Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Update and Classic Novel Request


Christmas has officially left the building.

This weekend, we worked like crazy. And so, completed the long-dreaded chore. We also cleaned out the basement (thereby filling the garage with items to give away...)

In fact, did I have a weekend?

I must have, because I distinctly remember going swimming with the children at some point. And my husband was present for most of the work we did, so those days must have been Saturday and Sunday...

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Our Story, Part II is in the works. I'm finding I have to outline a bit to make sure I approach the story correctly. Sometimes, I will write for a good long while and then realize that I need to go back and lay the foundation for something... Writing is such an interesting process. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

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I'm exploring the idea of going back into teaching. It's been a while, but I'm finding that I'm excited at the prospect of it.

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This week's read is The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway. One of my goals for the past year has been to read more classic fiction. I've enjoyed it so much, that I'm continuing into 2010.

My last classic read was Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. It was written in dialect, which was tough at first, but once my mind adjusted, I was swept away by the story itself.

Now, I'm wondering what classics you would recommend? What are your favorite reads that should absolutely be included on my 2010 reading list? And why?


- Midwest Mom

4 comments:

  1. Have you read John Steinbeck? If not, you must. I'm planning to tackle Henry James this winter.

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  2. I've read some Steinbeck. Cannery Row is on my reading table. Sometimes, though, I find Steinbeck's vision to be a bit bleak.

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  3. Hi Julia! I'm glad to hear you are having fun with your writing! Keep it up! As for reading the classics - interesting - I re-visited those with a passion at about your age! I have always thought that to be something that accompanies the beginning writing process. I have a doozey of a list of books I feel are incredible in terms of making one think but it's authors more contemporary than classic.

    Enjoy your reading!
    Hugs,
    suZen

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  4. Julia, good luck with looking into a return to teaching. I know you must be an amazing teacher, just by reading here on your life with your children.

    Hurray for reading the classics. Here are some more "modern" ones:

    Black Boy by Richard Wright - amazing being inside the life of an African American boy.

    A Separate Peace - John Knowles - one of my favorite all time books. About a friendship between 2 boys in a New England boarding school. Great characters!

    What about plays? Have you ever read, "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen? Could be written today in so many ways. About a wife struggling for independence and her role of wife/mother/self.

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