Good day to you all! I’m trying to be better about writing for myself. These posts are quite therapeutic for me since I have a lot of thoughts I keep bottled up until the last minute. Anyway, I read quite a bit this month and watched. . . not quite so much. I should have a movie month or something so I can quench my thirst for films and shows on my bucket list.
Here is how I rate things!
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but somehow made it through. This is also a category for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show it is visually stunning and has an incredible story I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Books
Ashes on the Moor (2018), 10/10
When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.
Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.
Evangeline’s sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.
Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot’s coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.
Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to “proper English” while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.
When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust–especially Dermot’s. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This might just be my favorite book from Sarah M. Eden. I have probably read it four times within the last two years which is weird for me! I normally don’t read romance novels regularly because they are either too corny for me or ridiculously shallow. This one is different. Maybe it’s because the main character is a teacher who stumbled into her profession by accident, kind of like me.
I also am a sucker for gruff men. . . who happen to also be Irish.
Healing Hearts (2019), 7.5/10
As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.
When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara’s message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.
But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This was a meh this month. I like how it points out the overall state of insane asylums in the United States during this time period, and I like how the main character Miriam struggles with seizures. It made her feel more human and personal.
However, the romance didn’t develop as organically as I would have liked. Gideon was a good character too, but I didn’t feel he had a deep enough personality to get me invested.
The Little Book of Lykke 8.5/10
Meik Wiking is the CEO of the world’s only Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. His job is to travel around the world, seeking out the happiest people and uncovering what they do differently. In The Little Book of Lykke, he reveals what he has found.
This captivating read features case studies from Bhutan to Australia, South Korea to Canada, France to Denmark, taking the reader on a happiness treasure hunt. Written in the same warm tone as Meik’s phenomenal bestseller The Little Book of Hygge, this easy-to-understand book will change the way you think about how you relate to your neighbours, the rituals around cooking and eating dinner, and when to book your next holiday – and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I liked this book quite a bit. I enjoyed reading it in the morning and evening on my walks and thinking about how I could slip little tidbits into my life. I especially liked thinking about COMMUNITY as the foundation for lasting happiness. There are certain parts of my life I feel need fleshing out and relationships are definitely one of them.
Most of its suggestions were very practical and doable and I could see their benefit. I will read this book again in a while to see how things have changed for me between readings.
Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors, 10/10
Charlie’s power is taking on a new dimension as he meets a new cast of characters, including Mr. Pilgrim’s replacement, Tantalus Ebony, and the mysterious new student Joshua Tilpin, who appears to be magnetic. But Charlie isn’t the only one dealing with changes . . . Billy has been adopted by a child-hating couple called the O’Gres, who carry a gray bag of oaths wherever they go, pressuring Billy to sign an oath of obedience, and locking him behind a force field in an odd place called The Passing House. Will Charlie be able to rescue Billy and uncover the mystery behind Joshua’s power?
Synopsis via Goodreads
I have probably read this book in the series the most besides the first one. The reason for this is I didn’t have ALL the books so I would devour the ones I had over and over when I was younger.
What strikes me about this book is how it draws that sad but important line between choosing what is RIGHT and WRONG. Some characters like Billy are on the edge of choosing the right while others like Dorcas slip into the dark in small steps.
Reading the book, it should be obvious what is right and wrong. However, when we face the same things in our own lives it isn’t so simple. There are small and simple things that don’t seem so bad that can lead to places and decisions we normally wouldn’t make.
Anyway, I like this book especially when Billy breaks away from the Passing House and destroys the oaths.
Charlie Bone and the Hidden King (2006), 10/10
When Charlie turns twelve on New Year’s Eve, the Flame Cats give him a grave Something ancient has awoken, and Charlie must be watchful. Soon Charlie learns that the shadow from the Red King’s portrait has been released, and that it will do anything to keep Charlie from finding his father. Meanwhile, pets are mysteriously vanishing from the city, and Olivia is in danger of revealing her newfound powers.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I wish I had had this book when I was younger! This is one of the most satisfying book endings I can think of. Charlie finds and saves his father, the Red King is healed, and many of the hurts and evils that seemed so big were resolved. I used to say the 4th book was my favorite, but I honestly think it is this one now.
Evil Under the Sun (1941), 7/10
The beautiful bronzed body of Arlena Stuart lay facedown on the beach. But strangely, there was no sun and she was not sunbathing… she had been strangled.
Ever since Arlena’s arrival the air had been thick with sexual tension. Each of the guests had a motive to kill her. But Hercule Poirot suspects that this apparent ‘crime of passion’ conceals something much more evil.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I’ll return to this book, but I didn’t like it while reading it. Although the subject matter is relevant and things this twisted do happen in real life, that doesn’t mean I have to like reading about it. Sometimes I wonder if we focus so much on the negative things that happen around us we forget to look for the beautiful things. Relationships are like that. If we want to develop and find good relationships with people we should look for good examples. The bad ones just leave a sour, sad feeling in your heart.
Anyway, I’ll finish eventually but for right now I need so more wholesome stories.
Half a Soul (2020), 9/10
Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassment – a condition which makes her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Season – but when the strange, handsome and utterly uncouth Lord Sorcier discovers her condition, she is instead drawn into dangerous and peculiar faerie affairs.
If Dora’s reputation can survive both her curse and her sudden connection with the least-liked man in all of high society, then she may yet reclaim her normal place in the world. . . but the longer Dora spends with Elias Wilder, the more she begins to suspect that one may indeed fall in love, even with only half a soul.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I enjoyed reading this book again! I like whimsical fantasy romances and this one doesn’t disappoint. I mentioned before how I am a sucker for gruff men, who are just blustering their way through society. Elias is like that but it’s like he wants to be disliked because society is so apathetic to the horrible things happening in their cities.
