Book Giveaway! The Joke's Over

Hello everyone.....

I was in Half Price Books (again) and found a hardcover edition of The Joke's Over by Ralph Steadman which is a book of memories of one of his great friends, Hunter S. Thompson. As you all know, we love Thompson, and thought this was a very cool find, so we would like to share it with you all, in hopes to inspire you to delve into the world of Gonzo-journalism! It also has a foreword by Kurt Vonnegut, which is pretty cool itself.

"With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know."
-Hunter S. Thompson
To Enter: We would like to give it to somebody who has an interest/curiosity in Thompson/Steadman/Gonzo-Journalism, so on that note, here are the requirements! 1. Google Hunter S. Thompson, and find out a little bit about his life and his books. 2. Write a paragraph about why you are interested in Thompson, and at least one thing you have discovered about him or his works that you find fascinating. 3. Comment on this post with your paragraph, and then you will be entered to win! You have until Wednesday May 6th to enter!

Also, time is running out to enter the Padfoot and Prongs Spectacular Scavenger Hunt!! The winner gets a 25$ book of choice from amazon.com and the contest is ending May 20th. There is still plenty of time to get yourself entered. We have changed the rules so that for every task completed, you get 1 entry for the prize. So get to hunting fellow marauders and win yourself that prize! For more details check out the side over there ---->
Congrats to Jenners and Rebecca who are already doing a fabulous job on their entries. Be sure to check out their blogs for some examples.

So if you are not a fan of free books then be sure to ignore this post. However, if you are like us and cannot pass up the chance to win anything literary, then get cracking on these fun opportunities!

-mischief managed-

Book Giveaway! The Joke's Over

Hello everyone.....

I was in Half Price Books (again) and found a hardcover edition of The Joke's Over by Ralph Steadman which is a book of memories of one of his great friends, Hunter S. Thompson. As you all know, we love Thompson, and thought this was a very cool find, so we would like to share it with you all, in hopes to inspire you to delve into the world of Gonzo-journalism! It also has a foreword by Kurt Vonnegut, which is pretty cool itself.

"With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know."
-Hunter S. Thompson
To Enter: We would like to give it to somebody who has an interest/curiosity in Thompson/Steadman/Gonzo-Journalism, so on that note, here are the requirements! 1. Google Hunter S. Thompson, and find out a little bit about his life and his books. 2. Write a paragraph about why you are interested in Thompson, and at least one thing you have discovered about him or his works that you find fascinating. 3. Comment on this post with your paragraph, and then you will be entered to win! You have until Wednesday May 6th to enter!

Also, time is running out to enter the Padfoot and Prongs Spectacular Scavenger Hunt!! The winner gets a 25$ book of choice from amazon.com and the contest is ending May 20th. There is still plenty of time to get yourself entered. We have changed the rules so that for every task completed, you get 1 entry for the prize. So get to hunting fellow marauders and win yourself that prize! For more details check out the side over there ---->
Congrats to Jenners and Rebecca who are already doing a fabulous job on their entries. Be sure to check out their blogs for some examples.

So if you are not a fan of free books then be sure to ignore this post. However, if you are like us and cannot pass up the chance to win anything literary, then get cracking on these fun opportunities!

-mischief managed-

We Just Can't Contain Our Excitment

(Baby Voldie)

Hey folks, Padfoot and Prongs here bringing you something that we just can't pretend isn't taking up half of our waking lives. The newest (and best) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince trailer has been released, and can we just say...

IT LOOKS FREAKING EPIC!!!

so... just in case you have someeehow let this glorious video escape your viewing pleasure, we are happy to link it to you here!
Let us be clear, even if you are not the overzealous, die hard HP fans that we are, these movies are for any one that enjoys a cinematic adventure of the first order! So, boy and girl, young and old, muggles and wizards of all kinds, sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic!!
(Scroll down the site to view)..


