SOTR1989 Book Blog

  Skylark Patricia MacLachlan   Released: March 10th, 1994 Book #24 complete for the year, “Skylark” by Patricia MacLachlan.  This is the sequel to the 1985 classic “Sarah, Plain and Tall.” Here are some things I learned: - Jacob and Sarah married in the summer. - The family took a family photograph together. - A massive drought has hit the plains.  Farms and ranches are suffering from little water. - “We’d never leave Sarah.  We were both here.  Our names are written in this land.” - Seal the cat has become pregnant with kittens to Sam, Matthew & Maggie’s Orange tabby. - “Sometimes, what people choose to write down on paper is more important than what they say.” - Anna journals daily.  There is a sense that Jacob is afraid to show emotion.  Anna is growing in self confidence.  Caleb just blurts everything out.  And Sarah has no idea of her influence on the family - Sarah’s favorite part of the day is the sky after sunset.  “When you can’t tell where the color comes from.” - “It wi

Sarah, Plain and Tall Patricia MacLachlan   Released: May 15th, 1985 Book #23 complete for the year, “Sarah, Plain and Talk” by Patricia MacLachlan.  This one is actually a reread.  I read this way back in grade school, but found hardcover editions online, and since I haven’t studied a lot of children’s books, knock out a few today. Here’s what I learned: - The children’s parents used to sing every day.  The father stopped singing since the mother passed. - Anna is the cook of the family. - Caleb was wrapped in a yellow blanket at birth. - Anna feels the worst thing about her brother is that his birth caused their mother’s death. - The mother’s last words were, “Isn’t he beautiful, Anna?” - The mother used to sing about flowers, birds, and the moon at nighttime. - Papa’s horse was named “Jack”, and he had raised him since he was a colt.  They also have Old Bess. - Papa’s name is Jacob Witting. - He placed an advertisement for a wife, and received a response from Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton

Arnold Wendy Leigh   Released: January 1st, 1990 Book #22 complete for the year, “Arnold” by Wendy Leigh.  Pretty good book, I learn a lot about Schwarzenegger and his life with bodybuilding and successes later on. This is an unauthorized biography, so I’ll share what I learn, but understand it might not be true.  I won’t share everything, but things I found noteworthy. Here are the things I learned: Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in Thal, a tiny village on the outskirts of Graz in the Austrian province of Asturias. Arnold’s father Gustav was every gifted musically.    He could play 6 different instruments, and excelled at the flugelhorn. Gustav was one of 11% of Austrians who applied for Nazi membership when Germany took over in 1938. Schwarzenegger translates to “Black Ploughman” Arnold inherited the physique of his grandfather Karl. Arnold was born at 4:10am on July 30, 1947 Arnold’s dad was not very supportive of him, and favored his older brother. He always sought the approval of h

  The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Suzanne Collins   Released: August 24th, 2010 Book #18 finished for the year. I started this book in April.  I had hoped to get through the entire series in a week, but between a big move, new job, and other things, it didn’t happen.  It’s not a bad book, but it just didn’t move along like the previous 2. This book sets itself apart because it is a book about a war brewing.  It picks up immediately where Catching Fire let off.  The rebels prepare to go against the Capital by planning, training, and remaining hidden through the entire book.  I felt it was a bit prolonged.  There’s a good triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta.  Lists of twists and turns.  Moments where you wonder who is on which side. Overall, good book, but prefer the first two.  Recommended to complete the series if you’ve read the first two. On to Book #19 - Rush Limbaugh: See I Told You So

  Love, Lucy Lucille Ball   Released: September 24th, 1996 Book #21 complete for the year.  One of my favorite actresses and businesswomen of all time, Lucille Ball.  When an ex and I suffered a miscarriage several years ago, I had a temporary fixation with the show.  I would watch it every day on live TV.  It got me through some painful weeks.  It reminded me of seeing it on at grandparent’s houses in years past.  I loved how it inspired so many other shows.  Lucy and Desi were amazing pioneers and innovators.  Desi is arguably the poster child for the American Dream.  He made it happen.  So did Lucy, with her meteoric rise behind stardom. Here are things I learned, or quotes that inspired me: One of Lucy’s favorite things to do would be to wait until someone left the room, and then when they returned she would blurt out, “Here she is now! Why don’tcha tell her to her face?!!” Before howling with laughter to break up the tense moment. She was working on an autobiography since the mid-