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.”  I remember reading this in elementary school.  We read the original, and then after watching the film version, we read this book and the ensuing sequel.   I think this book was stronger than the original...or at least I found the story more entertaining.  The first one mainly focused on Sarah adapting to her new life in the Midwest, where this one featured a drought that pushed residents out of the plains.  Sarah opts to take the kids to Maine to meet her family as Jacob works to rebuild the ranch. The film version is great, with nice performances from Christopher Walken, and Glenn Close.  I super recommend it. Here are some things I learned: - Jacob and Sarah married in the summer. - The family took a family photograph together. - A massive drought...

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 ...