Padfoot - Fourth Review - The Barber of Seville & The Marriage of Figaro; "Or the Story of How I Laughed Until I Stopped"

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro
Piere Beaumarchais

Although I have never been to a performance of an opera (a good conclusion is because I am not nearly classy enough, although I do love to think that I am) I've always had a love for opera music; especially the song "Figaro, Figaro!" or, "Largo Al Factotum" from The Barber of Seville. Just think back to Mrs. Doubtfire-at the beginning when Robin Williams is singing as a cartoon bird-oh yes you know it-that is the song. The same song of which I happen to love singing very loudly in the shower (you know that one too? Creepy).

I found the original version of The Barber of Seville/The Marriage of Figaro by Piere Beaumarchais translated by John Woods, as a wonderful old copy, in my nearest Half Price Books. I love reading plays rather than seeing them, so I figured I'd give it a go. But as usual I digress, here's my thoughts:

One thing is certain about The Barber of Seville: it is a very quick-read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. It starts off with Count Almaviva, who is in love with a woman named Rosine, who he really has never even met, he's just seen her from a distance (but it's 18th century Spain, so hey, it's normal). The problem is, Rosine has a creepy "guardian" who really wants to marry her. Well, The Count calls upon his "wingman" Figaro to help him win the love of Rosine, and to steal her away from Bartholo, the guardian:

"Look! I'm going in there-- and with one stroke of my
wand I'll lull vigilance to sleep, awake the transports of love,
thwart the machinations of jealousy, confound base
intrigue, and overcome every obstacle that confronts us."

-Figaro

Madness ensues! The Count decides to disguise himself as a drunken soldier and here it comes-wit! Although I am sounding sarcastic as always, it is surprisingly true. Beaumarchais has thrown in an immense amount of irony and wit into this dramatic story. Beware: be ready to encounter lots of enjoyable irony; the lighthearted feel of the story while the whole story is one big dramatic soap opera is an example.

As you move on to The Marriage of Figaro, which is another story in itself after The Barber of Seville, you begin to see mirror situations of what happened in the first story. It is actually quite humorous, especially since we see role reversals of complete opposite characters. All the while, Figaro reminds you of a corny, smooth-talking, typical jumping-on-tables-to-recite-Shakespeare kind of guy, but you cannot help but love him.

I will give you five words/phrases to judge the book off of, just in case my review does not strike you in the cerebellum: Cross-dressing, pranks, damaging of gardens, foul-play, tom-foolery.

Now you have to read it!!!

Padfoot - Fourth Review - The Barber of Seville & The Marriage of Figaro; "Or the Story of How I Laughed Until I Stopped"

The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro
Piere Beaumarchais

Although I have never been to a performance of an opera (a good conclusion is because I am not nearly classy enough, although I do love to think that I am) I've always had a love for opera music; especially the song "Figaro, Figaro!" or, "Largo Al Factotum" from The Barber of Seville. Just think back to Mrs. Doubtfire-at the beginning when Robin Williams is singing as a cartoon bird-oh yes you know it-that is the song. The same song of which I happen to love singing very loudly in the shower (you know that one too? Creepy).

I found the original version of The Barber of Seville/The Marriage of Figaro by Piere Beaumarchais translated by John Woods, as a wonderful old copy, in my nearest Half Price Books. I love reading plays rather than seeing them, so I figured I'd give it a go. But as usual I digress, here's my thoughts:

One thing is certain about The Barber of Seville: it is a very quick-read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. It starts off with Count Almaviva, who is in love with a woman named Rosine, who he really has never even met, he's just seen her from a distance (but it's 18th century Spain, so hey, it's normal). The problem is, Rosine has a creepy "guardian" who really wants to marry her. Well, The Count calls upon his "wingman" Figaro to help him win the love of Rosine, and to steal her away from Bartholo, the guardian:

"Look! I'm going in there-- and with one stroke of my
wand I'll lull vigilance to sleep, awake the transports of love,
thwart the machinations of jealousy, confound base
intrigue, and overcome every obstacle that confronts us."

-Figaro

Madness ensues! The Count decides to disguise himself as a drunken soldier and here it comes-wit! Although I am sounding sarcastic as always, it is surprisingly true. Beaumarchais has thrown in an immense amount of irony and wit into this dramatic story. Beware: be ready to encounter lots of enjoyable irony; the lighthearted feel of the story while the whole story is one big dramatic soap opera is an example.

As you move on to The Marriage of Figaro, which is another story in itself after The Barber of Seville, you begin to see mirror situations of what happened in the first story. It is actually quite humorous, especially since we see role reversals of complete opposite characters. All the while, Figaro reminds you of a corny, smooth-talking, typical jumping-on-tables-to-recite-Shakespeare kind of guy, but you cannot help but love him.

