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