Harry Potter 6 Trailer

We Just Can't Contain Our Excitment

(Baby Voldie)

Hey folks, Padfoot and Prongs here bringing you something that we just can't pretend isn't taking up half of our waking lives. The newest (and best) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince trailer has been released, and can we just say...

IT LOOKS FREAKING EPIC!!!

so... just in case you have someeehow let this glorious video escape your viewing pleasure, we are happy to link it to you here!
Let us be clear, even if you are not the overzealous, die hard HP fans that we are, these movies are for any one that enjoys a cinematic adventure of the first order! So, boy and girl, young and old, muggles and wizards of all kinds, sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic!!
(Scroll down the site to view)..


Harry Potter 6 Trailer

Prongs - Eighth Review - The Crying of Lot 49

Dear loyal readers- Prong's here bringing you a new review from the quarantine that is my room. I am pretty sure I have caught the plague and have no intentions of getting up, or functioning like a real human until I feel better. Luckily for you that means I have an ample amount of time to write for the blog. As long as I am up from my death bed by Friday, I have plans to visit Padfoot for the weekend and we should have some other fun posts up for you.
Also, if you enjoy this review please be sure to check out some of my favorite quotes under the quotes section in the side bar. If you have read this book and have any of your own to add please feel free. We are trying to get a good database of quotes from our favorite books.
Until then, enjoy the rest of your week!

"Shall I project a world?"
The Crying of Lot 49
Thomas Pynchon

When my English teacher first assigned us this book to read in a weeks time, I was apprehensive to say the least. While I tend to believe that I am a more proficient reader than most, this was still to be my first Pynchon, and word on the street was that slumming through his writing wasn't a picnic. However I quickly realized that this was far from the truth. What started off as a slow crawl through his complex and intricate details, soon became a full on sprint to the end while I, like the main character, raced forward to arrive at the books final meaning. In this short, but fairly dense novel, Pynchon was able to create an entire world full of satire, conspiracy, and emotion that easily pushes him into the top 5 of post-modern writers. However don't get the idea that this will be an easy Sunday-afternoon read, because that is far from the case. This is the type of book that seeps slowly in your mind and sits there, hovering until you force yourself to be done with it.
As the book opens we are introduced to the main character, Oedipa Mass and given a glimpse into her safe yet tiresome life, when 'so out of nothing' comes the ring of a telephone, and the start of her journey. Oedipa is informed that her once former (and excedingly rich) lover has died, and it is up to Oedipa to execute his will. Here, Oedipa decides to leave behind everything, her life, her husband, and her sense of understanding, to preform her ex's final wish. Through a sheer set of either coincidences or elaborate plans, Oedipa is soon caught up in a whirlwind of mystery where nothing is what it seems, or it is exactly what it seems. LSD, under ground conspiracys, and shoot outs, are just a few of the extreme situations that Oedipa throws herself into, all at the expense of learning the truth behind her quest. As the reader, you begin to find yourself scanning for the countless clues with her, trying desperatly to pieces the puzzle together in your mind before the last page turns.

"…fragile girls with heart-shaped faces, huge eyes, spun-gold hair, prisoners in the top room of a circular tower, embroidering a kind of tapestry which spilled out the slit windows and into a void, seeking hopelessly to fill the void: for all the other buildings and creatures, all the waves, ships and forests of the earth were contained in this tapestry, and the tapestry was the world."

But if you are the type of reader who prefers a story with all the T's crossed and I's dotteded then this book certinatly is not for you. After all of the emotional and mental time invested into discovering the truth behind the novel, Pynchon gives the reader a nice slap in the face in the end by revealing nothing. You are left to ponder, along with the characters, how much of what you read was true and how much was just the product of paranoia. There is so much that could be read into this brief novel that I could probably take years to write and interpret the different meanings that Pynchon intended for us to end with. But if you look just carefully enough start to realize that the real lesson of this book is in fact to do just the opposite. Pynchon has created this beautiful and compelling story, all of the sake of a good book. He does not want you to read to much into it, for exactly that reason.

