I picked this up at the Twig Book Store and was intrigued so much I had to read it.
"Black Gun, Silver Star" was a contender for the Spur Award. Based I picked this up at the Twig Book Store and was intrigued so much I had to read it.
"Black Gun, Silver Star" was a contender for the Spur Award. Based on an American Lawman that was the first black Deputy US Marshall. He worked in Oklahoma and Indian Territories which was considered the deadliest location for any US Marshal.
Bass Reeves was born into slavery. He could not read or write as his slave owner stated that would make Bass to powerful. Bass later went with his enslaver George Reeves into the Civil War. He ended up fleeing to the Indian Territory where he lived with the Creek Indians. He gained his true freedman status with the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Bass worked for a Federal Judge Isaac Parker for almost 3 decades and was Judge Parker's most valuable US Deputy Marshal. While serving Bass brought in some of the most dangerous criminals. "A Good Batch of Prisoners" 9, 13, 16 at a time. One outlaw brought to justice was Billy the Kid who he crossed paths with...well not the infamous Billy the Kid from Mexico, he was dead by than. He also had a shootout similiar to the OK Corral and he survived all these years without serious injury like Earp. He credited himself with arresting more than 3000 felons and killing only 14 people in self-defense which led to him being tried twice for murder. Bass was well known and highly regarded during his lifetime. A giant of a man, quick on the trigger and his memory...that is how he dealt with the warrants. He was a man of bravery and devotion to duty. Bass Reeves died the oldest serving Deputy Marshal under Judge Parker known for his hangings on a weekly basis. Bass died of consumption. He lived to be 71 years old and a father of 11 children with his first wife Nellie.
Author Art T Burton, a history professor, worked for 20 years delving into the Federal Criminal Court cases he located in the National Archives and accounts from Fort Smith which gave him the history of Bass. Burton's account is not a biography so say but more like a story based upon his research. He tells the story in great detail with the background of facts. He sifts through the legend to discover the truth about this outstanding man and peace officer.
Another source stated that Bass died of Bright's Disease.
He was a great-uncle of Paul L. Brady, who became the first black man appointed as a federal administrative law judge in 1972. His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves, while his great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves. Ryan Reaves's grandfather changed the family name from Reeves to Reaves.
This short story is part of the American Short Story Masterpieces. Walking Out is a story by David Quammen born in Ohio known for his Nature and ScienThis short story is part of the American Short Story Masterpieces. Walking Out is a story by David Quammen born in Ohio known for his Nature and Science Non-Fiction books, with many awards earned. He has only written a handful of Fiction. This story included.
A father and son see each other only when the son has a break from school because of his parents divorce. He travels to Montana and takes on the dreams of his father in hunting even though there is this strain between them. His father talks about his trips with his grandfather and teaches him the difference between hunting and killing. His father has the skills that it takes. Unfortunately an accident occurs where they have to "Walk Out" and the walking is the main theme of the story. Does David recall what his father tried to enlighten him with. The ending is not wanted but expected. The story is so well written that I felt I was walking with them and not reading it....more
In 1918 authored and published as anonymously Thy Son Liveth is a book told about a Soldier who after he was killed on a battlefield in France while fIn 1918 authored and published as anonymously Thy Son Liveth is a book told about a Soldier who after he was killed on a battlefield in France while fighting in World War I, how he was able to help his mother with her grief.
Before he left he had promised her that she would be able to "Hear from your little Robbie". At first she was getting letters from Somewhere in France. He complimented her on making him a man. One message contained this quote "Try to realize that thought is the one thing that is absolutely unlimited." (Im still thinking on that one) He writes as if they are writing a book together. Telling her to "Quote that" "edit the copy" "don't hold your pencil any differently" or "but no literary frills".
