberries are interesting. Huckleberries are edible and look like blueberries. They are the state fruit of Idaho, all of which was found out thanks to Wikipedia. However, I think they aren't intended to represent blueberries in the play.

Has anyone ever had a huckleberry?

Thoreau First Act

So far, I love The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, even if it is a little confusing. Am I correct that it's an example of a story that starts in media res?

Something very creepy happened while reading this story, around page 58. I started to get a sense of deja vu - I could just about quote along with the text, and I remembered dreaming about it, complete with my computer next to me, last fall. It was strange - I even got up to go to the bathroom at the same time as the dream I had, and when I had the dream, I hadn't ever heard of the play.

Henry David Thoreau sounds like an interesting character - I think I'm going to find facts about him, but I'm still debating. For a while, I had a Thoreau quote as my iPod wallpaper, and I'm wondering if he's as strange as the play suggests. John Thoreau also sounds interesting, if he's not fictional, and I'm wondering why he died. Rust poisoning seems to be what the book suggests. All throughout the book, I kept wondering if Henry was totally sane, but then I realized I didn't care - he was still my favorite character (so far), insane or not. I also liked Ellen, but I think she should have stood up to her father if she wanted to marry one of the Thoreaus.

So far, so good.