We Can READ Again !! ;D

Sometimes a play toy comes along that brings back a blessing in our lives ;D In this case, a Kobo ("book" scrambled ;D ) e-Reader... Our Erik got one for me, RHOnda, for Christmas. I have been a lover of books since I was a pre-toddler ;D. And had had to give up reading because of failing eyes. Here comes e-Reader to the rescue!! I can increase the font several times and read away. One book aloud to TOon daily. (LOVE to read aloud--brings out the actress in me ;D ). And one for my personal enjoyment.

Below is a listing of the books RHOTO has completed together:

"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain

Lots of lessens here... For both the Prince and the Pauper. Also for us, as we discussed every insight. Very surprising to see Mark Twain delve so deeply into British history.


"Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens

As was common in this era, the book was released weekly in a newspaper rag. So, the 53 chapters. Very good book. We got the movie and CD for a joint Valentine's Day gift. Looking forward to sharing same with TOon. It's not so complicated with characters and sub-plots ;/.

This reading time is a very special treat for RHOTO!! We discuss characters, analyse chapters. Revel in the (sometimes lost) thrill of the spoken/written word. (Just ASK us if we "miss" TV. ;D )


We are now beginning...

"Return to Sender" by Julia Alvares

SUPER read!! Learning about a Vermont farm family and the illegal Mexicans who have come to help/save their farm. The story is being told by ten-years old children in each family.


RHOnda has also read:

The next four (4) books are by historian Alison Weir...

"The Lady Elizabeth" by Alison Weir

This is a "historical novel". It is a new direction for Ms. Weir, and I commend her writing stylel; she is a well-honoured historian, so does not run a muck with the fiction part. It's also first of this kind of book that I've ever read. Very nice. Easier reading, not filled with dates and facts like those written below...


"The Children of Henry VIII" by Alison Weir

An historical book. Reads like a phD thesis, in some respects. However, for me--a lifetime avid British monarchy student/buff--was very interesting and thoughtful reading. (Did you know Henry acknowledged four children?)


"The Six Wives of Henry VIII" by Alison Weir

Well, ONE thing I "finally" got straight: annulled, beheaded, died, annulled, beheaded, widow of dead Henry. Oh, the wants, willfullness and scheming to (try to) fulfill Henry's needs.


"The Lady in the Tower--The Fall of Anne Boleyn" by Alison Weir

Now this one is an eye-opener. After all is said and done, this reader concurs with Ms. Weir that Anne was an innocent victim of a (multiple persons) plot to just "get rid of her". May we never see this type of tyranny on British soil again! :O

I am 1/2 English and 1/2 Irish myself, and my two (2) parents, also :O!! It doesn't come "naturally" that a Brit is a Monarchist. But, for me--one who has a passion for history and for many -ology(ies)--these stories held me understand/shape my opinions/understand of who "we" are, where we've come from... and why we are, as we are.

There's lots about being Brit that I am ashamed of. That I have had to question in my personality and my attitudes. That encourages me to become--not a better Brit but--a better worldburger...

700 Sundays by Billy Crystal

This book speaks of the 700 Sundays that Billy Crystal had with his father--before his Dad's untimely death. It's very poignant, reflective, funny. There are ^&*( words. (I broke my forever rule of throwing out a book at the first *. 'Felt there were things to hear, learn, in spite of ^&*(.) I have since sent a copy to a dear friend.


I have just opened:

"A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis

I have also started, half-read, rejected several books. This is a "new idea" for me and actually encourages me to try different types of books.

Only Paid a Pittance or Two...

"The Velveteen Rabbit"... A children's classic that was recommended by RHOnda's Pastoral Services supervisor. "It talks of death, Rhonda". 'Wasn't really impressed with this book. Everything was very believable to RHOTO--who have MANY "stuffed" children, eh!! Except the Fairy... :/

This is an English version of RHOnda's favourite romance/mystery novel. (ONLY post-classic novel I like!). Started reading it to TOny. During our afternoon teatime. I'd like to get a Large Print version as a "keeper" in the Library ;)

ANOTHER Alexandra Stoddard book. ;) "Celebrate your life every day". This is a good "breakfast book". Bits of psycho-babble perhaps, but good thoughts to ponder and discuss along with coffee.

