Changing Seasons

There is a tree outside my window at work. (Okay, technically it's not my window because there are two other cubicles between me and the window but my desk faces the window.) As the weather has gotten cooler, I've watched the leaves change and fall from this tree. Up until last week, there have been leaves clinging tenaciously to the branches of this little tree outside my window. Then one day, I came to work and all the leaves had fallen, leaving the tree naked and cold.

Reflecting upon this tree, I see parallels between me and the last few leaves on the tree. Every fall, these leaves know that their time is up. Their time clinging to the branches during a warm summer breeze have faded to the cold winter snow that falls from the sky. How often do I wish to bask in the warm summer breeze in order to avoid the discomfort and unknown of the cold winter snow that must come to everyone.

Every life has its seasons. Some seasons are longer than others. For example, my season of being a single young adult is already stretching longer than I had anticipated. For some it's school. For others it's being unemployed or childless or stuck in a job they didn't want. There are many seasons. Sometimes we want the seasons to be over as quickly as possible. (How I feel about the cold winter season.) Other times, we don't want the season to ever end. (My feelings for summer.)

However, just like the leaves on the tree, every season must end so that another may begin. Change is not a bad thing although it can be scary. Eventually, we must give in and let go of our branch and fall into the unknown, having faith that everything will be okay.

And you know what? Everything will be okay. Because change and growth are a necessary part of our mortal journey. I don't know what my mortal journey entails exactly, but I know that I as have faith and allow myself to be open to new opportunities, I'll find my way.

There is a tree outside my window at work. Soon it's naked branches will be covered with snow. Soon, however, the breeze will blow a little warmer. The sun will shine a little brighter, and the snow will melt making way for the bright green leaves that will wave happily on a warm summer day.

Because life is about changing seasons.

Smile Always,

Chuck

2015 Reading Challenge: Beowulf

2015 Reading Challenge: A book that was originally written in a different language.

Beowulf

Translated by Seamus Heaney
213 pages (with original Old English on facing pages)

Characters:
Beowulf
Hrothgar
Hygelac
Grendel
Grende's Mom
Many others...

At the beginning of the poem, we learn of the Danes and their Grendel problem. Grendel is some kind of Big foot monster who is considered spawn of Cain. He likes to come to King Hrothgar's golden town hall in the middle of the night to kill people and eat them. It's a big problem for the Danes. One that plagues them for many years.

Beowulf shows up out of the blue and helps the Danes and Hrothgar by tearing Grendel's arm off so he bleeds to death (or so I understand). But then, Mama Grendel shows up and takes the king's favorite advisor out of revenge for her son's death. Beowulf steps up once again to save the Danes. He jumps into a big lake to fight Grendel's mom. Then he steals dead Grendel's head for the king. The king is so happy he sends Beowulf home with all sorts of gold and treasure.

Then Beowulf grows old and kills a dragon and then dies. Now you don't have to read the poem!

I was surprised at how easy it was to read Beowulf. I always thought it was going to be so hard for me to read and comprehend. I really enjoyed it, to my surprise. I was given the book by my younger brother, who had a lovable quirk of giving gifts so that he could borrow them later for himself. I couldn't help but think of him as I read it. I wouldn't recommend this poem to just anyone... or really anyone. It's kind of weird and surprisingly gory.I'm not sure I really understand or love classic literature but I'm glad I finally read it!

2015 Reading Challenge: Persuasion

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with a one word title

Persuasion
Jane Austen
243 pages

Characters:
Anne Elliot
Captain Frederick Wentworth
Sir Walter Elliot
Elizabeth Elliot
Mr. William Elliot
Lady Russell
Charles & Mary Musgrove
Louisa Musgrove
Henrietta Musgrove
Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove
Mrs. Smith
Admiral & Mrs. Croft

Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth met and fell in love when she was a young woman. When Anne announced the engagement, Lady Russell, practically Anne's surrogate mother/her actual neighbor, convinced her to call it off because he had no job (at the time), or money, and was below her (Anne's) station in life. Frederick was angry and left the area to find his fortune without Anne.

Eight and a half years later, Anne's family is struggling financially. They end up renting their estate out to Admiral Croft, who happens to be Frederick Wentworth's brother-in-law. So Sir Walter and Anne's older sister, Elizabeth, head off to Bath in an "effort" to help with their financial situation. Anne goes to stay with her younger sister Mary and her husband Charles. It turns out that Captain Wentworth, yep he's a captain now, is looking to get married and soon. So he starts hanging around with the Musgrove sisters, Louisa and Henrietta, who live next to Mary and Charles. So suddenly Anne has to see her former fiance flirt with other girls. Young girls while she is getting on in age at the ripe old age of 28.

