Pages of Summer: Wuthering Heights

THE BOOK: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

THE SUMMARY (SparkNotes totally writes these better! But I’ll practice): Quite simply this novel traces the tragic downfall of one family that resides in the Wuthering Heights estate. But the romance between the wealthy somewhat spoiled Catherine and the adopted orphan christened Heathcliff. We follow them through a dark and gloomy childhood an even darker and manipulative adulthood filled with death, hauntings, madness and ultimately the decay of a family on the wild moors of England.

THAT’S WHAT HE/SHE SAID:

“"They DO live more in earnest, more in themselves, and less in surface, change, and frivolous external things. I could fancy a love for life here almost possible; and I was a fixed unbeliever in any love of a year's standing."

"'And I pray one prayer--I repeat it till my tongue stiffens--Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you--haunt me, then! The murdered DO haunt their murderers, I believe. I know that ghosts HAVE wandered on earth. Be with me always--take any form--drive me mad! Only DO not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! It is unutterable! I CANNOT live without my life! I CANNOT live without my soul!'"

POINTS OF INTEREST:
When the novel was initially published, it was believed that her brother Branwell (a drunk and a believed opium addict) published the work.
Emily Bronte’s sister Charlotte edited Wuthering Heights after her sisters death, as the initial additions were riddled with errors, and in Charolette’s introduction she expresses concern in the reception of the novel, and that her sister was insane for writing it.
Recently there is a Wuthering Heights Twilight comparison edition. I haven’t touched it… I mean really?! I just don’t see how they compare… but that raging is for another day…
In the 1939 film the story was moved forward about 40 years and the costumes were those of the early Victorian era, even though many writers about the film say that film was set in the Georgian period (which was before the Regency period (in which it is originally set). Weird….
With that being said (my facts being doubled checked via TCM movie network) watch the 1939 film. While rather different from the book there are several scenes that every time I read the novel (as I’ve now read it four times) always cross my mind. And you get some time with Mr. Laurence Olivier… and that’s not so bad is it?

WHY MY HEART BEATS FOR THIS TEXT: For starters, its dark. Really dark. I mean when I originally picked it up for class I was like… meh it can’t be that bad… it’s only considered a Gothic novel, but really? My mind was a little fuzzy from the very first time I came in constant with this novel, in middle school (I barely read halfway through an abridged edition. Horrifying I know) But after having read it for my Literary Critisim course this year, and again for pleasure, I get a little giddy at the darkness. It really is amazing how Bronte writes in such a way that you can draw the gruesomeness out every word. One scene that really got me to that point was actually in the beginning of the novel, where our “outsider” narrator, Lockwood is visited by the ghost of Catherine Earnshaw. The image made my skin get all goose bumpy. The novel is definitely one of those that you cannot just look away from. It really makes you wonder how dysfunction can function. The relationship you develop with the characters, at least for me is an interesting one. I felt a roller coaster, of pity, disgust, happiness (rarely), anger and a torrid of other uneasy feelings while reading. However I never faced boredom. If you want a a bit of a mental struggle I would say read it, especially if you have a bit of a dark side, but if you have a light constitution be wary and probably only read it in the day time.

WHAT AM I READING NEXT (OR RATHER NOW): Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Pages of Summer: Pride and Prejudice

BLOG SERIES TWO: PAGES OF SUMMER! FIRST POST!!!

THE BOOK: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and as a bonus… Pride Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

THE SUMMARY (SparkNotes totally writes these better! But I’ll practice): Published in 1813 this is perhaps one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels. Set in Regency era England, we meet the Bennet family, namely one Elizabeth Bennet. The novel follows the plight of women at the time. Making a suitable match. We see the ups and down of the shy and yet endearing relationship of Ms. Jane Bennet and the wealthy Mr. Bingley. But the story that really draws this novel to the forefront is the roller coaster romance between Elizabeth and the brooding Mr. Darcy. Initially the only sparks that fly are witty and certainly make a zing when they hit their mark, but in following these two it seems impossible that those sparks should eventually warm the hearts of both parties.

All that excitement got your bustle in a bunch… well wait until Mr. Grahame-Smith throws zombies into the mix!

