Diana Originally Auditioned as Anne?!

Now here is something I didn't know!  This was quite interesting.  Schuyler Grant, the actress who played Diana Barry, originally auditioned for the role of Anne Shirley!  I read about it here: Diana Auditions As Anne.
What are your thoughts?  I personally think that the cast was perfect with Megan Follows as Anne.  No one could have outshone her performance, in my opinion.

A Damsel's Daybook IV

Outside my window - It's cloudy, but not sadly so.
I am thinking about - My next assignment...sigh!
From the kitchen - A chocolate cake!  Treat of treats!
I am creating -A cardigan.
I am reading -

• Walking With Frodo: A Devotional Journey Through the Lord of the Rings by Sarah Arthur (highly recommended)
• Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (therefore, I am in heaven :))
• The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (which is still wonderful)
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (I started as a necessity - I haven't read it in far too long and was feeling quite deprived!)

I am hearing - Peace and quiet.
I am hoping - This stupid cold goes away!
I am planning - To have a nice relaxing time and maybe finish The Way We Live Now Tonight.
I am wearing - My PJs.  I was wearing my nightie, but I got it dirty.  Fiddlesticks.
Around the house - It seems as if everyone is napping!
My wish of the week - That we all get better really quickly!  I know some of my friends are sick too :(  So I hope they are on the mend!

A Damsel's Daybook III

Hosted by Autumn at Storygirl

Outside my window - It's overcast, thinking about raining, and very, very windy.
I am thinking about - Different things that happened this week, including the new yarn I got for a new cardigan!
From the kitchen - Funny...I'm not sure...I know I smelt something good up there.
I am creating - Still the baby sweater, and I really want to start on my new cardigan!  I'll do a post later so you can see the colour yarn and the pattern.  They're so pretty!)
I am reading -

• Walking With Frodo: A Devotional Journey Through the Lord of the Rings by Sarah Arthur (highly recommended)
• Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (therefore, I am in heaven :))
• The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (which is wonderful so far; it has me dreaming about Indians and trees...)

I am hearing -Who Says by Selena Gomez, which is a very positive song, and I like it!  I'll probably over listen to it and get sick of it, though...I always do that with the pop songs.  Except I can't get sick of Taylor Swift LOL
I am hoping - I can sleep without worrying about assignments!!
I am planning - To have a nice relaxing time with my family after dinner, knitting or reading.  I love my family :)
I am wearing - Track pants, short sleeved shirt and a cardigan.
Around the house - All is peaceful, all is calm.
My wish of the week - I don't really have one!  Oh! I know.  I wish that I can write more on my novel that is currently the main one.

My Top Ten Favourite Books - #1

I borrowed this idea from Elise at Ribbons of Light and tweaked it a bit. :)  I'm a little scared to start, actually!  I love so many books.  I'm sure I'll regret picking one and wish I'd said a different one, or read a new book which becomes an instant favourite.  Well, despite the obstacles, here I go.  I'm afraid I'll have to start at the top.  I just can't do it any other way!

So, (as you can see), my number one favourite is The Blue Castle, by L. M. Montgomery.  I've only been able to narrow it down because I finally decided that L. M. Montgomery was my very favourite author (we could have been bosom friends, I just know it) and The Blue Castle is my favourite of her books.  Strange, isn't it?  It's not one of her well known ones, but I think it deserves to be.  Much as I love Anne and Emily and all her others, this one in particular resonates with me.

It's the story of Valancy, a poor young woman who is on the verge of spinsterhood.  She wouldn't mind that so much if 1) at least someone had wanted her, once, and 2) her family didn't constantly remind her that she wasn't being courted and was very likely never to be.  Her mother is a very cold character, and it is doubtful that she feels any love toward her daughter.  The only comfort for plain little Valancy is her blue castle, a magical place she created, where she is stunningly beautiful and sought by many gallant knights.

Then, one day she learns something that overturns her little world and makes her realize that she has never really lived. She decides that she is going to and so throws away all of her timidness and shocks her family into realizing that little 'Doss' isn't as introverted or proper as they all thought her.

It was so funny, so sweet, and so moving, I laughed, cried, and smiled through my tears.  I was swept along through this beautiful little book and it touched my soul as no book had ever managed to before (yes, even the Jane Austen ones!).  I can relate to Valancy, because I tend to hold back things I want to say because I'm shy or just quiet.  I overthink things, and then when I've decided I'll say them, the moment has passed and the circle starts all over again.  I want to be brave like her and just say it and not be ashamed if I've said something a bit shocking (although, obviously, I would be sorry if I hurt someone's feelings).  I also have my little blue castle, which as you know, is more of a cottage and only has one gallant knight in it...who exactly I don't know yet!  He is noble and kind, I know that.)