I, RHOnda, am ALWAYS reading several books at a time... Some "new", some repeated re-reads. And you??

RHOnda

Reading for a Pittance...

RHOTO has recently discovered a WONDERFUL source of books!! "www.amazon.ca" This Canadian Amazon site (along with its American sister) offers "used books"--starting at $0.01!! Shipping and handling is always $6.49. We're sure you'all knew all about this ages ago... And now we're tickled to be "with it", too!!

Our neighbourhood library is very small, reflects its French clientele, and has old books. It's very good for French classics, but... Now we are very happy to add these nice, new books to our over-bulging bookshelves:

This oldie-but-goldie sewing classic.

E.B. White wrote "Stuart Little" before "Charlotte's Web". Although the latter is a "better-written" book, the adventures of Stuart Little, small mouse extraordinaire, are highly entertaining!!

Another "treasure" is an Alexandra Stoddard book. RHOnda has several of her many books. They are all very uplifting. Ms. Stoddard is definitely a "sanguine" personality--like our own TOny!!

RHOTO has a few more books "in the mail"!! What fun!! RHOnda loves to read aloud and TOny loves to hear out loud. And this maintains a warm ambiance in our daily lives together. It certainly contributes to the "art of living".

RHOTO

"In His Steps" and "What Would Jesus Do?"

Sharing a very good conversation-making book with TOny... A re-read for me. The original book was written in 1896; the updated version, 1997 by the great-grandson.
In essence, the books ask how would one live if the question, "What would Jesus do?" is thought through/prayed about in each situation. And give examples, in an easy-to-understand, novel way...
These books could also be applied in a non-religious sense--if preferred--looking at the situations as ethic and moral questions to be pondered.
A "GOOD READ".

RHOnda

"Liberating Losses-When Death Brings Relief"

"When someone dies, those left behind are expected to grieve. But, as taboo as it is to admit, not every death brings great sadness... We may be relieved a loved one is no longer suffering; at the other end of the spectrum, we may feel relieved to be free of an abusive or troubled relationship. Either way, the cultural expectation for sadness, loneliness, and despair, when you feel relief, happiness, and even joy, only adds to the guilt and conflict felt by many "relieved grievers". - from the inside cover of the above book. Written by Jennifer Elison, EdD and Chris McGonigle PhD

A very "good read". Very helpful, if you or someone you know "fits" into either category of griever.

RHOnda

Cultural Literacy

RHOTO loves to talk about subjects. To read about subjects. So, I introduced the "A First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy-What Our Children Need to Know" (by 6th grade) (1991) to our breakfast table. It was quickly a big hit. "Let's read more at teatime!" "Let's read more after supper!"
Then I presented "The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy-What Every American Needs to Know" (1988) to the table. (RHOTO's just pretending that this book is marketed for Dutch and Canadian readers ;)

Lots of the same words and subjects, but a bit more detailed, eh. W-E-L-L, we were off!! "Let's look that word up on Wikipedia, too!" "Let's look up the origin of that word under "etymology"!.
We've covered several subjects so far. NOW, we're "on" "Medicine and Health". Do you have ANY idea how many kinds of bugs there are out there and how many odd body parts we have !! ;)
Oh, it's about time for Reading time chez RHOTO ;)

RELI 312 - Justice and Social Conflict in a Globalized World

Yup, it's official... RHOTO is/are Professor Marc Lalonde groupies ;)
Another course with him!! This one covers Exploring Globalization, Religion and Globalization and Islam and Globalization. "How can we comprehend and evaluate the role and meaning of religion in a highly complex, often conflict ridden, globalized world? Does a globalized world augment human freedom, justice and wealth OR does it serve to increase oppression, inequality and poverty?"
Looks like a "winner" course to us!! So, Marc, RHOTO'll be front and centre. Taking notes. Reading assignments and thoroughly enjoying our daily discussions of same. Participating to the fullest of our capabilities!

RHOTO

"A Study in Scarlet" Audio Book

Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887...  I, RHOnda, found this audio book when I was recently in our wee, neighbourhood library.
It--apparently--is THE story that introduces Dr. Watson to Sherlock Holmes.
The mystery is very interesting.  The book is quite strange, in itself...  It is written like a musical score:  "A, B, A".  "A" being the mystery, as it occurs in London, England.  "B" being the history of the murdered and murderer--which, in this case, brings us into the midst of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons in the USA) of that time!  And, Sir Doyle's depiction is not in the least kind.  Then we return back to "A", London for the solving and discussing of the mystery.  It was the "B" part that was mysterious, in itself!