He was sending her comforting messages through the use of Morse Code. During these messages he was able to assure her though his body was gone his soul was still able to convey as if he was very much alive. The story is about loss and grief. The conversations are between a Mother and Son. The Son giving faith and comfort as he receives it from the Savior. "There is no death. Life goes on without hindrance or handicap. The one thing that troubles the men who come here is the fact that the ones that loved them, are in agony."
There is comfort and the fingering of their belongings. There is a fact that is left behind...we are all in agony and we all understand this kind of loss. I wept for my own loss. The spirit is unbelieveably full of hope. ...more
"Whatever secrets you may have will be secrets forever"
The story starts by describing the Audley manor's garden lush and beautiful. Lady Audley is Luc"Whatever secrets you may have will be secrets forever"
The story starts by describing the Audley manor's garden lush and beautiful. Lady Audley is Lucy who marries an older man, Sir Michael upon his request. Lucy hides and defends her secrets with charm and brutality, she is far from a victim, but unknown to her, another secret exist.
Robert does his best to find clues to what are Lucy's secrets. His sleuthing is to his advantage of what really took place. Fearing her secret is about to be found out, Lucy burns down an Inn with the hope of another outcome. In the end the true secret is revealed. A real diagnosis is found and your left on the edge.
Such riveting tale that was actually based on a true incident. The book was hard to put down as there are few dull moments. Braddon's characters are very realistic for the period and has crafted the story well, with what a good read should have: romance, murder, suspense, and wow what a surprising end...oh wait...was it surprising? or forseen?
A story of the beauty of Nature and its gigantic Trees. He only knows himself as Freckles, whose character is full of honor and loyalty. Freckles hardshA story of the beauty of Nature and its gigantic Trees. He only knows himself as Freckles, whose character is full of honor and loyalty. Freckles hardships impresses a lumber Boss who likes his gumption and hires him to guard a valuable stand of trees in the swamp land of Indiana. He is given instructions and he sets to do the job. His fears and the dangerous conditions almost takes its toll on him. After a year he is much stronger and has become to know the swamp trees and animals well. Thieves come to steal the trees that he was hired to protect and a fight insues. He is kidnapped but eventually escapes. Swamp Angel enters his life and continues the story.
The storyline keeps one reading. You can tell there is pride in nature. The description of the scenic beauty in the setting of the story is very well done and connects just as well and enriches the story of Freckles.
Gene Stratton-Porter was a naturalist, a storyteller and loved her country. “A mind that is conscious of its integrity scorns to say more than it means to perform.�...more
Journey by Moonlight is one of the best known Hungarian novels! I had so much expectations going into this read. It was not a story of romance in ItalJourney by Moonlight is one of the best known Hungarian novels! I had so much expectations going into this read. It was not a story of romance in Italy.
Now that we are older, we often dream of life when we are younger, the freedom and the spirit that goes with that life. Once we are of age we have to conform. Get and hold a job. Become married and have beautiful children. Be successful and be happy, but what if you long for the past life?
Mihály has a childhood that forms a triangle of friends between himself, Tamás and Eva. The trio put on plays of horrible death scences. Eva the victim of what ever brutality she puts onto Tamás. Once grown Mihály gets married to Erzsi and they Honeymoon in Italy where he promptly abandons Erzsi and he goes off for a drink. Mihály longs for his youth, he longs for paradise, he desires to leave the rational adult life behind and return to the pleasures of youth. He makes this move by taking a different train, a train that leads to a Tuscany green landscape. Where he promply goes into "Hiding". Tamás, who thought real death had to be better than the plays, appears to him in nighttime visions to guide him out of the whirlpools. He encounters several people that help him just to exist but not to understand the whys of his choices. All these journeys Mihály makes, he feels will bring him freedom but actually bring him down as a human along a path of self destruction. In the end there is no solution to Mihály’s problems he is forced to go back to adult life and conform to the life he was trying to leave behind....more
A Sicilian Romance is Ann Radcliffe’s second novel. A Gothic Romance Novel with a Castle, crumbling stairs, locked doors and family secrets. We are inA Sicilian Romance is Ann Radcliffe’s second novel. A Gothic Romance Novel with a Castle, crumbling stairs, locked doors and family secrets. We are in a Castle owned by the girl’s father Marquis Mazzini, he is simply barbaric, the castle has many caverns and passages and filled with strange noises, lights in a section that is abandoned and death by the abundance.