"You could fall In love with me, you can talk to my shrink, you can hide a tape recorder in my bedroom, see what I talk about from wherever I am when I sleep. You want to do that? You can put together clues, develop a thesis, or several, about why characters reacted to the Tyrstero possibility the way they did, why the assassins came on, why the black costumes You could waste your life that way and never touch the truth. Wharfinger supplied words and a yarn. I gave them life. That’s it. "

Pynchon only wants you to enjoy this book for the sake of the book, and that is my best advice to you. Take this book and all of the mystery that comes with it at face value, or you will loose yourself in the complex web of secrecy and conspiracy. Pychon's writing is beautiful and provocative and is worth a 2nd or 3rd read to truly grasp its poetic nature. All in all if you are looking for a good challenge, or at least a way to ease yourself in to this master's works, start with The Crying of Lot 49, you won't be disappointed.

-mischief managed-

(quotes)

Prongs - Eighth Review - The Crying of Lot 49

Dear loyal readers- Prong's here bringing you a new review from the quarantine that is my room. I am pretty sure I have caught the plague and have no intentions of getting up, or functioning like a real human until I feel better. Luckily for you that means I have an ample amount of time to write for the blog. As long as I am up from my death bed by Friday, I have plans to visit Padfoot for the weekend and we should have some other fun posts up for you.
Also, if you enjoy this review please be sure to check out some of my favorite quotes under the quotes section in the side bar. If you have read this book and have any of your own to add please feel free. We are trying to get a good database of quotes from our favorite books.
Until then, enjoy the rest of your week!

"Shall I project a world?"
The Crying of Lot 49
Thomas Pynchon

When my English teacher first assigned us this book to read in a weeks time, I was apprehensive to say the least. While I tend to believe that I am a more proficient reader than most, this was still to be my first Pynchon, and word on the street was that slumming through his writing wasn't a picnic. However I quickly realized that this was far from the truth. What started off as a slow crawl through his complex and intricate details, soon became a full on sprint to the end while I, like the main character, raced forward to arrive at the books final meaning. In this short, but fairly dense novel, Pynchon was able to create an entire world full of satire, conspiracy, and emotion that easily pushes him into the top 5 of post-modern writers. However don't get the idea that this will be an easy Sunday-afternoon read, because that is far from the case. This is the type of book that seeps slowly in your mind and sits there, hovering until you force yourself to be done with it.
As the book opens we are introduced to the main character, Oedipa Mass and given a glimpse into her safe yet tiresome life, when 'so out of nothing' comes the ring of a telephone, and the start of her journey. Oedipa is informed that her once former (and excedingly rich) lover has died, and it is up to Oedipa to execute his will. Here, Oedipa decides to leave behind everything, her life, her husband, and her sense of understanding, to preform her ex's final wish. Through a sheer set of either coincidences or elaborate plans, Oedipa is soon caught up in a whirlwind of mystery where nothing is what it seems, or it is exactly what it seems. LSD, under ground conspiracys, and shoot outs, are just a few of the extreme situations that Oedipa throws herself into, all at the expense of learning the truth behind her quest. As the reader, you begin to find yourself scanning for the countless clues with her, trying desperatly to pieces the puzzle together in your mind before the last page turns.

"…fragile girls with heart-shaped faces, huge eyes, spun-gold hair, prisoners in the top room of a circular tower, embroidering a kind of tapestry which spilled out the slit windows and into a void, seeking hopelessly to fill the void: for all the other buildings and creatures, all the waves, ships and forests of the earth were contained in this tapestry, and the tapestry was the world."

But if you are the type of reader who prefers a story with all the T's crossed and I's dotteded then this book certinatly is not for you. After all of the emotional and mental time invested into discovering the truth behind the novel, Pynchon gives the reader a nice slap in the face in the end by revealing nothing. You are left to ponder, along with the characters, how much of what you read was true and how much was just the product of paranoia. There is so much that could be read into this brief novel that I could probably take years to write and interpret the different meanings that Pynchon intended for us to end with. But if you look just carefully enough start to realize that the real lesson of this book is in fact to do just the opposite. Pynchon has created this beautiful and compelling story, all of the sake of a good book. He does not want you to read to much into it, for exactly that reason.