I will give you five words/phrases to judge the book off of, just in case my review does not strike you in the cerebellum: Cross-dressing, pranks, damaging of gardens, foul-play, tom-foolery.

Now you have to read it!!!

Prongs - Fifth Review - Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Hey everybody, Prongs here bringing you another review. This one is short and quick and will hopefully help you get that literary fix I am sure you addicts are in the need of by now. Sorry for the lack of reviews, both Padfoot and I have been swamped at school and my 6th re-read of The Fountainhead has been holding me back a bit. I did however thankfully have time to finish this quick read (took me less then half an hour) and hopefully all of you will be able to find time someday to get to it as well. We hope to be back later this week with a review of The Rum Diary by Padfoot, as well as some more interesting literary links.

Before I sign off I wanted to give a special thanks to Martin from http://hstbooks.wordpress.com/
for mentioning our blog in his latest post! We greatly appreciate it and hope all you Hunter S. Thompson fans out there will check out his blog.
-mischief managed-

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Richard Bach
"But Jonathan Livingston Seagull...was no ordinary bird."

Once in awhile you come across those stories or books that can completely rock your entire view on life. It does not happen too often and when it does you are inexplicably changed. One of those books that has done this for me is Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. I am often impressed by the way that some of the shortest stories that I have read can end up having the biggest effects on me. Richard Bach's novella stands at less then 100 pages (including pictures) but has enough magic and awe-inspiring writing to last a lifetime.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a bird who wants nothing more than to fly. Raised in a group of gulls that saw flying as only a means to an end, Jonathan challenged their way of life by believing that flying could be about more than transportation or getting food... it could be about joy and happiness and freedom. When told he was irresponsible for trying exceed his expectations Jonathan replied:

"Who is more responsible than a gull who finds and follows a meaning, a higher
purpose for life? For a thousand years we have scrabbled after fish heads -- and now we have a reason to live -- to learn, to discover, to be free!"

An outcast from his flock, Jonathan took his exile with a grain of salt, finding joy in his love for flight and his constant desperate desire to grow and to learn. He pushes himself to the breaking point and is never satisfied enough with his knowledge and never tires of the quest to obtain more. Bach gives us a character who (like many others in history) stands alone with his ideas and beliefs and is rewarded for his patience and courage. The second half of the book shows Jonathan learning so much that he transcends his earthly form into a higher plane of being. Here, Jonathan is met with other gulls who like him, strive for excellence and do not see flying as a means to an end, but simply love to fly for the sake of loving it. This part begins to reflect a bit of the Buddhist mindset about heaven and a universal knowledge which can seem a bit confusing at first. Jonathan finally returns to his flock on Earth to try for better or worse to show that there is more to life than what they are striving for.

"Are you saying that I can fly?"
"I am saying that you can be free."

After reading this novella you begin to think, if only I was given the gift of flight I would be just like Jonathan... I would ride the winds and find joy in growing and learning, always striving to be the best bird that I could be. But who among us would really do that? How many out there pass up the special gifts that we possess as humans, to live a life that is only a means to an end. Jonathan Livingston Seagull teaches us to see joy in the possibility of never being content and the beauty in striving for perfection. If a seagull could see the truth in this, why is it so hard for us to? We don't have to be rich or famous, or falcons or eagles to be better, we need only to see that there is potential in even the ordinary, and then act upon that.

"For each of them, the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they most loved to do, and that was to fly."

I would recommend this book for anyone who doesn't wish to be shown up by a bird...

Prongs - Fifth Review - Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Hey everybody, Prongs here bringing you another review. This one is short and quick and will hopefully help you get that literary fix I am sure you addicts are in the need of by now. Sorry for the lack of reviews, both Padfoot and I have been swamped at school and my 6th re-read of The Fountainhead has been holding me back a bit. I did however thankfully have time to finish this quick read (took me less then half an hour) and hopefully all of you will be able to find time someday to get to it as well. We hope to be back later this week with a review of The Rum Diary by Padfoot, as well as some more interesting literary links.

Before I sign off I wanted to give a special thanks to Martin from http://hstbooks.wordpress.com/
for mentioning our blog in his latest post! We greatly appreciate it and hope all you Hunter S. Thompson fans out there will check out his blog.
-mischief managed-

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Richard Bach
"But Jonathan Livingston Seagull...was no ordinary bird."