I would put this on everyone's must-read list.  I just can't say enough about how wonderful it is.  I can't even express how much I love it!  So, if you haven't please read it for yourself and let me know what you thought of it. :)

A Peek Into My Journal

This is my journal.  No, I don't write in it every day like Emily Starr, but I do write in it whenever I feel either so inclined or inspired.  I fill it with things that inspire me, too.  I have some beautiful pictures and poems and quotes and things.  I just wanted to show you a taste of it.  I love sharing :)  The lighting is horrible and I do apologize, but you get the general idea.  One of my favourite pages is the one with the William Shakespeare quote; on the opposite page to it (which I didn't take a picture of...but I will post it at the end) is one of my favourite pictures.  It's very romantic.

  I actually made this journal (sort of).  It was just a plain black notebook, so I glued the picture on the front and added the silver elastic, which I got off a chocolate box, I think.  And I really like it!  What do your journals look like?  And do you write in them everyday, or just when you feel like it?

 

And here is the romantic picture I just love.  It's for Swan Lake...what else can I say?

My Favourite Books - The Letter T

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - Possibly one of the most adorable children's books I have discovered recently.  This is the tale of a tiny mouse with big ears and an ever bigger heart.  He is so different from the other mice that they banish him to the dungeons, where he must defend himself as best he can from the evil rats while he fights as the princess's knight.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - This is such a beautiful book.  I fell in love with Sydney Carton when he proved himself to be unselfish and loyal and sweet and...well, you get the idea.  And I was moved to tears when I read the passage:
“Are you dying for him?"  she whispered.
“And his wife and child.  Hush! Yes."
“O will you let me hold your brave hand, stranger?"
“Hush!  Yes, my poor sister; to the last."

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare - I think this is the only Shakespearean play that I can read effortlessly.  (I find it hard to read plays...sigh)  It's so full of humour!  A must read!

A Tangled Web by L. M. Montgomery - What happens when everyone thinks they should inherit the same object?  And what further happens when the old lady whose decision it is decides to make everyone wait for a year after her death until the name of the inheritor is revealed?  In one word: mayhem.  A delightful book of intertwining stories, A Tangled Web is not a book that I loved at first read.  I had to read it twice before I appreciated its full worth.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - Such a sad book.  The only reason this is a favourite is because it is so beautifully written.  I think it's the only book I ever liked simply for its style.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler - A retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  I found it an interesting perspective.  I'd never thought of there being a thirteenth princess.  It adds an original twist to the well known fairytale.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas - An exciting tale with mystery, intrigue and comedy.  I only had a few objections to some scenes, but overall, it was definitely worth the read, and I went so far as to buy myself a copy.

The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White - Childhood favourite.  Again.  The story of a trumpeter swan...the rest is a little fuzzy.  But it is a wonderful book!

My Favourite Books - The Letter S

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness (Emmuska) Orczy - I read this after I saw the 1982 version of the movie (which, sink meh!, I instantly fell in love with).  The book takes some getting into, but is just as exciting.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - One of my childhood favourites.  I especially loved the change in Mary Lennox as she becomes sweeter through tending for her garden.

The Secret Seven Series by Enid Blyton - These were some of my first mystery books, and I remember my siblings and I even made our own secret seven, with badges and everything and secret meetings in the back shed.  I miss those days.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - One of my favourites of hers, Sense and Sensibility (as I'm sure you all know) is the tale of two very different sisters.  I find it interesting to see how Elinor and Marianne approach things completely differently.  Brilliantly written by a brilliant authoress.

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan - Set in Norway during the second world war, this is an exciting tale of a village of children who are on a desperate mission to save the village's wealth of gold bullion from the Nazis.

The Story Girl by L. M. Montgomery - The first of the Sara Stanley duo, it is chock-full of little stories that she tells during her cousins' stay at her house.  I instantly fell in love with the characters: sweet Cecily, fat Felix, snobbish, beautiful Felicity and her ever faithful Peter (who she scorns, of course), the narrator, Bev, and of course, Sara, who weaves magic with her words.