Anne still has feelings for Captain Wentworth but he seems pretty upset with her. Will they end up together? Or does he end up with one of the Musgrove sisters?

I really liked this book. This is only my second Jane Austen book (my reading goal for next year is her books), but I truly enjoyed reading about it. I felt like she capture a girl's feeling when a guy she has liked or currently likes, comes around and acts indifferent to her. The anxiety and the excitement. I felt like I could relate to Anne a lot. It had a different feel than Pride and Prejudice, which is the other Jane Austen book I've read, but it was refreshing. I love a good story about unrequited love that is really requited and the agony that comes with it. It's about a girl who learns about regret but also learns to grow up. You aren't always ready for marriage until a little later in life.

2015 Reading Challenge: Lord of the Rings- Return of the King

2015 Reading Challenge: A Trilogy.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
340 pages (not including the appendices at the end)

Characters:
Frodo
Sam
Gandalf
Merry
Pippin
Aragorn
Legolas
Gimli
... And many, many others

The final chapter of the trilogy brought part of the fellowship (everyone but Frodo and Sam) fighting against the armies of Sauron. They fight a good fight against the forces of evil at the cost of many good men. Aragorn is finally ready to step forward and fulfill his duty/right as King of Gondor. It's finally time.

Sam and Frodo travel the barren waste that is Mordor. It is only because of Sam that Frodo even makes it to the mountain to destroy the ring. They are nearly out of food and have to scavenge for drinkable water. It is now that Sam realizes that he probably will not be making a return trip to the Shire. He becomes grim but determined to help Frodo on his journey.

The ring ends up in Mount Doom with Gollum in the lava. The Sauron's tower collapses and his forces are left leaderless, thus making it possible for the army of men (and hobbits, elves, and dwarves) to push back the evil army. Soon there is peace in all the land of middle earth. Aragorn married Eowan and takes the throne. Frodo and his companions make their way back to the Shire, first stopping in Rivendell to visit old Bilbo.

The Shire is not how the hobbits left it a year earlier. They still have to fight a few more battles before they will finally find some peace and rest after their adventure. Soon, all the evil is flushed out of the Shire and the hobbits can finally settle in peace. [This isn't ever mentioned in the movies- although it does allude to the fact that Saurmon/Sauron have some sort of power even in the Shire.]

I really enjoyed this book even though it took me longer than it should have for me to read it. I have to say that my favorite part was Sam. He is the true hero of the story. No offense meant toward Frodo, who is still pretty awesome. Also, seeing how strong and wise Merry and Pippin become was very rewarding for me. I enjoyed reading and finding differences from the books and the movies. I enjoyed both and I don't think I can formulate a true argument as to which is better. I feel like both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

I'm glad I chose to read The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I feel like I can finally say that I belong to the club. I'm official!

... And they lived happily ever after until the end of their days.

Also, watch this awesome song that sums up how I feel now that I've finished reading the trilogy...

2015 Reading Challenge: Death Comes to Pemberly

2015 Reading Challenge: A book by an author I've never read before

Death Comes to Pemberley
P.D. James
291 pages

Characters:
Elizabeth Darcy
Fitzwilliam Darcy
George Wickham
Colonel Fitzwilliam
Georgiana Darcy
Mr. Alveston
Hardcastle (Magistrate)

On eve of the Darcy's annual fall ball, a man is murdered on Pemberley property. Elizabeth and Darcy must figure out what happened and who the murderer is. Is it George Wickham, the unwanted brother-in-law? Or Colonel Fitzwilliam, who has been seen doing suspicious things? Or is there a murderer roaming the woods of Pemberley?

What really happened in the woods that fateful stormy night?

I saw the miniseries on Netflix and loved it. As it usually goes, the book is good but quite different from the miniseries. It's not as fast paced and tends to be a little slow in parts. But the mystery is still good and it's an interesting read. It's always fun to read about beloved characters in a new way. P.D. James did a good job at staying true to the characters created by Jane Austen. I was impressed.