Once in awhile you come across those stories or books that can completely rock your entire view on life. It does not happen too often and when it does you are inexplicably changed. One of those books that has done this for me is Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. I am often impressed by the way that some of the shortest stories that I have read can end up having the biggest effects on me. Richard Bach's novella stands at less then 100 pages (including pictures) but has enough magic and awe-inspiring writing to last a lifetime.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a bird who wants nothing more than to fly. Raised in a group of gulls that saw flying as only a means to an end, Jonathan challenged their way of life by believing that flying could be about more than transportation or getting food... it could be about joy and happiness and freedom. When told he was irresponsible for trying exceed his expectations Jonathan replied:

"Who is more responsible than a gull who finds and follows a meaning, a higher
purpose for life? For a thousand years we have scrabbled after fish heads -- and now we have a reason to live -- to learn, to discover, to be free!"

An outcast from his flock, Jonathan took his exile with a grain of salt, finding joy in his love for flight and his constant desperate desire to grow and to learn. He pushes himself to the breaking point and is never satisfied enough with his knowledge and never tires of the quest to obtain more. Bach gives us a character who (like many others in history) stands alone with his ideas and beliefs and is rewarded for his patience and courage. The second half of the book shows Jonathan learning so much that he transcends his earthly form into a higher plane of being. Here, Jonathan is met with other gulls who like him, strive for excellence and do not see flying as a means to an end, but simply love to fly for the sake of loving it. This part begins to reflect a bit of the Buddhist mindset about heaven and a universal knowledge which can seem a bit confusing at first. Jonathan finally returns to his flock on Earth to try for better or worse to show that there is more to life than what they are striving for.

"Are you saying that I can fly?"
"I am saying that you can be free."

After reading this novella you begin to think, if only I was given the gift of flight I would be just like Jonathan... I would ride the winds and find joy in growing and learning, always striving to be the best bird that I could be. But who among us would really do that? How many out there pass up the special gifts that we possess as humans, to live a life that is only a means to an end. Jonathan Livingston Seagull teaches us to see joy in the possibility of never being content and the beauty in striving for perfection. If a seagull could see the truth in this, why is it so hard for us to? We don't have to be rich or famous, or falcons or eagles to be better, we need only to see that there is potential in even the ordinary, and then act upon that.

"For each of them, the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they most loved to do, and that was to fly."

I would recommend this book for anyone who doesn't wish to be shown up by a bird...

Its a Contest!

Attention Attention!
New Challenge

Hey readers. Padfoot and Prongs here bringing you our very first contest (and the crowd goes wild). We have been cruising blogger for a couple months now and have decided that its time we make a game of our own for all of your literary liaisons. Our challenge is a bit different from some of the other ones out there. It is not dedicated to reading, but instead to literature in general. Please feel free to check it out and get involved. You do not need a blog to participate, just a competitive spirit and a desire to learn and grow. We hope you all enjoy the contest and we look forward to giving out the prize at the end of March.

See the rules for the contest and sign up
Here

Thats all we have for you folks for now. We hope to have a few new reviews up by the end of the week along with a couple other random posts of interesting links. We have been really impressed with the book blogs that we have seen around so keep up the great works folks!
-mischief managed-

Its a Contest!

Attention Attention!
New Challenge

Hey readers. Padfoot and Prongs here bringing you our very first contest (and the crowd goes wild). We have been cruising blogger for a couple months now and have decided that its time we make a game of our own for all of your literary liaisons. Our challenge is a bit different from some of the other ones out there. It is not dedicated to reading, but instead to literature in general. Please feel free to check it out and get involved. You do not need a blog to participate, just a competitive spirit and a desire to learn and grow. We hope you all enjoy the contest and we look forward to giving out the prize at the end of March.

See the rules for the contest and sign up
Here

Thats all we have for you folks for now. We hope to have a few new reviews up by the end of the week along with a couple other random posts of interesting links. We have been really impressed with the book blogs that we have seen around so keep up the great works folks!
-mischief managed-

John Hemingway Stops on By

(Prongs and Padfoot at the Hemingway Lecture)

One reason I love going to The Ohio State University: we get cool free lectures by famous people and their grandsons. I invited Prongs over for the night to see Hemingway’s grandson talk about his new book, Strange Tribe: A Family Memoir, which is about the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his bipolar/transsexual son Gregory. Although we have only read The Old Man and the Sea, we decided that since Hemingway is a very influential writer with an abundance of classic works, it would be a sweet opportunity to hear his grandson speak.

Here are a few things we learned about Greg and Ernest Hemingway:

• John’s father, Gregory, was a transgender/cross-dresser and eventually had a sex change, and turned him from Gregory-->Gloria
• Gregory, like his father, was bipolar, and his wife was schizophrenic
• Ernest’s book Island in the Stream was basically autobiographical: it was about a family, three sons, and a son that was smart, but had a dark side to him, as well as his father, which reflected Ernest’s family life
• Ernest himself had many effeminate suggestions in his own writings, especially in his short stories from the early 20’s
• Gregory was arrested for walking into a bar while dressed as a woman. His mother and father found out and screamed at each other on the phone; not too long after his mother went to the hospital and died a stress-related death. Ernest blamed Gregory…Gregory criticized his father’s accusations, yet he could never forgive himself.
• Unknown to many people, Gregory was the example of a constant Hemingway hero: manly, strong, yet had a compassionate and fragile side.

