L V
Well, here it is, the first DNF of the year. I started this book on Feb 13, it is now March 5. This is a fairly short read, but reads like a tome. I really tried to stick with it because lately all I’ve done is complain about choosing mediocre reads. But this one tops them all.
A wife who has been married for 15 years, and is still madly in love with her husband, is totally insecure about whether he loves her back. And she’s been this way since the start of their marriage. For an educator and translator of books, she cannot communicate the simplest of thoughts or questions with him.
I tried to stick with it to see whether dynamics change, but her complaining about him not being as passionate as she’d like him to be just got to be too much. At this point, too much time has passed by for me to even care whether I should've seen it through for fear that I quit right when it was about to get good. Adios, my husband.
Well, here it is, the first DNF of the year. I started this book on Feb 13, it is now March 5. This is a fairly short read, but reads like a tome. I really tried to stick with it because lately all I’ve done is complain about choosing mediocre reads. But this one tops them all.
A wife who has been married for 15 years, and is still madly in love with her husband, is totally insecure about whether he loves her back. And she’s been this way since the start of their marriage. For an educator and translator of books, she cannot communicate the simplest of thoughts or questions with him.
I tried to stick with it to see whether dynamics change, but her complaining about him not being as passionate as she’d like him to be just got to be too much. At this point, too much time has passed by for me to even care whether I should've seen it through for fear that I quit right when it was about to get good. Adios, my husband.
Doing Clarence a Bit of Good
Waiting on my feel good reads to come through from Libby and Hoopla so had to resort to reading this super short story ever so slowly. It did not disappoint, this writer’s work is always a mood booster.
Waiting on my feel good reads to come through from Libby and Hoopla so had to resort to reading this super short story ever so slowly. It did not disappoint, this writer’s work is always a mood booster.
The first chapter grabbed my attention, but I found the rest to be a little slow paced. Although each of the characters get a lot of time on paper, I just couldn’t connect or care for any of them. The tone was to be a sad, full of grief, but it was written in such a sterile way that the emotion just wasn’t there (not for me anyway).
I plodded through it, but it came close to ending up in the DNF pile. A shame because the storyline, though a bit unbelievable, is pretty good. This could have been a thrilling mystery mixed with romance, grief and family dynamics, but it misses the mark in a disappointing way.
Or maybe I read this at the tail-end of a slump and am a little grumpy that it has overshadowed the 5 star book I recently read that got me out of it. I feel like I’m in quicksand and hope this book doesn't pull me back into that slump
The first chapter grabbed my attention, but I found the rest to be a little slow paced. Although each of the characters get a lot of time on paper, I just couldn’t connect or care for any of them. The tone was to be a sad, full of grief, but it was written in such a sterile way that the emotion just wasn’t there (not for me anyway).
I plodded through it, but it came close to ending up in the DNF pile. A shame because the storyline, though a bit unbelievable, is pretty good. This could have been a thrilling mystery mixed with romance, grief and family dynamics, but it misses the mark in a disappointing way.
Or maybe I read this at the tail-end of a slump and am a little grumpy that it has overshadowed the 5 star book I recently read that got me out of it. I feel like I’m in quicksand and hope this book doesn't pull me back into that slump
Just like the movie, this book has a little of everything. It’s a behind-the-scenes treat for die-hard fans. A tribute and honor to an accomplished author and screenwriter who tried for over 15 years to make this, his absolute favorite written piece, come to life on the silver screen. It’s a shout-out to the entire cast and crew for supporting one another and giving all of themselves to a piece of work they all believed in. It’s a nod to the technology of the VCR.
It’s a walk down memory lane thinking back on Andre the Giant’s gentleness and kindness, his physical pain, his utmost professionalism, and his monumental fart—the one that caused the cast to do too many retakes from the hilarity of it all. And above all else, it’s a personal heartfelt love letter and thank you from Elwes (Westley) to Rob Reiner. Reiner’s love of the book, respect for the author, and dedication to hand-picking each and every character is what truly made this movie the classic masterpiece that it has become.
Elwes’s gratitude and honor for being chosen to be Westley really shines through. You can sense that all of the hard work he and the rest of the cast and crew put into the movie was not for the glamour or fame, but for the respect they had for Reiner; they didn’t want to let him down. It speaks volumes about the type of director Reiner was, and I am happy that he got to read how Elwes and the rest of the cast felt about working with him. May he rest in peace.
“…it’s the process itself that I remember most and how much fun it was to go to work every day. I would say it was as close to a perfect movie making experience as I have ever had or expect I’ll ever have. That’s a rare thing on the movie set and it all starts with the director.” -Cary Elwes
Just like the movie, this book has a little of everything. It’s a behind-the-scenes treat for die-hard fans. A tribute and honor to an accomplished author and screenwriter who tried for over 15 years to make this, his absolute favorite written piece, come to life on the silver screen. It’s a shout-out to the entire cast and crew for supporting one another and giving all of themselves to a piece of work they all believed in. It’s a nod to the technology of the VCR.
