Lenten Season 2012
28 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in book thoughts, Lent Tags: book thoughts, Catholic books, Catholicism, Church_Fathers, Fr_Robert_Barron, Lent, novels, Patrick_Madrid, review, Sacraments, Sacred_Scriptures, Scott_Hahn, Studies, thoughts, Tradition
I must say it has been awhile since I last wrote on this blog, and I am regretting that. These past few months have been hectic for me, but I will say it has not stopped the reading. This Lenten season I decided again to give up secular books/novels and focus more on religious books instead. As I am coming close to the end I thought I give a listing of the books I have read.
- Where Is That in the Bible? by Patrick Madrid
- Why Is That in Tradition? by Patrick Madrid
- Swear to God by Scott Hahn
- Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron
The two Patrick Madrid books I find are great starter books for those wishing to either defend the Catholic Church, but even he mentions that readers should really use this as a way of going further in studies with their CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) and Sacred Scripture.
While Mr. Madrid’s books were starters, Scott Hahn’s Swear to God is a intensive read especially for me. While I am devout in my Catholic faith and one who loves to explore more Swear to God brings you more in-depth with the Sacraments. Though as many have said to me before Mr. Hahn tends to keep a central theme in all his books (covenants) I find I like that quality in his books. To add I learned more about the sacraments in this book than I had known, really helped with wanting to further my studies on my faith.
Lastly, Fr. Robert Barron’s Catholicism is concise book that gives I feel an outline of his project Catholicism (which is a series of episodes). I have never seen the series, but I can say that when you read the book you can see the outline. I think my only problem with the book was that I felt there could have been more done with it, I do not know what, but maybe like the Madrid books it is just a starter book to make you ask further questions or study more.
I just finished Catholicism right before I wrote this entry, and now going to start a new book: Women, Sex, and the Church: A Case for Catholic Teaching. This book is a combined effort of women defending the teachings of the Church on Women and the Issues that deal with Women. I hope to have a good chunk of this book finished by the end of this week.
Well that is all for now.
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A Delightful Diversion
31 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in book thoughts, Jane Tags: Darcy, Darcy's_Voyage, Elizabeth, Jane_Austen, Kara_Louise, novels, Pride_and_Prejudice, review, Romance, stories, thoughts
Just recently, I decided to re-read a book that was returned to me. It is a re-telling of the famous story by Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice.
I can admit that to many and including myself, there are many novels that are re-tellings of this famous story. Certainly they can go from one extreme to the next. I must also admit that because of this factor I am picky and almost hesiate about reading many of these novels.
Darcy’s Voyage by Kara Louise was a book I had picked up one day at Barnes & Noble because it looked different. I read the first few pages and was instantly grabbed by how she wrote, in my opinion was not how Jane would write, but is has feel of Jane in the style. (If that makes any sense)
What caught my eye also with the novel itself was the re-told story was on the sea, which was absolutely interesting to me, because I did wonder how would that work out. Best part is Kara keeps a good amount of the story in there and everything, well almost everything happens the way Jane plotted.
My first time reading the book, it took me literally a day to finish the book. Kara Louise brings a new “what-if this happened instead” to readers. I like how she kept to the characters personalities, but maybe made a new dimension to them to fit her story.
One thing I love to say about this book, is I wanted to use the term “delightful diversion” as much as Elizabeth did after meeting Mr. Wright (aka Mr. Darcy). It is a lovely read for those who love and adore the characters that were created by the wonderful Miss Jane Austen.
Before I end this entry, I must ask not only Em and Camille, but everyone, is there a good novel based on Jane Austen or really any classic that you loved to read and would recommend?
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Pains of Sleep
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in book thoughts Tags: Coleridge, Depression, Emotions, Mirror, PainsofSleep, Poems, Poetry, Samuel, Taylor
One of the books I received from my Daddy for Christmas was a book of select works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which is one of my top favorite poets of all time. My Daddy said he made sure that the poems I liked were in the book collection. For my favorite poem is titled, “Pains of Sleep”.
Why would I like Coleridge or for that matter why would I love that piece out of all the rest. Well up until my college years I had never read any of the poets my Daddy would read or recite, except for Poe. When I got the chance to read one of my Daddy’s favorite poets, I was excited.
Coleridge is famous for his epic poems “The Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan”, but he is also famous for one poem. The poem: “Pains of Sleep” a poem based on his addiction to opium and his nightmares that torn him asunder. Coleridge, I would consider a depressed man, but one of the few poets I can say that reaches down into my emotions and is able for me to look at myself into his poems, especially “Pains of Sleep”.
Do you have a favorite poet, or really a poem that you find does the same? One that makes you see a mirror of yourself either good or bad.
“To be beloved is all I need,
And whom I love, I love indeed. “-Samuel Taylor Coleridge “Pains of Sleep”
The Dreamer by Lora Innes
02 Nov 2011 1 Comment
- Allan kissing Bea
I have been wanting to write about this comic series since the beginning of this blog. I mentioned to everyone in my little bio that I am a fan of graphic novels. One of my favorites, is The Dreamer by Lora Innes.
What makes me love this series? Truly, it is how Lora Innes has been able to bring history, something that I love to dive into, to life. She does not make it into a story of the fables and legends no, she researched and brought to life parts of the war that I can tell you I was never taught in school. (which reminds me of that musical, check out 1776, it is a great musical)
When I decided that I wanted to major in American History, I asked myself what parts of the history would I like to focus on. One of the many subjects was the Revolutionary War, which has always been a big deal for me, since it was the beginning of the United States of America.
