Looks like you had a good year Maddie. I grew up near Hannibal, Missouri so enjoyed Mark Twain's works when I was younger. I will need to check out the Tolkien book.
It would be so interesting to grow up there and read the books! Reading it has given me a new interest in visiting that area. And yes, I highly recommend Shippey’s book!
My mother loved Huck so much she “borrowed” a row boat as a girl and took her dog for a ride down the Hudson River just across from NYC. Luckily she was rescued. My favorite books this past year were Marching Home ( nonfiction) about how the country treated Union Civil War vets. Very sad. For fiction I’d say a sweet little YA book Goodnight, Mr. Tom. It just had all the right feelings for me--cozy, British, heartwarming but not too sweet.
What a great list! I’m living in Copenhagen at the moment so I should definitely revisit some HC Anderson before I leave! I’ve also been reading little women over the past couple of years around Christmas. I really think we need more stories which celebrate goodness! I love your point that the books emphasise this idea of virtue. Although I do possibly think the Greta Gerwig film gives more relatable and rounded/complex characters. I’ve also been wanting to read the Princess and the Goblin for ages so thanks for the reminder! Amd thanks for a lovely list!
Thank you!! My favorite rendition will probably always be the Wynona Rider one, although I do feel like each version presents a new and beautiful aspect of the story!! I especially loved the costumes in Greta Gerwigs!
Actually yes, I have! Now that I remember it, I think I’d have to agree with you. I watched it during Covid and it just broke me! The love between the sisters was so moving!
Looks like you had a good year Maddie. I grew up near Hannibal, Missouri so enjoyed Mark Twain's works when I was younger. I will need to check out the Tolkien book.
It would be so interesting to grow up there and read the books! Reading it has given me a new interest in visiting that area. And yes, I highly recommend Shippey’s book!
That book on Tolkien sounds like a must-read. Adding it to my (ever-growing) list! Thanks for the idea.
I haven’t read Surprised by Oxford, but I loved the movie.
Also Great Expectations was one of my favorite books in high school!
As they say, the book is even better than the movie! :)
My mother loved Huck so much she “borrowed” a row boat as a girl and took her dog for a ride down the Hudson River just across from NYC. Luckily she was rescued. My favorite books this past year were Marching Home ( nonfiction) about how the country treated Union Civil War vets. Very sad. For fiction I’d say a sweet little YA book Goodnight, Mr. Tom. It just had all the right feelings for me--cozy, British, heartwarming but not too sweet.
That might be the best fiction-inspired adventure I’ve ever heard! And I’ve heard great things about Goodnight, Mr. Tom. :)
What a great list! I’m living in Copenhagen at the moment so I should definitely revisit some HC Anderson before I leave! I’ve also been reading little women over the past couple of years around Christmas. I really think we need more stories which celebrate goodness! I love your point that the books emphasise this idea of virtue. Although I do possibly think the Greta Gerwig film gives more relatable and rounded/complex characters. I’ve also been wanting to read the Princess and the Goblin for ages so thanks for the reminder! Amd thanks for a lovely list!
Thank you!! My favorite rendition will probably always be the Wynona Rider one, although I do feel like each version presents a new and beautiful aspect of the story!! I especially loved the costumes in Greta Gerwigs!
Have you seen the BBC one from a couple of years ago? I’d say it’s a tie for me between that one and the Winona one.
Actually yes, I have! Now that I remember it, I think I’d have to agree with you. I watched it during Covid and it just broke me! The love between the sisters was so moving!
And Emily Watson’s Marmee was so sensitivity done. I really felt how bittersweet it was for her seeing the girls growing up.
Now I need to rewatch it!
It's true. I feel like Beth's death was the most moving in that rendition, especially the way it affected Marmee.
I have never been interested in Missouri, but after reading Huck Finn I 100% want to visit. That sounds like such an amazing trip!