It’s a walk down memory lane thinking back on Andre the Giant’s gentleness and kindness, his physical pain, his utmost professionalism, and his monumental fart—the one that caused the cast to do too many retakes from the hilarity of it all. And above all else, it’s a personal heartfelt love letter and thank you from Elwes (Westley) to Rob Reiner. Reiner’s love of the book, respect for the author, and dedication to hand-picking each and every character is what truly made this movie the classic masterpiece that it has become.
Elwes’s gratitude and honor for being chosen to be Westley really shines through. You can sense that all of the hard work he and the rest of the cast and crew put into the movie was not for the glamour or fame, but for the respect they had for Reiner; they didn’t want to let him down. It speaks volumes about the type of director Reiner was, and I am happy that he got to read how Elwes and the rest of the cast felt about working with him. May he rest in peace.
“…it’s the process itself that I remember most and how much fun it was to go to work every day. I would say it was as close to a perfect movie making experience as I have ever had or expect I’ll ever have. That’s a rare thing on the movie set and it all starts with the director.” -Cary Elwes
If it weren’t for this deep reading slump I’m in, it wouldn’t have taken me so long to read. It’s a fairly quick read. I cared for the characters and even in this slump, I still kept wanting to know how their story would end. It was sad and uplifting all at once.
If it weren’t for this deep reading slump I’m in, it wouldn’t have taken me so long to read. It’s a fairly quick read. I cared for the characters and even in this slump, I still kept wanting to know how their story would end. It was sad and uplifting all at once.
I picked this audiobook as a “blind read.” Life’s demands and this unshakable flu have only allowed me to listen to it in bits here and there. But every time I had to put it on pause, no matter how much time lapsed, I’d think about the characters. The author does a beautiful job in weaving a character (a different one for each chapter) into another chapter and spotlighting the human condition, good, bad and indifferent. Their stories of struggle, pain and resilience will stay with you.
I picked this audiobook as a “blind read.” Life’s demands and this unshakable flu have only allowed me to listen to it in bits here and there. But every time I had to put it on pause, no matter how much time lapsed, I’d think about the characters. The author does a beautiful job in weaving a character (a different one for each chapter) into another chapter and spotlighting the human condition, good, bad and indifferent. Their stories of struggle, pain and resilience will stay with you.
Cozy stories that make a good palette cleanser in between those heavier reads. The book was narrated by the author who has a delightful accent and a kind of smile to her voice. If you’re looking to invest in the characters or storyline, this book isn’t for you. If you’re in between reads and just need a quick little something that won’t make you feel or think too deeply, give this one a try.
Cozy stories that make a good palette cleanser in between those heavier reads. The book was narrated by the author who has a delightful accent and a kind of smile to her voice. If you’re looking to invest in the characters or storyline, this book isn’t for you. If you’re in between reads and just need a quick little something that won’t make you feel or think too deeply, give this one a try.
From the author’s daughter: “We are more than heirs to his literary property. We are heirs to his ideas and his values… The Greatest Gift is as compelling today as it was nearly 80 years ago because in this story lies a powerful message about the significance of the lives of all of us.”
I adore It’s a Wonderful Life in all its forms. The movie makes me cry every time I watch it. The Lux Radio version is great to cozy up to and listen to near the fire; pretending you're in days of yore, before TV. And The Greatest Gift, the original short story from which the film is based, is a wonderful read. The illustrations are just beautiful. This time around, I listened to the audiobook version. The afterword, told by the author’s daughter, makes me love this story (and movie) even more.
The idea for the story came to the author on Feb 12, 1938 in a dream, completely formed from start to finish. He wrote his first draft in April of that year but wasn’t happy with it and in the Spring of 1943 he finally tried to get it published. No magazine wanted it. He used his own money to make 224 pamphlets and sent them out as Christmas cards.
In March 1944 he received an offer for the movie rights. The movie premiered on Dec 14, 1946. But it’s all the little things that happened from the moment the idea was conceived to the time the film was made that are just remarkable.
Learning how this little story has impacted soldiers that were at war, those who had just come back home, the actors/director of the movie, the author’s daughter, and countless others ever since is just…wow!
If you’re looking for a Christmas themed book and haven’t read this story yet, read it. Then watch the movie. If you love it as much as I do, go the extra mile and listen to the Lux Radio Theatre show. It’s on Spotify and other platforms. Perhaps purchase a few copies and give them away as stocking stuffers. Have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful life!
From the author’s daughter: “We are more than heirs to his literary property. We are heirs to his ideas and his values… The Greatest Gift is as compelling today as it was nearly 80 years ago because in this story lies a powerful message about the significance of the lives of all of us.”
I adore It’s a Wonderful Life in all its forms. The movie makes me cry every time I watch it. The Lux Radio version is great to cozy up to and listen to near the fire; pretending you're in days of yore, before TV. And The Greatest Gift, the original short story from which the film is based, is a wonderful read. The illustrations are just beautiful. This time around, I listened to the audiobook version. The afterword, told by the author’s daughter, makes me love this story (and movie) even more.