Stuart Little by E. B. White - Stuart Little is a mouse.  A mouse who makes friends with a beautiful sparrow toward the beginning of the book and for the rest of the story goes out looking for her when she disappears.  His adventures are comical and exciting.  Another one of my childhood favourites.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George - A retelling of one of my favourite fairytales, East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon.  I would have done it differently, but all in all, it was enjoyable.

The Swiss Family Robinson by Henry Frith - I haven't technically read this.  However, my mum read it aloud to us when we were little, and I have fond memories of large turtles, houses in trees, and explorations in handmade boats.  I have a beautiful old fashioned copy from either the late 1800's or the early 1900's.  I stumbled across it in an antique shop for a mere $5.00 and could not believe my good fortune!  It's true worth must be much more than that.  It's a warm red colour with gold writing and a gold filigree/pillar on the spine.  One of my treasures!

The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White - Although there are some things that I would feel more comfortable about if he had left them out, I must say over all, this is a really good book.  I found it quite funny and an interesting perspective on the life of young King Arthur.

My Favourite Books - The Letter R

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale - A funny twist on the original fairytale of Rapunzel, this was a very enjoyable read.  It is the first graphic novel I have ever truly liked.

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit - The moving story of  a family whose father was taken away from them and their struggles as they wait for his return.  This was a book that I read as a child, but did not fully appreciate until I had grown older.  Now it is unforgettable to me.

The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques - Some people called Brian Jacques an author, he called himself a jack of all trades, but I call him a genius.  I cannot tell you how many hours I spent in the wonderful world he created for us, making friends with all the dear Redwall creatures.  I just learned of his passing and was very saddened by the news.  Memory eternal, Mr. Jacques.  I hope you know how many worlds you brightened through your stories.

The Road to Yesterday by L. M. Montgomery - Another collection of short stories from my favourite author.  I remember these as being sadder than most of her others, but I still enjoyed them.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - This one speaks for itself.

A Room With a View by E. M. Forster - I watched the movie before I read the book, and I'm glad to say, it didn't ruin it for me.  I found it entertaining, but my mum doesn't like it.  I don't know the reason for my liking it or my mum's for not!  We just do.

Roverandom by J. R. R. Tolkien - Not one of his more well known titles, I read the tale of Roverandom as a child and loved it.  It is still one of my favourites of his.

My Favourite Books - The Letter P

Thank you, Elise (from Ribbons of Light) for getting me back on track!  It's been a while.
I know, I know, I skipped the letter O.  I honestly couldn't find any!  I'm sure one will come along someday, but for now, I have no favourite books that begin with the letter O.  So now, I'm onto the letter P, which has always been one of my special letters (it stands for so many nice things!  Princess, Pretty, Perfect...you get the idea).

Pat of Silver Bush by L. M. Montgomery - Someone told me once I was like Pat when I was raving about how I would never leave home unless I married.  And when I realized it was an L. M. Montgomery book I hadn't read, well, I read it!  It is now one of my all time favourites.  It's also very quotable!

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie - This has got to be my favourite children's book of all time.  I remember asking my gran to read it to us when we were little (she always wanted to read Alice in Wonderland, which I found to strange it scared me).  I loved the idea of never growing up, the adventure, the pirates, the Indians, the fairies, Tinkerbell, and Peter Pan (of course!).  Recommended to everyone, everywhere!

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren - Such a laugh of a read!  I used to check this out of the library all the time.  Guaranteed to make you chuckle, guffaw, you name it!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - What can I say about this that hasn't already been said?!  Please, do yourself a favour (if you haven't already) and read this  timeless classic.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale - I read this just last year and had to get my own copy.  It's an exciting princess story that will leave you feeling warm when you close the cover.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman - Why is it that most of my favourites are books that make me laugh?  This book has a little bit of everything for everyone: adventure, mystery, romance, sword fights, revenge, friendship and greed.

The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald - The last time I read this was many years ago, and I am long overdue for a re-read.  It's a sweet story about the friendship between a little princess and a young peasant boy.  It is the sequel to the next book on this list.

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald - This is the story of a little princess who is kidnapped by goblins.  Her friend, Curdie, has to save her.  It is a very sweet tale, full of wisdom from C. S. Lewis' favourite author.

The Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine - These are all very original twists on well known fairy tales.  They made me smile.

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George - I must confess; I bought this book for its cover!  Although I had read one of her other books before, so I knew it was going to be good.  It was well written, sweet, and overall a really good read.

