in which natale fangirls

And the thrilling saga continues!

2. A BOOK YOU’VE READ MORE THAN 3 TIMES

If I am to be perfectly honest, I have read a numberless amount of books more than three times. Having said that, I think the book I have read the most in my life is Howl’s Moving Castle by the impeccable Diana Wynne Jones.

 

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I do not know how to articulate what I love so well about it. First of all, Diana (I call her Diana because I like to pretend we are best friends) perfectly satirizes the fantasy genre, while still crafting a story that fulfills all one’s fantasy needs. We have Sophie, the mousy eldest daughter so unaware of her own ability that she does not even realize when she enchants things; Howl, the slithery scoundrel of a wizard who’s too busy with his hair to see what a good person he is; and a myriad cast of other characters that are just as zany and magical and unexpected. Basically, Diana takes all the best troupes of fantasy fiction and blends them into a hilarious mess of an adventure.

But wait! Despite being in a land of magic, Diana creates characters that are still quite real and relatable. Sophie, for example, is an inspiration to me. At the beginning of the story, Sophie hides within her family’s hat shop, letting her sisters and (not so wicked) stepmother go and experience life outside their little town. She doubts her abilities so much that she convinces herself she is better off cursed as an old woman. Though being turned into an old woman is not exactly ideal, the curse ultimately frees Sophie and proves that the most powerful curses are the ones we put on ourselves. Howl, too, (despite all his Byronic, drama queen-ness) can be so very human and it is just absolutely wonderful.

AND THE HUMOR. Oh, how I laugh when I read this book! The comedy, I will say, is very British and will not be everyone’s cup of tea (get it? tea? cuz, you know, the Brits drink lots of tea … anyway) but, as a self-professed Anglophile, I grin and cackle constantly throughout. (The banter between Sophie and Howl and Calcifer gives me life.) Diana’s so darn clever and always seems to know exactly what to write. Plus, anyone who can make drunken candor comical is okay in my book.

I really, really, really love this book.

I don't even know how many times I've read it.

"I assure you, my friends, I am cone sold stober."

in which i talk about books

One important thing to know about me: I adore books.

In the words of William Herondale, I "live and breathe words," which is why I've chosen to study English at university. And since I can't be tempted to update this blog with normal things, I thought I'd use this nifty thirty-day reading challenge as a way to get into the habit of posting again. (They say it takes at least twenty-one days to form a habit, right?)

 

 

1: THE BEST BOOK YOU READ THIS YEAR

 

I've read quite a few books this year (especially since returning home for the summer), but the best book, BY FAR, is this little gem.

 

My sister, the librarian, recommended it to me and it did not disappoint. The story takes place during World War II and charts the friendship of two young girls, a pilot and a wireless operator, in the midst of the era's turmoil.

 

But it's so, so much more than that.

 

The novel begins with the reader witnessing the incarceration of the wireless operator, the eponymous "Verity," into Nazi control. The girl, who identifies herself as Queenie, relates the story of her experiences and friendship with ace mechanic / pilot Maddie Broddatt. Her words come at a cost though; with her prolonged life, Queenie must also betray herself, and her cause, to the enemy. (I'm going to stop here, as I really don't want to spoil anything. JUST READ THE BOOK OKAY.)

 

I won't lie to you: the book killed me. By the end, I was sobbing unabashedly (which I am sure looked most amusing in the middle of an airplane) and I felt so betrayed with the conclusion. But this book isn't supposed to be fair, it isn't supposed to be kind. It's supposed to matter. By the end, I felt like I was better for knowing Maddie and Queenie.

 

(And let me say, QUEENIE IS AMAZING. One of the most wonderful and engaging characters I've met in a long time. Despite her terrible situation, she had me cracking up from her sharp wit and Scottish pride.)

 

My little summary really is terrible compared to the wondrous complexity and beauty of the book, but take my word for it: Code Name Verity is worth it. It will make you question the nature of truth, life, and other grand ideas. It will change you.

 

Why are you still here? Go read the dang book!



sunday dreamin'

this weekend commenced one of my favorite times of the year: general conference. as a member of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, i revel in the opportunity to hear my beloved prophets speak. it also doesn't hurt that i get to stay in my pajamas all weekend.

 

i adored all of the speakers. i love the kind, sweet spirit of their messages. i love that i know the words they say come from my Heavenly Father. i love being a part of this flawed and human, yet true, church.

 

{also, i especially adored brother uchtdorf's talk. that man always says the best things and i needed to hear them.} 

 

in other news, it's already almost finals week (again) and i am so, so ecstatic to go home to sunshine and summer. my heart is only surviving at the thought of shorts and reading lists and lovin' family time. it's gonna be grand .

 

until then i'll be sitting here, dreaming away of worlds without finals and essays and of good things ahead. 

 

til next time.

 

music loves of late:

the head and the heart {another story & sounds like hallelujah}

simon & garfunkel

queen {don't stop me now--my mantra for the end of the semester}