The Start of War

The first thing I have to comment on is the style in which Martin wrote this. It is very easy to follow. I don't feel overwhelmed by an overabundance of detail. Now the abundance of characters on the other hand, wow. If I thought I had a lot of characters on my own works, or the ones with Katie and Mandy, I clearly had yet to read Game of Thrones (and let's face it, we all know the likeliness of me reading Tolkein is pretty slim).

Despite the number of characters I was most interested in three of them. Dany, Jon, and Arya. To me their stories have a lot to offer. Dany had my attention because you really see a growth in her. She starts out meek and subservient to her brother, who is a total tool, and grows into a strong woman. Even after the tragedy she is put through, she gains even more strength when she gets her dragons.

Now, Jon and Arya. I really loved the dynamic between the two of them at the start of the book. it was very obvious that Arya looked at Jon as her brother and not the bastard her mother saw. Due to that connection it was sad when they were separated to go their own ways. Ned did a great job with the two of them. They are both warriors, though Arya has being female against her in that retrospect. Based on what I have seen Jon go through at the Wall, I'm predicting he will be a great leader. The only way to find out is to keep reading the series. And for Martin to finish writing it, haha.

I enjoyed the set up to the series a lot. It is definitely going to be dramatic. The character that I think bothers me the most right now is Lysa (is anyone else pronouncing it Lisa in their heads?) She's just a couple knocks shy of sanity I think. Plus the fact that she is breastfeeding her 4 yr old just bothers me. It seemed to me Caetlyn was in for a rude awakening when she saw her sister.

What did everyone else think of the book?

Random Thought to Share

Okay, so right now Robert and Ned are talking. Aerys Targaryen is called the Mad King. Does anyone else find themselves wanting to know why he is called the Mad King? Of course it may have been discussed earlier and I missed it, but I noticed that my attention gets caught by the small statements. Do any of you find yourselves doing the same thing??

An Intricate Web of Entanglement

So, not being very far into the book I have to say my attention has been captured really well. I'm curious to know how everything is going to play out. There's such a web of complexity in this that is going to be fun to read. I'm also very glad for the Appendix in the back of the book so I can see what's going to happen.

Dude! I just have to say, I am so glad Bran didn't die! I don't know what's going to happen to him yet, but I just had such a sense of foreboding when he was climbing around the roofs and the stories of everyone trying to convince him not to.

Oh, and I want a direwolf now, hahaha.

The game has begun

Allyssa and I were talking about Game of Thrones yesterday and how we're both glad this wasn't written like Lord of the Rings.  I love how George R. R. Martin wrote and formatted this book to be about the characters and how each chapter gives us insight to a specific character.  This makes the book very enjoyable to read because I can connect to the characters. 

The prologue was very gripping and I'm wondering how this will come to play later in the book especially when Jon goes to join the Watch.  I want to know more about the Others and what exactly they are.

I know a couple of people have wrote on how Jon Snow is one of their favorite characters but along with Jon I also love Arya.  I love the relationship these two have and how close they are even though they are only half siblings.  Arya refers to Jon as her brother and not her half brother like Sansa. I am curious what path Arya will take since she is such a tomboy and takes after her father.  I feel for Arya's situation because I think most of us can relate - we're expected to play a certain role that we don't really fit into.  

The part of the book that breaks my heart is Bran.  He is so young and I hate that he was pushed off the ledge.  There is no mercy even for children in this world.  I hope he wakes up so he can at least tell what he saw with the queen.  I agree with Amanda about liking how the children take a big role in the story.  This world is harsh and the children have to grow up fast.  Sansa is eleven and is possibly going to be engaged soon.  Bran saw a man executed which in our world we would shield our children from.  It is important to see the children because it shows the upbringing they have and the way of life in this world.  

My other favorite character is Daenerys.  I am curious to see what happens with her marrying the barbarian Khal Drogo and her relationship with her brother.  I haven't watched the TV show but I did see a feature on it and I can't wait to see Daenerys grow stronger as a character and as a woman.

When you play a game of thrones you win or you die...

So far I have learned three things from Game of Thrones:

1. Winter is coming
2. Winter is coming
3. Tyrion Lannister is the best character in this book

From the opening scene in this book you can already tell that this world is going to be a hard one. People aren't going to be running around with unicorns, falling in love with handsome princes, or frolicking with fairies. This is a hard world to live in, and the characters reflect the nature and cut throat attitude of the world they inhabit.

As someone who adores the show I cannot help but make the connection between the book and the screen. I find that the dialogue is almost word for word in some scenes, and I feel like I can imagine more elaborate and gorgeous scenery. Unlike most authors George R. R. Martin had a lot of say in the production and casting of the show, and his input is taken into account when shooting began on season 1.

Most of the characters in the book are a lot younger than they are portrayed in the show. Daenerys Targaryen is one of those characters, in the show it seems less shocking when she is married off to Khal Drago.

One of the hardest scenes I have had to read so far is when Joffrey asks for the slaughter of Sensa's dire wolf, Lady. It broke my heart, especially when Ned Stark agrees to end her life instead of one of Joffrey's henchmen. I found it so touching that the other dire wolves sensed her death when they came to her grave in Winterfell. It was just as brutal in the show as well, but not as in depth.

I have already picked out my favorite characters as well: Tyrion Lannister (of course), Jon Snow, and Daenerys Targaryen. I think that all of these characters are the strongest willed, and try to be the most righteous, even if they have their own agendas.

It is very hard to read this book knowing what is going to happen at the end of it, but I am loving the scenes that weren't adapted to the screen. I feel like I am being introduced to a whole new story where gaps may have been missing, which I am enjoying immensely.

This is one of those epic novels that I know I am going to want to read the sequels to, Martin may be a stubborn author, but he knows how to create a world I want to explore.

Welcome to a character laden world--Love it!

"Remember this, boy. All dwarfs may be bastards, yet not all bastards need be dwarfs." 

Tyrion Lannister

I decided I couldn't wait anymore to do my first post. And since I am way past our first checkpoint, I decided I wouldn't talk about many of the characters, plot or story line but rather the format, story structure and the various points of view. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone and am hoping y'all are enjoying the book as much as I am.

I love the way everything is structured. These chapter glimpses into characters are wonderful. Especially when there are so many characters involved and crucial to the story. You all know I am a fan of characters. The more the merrier in my opinion, as long as there is a point to them being there. I think things would be so confusing without each characters point of view being capsuled, so to speak, in their own chapter. This way you really get to hear that character's voice and have a chance to really get to know each character individually. Meaning that less then one hundred pages in, I had characters I already loved and several that I hope get taken and tortured by the Others.

Many Sci-Fi/Fantasy books don't involve children but I am so glad many of Martin's key characters are fourteen and under. It is interesting seeing them in adult like roles. I believe from a young age a lot was expected of them and that is reflected in their voice. They don't talk like children but rather young adults. And from what I get, they are considered adults at a younger age and are expected to except their duties whether they want them or not. I am excited to see how each of the children grow through out the course of the book and possibly the series if I continue on.

