My Summer Reading List - Part 1

I have fallen off the reading wagon recently, so I decided to put together a summer reading list to get myself back on track. I really love to read. I find that it is such an easy way to exercise my imagination and to expand my world. Here are a few of my selections for the first half of the summer. 

What are you reading this summer?  Have you read any of these books? If so, please feel free to leave some thoughts about them below.

A Fascinating Story from Peculiar Photos

"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away."--Eudora Welty

Last year I posted about the Cottingley Fairies that turned out to be altered images in vintage photographs. To my surprise, I happened upon a book that has woven am interesting fictional story around peculiar vintage photographs.  The book is called Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and I just cannot put it down!

The book's main character is Jacob Portman who is on an adventure to discover the true origin and meaning of the magical stories and pictures his grandfather shared with him. His grandfather's last words before he dies encourages Jacob to travel to Wales to learn about his peculiar past. What Jacob discovers is much more peculiar than he could have imagined, but you will have to read the book to learn more! 

After reading this book, I was more curious about the author and wanted to learn more about him. I have always wondered about the discarded photos that I see in thrift and antique stores. They have always sparked emotions as well as questions in my mind as to who the people were and what happened to them that their memories have ended up for sale in a store. Turns out, Mr. Riggs collects these types photos as a hobby. He especially enjoys finding ones that include handwritten messages on them. He recently published a book called Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past.  Just fascinating, but then again I love genealogy too! View the video below to learn more about the book. 

“All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment.”--Richard Bach

Hungry for the Games

I must admit, I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games trilogy and I can't hardly wait for the movie to open in March!

I just caught a photo that was released this week of Elizabeth Banks who will play Effie Trinket in the movie. From the looks of it, I think the movie will be nothing short of a feast for the eyes! I didn't recognize her at all, but I think this is an amazing look. 

"May the odds be ever in your favor." 

This photo reminds me a little of Finlay MacKay's 2008 Lavazza Calendar.  MacKay's photos have a very dramatic and magical quality to them.  If you are not familiar with Lavazza calendars, you should click here to learn more about them. 

Here are a few of McKay's most amazing images for the calendar:

                                   

Are you a fan of the Hunger Games? 

A Sweet and Magical Novel

I just finished Garden Spells a novel by Sarah Addison Allen and it was such a sweet read, I just had to share a little about it.

This is a fairy tale like story about two sisters that reconnect with help from some of their family's magical abilities. The family home shelters a garden with enchanted flowers and a special tree that bears apples that tell the futures of the people that eat them.  In addition to to being a magical story, there's also a little romance and a lot of small town charm involved.

I just love books with a little enchantment that allow you to suspend reality a little, but otherwise take place in a regular setting -- this genre is considered Magical Realism.  

Other novels I've read in this category include: 

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel 

   

Chocolat by Joanne Harris 

What's your favorite genre of books? And what books are you reading these days?

Books by Laura Hillenbrand

Laura Hillenbrand is an author intensely interested in history who writes incredible books about true American heroes both human and animal. 


Her second book Unbroken is a great read to remember all of those who have served in the military and who have guaranteed the freedoms we enjoy.  It is the true story of an American hero,  Louis Zamperini, an Olympian who survived overwhelming misfortunes  during World War II. As you eagerly turn the pages in this book, you will also be afraid to.  Though it is very gritty and sad, this story is a true testament to the human spirit and the strength of a personal relationship with God. Zamperini's amazing strength and perseverance throughout the horrors he endures is truly inspiring. Louis Zamperini is still alive and kicking. You can learn more about his amazing story by visiting his website or reading this 2010 Wall Street Journal article about the book.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend was her first book about a sports legend,  a horse who beat the odds. Seabiscuit captured the hearts and minds of the country during the Great Depression when Americans were in need of a distraction from the suffering that many were enduring. The energy and special skills of three misfits (the jockey, trainer, and owner) help the unlikely Seabiscuit succeed. This is another inspiring story that demonstrates how an animal or a person can triumph with the help of others. To learn more about this amazing horse visit the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. 

Have any thoughts on these books or any other books that I should read? Please leave them as comments below. 

