The Horse and His Boy – The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

Angela9 Comments

Book number three in the Narnia series, by the numbering on the books I have, is “The Horse and His Boy.” This is also the only book I seem to have missing from my collector’s box that holds all 7 of these books. I haven’t the slightest idea where it went, who may have had it last, or how I managed to lose a book!

The Horse and His Boy

With that being said, this is actually my least favorite book out of the 7 in the series. This is a novel that can stand alone, and there is no need to read, or have read, and of the other books to enjoy this one. I did like this story, I just did not find it as interesting as the other 6 stories. This story is set in Narnia for its entirety, and focuses on a boy running away from home, who meets a horse who is also running away from home.

The Full Color Edition
The Full Color Edition

Shasta discovers his adoptive father is going to sell him as a slave, and learns from Bree, a horse at the stable, that Bree has been treated badly by this same adoptive father. A plan gets underway, and soon both Shasta and Bree are on the run, trying to get to Narnia and the High Kings and Queens there; yes, the Pevensies. (And yes, of course the horses talk, it is Narnia!)

They also meet a girl and her horse who are running away from home; she being a Princess forced to marry against her will. Once they reach their destination, they both learn things about themselves that will change their lives forever. These two eventually get married, and have a son who becomes the most famous King of Archenland.

Aslan 1

The thing I liked best about this story was the cat who seemed to follow Shasta all through his journey. Sometimes a lion chasing him, and sometimes a cat comforting him; Aslan always makes his presence known.

Which Narnia story did you like the least? I know it’s hard to choose when they are all great stories, but they can’t all be your favorites, or are they?

We Go Again – Michael Cargill

Angela2 Comments

While strolling through the blog posts for authors, I came across Michael Cargill’s post, where he announced that his new book was available, free, and he would appreciate a review in return. Just my thing, right? And, it takes place during WWII, and I am a huge history buff, so double bonus.

We Go Again Cover Image

Triple bonus? This story was amazing! The writing was brilliant, the characters were well developed, and the scenery was written so vividly that I could see everything as if I was watching it happen.

It is a short story, and I wished it went on for twice as many chapters. I definitely do not want to give away any spoilers, but you get to meet James, and David, and Piper. Along with their Captain who is pretty useless, and a cast of other characters that round out this story. It is graphic, but how could something about WWII not be? So just be prepared if you are overly-squeamish. There were parts of this story where I was literally holding my breath while I was reading it, waiting to see what was going to happen next.

Do you want to give this story a read? You definitely should! You can find the links for it on Michael’s WordPress page, here: https://michaelcargill.wordpress.com/2015/01/24/we-go-again-my-new-book-is-now-available-free-for-reviewers-and-subscribers/

I would also like to ask that anyone who gets the free copy to be so kind as to leave a review for Michael on Amazon and Goodreads. If you pick up this story, I would love to hear what you thought about it!

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Angela6 Comments

For those of you who may not know, I am a huge fan of Abraham Lincoln. Okay; slightly obsessed, but in a good way! I could not give you any one specific reason why this is, it just is. I have adored him for as far back as I can remember; meaning, I did a speech about him in kindergarten or first grade! I think one of the things I admire about him more than anything was his quick wit, and ability to reply to any comment or question with a brilliant quip; many of which are still repeated today. I will be making my first ever visit to this library, as well as Lincoln’s Tomb, and so many other historical sites, in three months!

I have 3 months until I will be here!
I have less than 3 months until I will be here!

At 98,000 square feet, this library holds over 12 million books and publications. 47,000 of these are part of the Lincoln Collection, and is the largest collection of artifacts for Lincoln in the world. The library also holds numerous documents and artifacts for all things Illinois. I have a feeling when I step foot in that library, I am going to be telling someone to ship all my clothes, and my cat, because I will not want to leave!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library 2

The library contains what is called the “Whispering Gallery”; a dark, crooked hallway full of pictures and actual political cartoons and articles demonstrating the difficulty and hatred that the Lincoln’s faced both during his elections and his terms. While walking through, you hear whispering of actual things that were said to Mr. Lincoln throughout his political career.