"You could fall In love with me, you can talk to my shrink, you can hide a tape recorder in my bedroom, see what I talk about from wherever I am when I sleep. You want to do that? You can put together clues, develop a thesis, or several, about why characters reacted to the Tyrstero possibility the way they did, why the assassins came on, why the black costumes You could waste your life that way and never touch the truth. Wharfinger supplied words and a yarn. I gave them life. That’s it. "

Pynchon only wants you to enjoy this book for the sake of the book, and that is my best advice to you. Take this book and all of the mystery that comes with it at face value, or you will loose yourself in the complex web of secrecy and conspiracy. Pychon's writing is beautiful and provocative and is worth a 2nd or 3rd read to truly grasp its poetic nature. All in all if you are looking for a good challenge, or at least a way to ease yourself in to this master's works, start with The Crying of Lot 49, you won't be disappointed.

-mischief managed-

(quotes)

A Little Bit of Thursday List Action

First of all.........Blogging>Class

Now that we have that covered...

Some of the best books we have read have stemmed back from our childhood. It is vitally important, especially in today's 'instant gratification' society, that we hold on to the things that really matter. Beloved childhood stories are one of those things. Parents do not realize the impact that the right books can have on a child for the rest of their lives. I know I would not be reading to the excess that I do today if it weren't for the stories about Harry, Alice, or Peter.
Here are our choices for the ten best children's books of all time:

1. Harry Potter series (obviously)"For future reference, Harry, it is raspberry...although of course, if I were a Death Eater, I would have been sure to research my own jam preferences before impersonating myself."
One of the most popular series of books in the world, and no doubt our favorite, Harry Potter has a following ranging from small kids to elder adults. J.K. Rowling's intricate story, and the emotional ties the fans have with her characters, make these books a must read.

2. The Chronicles of Narnia"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."
Another popular fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, friend of J.R.R. Tolkien. Seven separate stories centered around the ficitional land of Narnia, where animals talk, and anything childlike and fantastical goes. Some of the best quotes in a children's story you can find; although we've used it in a previous blog, this quote is too good not to use again.

3. Alice in Wonderland"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"
A very well known story, by Lewis Carroll, also a sort of trippy adventure. Although similiar to the classic Disney movie, there is a more powerful and intense feeling to the book.

4. Anne of Green Gables"People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."
Known for her dramatic line "I'm in the depths of despair," this character is one of Prong's favorites, and there is no doubt that she has used that line, with a faint hand to her forehead, in the most desperate of situations. (Prongs- like when I loose a shoe)

5. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh "Johnathan, wherever you are, your thoughts must comfort her tonight. She will be waiting, and you will not return."
If you've seen The Secret of Nimh movie, well here is it's origin. Another great book to read as a child, and then reread as an adult. A story about a widow-mouse struggling to find a way to save her sick child from being run over by a plow! Sound weird? Just read the book it's good.

6. The Phantom Tollbooth"...for one of the nicest things about mathematics, or anything else you might care to learn, is that many of the things which can never be, often are. You see it's very much like your trying to reach Infinity. You know that it's there, but you just don't know where-but just because you can never reach it doesn't mean that it's not worth looking for."
This book is filled with puns, wit, and a never-ending play-on-words. Reading this as a child, you'd see a delightful little adventure to go on, reading it as a adult however, you seems to get every allusion, joke, and mathematical equation. It's fun at either stage in your life.

7. Peter PanPeter: Oh, the cleverness of me. Wendy: Of course, I did nothing... Peter: You did a little.
Well, I loved the Disney movie of course, but reading the book is completely different. Peter is completely cocky, and oh boy is it hilarious. You still have your basic story of Neverland, never growing up, you know the basics. But Peter is quite the pistol in the book version. Highly recommended.