The Allure of the Circus

The movie Water for Elephants was exciting! Reese  and Robert were awesome. The costumes  were stunning! The animals were beautiful! I highly recommend you read the book and check out the movie. 

A brief history of circuses. The word circus is of Latin origin and it means the "circular region of the sky, oval space in which games were held." Think chariots, staged fighting, games, and wild animal on display in ancient Greece and Rome.

The modern concept of the circus was developed by the equestrian, Philip Astley in London, England. In 1770, Astley mixed equestrian and acrobatic acts with pantomime. This circus was performed within  buildings designated for circuses. 

In 1871 the United States was growing, people were heading west. Thus, the traveling circus was born. P. T. Barnum brought the circus all over the country by train. His circus involved a canvas tent, animals, and human oddities. Incorporating multiple rings and stages was also a unique feature of his circus. Because of competition that arose over time, P.T. Barnum's circus eventually merged with other circuses to form the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

In today's culture the circus is still alluring! Circus themed decor is popular for kids parties as well as weddings. I've posted some of my favorite circus themed events from the web below. Pop stars love the circus too! Take a listen and a look at Britney Spear's Circus video, it will get you in the circus spirit!  

It really amazes me that even after almost 300 years, circuses continue to capture the attention of audiences year after year. So what is it that keeps people interested in the circus especially with so many other forms of entertainment to contend with today? 

Circus Wedding via Once Wed

       

             Jude's Big Top Birthday via Hello Lucky

Circus Party Accessories via Acme Party Box 

Sweet Life Design Invitations via Style Me Pretty      


               

   Interested in learning about another circus, Cirque du Soleil? Click here to read an earlier post.

**Circus history sources circopedia.com and dictionary.com**

I Heart Paper Dolls!

I am a huge fan of Paper Dolls. I think it is because it is sort of a family tradition to collect and play with them. 

You could imagine my excitement when I came across these two different sets of William & Kate Royal Wedding Paper Dolls! I might have to purchase them! 

After all, I played with Princess Diana Paper Dolls when I was a little kid!  

And my mom has held on to her Kennedy Paper Dolls since childhood. She never played with them. They are stored away in their original box and in pristine condition.  I was always so tempted to play with them! Luckily,  I never did!

While I am at it, I might as well pick up a copy of the Obama and Bush Family Paper Dolls and maybe even  some Elizabeth Taylor ones too and keep this tradition going!

   

Do you like Paper Dolls too? 

Book Review:The Help

Got to finish The Help by Kathryn Stockett for my upcoming book club meeting, but first I must catch the premiere of White Collar with my hubbs.  Can't wait to see what happens to Mozzie after last season's cliffhanger! And of course, what will Neal be wearing??? 

But before I go, I wanted to share an interesting article that I stumbled upon on wsj.com. Click here to read about the Keeper of Curiosities, Janet Carding, director of the Royal Ontario Museum. What an interesting place and may a say one of the most exciting jobs I've come across recently! Thoughts?

By the way, I can't get over how infectious the song on the new Kindle commercial is! It's got the hubbs and I dancing in our living room! Check it out below! Two words -- more cowbell!

Another Fab Collectible...Lenci Dolls

I love dolls and I love collecting. Some of my favorites are vintage Lenci dolls. They are felt dolls with pouty faces and I just think they are beautiful. They also happen to have a very interesting history. To learn more about them, click here.  


I previously posted about one of my favorite series of books that features a Lenci doll.  Click here to view that post.  


Here are some fabulous Lenci Dolls from around the web. 

R. John Wright, Inc. is an American company that makes new dolls in a similar style. Here are a few of my favorites by this company out of Vermont. They are truly pieces of art! 

Take Me Back to The Plaza

"I am Eloise I am six I am a city child I live at the Plaza"

Eloise's portrait hung in the lobby of The Plaza. I used to visit The Plaza almost every year to visit her.

The Loneliest of Dolls

Oh, the lonely doll! Some of my favorite stories from my childhood.

Dare Wright had an amazing ability to meld toys and dolls with "real life" objects and scenery...like pearls, lipstick, the beach and Steiff Bears.