A Scandal in Bohemia – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: A Discussion on Irene Adler

Hello Bookworms,
      I have a new review of one of the original Sherlock Holmes stories! and I am starting an interesting discussion on the character of Irene Adler!

Review:

     To Sherlock Holmes she is the woman. A mysterious man has asked Sherlock to retrieve a scandalous photograph from the illusive Irene Adler.  Sherlock makes short work of locating the woman. However, what Irene does next is something not even Sherlock expected…

Summary/Discussion:

 CAUTION! This summary contains SPOILERS!

                I honestly loved “A Scandal in Bohemia”! Before now, I really didn’t like the character of Irene Adler. After reading “A Scandal in Bohemia” I realize that my aversion to the character of Irene is simply because I have never before seen the original version of Irene.

                I had always been bugged by the idea that Sherlock Holmes was “in love” with Irene, but in the original, they weren’t in love at all. In fact, Irene Adler married another man! What’s amazing about Irene is not Sherlock’s “attracted” to her but that she’s the only woman who outsmarted him! Sherlock didn’t call her “The Woman” because she was “The only woman for him”, it was a name he called her out of respect. In fact, in the opening lines of “A Scandal in Bohemia” Watson states:

    “In his [Sherlock’s] eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind”

                We can see from this statement that Sherlock’s calling Irene “THE Woman” is merely a way for Holmes to show respect and possibly even something akin to admiration for her brilliant mind which rivaled that of his own. Holmes always had great respect for someone who could break the barriers of cleverness and enter downright brilliance (whether they were friend or foe).

                So why then do many versions of Sherlock Holmes portray Irene Adler as Sherlock’s one true love? I believe the answer lies in the history of the Sherlock Holmes stories and their original theater adaptation. In 1898, William Gillette, an American playwright, was turning the Sherlock Holmes stories into a stage play (in which Gillette himself would star as Holmes). Gillette contacted Arthur Conan Doyle and asked if he could have Sherlock Holmes get married in the play. Doyle famously replied “You may marry or murder or do what you like with him!” Gillette did decide to have Holmes get married in the play and fashioned a wife (named Alice Faulkner) for Sherlock that he modeled after Irene Adler in A Scandal in Bohemia.

                After having seen Irene Adler in both lights, first as Sherlock’s “One true love” and now as her original self, I must admit that I much prefer the original Irene Adler to any of her “alter egos” such as Alice Faulkner (Sherlock Holmes, the play), The Woman (Sherlock, BBC), Adler/Moriarty (Elementary, CBS), etc.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!! :

 Which version of Irene do YOU prefer? Please leave comments below! J

Illustration by Sidney Paget

               

 

Credits:

The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

An Entirely New Country – Alistair Duncan

Sherlock Holmes (play) - Wikipedia

Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard by Eve Krupinski and Dana Weikel

Hello Bookworms,

     April is national Child Abuse Awareness Month and in honor of that I would like to bring to you all a review about a book that brings awareness to child abuse. The book is called Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard by Eve Krupinski and Dana Weikel.

Summary:

     Ursula Sunshine Assaid is five years old (her father gave her the middle name Sunshine because he wanted her initials to be U.S.A.). She lives with her mother, Susan Assaid, and her mother’s boyfriend, Don McDougall, in Florida. Ursula’s father lives in California. Ursula wants to tell everyone a story. It is about the last week of her life.

Review:

                What happens when a child misses several days of school and when she finally comes back the signs are all there but no one notices? Or when there are other adults present from time to time in the home but no one says anything? Or when neighbors see the signs that something is wrong but rather than call someone they simply shake their heads and turn the other way? Ursula’s story is a real life example of what can happen when the warning signs of child abuse are ignored.

     Readers, I challenge you to read this book. It may not be very easy because this book gives the details everything that Don McDougall and Susan Assaid did to Ursula that last week before she finally died as a result of the abuse. That being said, it is a short book and you could easily read it in stages or all at once, whichever way is easiest for you. This book is an amazing look at what can happen in abusive homes, why it happens, and what can happen when people do not report child abuse when they see evidence of it.

