There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale

Title: There and Back Again: An Actor’s Tale

Rating: 4/5

Author: Sean Astin with Joe Layden

Pages: 308

Genre: Nonfiction/Autobiography

Synopsis:

From the moment Sean Astin heard that he would have the chance to audition for a role in Peter Jackson's newest project, The Lord of the Rings, he knew that he absolutely had to be a part of it. He didn't realize just how life changing the experience would be.

Follow Sean Astin as he reflects on the road that led him to this amazing opportunity and what it was like to bring Tolkien's Samwise Gamgee to life.

My Reaction:

There and Back Again wasn’t 100% what I expected. Even so, it kept me interested and engaged. To be honest, I’ve been feeling like I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut. Even though I’ve given good reviews, and the books deserved it, I’ve also struggled to actually want to read and finish some of the recent books. It’s nothing against the books. Sometimes you just get into a rut. I felt like this book finally got me out of it. I was genuinely interested in reading again and wanted to sneak in a few pages whenever I could.

Overall, the book did appeal to my love for a glance at the behind the scene world of cinema that I mentioned in my last post. However, there were just a couple of small things that for me docked it a point. First of all, I’m not a fan of language in my books. There are a couple words I’ll let author’s get away with, but when they start straying towards more offensive language I’d rather that was left out entirely. I know not everyone feels that way, so this wouldn’t bother you in the least. It’s not like there’s profanity on every single page (there are 308 after all), but he definitely used the f-bomb far more than I appreciate—9 times to be exact. Granted, most of those times he was quoting other people, but I’m still not a fan. There was some other language in there, most prominently the use of the “s” word, but again, if that doesn’t bother you then this isn’t an issue.

The second thing that brought it down a point is the simple fact that I wanted more. You would think 308 pages would be enough to completely satisfy my inner Lord of the Rings fan; however, Astin’s book is more of a commentary and reflection of what it is to be an actor, Astin’s own personal insecurities and faults, with a little bit of specific experiences from the making of the films. I will give him some credit, as he made me realize that perhaps it’s a good thing I never pursued acting like I considered once upon a time as my own personal insecurities would probably have been quite the hardship for me. Essentially, even though the book was mostly compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his firsthand account of the experience and what it was like to work with certain actors, the writing sometimes felt long winded or repetitive, and I really would have liked some more specifics about what it was like to film certain scenes. He does give some specifics, which were great, I just wanted more.

Overall, it’s still worth a read for any Lord of the Rings fan especially if you enjoy a look behind the scenes.

Reader’s Guidance:

As mentioned above, there is some language through out the book.

Similar Books:

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden

I absolutely loved this book. I read it before I started this blog, but I would give it a 5/5. If you're a fan of The Princess Bride then you definitely need to check this book out!

Next Book:

I'm one of those people who buys books faster than I read them. I have a bunch of unread books and yet I still buy more or get some from the library, and that's how I get books like There and Back Again which sat on my shelf begging to be read since 2004. Therefore, to choose my next book, I scanned my shelves for a book a haven't read. The book that begged to be read the loudest was The Mysterious Benedict Society. 

What is the Mysterious Benedict Society, and what makes it so mysterious? I have no idea! Let's find out together! Happy reading!

The Next Book

Guess what, guys! I picked another book to read! Huzzah!

Logically, you'd think I would pick the next book in the Anne of Green Gables series, but that's not what I did. Also, many thanks for the suggestions you gave me! If nothing else, I learned that I definitely need to give Brandon Sanderson a try at some point because his books have now been recommended to me by numerous people.

Don't be offended when I tell you that I didn't pick any of your suggestions, and it's not because I didn't think they were good ones. In fact, the ones I hadn't already read are now on my to-read list on Goodreads so I won't forget. However, fate brought me and this book together. I can't fight against fate!

Here's what happened.

The other day I was tidying up my office. Organization isn't always my best skill in some regards. In some aspects of my life, I want things organized in a specific way, and I want it to stay that way. Everything else has a tendency to spread wildly across the floor and stay that way for some time. Well, I knew something had to be done because, ironically, I actually hate it when a space gets THAT cluttered. And I knew that it was probably driving my husband nuts even though he never said anything. He's much more organized with his space than I am.

As I was cleaning and rearranging a bookshelf, I found myself holding a book that has been in my possession since 2004, and yet I've never read it! I'm sure I have plenty of books in a similar situation on my shelves, but what surprises me about this book is that I was so into The Lord of the Rings at the time. (I still think it's amazing, by the way.)

The book is There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale by none other than Sean Astin who plays Samwise Gamgee. I love behind the scenes stuff whether it be for movies, plays, Disneyland rides, etc. (I seriously have a couple of books devoted to the making of the Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion rides). I really enjoy seeing how things were accomplished and hearing first hand accounts of the experience. The last book I read that fits into this genre is As You Wish by Cary Elwes all about the making of The Princess Bride. I thoroughly enjoyed that one, so if you're a Princess Bride fan, you should definitely pick it up.