Abraham Lincoln whisperinggallery2

2015 is the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and my boyfriend, my children, and I will be in Springfield, Illinois for “The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train”. They are currently constructing a replica of the Lincoln funeral train, which will be travelling from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. Obviously there will be some detours and reroutes happening due to the limitation of the railroad system compared to the 1860’s, but it is making several stops in major cities along the way, identical to the original route of President Lincoln’s funeral procession.

2015 Abraham Lincoln Funeral Train Brochure Map
2015 Abraham Lincoln Funeral Train Brochure Map

To learn more about this remarkable undertaking and event, visit the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train website here: http://www.the2015lincolnfuneraltrain.com/

I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing event, and I know it is an experience I will never forget.

You can visit the Presidential Library website here: http://www.lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com/

What’s Keeping Me Busy Right Now

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I am currently reading, for my own pleasure, “An Irish Country Wedding” by Patrick Taylor, M.D. This is one of several books in his Irish series, and the 5th one I am reading, out of 10 currently in the series. Patrick Taylor is a licensed Medical Doctor, retired, as well as a former Professor.

Patrick Taylor, M.D.
Patrick Taylor, M.D.

These are great stories about 2 Doctors who live and work in the Irish town of Ballybucklebo. They are set in the 1950’s and further on, depending on the story you are reading. There is a lot of back story information about the political issues that have happened in Ireland since the 1930’s, and it lends a good deal to the story without being overwhelming.

An Irish Country Wedding

It does not take long into the first story of this series to fall in love with the Doctors, their housekeeper Kinky Kincaid, and all the various characters throughout the quaint village of Ballybucklebo. If you are a fan of all things Irish, the political history of Ireland, or like stories that accurately reference medical terms and issues, while teaching you something at the same time, I would highly recommend you give Patrick Taylor’s books a try!

I am also in the process of editing one book that I am nearly finished with, and should be starting on another book editing job tomorrow. I am really loving getting to be on this side of the literary world, while helping authors publish the best possible story they can!

Are you reading anything at the moment that you can’t put down?

Whose Bad Idea Was This?

Angela19 Comments

Making a television series out of a terrible book is a waste of time, money, and talent. Okay, maybe I am being a bit harsh, but I literally about fell out of my chair when I saw today that J.K. Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy” is being made into a television series.

A very difficult read for me
A very difficult read for me

If you liked this book, you may want to stop reading now. I have this book still on my bookshelf for two reasons:

1) I cannot bear to throw a book in the garbage (I am going to repurpose it).

2) I do not want to donate it to my local library and risk anyone else reading this rubbish.

From what I am understanding, Michael Gambon, aka Professor Dumbledore, has a leading role. What? Why?

Michael Gambon The Casual Vacancy
Michael Gambon on the set of “The Casual Vacancy”; yes, in his pajamas.

I see this as a bad idea for several reasons:

He is Professor Dumbledore. He should not be recycled into your next book.

People will expect a Dumbledore-type character, which he is not playing.

People will think (Okay, I am thinking) you could not find anyone else to act in this television series.

Okay; I just did not like this book. I wanted to like it; I tried to like it. But I could not. She could have written it under a pseudonym like she did with “The Silkworm“, and not knowing it was J.K., I still would not have liked it.

I am really curious if I am the only one who finds so many wrong things going on here. And I would really love to hear from someone who liked this story. Honestly. I want to know if I missed something, judged too quickly, or just did not get it.

Anyone?

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

Angela5 Comments

Since I reviewed my favorite Narnia book, I thought I may as well just work right through the series. Probably not consecutively though. I will keep this review light and simple, since so many are familiar with this story.

Another well loved book!
Another well loved book!