THAT’S WHAT HE/SHE SAID:
“I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” –Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth on the origin of his love.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” –Opening narration of Pride Prejudice and Zombies

POINTS OF INTEREST:
Watch the adaptations: Namely the most recent. 2005’s blockbuster starring Kiera Knightly and the dashingly handsome Matthew Macfayden. Darcy’s confession, not totally accurate, but just beautiful cinematography throughout!!! Visually stunning!!! LOVE IT! And the 1995 British TV miniseries with the ever wonderful Colin Firth, and watch the miniseries if not only for the visual yummies but for that one scene, white shirt, pond… oh yes Mr. Darcy! *hits pause on the remote* The UK has also recently mothered a miniseries called Lost in Austen… pretty good, not great but enjoyable.
Follow the side trails: Much like my mention of adding Zombies to the mix try some other fun times on for size, numerous volumes of sequels have been printed with the renewed love of this classic. Or try a fun choose your own adventure, Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster is a fun way to pass a wintery evening or two.

WHY MY HEART BEATS FOR THIS TEXT: Where do I even start! We can set aside the fact that I’m as HOPELESS of a romantic as they come, in my tastes of what to read. I have to say I love everything about this novel… okay not everything Mr. Collins can throw himself off the nearest cliff, but overall, major love for this work. I think I mostly speak to the visuals from this book, Austen is really particular in building a surrounding and I don’t exactly mean from describing the setting but her narration really draws you in and the character descriptions and commentary are splendid. I think like many great novels, it is the characters that keep you hooked. Pride and Prejudice is no exception, I’ve read the novel a few times now and each time I turn the pages with anticipation for the next words to come flying from the mouth of Elizabeth or the splendid telling of events. Austen really makes the glue from a linguistic point of view for the time, between her and the Bronte sisters I get giddy with the language. There is something about that rather prescriptive and “polite” English of the era that just makes me was to giggle with delight, but perhaps its just me!

One word. Zombies. Can I thank the muses for these wonderful undead creatures… or some nerdy kiddo in his basement? Either way some of my favorite things have risen from the dead (okay to some extent I’m kidding). You need to take this adaptation with rock salt. It isn’t quality literature even though Ms. Austen is infused almost seamlessly throughout. I was a little wary at first of Elizabeth and the other girls Bennet being armed with muskets and machetes, and distributing kick ass martial arts like calling cards, but taking it at face value for sheer suspension of disbelief it’s a blast! Complete with illustrations (everyone loves pictures). Pick this novel up for a good all be it mildly gory thrill. And people, there’s a film in the works for it! I smell some twisted awesomeness coming our way!!!

WHAT AM I READING NEXT (OR RATHER NOW): Here’s what to come, I think Wuthering Heights is up next. I finished it at essentially the beginning of the summer, but its another novel that’s too good NOT to share!

PS: Lemme know what you think of the book!!! Pride and Prejudice that is!

Pages of Summer: New Book Smell!

So because I have found a suprising amount of time on my hands this summer so far... (Don't get me wrong I'm still REALLY busy) I've decided to treat myself. To some good Old Fashioned novels. Classics to be exact.

So much like my shoe blog from WAAAAY back I've decided to start another blog series. I'm hoping to catch up on a lot of reading this summer, and I've been on a Classical or Canon Literature binge! As an English major I'm concerned that a lot of us aren't really keeping an appreication for literature and worlds of days gone by, so I really wanna sink my teeth into some fun and dusty volumes for a change!
Not all of the books will be "classics" so I guess its more just to trace my summer reading!

Each post will include the book, a quick summary, fun quote, what I thought of the book (what sets it apart, motifs etc.), and maybe a few interesting facts along the way!

SO be on the lookout for what I've read so far!
Pride and Prejudice.... (Will most likely post this tomorrow) This one will have a special treat!
Wuthering Heights: (Actually had to read it for a class but re-read it week before last)
Jane Eyre: (Finished this one last week! Can't wait to write about it!!)

Sound like a good way to spend the summer? I thought so! I hope some of you readers will maybe pick up a book that I read as well this summer! Stimulating conversation is always wanted with me! So be on the lookout for the new blog series, PAGES OF SUMMER!!!