In high school and even middle school they had always focused on the Declaration of Independence and after the war, than the actual Revolution itself. I knew nothing about Knowlton’s Rangers or Nathan Hale. I have in the past few years learned more about John Adams than what is portrayed in history books. Lora helps to bring that time period and the people who lived that time to life like never before.
Another thing that helped me love the series is the artwork and that it is a webcomic (you can now buy the series in bookstores). Lora updates the comic every Wednesday and Friday. She is currently finishing Issue 13.
I would highly recommend this series to all those who love graphic novels or are history fans, yes there is romance, but that does not hinder the greatness of this series, it actually makes it interesting and fun to read.
Check it out: www.thedreamercomic.com
Favorite Place to Read, Part 3
15 Oct 2011 3 Comments
All good things come in threes, I have been told.
My absolute favorite place to read would have to be the chair in the front room at my Granny’s house. It was my great-grandfather’s chair, who I think made it the most comfortable chair for the future generations. Not only is his chair the most comfortable chair I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in, but it is also one of the few chairs that I could set my legs indian-style and keep a straight back.
I have always loved sitting in chairs while reading for the main reason they would keep my back straight for if I am laying in my bed I constantly move, unable to keep track of what I am reading. While in a ”good” chair I have had to really move, unless the poor feet go to sleep. 
The other thing about my great-grandfather’s chair is that it is located is just a nice spot where two doors can be open and I feel the breeze and look outside to view the beauty of the seasons. And the lighting is great in my opinion.
As to Camille’s question I am the one who looks for clues first. If I am really unsure I would write it down, get up get my dictionary (which I need a new one ;D) and look up the word. In many cases I keep my dictionary at least an arm-length away.
~Nikita
PS: There are fights when all the family is over because everyone loves the chair, so it is said that if one of my great-uncles is over they get to have the chair, if not well I normally rush for the chair and never really get up, for fear my siblings or even mom take claim of the chair. 
Taste in Certain Genres?
15 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
I thought about this topic as I was sitting near the computer, looking at the lists of books I have read, own, and wish to own. I found that I love all types of genres, but my taste in certain genres altered from what it was about six years ago.
What do I mean by that? Well, six years ago, I would read poetry and biographies, but I was drawing more towards graphic novels and romance novels. I was not reading classics, because in high school they would over analyze literature to the point that it seem I was being taught what were the teacher’s causes and not what the author was trying to portray. Since I was not Christian or really any faith, I didn’t look at religious book, eve as good pieces of literature or books to help me.
I lost interest in romance novels because I felt they were sensual and that led them to become unrealistic. I also felt that sex before marriage, and that ‘pleasure was all you needed to find’, did not resonate with me. The novels weren’t about finding love and a companion for life; they were about allowing yourself to just take the pleasure because you could, and somehow these two people would end together (which does not always happen in life). So, yes I can admit I read romance novels, but I only read one author.
Graphic novels came down to the same problem: I was becoming picky and did not like the trendy things in society that were being portrayed. I wanted a story that had imagination, but could be realistic as well. It is difficult to example this because books, especially fiction uses a lot of imagination, but their plot can relate to either the author’s personal experiences or the reader’s. So, if anyone come with me to any bookstores and I am looking at graphic novels I am just picking from certain authors or publishing companies I trust.
As I mentioned before my taste in reading materials had changed, instead of just reading about happy endings in fiction, I look for human stories that deal with life whether in tragedy or in joy. Since I finally “turned around and come home” (quoted lyrics to a Matt Maher song) those books that I felt that could never help me, are the top of my list in reading. Of course another thing arose, the lack of reading classics disappeared, I was wanting to read Jane Austen, biographies, historical non-fiction with a renew joy.
Question to all of you: have you ever done something like I have, where in one time or many times in your life you changed your attention to one genre or types of books? Why?
~Nikita
Should you read while listening to music?
13 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in book thoughts Tags: book thoughts
Does anyone remember those tips on how to study for a test
or do your homework? I am quite sure many of you know the answer and know
how well that worked for you. It is almost the same advice I get for reading a book–don’t listen to music–and I can say
I disagree wholeheartedly. When I am reading a book I can see myself sitting
outside listening to the sounds of nature (which is to me is like a musical) or
if I am cooped up inside I would be sitting in a nice comfortable chair with a
pair of headsets on, or fill my room with music from my computer or stereo.
Music helps you travel to that place within the book, especially if you are reading a lengthy book. If you know the genre of the book you are reading for example, John Adams, I would set up a playlist of the soundtrack of John Adams (the HBO movie) , but also add music from late 18th and early 19th centuries. Find music that would suit you while reading.
I like to change my up the music I listen to. If the book is getting to a boring part, I have tons of songs that could motivate me to push through the page or chapter, but many times I find music that fits the genre of the book.
What about music that has lyrics to it? Yes, there are going to be readers who have a difficult time trying to focus on the words on the page. But if a book is really taking you away, the lyrics of a song go away, you hear the beats, the harmony, which in turn help you with the book, because you are making a soundtrack for it.
In the end, it is up to the mind of the reader, who is the director of the book. Try to read with music at least once try to –it doesn’t matter if is nothing but soundscapes and classical music, but something to start with. Then try to move forward by making soundtracks for genres you read or just general reading. All I ask is that you try; it does no harm
for a reader.
–Nikita
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