So, if the opening quote wasn't enough to give it away, Tyrion Lannister has been my favorite character from the get go. Jon is a close second. What can I say? I love the underdog! Tyrion is comfortable with the curve life has thrown at him and he doesn't allow anyone to bring him down. And when he counsels,  he actually gives good advice. Not in just the context of the book, but for the reader as well. I am excited to watch his journey unfold and hope the author keeps him around for as long as possible.

Do y'all have a favorite character so far? Believe me there is a lot to chose from!

Oh and btw ... "Winter is Coming."

Book vs Movie: What Dreams May Come

I have to agree with Amanda - the movie is so good!  I think the movie had everything I felt was missing from the book.  It showed the back story of Chris and Ann before Chris's unexpected death.  It also took care of something that was bothering me with the book - the kids.  If I was in Ann's place, I could not leave my kids no matter their age. I would see them as an extension of my husband and of course, I love them and I don't want to abandon them.  But in the movie this is resolved with the kids dying in an auto accident.  While this is really sad in the movie, I think it helps with understanding why Ann commits suicide.

I also liked that Chris could create his world right away.  In the book, I wanted Chris to experience more and not just have Albert tell Chris how everything works.  The book was written in first person and I wanted Matheson to utilize that more.  In the movie it was awesome that everything in Chris's world started out as paint.  I also liked that Ann was impacting his world with her paintings since they were soul mates.

I feel the differences made for the movie actually helped the story including Chris's job, Ann's paintings, and the role of the children. This would be one of the rare occasions where I would say the movie is better than the book.

Death: A New Beginning

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

LAO-TZU, Tao Te Ching

  So the journey is over, we have gone to heaven, travelled through hell and managed to come out on the other side. And here are my thoughts: I prefer the movie. I know it is rare for a hardcore book lover to choose the movie over the book but the movie, in my opinion, really is better.

Matheson is an excellent writer and I do enjoy his story telling and descriptions. But I agree that the characters did not have the emotional depth I needed in order to care and be really interested in what was happening to them. I feel like the story could have been expanded which would have allowed for more character development. But at the same time, due to Matheson's writing style and the point of view he chose to write in, I understand logically why he didn't write it starting with Chris "living." Chris's death was sudden, unexpected and confusing. And I am sure that is how Matheson wanted the reader to feel as well. But I have always preferred a little back story.

Despite being a little disappointed in the character part, I still enjoyed the love story. And I am glad it was very similar to the movie. Not only because it is my favorite part, but in today's stories most male characters are not willing to eternally die for the women they love. They are all trying to find ways to live forever. I find Matheson's idea to be a refreshing take on the love story.

So, when all is said and done, this is a book that I am happy to own but will set on my shelf till I feel like taking the journey again. Which isn't going to be anytime soon. As I read the last few paragraphs, I got the feeling that one of the purposes of this book was to push the reader's personal boundaries and comfort zone. Which, at least for me, it accomplished. Because as much as I felt enlightened during certain parts, like Chris's verbal Thank You Note, there were other parts that just made me feel bleh, uncomfortable and at some points a little angry. And I am glad to know that despite the love/hate perspective it seems most of us have with the book, at least one thing was the same: It made us all feel.

Kudos, Matheson. Kudos.

All of us have a path to follow and the path begins on earth.

I always hate giving bad reviews to a book, mostly because I know that there are other people who enjoyed it and don't want to rain on their parade. But I will admit that this isn't a technically a bad review, it's one of those things (similar to Katie's stance) where I don't hate the book, but I didn't love it either.

I was hesitant to read this book, I have seen the movie and I loved it, I felt the imagery was so breathtaking and amazing. It really portrayed the hardships that Chris went through to save Annie, you felt like you were on that journey with him. So of course I didn't want to ruin it, and I was going on a long trip, and the last thing I wanted to read about was death.

What happens after we die is that age old question that never goes out of style, religions all over the world have some sort of belief in what is next for your soul. This book is basically Matheson's look at what the afterlife is like in his eyes, and he believes that what we think, dead or alive, will make a difference in how we live our afterlife. And the life you had before death.

And woven in between it all was a love story between two people, Chris and Annie. I have to say mad props to the author, unlike most love stories these days I didn't want to roll my eyes at the sappiness and unbelievable romance. I mean what can be more romantic than a man who would give up an eternity in Heaven to save you from the depths of Hell.

I do think that at times Matheson went a little overboard in the description of everything going on. That is what kind of makes me not like this book, I do think that creating imagery is a good thing, but I don't need eight different descriptions of one rock. Personally I think the afterlife has too many rules and regulations, I figured it would be an exciting and fantastical place. But that is how he sees it, and I didn't write a book on the afterlife, so I guess I can't complain.

I cannot help but compare this to the movie Wristcutters: A Love Story. That too is set in the afterlife, one that is reserved for people who have committed suicide. Granted it is a dark comedy of sorts, but I found the afterlife to be a place of ones choosing, and a far better narrative on what could or could not happen after we die.

So again, I didn't necessarily hate the book, it had its good moments, but I don't think i'll be adding to my favorites list any time soon.

What Dreams May Come Finale

Okay, so!

This is definitely one of our shorter reads, and as such it seems to punch a good powerful wham at you from the get go. I do really like Chris going to Hell to save Ann. I also love how he sacrifices Heaven and chooses to stay in Hell with Ann. For me I think the most powerful part was when he gave her a verbal Thank You Note. It made Ann really see him in state she was in and it showed how much he loved her. Telling her everything that she did and thanking her for it was very beautiful.

I had a hard time getting through the beginning, though not for the same reasons as Katie. It just freaked me out. His inability to accept his death was just....freaky. He was stuck and unable to move on because he couldn't see the fact that he had died despite everything showing that he had.

I really like Albert and his constant understanding of everything Chris was going through. His knowledge of Summerland and other areas was pretty great considering he probably hadn't been there nearly as long as others. I had to admit, when he said the seasons didn't change at all, I could only think, "What about snow?" Luckily Chris asked the question for me or I'd still be dwelling on it, lol.

This is my final post for the book :-) And I wanted to get it done before surgery, so go me! :-D

My Amazing What Dreams May Come Final Post

I have mixed feelings about What Dreams May Come. I don't dislike the book but I don't think it's one I would re-read. There are aspects of the book I like and I think Matheson is an excellent writer.  Here's the breakdown:

What I liked:

First person perspective was a necessity for this book, and I think Matheson does a good job with Chris' perspective and describing what is happening in the afterlife.

I love the flashbacks with Chris and Ann and seeing their love and understanding why they're soul mates.    Once the book got to where Chris is going to descend into Hell to rescue Anne, this is when I got really interested in the book because I wanted to know if he would succeed.  

What I didn't like:

As I discussed in my first post, the first part of the book was really hard for me to read.  Being married, it made me think about what it would be like losing Nathan.  I think I would've like the book more if it didn't lead off with such a sad beginning.  It might have been better if there had been more scenes with Chris, Ann, and the kids before Chris died so that I would have felt more connected with Chris and Ann.