Chuck

2015 Reading Challenge: The Scarlet Pimpernel

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with a color in the title

The Scarlet Pimpernel
265 pages

Characters:
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Marguerite Blakeney
Percy Blakeney
Monsieur Chauvelin
The Family de Tourney
Madame Guillotine
[And others]

Set in the midst of the French Revolution, this story is more about Lady Marguerite Blakeney than the actual Scarlet Pimpernel. A french actress who married a wealthy British man, Sir Percy Blakeney, Marguerite seems to have it all. Except for the love and respect of her seemingly imbecile husband.

Across the channel, the Scarlet Pimpernel continues to save the upper class in France from Madame Guillotine. Fox-like Frenchman Chauvelin comes to England on government business but really to catch the Scarlet Pimpernel. He's ruthless and sneaky. It's up to Marguerite to save the day, her beloved brother, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, whoever he is.

A precursor to Batman and all the superhero alter-egos, the Scarlet Pimpernel is the ultimate hidden identity story. Who is the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel and how is he so successful at what he does? It's a good read. One of my favorites. I've read it three times. It can run a little slow at times but if you push through, it's an adventures watching the Scarlet Pimpernel outwitting Monsieur Chauvelin.

Chuck

Throw Back Thursday: The Fictional Guy of the Week is Gilbert Blythe!

It's been awhile but I felt like doing Throw back post today. In light of the recent death of Jonathan Crombie, the actor who played our beloved Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables triology, I thought it appropriate to share this. This was originally posted on August 1, 2011 on my other blog.

Enjoy.


The Fictional Guy of the Week is Gilbert Blythe!

Where He's From:

Anne of Green Gables (Confession: I've never actually read the books but I've seen the first two movies and I loved them!)

His Story:

What do we know about Gilbert Blythe? He's educated. He wants to be a doctor (right?). He likes Anne Shirley. And he's stuck in a tug of war with Anne that is typical of angsty boy/girl relationships.

There. That about sums it up. Maybe if I read the books I'd know more. But for now, I'm content with just basking in the glow of Gilbert Blythe's smile.

Why He's FGW:

What wouldn't I love about a boy who winks at a complete stranger?

As usual, I love the angst between Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley. I mean, a boy who likes the girl when the girl is determined to not like the boy. I love it! Even when he's a jerk, you can't help but understand that its the games that boys and girls play when they like each other.

He's just an all around good guy. At least I think so. He's willing to help an extremely stubborn Anne Shirley. He's educated. He's a hard worker. He's just a little bit dreamy... in a fictional way.

Okay, as usual when writing my FGW's I find myself flummuxed and uncertain about where I'm going with this. And then I remember where I'm going with this... the picture portion!

So, we won't waste anymore time. Pictures!!

You can just tell that those dimples are itching to show themselves.

Dear Gilbert, you make my heart happy. Please look at me this way.

I must admit that I miss his unruly hair. But I still love the dimples!

Despite his ridiculous hat, I can't help but melt at the appearance of those dimples.

I couldn't resist a kissing picture. Can you blame me?

Best regards, 

Chuck

2015 Reading Challeng: The Piantist

2015 Reading Challenge: A book a friend recommended

The Pianist

Wladyslaw Szpilman

222 pages

Non-fiction

The incredible story of Wladyslaw Szpilman and how he survived WWII in Warsaw, Poland as a Jewish man. He describes his experiences as well as those around him, Jew, Pole, and German alike. He talks of those that helped him survive, including a German officer by the name of Wilm Hosenfeld. Without his man, Wladyslaw Szpilman would not have made it to the end of the war.

He lost his entire family, hid by himself for years with limited human contact, got deathly ill, and somehow, he made it. And he never lost his talent for the piano nor his desire to live, to make it. It was an incredible story.

If you stumble across the book, pick it up. It is honest without being horribly graphic and shows the humanity and inhumanity that colors human history. How amazing is it to find that people can go through horrible and soul-crushing tragedies and still come out on top. The human spirit is incredible.

Thanks for sharing your story Mr. Szpilman.

