A Christmas Carol: An Engaging Journey by Charles Dickens

illustrated by: Jill De Haan

Beautiful illustrations consisting of book quotes painted in script, paintings, and drawings take the reader on a visually appealing Victorian England journey while reading this classic novella. Filled with imagery, unique characters, a rich plot, and depth of meaning full of thoughtful truths, the reader is engagingly immersed in an unforgettable story that has stood the test of time and been adapted numerous times for the theatrical stage, film, and animation. I highly recommend this publication. In addition, biographical information about the author, Charles Dickens, reader discussion questions with some christian perspective included, as well as four classic short stories, by various authors including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are included, and a variety of Victorian Christmas carols are included to bring the book to a delightful end.

Ruth Chou Simons’s beautiful artwork visually and smoothly weaves Bible verses and quotes by Christian leaders into the twenty-five devotionals included in this spiritually encouraging book.  I will re-read and lend out this book to others (currently, my mom is borrowing it), as well as keep it in mind to purchase as a gift when appropriate.  With strong truths and calmingly impactful watercolor illustrations throughout, this treasure is sure to delight and positively influence the reader.  

This strikingly beautifully designed biography focuses on the life of Lucille Ball—AKA Lucy. With “that crazy redhead” among other endearing titles and references like the “Queen of Television Comedy” and the “First Lady of Comedy”, it is easy to see how Lucille Ball got these titles in learning here about her hard work ethic, perfectionism, humility, and loyalty and love to family, friends, fans, colleagues, and up-and-coming female comedians. A.K.A. Lucy: The Dynamic and Determined Life of Lucille Ball captures the reader in this heartfelt, thorough, and smoothly weaved summarization, which includes details and photographs of Lucille Ball’s life (childhood days to her last), as well as her long and vast career. On a personal note of interest in reading this biography, I remember being so dedicated to watching “I Love Lucy” reruns in the 90’s and laughing more at watching them than “Saturday Night Live”. This book enabled me to learn how Lucille and Desi were such trailblazers! Lastly, it is noteworthy to share that this book is officially authorized by the estate of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Owls have been symbols of wisdom, knowledge, and insight for centuries. The nature and habits of owls, as well as various cultural and historical views are topics tackled in this informative non-fiction book. It has been difficult to study and research owls, as owls are often unpredictable, hard to spot due to blending in so well with their environment, and out-and-about at night when it’s dark. However, researchers are using progressive technology, as well as tools and tactics like training dogs to track the scent of owls in effort to learn and understand their brains and behaviors.

I learned some fun facts by reading this book like Bubo is the Latin name for the Eurasian eagle owl and I realized and made the connection that Bubo is the name of the beloved mechanical owl character in the mythological film, Clash of the Titans.  In addition, owls make close to zero noise when in flight, which is rare, since with the majority of birds, the flapping of their wings are very audible.  Jennifer Ackerman has written a very interesting and informative book on owls.  I checked this book out from our local library at no cost and I am appropriately more knowledgeable after reading What an Owl Knows.      

I’ll be back! 

No, this blog is not only about the movies with the cybernetic organism assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor. But it is a book about an Austrian bodybuilder, actor, and governor who started with a drive and a passion to come to the United States to make those dreams come true. 

“Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life”, is an autobiography written by Arnold  Schwarzenegger. He starts with his youth in Austria and his personal experiences are incredibly motivating and inspiring. He expresses the positivity of putting in the hard work and always being useful.

He talks about obstacles and setbacks that set all humans up for success in some shape or form. To push through the naysayers and be optimistic about what your vision is. It is possible if you put enough hard work into it! When roadblocks are in your way, go around, don’t stop, but keep going!

Arnold talks about his movie career that catapulted him to new heights from being a young boy with a  dream from Austria, Acting was his next dream after competing and winning titles in the bodybuilding arena.

Arnold then persevered and won the votes of California to become Governor. This is a huge milestone in his career and personal endeavors. 

This book is really good. It encourages, inspires, and motivates you to make real decisions in areas in your life, that you want to achieve. 

5 Stars

Hasta la vista, baby!

If you like horror movies, history, mystery, and relatable characters, try reading Silver Nitrate. It is a dark suspense novel, which blends Mexican horror movies, additional horror movie references, and Nazi occultism in with a bit of romance. The main character, Montserrat is a sound editor, a woman in a career of mostly men, in 1990s Mexico City. Monstserrat’s best friend since childhood, Tristan, is a used-to be famous soap opera star and he often takes advantage of Monstserrat and her love for him. However, Monstserrat proactively stands up for herself and makes healthier choices in her reactions to Tristan, which is creating positive changes in their relationship.