PS: Got a book I should read, lemme know! I'll be going to the library every week If not more!

BBQ and Getting GAL'd UP!

So yesterday was Memorial Day, and my family had a BBQ with some friends of the family! It was a lot of fun I don't get to see those people very often anymore, and it gave me a chance to get dressed up! My Make still has a long way to go to looking GAL, but I tried a tutorial from an AGEHA and if I had false lashes on I think it would have turned out super!

So the results!

Let's Get Physical!

I spent two hours today in the gym!

And despite being tired, I feel great! I can sort of see the results of my hard work. The Marine certainly noticed, and I quote, "Damn your arms are so tiny!". I'm actually starting to get pumped about going to the gym. Afterwards I always feel so refreshed after a shower, I just wanna go outside... or clean something! I haven't weighed myself in awhile but my legs are getting thinner and those lovehandles are slowing going bye bye.

Today I tried a new ab workout with my sister. It's called NASCAR abs. Lol I know, but you do various exercises and instead of counting reps you just do your best in time intervals, I can totally feel the burn! And I ran a whole mile today without a stitch in my side! Sooo happy!

Now I just have to watch what I eat. Momma's making pork chops for dinner! YUM!

How is everyone doing? Do you have a fitness goal or milestone! Comment to me about it!!!

PS: Will have a blog about NC up soon... it just makes me sad to write it.

Paradise is Fleeting

I returned from Camp Lejeune, NC last night! What a trip! It was just the thing I needed! A week in a beachside cabana with the man I am madly in love with! Sadly I can't say that we really did a TON of things this week, I was just happy to spend time with him... and walking on the beach with him was probably the most relaxing I've been at liberty to have right now.

It was a rough night last night, but at least I didn't cry... just sniffled when we said goodbye at the airport... but then my flight was delayed just after he left.... such is my luck! However more about my trip later! With pictures! I was just so delighted to be with him... but plans to see him in August appear to be falling through, I just can't afford it... and yes its my own fault because I've been shopping... like a mad woman. But I did clean out my closet and now its down to things I will actually wear! I guess you could say I'm now a GAL and fashion addict. Which brings me to my next topic!

Things I want to buy!!!
** A New camera since mine went for a swim in the Atlantic!
** Circle Lenses from Geo Candy! One maybe two pairs.
** Bulk false lashes from Daiso Japan (They are super cheap I know, but they look good)
** A half wig from either Prisila or HOT HAIR. I really want one... but I may have to start dying my hair in order to have one... so maybe a full wig instead.
** A Can can hat.... but they don't look good on me. Poo berries!
** More clothes... but I will do my best to wait for Fall trends!!!!

Also the diet is back in full swing as of tomorrow. I have dropped a pants size. And I bought a SMALL in Express the other day I nearly cried!!! I'm hitting the gym with my sister, and I guess its not so much of a diet as I am just trying to eat less and as healthy as possible because I fatted hardcore in NC. And I really want to look awesome come this fall and then for Japan! So in order to amp up my GAL style I have to amp up my activity!

As far as Japan and school goes. I'm working on lesson plans for J-Cup for the second year students, I'm organizing a ledger and a big planner for the Japan Club use and for my personal use so I can stay on top of everything. I think I will buy one tomorrow at the store. For study abroad I will be starting the applications and such in the next couple of weeks. I should still be able to study and graduate a semester early but it will be tough! I also met my goal of saving $1000 for Japan! YAY! But just barely I will be pinching pennies until my summer job starts! But come fall I will keep working 20 hrs a week!

So that's all the babble for now, expect another post probably this weekend! Toodles love!

PS: I've started a list of things I need for the apartment next year with MagnificentDebra's Darling Daughter!!! SOOOO EXCITED!!!!

Finals Week!!!

I was planning a nice post soon, but alas Finals Week is here... and I haven't got the time right now! YIKES! So expect some fun in the NEAR future!!! I'm just super busy at the moment!

AND!!! NINE little days before I'm in North Carolina again!

PS: Is it odd that I thought the fact that my mother was upset that I was a tad more excited to see my boyfriend then to come home and work all summer??? And I was annoyed by that fact... meh...