The idea for the story came to the author on Feb 12, 1938 in a dream, completely formed from start to finish. He wrote his first draft in April of that year but wasn’t happy with it and in the Spring of 1943 he finally tried to get it published. No magazine wanted it. He used his own money to make 224 pamphlets and sent them out as Christmas cards.
In March 1944 he received an offer for the movie rights. The movie premiered on Dec 14, 1946. But it’s all the little things that happened from the moment the idea was conceived to the time the film was made that are just remarkable.
Learning how this little story has impacted soldiers that were at war, those who had just come back home, the actors/director of the movie, the author’s daughter, and countless others ever since is just…wow!
If you’re looking for a Christmas themed book and haven’t read this story yet, read it. Then watch the movie. If you love it as much as I do, go the extra mile and listen to the Lux Radio Theatre show. It’s on Spotify and other platforms. Perhaps purchase a few copies and give them away as stocking stuffers. Have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful life!
Humans and elves alike have their flaws, but a friendly ear and a kind heart can sometimes make things a little better. A cute Santa origin story loaded with action, humor and magic.
Humans and elves alike have their flaws, but a friendly ear and a kind heart can sometimes make things a little better. A cute Santa origin story loaded with action, humor and magic.
What fun and light hearted stories-each one better than the next. Wodehouse’s work never fails to put a smile on my face. If you ever need a fun and brief something to read, look to Wodehouse.
What fun and light hearted stories-each one better than the next. Wodehouse’s work never fails to put a smile on my face. If you ever need a fun and brief something to read, look to Wodehouse.
A bitter-sweet tale that is just perfect for Christmastime. At the heart of the story is the reminder to keep what’s most important in your life your top priority. And that the love of a parent for its child is unmatched.
A bitter-sweet tale that is just perfect for Christmastime. At the heart of the story is the reminder to keep what’s most important in your life your top priority. And that the love of a parent for its child is unmatched.
What fun and light hearted stories-each one better than the next. Wodehouse’s work never fails to put a smile on my face. If you ever need a fun and brief something to read, look to Wodehouse.
What fun and light hearted stories-each one better than the next. Wodehouse’s work never fails to put a smile on my face. If you ever need a fun and brief something to read, look to Wodehouse.
Updated a reading goal:
Read 16 books by December 31, 2025
Progress so far: 50 / 16 312%
A murder mystery told and wrapped up in a few short hours. I think this brief read met the author’s goal to liken the fun, festive Christmas goers as well as the Scrooges. What I appreciate most are the plausible motives and means to execute the crime. Some of the books I’ve read recently were so over the top that this more realistic, short novella was a breath of fresh air. I mean, as much as it could be, considering murder is involved. With that said, it could have done with a few more twists and turns, but it provides enough as is to leave the reader satisfied.
A murder mystery told and wrapped up in a few short hours. I think this brief read met the author’s goal to liken the fun, festive Christmas goers as well as the Scrooges. What I appreciate most are the plausible motives and means to execute the crime. Some of the books I’ve read recently were so over the top that this more realistic, short novella was a breath of fresh air. I mean, as much as it could be, considering murder is involved. With that said, it could have done with a few more twists and turns, but it provides enough as is to leave the reader satisfied.
A murder mystery told and wrapped up in a few short hours. I think this brief read met the author’s goal to liken the fun, festive Christmas goers as well as the Scrooges. What I appreciate most are the plausible motives and means to execute the crime. Some of the books I’ve read recently were so over the top that this more realistic, short novella was a breath of fresh air. I mean, as much as it could be, considering murder is involved. With that said, it could have done with a few more twists and turns, but it provides enough as is to leave the reader satisfied.
A murder mystery told and wrapped up in a few short hours. I think this brief read met the author’s goal to liken the fun, festive Christmas goers as well as the Scrooges. What I appreciate most are the plausible motives and means to execute the crime. Some of the books I’ve read recently were so over the top that this more realistic, short novella was a breath of fresh air. I mean, as much as it could be, considering murder is involved. With that said, it could have done with a few more twists and turns, but it provides enough as is to leave the reader satisfied.
Holy smokes did she make a meal out of the unveiling. If I had to sit there and listen to Poirot explain why he considered us all plausible murderers then talk us through his deductive reasoning, ruling out each and every person in the room until he got to the killer, there would have been another murder: mine, self-inflicted. It was a fine read, but those last few chapters just trudged on. Plus, there was nothing Christmasy about this book except its cover. I’ll give another one of her mysteries a try. I think I just chose the wrong one at the wrong time.
Holy smokes did she make a meal out of the unveiling. If I had to sit there and listen to Poirot explain why he considered us all plausible murderers then talk us through his deductive reasoning, ruling out each and every person in the room until he got to the killer, there would have been another murder: mine, self-inflicted. It was a fine read, but those last few chapters just trudged on. Plus, there was nothing Christmasy about this book except its cover. I’ll give another one of her mysteries a try. I think I just chose the wrong one at the wrong time.