Interestingly, it turns out that Tristan’s neighbor, Abel Urueta, is a director of cult horror films. Eventually after getting to know Abel better, Tristan and Monstserrat learn that he was involved in the making of a magical movie on silver nitrate film that was never finished. Abel believes he is cursed from the lack of completing the Nazi occultist story. So, Abel seeks the help of Tristan and Montserrat to finish the movie in hopes to lift the curse from his life, but Montserrat and Tristan start to experience ominous occurrences and want to get out of this dark magical development, but the magic and wanting to help along with seeing things through keep driving them to stay involved. Along the way, they learn about themselves and each other, as they try to solve the mysteries at play.

I have read all but one title of Riley Sager’s books and The Only One Left is my favorite up to this point! The Only One Left is a Gothic suspenseful mystery full of twists and turns. Sager’s writing hooked me from the beginning of the book and I did not want to stop reading; I could not just read one chapter at a time. A cliffside mansion on the coast of Maine provides the perfect setting for the majority of the story. The current timeframe is 1983, as the main character, Kit McDeere (with a possible sordid past of her own) is a home-health aide caring for Lenora, who is wheelchair-bound in a decaying mansion years after having been accused of a Lizzie-Borden type massacre. That horrific night took place in 1929 and now, Lenora pecks a message to Kit on a typewriter with her only mobile hand: “It wasn’t me”. With times of trusting Lenora and moments of suspicion, Kit starts to wonder if Lenora may be capable of treacherous and harmful actions. Sager weaves the current storyline with typewritten pages of Lenora sharing about her past through most of the chapters in perfect harmony, which moves the story along splendidly. Complicated family relationships, disappointments, friendships, and romance are also included in this striking new tale. I continue to look forward to Riley Sager’s next book.

“I was spotty, wore an anorak, had biro-engraved flared blue jeans with purple and Sabbath written on the thighs, and rode an ear-splittingly uncool moped. Oh yes, and I wanted to be a drummer…” Bruce Dickinson

I decided to purchase and read Bruce Dickinson’s autobiography book and I am glad I did! Iron Maiden’s legendary frontman, not only a singer but an airline captain, aviation entreprenuer, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, radio presenter, screenwriter and world-class fencer.

This book was bold, honest, intellegnet and funny. Bruce’s memoir captures his early stages in life with univeristies, history, musicianship, and flight.

In this book, Bruce contemplates the rollercoaster of life. He recounts – in his uniquely anarchic voice – the explosive exploits of his eccentric British childhood, the meteoric rise of Maiden, the philosophy of fencing, brutishly beautiful Boeings and firmly dismissing cancer like an uninvited guest.

What Dickinson chooses to share in the book is illuminating, interesting and very entertaining. What you won’t read about is his personal life. While he opens up some about a difficult upbringing  he didn’t live with his parents for the first few years of his life and was then shipped off to a boarding school. There is no mention of wives, relationships or his children. In the afterward, he writes he made a personal executive decision of “no births, marriages or divorces of me or anybody else.”

This is a well-written book that offers more than just a behind-the-scenes look at Iron Maiden. Nice and smoothly written.

Starting our Friday evening early in Newark, Ohio at the Canal Market District (farmers’ market), where fresh produce, flowers, and handcrafted items abound, we relish the beautiful spring weather. By the sight of many smiling faces, everyone is happy to be there. Some of our favorite vendors are the watercolor artist, who also creates little sculptures using wire, paper machetes, and watercolors, various plant and flower vendors, and a dog toy and treats vendor. On a past visit, we had purchased a toy for our little terrier and it’s still one of his favorite toys! In sharing this update with the vendor, she gives us a big smile and is most pleased. Soon, we spot a long line of people, and we see it is for the pickle vendor, which we observe many people in anticipation of their pickles most every visit.

Making our way toward the bookstore next door, we spot a new business called Roots Wellness Bar. Taste testing our selections, my husband decides to purchase a pint of “Beetnik” (beet, carrot, orange, celery, apple, lemon, and ginger) juice. I enjoy a sample of “Sunshine Shot” (pineapple, orange, and ginger). A small portion satisfies me with its rich flavor and strong ginger. The Edison lights, decor, brick walls, and unique jewelry for sale make an inviting space for the customers.

Just a brief stroll away, we step into Kicks Mix Bookstore; a favorite stop for us, as we have become regulars. The friendly staff, lots to see, fantastic deals, creative handmade decor, and playfully curious cats: Edgar Allan Paws and Margarette Catwood, provide a most welcoming environment to guests. Picking up a few stickers and a book, we are satisfied, but one of the owners at the desk kindly and generously gives me a book at no charge after I look through it and share how it’s cool and I thank her for her time, as the 1944 published book is not yet priced. What a nice surprise! As a side note, the owner has a true gift in posting appealing Instagram posts as well. What an enjoyable time in Newark, Ohio; a nice way to start off the weekend.