AndiLit.com » 2008

June 30, 2008

The Tudors

So does anyone else watch this Showtime series besides me? I get it on Netflix, and I am loving it in terms of entertainment and because it’s reminding me of my studies. However, I feel like they are taking some historical liberties that might do more harm than good. For instance, I always was taught and believed that Henry divorced Catherine of Aragon because he did what he wanted and because he wanted more independence from the Pope – hence Protestantism (note – I could be very wrong about my understanding). The show, however, is making it seem like he asks for a divorce mostly because he is deeply in love with Ann Boleyn. What do you guys think about this? (One other note – I have not even finished the first season of the show, so it’s possible that these things will come to light – so please forgive me for being so excited that I could wait to post after I’d seen more of the show.)
Has anyone read The Other Boleyn Girl? What does it have to say about this idea, if anything?

The show – even if historically questionable – is gorgeous. The actors are beautiful, and the costuming is amazing. I wish, when I’m not thinking about the realities of showers and dirt during this time, that I lived there so I could look that amazing. Of course, this would depend on me being a of royal blood, and the rumors that my grandmother liked to spread about our family being descended from Charlemagne not withstanding, I probably would have been a commoner.

Anyway, the show is good fun (if a bit racy) and I really am learning a lot – or being reminded of what I did learn.

Please share your thoughts about this show, this time in history, or about the media’s responsibility to show accuracy vs give entertainment.

$Catherine of Aragon from Showtime\'s The Tudors$
Catherine of Aragon – Given what’s happening to her in the show at the point where I’m watching, I felt she needed a little extra attention today. And isn’t she beautiful?

Filed by Andi at 7:18 am under Uncategorized
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Read-A-Thon Wrap-Up

First, many thank yous to everyone who organized – Dewey and her crew, who cheered, and who donated to Reading is Fundamental in honor of this read-a- thon. I had a real blast participating, although having kittens makes it hard to concentrate (as I’m sure the wise among you anticipated when I said I was doing both the read-a-thon and adopting kittens on the same weekend – what is that phrase about hindsight?).
Here’s my thoughts in wrap-up, using the questions that Dewey so wisely crafted.
1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
I really had a hard time in the evening. I just get to sleepy, so I would say that by 10-13th hours were toughest. But then I went to bed, so things seemed brighter in the morning.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
I really liked reading short stories, so I would suggest “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” by Sherman Alexie and “A Small Good Thing” by Raymond Carver.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Somehow if we could figure out a way to coordinate times with something other than “Hour ?” that might make things easier. I know that’s tough with the various time zones, but I really had a hard time keeping up with what hour it was – part of that is my fault of course since I started earlier.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I thought the mini-challenges were amazing and easy to find through your blog, Dewey. Plus, I thought the cheerleading really helped.

5. How many books did you read? Alas, I only read one entire book. I did listen to a lot of an audio book, and I read a lot of short stories – but only one book.

6. What were the names of the books you read?
The Book of Old Houses by Sarah Graves

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Obviously, that would have to be the one I read (;)) But I did enjoy it very much.

8. Which did you enjoy least?
Nothing – I liked everything I read, surprisingly.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
NA

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Oh, I”ll be here next time as a reader, and perhaps a Cheerleader, too.

Thanks, Dewey. Really.

Filed by Andi at 7:03 am under Book Recommendations
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June 29, 2008

Mini-Challenge – Photos

So this may be my last mini-challenge, but it’s one I love. Eva has asked us to post photos, so here are my favorites from flickr today.

“Speak Up for Peace by *Honest*

Peace Fire by Jennifer
“Peace Fire” by Jennifer Experanza

“Peace on Earth” by Zyber

“Dawn of Peace” by Tirau Dan

May the rest of this day bring you great peace.

Filed by Andi at 7:21 am under Uncategorized
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Update – 9am

Finally, a book finished!! Yahoo. I just finished up Sarah Graves’ The Book of Old Houses, and it was quite good. There a few places where the writing slips and a couple of things left unresolved – but overall it’s quite good.
It’s a mystery, so the basic plot is that a book dealer who specializes in ancient books is murdered. His friend comes to Eastport, ME to figure out who murdered him, led to the town by the old book the the narrator, Jacobia Triptree, has found on her property and sent to the murdered book deal to be authenticated. The story unravels from there, as any good mystery should, with plot twists, and subplots . . . all very good.
The narrator’s voice was my favorite part – sarcastic, aserbic, and honest – great qualities in a woman, at least for me. The plot was steady – not breakneck and not too slow – great for a prolonged read that is enjoyable. The setting is gorgeous; I”m dying to go to Eastport now. And the case of characters, including two dogs and a cat named Cat Dancing, are great. Good stuff all round. . .

Off to a quick shower and then more reading for my last hour. Hope you’re all doing well.

Filed by Andi at 7:10 am under Uncategorized
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