I will be honest, it was hard for me to wrap my mind around this version of Heaven/Hell since it is not what I personally believe.  I know this is fiction but I think I lost interest in it.  Like I said before, I got interested in the story more when Chris went to save Ann.  There are parts of the book where Albert or someone else in Heaven is just feeding Chris information about the afterlife and the more character driven parts were what I liked.

A Brief Thought

So, having read through Losing Ann Again, I'm very interested in seeing how Chris deals with Heaven. I love his fascination with everything, and at the same time I'm intrigued by how much he worries about Ann. The dreams he has while he "rests" is scary when he realizes they don't end the way they did when he was alive. The descriptions Albert gives us makes me super curious about this world. I'm looking forward to seeing how things unfold.

Love.

If love lives through all life; and survives through all sorrow; and remains steadfast with us through all changes; and in all darkness of spirit burns brightly; and, if we die, deplores us for ever, and loves still equally; and exists with the very last gasp and throb of the faithful bosom--whence it passes with the pure soul, beyond death; surely it shall be immortal!

WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY

I was very anxious to choose this book since it is one of my all time favorite movies. I was afraid that since I enjoyed the movie so much, everything would be ruined if I found out that the two where very different. There are significant changes among them right from the beginning. But all those differences are easily overlooked because what I love about the movie seems to be as equally strong a theme in the book: what true love can endure.

Now, I have never thought of myself as a romantic. And my idea of love is often vastly different then those around me. Because for me love is shown through sacrifice and sacrifice is only unselfish when done OUT OF love. Love and Sacrifice are interchangeable for me I guess. Which makes me something of an oddity I suppose. And a fan of stories where loves is tested and made to endure endless trails before there is rest. Which luckily for me, What Dreams May Come is.

I adore how devoted Chris and Ann are to each other. How it is impossible to think of one without the other because only together are they whole. It is something that even their daughter remarks on in a letter. I envy her for being a witness to that kind of love. Where even outside the bedroom the pair were making love; with a look, a kiss or a still, holding embrace. That is my type of "romance." Natural, soft and unquestioning to the outside world but deeply felt and guarded within the soul.

I look forward to trailing behind Chris as he goes on this journey, with Ann ever on his mind and within his heart. And my only hope is that their love is strong enough for the trails ahead.

A Sad Beginning

I will be honest, it was hard for me to read this book when I was pregnant.  This book is about losing a spouse and of course being pregnant I was very emotional.  I just started reading it again and my emotions are more under control.  The first section of the book is about heartache and struggle.  First Chris is struggling to stay alive and then in death he is struggling to understand what is happening and  to communicate with his wife, Ann.  Chris is seeing all the sadness over his death - at the hospital, his funeral, and his family's life afterwards - and all the while he is watching Ann's heartache over his death.  Everything he is experiencing is painful and he is helpless to reassure his family he is with them. While the concept of the book is interesting, it was hard for me to get through this section.

I am curious, would you stick around after death like Chris?  After reading Chris' account, I wouldn't want to but I think I would have the same reaction as Chris with being confused as to what is happening and denying that I had died.

A Whole Turned to Halves

First I have to say, I took notes on this section. I wanted to give a good thorough thought to how eerily beautiful and hauntingly this has started out. The way he's described his death and how he has allowed himself to become stuck in a spirit form was really well written. There were a couple times I had to force myself to continue because I was visualizing much more than I really wanted to. Similar to Shelley's Frankenstein. I will forever creep myself out with the line, "He left to gather the parts." It shows how you can say so much with so little.

No, all my notes and thoughts went out the window when I got to Marie's letter to Wendy. The incredible perceptiveness of this child toward her parents is amazing. While most children don't want to acknowledge their parents have sex (I raise my hand in this crowd), Marie thinks it's wonderful. The way she described her parents has made me want to sit back and look at my own parents more carefully. I've made the comment to them once that I firmly believe that when one of them dies, the other won't survive long. I know they love each other that much. I don't know that I could describe my parents' love for one another with the intensity that Marie describes Chris and Ann's. It's absolutely beautiful.

Of everything that Matheson described so well, Marie's letter stood out for me the most. It was very beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. With everything described so well in the first part, I'm almost very curious to see how the rest of the book goes.

And a new journey begins ....

"Soul mates. It's extrememly rare but it exists. Sort of like twin souls tuning into each other. Apparently even in death."

I figured since What Dreams May Come is one of my favorite movies it was time to read the book it was based on. Hopefully I will love it just as much, if not more and y'all will enjoy it as well.

Final Thoughts of a Wonderful Journey

I've said it several times and I'll say it one more time: I loved this book. Everything that Goldman put in it for us to feel the life of a Geisha was fantastic. It's amazing how intricate and time consuming the lifestyle is. When Sayuri said how little sleep they get it made me think of my time in college, but I eventually got a break from it. She never did. Or wouldn't have if the war hadn't hit Japan.

I have to admit that I found myself rooting for Nobu for a good part of the book. I really wanted to see him come out on top. He was a hard man, but it was obvious that he was straight-forward and did actually care about her in some way. I was really surprised when Sayuri found out that the Chairman was ultimately responsible for her success as a Geisha. It seems that their fateful encounter had a large impact on them both.

Pumpkin garnered most of my sympathy. Even when she tried to screw Sayuri over by revealing her to the Chairman, I still found myself pitying her. Out of all the characters I think Pumpkin was the main victim. She was a pawn for Hatsumomo to use against Sayuri in an attempt to keep her down, which ultimately failed. When she does aim to screw Sayuri over we see how smart she truly was. Though that action really helped save Sayuri from a fate that was terrifying to her.

This is definitely a book I am going to keep. I can see myself rereading it again in the future :-)

Wonderful pick, Katie! Let's see what Mandy's got up her sleeve for us!

The Life of a Geisha: Love and Slavery

I really loved how this book came together at the end with Sayuri and the Chairman.  Sayuri had no idea of the Chairman's feelings for her and that he was the one that enabled her to become a geisha. I'm sure it was the same for the Chairman that he had no idea how much of an impact he made on Sayuri just by giving her a handkerchief and a bit of money. It was really their destinies that were linked together because of their chance encounter on the street.  I do feel bad for Nobu because he got caught in the middle.  The Chairman and Sayuri  could have been together at the beginning of the novel had it not been for Nobu's feelings for Sayuri.  I am glad that Sayuri actually got to be with the Chairman and to be with who she loved.  It also enabled her to quit being a geisha.

This book revealed the true life of a geisha which I really knew nothing about before.  Parts of the life are glamorous such as the parties and performances.  But overall, it is not a life I would want and for women of that time, they really didn't have a choice if given the opportunity to be a geisha.  It was better than being a prostitute or doing hard labor, but I think being a geisha is like being a slave or in bondage until you become the "mother" of your house.  You can't have a real relationship with a man.  The closest you can get is having a danna which I feel is another form of slavery for a geisha.  This man basically can use you for anything because he's paying for it.