8. The Wind in the Willows"After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working."
A cute story to read when you feel like laying out on a summer day and getting lost in some crazy world where Moles talk. That happens to me a lot.

9. Charlotte's Web"What do you mean less than nothing? I don't think there is any such thing as less than nothing. Nothing is absolutely the limit of nothingness. It's the lowest you can go. It's the end of the line. How can something be less than nothing? If there were something that was less than nothing, then nothing would not be nothing, it would be something - even though it's just a very little bit of something. But if nothing is nothing, then nothing has nothing that is less than it is."
No doubt an endearing little story, yet another where animals talk! We all know the plot, let's get to the juicy lines:

10. Tuck Everlasting
"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses it turning."
Tuck Everlasting is one of those books who's lessons you never forget. It asks the question that mot people have probably thought about one time or another: if you had the chance to live forever, would you? It has wonderful lessons and the writing is beautiful. Perfect kids, or even adults.

Now, to other matters...I proudly bought a copy of Mark Twain's The Guilded Age at our recent trip to The Ohio Book Store in Cincinnati. This copy was published in 1881 and it was only 7 dollars!!! And it's really pretty so I want to show it off....Ok folks, thanks so much for sticking around with us. Hope this was a nice little post to keep you going until our next two reviews. Be sure to stop back in the next few days for Padfoot's review of Hard Times, and Prongs review of The Crying of Lot 49. Have a great weekend.

-mischief managed-

A Little Bit of Thursday List Action

First of all.........Blogging>Class

Now that we have that covered...

Some of the best books we have read have stemmed back from our childhood. It is vitally important, especially in today's 'instant gratification' society, that we hold on to the things that really matter. Beloved childhood stories are one of those things. Parents do not realize the impact that the right books can have on a child for the rest of their lives. I know I would not be reading to the excess that I do today if it weren't for the stories about Harry, Alice, or Peter.
Here are our choices for the ten best children's books of all time:

1. Harry Potter series (obviously)"For future reference, Harry, it is raspberry...although of course, if I were a Death Eater, I would have been sure to research my own jam preferences before impersonating myself."
One of the most popular series of books in the world, and no doubt our favorite, Harry Potter has a following ranging from small kids to elder adults. J.K. Rowling's intricate story, and the emotional ties the fans have with her characters, make these books a must read.

2. The Chronicles of Narnia"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."
Another popular fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, friend of J.R.R. Tolkien. Seven separate stories centered around the ficitional land of Narnia, where animals talk, and anything childlike and fantastical goes. Some of the best quotes in a children's story you can find; although we've used it in a previous blog, this quote is too good not to use again.

3. Alice in Wonderland"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"
A very well known story, by Lewis Carroll, also a sort of trippy adventure. Although similiar to the classic Disney movie, there is a more powerful and intense feeling to the book.

4. Anne of Green Gables"People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."
Known for her dramatic line "I'm in the depths of despair," this character is one of Prong's favorites, and there is no doubt that she has used that line, with a faint hand to her forehead, in the most desperate of situations. (Prongs- like when I loose a shoe)

5. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh "Johnathan, wherever you are, your thoughts must comfort her tonight. She will be waiting, and you will not return."
If you've seen The Secret of Nimh movie, well here is it's origin. Another great book to read as a child, and then reread as an adult. A story about a widow-mouse struggling to find a way to save her sick child from being run over by a plow! Sound weird? Just read the book it's good.

6. The Phantom Tollbooth"...for one of the nicest things about mathematics, or anything else you might care to learn, is that many of the things which can never be, often are. You see it's very much like your trying to reach Infinity. You know that it's there, but you just don't know where-but just because you can never reach it doesn't mean that it's not worth looking for."
This book is filled with puns, wit, and a never-ending play-on-words. Reading this as a child, you'd see a delightful little adventure to go on, reading it as a adult however, you seems to get every allusion, joke, and mathematical equation. It's fun at either stage in your life.