With my interest piqued, and suddenly finding myself 75 pages in, it was the clear choice for my next book. It's only been over a decade since the last movie/this book came out. Better late than never!

Anne of Green Gables

I'm not going to lie. I've kind of been procrastinating writing this blog post. I finished reading Anne of Green Gables some time last week, and I've had plenty of time to write a post about it. Even now, I've been letting myself get distracted by Facebook and also a little bit by my husband playing Battlefront 2. As for the rest of the week, I've mostly been catching up on year's worth of scrapbooking, re-watching episodes of The Office, and spending hours in family history research because that's a thing I do. Oh, and cuddling with my cat. All very important things, especially that last one.

It should be noted that I did enjoy reading Anne's story. I feel like her story is only just beginning (which makes sense as there are like eight books in the series). I'll definitely have to get my hands on the other books.

Title: Anne of Green Gables

Rating: 4/5

Author: L. M. Montgomery

Genre: Classic/Children's

Synopsis:

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are siblings who manage the family farm of Green Gables. They are getting older and could use a little help around the place, so they decide to adopt a young orphan boy. They're about to get more than they bargained for when they get Anne Shirley instead, a spirited girl with her head up in the clouds. Anne has a knack for getting herself in to trouble, and Marilla wonders if she'll ever be able to raise her into a respectable young women.

My Reaction:

I didn't really have any specific expectations for this book. All I new about it was that it was adapted into a movie back in the 80's and that there's currently an adaptation of it on Netflix. I know people who are a fan of the 80's film, which is part of what sparked my curiosity in the book in the first place. Now that I've read the book, I can see how a movie adaptation would be wonderful, so I may have to find a way to watch it and see what I think.

But back to the book.

Anne Shirley certainly brought a smile to my face. Corey, who grew up with the movie rendition, said that I actually reminded him of her. Apparently I also have a flair for the dramatic on occasion. Ha! She has a wild imagination and is extremely talkative. It's quite entertaining to see her way of thinking and how it gets her into trouble so often. But the other great thing about Anne is that we get to see her grow and mature. And while there are some attributes that I agree Anne and I have in common, Anne also reminded me of some young girls that I know. This made Anne seem even more real, and it made reading her adventures even more entertaining.

I loved Anne's spunk, imagination, and knack for getting into trouble! This was a very enjoyable book and a great start to the series. I look forward to reading more of Anne's story in the future.

Reader’s Guidance:

Nothing to fear.

Similar Books:

Other classics that explore everyday challenges and the challenges that come with growing up. Perhaps something like Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

Next Book:

Guys, I can't decide! Do I read the next book in the Anne of Green Gables series? I'm interested in reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, but unfortunately, so is everyone else apparently as all the copies are checked out of the library. Curses! I also received a copy of the third book of the Sheer Power series in the mail the other day. I could read that. Or do I just read something completely different entirely? I can't make up my mind, so I'm enlisting you to make up my mind for me. You should feel honored.

What book do you think I should read next? Give me a good one 😃

Second Chances

Some of you may have noticed that yesterday I shared a post someone had written about how they felt that the books they'd read and hated actually had a huge impact on them as a reader. This is the sort of person that can't stop reading a book even if they find it lacking.

I'm not that sort of person...usually.

There are multiple books that I describe thus, "Oh, yeah! I started that book once! Never did finish it..." That's not the majority of the books I pick up, but it happens. There are various reasons why that scenario takes place, not just because it was less than enjoyable, but that's the aspect we're going to focus on. In most cases when I'm not thrilled with a booked if I don't stop reading it it's because a) it's for a class assignment or b) a friend suggested it or let me borrow it and I don't have the heart to tell them I don't quite love it as much as they do.

But here's the thing--sometimes books need second chances. I'm not saying ALL books need second chances. Your reading instincts will let you know when you really should maybe look elsewhere for your reading fulfillment instead of retrying that one book you tried to read that one time. Our tastes change over time. Also, there are some books that we might not have been ready for the first time we were introduced to them.

There are two books in particular of which I feel very differently about now than I did when I first read them (in a good way, not a "how did I ever enjoy this" way). I'm pretty sure I've even mentioned them before in previous posts. They are The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I often say they are two of my favorite books, but it wasn't always that way.

In both cases I had to read the books for school. I was in middle school when I first read them, and I thought they were awful! And it wasn't even the older style of language or writing that bothered me. There were certain aspects of the story or the storytelling itself that drove me nuts. The major complaints I remember having were Tolkien's multiple allusions to things that would happen in the future and Darcy's uncanny, yet convenient, way of showing up ALL THE TIME! The funny thing is that those things don't bug me at all now. In fact, I actually love that particular detail of The Hobbit. 