Also with being a geisha, I was surprised how much rivalry goes on.  I think this is shown best between Hatsumomo and Mameha.  I was really surprised at how aggressive Mameha got in trying to destroy Hatsumomo and Sayuri seemed really uncomfortable with the situation.  I think Sayuri was trying to avoid becoming like Hatsumomo.  In the end, Pumpkin became like Hatsumomo.  How Pumpkin was before and after the war really surprised me.  She was like two different people. Before she was quiet and after she was loud and crude.  Of course, she betrayed Sayuri by bringing the Chairman instead of Nobu to be caught with the Minister.  Maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised because Pumpkin did learn from Hatsumomo.

I think Arthur Golden did a good job writing from a woman's perspective and in creating a fictional account of the life of a geisha.

Love: The Difficult Path

A supreme love, a motive that gives a sublime rhythm to a woman's life, and exalts habit into partnership with the soul's highest needs, is not to be had where and how she wills: to know that high initiation, she must often tread where it is hard to tread, and feel the chill air, and watch through darkness. It is not true that love makes things easy: it makes us choose what is difficult. GEORGE ELIOT, Felix Holt

It's amazing how a brief chance encounter can set lives in motion. Upon meeting the Chairman as a young girl, Sayuri prays to become a geisha in hopes of being part of his social circle. While the Chairman tells Mameha to keep her eyes out for a young girl with grey eyes, and should their paths cross he would pay for her to be a geisha. Knowing that the only way their lives could interconnect was this way, they each took steps to ensure it would happen. Often typical love stories seem so one sided. It's refreshing to read a story where the couple destined for each other had to overcome struggles, bouts with loyalty and friendship and at points even had to give the other up out of what was best at the time.

Upon reading this novel, I don't view the life of a geisha so romantically anymore. And I agree with Mameha when she tells Sayuri that one becomes a geisha because they have no choice. Yes, there were other ways to make a living but I am sure they were less desirable for a girl in Sayuri's position. Just take her sister for an example. I understand that at points the life of a famous geisha was glamorous. But that lifestyle comes with a heavy cost. I couldn't fathom not being in control of my own body and not being able to love freely. Until the Chairman finally became her danna, Sayuri was viewed more as a commodity then an actual person. Her value as a person was based on the money she brought in. Her time, virginity, and her body were given numerical values. It seems so degrading to base a persons worth on monetary calculations instead of character, principles or beliefs.

But remaining true to the "water" within her, Sayuri rose and overcome each struggle. She wasn't always graceful or made the best decisions, but she never truly gave up what she wanted. She always had faith. An admirable and long lost quality in many literary heroines. Because no matter what, faith, like water, has the ability to move mountains.

El Tango de Roxanne

"It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret."

I have always been interested in the concept of Geisha's. Whether it is Japanese culture or the many other names women of art and pleasure go by in other areas of the world: courtesan, mistress, concubine, companion, paramour, courtier . Despite race or region they all seem to straddle the thin line between desired, entertaining women of the world and common, red light district prostitutes.

But regardless of how high or low a women is positioned on the scale they all seem to share a common, seemingly unattainable dream: Freedom to Love. This is a constant theme that runs through Arthur Goldon's Memoirs of a Geisha.

Chiyo becomes Sayuri to be a part of the Chairman's world. After having love taken from her Hatsumomo grows even more destructive and cold. Even Mameha has love pains from the past that affect her present. It must be so hard to function and live in the "world of love" but not actually be able to truly love.

So, I am not all that surprised by the cruel rumors or the constant need to take out your competition in the Geisha world. I truly believe that a woman deprived of her basics needs and wants becomes more dangerous then a man. Men will take by force what is denied them. But women on the other hand will destroy what they can't have and all who have or currently posses it. If you obliterate your desire then you won't have to worry about craving it or feeling jealous should someone else posses it.

These women are being forced to participate in a very beautiful but dangerous dance so to speak. And hardly ever end up with the partner they truly desire. Hence, El Tango de Roxanne:

Geisha Sumo

Watching Hatsumomo do everything she could to destroy Sayuri from becoming a geisha is interesting. It's amazing how competitive and ruthless this world is. Mameha had the right connection when she realized their competition is much like that of a sumo match.

I pity Pumpkin because, while she won the apprenticeship award, she's just a huge pawn. At the same time, I have to wonder of Sayuri is one as well. Part of me believes that Mameha truly wants to help her because of all the monetary benefits that will come her way if Sayuri succeeds. At the same time, I have to wonder if Mameha is also trying to stick it to Hatsumomo too. I think Mother is going to be choking on her tongue before long truthfully. She's underestimating Sayuri's appeal and because Hatsumomo is vicious in her attempts to keep Sayuri down she's only seeing triumph in her bet with Mameha.

In part, this kind of reminds me of high school. Maybe not our high school, but if you watch the teen soaps they have out these days, you'll understand what I mean. The girls in there are so petty when it comes to boys and such, they'll go out of their ways to spread rumors and destroy the girl's rep. Granted, we could have had this going on at our school, but since I was never part of the popular crowd, I can't say. The world of a Geisha reminds me of this, just with a more business-like atmosphere given all the money that goes into a girl becoming a geisha.

Hatsumomo really delivered a bad rumor by insinuating Sayuri isn't a virgin. It's really upped the stakes for Mameha to see her succeed, which looks like may happen since they've agreed for Sayuri to have her mizuage. I think Mameha is planning to see a bidding war for Sayuri, the way she had when it was time for hers.

But it's time for a dance, which will undoubtedly help them, and hopefully bring Hatsumomo down.

And FYI, their explanation of sex was just...interesting. I'm a little speechless in how it was explained because I never would have considered explaining things with eels and caves...that's just me.

The heart dies, a slow death, shedding each hope like leaves...

I'm so glad Katie picked this book! I read it when the movie came out, but I'm happy to revisit it, since it has been quite a while. Also bare with me, I have seen the movie, which I love so I might cross them lol.

I love the world that Golden has created with regards to Japan prior to the outbreak of World War II. I find his language beautiful and easy to understand as well.

I was heart broken when Satsu and Chiyo were separated, and that Satsu was forced into prostitution. I have to comment on the sheer contrast between prostitution and being a geisha. While Satsu is forced to have sex, Chiyo is sent into a okiya to study to become a Geisha, a woman who is desired for her beauty and artistic abilities. While I'm not sure yet if they have sex with the men they entertain, they both are in the business of pleasure, yet with different ways of being treated.

I think their father honestly thought their lives would be better, I don't think he expected them to be sold into such conditions. But life was rough in rural Japan, especially for women. When he died they most likely wouldn't have inherited anything, and they would have starved or ended up being prostitutes anyway. Not that this condones his actions, but they were the actions of a desperate father.

Hatsumomo is a horrible person right down to her core, and the way she treats Chiyo is abhorrent. I think it was cruel of her to manipulate Chiyo into ruining the kimono, causing her to be disgraced and to become a mere maid in the okiya. For someone that age to learn that they owe payment to debts must be devastating. Not only does she have to pay for food, but now she has to pay back the money for the lessons she took, her schooling, and being bought in the first place.

I think this is a beautiful story, and I'm so intrigued to continue! I love this time period, and I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture. Kudos Katie for a wonderful read!! <3

From a little village to the geisha house

I'm loving this book and I'm really connecting with Chiyo's story.  I feel so bad for her and her sister.  I really wonder if their father had any idea what would happen to them.  Chiyo is luckier than her sister.  Satsu is forced to become a prostitute which makes me believe their father didn't fully understand what he was agreeing to or he was lied to about where they were going.