    There is a particularly helpful chapter at the end of this book written by a professional about the signs that a child is being abused. If you are someone who works with children in any capacity, I encourage you to get a copy of this book, if for no other reason than to read that one chapter, and share it with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, so as to be aware of the signs.

     After reading the book, I encourage everyone to take a look at the child abuse laws in your area. They are usually easily accessible online. If you are in the U.S., you can go to www.childwelfare.gov  and find lots of great information on recognizing and reporting child abuse.

                The adults in Ursula’s life failed her. Let’s do our best to make everyone aware of child abuse and its signs and make sure that tragedies like this happen to as few children as possible.

 

 

Links to buy Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard:

**Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard is no longer in print. There are used copies and eBook copies available on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=death%20by%20child%20abuse%20and%20no%20one%20heard&sprefix=Death+by+Child+A%2Caps%2C205

 

**SPOILER ALERT!!**

For those of you who may want to know if Ursula’s case was resolved before you begin the book, Yes, Susan Assaid and Don McDougall were both convicted of their crimes and sent to jail. Don, who did most of the abuse, was denied appeal. Later, when it came close to the time that Don was scheduled to be released from jail, a radio host got a copy of the book and read it over the air. Inmates who heard the story murdered Don before he was released back into society.

Until next time and with happier subjects to come,

                                     Lizzie <3

See Lizzie Read 5 Minute High 5 With Author Michael K. Reynolds!

Hello Bookworms!,
       Today I have a special treat for you all!! Recently, I posted an interview about Flight of the earls by Michal K. Reynolds! Now I am proud to bring you an interview with Mr. Reynolds himself! Its See Lizzie Read's 5 Minute High 5 with Author Michael K. Reynolds! Enjoy!

Michael K Reynolds, Author/Speaker

 

 

1.       I read that you have a B.A. in Creative Writing, but it had been many years since you had written any fiction. What made you decide to return to it?

I had written three books by the time I was 21, with two of them being fiction. My fourth novel I began in college, but got no further than a title and some initial research. That title was Flight of the Earls. Once graduating I got a job as a journalist and then got swept into the marketing industry where I became a copywriter and started my own agency. Twenty years had gone by without me writing a sentence of fiction when, on a whim, I pitched the idea for Flight of the Earls at a writers conference. Two publishers requested to see the manuscript just on the concept alone…and that’s what returned me to my first love of fiction.

2.       You’ve been involved with both non-fiction and fiction projects. With non-fiction the facts are decided for you, whereas with fiction you get to decide the facts. Is it more satisfying to receive a good response to your non-fiction or fiction projects?

The response you crave most is that people were inspired by your writing, and that can be accomplished with both disciplines. I’ve authored non-fiction for decades and I enjoy it because it’s writing with the skin of the grape peeled back—very direct and effective. However; it’s a unique and revelatory joy to hear your readers converse in a positive way about the characters and plots of your novels because all of this comes from the raw clay of your imagination.

3.       Flight of the Earls is set around a time period that I have not often seen (The Irish Potato Famine) especially from the point of view of the Irish. What led you to use this time period and this point of view?

 

The Great Potato Famine is the single most important (and tragic) event in Irish history, so that’s what drew me to that era. However; as I began to research and draw storylines for my next two novels in the series it was like an archeologist pulling amazing discoveries from the ground. This time span from 1845-1865 is truly a transformational period in American history and is overflowing with human drama and scintillating plots.

4.       You’ve said in another interview that without having had experience living with four women in your house (your wife and three daughters) you would not have been able to work on the strong female lead, Clare Hanley, like you've been able to today. Do we as the readers see any parts of those women in Clare Hanley’s character?

That’s an interesting question! When I first shared the initial chapters of Flight of the Earls with a critique group early on in the process, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. However; many of the women complained that I made Clare “too perfect.” I had to go back and “scuff her up” in the subsequent drafts. What I realized was I had originally written Clare as what I saw in my daughters, and most Dads think their girls are perfect. Once I shifted out of that mentality, I was able to create a Clare that was much more well-rounded and believable. But definitely, I think very highly of my wife and daughters and I’m sure Clare represents some of the best of each of them.

