Saturday, May 01, 2010

It's Official!

I've offically launched my new blog!

After an eight year run here, it's definitely time for something new.  Yes, I will still keep this domain in case I decide there's something decidedly non-bookish I need to blog about, but otherwise look for more regular updates for me in my new blog home:


Thanks to all those who have read, commented on, and joined in my randsanity over the years.  Hopefully you'll follow me in my new endeavor which will include book reviews, literary quotes, discussions on reading and readers, author interviews, and who knows whaat other craziness I will get myself into!

Cheers!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Contemplating

I'm thinking it's time to retire this blog.

That's not to say that I'll give up blogging, but I think it could be time for a new incarnation of my online thoughts.  I'm debating starting a book blog although part of me feels that that may mean an entrance into an overly saturated market.  On the other hand, it would be a somewhat bottomless source of material. 

Blogger Arrow may continue.  I'm sure there will be the day when the odd spot of hilarity inspires me to jot something out.  But then again, I've had a good run here and it could just be time to start fresh with something brand new.

We'll see.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

An Overdue Book...(not from the library)

I've often heard Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone With The Wind referred to as "a classic" or a "must read" book, but before reading it, I wondered if the text had become overshadowed by the iconic 1939 film. Even seeing the title on the cover causes strains of the memorable theme music (Da-DEEE-de-daaaah...) to echo in my head. Though it's been years since I've seen the movie, I wanted to approach the book with eyes that looked at Mitchell's words directly and not see Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in my mind. People that know what a voracious reader I am were shocked and amazed to learn that this was my first time reading the book, but none were surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 

The story is a familiar one, with Scarlett O'Hara as the prominent belle of the south residing in splendor at Tara, her family's plantation. Her easy-going carefree life of balls and barbecues - and her pastime of pining after Ashley Wilkes - is drastically upset by the onset of the Civil War. The epic American conflict is recounted through Scarlett's eyes and the drama of the war is paralleled with the daily struggles of the women left behind struggling to feed themselves and their families. Meanwhile, tangled webs and love triangles are set up as Ashley marries Melanie Hamilton and Scarlett weds Melanie's brother, Charles - leaving Scarlett as sister-in-law to the wife of the man she really loves. Adding to this particular drama, is the dashing figure of Rhett Butler who has an eye for Scarlett's fiery Irish personality which perfectly matches his own.

Through the days of the war, the South's surrender, and the chaos of Reconstruction, Mitchell's novel follows these expertly drawn and fully realized characters as well as a supporting cast that brings the settings and struggles alive. The writing is stirring and emotional with themes of love and loss, and the descriptions are amazingly vivid, bringing balance to an action-filled plot. Scarlett O'Hara is not always a likable heroine but even when the reader disagrees with her actions and despises her motives, there remains something admirable in her gumption and passion for life. Though the film is excellent (I admit that Gable and Leigh were expertly cast, staying true to Mitchell's descriptions) even at four hours of running length it can only scratch the surface of this amazing novel. The depth and detail ensconced in almost 900 pages of text provide a richness to the story that assures Gone With the Wind its rightful place as an American masterpiece. 

Friday, January 22, 2010

Couldn't Have Said It Better...

"Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It's unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don't have to try." - Peggy Noonan

 

I found this quote online this morning and thought it was worth a reflection.  Optimism has always been easy for me, but I know that some people look down on the "always look on the bright side" philosophy and find it irritating if not outright annoying.  And I guess for the most part, I'm better classified as a stoic than an optimist.  I don't believe that everything is always sunny and wonderful.  Some things (earthquakes, cancer, unemployment) are hard to smile about, but stoicism provides the nice cover of knowing that everything will be alright - even if it isn't right now.  But cynicism is one school of thought that I just can't buy into and I think the quote above is a pretty good summation of why.  I think cynicism is too often a surrender to fatalism in the mask of bold, gritty, realism.  Cynics will point out the truth of how messed up the world really is, but what good is embracing that truth without the belief that change is both possible and worth it?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Happy Nerd Year!

I know I never finished the 12 blogs of Christmas, but I thought this was too funny not to post. Not that it's anything that most of you didn't already know....

This was the original Nerd Test that I took a while back,


I am nerdier than 93% of all people. Are you a nerd? Click here to take the Nerd Test, get geeky images and jokes, and write on the nerd forum!


but I was notified that it was recently updated. You'll all be pleased to know that my new title is: Uber Cool Nerd Queen.


NerdTests.com says I'm an Uber Cool Nerd Queen.  Click here to take the Nerd Test, get nerdy images and jokes, and talk to others on the nerd forum!

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

2009: The Year in (Book) Review

Courtesy of LibraryThing.com, here's a cover mash of the 91 books I tagged "Finished in 2009":