I feel like this will become one of my cozy reads I’ll come back to a lot in the future. I like it when things work out and Dora is so likable it is healing.
Whispering Pines 9/10
Rae’s father vanished without a trace—and Rae knows what happened to him. But no one believes her when she says that her father didn’t run off, that he was actually taken. Now, a year of therapy later, Rae’s mother decides they need a fresh start, and so they move to a new town in the hope that life can return to normal.
The problem is, there is nothing normal about the town of Whispering Pines.
No one knows this better than Caden. He’s lived in Whispering Pines his entire life, and he’s seen more than his fair share of weird—starting with his own family, as the town is the perfect home base for his mother’s ghost hunting business.
When several kids go missing and then show up like zombies with their eyes removed, many locals brush it off. Just another day in Whispering Pines. But Caden has a dark secret, one that may explain why someone is stealing eyes. And Rae, who knows how it feels to not be believed, may be just the person Caden needs to help him put things right.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This was a surprise find for me! I’m already almost finished with the second book in this series and am ready and willing to start the third. It was creepy but not EVIL. I liked that the characters triumphed over the evil creatures and the situations they faced without having to sacrifice their integrity.
This also really felt like a book made for middle schoolers. Some of these books and series seem to either be dumbed down for kids or amped up WAY too high for middle schoolers. Almost like they really should think and act like adults.
I’ll keep you posted on the other books in the series I sink my teeth into!
The Little Book of Hygge 7.5/10
Hygge has been described as everything from “cosines of the soul” to “the pursuit of everyday pleasures”. The Little Book of Hygge is the book we all need right now, and is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to you and your loved ones this winter.
Hooga? Hhyooguh? Heurgh? It is not really important how you choose to pronounce ‘hygge’. What is important is that you feel it. Whether you’re cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends, hygge is about creating an atmosphere where you can let your guard down.
Synopsis via Goodreads
The best way to describe this read was COZY and somewhat biased. 🙂 I have never been to Denmark but he almost convinced me it was the best place to find contentment and happiness. This winter, I want to try incorporating some of the hygge practices and see if I like having them in my life. Good thing it is already Autumn!
Vacancy (2021), 3/10
The latest chilling frightfest from horror master K. R. Alexander . . . this time centering around a spooky hotel where guests do NOT check out the way they check in. When Jasmine moves to Gold River after her mother’s death, she finds herself powerfully drawn to the Carlisle, an abandoned hotel on the edge of town. It appears in her nightmares and calls to her during the day. It’s a local tradition in Gold River for kids to try to stay a night in the Carlisle without being scared away. When Jasmine hears about this, she convinces her friends to join her. How hard can it be to stay up all night in an abandoned old building? Only… the building isn’t abandoned. There are plenty of people staying there — dead people. And once you walk into the hotel, they will do everything possible to stop you from checking out.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This was fine. . . until it wasn’t. I followed the story okay and was going to give it a 6-6.5/ 10/ It wasn’t THAT well-written and the characters were bland so it seemed harmless enough.
Then the ending came.
I HATED it. Turns out the main character Jasmine was a crappy human being acting out of trauma the whole time. She sells her friends to the creepy hotel to get her Mom back and decides it’s okay to stay there for eternity, even if it means abandoning reason and goodness to get there.
So, evil won, dozens of children are doomed to be haunted and devoured by the hotel for eternity, and… there is NOTHING they can do about it. Stupid book. . . . and your stupid ending!
Movies
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), 10/10
There is something so pleasant and satisfying about watching this film! I know it isn’t perfect and it had a troublesome production but I don’t care. It is so quotable and the characters are fantastic!
I like watching my students watch this movie for the first time. 2/3 of them had never even heard of it and it was fun studying their reactions.
The Wild Robot (2024), 9/10
The only reason I didn’t give this movie a 10/10 is that I need to wait and see if it’s one of my favorites. But goodness this movie had SOOOOOO much going for it!
- The animation is absolutely GORGEOUS! the matte-painted backgrounds took my breath away.
- The character animation for ROZ was so fluid! Her design and movement was a feast for my nerdy self. I kept trying to figure out what techniques they used to make her movements so captivating.
- The characters themselves were well developed and engaging. I cared about the robot the moment she came on screen.
- The tone and pacing for the story was fantastic!
- They were very true to the original feel and flow of the children’s book by Peter Brown. I read the book before I watched the movie and was very impressed. They had to change some things but. . . that’s okay.
- The music was soul splittingly beautiful! Great job Kris Bowers!
If you are a fan of animation, stories, robots, family-centered stories, the forest, or anything in between this is the movie for you!
Shows
Summer Strike (2022), 9/10
Watching this a second time, I appreciated anew this story’s message. I’ve studied a bit on Korean culture and I know right now they are struggling to balance their work lives with the enormous pressure their society is putting on them in school and in their jobs.
I feel like the main character of this story often. We need to take time to separate our work life with our home life. Our job CAN’T take over our lives to the point where it is all we are and do.
If I could escape to a small town and spend all day reading, I might go a bit stir-crazy. But I’d love the feeling of being needed and content with a simple job while enjoying the little things in life.
Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023), 10/10
This has now slipped into my favorite TV series list. It’s message on caring for our mental health and changing our biases about those who struggle with various mental diseases and circumstances is VITAL. I’ve seen several shows trying to talk about this from Korea recently and I am glad the country is trying to address this problem.
It helped me stop and think about things in my life I’d like to change. Although I still struggle at times with grief, anxiety, and frustration I’m glad I’ve started implementing habits into my daily to help me overcome and grow from them.
Thank you for reading! Hopefully, next month’s list is full of fantastic books, shows, and cartoons I’ve explored for my favorite month of the year! (Hint: it’s October).
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 