This is the story where we meet Digory Kirke again, except now he is Professor Kirke, and he is who the Pevensie’s go to stay with while the war is happening. The wardrobe that Lucy steps through to find Narnia? That wardrobe is made from the first tree that was planted in Narnia in book one, “The Magician’s Nephew“.

The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe 008

Lucy has a hard time convincing her siblings of this wonderful world she found, and even Edmund lies to Peter and Susan about it after he went there himself. Older brothers, right?

Nothing like a bit of Turkish Delight to get Edmund tangled up with the White Witch!
Nothing like a bit of Turkish Delight to get Edmund tangled up with the White Witch!

While trying to hide from the housekeeper, all 4 of the Pevensie’s climb into the wardrobe, and step in Narnia. Edmund gets an earful for lying, Susan wants to return to the professor’s home, and Peter and Lucy want to explore. They meet the Beaver’s, who are one of my favorite parts of this story!

Dinner with the Beaver's
Dinner with the Beaver’s

Edmund decides to go find the White Witch, because she promised to make him a King. Since he is tired of being bossed around by Peter and Susan, this is just the ticket for him. But of course, it’s not. He manages to get all four of them in a heap of trouble, and it takes Aslan to get them out of it.

This is the first story that was made into a movie, although I used to watch this as a cartoon when I was growing up. It must have been in the late 70’s, and it was shown once a year, kind of like The Wizard of Oz was shown. It was always on a weekend, and it was a big deal to watch this cartoon movie. Maybe that is why I never read the books when I was growing up!

If you would like more information about this series of books, be sure to visit the Narnia website here: https://www.narnia.com/us

The Magician’s Nephew – The Chronicles of Narnia – C. S. Lewis

Angela12 Comments

Out of all 7 of the stories in The Chronicles of Narnia series, I think “The Magician’s Nephew” is my favorite one! I never read these stories during my childhood (I have no idea why!) but I have read them several times in my recent past. This is a series that I get to share with my girls, and they like it as much as I do.

My copy is a bit tattered and worn, or as I like to think of it; very well loved!
My copy is a bit tattered and worn, or as I like to think of it; very well loved!

Well, maybe not as much, but they like it none-the-less!

The Magician’s Nephew takes you through how Narnia came to be, along with Aslan, the White Witch, and Professor Kirke, or Digory Kirke in this story. The first tree that gets planted in Narnia has significance in future stories as well.

The Uncle is soon to show his true colors!
The Uncle is soon to show his true colors!

Digory is staying with his Aunt and Uncle, due to his mother having a severe illness. Extremely upset by this situation, he goes in the backyard, crying, and meets the neighbor, a girl his age named Polly. It does not take long for them to decide to start exploring the attics of the townhouses they live in. They are all connected through the roof, so they can get from one end to the other.

Leave it to Digory to sneak right into his own townhouse, and right into his Uncle’s secret room. This is where things get really interesting.

His Uncle sees Digory and Polly as the perfect pair to test out his magic rings. And let me be clear on this; these are real magic rings. As soon as Polly puts a ring on and disappears, Digory quickly sees what a coward his Uncle really is. Digory has no choice but to put a ring on himself and see if he can find Polly and bring her back.

Polly is found!
Polly is found!

Digory finds Polly, and they begin their amazing adventures into many different worlds. One world holds the White Witch, whom Digory and Polly end up bringing right back into their world.

The uncle is thrilled, Digory is furious, and someone had better figure out how to fix this mess, and quick!

The White Witch lets her fury be known!
The White Witch lets her fury be known!

I will not go further into the story with spoilers, but this is indeed how we got our Narnia. There are many situations that will test Digory’s morals, and with the help of Aslan, he attempts to put things right again. Or as right as possible considering he has unleashed the White Witch unto the world.

The Magician's Nephew 019

This is just the beginning of one of my very favorite series, and I have read these books to my girls until they were able to read them themselves.

Do you have a favorite Chronicles of Narnia book?