Another funny thing about this scenario is that the whole reason I gave them a second chance was because they were once again assigned to me as school assignments. And on the second reading, I loved them! (Actually, it took me a third reading of The Hobbit to realize how much I loved it. Apparently I had multiple Tolkien fans for teachers.)

The point is this:

Maybe you gave up on a certain book too soon.

Maybe you weren't in the right place to enjoy a potential favorite book.

Or maybe you'll still hate it no matter how many times you read it...

So, have any of you had similar experiences? Are there books you'd like to give a second chance? Or are you like Mr. Darcy in that "[your] good opinion once lost is lost forever?"

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre

Title: The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre

Rating: 4/5

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Pages: 385

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Synopsis:

Peregrine has always strived to make her parents proud by being the best Lakti she can be. She trains hard, is one of the fastest runners around, and is full of bravery—the complete opposite of the Bamarre servants in the castle who everyone knows are weak and cowardly. But there’s only one problem with all of her efforts—Peregrine isn’t a Lakti but a Bamarre. With this new knowledge, Peregrine has a difficult choice to make—she can keep it all a secret and let things continue as normal, or she can complete a daunting task given to her by the fairy Halina to free her people from oppression.

My Reaction:

If you’ve ever read and enjoyed any other of Gail Carson’s Levine’s books, you’ll enjoy this one as well. If you haven’t read anything by Gail Carson Levine, you should!

On the back cover, the book is described as “a compelling and thought-provoking fantasy,” and I think I have to agree with that statement. It’s thought provoking in that it deals a lot with prejudice and overcoming certain mindsets. I kept thinking as I read this story that this is such a good book for some of the things you can see in the world right now.

Peregrine is an amazing heroine. She’s strong, bold, speaks her mind, can get herself out of tricky situations, but it takes a major eye opening moment—the revelation that she’s actually a Bamarre and not a Lakti—for her to recognize her own prejudice and the prejudices of others. What gives this story a bit of a heart-wrenching element is that she also has to come face to face with the mindsets and prejudices of her own parents, both adopted and biological. The stark contrast between her adoptive father’s reactions versus her adoptive mother’s reactions are fascinating in that we can see two possible outcomes from people with similar backgrounds and beliefs. Through her parents we can see two sides of the coin—the ill effects of prejudice versus the benefits of overcoming prejudice.

The other thing that is so great about Peregrine is that even she has her weaknesses to overcome. She gains wisdom through her experiences and can then be hugely influential in aiding an oppressed people.

Reader’s Guidance:

There are elements of war and oppression in this story. There are a couple of deaths mentioned, mostly by way of stabbing. There’s some slapping of inferiors that happens. There’s also one scene where a man is flogged.

Similar Books:

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Next Book:

One book I’ve been meaning to read for awhile now is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I know some people who are a fan of the TV miniseries from the 80’s. I’ve never seen it myself, but it’s gotten me interested in the story itself. I know there’s quite a few books in the series, but for now we’ll just worry about book one.

Happy reading!

Jane Eyre

Guess who finally finished reading Jane Eyre? That’s right! I did! Before you get to reading this post, riddle me this. I know some of you absolutely adore Jane Eyre. What is it that you love most about the story? Feel free to leave a comment :)

Title: Jane Eyre

Rating: 3/5

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Genre: Classic/Gothic/Romance

Synopsis:

Jane Eyre is an orphan left in the unwilling care of her aunt. Anxious to be rid of a burden, her aunt sends Jane off to school with the intention of never seeing her again. After 8 years there, 6 as a student and 2 as a teacher, she’s ready for a new adventure and becomes a governess to a young French girl at Thornfield Hall. For once in her life, Jane truly feels like she has a home, but even an estate like Thornfield can be filled with dark and dangerous secrets.

My Reaction:

Jane Eyre is listed amongst the classics, and as such, some of you out there may be a bit wary of it. One of the things that can be tricky about classics is a sort of language barrier. For instance, I was confused briefly when Jane Eyre used the term “fagging” or “fagged” which means “to work hard” or “to tire by strenuous activity.” (Thanks, Webster). The style and old vernacular of the classics make it difficult for some people to get into.

I didn’t feel like that was a huge issue with Jane Eyre. It wasn’t difficult to follow or understand. Even those few words that threw me briefly for a loop could be deciphered based on context or the dictionary function on the kindle. The style of the book is almost like reading a diary or sitting down with a friend who just happens to tell you their life story. Jane addresses us, “dear reader,” which establishes a bit of a connection between us and the protagonist.

I will admit, I did space out a couple of times when she was describing scenery or someone’s features. Sometimes lengthy descriptions can be annoying and detract from the story, but even though I spaced out briefly in some of those segments, I still didn’t see it as a major issue because, as I said, it was like reading a diary or like listening to a friend’s adventures where I would want a description of the scenery since I had never seen it before myself.