The two main characters are sisters Emilia the one that follows the rules, so much so she thinks she deserves pity and has no real self. Julia who allows her passion to take over wanting to marry, but not her father’s choice. Maria the Stepmother has cunningness and intuition that can grasp your attention while reading. Unlike many of the female characters Maria is not a victim, she does seem to lack sensibility except for�
The story line is very predictable full of Coincidences and Escapades, at times lots of melodrama and seems like a Soap Opera. The Drama is to the point of disbelief as nobody in their right mind would find themselves in these dilemmas. I found that there is no real character development as in most Classics we adore. So, in the end it is just a fun read....more
When you open my book there are what appears to be pencil sketches that if you touch them it would smear the art work.
When you read the book the firsWhen you open my book there are what appears to be pencil sketches that if you touch them it would smear the art work.
When you read the book the first 70 pages or so are very slow and I liked the lesson at first. A glance into the life of Lady Constantine an upperclass social status and 8 years older and very lonely for companionship. Swithin an astronomer and more in love with the findings than life itself. The Tower at first is his discoveries into the sky, it later becomes their own little world that happens to be on Lady C's land. Overtime her visits at the Tower are more for herself. She wants to be with him and accepts the teachings. The dream of fullfilling his ambitions puts him in his own mental world and she encourages him but also distances herself from his passion for his own good. She is so in need of love and finds herself so fallen with him that she does not realize that in the end his love is faithfulness. Secrets abound between them, between her and Sir Blount. Legal documents interfere. More complications abound and what is going to happen next? The story is sad more than a happy romance and the ending is not what I had thought.
"There is a size at which dignity begins, further on there is a size at which grandeur begins; further on there is a size at which solemnity begins; further on, a size at which usefulness begins; further on, a size at which ghastliness begins."
Hardy seems to have written a novel where the mysteries of the heavens and solor system are the main characters. Hardy seemed to be finding his way with this one. Compared to my first read The Mayor of Casterbridge for a second read not my favorite of the two for sure....more
A short story of a mere 58 pages and 3.5 stars that tells the story of a physically challenged artist in his late 20's. Philip who has retreated from A short story of a mere 58 pages and 3.5 stars that tells the story of a physically challenged artist in his late 20's. Philip who has retreated from the world and taken up residence in an abandoned lighthouse located near marshland. This is where he trys to capture the beauty of his surroundings on canvas. He also provides a sanctuary to the birds who seek shelter there over the winter months. Frith, comes to him with the injured goose and overcomes her apprehension with Philip. They work with the injured snow goose and together they help the goose return to good health. Frith and the goose return the following year and over the next several years, this continues and with the returns of the goose, it helps to develop the relationship between the two young adults.
This is a story of compassion it poses questions about the human understanding and the need for friendship, companionship, love and sacrifice. Written with honesty and an incredible amount of tenderness.
Listed as a "Children's Animal Story" but I think you have to decide for yourself....more
A book of quotes from Austen's Novels about life, love, and marriage with her usual wit and irony. Thrown in the mix is her ability to converse about hA book of quotes from Austen's Novels about life, love, and marriage with her usual wit and irony. Thrown in the mix is her ability to converse about how to's. The quotes are charming and find yourself often nodding. A great place to contain the best of the quotes:
On Love: “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.�
On Friendship: “Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.�
On Life: "It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do."
A sweet book to have on hand just to review as needed....more
The Pastures of Heaven a series of short stories that are linked together. Steinbeck (who won both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize) writes of the surroundThe Pastures of Heaven a series of short stories that are linked together. Steinbeck (who won both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize) writes of the surrounding landscape with it's beauty or desert like quality that shape the characters as they breathe and live off the land. As much as they put into their little farms is what the farm gave back in abundance or loveliness.