Then poor Chiyo is tortured by Hatsumomo pretty much from day one.  I am really interested to see what happens since Mameha has taken an interest in Chiyo.  I am sure Hatsumomo is going to try to bring Chiyo down somehow but I think Chiyo will learn to stand up to her.


It is interesting to see how much of a business being a geisha is.  The "mother" figure is backing a young girl hoping she will be a successful geisha and keeping track of all the debit she owes back even what it cost to buy her.  It seems there is a lot of risk because what if the geisha is not successful?  I think of Pumpkin with this; while she's sweet and nice, she doesn't have an ear for music so how can she sing and perform?  She even needs extra practice time.  


I can't wait to see more of what it is like becoming a geisha!

An Early Acquirement of Debt

First, I have to say, bravo Katie! You've chosen a wonderful novel. I'm on chapter 11 and I absolutely love it so far. I'm so very enthralled by everything Golden has done with Chiyo so far and the world he's showing us. I also think it's awesome that he was able to go into the mind of a young girl to tell her story. It's a brilliant move as a writer to put yourself into your characters like that, especially if they're the opposite sex. To me, it makes it more of a challenge, one which Golden is succeeding at magnificently.

The life of Geisha starts out in debt. It's hard to grasp that they would be in debt at so young an age. In our world, you don't usually (I stress usually) go into debt until you hit college where you acquire student loans and many students get their first credit cards, which is so easy to max out.

Chiyo's debt starts from the moment she's sold, even though she doesn't realize it. She doesn't even seem to find out about the debt until Hatsumomo forces her to destroy an extremely valuable kimono. Then comes the jewelry she's accused of stealing. This poor girl just can't win, especially with Hatsumomo out to keep her as far down as she can.  I'm hoping to see Chiyo rise above her in the end and have the final triumph. As chapter 10 ends, I think Mameha will be the one to help her do so.

I can't imagine starting my life in debt the way Chiyo does, but Golden shows us so well how much she struggles and when meeting the Chairman gives her a new hope to become a Geisha. I'm looking forward to seeing her succeed!

My what pretty eyes you have my sweet!

I have never started a book, and gotten lost on what chapter I was on that I did with this book! I thought I was on chapter 7 or 8 when I picked up my nook and started reading today.  I realized I was on chapter 11! When I started, it was a little slow for me and I thought I wouldn't be able to get into, but low and behold I did, what an amazing work of literature this book is.  I'm shocked at how well Arthur Golden writes as a woman, but then again if I had read the article Katie posted I would know!

I was thinking about it a little Inara from firefly would be considered a Geisha would she not? Maybe I just didn't catch it before and I'm a little slow on the uptake.  On another note, I feel so bad that Chiyo-san was taken from her family thinking that she would stay with Mr. Tanaka instead she was sold into the okiya, and man is Hatsumomo a bitch!

I really don't have much more to say, but I can't wait to see what you guys think of this book as well!

Wallpaper of my 16th year

When I was 16, the Raiders were going to a championship game. We were in the playoffs and we were going out of town for one of the games. The band and guard was sitting on the charter buses waiting to take off. My friend Jennifer came up to me and handed me a brand new notebook of paper. It was her way of paying me back for something (it's been so long I don't remember what).

I was sitting in front of Mel and Jessi, and I spent my time writing. I started writing about this group of people, stuck in our world. They were here temporarily, or they were supposed to be. Five of them had no idea who they were and assumed they belonged here because their memories had been altered. One of them knew exactly who all of them were and bound by sacred oaths she had taken she could not tell them. She had wonderful abilities, yet somehow they'd been depleted and she had no way of getting her energy back. Not until she found her way back home. One night she disappears and the others go to find her. In their searches they come upon a cave where they find an orb. Something about this orb calls to them and they touch it. Magic happens and they find themselves falling into a pit of oblivion, to waken in a world they don't recognize. They're found by someone who knows them very well and is happy to see them alive. Taking them to a caravan, he gets them settled. Everyone recognizes them, though none come near them, having discovered they have no memories of this world.

Still, they are concerned for their friend, who they never found. During their trip there is one wagon that calls their attention. At various times they all try to get to it, only to be thwarted by the man who found them. Their trip takes them to a large lake that they must cross by ship to get to their final destination. On the ship, they're attacked and the mysterious passenger of the covered wagon reveals herself.

Her name is Tisha.

During my 16th year, Lady Mage was born. It's gone through some pretty damn drastic changes since then, but my wallpaper would no doubt be filled with images of Crisna and Tisha & Trey & Co.

What Sixteen Means to You

"If youth is the season of hope, it is often so only in the sense that our elders are hopeful about us; for no age is so apt as youth to think its emotions, partings, and resolves are the last of their kind. Each crisis seems final, simply because it is new."

GEORGE ELIOT, Middlemarch

I know we are getting ready to wrap up and leave Mullaby, but I was thinking about the magic wallpaper and began to wonder: If I had magic wallpaper in my room at sixteen what would it look like?

Sixteen is a pretty significant age in many cultures. We are given more freedom, responsibility, independence coupled with first jobs, bills and feeling self sufficient and capable of providing for ourselves.

But sixteen also brings with it first loves and heartaches, losing childhood friends and forming a closer social circle that will be the sole reason for our existence our high school career. And detachment from parents and learning how to go from child to young adult while establishing and maintaining new family boundaries.

With all of this going on, what would your magic wallpaper reflect to you?

I have thought about this, and when I was sixteen I just wanted to be accepted for who I was: a brand new Christian, who played Meat Loaf a little too loud, read constantly, loved imaginary places and preferred an old fashion view of the world. And when I couldn't take the pressure anymore, I would sit in my room and draw the same thing over and over again: A waterfall.

I drew it on book covers, homework assignments, tests, shopping lists and even myself. It calmed me down and reminded me that even if the world couldn't find value in who I was, I didn't care because I had the ability to create something so beautiful that represented a simpler way of living and thinking.

Waterfalls are not just beautiful, they are powerful. They can also be considered a scared or safe place. Somewhere a person can reconnect with nature and the elements.

My wallpaper would have been a waterfall scene. I wasn't trying to run from my burdens, I was strong and fluid enough to handle them. I just wanted a place to be safe and occasionally reminded that I could get through whatever was placed in my path. I was a force to reckon with.

And on that note, I think I should start drawing those waterfalls again. It is evident by this post that my sixteen year old self is ever present and trying to tell me something.

So, what's your wallpaper?

Can you ever truly go home again?

“There was a mood of magic and frenzy in the room. Crystalline swirls of sugar and flour still lingered in the air like kite tails. And then there was the smell - the smell of hope, the kind of smell that brought people home. Tonight it was the comfort of browning butter and the excitement of lemon zest.”