Wish List

I was thinking about what I'd save my spending money for when I eventually get a job.  I didn't have to think too hard.  Most of these things have been on my wish list for quite a while.
One exception would be a flashlight; my previous one only recently passed on.  I have been using my iPod light in desperation.  I have a suspicion that it's not good for it, but it's either that or I don't read in bed before going to sleep at all.  And I can't do that.  Literally.  I don't sleep well without reading in bed first.  One of my quirks, I suppose.  But I dislike the cold, ice blue coloured light it gives.  I miss my old warm, fire-glow coloured flashlight!
Anyway.

• Typewriter, preferably an old Royal one.  Something like this:

I want one so I can write my stories at it.  Wouldn't it be fun to hear the keys clacking happily away?  So romantic, too.  Never mind that then I wouldn't have to worry about losing all my work.  (I have a love-hate relationship with my computer.)

•  Flashlight.  Ah, to read comfortably in bed again!

•  The Art of Tangled.  Isn't it beautiful?  I'm not sure my love of Tangled is healthy.  I have caught myself staying up too late searching for Tangled concept art.

•  The Poetry of Lucy Maud Montgomery.  I love her poetry!  If you are an L. M. Montgomery fan and you haven't read any of it, you need to!

• Alfred Lord Tennyson Poems.  If you haven't read his 'The Lady of Shallot' poem, shame on you!  In other words, I think you should.

List From Goodreads

Well, I was on Goodreads in one of my groups, and they had a list to introduce yourself, and I thought it would be wonderful to put it here so you could get to know me better.  Plus it was fun to answer the questions!

Your favourite childhood book? Peter Pan. It's also an all time favourite.
Do you ever read more than one book at a time? All the time!  I always have at least three books on the go.
Your favorite place to read? Somewhere cosy.  I love reading in my bed before I go to sleep.  My imagination (which is always active) comes more alive then, when I have a soft flashlight glow on my pages.
Do you ever read in public? Yes.  I read everywhere.
Your book lending policy? I lend to my friends, but if they damage a book of mine, I'll expect them to replace it, and obviously vice versa.
Do you ever write in your books? NEVER!  I hate it when people do that.  It's desecration. (I have a very strong opinion on this).
Your favorite reading snack? Ritz crackers...yum!
What's the most money you've ever spent on a book? $25?  But I want The Art of Tangled from Amazon, which is almost $40.
Your favorite three genres? Fairytales Retold (Absolute favourite!), Fantasy, and Classics.
Your three favorite books? Good grief.  The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery, Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Fictional character you're secretly in love with? Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen...sigh.
If you somehow could make one book required reading for everyone, what would it be? The Bible.

Beautiful, Uplifting, (or Funny) Quotes - Mostly from famous authors

The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers: but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland. - L. M. Montgomery

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. - Roald Dahl

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul in your tribulation. - Dueteronomy 4:29

Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young. - Sir Arthur Wing Pinero

Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest. - Mark Twain

To laugh often and love much...to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one's self...this is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The sea hath its pearls
The heaven hath its stars
But my heart, my heart,
Has its love.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"No one is useless in this world," retorted the Secretary, "who lightens the burden of it for any one else." - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." This was unexpected and rather difficult. There was some scattered clapping, but most of them were trying to work it out and see if it came to a compliment. - The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it's what they bring to the world that really counts. - L. M. Montgomery

A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home. - Anonymous

"I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people know more...though I know that is the noblest ambition...but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me...to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed it I hadn't been born." - Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery

A Peek Into My Home

I wanted to give you a taste of my home, so I went around taking pictures of little things around my house. I live in a very small cottage and love it. I share a room with my little sister, who is very close to me, and we each have our own set of bookshelves. But I started downstairs, with my mum's bookshelves.

All the books I grew up reading are on these shelves; the Enid Blyton books (all of them), the Little House on the Prairie series, Little Women, the Narnia series, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, you name it. They're there.

This is my piano. I love my piano! I've never found one that is so comfortable for me to play. I am currently working on Liszt's Liebestraum No. 3. It's so hard! But beautiful, and therefore worth it.

This is in our kitchen; it's the top of our baker's rack. Very French. My mum loves French things. My family has some French roots along many other nationalities, including German, Dutch, English, Scottish, and Irish. I feel very lucky.

This is a clock my mum has in our kitchen. It's also very French and I really like it. It's big and elegant, which normally wouldn't work, but with this clock it does.

Ah, now we're upstairs in our living room. We have another largeish bookshelf in there, and this is my favourite shelf on it. It may have something to do with the way the light shimmers off the shell and shows all its beautiful pearly colours. Or maybe it's the warmth of the antique books. Probably a combination.