Each of the chapters tells a different life in the Pastures. Bert seems to have a negative affect on many. Several owners have their own challenges and try to make the best of what they were dealt with.
Steinbeck gives us stories based off of the beauty of nature and farming. The good land will reward the residents of the valley that put effort into it but he gives us families that fail with poverty and suffering. His writing draws you in and you feel as your wishes for these characters should take place that Steinbeck will listen to me and give in and make all of them successful Pastures of Heaven residents, you are vested in their lives, but his written word prevails with sadness.
Possibly there is no such thing as Heaven in Salinas?
Steinbeck has this ability to describe interesting people with their quirks and interesting antics, you should read The Pastures of Heaven....more
The Dedication: for the original built in 1920 by Count Zborowski near Canterbury. Inside was a 1914 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang my edition by Ian Fleming
The Dedication: for the original built in 1920 by Count Zborowski near Canterbury. Inside was a 1914 chain drive 75 horsepower 6-cylinder Maybach airplane engine…in 1921 Chitty won the Hundred MPH at Brooklands and again in 1922 followed by an accident and she was never raced again. The Note: Story takes place in England so we receive a lesson in currency. The Story: So much fun and very charming! The car? Broken down but repaired by Potts and a little from Chitty herself with added nuances all her own. Once complete a trip in this car is nothing like you could ever imagine. Yes anything can happen and it does keeping the thrill going. As in any good tale there is adventure and mortal danger! The Illustrations: Are wonderful and help with the imagination in your own movie form as you go along. The Lessons: Money. A little French. A little cooking. Working together as a family (including Chitty) can save the day. The Author: Hard to imagine coming from the author of James Bond himself! The Movie: The book is so much better. A different plot in the movie but that’s ok, I never liked the Child Catcher anyways!
A Christmas short story with the meaning of friends and family come out through the soul searching from George, a good man but so busy his life is pasA Christmas short story with the meaning of friends and family come out through the soul searching from George, a good man but so busy his life is passing him by, he feels pointless and than Clarence steps in.
Philip Van Doren Stern a well respected Civil War historian wrote and rewrote, was turned down several times. He ended up sending it in Christmas cards to friends.
"He grasped his startled brother’s hand and wrung it frantically, wishing him an almost hysterical Merry Christmas."...more
Anna Karenina is a remarkable story about society, faith and love. Included is a large range of emotions with some character flaws such as infidelity,Anna Karenina is a remarkable story about society, faith and love. Included is a large range of emotions with some character flaws such as infidelity, unethicalness and selfishness.
All the characters are intertwined with Anna in some form. Anna and the Count, Stephen and Dolly, Kitty and Levin the last being the most honest and likeable.
Anna's first sighting of Count Vronsky is a string pulling of the heart with the railway station as the backdrop of their meeting. The Count finds Anna's beauty captivating. The love affair between the Count and Anna leads her to act in a way that is not befitting her rank in society. She forgets herself and tells Karenin she loves the Count. A strict moral code leaves Anna socially ostracized by society rules, she is shamed and shunned. Her love is very sad, for her the outcome is truly tragic. Her desires and changes in her life did not really give her physical or mental happiness, mostly suffering.
Anna's story is paralleled by that of strong-minded Levin and charming Kitty, frivolous Stiva and loyal Dolly. Dolly finds Steven (charming yet non conforming in his life as a parent and not being responsible to fulfill his role as a husband and father) cheating on her. In yet she has the most ordinary of values in family. She finds great joy in the moments with her children her primary motivation in life giving her great meaning.