Perhaps I should mention that there are phrases in French strewn throughout the book with no obvious explanation as to their meaning. Just warning you in case that will bother you, but it doesn’t take away from the main points of the book.

On initial completion of the book, I wasn’t exactly sure how I would rate it. It didn’t necessarily wow me, but it definitely doesn’t fit on a list of classics NOT worth reading. As I’ve collected my thoughts, it’s safe to say that Jane Eyre is a well crafted story with a couple of good plot twists and a great ending. In fact, the ending was my favorite part of the whole thing (not because the story was finally over…).

Let’s see if I can explain why I liked how everything wrapped up without spoiling things for you. Jane Eyre is a gothic romance (see side note below). I went into the book knowing this and not much else. In fact, I wasn’t sure what little information I knew was about Jane Eyre and which one was Wuthering Heights. Anyway, the moment her love interest appeared, I knew even before she did that he was going to be the love interest. One thing bothered me though—I couldn’t understand why she would love him. Tolerate him, sure, but love him? There wasn’t much about his character that made him seem all that loveable. Then again, Mr. Darcy wasn’t all that loveable in the beginning of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was he?

Jane’s love definitely has his faults, but it all seemed redeemed by the way things ended. I really don’t want to give too much away, but the trial of love and how that trial is overcome is what makes the wrapping up of the book so great. Also, I would have been really mad if Jane had made another decision despite her better judgment which I will not reveal. Basically, you’ve got to read the book yourself! And if you still aren’t keen on reading a classic, there are multiple movie renditions you could try.

Even now, I’m having a little difficulty deciding the score I want to give it. For now, I’m giving it a 3/5 because I did like the story and think it has merit, but at this moment I can’t say it’s one of my favorites. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea, so I think it may be one of those times that if I read it again I would enjoy it even more and thus bump up the score.

Side note: The whole time I was reading this book, all I could think about is how Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey was a satire of such gothic works as this, which were apparently quite popular at the time.

Reader’s Guidance:

There is a moment where a man is attacked, stabbed, and bitten on the arm. Jane enters the room after the fact and helps apply pressure and such until a doctor can arrive.

Similar Books:

Any of the other books written by the Bronte sisters, or perhaps Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.

Next Book:

I recently was gifted a Barnes and Noble gift card (Thank you for supporting my book addiction). One of the books on display was one I’ve been interested in reading for awhile--The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine. You may recall another book a talked about awhile back called The Two Princesses of Bamarre. This story takes place in the same universe, and I’m looking forward to reading it!

Snickerdoodles

I am a self-proclaimed snickerdoodle snob. That is of utmost importance to this story. My husband knows of my snobbery. When he asked me to bake cookies on Friday, I assumed he’d want chocolate chip cookies as that has been our go to. He surprised me by requesting snickerdoodles. Here’s the thing, I may be a snickerdoodle snob, but I had never actually made them until that day.

I started out with a sense of dread. Being the snickerdoodle snob that I am, how could I possible pull off my very own snickerdoodle and be proud of it? I told Corey of my concerns and he proclaimed, “How can you not like your own cookies? That’s like not liking your own child!”

With those sentiments, I set to work. I knew of a recipe that I’d eaten and enjoyed, so I used that to guide me on my baking journey. And let me tell you, that’s got to be my favorite snickerdoodle recipe! I’ve now learned after making these cookies and my previous attempts at chocolate chip cookies in my oven versus my mother-in-laws oven that my oven likes to make my cookies flat. Apparently I’m still getting used to my oven, and after some research, it’s possible that it’s actually a little too hot for my poor cookies. Nevertheless, with some experimentation, I did get some that weren’t so flat, and even the flat ones had the taste and texture I look for in a snickerdoodle cookie.

The reason why I’m a snickerdoodle snob is that too often I get a hard, crunchy cookie. I don’t want a snap or a biscuit when I eat a snickerdoodle—I want a soft cookie with the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. So I think I did pretty good for my first try, and even though my oven flattened my cookies, I think the recipe I used is a pretty darn good snickerdoodle recipe!

The recipe itself comes from Six Sisters’ Stuff, and was inspired by the snickerdoodles at Disneyland. So hope on over there, and do yourself a favor by making the best snickerdoodles ever.

Click here for the recipe.

Is anyone else a self-proclaimed cookie snob of some sort? Do you have a go to snickerdoodle recipe that you would say is the best ever?

Also, I’m totally a wedding cake snob. Just throwing that out there. This weekend was my anniversary (the very first!), so we pulled out a bit of our wedding cake we’ve been saving in the freezer for that precise moment, and it was still so good! Wedding cake should be delicious as well as beautiful.

And with that, I’ll bid you adieu until next time!