I thoroughly enjoy audio books!!  Not only are they very entertaining, but they also make a better amateur reader (aloud) of me ;)...

Have YOU listened to a good book lately??

RHOnda

PS  RACHE is German for "Revenge"   

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

I, RHOnda, wandered upstairs to the Children's Department at our local public library...  What a WONDERFUL place!!  I could LIVE there!!
They have a wee section of English books--the 1st to catch my eyes was my brother Gregg's, favourite childhood book...  "Charlotte's Web"!!
RHOTO's very much enjoying the story ;).  We're half-way through now...  Wilbur is in--supposed--danger of becoming Christmas dinner and Charlotte says that she's going to rescue him... :-o
DON't tell us the ending, ok!! ;)

What's YOUR favourite childhood book?

RHOnda

"The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

"The Chosen tells of the friendship between two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn at the end of World War II. Reuven Malter is a traditional Orthodox Jew. He is the son of a dedicated scholar and humanitarian. Danny Saunders is a brilliant Hasid with a passion for psychoanalysis. Danny is the son of Reb Saunders, the pious and revered head of a great Hasidic dynasty. The novel examines the tensions that arise as their cultures collide with each other and with modern American society". - summary edited from Sparknotes
RHOTO watched the movie version in our last Religion class (starring Rod Steiger, Robby Benson).  We're 3/4 finished reading the book, on our own.  Rabbi Potok also wrote "My Name is Asher Lev", another book we were introduced to at Concordia University.
We LOVE being students!! ;)

"have a little faith" by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom, as only he can write... We, RHOTO, are big fans of his. This one is a true story. We read a snippet every day. (That's how the book is written.) Each snippet is powerful. To read it through in an afternoon--easy to do--would be to MISS sooo much of the joy and wisdom contained in this book.

HIGHLY recommended!!

RHOTO

RELI 310: Self and Other

Actually, our current course is called "Self and Other: Exploring Value Choices in Personal and Interpersonal Relations"

"This course considers ethical issues arising in the context of personal and interpersonal relations, families and friendships, and health and medical care. These issues are discussed in relation to traditional and contemporary moral perspectives, both religious and non-religious."

- Concordia Undergraduate Calendar

The captioned books are part of our reading material. This is the same professor RHOnda had for "RELI 209: The Religious Imagination" *. He is so fired up and passionate about his subjects. It's really a shame--in RHOTO's view--that young students see these lectures as notes to write down "What is the m-e-a-n-i-n-g of life?" and underline... They are not "getting" his enthusiasm for them to question themselves, not "just" get good grades.

Oh, how fortunate we are to be Non-Credit Senior students--full of our OWN passion and enthusiasm!!

RHOnda

* Tony was at home recuperating from surgery, eh...

"Our" Liana in THREADS Magazine

We PatternReview.com members have known for a long time how talented "Liana"* is--with her Marfy outfits AND beautifully covered shoes. Well, now she's gone international--appearing in the current issue of "Threads" magazine. My copy is on its way... I CAN'T WAIT to see this article!! Aren't Liana's shoes GORGEOUS!! Congratulations, Gal!!

RHOnda

* See Liana's "Sew Intriguing" Blog on sideline...

"A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle

Well, the jury is still out... I have the audio book and a "regular" copy of "A New Earth". It's interesting, it's understandable, it's total non-sense, it's impossible to understand. And, yes, I know it's "new age".

A DEAR friend of mine says it's a must/great read especially for "my case". So, I'm "a-tryin'". (I go to sleep easily listening to it... Don't tell DF, eh!!)

What's YOUR opinion? Have you been exposed to this new philosophy/psychology? (Apparently Oprah is a "big fan"... We don't watch TV.)

Have your opinions/thoughts/actions been changed because of this writing? ;)

I'd LOVE to know!!

RHOnda

"Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo

RHOTO read a small portion of "Les Miserables" in our "The Religious Imagination" class. This excerpt was used to compare Jean Valjean (the main character) with the Old Testament chapter Isaiah 53, "The Suffering Servant". Well, we read just enough at school to whet RHOTO's whistle...