7. Peter PanPeter: Oh, the cleverness of me. Wendy: Of course, I did nothing... Peter: You did a little.
Well, I loved the Disney movie of course, but reading the book is completely different. Peter is completely cocky, and oh boy is it hilarious. You still have your basic story of Neverland, never growing up, you know the basics. But Peter is quite the pistol in the book version. Highly recommended.

8. The Wind in the Willows"After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working."
A cute story to read when you feel like laying out on a summer day and getting lost in some crazy world where Moles talk. That happens to me a lot.

9. Charlotte's Web"What do you mean less than nothing? I don't think there is any such thing as less than nothing. Nothing is absolutely the limit of nothingness. It's the lowest you can go. It's the end of the line. How can something be less than nothing? If there were something that was less than nothing, then nothing would not be nothing, it would be something - even though it's just a very little bit of something. But if nothing is nothing, then nothing has nothing that is less than it is."
No doubt an endearing little story, yet another where animals talk! We all know the plot, let's get to the juicy lines:

10. Tuck Everlasting
"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses it turning."
Tuck Everlasting is one of those books who's lessons you never forget. It asks the question that mot people have probably thought about one time or another: if you had the chance to live forever, would you? It has wonderful lessons and the writing is beautiful. Perfect kids, or even adults.

Now, to other matters...I proudly bought a copy of Mark Twain's The Guilded Age at our recent trip to The Ohio Book Store in Cincinnati. This copy was published in 1881 and it was only 7 dollars!!! And it's really pretty so I want to show it off....Ok folks, thanks so much for sticking around with us. Hope this was a nice little post to keep you going until our next two reviews. Be sure to stop back in the next few days for Padfoot's review of Hard Times, and Prongs review of The Crying of Lot 49. Have a great weekend.

-mischief managed-

Prongs - Seventh Review - Pride and Prejudice

Dear loyal, patient, and probably annoyed readers-
Padfoot and Prongs here apologizing once again for our general lack of updates. When we started this blog our original intent was only to put up reviews to build our writing portfolios, and build ideas for our company. It has since turned into pretty much our first born child with all of the attention and spoils that we give it, and lately we have been pretty horrendous parents. We do however hope that in the near future we will be back to our attentive selves and give this blog all of the time and affection that it deserves. Until then, please bear with us and our pathetic amount of updates.

"Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing after all."
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen

As a rule, I try not to read books more than two times (unless it is Harry Potter or Ayn Rand of course) because I do not like to spoil the magic that I felt after the first read. Sometimes quotes that you fashioned to be groundbreaking at first glance, are not as captivating as you remembered the second time around. However, upon my 5th reading of Pride and Prejudice, I can safely say that this book shatters all of my preconceived notions of that idea. Every time I venture down the road to Pemberly, I feel more attached and indebted to the characters as I was the previous read. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen has taken the best of the world that she knows, and given you a story in the best way she knows how. The beauty of Jane Austen's writing is that she was able to compose a story that spreads through time, gender, race, and age; something that most novelists can only dream to come near.

Since most people (more or less) know the overall plot of Pride and Prejudice, I won't focus to long on the story line. Just in case you need a refresher, the general idea is: girl meets boy. Boy and girl do not like each other. Boy and girl realize their initial impressions were wrong. Boy and girl fall in love. Pretty simple. Except that it's not. This novel is full of intricate details and passionate characters that shape the entire outcome into one of the most compelling and intellectually-satisfactory endings in literary history. As the novel suggests, the pride and the prejudice of the characters is the axis in which this novel orbits, it is the source of all conflict, and all resolution. Between mother's who just don't know when to shut up, and the open rejection of all things middle class, this story is rife with enough insults and conflict to consider itself a victorian-day-Jerry Springer. The plot alone is enough to throw this book into the top of the literary charts.

"From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." - Ouch.

What truly makes this book, in this blogger's opinion, worthy of true literary worship, is the style in which Jane Austen works in her own social commentary and view of life as she knew it, into the voice and narration of the book. The narrator is honest and judgmental but with specific intent. She helps guide you down the complicated and rule-based lives which she, along with the characters, were forced to face at that time. In a world that was comprised of marriages based on money, Jane Austen dared to believe that a happy marriage, could be based on love.