Although it was interesting to hear about the relationship between Ernest and his son, the lecture probably could have been cut in half. Here are some pictures of our notes; take from them what you will.

(Click to enlarge notes)

Enjoy those pearls of wisdom that are given to you. If anybody is interested in learning more about Hemingway's life, and/or John's new book, here is the link to his blog:

johnhemingway.blogspot.com

John Hemingway Stops on By

(Prongs and Padfoot at the Hemingway Lecture)

One reason I love going to The Ohio State University: we get cool free lectures by famous people and their grandsons. I invited Prongs over for the night to see Hemingway’s grandson talk about his new book, Strange Tribe: A Family Memoir, which is about the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his bipolar/transsexual son Gregory. Although we have only read The Old Man and the Sea, we decided that since Hemingway is a very influential writer with an abundance of classic works, it would be a sweet opportunity to hear his grandson speak.

Here are a few things we learned about Greg and Ernest Hemingway:

• John’s father, Gregory, was a transgender/cross-dresser and eventually had a sex change, and turned him from Gregory-->Gloria
• Gregory, like his father, was bipolar, and his wife was schizophrenic
• Ernest’s book Island in the Stream was basically autobiographical: it was about a family, three sons, and a son that was smart, but had a dark side to him, as well as his father, which reflected Ernest’s family life
• Ernest himself had many effeminate suggestions in his own writings, especially in his short stories from the early 20’s
• Gregory was arrested for walking into a bar while dressed as a woman. His mother and father found out and screamed at each other on the phone; not too long after his mother went to the hospital and died a stress-related death. Ernest blamed Gregory…Gregory criticized his father’s accusations, yet he could never forgive himself.
• Unknown to many people, Gregory was the example of a constant Hemingway hero: manly, strong, yet had a compassionate and fragile side.

Although it was interesting to hear about the relationship between Ernest and his son, the lecture probably could have been cut in half. Here are some pictures of our notes; take from them what you will.

(Click to enlarge notes)

Enjoy those pearls of wisdom that are given to you. If anybody is interested in learning more about Hemingway's life, and/or John's new book, here is the link to his blog:

johnhemingway.blogspot.com

Top 10 Favorite Opening Lines

Hey all you literary fans...

Hope you are all having an excellent Sunday night. Padfoot and Prongs are up 'til all hours as usual. But that works out for you, since out of their insomnia/boredom, you get a new post! Tonight's update is dedicated to the tricky art of first lines from novels.
The first line of any written or spoken passage can potentially make or break the point that the author is trying to achieve. A novel's first line can set the tone for the entire book, in either a negative or positive way. Just think, where would A Christmas Carol be if Dickens had started out by saying, "Marley died the other day?" Not nearly as powerful as the alternative. What is important to remember, however, is that just because an opening line is outstanding it doesn't mean that the book is going to be. It is just a jumping off point (albeit a very large jump).

Together we have compiled a list of our top 10 favorite opening lines of books. Just because the opening line is on here doesn't mean it's one of our favorite books (even though some actually are). Rather, for various reasons we feel that these particular openers stand out when compared to others and compel you to read further. Hopefully some of you will recognize one or two of your own favorites. If not, hopefully they will do their job and inspire you to want to read more. Enjoy!

#1. Fear and Loathing by Hunter S. Thompson
"We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold."
We choose Fear and Loathing to kick us off. Let's be honest...how could you not read on after that? Already, your eye has been bombarded by Steadman's tripped-out pictures. Then, when that first line hits you, it's like BAM! Here we go!

#2. The Stranger by Albert Camus
"Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I don't know."
This pretty much sums up Camus' main character better than I could even begin to describe. This line makes you wonder what kind of heartless, deranged individual could not actually know these details. Following this line, he does not disappoint.

#3. Lord Jim By Joseph Conrad
"He was an inch, perhaps two, under six feet, powerfully built, and he advanced straight at you with a slight stoop of the shoulders, head forward, and a fixed from-under stare which made you think of a charging bull."
Padfoot just liked this description. She pretty much wanted to see his 'O Face' from this line alone. Floozy.

#4. Gravity's Rainbow By Thomas Pynchon
"A screaming comes across the sky."
This made the top 10 due to its sheer ingenuity. Not many writers have been able to so fully master the idea of an abstract opening, while still keeping it interesting. Beautiful wording definitely entices you to read further.