5. It is obvious that your first fiction novel, Flight of the Earls, is getting great response and that people are excitingly anticipating the other two books (In Golden Splendor, July 15^th, 2013 and Songs of the Shenandoah, January 1^st, 2014) in the series. After the Heirs of Ireland trilogy finishes, are we going to get to see more fiction projects from you in the future?

Yes. I’ve been blessed with some great interest in my writing pursuits following the Heirs of Ireland Series, and my agent and I are sorting through those. Although it’s too early to discuss specifics, God willing, it is safe to say there will be more of my novels coming to a bookshelf near you.


There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this look into Mr. Reynolds and his work! If you'd like to buy your own copy of Flight of the Earls, Click here:

http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Earls-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366146381&sr=8-1&keywords=flight+of+the+earls

In Golden Splendor, the second book in the Heirs of Ireland Triloghy is available for pre-order now! If you'd like to pre-order your copy now, Click here!:

http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Splendor-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366146490&sr=1-1&keywords=in+golden+splendor

And remember to keep an eye out for Songs of the Shenandoah, out January 1st, 2014!

You can become one of Michael K. Reynolds author insiders! You'll recieve e-mail updates about books, opportunities for prizes and more! Want to become one of Michael K Reynolds Author Insiders? Click Here!: http://www.michaelkreynolds.com/?page_id=2363

Follow Michael K. Reynolds on Twitter:
@M_K_Reynolds

and on Facebook:
Author Michael K Reynolds

More posts coming soon! ;)

Until Next Time!,
                    Lizzie <3

Spotlight on Author N.E. David

Hello Bookworms,
       Around Christmas time I brought you two interviews by Author N.E. David. Since then, Nick has had a some successes so that's why I wanted to put the spotlight on him in this post. 

       The novella I reviewed here was entitled CAROL'S CHRISTMAS and it had just been released to ebook. Since then:

1. A Day at the Races has been released to ebook.
              In his blog, Nick said that a goal of his for this year was to finish the conversion from brint to eletronic format and he has done it! Get your copy of A Day at the Races here!: http://www.nedavid.com/books/

2. His first novel Bird of the Nile is set to be published.
            This week, Nick said in his End of Term Report that "Fingers crossed, we should see publication by the ROUNDFIRE imprint of John Hunt Publishing some time toward the end of the summer." Read Nick's full End of Term Report here: http://www.nedavid.com/blog-1/

Want to read the Interviews I posted here?
Part 1 click here: http://www.seelizzieread.blogspot.com/2012/10/see-lizzie-reads-5-minute-high-five.html

Part 2 click here: http://www.seelizzieread.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-special-gift-interview-with-author-ne.html

To find out more about N.E. David and his books:

www.NEDavid.com

or follow him on Twitter:

@NEDavidAuthor

Until Next Time,
                    Lizzie <3

Spotlight on the Hamish Macbeth Series by M.C. Beaton

Hello Bookworms!,

     Today marked the U.S. and UK release of Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton! Death of Yesterday is the latest installment in the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries! 

      According to MCBeaton.com, Death of Yesterday marks the 29th addition to the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries.

      Here is a list of all of the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries to date (titles pulled directly from MCBeaton.com)

Death of a Gossip
Death of a Cad
Death of an Outsider
Death of a Perfect Wife
Death of a Hussey
Death of a Snob
Death of a Prankster
Death of a Greedy Woman (Also published as Death of a Glutton)
Death of aTraveling Man
Death of a Charming Man
Death of a Nag
Death of a Macho Man
Death of a Dentist
Death of a Scriptwriter
Death of an Addict
Death of a Dustman
Death of a Celebrity
Death of a Village
Death of a Poisen Pen
Death of a Bore
Death of a Dreamer
Death of a Maid
Death of a Gentle Lady
Death of a Witch
Death of a Valentine
Death of a Chimney Sweep
Death of Yesterday
A Highland Christmas

....(Whew!)

Pick up your copy of Death of  Yesterday today!:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/hamish_macbeth_mysteries/death_of_yesterday/

Want to see a review of another Hamish Macbeth Mystery?
Here's my review of Death of a Dreamer (Hamish Macbeth #21):
http://seelizzieread.blogspot.com/2012/07/death-of-dreamer-by-mc-beaton.html

Want to see other books that M.C. Beaton has written other than the Hamish Macbeth Series?
Historical Romances:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/romances/

Stand Alone Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/stand-alone_mysteries/

Edwardian Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/edwardian_murder_mysteries/

Agatha Raisin Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/agatha_raisin_mysteries/

Until Next Time,
                    Lizzie <3

Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds!

Hello Bookworms!,

              I want to share with you a review of my latest read, Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds!

Summary:

            The potato famine has destroyed crops all over Ireland and the Hanley family’s crops were not spared. But this is par for the course for the Hanley family. After the deaths of one son, one daughter, and a beloved uncle, the Hanley family is becoming accustomed to tragedy. But now Clare Hanley’s father has made a decision that will forever change the course of Clare’s life. Even though Clare’s uncle and sister died on the voyage to America, Mr. Hanley has decided that Clare and her brother Seamus will now make their own voyage to America to earn enough money to keep the Hanley family going through the famine. With no way to escape her father’s decision, Clare is going to America but what she finds there is more than she ever bargained for…and also more than she ever dreamed possible.

Review:

I began reading this book with some trepidation. This was the first I had heard of author Michael K. Reynolds, and I was not sure if I would like his writing.  After reading several reviews on Amazon.com, I knew I wanted to give Flight of the Earls a shot.

Clare Hanley’s character had my heart from the beginning. I was thrilled to read her journey from naïve daughter of a drunken farm owner to business woman. I was also impressed at the story line of her love life. I was so glad to see that our heroine did not jump at the first offer of marriage that came her way but was willing to stick it out and wait for “the one” as younger brother Davin would describe him. It was refreshing to see.

I was also very impressed with the theme that God’s word does not return void. Even though Clare’s grandmother had passed many years ago, the lessons she taught Clare about the Lord always stuck with her.

 Clare’s journey is not without its twists and turns. Don’t think that you have the book figured out in the first few chapters. There are shockers in this book that will make your head spin! I won’t even attempt to describe it any further for fear of giving anything away! ;)

Readers, I give Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds 5 bookmarks and strongly recommend that you read it!! Get your copy today! You will thoroughly enjoy it!

 

To buy Flight of the Earls:
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Earls-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364265268&sr=8-1&keywords=flight+of+the+earls+michael+k+reynolds

Michael's second book in the Heirs of Ireland trilogy, In Golden Splendor, is available for pre-order now and will be released July 15th! :)
 http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Splendor-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364266037&sr=1-1&keywords=In+Golden+Splendor+michael+k+reynolds

Want to know more about Michael K. Reynolds?
Visit his website and become and author insider:
http://www.michaelkreynolds.com/

Like his Facebook page:
Author Michael K Reynolds

or follow him on Twitter:
@M_K_Reynolds

There are more great reviews coming up on See Lizzie Read! Don't forget to RSS, Subscribe by e-mail, follow on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SeeLizzieRead), or follow me on Twitter (LovelyLizzie10) so you can get the latest as soon as its posted!

Until next time,
              Lizzie <3

A little St. Patrick's Day Cheer :)

Hello bookworms!
         Saint Patrick's day is approaching! I recently recieved a sweet St.Patrick's/Irish themed box of chocolates in the mail from Mr. Michael K. Reynolds for sigining up for his Author Insider list! How cute! Thank you, Mr. Reynolds!

          Michael K Reynolds has recently released his debut Irish historical fiction novel "Flight of the Earls" and I have to tell you readers it is wonderful! (but more about that later when I bring you the full review ;) ) I enourage you all to grab a copy to help you get into the St. Patrick's day spirit! :)

           Want to become one of Michael K. Reynolds Author Insiders? Here's the link! :
                
                                     http://www.michaelkreynolds.com/?page_id=2363

I have several reviews, interviews, and more that I cannot wait to share with you all! Keep an eye out!

Until then,
           Lizzie <3