Austen's characters are dripping with flaws and limitations that could have easily been the cop-out needed to show that a marriage for money
was at the time, a resonable option for the illusion of happiness. However, Austen proves to us through her timeless narration, that happiness in itself is timeless, and can only be reached through the love of a rational and intellectual equal, which a marriage demands. Austen writes with confidance and integrity, using intellectual virtue and reason as her main guide posts. Her lessons and morals could not ring any more true today, than they did 100 years ago.

" How Wickam and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brough together because their passions were stroner than their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

While I can rant and rave about how fantastic this book is all day, there is no need to take my word on it. When a classical novel has reached such an eternal status, that someone is comfortable with making it into a Zombie-filled satire, you know that you truly have a literary masterpiece on your hands. For those of you who might not be into the somewhat complex prose of Austen's original work, be sure to check out this new soon to be best seller that has been released by Quirk Classics. It has all the charm of the original, paralled with all the hilarity of Zombies.

If you have never tackled this classic before don't be embarassed. Biblioaddict recently put up a post with a letter of apology to Ms. Austen for having neglected her in the past. If you are a first timer, or (like me) are on your 5th read, if you are a fan of ever-lasting love, embarassing mothers, or classic-zombie novels, Jane Austen has a little something for everone at any age, at any time. Be sure to check this classic off sometime in the near future.

-mischief managed-

Prongs - Seventh Review - Pride and Prejudice

Dear loyal, patient, and probably annoyed readers-
Padfoot and Prongs here apologizing once again for our general lack of updates. When we started this blog our original intent was only to put up reviews to build our writing portfolios, and build ideas for our company. It has since turned into pretty much our first born child with all of the attention and spoils that we give it, and lately we have been pretty horrendous parents. We do however hope that in the near future we will be back to our attentive selves and give this blog all of the time and affection that it deserves. Until then, please bear with us and our pathetic amount of updates.

"Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing after all."
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen

As a rule, I try not to read books more than two times (unless it is Harry Potter or Ayn Rand of course) because I do not like to spoil the magic that I felt after the first read. Sometimes quotes that you fashioned to be groundbreaking at first glance, are not as captivating as you remembered the second time around. However, upon my 5th reading of Pride and Prejudice, I can safely say that this book shatters all of my preconceived notions of that idea. Every time I venture down the road to Pemberly, I feel more attached and indebted to the characters as I was the previous read. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen has taken the best of the world that she knows, and given you a story in the best way she knows how. The beauty of Jane Austen's writing is that she was able to compose a story that spreads through time, gender, race, and age; something that most novelists can only dream to come near.

Since most people (more or less) know the overall plot of Pride and Prejudice, I won't focus to long on the story line. Just in case you need a refresher, the general idea is: girl meets boy. Boy and girl do not like each other. Boy and girl realize their initial impressions were wrong. Boy and girl fall in love. Pretty simple. Except that it's not. This novel is full of intricate details and passionate characters that shape the entire outcome into one of the most compelling and intellectually-satisfactory endings in literary history. As the novel suggests, the pride and the prejudice of the characters is the axis in which this novel orbits, it is the source of all conflict, and all resolution. Between mother's who just don't know when to shut up, and the open rejection of all things middle class, this story is rife with enough insults and conflict to consider itself a victorian-day-Jerry Springer. The plot alone is enough to throw this book into the top of the literary charts.

"From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." - Ouch.

What truly makes this book, in this blogger's opinion, worthy of true literary worship, is the style in which Jane Austen works in her own social commentary and view of life as she knew it, into the voice and narration of the book. The narrator is honest and judgmental but with specific intent. She helps guide you down the complicated and rule-based lives which she, along with the characters, were forced to face at that time. In a world that was comprised of marriages based on money, Jane Austen dared to believe that a happy marriage, could be based on love.