#5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."
Humor is another one of those openers that is hard to really nail. Lewis did an excellent job of being funny, not being too corny, and still setting up a good lead into the following story. I mean, honestly, who really deserves the name Eustace?

#6. 1984 by George Orwell
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
Arguably one of the best opening lines to come out of a novel. Orwell has already purposefully put the reader into a mood of wonder and excitement with his foreshadowing of a futuristic world. Just excellent!

#7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
"It was a pleasure to burn."
This personally strikes us as one of the most beautiful compilation of words ever put together. Somewhat like the phrase 'Cellar Door,' it is one of those things that you hear and are immediately attracted to. The ordering of these words could not be improved in any way. It is especially powerful when used as an opening.

#8. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
"He was awake a long time before he remembered that his heart was broken."
Although we are not huge fans of Hemingway, there is no denying that he knew how to kick off a book. The reader is already becoming invested in the main character before we have even reached the second paragraph.

#9. Anthem by Ayn Rand
"It is a sin to write this."
Wow. Can you say dynamic? There are very few lines that that can accomplish such an intense reaction in such few words. This is the perfect example that more is not always better. It took Rand 7 simple words and we were hooked.

#10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

"Mr. and Mrs Dursley, of number Four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
You knew it was coming, so let's be fair. Even though this might not be the most historically revered or profoundly written book, there is an undeniable magic that Rowling has been able to embody in her books. This usually starts with the first line. It was with the single spark of this line that millions of people, both young and old, awakened their love of literature and books and that is truly magical.

Well we hope that you enjoyed our list. Feel free to comment with your own personal favorites or comment about our selections. For a list of the 'Top 100' literary quotes check out this site.
See which ones you agree with.

Mischief managed!

Top 10 Favorite Opening Lines

Hey all you literary fans...

Hope you are all having an excellent Sunday night. Padfoot and Prongs are up 'til all hours as usual. But that works out for you, since out of their insomnia/boredom, you get a new post! Tonight's update is dedicated to the tricky art of first lines from novels.
The first line of any written or spoken passage can potentially make or break the point that the author is trying to achieve. A novel's first line can set the tone for the entire book, in either a negative or positive way. Just think, where would A Christmas Carol be if Dickens had started out by saying, "Marley died the other day?" Not nearly as powerful as the alternative. What is important to remember, however, is that just because an opening line is outstanding it doesn't mean that the book is going to be. It is just a jumping off point (albeit a very large jump).

Together we have compiled a list of our top 10 favorite opening lines of books. Just because the opening line is on here doesn't mean it's one of our favorite books (even though some actually are). Rather, for various reasons we feel that these particular openers stand out when compared to others and compel you to read further. Hopefully some of you will recognize one or two of your own favorites. If not, hopefully they will do their job and inspire you to want to read more. Enjoy!

#1. Fear and Loathing by Hunter S. Thompson
"We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold."
We choose Fear and Loathing to kick us off. Let's be honest...how could you not read on after that? Already, your eye has been bombarded by Steadman's tripped-out pictures. Then, when that first line hits you, it's like BAM! Here we go!

#2. The Stranger by Albert Camus
"Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I don't know."
This pretty much sums up Camus' main character better than I could even begin to describe. This line makes you wonder what kind of heartless, deranged individual could not actually know these details. Following this line, he does not disappoint.

#3. Lord Jim By Joseph Conrad
"He was an inch, perhaps two, under six feet, powerfully built, and he advanced straight at you with a slight stoop of the shoulders, head forward, and a fixed from-under stare which made you think of a charging bull."
Padfoot just liked this description. She pretty much wanted to see his 'O Face' from this line alone. Floozy.

#4. Gravity's Rainbow By Thomas Pynchon
"A screaming comes across the sky."
This made the top 10 due to its sheer ingenuity. Not many writers have been able to so fully master the idea of an abstract opening, while still keeping it interesting. Beautiful wording definitely entices you to read further.

#5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."
Humor is another one of those openers that is hard to really nail. Lewis did an excellent job of being funny, not being too corny, and still setting up a good lead into the following story. I mean, honestly, who really deserves the name Eustace?

#6. 1984 by George Orwell
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
Arguably one of the best opening lines to come out of a novel. Orwell has already purposefully put the reader into a mood of wonder and excitement with his foreshadowing of a futuristic world. Just excellent!

#7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
"It was a pleasure to burn."
This personally strikes us as one of the most beautiful compilation of words ever put together. Somewhat like the phrase 'Cellar Door,' it is one of those things that you hear and are immediately attracted to. The ordering of these words could not be improved in any way. It is especially powerful when used as an opening.

#8. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
"He was awake a long time before he remembered that his heart was broken."
Although we are not huge fans of Hemingway, there is no denying that he knew how to kick off a book. The reader is already becoming invested in the main character before we have even reached the second paragraph.

#9. Anthem by Ayn Rand
"It is a sin to write this."
Wow. Can you say dynamic? There are very few lines that that can accomplish such an intense reaction in such few words. This is the perfect example that more is not always better. It took Rand 7 simple words and we were hooked.

#10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

"Mr. and Mrs Dursley, of number Four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
You knew it was coming, so let's be fair. Even though this might not be the most historically revered or profoundly written book, there is an undeniable magic that Rowling has been able to embody in her books. This usually starts with the first line. It was with the single spark of this line that millions of people, both young and old, awakened their love of literature and books and that is truly magical.

Well we hope that you enjoyed our list. Feel free to comment with your own personal favorites or comment about our selections. For a list of the 'Top 100' literary quotes check out this site.
See which ones you agree with.

Mischief managed!

Padfoot - Third Review - Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand

I have no idea where to begin with Atlas Shrugged. Several of my friends have raved about it for years; I did not really feel the need to read it until I picked up another Ayn Rand novel, The Fountainhead, which I absolutely adored. But, alas, that is another review in and of itself. After reading the first chapter of Atlas, I knew right away that this intense story would be one of the best books I have ever laid my hands on. After taking almost a month and a half to finish it (which is quite long for me; I'm quite a quick reader), I have decided that it earns the title of the BEST book I have ever read, period. Now that I have given you incredibly high expectations, here is a little about the novel.

Atlas Shrugged is perhaps Ayn Rand's greatest accomplishment of her philosophy, Objectivism, and her wonderful ability to tell a story. Objectivism is a philosophy created by Rand that ultimately praises a capitalistic world, and love for one's self and the individual. So coming in at one-thousand pages plus, it is quite a lot to take on. This massive story centers around an attractive woman named Dagny who co-owns a railroad company with her brother. This company is Dagny's love and passion in life; she is a woman who lives for production, success, and living for herself and her own happiness. Her brother, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He clearly represents everything that Ayn Rand believes is foul and disgusting in this world; he is basically a moral parasite. Throughout the story we see this clear distinction of character, not only between brother and sister, but among the myriad of other characters that pop up as well.

Reading the rest of the story, you get personally involved with the struggles of Dagny, her lover Hank, and how they deal with the decline of the state of the economy, government, and humans as a whole. In the very first chapter you are introduced to the phrase "Who is John Galt?" Everybody says it, but nobody clearly knows what it means; it is basically a phrase that is saying, "What is the point of asking? Why does it matter?" We do not fully understand how this phrase is important until we get towards the middle of the book, however, it is a key element to the story. Also, it is exciting to finally learn what this question is all about; now when you are driving around and see somebody with a "Who is John Galt?" bumper sticker, you can finally understand what it means. Then you wave to the person and give them a well deserved nod.

I do not want to give a single thing away because that is enjoyment of this book: twists and turns at every corner, fantastic speeches, a wonderful development of characters, and points in the story that will make you cry. I can honestly say that the night that I finished I had goosebumps, and Harry Potter has been the only other story to have that effect on me. Not only does the book sum up my philosophy on life, it is everything I would ever want in a story. I cannot express enough how much love I have for this book. If this were the Bachelor, it would definitely get my last rose.

This book will make you feel as you have never felt before. You will want to wake up in the morning and decide that you want to built a railroad, or that you feel the need to create your own brand of cigarettes. Also you will begin to realize that the sign of the dollar is not one to be ashamed of. It represents the hard work, production, and self-worth of man. And best of all, it will show you how living for others and never for
yourself only destroys your existence.

I really hope that I did this book justice. That being said, I highly encourage every one of you readers to pick up this book. Don't be scared by its length, because reading it is definitely one of the best times I have ever had in my entire life. If you are frightened by the fact that is massive, then I understand. Go pick up The Fountainhead or Anthem first, then come back to it. Both are great novels by Rand that are good introductions to Atlas Shrugged.
Read it. Read it. Read it.

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Also, while I am on the Atlas theme, let's talk about body ink!
Prongs is an Atlas fanatic as well, so we decided to get "matching" tattoos on our collar bones. I will have the chapter title from Atlas entitled " I. Atlantis" and Prongs will be getting "XIII. By Our Love." And of course it will be in pretty script writing! Anyway that's our idea, and we hope to get them this summer.