French Lavender on the back of our bathroom door.

Now we're in my room. This is my side of the top of one of our bookshelves, and there on the right you will see my jungle of bookmarks. Shocking, I know! And that tiny silver thing next to it is a dear little clock that my mum got for me in Chatsworth as a 'just because' on a trip of hers. Then there are my two favourite mugs! The bunny mug on the left was hand painted for me by a very dear friend. The one on the right is from one of my aunts who sent it all the way from England for Christmas.

This is my very small collection of antique books. I am thrilled to have Magic for Marigold (even if it is in delicate condition, in fact all the more reason for me to have it as I will take very special care of it) by L. M. Montgomery! It was a lucky find one day and made me very, very happy.

This is just above my antique books. I would like to introduce you to my polar bear. I love him! He reminds me of the fairytale 'East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon', which is one of my personal favourites.

Here are two of my bookshelves. As you can see, I have begun to run out of room. There are just too many good books around!

This shelf has my L. M. Montgomery section, which is only missing a big volume of her diary because I couldn't fit it there. So it's below. But I have twenty-eight of her books there. (Well, there are actually only twenty-seven in the picture, but that's because Kilmeny of the Orchard is on loan to a friend of mine).

I also wanted to show you what I've been up to, so here is a sweater I've been knitting for a very long time. The bottom part is very hard, but I think it's worth it. The pattern is called Titania, after the Queen of the Fairies, and I think it suits it. I can't wait to finish it and be able to wear it!

This is my Beatrix Potter baby blanket that I just finished. *Sigh*. It was a lot of fun to do and I am very sorry to be finished.

These are a bit blurry, but you can see them pretty well. This is Hunka Munka and her children (absolutely adorable, it's one of my favourite illustrations). Hmm...I've noticed that I've had to say favourite quite a few times in this post. Oh well, nothing else would fit!

These last two are both from The Tailor of Gloucester.

So there you have it! I hope you have a good feeling for my home by now. I love it. I hope I never have to move, which is ridiculous, of course I will. But for now I can stay here, happy, content and smiling.

My Favourite Books - The Letter M

Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise McGraw - Everyone should read this when they learn about Ancient Egypt. It is for young adults, though. I read it during school; my mum assigned it to my reading list. It was then that I fell in love with it. I always wanted a copy, and I only just a few weeks ago finally found myself one. It is the best story set in Ancient Egypt that I have ever read!

Magic for Marigold by L. M. Montgomery - Not my favourite of hers, but definitely worth the read. I discovered it through my beloved library and then chanced upon a copy in the antiques mall in my village which I promptly bought (of course :)).

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell - This book is guaranteed to make you at least chuckle if not spend a while laughing with tears running down your cheeks. I absolutely LOVE this book. It was written by a naturalist about his experiences in Corfu during his boyhood. You'll meet his family; his dear mother, his bossy book-writing brother Larry, his gun fanatic brother Leslie and his flighty sister Margo, not to mention their loyal Spiro and many other friends. Everyone is a real character.

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers - Very adorable children's book. And I fully agree with the idea that babies can understand animals for a while before they can speak to us.

My Favourite Books - The Letter K

Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery - Well, it's by L. M. Montgomery, so it's...wonderful. Kilmeny is the sweetest girl alive, and her story is extremely touching.

The King's Table by Cindy Lee Sullivan - This was written by a homeschool mum who wanted to help her children to write: and this was the result. I felt that it was a bit like Little Pilgrim's Progress and I really liked it. She fell asleep in the Lord before she could finish the sequel and I can only imagine what wonderful things she has in store. God bless her.

King of the Dollhouse by Patricia Clapp - I read this when my favourite thing to do was play in my dollhouse, and this little book was so delightful I spent many hours curled up with it. I wished a little king of the fairies would come and live in my dollhouse!

My Favourite Books - The Letter E

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - If you have seen the movie and not read the book, please! read the book. They massacred it, in my opinion. The book is so much better! Do be warned, I was unhappy with the relationship between Ella and her father; she hates him, and he's a scoundrel and only cares about what he can get out of her. Other than that, it's a charming perspective on the classic Cinderella story.

Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley - I first read this when I was about 13, and it was a bit slow. But Elsie is such a sweet little girl, I always want to be a better person after I read this.

Emma by Jane Austen - Absolutely chock full of humour and so well written! What else can one say?