Mullaby, NC is a magical place. The very wallpaper there changes patterns according to one’s mood. When a certain young baker creates her lavish confections, the air swirls with a visible sweetness, creating a tangible path that leads straight from her warm, earthy kitchen to the too-empty home of an old friend. A shy and quiet giant lives peaceably among mere mortals and at night, the strange Mullaby lights glow mysteriously in his woody overgrown backyard. It is to magical Mullaby where teenaged Emily Benedict is sent after the death of her mother, Dulcie.

Emily had never even heard of Mullaby before arriving there; had never known she had a gentle giant of a grandfather; had never known that her activist civic-minded mother grew up in an idyllic town where mysterious things are wont to happen. And she most especially never knew her mother’s darkest secret: why she left Mullaby and why she never returned. From her first day there, the Mullaby townspeople act strangely toward Emily, some regarding her with pity and others regarding her with clear loathing. It makes no sense to Emily and to compound the frustration, no one will explain or tell her anything about Dulcie at all, not even her grandfather.

Then there’s Emily’s neighbor, the beautiful and kind Julia Winterson. Though she’s only returned to Mullaby temporarily, she can’t help seeing something in Emily that calls to her. As Julia struggles to forget the past, Emily slowly begins to unravel it. The result will either free Mullaby from its secrets or doom Emily into repeating the very same mistakes her mother made.

At first glance, the story would seem to be Emily’s, but it felt more like the story of Julia and the town of Mullaby itself. Julia grew up in Mullaby an outcast. As soon as she graduated she fled without ever looking back. That is, until her father’s death. She reluctantly returns.

When she realizes she’d be better off paying her father’s restaurant mortgage in full so she can make a profit, she imposes a strict two-year deadline on herself. She sacrifices usual comforts so she can put nearly all of her earnings to pay off this debt.

Emily’s arrival is the catalyst for a series of encounters that slowly act to unravel Julia’s plan. Julia learns to confront her demons and ask more of life. She finds the courage to be brave, confront old regrets, make space for love and hope.

Sarah Addison Allen has created a cool fairy tale, the setting is so lush and detailed, yet almost dream-like. I could smell the cakes baking and feel the night breeze as it blew the leaves about Emily’s balcony, and I could feel the heaviness of the Mullaby lights as they glowed brightly outside Emily’s window.

This is such a beautiful little novel and though the ending was quite satisfying I was left wanting more. I think that’s the mark of a great story.

I also loved that the author provides recipes for several of the most intriguing cakes Julia bakes throughout the story.

Mood changing wallpaper is the best!

I would love it, if I had mood changing wallpaper in my room! Although I would think since I'm so moody it would be changing all the time.

On another note, this book really touched me, I felt the heartache that Julia felt when she had to give up her baby, it made me ache so bad for her.  I think this is why she is so nurturing towards Emily.  Once you are a mother there is no going back, you will always have that nurturing side, and it doesn't matter who it is! I haven't fully experienced it yet because I haven't been able to get past my first trimester, but it's like something changes inside you and it can't be helped.  I can also relate to Julia about the depression part, while I wasn't a cutter, I was a depression eater, I believed "comfort" food would actually comfort me, so I ate.  I guess I just see a lot of myself in her, I think that's why I connected to her so well. 

When I pictured Sawyer, I pictured the guy from lost, he's such a sweet guy and I'm so glad he persisted to reconnect with Julia, to make her feel again.  I think I cried when he found out that he had a daughter to me it was such a touching moment for him.

The Coffeys, at first I think I even mentioned to Allyssa that I thought they were werewolves because they didn't go out at night.  Although when Julia told Emily not to follow the lights, or pay them any mind I kind of put 2 and 2 together and figured that the lights and the Coffey's had something to do with each other.  But what a sad story about Win's uncle, that he wanted to commit suicide to get out of that family!

One final thought though I just have to point out that she used the word "undulating" a lot and it was driving me crazy, I kept thinking of Ms. Perkies from 10 things I hate about you, when she was writing her book! 

I loved this book so much, such an awesome tale of magic and not the wand waving,  cursing kind of magic either.  It just goes to show you that magic can be in all forms, from cakes calling people, mood changing wallpaper, to glowing in the dark! 

Final Post: Happy endings

I loved this book and it had happy endings for both Julia and Emily.  It's probably because I'm pregnant and I'm in this very happy, Disney-ish mood so this book was just perfect right now.  So thank you Allyssa for choosing this book and I would be interested in ready other books by Sarah Addison Allen.

I was surprised about the truth about Dulcie and Logan's relationship from Vance.  The whole time the story is set around Dulcie being self-absorbed and cruel with Emily trying to combat that.  I think this truth revealed that Win is more like Logan.  They both realized that the old family tradition of hiding their secret didn't work.  Logan went to the extreme of showing a group of people but I think Win was smarter in just showing Emily.  I really don't understand the Coffey's mindset of hiding it from their spouse.  What kind of relationship does that build? I can understand why Win's mother would have been upset finding out the secret from everyone else but her husband.  

I'm very glad that Julia told Sawyer about their daughter and I loved that they got back together at the high school bleachers where it all began.  The ending with Maddie showing up was wonderful.  Part of me is really curious how the conversation between her and Julia went but I think Allen made a good choice in leaving it to the imagination. I know however the conversation goes, it will turn out good because of how Allen has set up the book and Julia and Sawyer will finally get to have a relationship with their daughter.

Where does your magic lie?

We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.

J. K. ROWLING, speech to Harvard Alumni Association, 2008

Welcome to Mullaby: A small town with a mysterious past and a lot of magic. I will admit that I enjoyed Julia's story the best. I felt like hers was the most rounded and had more depth in regards to emotions, actions and personal feelings about the past and an unknown future. Emily's story on the other was more rooted in the supernatural and magical aspects of the world she was thrown into. She spent most of the story trying to break from her mom's unknown past and figuring out the Coffey family secret. Her growth was more flat due to the fast growing relationship of her and Win.

I think more then both stories, I enjoyed the themes that ran through the story: Faith, magic, belief, inner strength, truth and trust. Those aren't themes that can be found in most books these days. Something that I think should be rectified. People don't hold on to values or traditions these days. And when they do, it is usually for the wrong reason. Emily held her head high through all the ridicule and Julia had faith that if she just kept baking what she was searching for might just find her.

Magic only manifest around us once it has taken root in us. A lesson that we all need to learn. A lesson that we should make a tradition of passing down.

My final thoughts!

"You wouldn't happen to be a werewolf, would you?"


"Excuse me?" he said.


She slowly loosened her hold on the bar and sat back. "There are only two reasons I can think of for why you don't come out at night: night blindness or werewolf."


"And you decided to go with werewolf?"


"It was a toss-up."




So, as I've stated, Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors. I love the simple way she writes and magic she weaves into her books. Mullaby is definitely a place I would want to visit, I think. With giants and the Mullaby Lights, along with wonderful cakes, who knows what untold magic is still there?