Chuck

2015 Reading Challenge: Lord of the Rings The Two Towers

2015 Reading Challenge: A Trilogy
Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers
398 pages

CHARACTERS:
Frodo Baggins (hobbit)
Sam Gamgee (hobbit)
Merry (hobbit)
Pippin (hobbit)
Gandalf the Grey (wizard)
Aragorn/Strider (man)
Gimli (dwarf)
Legolas (elf)
Saruman
Treebeard
Gollum
Various Men
Various Orcs
Various Ents

We pick up right where we left off in the first book. The Fellowship has broken up. Frodo and Sam left to head to Mordor without the others. Merry and Pippin are taken by the Orcs. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas are on a chase to get them back. Somehow, Merry and Pippin escape from the Orcs and meet Treebeard, an Ent-keeper. They rally the Ents to go against Saruman and protect their lands from his evil sorcery and his Orcs. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas meet the Riders of Rohan and Gandalf who is no longer Grey but now White because Saruman is evil and other stuff that he talks about. (Read the book.) They all meet up at Saruman's place where we find that Gandalf is now more powerful and good than Saruman. Pippin touches Saruman's evil magical ball and now Sauron can see into his mind so Gandalf has to take him to Rohan to protect everyone. (Nice going, Pippin! Screw everything up for everyone else why don't you!)

We leave the remainder of the group and go to Sam and Frodo and their new guide, Gollum/Smeagal. They journey through dead places to get to Mordor and have various near encounters with Orcs and a creepy thousand year old Lady Spider who has spawned with some other spiders to created evil spiders (I'm thinking maybe even the ones that Bilbo meets in The Hobbit.) Gollum abandons them and Sam must rush in to save the day.

And we are left waiting for the third installment of the journey of these characters found in The Return of the King.

I'd recommend this although I have to be honest and say that I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half. It seemed to slow down a lot for me and took me a couple of weeks to finally get through.

Overall, two thumbs up. I'm excited for the third book and to finish the trilogy.

2015 Reading Challenge: Let it Go

2015 Reading Challenge: A memoir
Let it go
Chris Williams
151 pages
Non-fiction

Chris Williams writes of the events that transpired before and after a drunk driver hit and killed his wife, unborn child, one of his three sons, and his only daughter. The author write about how different events in his life helped prepare him for his great trial and how he used the love of Jesus Christ to forgive the teenage drunk driver responsible.

I chose this book because of a Mormon Message I found a while ago about this man and his story. Reading this book made me think of my own life and all that changes I've been through and the trials and how the unexpected loss of my brother affected my life.

This book talks a lot about how Chris William's faith in the Savior Jesus Christ helped him to "let it go" so that he could continue to move forward with his life and allow the young man who made such a fatal mistake find peace. It was an eye opener because I know I so often judge people and think that the mistakes they made a long time ago are who they are now. But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can change and align our will with His. Saying someone can't change is saying that the Atonement is null and void.

Let It Go was a really great book and I would recommend it to all. I think it will help put life into perspective and show how much God is aware of us and guiding us so that we can reach the potential that He put in us even through the hard trials we face in our lives.

I've included the Mormon Message as well... if you don't have time or don't want to cry while reading the book.

Yours,

Chuck

Thirty, flirty, and thriving- On figuring it out

When I was a kid, I always thought that by the time I reached my mid to late twenties everything in my life would be figured out. Honestly, I was sure that by this time I would be married and in the process of starting a family and my husband would be handsome, hard working, and just perfect. I would be a writer and a home maker and our house would always be clean and I'd suddenly overnight know how to cook amazing food for him all the time.

... Guess what...

I ain't got none of that.

I don't know why in my mind, I always thought that my mid twenties were when I would be THERE. You all have your own versions of THERE. Either a physical place, spiritual place, a weight place, a marriage place, a family place. You have a THERE. It's much like in Thirteen going on Thirty when Jenna is so sure that being 30 is so much better than being 13. "Thirty, flirty, and thriving!" As she "lives" her 30s, she realizes that not everything is as wonderful as she thought.

On that note, I'm not saying that my mid-twenties are not as wonderful as I thought they would be when I was a kid. Sure, I'm not where I thought I should be and being a single Mormon in Utah isn't the easiest thing and I'm reaching the age where girls my baby brother's age are getting married and people my age are having babies. But I'm okay.

Because no one ever said that you have to have your life figured out at 25.

It can be awkward when people ask what you are up to and you answer "I'm still trying to figure it out." But let's be honest, do they have their life figured out? Uh... NO!! Just because on the outside it seems like their life is THERE doesn't mean it's so. (Remember, everyone has their own THERE.) This life is meant for continual progression. There are steps that either take us up or down and sometimes we are stuck on the same step for awhile or we keep going up and down.

I'm learning, slowly and painfully, to enjoy the time I have now. I've always spent so much time looking at what's next instead of what's now. College graduation. Mission. Marriage. Babies. But what about the time in between? What if you aren't someone who got married at 20? Or didn't get married less than a year after getting home from your mission? Or don't have a baby until 5 or 6 years into your marriage? Or what if you got a degree and now you don't know if you want to use it or not?

