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.