Ursula K. Le Guin, Malafrena (1979) When I was a fantasy-loving preteen, I bought the paperback copy of Orsinian Tales by Ursula K. Le Guin. It looked just like my copies of the Earthsea trilogy and The Wind's Twelve Quarters, and I expected to find more magical and otherworldly journeys within its pages. Instead, I … Continue reading A necessary passion: Malafrena
If you've ever tried to learn German, you know that it has some peculiar features. Some of these don't bother me that much, like piled-up consonant clusters, umlauts, and irregular verbs, but others make me want to tear my hairs out. Here are five of the things that I could definitely do without, auf Deutsch. … Continue reading Five things that bug me about German
For Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, the theme is "resolutions/hopes for 2021." Here are some of the books I want to read in 2021 - with a focus on nonfiction, since it's one of my resolves to read more of it. Totalitarian and oppressive regimes -- These are threatening and scary, … Continue reading Top Ten Nonfiction Books I Want to Read in 2021
Moss Hart, Act One (1959) I read Act One years ago, but was inspired to visit it again after reading Julie Andrews's memoir Home, which includes a priceless account of her experience in the Broadway production of My Fair Lady. Hart was the director, and if he hadn't been, Andrews might never have made it … Continue reading A dramatic transformation: Act One
It's time to sign up for another year of the Back to the Classics challenge, hosted by Karen of Books and Chocolate. Here are the categories Karen has chosen this year, and the books I think I might read to fill them (not that I ever actually stick to them): 1. A 19th century classic: … Continue reading Back to the Classics Challenge 2021
In the dismal days of late winter, as we enter the second year of pandemic-induced distancing and lockdowns, I'd like to introduce a theme that may provide a welcome counter-impulse and help us to look forward to the days when we can gather once more. As theatres around the world have been closed or severely … Continue reading Coming in March: Reading the Theatre
I'm starting a new format for my monthly review post, as I gear up for a new year here at Entering the Enchanted Castle. I hope you'll let me know how you like it! Literature This was a month for reading and reading favorite authors with multiple names or initials, it seems. Plus one last … Continue reading Month in Review: December 2020
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope this year will bring you joy, as we all continue to work through very great challenges. This month, I'm closing down my seven-year adventure at The Emerald City Book Review and moving all my blogging activity over to the Enchanted Castle. So as I've done each year, I'd like … Continue reading Reading and blogging goals in the new year
As I bring my other blog, The Emerald City Book Review, to a close, I've just posted my seventh annual list of "Emerald City Gems" -- my favorite reads from the past year. For Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, here's a selection of ten of my top favorites. What are yours? … Continue reading Top Ten reads from 2020
O see the sunAt midnight's toll;Set stone on stoneIn barren soil.Earth turns toward darkness now,And death seems all our fate --Yet every end knows howBeginning lies in wait. Above shall ring the songOf love's eternal birth;Below, build safe and strongA home for peace on earth.The sun's sure glowIn deepest nightWeaves through our woeDivine delight. (A … Continue reading Christmas