Princess Kitty and Levin are quite charming and by far my favorite. He is older, their beliefs are different and yet they complement each other quite well. Levin is rejected at first as Kitty is smitten by another and Levin retreats to his farm and has many peasant families working with him. His bouts makes him search for the meaning of life which makes him skeptical in his beliefs. He eventually finds peace with God. He has loved Kitty always. Kitty is sensitive and compassionate. They marry and life for them is good and their love is true.
The story is beautifully written, rich and complex in morals. The novel is a cautionary tale of what not to do. This is not Anna's story, it is Levin's and Tolstoy who are one in their moral and spiritual beliefs.
“There are as many different kinds of love as there are different hearts� Leo Tolstoy in his timeless novel....more
A Room of One's Own can be nothing short of an eye-opening read, even though it is listed as the genre of essay, partly fiction, non-fiction it is harA Room of One's Own can be nothing short of an eye-opening read, even though it is listed as the genre of essay, partly fiction, non-fiction it is hard to tell where one begins or ends for that matter. It can be inspiring to some and maybe even empower others. Woolf states in her two lectures (turned into this essay) that a woman needs to have a room and money of her own to be self supportive and successful at writing (which being an writer is a privilege) with a locking door to allow for thinking for oneself and to craft the beautiful words of writing. She explores some of the history of female authors. Who would have ever thought that men and women should be equal in writing! I have to admit, I find I enjoy male writers a little more than some females of the same genre. Fair probably not but that is me. Just like I prefer male country singers to females. It is just one of those things with me. No real reason. Does that make me a masculism? No not at all! Anyways, she pretty much says for women to write about whatever they want no matter how broad a subject it may be. Women have come far in writing and expressing oneself. Woolf's conclusions are kind of limited because of her own status and in the time she was writing but you can read this to your own conclusion of how to use a Room of One's Own. As an after thought when reading her other works like To the Lighthouse this was a much easier read to comprehend. Not a three page paragraph that you have to reread to understand.
I think the read has come at a great time for me. I looked at it a bit differently than most I am sure. With the loss of both of my Parents in less than a year and a half, Dad just the morning after Easter. A room of my own gives me a place to relax, remember, and reflect, as well as read in peace. Gives me inspiration of thoughts to help me to cope. My Little Library is my: Room of One's Own....more
My Antoniá is the third book of The Prairie Trilogy by Willa Cather. The Story of immigrant pioneers. (pages 1-211) When Jim's parents die, he moves toMy Antoniá is the third book of The Prairie Trilogy by Willa Cather. The Story of immigrant pioneers. (pages 1-211) When Jim's parents die, he moves to live with his Grandparents in Nebraska. He shares his views of the prairie life no fences, creeks or trees. The land was flat and no farming fields to be seen. An untamed land, but ten years later there are wheat, sorghum and corn fields. The awful compact red grass was replaced by homes, orchards and barns. Change in homeland is so hard and leads to wishing of the past life. Some immigrants (that provide a painter's palette of cultures) had never farmed before, such is the case with Antonia's Father. Some try so hard to overcome, to be successful but homesick is always around the corner and with health, loneliness and missing the past cause the feeling of loss. "We are not beggers...in the old Country we made good wages and we were respected" The land for some only rewarded in hardships like locusts, drought, fires and frost. When Jim goes off to further his education he is leaving the joy of nature and Antonia behind. She is strong and takes things seriously and works very hard and develops herself in this new land. Antonia has the spirit needed to make the best of nature, to be resilient and becomes successful at farming. The land for Antonia gave rewards of abundance. The story does make one question the why of the people. Why be so brave to leave their known behind, bring their families to such vast prairies of the west with nothing but unknowns to come. Cather's style is outstanding, you can tell she admired the pioneers who struggled daily to cope with what nature provided. Nature full of grasses, wildflowers and few trees that connected the pioneers to their new homes. Cather realized that the pioneer life was full of passion, bravery and hope....more
A look into the society of New York right around the late 1800's. The focus is on Lily at the crown of her popularity in society. Lily Bart is an unmaA look into the society of New York right around the late 1800's. The focus is on Lily at the crown of her popularity in society. Lily Bart is an unmarried (the horror of it!) 29 year old with her sights on several candidates. She is selfish at times, does not deserve everything that happens to her, with all the drama and antics that occur and her chance of a Prince is gone.
