SOTR1989 Book Blog

  Skylark Patricia MacLachlan   Released: March 10th, 1994 Book #37 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.  “Whe...

Sarah, Plain and Tall Patricia MacLachlan   Released: May 15th, 1985 Book #36 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...

Arnold Wendy Leigh   Released: January 1st, 1990 Book #35 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 ...