Austen's characters are dripping with flaws and limitations that could have easily been the cop-out needed to show that a marriage for money
was at the time, a resonable option for the illusion of happiness. However, Austen proves to us through her timeless narration, that happiness in itself is timeless, and can only be reached through the love of a rational and intellectual equal, which a marriage demands. Austen writes with confidance and integrity, using intellectual virtue and reason as her main guide posts. Her lessons and morals could not ring any more true today, than they did 100 years ago.

" How Wickam and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brough together because their passions were stroner than their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

While I can rant and rave about how fantastic this book is all day, there is no need to take my word on it. When a classical novel has reached such an eternal status, that someone is comfortable with making it into a Zombie-filled satire, you know that you truly have a literary masterpiece on your hands. For those of you who might not be into the somewhat complex prose of Austen's original work, be sure to check out this new soon to be best seller that has been released by Quirk Classics. It has all the charm of the original, paralled with all the hilarity of Zombies.

If you have never tackled this classic before don't be embarassed. Biblioaddict recently put up a post with a letter of apology to Ms. Austen for having neglected her in the past. If you are a first timer, or (like me) are on your 5th read, if you are a fan of ever-lasting love, embarassing mothers, or classic-zombie novels, Jane Austen has a little something for everone at any age, at any time. Be sure to check this classic off sometime in the near future.

-mischief managed-

It's All Greek to Me

"Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?"

OK, yes, the movie Troy may not be the best representation of the epic poem The Iliad, however I do not care; Brad Pitt shirtless, throw in a couple of fantastic quotes, and you have yourself a wonderful night. On that note, this post will be mainly Greek-related because it happens to be one of my majors. First, I'd like to give a little recommendation for all you wonderful readers: The Iliad, by Homer, Translated by Stanley Lombardo. I have read many different versions and translations of this great story, however, Lombardo's is the greatest I have found. The language used in this translation makes the read easier, and more enjoyable to the modern reader. For example, while Aphrodite is trying to convince Helen to appease Paris by going to his bed chambers, and Helen refuses, Aphrodite responds with "Don't vex me, bitch!" I can honestly say I laughed out loud the first time I read this. Although this seems like an odd interpretation of such a classic, I can assure you Lombardo still retains the original feel of this epic that is meant to be read aloud.
So, whether you are a first-time Iliader or a veteran, I have no doubt in my mind that you would enjoy this translation, I highly recommend it. And no, if you are wondering, I have not read the Fagles translation, but I hear it is also fantastic.
Moving along...I was lucky enough to be able to spend five weeks of my summer last year on a study abroad-archeology program in Greece. Being the big myth-buff that I am, I got to see quite a few places associated with some of my favorite legends. Here are some pictures I took in some of my favorite locations!

One of our first destinations: Delphi Here we took a very long bus-ride from Athens, to the mountainous region of Delphi. After climbing up an absurdly steep hill, I got to see The Temple of Apollo, which has been a dream of mine for so many years. In myth: Delphi was known throughout Greece for being the place to go if you want an "answer" from the Gods. The Oracle of Delphi has been mentioned in many a Greek myth, and as you find out in these stories, the God's answers are never what they appear to be.

Several days later we took a trip to Mycenae, one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been to. In myth: Mycenae is the home of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War, in The Iliad.

Here is the famous "Lion Gate" at the front of the small mountain that is Mycenae. The last trip we took during our stay in Greece was to Santorini Island. This island is completely gorgeous, and whenever you see a postcard or picture of Greece, this is typically what you are seeing; intense-blue water, white houses on the side of the mountain.

In myth: This island is theorized to be one of the possible places that contains Atlantis, underwater, if it ever existed at all.

So, concluding with the Greek theme, we have put up a new poll on the right---->
Hope you all enjoyed this little tidbit of Greek learnin'. We hope on having a couple of reviews up this week, along with another exciting episode of 'Where in the World is William Shakespeare?' Hope you all had a great weekend.

-mischief managed-