The various back stories help add so much to the world Allen has created. When we find out the truth to how things truly went down with Dulcie and Logan, it makes me wonder to the depth of their story. Vance mentions that Logan was the only one who could control Dulcie. Ultimately, he's the deceiver and it's completely Logan's fault that the events of that fateful night happened. Morgan blames Dulcie fully for the way everything went down, but I think he's more angry that Logan outed their family the way he did. Logan was willing to show the world who he was because he was in love with Dulcie, but due to his past attempts on his life and Dulcie's sudden rebuttal, he took his life on the final shot. Morgan's relationship with his own wife has never recovered, but Win wasn't willing to let the past dictate how he lives his life with Emily. And it was really sweet of him to go up to Vance and told him he'd like to take his granddaughter out once his grounding was over. Made me go "Awww..."

I love Vance's character. He's such a gentle man and doesn't do anything to hurt anyone. His story with Lily was so sweet, and I adored the way she was able to still send him a message at the end of the book. It was the push he needed to get himself in gear and fix up his home, and start taking better care of his granddaughter. Not only for Emily's sake but for Dulcie's sake too.

Emily is a remarkable character because, despite what she's learned, she has an unwavering faith in the person her mother was. I got the impression when she said she'll always want to be like her mother, it was just a lot to live up to, that she's a little tired of trying to live up to her mother's image.Of course, I think Julia explained things best when she told Emily she was who Dulcie became.

Julia's story is probably the most heartbreaking, but she is one of my favorite characters because she's fighting to keep herself safe while not realizing she has actually come home. I don't like Beverly myself, and I was so glad when Julia told her she wasn't leaving. That scene in the diner was a real eye opener for Julia when she realized that her father showed how much he loved her in a quiet way. I also loved that she realized Stella was the best friend she'd ever had. It's just another indication of how much people can change. Plus, the fact that Sawyer was pretty detrimental to helping her heal was great. They came back together, even after he found out the truth. I love it.

Now...with Maddie showing up at the end, I can't help but hope at some point Sarah Addison Allen will write another book so we can see how Sawyer and Julia react to seeing her.

I love this book and everything in it!! :-D

Magic and Acceptance

As I've said before, Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors. In fact, every time she comes out with a new book, that new one becomes my new favorite :-) I haven't read the recent one she has out, The Peach Keeper, but I'm sure I'll love it when I do.

One of the reasons I truly love this book is because of the magic in it. Un-explainable magic that is accepted on faith. Emily's wallpaper changing to match her moods is, well, awesome. Really, can you imagine what the wallpapers would look like in your house if they changed to meet your moods? I also love the magic of Julia's baking and Sawyer's response to his mother's baking. I think it's fantastic because it's a calling for him. Julia's reasons for continuing to bake are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's heartbreaking because of what she's given up, and heartwarming because of the therapy it provided her.

The reaction Emily receives from a lot of the town is so confusing when looking at it from her perspective. The woman she knew as her mother is completely separate from the child she was when she lived in Mullaby. Win accepting her and seeing her as someone not like her mother is awesome, and in a lot of ways, progressive. I think Julia had the best line of all when she said to Emily, "You're not who your mother was. In fact, I'm beginning to think you are who your mother became."

For me this shows how big of a person Julia is, by not holding Emily accountable for Dulcie's actions while the rest of the town does just the opposite. I'm not going to say too much more right now, since I might inadvertently give something away in regards to the town and Duclie.

I have to say, I love Vance. He's such a soft giant and my heart breaks for all the tragedy he's had throughout his life. The story of his wife and how she brought him out of his shell to find that the town accepted him as is was so sweet. He feels responsible for keeping Emily protected by honoring Dulcie's promise, but I think he's realized that it won't work like that this time.

There are some pretty awesome parts coming up and I look forward to seeing what y'all think!

The Past versus the Present

I must first say I am really enjoying this book.  It is another intriguing book full of mystery and I find myself not wanting to put it down (but I have to when I'm reading it on my lunch break).

I feel bad for Emily for having to move back to her mother's hometown and live in her shadow.  It must be hard for her because she remembers her mother as one person and it turns out she was a completely different person in Mullaby.  I think its true for everyone that we were different people in high school verse now but for Emily's mother I think there was a dramatic difference.  I am wondering if her mother did feel guilt over Logan Coffey's death that she became this extreme activist determined to do only good and make sure her daughter was not like herself.

I am glad that some of the mystery has been revealed and Emily finally has some answers (but of course not all to keep us reading).  We still do not know what the Coffey family secret is, and I'm surprised her grandfather has not just told her since the whole town knows.  Maybe he knows that she wouldn't believe it like her wallpaper changing.  It might be too much information for her to handle.

Julia may be my favorite character, probably because she is older and I feel she is a more defined character.  She has such a loving heart towards Emily and Vance and even though Emily's mother tormented her in high school, she doesn't hold that against either of them.  Plus she bakes and that's my craving right now (and I don't know if everyone's book has this, but mine has her cake recipes in the back).  She's also struggling with her past in Mullaby and is desperately trying to escape all her old memories and feelings.

Again I'm glad we got some answers on her relationship with Sawyer. I was really shocked at Sawyer's confession that he wasn't able to have children and he regrets that he lost the only child he could ever have with Julia.  Before this I felt Sawyer was pretty flat as a character but he must have some motive to keep confronting Julia.  I am hoping Julia tells Sawyer about their child or that maybe their child will find them.

I feel like a major theme of this book is who we were versus who we've became.  Emily is battling this on behalf of her mother.  I think the townspeople assume she is just like her high school mother and not who her mother became.  Or they simply hate her because of her mother and don't care what she's like.  Julia is fighting her past by coming back to Mullaby and rekindling all the memories of her father and Sawyer.   I think Win Coffey might be in a similar situation as Emily.  He seems to be fighting against his family's past history with Emily's family.  He seems intrigued with Emily and doesn't have the hatred the rest of his family has towards her.  I think this makes him very much like Julia in that he sees that Emily is not like her mother and she's moved to her mother's hometown not knowing any of her mother's past.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

"Emily Benedict has come to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, not only wishing to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also dreaming of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in."

Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors. She does a beautiful job of weaving magic into her stories and pulling the readers into the world she created. I'm really excited to be able to share this with you ladies :-) Hopefully you'll enjoy this as much as I do, or at least more than Don Quixote, lol.

Final thoughts as we leave Shakespeare

I think I may be the only one that has not read any other works by Charlaine Harris. Therefore, I couldn't compare this book to her more popular Sookie series (which I have no desire to read after watching some of season one of True Blood).  Her writing style is very simplistic but her story is very character driven which left me wanting to know more about Lily and the other Shakespeare residents.  I do like the use of the first person perspective because we can get inside Lily's mind as she brings together the puzzle pieces of the mystery.  Of course with this, we also get a limited perspective in solving the murder ourselves.  We can't find out till the end that Claude had be staking out the camper so he also had some suspects in mind.

When I first started reading the book, I thought the romance would be between Lily and Claude.  But I was very glad when Marshall and Lily started their romantic relationship.  It was at this point I really started connecting with the book.  I was so happy for Lily that even though she went through a very traumatic experience, she is still willing to take a chance on having a relationship.  I really love Marshall for being the man he is, for looking past the scars and trauma and seeing the person she truly is.  I think Marshall is also able to connect to Lily because of the sexual experiences he's had with his wife.  Of course his experience is not nearly at the same trauma level as Lily, but it still gives him a basis of understanding the humiliation and pain.