I (RHOnda) went hunting and discovered, to my "chagrin", that the original book is inches thick!! I was happy to round up the only abridged version available Downtown. But, I wonder how much we'll miss by "cheating" this way...

Afterward, I plan to tackle the whole morsel in its original French version.

Have any of our readers read this book? Seen the well-attended play? Thought of comparing Jean Valjean to the suffering Christ? The Bishop to God? We'd love to hear your review!!

RHOnda

"Rebecca" par Daphne du Maurier

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again."
Do many of you, our dear readers, recognize this famous first line?
“Rebecca” is a book that I have adored reading several times throughout the decades. Not only for the wonderful, fascinating story, but also for the extraordinary wording and phrases.
Sooo, when TOny was first hospitalized, I picked up this favourite book—in French. It’s a superb translation!! Such a treat that I only take a wee mouthful at a time—want the pleasure to last and last…
Our TOny/Toon is soundly napping, so I think I’ll indulge myself a bit…

RHOnda

January 19th addition: Do you ever s-l-o-w-l-y read a really good book 'cos you don't want to finish it? And, then, towards the end, you can't put it down?? Well, I've only one (1) chapter left... My eyes are blurry, but, "what a read" "Quel livre!!"

RHOnda

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim!! Ohhhh, and three Ghosts!!!
What a glorious tale Mr. Dickens spun for readers--past, present and future!!
RHOnda is ever-so-happy when reading good literature aloud. This is a "good one", for sure. And, by reading these stories, WE can make the ghosties as scary as we like!! OOOOOOooooooo!!

RHOnda

"I Bafektiondado YOU a Lot!!"

Our newest book is “The Planets” by Dava Sobel. TOny is a lifelong space aficionado*, so this should be “a good one”!! If “Galileo’s Daughter” is any indication of Ms. Sobel’s talents, RHOnda should enjoy another “good one”, too!!

We don’t read aloud every day. ‘Cos there’s also required (very enjoyable!) reading for our Concordia class, too, eh… When we do have Story Time, three (3) of our adopted kids love to join in. Below, frolicking with TOny at KIA--our “know-it-all computer—are (L-R):

“Tiger” (a leopard)
“Minky” (who speaks only in one-syllable words).
“India” (Tiger’s fiancée)

Did we say, “Speaks”?? Of COURSE they speak!! All children know THAT!! They’re also cute as a button!!

Tiger: "Pappy..."

TOny: "Yes, Tiger..."

Tiger: "What's 'bafektiondado"*?

TOny: "Oh.... That means I like it alot".

Tiger: "I bafektiondado YOU a lot!!"

Minky: "Me too! Me tooooo!!"

India: (smiles)

You-all are always welcome to drop in for story time & tea!! We would all bafektiondado THAT!!

RHOTO

"The Wind in the Willows"

We're reading "The Wind in the Willows" now (by Kenneth Grahame). 'Enjoying the adventures/misadventures of Rat, Mole, Mr. Toad and Badger. Ya know, there are a lot of "people" characteristics hidden in these animals ;).
I'm soooo glad that we both like "nice" books!! They're as good as hugs for medicine. TOny's getting better with each page!!

RHOnda

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Although I, RHOnda, have read this book many, many times at an earlier stage of my life, RHOTO re-discovered it recently.

We have a daily, official gathering of the RHOTO clan (including India, Tiger and Minky--3 of the 20-something adopted, stuffed animals which live in our home).

I do the reading because TOny and the other stuffed animals have poor eyesight. The clan assures me --over and over again--that I'm an accomplished "actress" and, therefore, a spell-binding reader!! Oh my!!

All of us have chosen our favourite "Little Woman" from amongst the four. There is one (1) character in the book who has received two (2) nominations--"Jo", short for Josephine. Let it be known, though, that all four (4) characters are adorable, each in their own way.

The story plot was based upon the author's own family life. Miss Alcott is undoubtedly reflected in the character of "Jo". In reading this book, we can taste, smell, hear and see the "quality of life" and "simplicity of living" in that era and in that place.

RHOTO will be the richer for having "Little Women" in our lives.

RHOTO