I thought once I graduated college, life would figure itself out. Then I went on a mission. On the mission, I thought I'd come home and life would figure itself out. Then if I moved away from home, it would figure itself out. Or if I got a new job. Guess what guys! Life never gets figured out. AND THAT'S OKAY!!!! It's okay that I'm not THERE yet.

It's okay that at 25, I still have no idea what I'm doing. And that my great american novel is still rolling around my brain waiting for me to write it. As long as I'm continuing in my progression both temporally and spiritually. That's what is important. And as long as I don't give up and never surrender!

So the moral of the story (or this slightly rambling post) is that I'm okay. I may not have that husband yet and the really clean house and I still might not really know how to cook very well but I'm okay. I'm enjoying this time to grow and discover myself and have fun in whatever way I want (as long as it's legal and doesn't break the commandments) like buy myself a TV for Christmas and go to Washington D.C. with a friend and stay up late giggling over guys in the movies with my roommates. I'm HERE. Right where I should be.

My name is Chuck and I'm okay that I'm "still figuring it out."

2015 Reading Challenge: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

2015 Reading Challenge: A book from my childhood

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

Roald Dahl

159 pages

CHARACTERS:

Charlie Bucket

Willy Wonka

Grandpa Joe

Mr. & Mrs. Bucket

Grandma Josephine

Grandpa George

Grandma Georgina

Charlie and company fly around in Willy Wonka's glass elevator after Charlie's tour through the chocolate factory. They end up in space at the Space Hotel, U.S.A. where they meet some strange creatures and help the crew for the hotel escape back to earth. 

Then they end up back at Wonka's chocolate factory, which is now actually Charlie's chocolate factory. There they have some adventures with the three old people still sitting in the big bed they've taken everywhere. They make it through the minor scrapes that prevail and end up with a happy ending. 

Hurray!

I chose this book because my third grade teacher read it to our class. When I found it on my parents' bookshelf at home, I knew I had to read it again. Of course, reading it when I was 8 is very different from reading it as an adult. Although, I remembered a good portion of the book, I thought it was longer and more detailed. I guess that means my imagination took over for the most part. 

It was a really quick and easy read, much like Matilda was, and I enjoyed it. It took me back to my childhood. I would recommend it to those with younger kids to read as long as they know the story of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory because this is the sequel to that story. 

Two thumbs up! 

Yours, 

Chuck 

2015 Reading Challenge: Veronic Mars Mr. Kiss and Tell

2015 Reading Challenge: a book based on or turned into a TV show

Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell

Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham
330 pages

CHARACTERS:
Veronica Mars
Logan Echolls
Keith Mars
Cliff McCormack
Eli "Weevil" Navarro
Leo D'Amato
Mac

The book in which Veronica sets out to solve a case about a rapist... again.

Veronica Mars is recently returned to the private investigating scene and involved again in the seedy underbelly of Neptune, California. So the case: some girl was found in a field nearly dead and raped. Who did it and how did she get there? The hotel that the girl was staying at approaches Veronica about an insurance thing and that gets her started on the case.

Meanwhile, Eli "Weevil" Navarro sues the Neptune Sheriff's office for planting evidence on him and causing him to lose his business and his family in all the legal proceedings. The corrupted Sheriff's department isn't liking all the heat they're getting from the press and the people. This is just an undercurrent to the rather boring rape case that Veronica is dealing with.

In the end, Veronica gets her man in a quite anti-climatic way with the help of some old friends. I mean, I know that real life isn't always narrow escapes and explosions and all that jazz, but it's a book meant for entertainment. I want something exciting to read. And again, another rapist. Isn't this the third one in the Veronica Mars franchise?

It has a happy ending of sorts and the authors (Rob Thomas being the original creator of Veronica Mars) do a really great job at staying true to the characters from the TV show. The dialogue is very spot on. However, I have a couple of reasons why I wouldn't recommend this for others to read. One big one being the unnecessary use of bad language. I may just be in a little Mormon girl bubble or something but honestly, do "regular" people really use the f-word for no good reason in the middle of a normal conversation? Good grief, it's irritating to read. Also, as I mention before, it's quite anti-climatic. It just wasn't an interesting case. I wasn't emotionally involved with the victim or the villain or really even Veronica. It was simply disappointing.