I wasn't completely wrong about Claude.  The end of the book reveals that he does care for Lily as well.  I am curious as to what happens to Lily romantically.  I know everyone else seemed to be happy to find out Lily's past in this book but seeing as there are several more books I wonder what else we can discover about Lily to keep us interested in her.  Maybe her family history?

As far as the actual murder mystery, I suspected the Yorks because of their odd behavior but as I've said before, I became more interested in Lily and who was taunting her.  I thought the murderer was the same person that was leaving the items for Lily but I was wrong on that conclusion.  Lily's story became a distraction from the actual mystery as I grew more interested in her and Marshall.  Then Norvel is set up to be the most hated character in the book so then I was hoping it would be him but not really expecting it to be.  Because the story seemed so centered on Lily, I'm not sure how to rate this as a mystery novel. The only other mysteries I've read have been Nancy Drew but I found Shakespeare's Landlord an enjoyable read and would be interested in reading the next book to see where Harris takes Lily on her next mystery.

a mystery by any other name would smell as sweet...

I have to admit that I'm not much of a mystery novel lover, I have read a few here and there, but I'm not addicted by any means. With that said, I really enjoyed this novel! I have read a few of the True Blood books, so I was familiar with Harris' writing style. And I agree with Liz, I just felt that the series went too far, and I couldn't bring myself to finish the series.

Now for the good part, my thoughts!!

Shakespeare's Landlord has all the elements to be a great mystery story, with a great heroine and supporting cast, and a cozy town where they all live weaving in and out of each others lives.

Lily Bard has a dark past that Harris only hints at, which makes the reader eager to know what would make her run and set up home in a small town like Shakespeare. But she's managed to create a little niche for herself by starting a cleaning business and keeping herself to herself. That's the way she likes it.

I found myself obsessed with finding out what had happened to Lily, and what she could be hiding, and I was hoping too that we didn't have to read the next book to find out! I think it was interesting to have a mystery in a mystery so to speak. While trying to figure out who the killer was, we were also looking to find what Lily was all about.

One of the most fun aspects to "Shakespeare's Landlord" is that it had me guessing until the very end, which is a very good thing for a mystery and something which doesn't happen for me very often. As with most first books in a series it took me a little time to get into the story, but when I did I had great time visiting Shakespeare town.

"To Kill or not to Kill, that is the question!"

I have to admit something, going into this series I was excited, I had this book on my nook shelf since new years of 2010/2011, and haven't read it until now.  With that being said, I have read every other Charlaine Harris series she has out (though not all of True blood it got too out of control for my liking), while it's an awesome book, not my favorite series yet from her though maybe I have to read more of it.  All of her books tend to have a strong female lead with some tragic past, (minus the Aurora Teagarden series)  and maybe because I've read all of them I'm kind of tired of that story line.  However, I think out of all of them I can relate to Lily more than all of the other characters because my past which we all know of.

I would have to say my favorite partner for Lily would be Claude, when she was making that dinner it just seemed that they fit well together, and I found it sweet that he was taking care of her while she was recuperating.

As far as the killer goes, I honestly thought at one point that the killer was Marcus, just because Charlaine likes to throw curve balls at you in her stories, but the Yorks were a bigger curve ball, because of the other characters that could have been the more obvious killer.  Norvel gave me the creeps but McCorkindale, he's a shady reverend, I can't wait to find out what he's really about!

I love this book, so full of mystery, but here is a another recommendation for you guys if you liked this one try reading the Harper Connelly series, that one is my favorite it's so awesome!

My Thought's of A Murder in Shakespeare

I thought Shakespeare's Landlord was a quaint story. I'm glad we found out what happened to Lily pretty quickly in the plot. The cautiousness she shows through the story was well explained, but I found myself getting annoyed at not knowing what had happened and was a little concerned we wouldn't find out in book 1. Thankfully we did and it gave us a much better handle on her.

I love that Marshall was able to help her cease existing and start living again. Truthfully, I'm hoping things work out for them in the long run. I don't think Thea has a full grasp of who she's dealing with by trying to torment Lily. I like Claude, and he definitely seemed excited at the end to know there's something going on with Thea than what meets the eye :-)

Truthfully, I thought the whodunit was Norvil, and was very surprised when we found out who the real culprit was. With all the characters floating around and Lily's in depth knowledge of them, I thought it would either be Norvil or the Reverend. Something seems very off with the Reverend to me. I can't place it, though.

It's a good start to a series. Good pick, Liz. :-)

Lily Bard: The real mystery

At first, I had a hard time connecting with Lily. There were so few details about her.  Then I realized that it was because Lily is a mystery herself and actually the real mystery of the story.  I found myself wanting to know more about Lily and who was tormenting her by leaving her the horrid objects that represented her past more than I cared about who killed the landlord.

I think its obvious that Lily is a strong character.  I can't imagine trying to get over what happened to her and being reminded daily by the scars.  I am glad she hasn't put up so many barriers that she pushes away Marshall. Of course, I love Marshall because to me he is a REAL guy.  When he looks at Lily he's not looking for just a physical relationship but he's attracted to her as a person.  I think he understands that she has a terrible past that is a part of her but it's not what defines her.

I am curious what happens to Lily next.  I believe there are more books and I wonder what other mysteries could happen in this little town of Shakespeare.  Will Lily continue her relationship with Marshall or will she grow closer to Claude?  I may have to go get the books...

A Bard resides in Shakespeare

Murder is not some fictional conceit, imagined for the purpose of entertainment, but actually happens: and afterwards no credits roll, and life has to continue to be lived even if you have absolutely no idea where the deeds to the house are kept, or who services the lawn mower.

MICHAEL MARSHALL, Blood of Angels

Allow me to admit up front that I am not a fan of Charlaine Harris. Or more precisely, I am not a fan of Harris's writing style. I tried her fist series and made it exactly one book and less than half a chapter in before selling the rest of the books I had. I just find her technique rather bland and her characters a little dry, and some VERY annoying. BUT, in regards to Shakespeare's Landlord, I did enjoy the mystery and was surprised when my assumption turned out to be incorrect.

In the beginning it took me a little bit to get into the book. Mostly because I had a hard time warming up to Lily. I understood that she was aloof for a reason and it was hinted that her reclusive ways were a result of some past trauma but I just didn't feel very sympathetic towards her and had a hard time connecting with her character. The one thing I really did admire about Lily though was her ability to keep mum. Being the town cleaner, she was pretty much in a position of power. She knew everything about the people she worked for; things that could damage their reputation and wreck some of their lives. But she showed such discretion and chose not to use the information she gathered to gain any type of foothold.

I enjoyed learning about Shakespeare and those who lived in it. The community seemed like a cross between the apartment complex in Lady in the Water and Melrose Place. Probably leaning a little more towards Melrose considering when murder and tragedy struck the town, there was a whole lot of finger pointing and a lot less bonding together.

Since I am not sure how far the rest of you are, I will keep quiet on other observations and comments. I don't want to ruin the mystery or give anything a way. This one has a nice little twist to it that I enjoyed.