(quotes)

Padfoot - Third Review - Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand

I have no idea where to begin with Atlas Shrugged. Several of my friends have raved about it for years; I did not really feel the need to read it until I picked up another Ayn Rand novel, The Fountainhead, which I absolutely adored. But, alas, that is another review in and of itself. After reading the first chapter of Atlas, I knew right away that this intense story would be one of the best books I have ever laid my hands on. After taking almost a month and a half to finish it (which is quite long for me; I'm quite a quick reader), I have decided that it earns the title of the BEST book I have ever read, period. Now that I have given you incredibly high expectations, here is a little about the novel.

Atlas Shrugged is perhaps Ayn Rand's greatest accomplishment of her philosophy, Objectivism, and her wonderful ability to tell a story. Objectivism is a philosophy created by Rand that ultimately praises a capitalistic world, and love for one's self and the individual. So coming in at one-thousand pages plus, it is quite a lot to take on. This massive story centers around an attractive woman named Dagny who co-owns a railroad company with her brother. This company is Dagny's love and passion in life; she is a woman who lives for production, success, and living for herself and her own happiness. Her brother, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He clearly represents everything that Ayn Rand believes is foul and disgusting in this world; he is basically a moral parasite. Throughout the story we see this clear distinction of character, not only between brother and sister, but among the myriad of other characters that pop up as well.

Reading the rest of the story, you get personally involved with the struggles of Dagny, her lover Hank, and how they deal with the decline of the state of the economy, government, and humans as a whole. In the very first chapter you are introduced to the phrase "Who is John Galt?" Everybody says it, but nobody clearly knows what it means; it is basically a phrase that is saying, "What is the point of asking? Why does it matter?" We do not fully understand how this phrase is important until we get towards the middle of the book, however, it is a key element to the story. Also, it is exciting to finally learn what this question is all about; now when you are driving around and see somebody with a "Who is John Galt?" bumper sticker, you can finally understand what it means. Then you wave to the person and give them a well deserved nod.

I do not want to give a single thing away because that is enjoyment of this book: twists and turns at every corner, fantastic speeches, a wonderful development of characters, and points in the story that will make you cry. I can honestly say that the night that I finished I had goosebumps, and Harry Potter has been the only other story to have that effect on me. Not only does the book sum up my philosophy on life, it is everything I would ever want in a story. I cannot express enough how much love I have for this book. If this were the Bachelor, it would definitely get my last rose.

This book will make you feel as you have never felt before. You will want to wake up in the morning and decide that you want to built a railroad, or that you feel the need to create your own brand of cigarettes. Also you will begin to realize that the sign of the dollar is not one to be ashamed of. It represents the hard work, production, and self-worth of man. And best of all, it will show you how living for others and never for
yourself only destroys your existence.

I really hope that I did this book justice. That being said, I highly encourage every one of you readers to pick up this book. Don't be scared by its length, because reading it is definitely one of the best times I have ever had in my entire life. If you are frightened by the fact that is massive, then I understand. Go pick up The Fountainhead or Anthem first, then come back to it. Both are great novels by Rand that are good introductions to Atlas Shrugged.
Read it. Read it. Read it.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Also, while I am on the Atlas theme, let's talk about body ink!
Prongs is an Atlas fanatic as well, so we decided to get "matching" tattoos on our collar bones. I will have the chapter title from Atlas entitled " I. Atlantis" and Prongs will be getting "XIII. By Our Love." And of course it will be in pretty script writing! Anyway that's our idea, and we hope to get them this summer.

(quotes)

Prongs - Fourth Review - Mother Night

Mother Night
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be."

Disclaimer: Let me start off by saying I am frankly appalled at myself for ignoring Vonnegut for this long. Honestly, there was just something about reading Slaughter House V when I was barely a teenager that just really turned me off to him. So instead of sucking it up and trying again, I simply ignored what is quite possibly one of the most influential writers of my generation. I should be stoned to death, by books...encyclopedias. I am so glad that not only have I given Kurt Vonnegut another chance, but I have also discovered a new favorite author along the way. Reading Mother Night was the perfect segue to ease myself back into this literary master, and I would actually recommend it to any first (or second) time offenders like myself. With that being said, onto the review, which might get quite lengthy so hang in there.

How long would you keep a secret to save your own life? How long would you keep that secret while thousands died at your expense? How long can you wear the mask of someone else before you truly become that person? These are just a few of the questions that Kurt Vonnegut tried to tackle in his third novel entitled Mother Night. In this novel, Vonnegut uses metafiction to detail the life of Howard Campbell, Jr., a supposed Nazi, as Howard writes down his final words from a prison cell in Jerusalem. Vonnegut goes to great lengths to try and make the memoir appear to be from a once living, breathing person; he even goes as far as to make an editor's note as if Vonnegut himself were merely the editor of Campbell's story, not the actual writer. In the editor's note Vonnegut states that Campbell took the title of the book from Faust:

" I am a part of the part that at first was all, part of the darkness that gave birth to light, that supercilious light which now disputes with Mother Night her ancient rank and space, and can not succeed; no matter how it struggles, it sticks to matter and can't get free."