My recommendation: go watch the TV series and the movie that came out last year. It's more interesting. And you get to see this guy:

And that makes it totally worth your time. 

Yours,

Chuck

2015 Reading Challenge: Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring

2015 Reading Challenge: A Trilogy

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien
458 pages

CHARACTERS:
Frodo Baggins (hobbit)
Sam Gamgee (hobbit)
Merry (hobbit)
Pippin (hobbit)
Gandalf the Grey (wizard)
Aragorn/Strider (man)
Gimli (dwarf)
Legolas (elf)
Borimir (man)

We again enter the world of Hobbits and the Shire in the next story by J.R.R. Tolkien. Meet Frodo Baggins, the sort-of nephew of Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit. After Bilbo leaves the Shire, Frodo becomes the keeper of a mysterious and magical ring. It turns out the ring is evil. It belongs to Sauron... the evil eye guy. Who forged it a long time ago and did some really bad stuff and made other people do bad things too. So... he's a bad guy.

Frodo must leave the Shire with the ring so that the Shire and the ring can be kept safe from Sauron. On his journey, he meets many exciting people from elves, dwarves, Tom Bombadil, evil trees. After a council with a variety of people, Frodo becomes the official ring-bearer and the Fellowship is formed with four Hobbits, one wizard, two men, a dwarf, and an elf. The journey begins. It is fraught with peril. Orcs, terrible fire creature things inside the mountains, more orcs, hypothermia (not in that order either). But they press on and we are left at the end, nowhere near a conclusion.

I like the book and I find the characters very interesting. However, my biggest complaint is that sometimes the author takes an entire paragraph long sentence to describe... a hill. And the songs/poems that are sprinkled throughout the text are long and truthfully,  I skipped them a lot. But his use of language is beautiful and quite refreshing to read after the dull drudgery of language found today. I'm excited to read the remainder of the trilogy.

2015 Reading Challenge: Matilda

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with magic

Matilda
Roald Dahl
240 Pages

CHARACTERS:
Matilda
Mr. & Mrs. Wormwood
Miss Honey
Miss Trunchbull
Lavendar

Matilda is born into a pretty crummy family. She's a genius and teaches herself to read as a young child. She gets back at her terrible and neglectful parents with little pranks like making them think their house is haunted and mixing her dad's hair oil with peroxide so he bleaches his hair.

She goes to a school where Miss Trunchbull terrorizes the children and the teachers. Miss Trunchbull is just a mean person. While attending school, Matilda develops powers that allow her to move things with her eyes. Her one confidant is Miss Honey, her teacher. Using her powers, Matilda is able to scare Miss Trunchbull away and Miss Honey becomes the principal. To avoid getting arrested, Matilda's family leaves England and goes to Spain. She is left with Miss Honey who appreciates Matilda's genius.

This book was an easy read because it's for a young audience. I read it in a day. It was fun. I thought I'd read it as a kid but I didn't remember anything about it. I didn't really think Matilda was completely justified in pranking her parents no matter how much they may have deserved it. I think that's my only complaint. It was enjoyable to read, overall.

2015 Reading Challenge: The Moonstone

[I've decided to do a 2015 reading challenge that I found on Pinterest. I thought it would be fun to write my reviews of the book I read here.]

2015 Reading Challenge: A book you started but never finished.


The Moonstone

Wilkie Collins
494 pages

CHARACTERS:
Franklin Blake - the debt-ridden nephew
Rachel Verinder - the young and outspoken cousin
Betteridge - the main houseservant
Mr. Bruff - the lawyer
Lady Verinder - the wealthy aunt/Rachel's mother
Godfrey Ablewhite - the philanthropist cousin
Sergeant Cuff - the detective
Ezra Jennings - the strange and mysterious doctor's assistant
Miss Clack - the evangelical spinster cousin

A precious stone is stolen during a birthday party weekend for Miss Rachel Verinder. She is the recipient of the stone. No one knows who has taken the stone and a detective is sent for from London. Sergeant Cuff leads the investigation but at the end of his visit, there are still no definitive clues as to what has happened to the precious Moonstone.

The book is told from different perspectives which makes it an interesting read. However, it was long. I started it a few years ago before my mission and have finally finished it. It gets kind of boring in parts and runs long in the parts regarding things not related directly to the Moonstone. But it does wrap up quite nicely and there is a happy ending.

It is not for the faint of heart but it was still relatively enjoyable.