Emily Series by L. M. Montgomery - Well, they are by L. M. Montgomery, my favourite author of all time; so obviously I love them! I am still undecided as to whether I like the Anne series better...I think I lean more on the Emily side because I think I am more like her. But you can read it and decide for yourself.

The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit - I love her books! This one was so adorable. I got many happy adventures out of it.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini - Hmm... I have to say that I did like this book, but you can tell what he read that influenced him. Definitely J. R. R. Tolkien. Very impressive for a new author, though. However, the other books I find a bit stretched out and am starting to lose interest.

Ever by Gail Carson Levine - I was contemplating not putting this one in, because I know it's not one of her best and I object to the level of mushiness in the romance department and also to the portrayal of the deities. If you're a Christian, you'll see what I mean. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

My Favourite Books - The Letter C

Caddie Woodlawn & Caddie Woodlawn's Family by Carol Ryrie Brink - If you liked Laura Ingalls Wilder's series, you will love Caddie Woodlawn. Definitely a must for Little House on the Prairie fans! And recommended for everyone else, of course.

Canadian West Series by Janette Oke - This is like the Love Comes Softly Series, but for Canadians.  I prefer the Love Comes Softly books, but these are also enjoyable.


The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde - This has some very amusing parts in it and is overall a wonderful read. The whole idea of a stuffy old British ghost having to put up with down to earth Americans who just won't be scared is the perfect basis for an entertaining story.


Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Series - As of yet there are three books in this series, all of them definitely worth your time. Very highly recommended! Of course, I was always fascinated with the story of the Flying Dutchman, but this spin-off is like nothing I have ever read before, and probably nothing like what you will expect.

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White - A classic. Endearing pig and lovable spider. What a combination!

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey - Packed with humor from front cover to back. You simply cannot read this with a straight face.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - Superb...but then you probably already know that.

Chronicles of Avonlea & Further Chronicles of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery - This collection of stories is filled with tales of sweetness, romance, humor and those that touch your heart. Another one that I had to add to my bookshelves.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis - Words fail me. C. S. Lewis is legendary, and for a reason!

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - This was good to read once, but I found it extremely sad. However, there is a bit of a good ending. You will close this read wiser or at least with something to think about.

The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell - Of all his books, this is my favourite! Especially the first book in this series. The others have some things I wish he'd left out, for example a grotesque old sailor...but such a good read! His family and experiences will not fail to amuse you.

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden - The touching story of a cricket with a tremendous gift and a longing for his home. A childhood favourite.

Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease - This was exciting and interesting at the same time. It is set in Elizabethan England, at the same time as Shakespeare and follows the adventures of a young lad. It's very exciting...even if you don't like history.

My Favourite Books - The Letter A

I've been working on a list of three hundred and sixty-five of my favourite quotes (one for every day of the year), which I will be finished very soon, and I thought it would be fun (while I'm doing lists) if I put some of my favourite books on here in alphabetical order. I just received some beautiful books from some very special people for my graduation, all of them favourites: they will definitely be on my list. So I'm going to start with the letter A, of course, and I'll list them by the title, not the author. I won't be able to list all my favourites, unfortunately, because of the vast numbers of favourites I have. It's a bit daunting to do even this, but it'll be fun. So I hope you discover something new on here that you haven't read yet...I hope you meet some new book friends. By the way, if you notice that one of your favourites is not listed, please comment! I would love to hear about your favourites too.

My Favourite Books - The Letter A

The Adventure Series by Enid Blyton - Not only are these wonderful books, I grew up on them and have many fond memories which fly out eagerly whenever I open their pages. My lovely mum used to read them aloud to us after lunch...I will never forget those days.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - The hilarious sequel to Tom Sawyer...what better recommendation?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - I couldn't put this one down after I read the first chapter; I found it extremely amusing. Tom Sawyer is one boy who will not disappoint if you want him to make you laugh!

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - I couldn't read this until I was older; when I was younger, I found it a little too strange and confusing. I don't think children will get what adults will out of it.

Anne of Green Gables Series by L. M. Montgomery - What can I say! When I read L. M. Montgomery, I am carried away to another world full of kindred spirits...and I also feel like giving up writing in the hopeless knowledge that I could never write anything even near as well as she did.

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - I believe this is the only book of his that I liked. I have only read three, however, so maybe I am no judge. It was exciting and very interesting.

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald - A very sweet story; I have read it countless times and own a beautiful edition illustrated by Jessie Wilcox Smith that was given to me by my dear little sister.