This sets the tone for the novel, as Vonnegut sinks himself further and further into the identity of a man who does not exist, except in the pages of a book and the mind of an author. As Howard Campbell begins to unfold his story through his memoir, we are given insight to an extremely complicated and remarkable individual. More importantly, Campbell is giving us a front row seat to the inner workings of the minds of corrupt men, and the paradox of their actions verses their beliefs.

Howard Campbell is a man of many faces. By reputation, Howard Campbell is a Nazi ... but not just that, he is the voice of hope and moral justification to a Holocaust Germany. To a very select number of Americans, Campbell is an undercover spy, and one of the greatest American heroes of the war. To Howard Campbell, he is a simply an artist who cares nothing of politics and war, outside of the boundaries of the love he has for his wife and his writing. He merely lives his life from day to day, speaking as a Nazi figure head, while simultaneously giving key information against Germany into America's willing hands, both sides feeling an invisible hold over his true nature. He says of himself,

"I had hoped, as a broadcaster to be merely ludicrous, but this is a hard world to be ludicrous in, with so many human beings so reluctant to laugh, so incapable of thought, so eager to believe and snarl and hate. So many people wanted to believe me!" ... “And I did fool everybody. I began to strut like Hitler’s right-hand man, and nobody saw the honest me I hid so deep inside."

But what can a man be deep down inside, when his actions do not echo his beliefs? Can you be a monster and a martyr at the same time? After the death of his wife and the end of the war, these types of questions cease to matter to Campbell, as he spirals down into a 'stateless existence,' without any true purpose or reason for living apart from his sense of curiosity about the world. The different masks begin to merge as Howard hides himself away from the world in an old apartment in New York, the place he has fled to escape persecution for 'war crimes.' While in New York, Howard recalls certain friends and events that force him to re-evaluate what decisions he has made and the consequences of his actions. He starts to see in others' examples how a mind can ignore certain truths in order to protect the masks that people wear.

Vonnegut uses countless examples of this type of double-standard lifestyle, asking the reader to question their own facades as portrayed to others and the consequences of these portrayals. It is not all so serious, especially when Vonnegut uses his dry sarcastic comments to show the irony behind many of the situations. One such case is that of an Aryan soldier that is best friends with an African American, who just happens to believe in white-supremacy. Vonnegut's social commentary is electric and strong, and can have even the best literary nut's head reeling for days over the sheer complexity of his writing. To think that a man with little to no experience with any actual Nazis could write with such force and authority over his own mind, is just astounding. The only character that appears to be within full comprehension of his actions and his mind is Howard Campbell, and despite how wrong he knows his and others' actions are, Vonnegut cannot let Campbell bring himself to care.

"They (the Nazis) were people. Only in retrospect can I think of them as trailing slime behind. To be frank – I can’t think of them as doing that even now. I knew them too well as people, worked too hard in my time for their trust and applause. Too hard. Amen. Too hard."

Despite acknowledging for a moment the evil behind the people that he served, Howard realized that he had never really seen a fault at all, because the Nazis had given him more than they had taken away. There are multiple times throughout the novel that many of the characters will overlook an obvious flaw to protect some desperate attachment they have to the actions that they are committing. Could you do the same for a friend? How about a true love? Characters try frantically to cling to lies that they refuse to acknowledge exist, while others watch without batting an eye. Does knowing that someone partakes in evil acts make them evil or is it possible to overlook their flaws for your own selfish reasoning? In turn, does that make you evil?

There are a lot of questions that are asked of the reader, considering the book's length (roughly 200 pages). Vonnegut establishes himself as a master of the literary critique by planting all of these questions into a novel that holds its own in regards to a period-relevant plot and character development. Who is Howard Campbell to you? Is he a monstrous Nazi or an unsung hero? Or is he just a man who tried to live his life in the only way that he knew how: by wearing all the different masks that we expect others to wear? Vonnegut mixes enough fact with fiction to help the reader lose themselves in the idea of 'Howard Campbell.' Enough so to make them forget the personas they carry for brief amounts of time. He also makes them question: What would we really do in his situation and does it really all matter in the end?

"Three people in all the world knew me for what I was—" I said.
"And all the rest—" I shrugged.

"They knew you for what you were, too," Frank said abruptly.

And that my friends is the true purpose of literature. To make us question and to grow. 50 big thumbs up Mr. Vonnegut, I look forward to reading more of you.

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