Book: Dracula

Perfect for the cool, Korean fall! Read most of this on the bus en route to work each and every week day...Almost missed my stop when reading some of the last pages I was so into it ^^

Dracula by Bram Stoker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd fall in love with this book, just thought I ought to read it seeing as it's a classic. I'm not so sure about the whole vampire craze these days but Dracula is a far cry from Twilight (not that I've read them). It was absolutely amazing.

The writing style is absolutely engaging and full of so many voices and perspectives. The strength of the men, the strength of Mina, their relationships with each other were all exquisite and beautiful. I loved each for their personal character and strengths which they brought forth to the task of facing Dracula. And the Count, entirely fascinating on his own right.

I would not hesitate to re-read this classic.

Interesting and Entertaining Bits:

"It seems to me that the further east you go the more unpunctual are the trains. What ought they to be in China?" (Location 52, Kindle)

"Chasing an errant swarm of bees is nothing to a following a naked lunatic, when the fit of escaping is upon him!" (Location 1725, Kindle)

"I comforted him as well as I could. In such cases men do not need much expression. A grip of the hand, a tightening of an arm over the shoulder, a sob in unison, are expressions of sympathy dear to a man's heart." (Location 2771, Kindle)

"For this enlightened age, when men believe not even what they see, the doubting of wise men would be his greatest strength." (Location 5255, Kindle)

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(Typed on Goodreads before being transferred to the blog while finishing an Americano with milk and honey courtesy of Paris Baguette/my cell phone provider).

Book: Half the Sky

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Perhaps one of the most fair, unbiased books I've held in my hands regarding humanitarian issues for which we all should be concerned. I cannot accurately describe how much I enjoyed reading this book, regardless of hard, ugly truths, the authors are consistent in shining a light on that which is hopeful, looking critically at what is failing in foreign aid and offering suggestions yet simultaneously encouraging innovation and flexibility in tackling issues of human rights. I confidently claim, that of all non-fiction books I've read, this is one I would eagerly pick right back up and begin reading again.

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Please read this. Then let's discuss.

Also, hold me accountable. In 6-12 weeks ask me if I am sponsor via Women for Women or not. Please and thank you.

P.S. Sorry I only post book reviews here...I'm trying to think of something else and when I can post something else, I miss releasing myself here, in this space, over a cup of tea.

(Typed having finished a glass of read wine sitting on a fold out couch with a sweet little Lady curled up by my feet)

Book: I Like You - Hospitality Under the Influence

I have a brilliant, beautiful and dear friend who comes up with equally brilliant ideas.

A recent idea is to create a book club amongst women where rather than read books at the same time, each women chooses one book, then sends it on to the next reader at the given time. A traveling books - book club of sorts. I throw off the groove, but my friend has a dear, loving heart and has figured out ways to include me in this adventure.

I chose this book by Amy Sedaris thinking that it would be funny, slightly offensive but enjoyable (I later found out that my friend who had read the book didn't actually feel that positive about the read...oops). Anyway, it's a short read since it's mostly a cookbook...go figure.

I look forward to hearing the other women's thoughts on this book. For now, a few of my own.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It was...not what I expected - in good ways and simply unexpected ways.

There are a ton of recipes in this book which honestly make me happy. Cookbooks bring me joy.

The humor is along the lines of general Sedaris humor, slightly offensive, sarcastic, cynical but still funny. There are legitimately clever tips and ideas mixed among the delectable sounding recipes and clever quips regarding party ideas.

The book is also colorful and filled with photos. Should you have a Kindle or other eReader, I'm not sure this book would be enjoyed as much in such a format. The photos (although occasionally offensive) give the book added character and make it additionally enjoyable to read.

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(Typed while finishing a sweet yellow tea cup -- which is a special reminder of my beautiful friend -- of Korean instant coffee mix ^.^)

Book: The Oak Leaves

The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There are two stories being told in Maureen-Lang's book The Oak Leaves. One in modern-day US (perhaps New York) and one from the late 1800s between Ireland and England. I much preferred the story coming out of Ireland and England and so desperately wanted to get back to that aspect of the novel each and every time the modern day story took the stage. This is not, however, to say the modern day story was not as well written, I simply didn't enjoy the characters to the same degree. The book is written with Christian faith as a central theme alongside the impressions held throughout history regarding people with special needs, in this case Fragile X (which I had not previously heard of).

Bits I enjoyed/highlighted:

"Seeing what's gone before can help us know what to expect from life" (p. 3)

"I have often pondered whether more travel helps us learn about ourselves. I believe it might be true." (p. 169)

"'Happiness follows simplicity.' Perhaps, if I may bend this proverb a bit, happiness follows the simple." (p. 333)

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 Additional thoughts on this book:

I was not too fond of the modern day character's because, honestly, they struggled so much to accept that their child wouldn't be 'normal'. And this, my friends, is most likely a glaring flaw in my ability to understand what being a parent must entail. Or perhaps it's just that, I think about these things. I think about what life will be like if we give birth or are matched to a child with a special need and my heart and mind are convinced we would not hesitate nor question the beauty of their life in ours -- but I know so little in this regard. I suppose people do want perfect children, or healthy children or normal children and that makes all the sense in the world to me. Perhaps, these feelings simply come from the fact that I don't have a dream family, nor do I dream often of our perfect family. (I never had a dream wedding either and was oh-so-thankful when the day came that it was a representation of us rather than my childhood dreams - but that's a prideful soap-box).

So, I don't know. My distaste for the modern day characters is likely judgmental and unfounded. Also, obviously, reveals some pride in my heart regarding how I assume I would face such a challenge. I have no idea what parenting days are going to bring, I'm just continually hopeful that I'll stand strong in the One thing that has proven strong in this life regardless of my pride and naivety.

(Typed with thoughts of boiling water for a mug of green tea with a drop of honey in a sweet yellow teacup)