Selden is a gentleman and they get along so well but unfortunately he does not have enough money to support the lifestyle Lily wants (to live in the glory of Society). I really do not think he is ready for marriage at this point. Lily brushes off, an outing with another (that proposes to someone else) for Seldon. I did not really mind as I like Seldon... Lily just moves on like 'No big deal'.
She spends time with the Trenors but the Mr takes the time Lily is spending with them as a sign. Thankfully she refuses. Lily tries other avenues that fall apart. Her departing Aunt just leaves her enough funds to pay her debt. This leaves Lily with having to find employment to just get by, she becomes depressed and tries a sleep medicine which leads her to overdosing when things might have fallen into place with her and Selden.
It is a bleak story of Lily's descent into loneliness. The Mirth? really never drew me in, reading a few chapters here and there. I found it a bit slow inbetween, maybe that is just the sign of the times. I expected more of an Austen type read. The ending sure was not! Totally did not see that coming, but then maybe I should have since the cover said "grim tragedy"
The Awakening Kate Chopin was a Mom of five and unfortunately a Widow living in Louisiana. After her Husband's death she was left with a huge debt thatThe Awakening Kate Chopin was a Mom of five and unfortunately a Widow living in Louisiana. After her Husband's death she was left with a huge debt that was followed shortly after the loss of her Mother leaving her extremely depressed. Chopin's Doctor suggested she write for therapeutic and finances to help her through. Chopin wrote The Awakening in 1899 about Edna and her struggles with social attitudes toward women. It is also about how she perceives herself and who she actually is. In Louisana a wife was legal property of the husband. The story tells the struggle and desires of a woman with a want of free spirit, unrestrained life vs what was normal social behaviors expected in New Orleans of the perfect Mother, Wife and Social Hostess.
Edna loves the fresh feeling music, painting, living independently of her family, and the passion of another gives her. As she finds this self expression she is self absorbed and the consequences? she loses the support around her. In the end her detachment from her young boys and that responsiblitiy of motherhood are too overwhelming.
In this day and age we would call her life abusive. 4 1/2 ...more
I know I have read this several times while a teenager and/or during early 20s.
2016: This is the very first book Jane Austen wrote, but the last to be I know I have read this several times while a teenager and/or during early 20s.
2016: This is the very first book Jane Austen wrote, but the last to be published. Charming and beautifully written novel of a teenage girl and her dreams to choose a husband and marriage, by way of comparing herself to heroines in the books she reads. Catherine is a very engaging character with her over-active imagination, false friends, and drama that comes with crushes. A truly enjoyable, pleasant and relatable read. Hmmm...a Classic!
2020: Austen's first and last novel contains mystery, the love of poking fun at novels, intrigue, wit and a lovely match. To the grand Balls in Bath to the secret of Northanger Abbey, society plays a big part in this story of the young and coming of age youth. Catherine is a lovely, unskilled young lady, innocent, sweet, but this gives her an advantage of looking with fresh eyes to what is around her and makes her very relatable. In Bath she meets Thorpe and Tilney. Thorpe is a player for his own needs. Tilney is witty, intelligent, charming and reads people well. Catherine is smitten. Catherine is invited to leave the Allen's in Bath to the grandeur of Northanger Abbey (not really Gothic enough for Catherine) and the mystery of the Lady Tilney the makes her judge without knowning. She has a great and true friend in Eleanor, she grows and in the end love is found.
I find Austen's writing to be admired for her range of characters, the comedy in manners with society, the use of what is now Classic Gothic Novels to be it's own character in the story and a family theme which you can tell is important to Austen. If you have not read Austen before start with this one and you will understand why. ...more
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