Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world

The only palliative for the errors of our modern world is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books C.S. Lewis I have saved a number of quotes to share about the value of reading classic books. Now, I’m asking … Continue reading Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world

Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire

A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire

Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters

As I was enjoying a short story by Louisa May Alcott, I found spirited conversations among the characters about reading and writing. I seriously doubt that it was the author’s intention to pass along writing tips in her story, but I got a kick out of the subtle wisdom and commentaries on the writing life … Continue reading Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters

Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow

It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow

Holiday Gems

One of the joys of the holiday is settling down after all the energetic activities to read inspired holiday fiction. You are no doubt familiar with some of the well-known holiday books and short stories… Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol…     The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson… Eugene Field’s The First Christmas Tree…          O. … Continue reading Holiday Gems

Imagine! The best quality books for free!

Well, you don't need to imagine it, it's true! As a fellow blogger said, "I rarely pay full price for books. Loving classics has its advantages, they are widely available and utterly cheap." I couldn't agree more! Ever since I figured out how to put them on my Kindle, I've had a blast finding vintage … Continue reading Imagine! The best quality books for free!

Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter

In 1894, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s Christian faith. Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross and won the $1,000 award. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. The story is about a young boy … Continue reading Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter

Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

I regularly recommend this novel as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the pleasure of this story! Actually, the full title of the novel is El Ingenioso Hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (The Ingenious Low-Born Noble Don Quixote of La Mancha). And, apparently, … Continue reading Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes