When I first read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" the allegory went totally over my head and I loved the series. When I tried to re-read it as an adult, I was baffled that I missed that allegory and it completely ruined the book for me. I felt beat over the head with Jesus. (Little Women was another one that felt way too Christian-y as an adult.) One book that has held up as an adult is "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." That remains my favorite, no matter how many times I read it.
Another favorite is "The Long Winter," by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read it every year on the first real snow. Though I will say that it's a different experience as an adult. As a kid, I thought that bean broth sounded delightfully comforting. As an adult, all I can think of is poor Ma, trapped in a cold house with all those kids, all winter.
Speaking of moms... happy birthday, Brooke's mom! I hope you'll share her finished bear with us!
Pistachio Turkish delight is the most common and my least favorite. The rose one is best! I love it. I had it for the first time in grade 5 and it felt so magical!
I have re read this one book several times over the years and each time I learn more. It's a very sad book called "and I don't want to live this life" by Deborah Spungen. It's a true story about a child with mental illness in the 50s. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it... as it will sit with you for a long long time after.
In regards to your sadness, a poet named Josie Balka has a spoken word piece on instagram all around how spring makes her feel sad. It's beautiful, I would recommend listening to it! I'll link it below, but hopefully it'll make you feel less alone in your sadness when looking upon those magnolia blossoms.
My job is not as much fun as a video game, but on good days, it's a lot more fun than jobs are generally thought to be. I'm in a sad mood these days too; maybe I need a new book, or an old book to re-read. I hope your sad mood passes quickly, Brooke.
I don't think my grown daughter knows about the allegory of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and I'm not going to burst that bubble. I laughed out loud (literally) at your comment re the editor of We We Very Young. I have re-read The Dollmaker by Harriet Arnow a number of times. And Now We Are Six thousands of times. It was the first book I ever read. I still have it 75 years later.
Oh my gosh I love The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing! Reread that a few years ago. I’m generally terrible at rereading but am trying hard to change that. I forget how much I forget, y’know?
I am TOTALLY reading that book! Half way through, no spoilers please. I’m on the third checkout from the library, 21 days is never enough for me ~ I also need 12 years I guess. Ha!
A book I reread every year: Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins. Come to think of it, it has a lot of similarities with your work! That is to say, I think you might like it. :)
I very rarely if ever get second meanings in books (that’s something I’ve not voice out loud). Or films to be honest. I can if someone says ‘hey that was about x’ but without the pointing, I can’t see it. My brain is literal?
I get the feeling sad when the flowers come out in the spring. It’s not so bad for me right now (thanks meds and therapy!) but sometimes when my mood is still wintery it feels so naive and innocent and hopeful and absolutely doomed.
When I was a kid I read and reread some of the 19th century classics, e.g. little women, a little princess, secret garden. Ditto the little prince. Starting in high school I reread jane Eyre multiple times, and also A Room of One’s Own.
I read much more contemporary fiction now and the classics can feel so dated. Books I’ve read cover to cover at least twice in my adult life: Parakeet by Helene-Marie Bertino, Sabrina and Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, The Time-Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. There are several other contenders for rereads, but there’s also a never-ending TBR and I’m not as voracious a read as I once was. Also, I absolutely love Turkish delight so you can send it over 😉
When I first read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" the allegory went totally over my head and I loved the series. When I tried to re-read it as an adult, I was baffled that I missed that allegory and it completely ruined the book for me. I felt beat over the head with Jesus. (Little Women was another one that felt way too Christian-y as an adult.) One book that has held up as an adult is "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." That remains my favorite, no matter how many times I read it.
Another favorite is "The Long Winter," by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read it every year on the first real snow. Though I will say that it's a different experience as an adult. As a kid, I thought that bean broth sounded delightfully comforting. As an adult, all I can think of is poor Ma, trapped in a cold house with all those kids, all winter.
Speaking of moms... happy birthday, Brooke's mom! I hope you'll share her finished bear with us!
Brooke... I look forward to your newsletter each week.
It's become a highlight for me.
Sometimes I belly-laugh; other times my eyes leak as I miss my scruffy-dawg, Rosie - Kip reminds me of her (in all the best ways).
Thank you for being you.
Rusty 🥰
Pistachio Turkish delight is the most common and my least favorite. The rose one is best! I love it. I had it for the first time in grade 5 and it felt so magical!
I have re read this one book several times over the years and each time I learn more. It's a very sad book called "and I don't want to live this life" by Deborah Spungen. It's a true story about a child with mental illness in the 50s. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it... as it will sit with you for a long long time after.
In regards to your sadness, a poet named Josie Balka has a spoken word piece on instagram all around how spring makes her feel sad. It's beautiful, I would recommend listening to it! I'll link it below, but hopefully it'll make you feel less alone in your sadness when looking upon those magnolia blossoms.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4hPG4treK5/?igsh=MXAxbGpoaXdtaWZvcA==
My job is not as much fun as a video game, but on good days, it's a lot more fun than jobs are generally thought to be. I'm in a sad mood these days too; maybe I need a new book, or an old book to re-read. I hope your sad mood passes quickly, Brooke.
Expectation of Turkish Delight vs. reality the one time I was able to try it, did not match up. Thumbs down.
I think that video game article just convinced ME to quit my job.
Broooke. You're so good at what you do.
I don't think my grown daughter knows about the allegory of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and I'm not going to burst that bubble. I laughed out loud (literally) at your comment re the editor of We We Very Young. I have re-read The Dollmaker by Harriet Arnow a number of times. And Now We Are Six thousands of times. It was the first book I ever read. I still have it 75 years later.
Oh my gosh I love The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing! Reread that a few years ago. I’m generally terrible at rereading but am trying hard to change that. I forget how much I forget, y’know?
I am TOTALLY reading that book! Half way through, no spoilers please. I’m on the third checkout from the library, 21 days is never enough for me ~ I also need 12 years I guess. Ha!
A book I reread every year: Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins. Come to think of it, it has a lot of similarities with your work! That is to say, I think you might like it. :)
I very rarely if ever get second meanings in books (that’s something I’ve not voice out loud). Or films to be honest. I can if someone says ‘hey that was about x’ but without the pointing, I can’t see it. My brain is literal?
Three letters, one word, the answer to it all…
Coo…
I get the feeling sad when the flowers come out in the spring. It’s not so bad for me right now (thanks meds and therapy!) but sometimes when my mood is still wintery it feels so naive and innocent and hopeful and absolutely doomed.
When I was a kid I read and reread some of the 19th century classics, e.g. little women, a little princess, secret garden. Ditto the little prince. Starting in high school I reread jane Eyre multiple times, and also A Room of One’s Own.
I read much more contemporary fiction now and the classics can feel so dated. Books I’ve read cover to cover at least twice in my adult life: Parakeet by Helene-Marie Bertino, Sabrina and Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, The Time-Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. There are several other contenders for rereads, but there’s also a never-ending TBR and I’m not as voracious a read as I once was. Also, I absolutely love Turkish delight so you can send it over 😉
I was a bit bummed when I realized who Aslan was a stand-in for in the Narnia books. : (
Books I re-read (but not very recently): Little Women and Pride and Prejudice. Both held up well.
I LOVE Turkish Delight! The classic rose flavoured one with bits of pistachio in it is my favourite!