Free eBook ONE DAY ONLY!!

Hello Bookworms!!,
           Yesterday I received an E-mail from N.E. David (who has been interviewed and reviewed on See Lizzie Read multiple times...Thanks Nick!! :D ). N. E. David has a special offer for you all!




Do you want to read BIRDS OF THE NILE?




Do you have an eReader (Kindle, Nook, Etc?)?




GOOD NEWS!!




BIRDS OF THE NILE is FREE for one day only! On October 24th, 2014 you can get a free eBook copy of Birds of the Nile! Go to www.nedavid.com for more details!!

Happy Reading All!!

Until next time,
               Lizzie <3

The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello Bookworms!

            As you know, I have been reading through the original Sherlock Holmes stories, lovingly referred to by Sherlockians as “The Canon”. The story I am going to discuss in this post is The Adventure of The Noble Bachelor.

Summary

            While poor Watson is a bit under the weather, he’s had plenty of time to catch up on the gossip in the local papers. What he did not realize is that his new found information will actually help his dear friend Sherlock Holmes. Lord St. Simon has written to Holmes to request his help in the much publicized matter of his wife’s disappearance. The two had been married for just hours after a happy courtship and engagement when his wife walks outside her father’s house where a breakfast is being held and is never seen again. Can Sherlock find the new Lady St. Simon?

Review

            This was an interesting story. It’s difficult to discuss the details of a short story that I like without giving anything away, but I’m pretty sure (after taking great care and proof reading before posting) that I have managed it so here goes:

            The reason I found this story so interesting was because I thought I knew the answer from the beginning. However, it shortly became clear that I had missed the answer altogether! For me that’s something I love is when the answer to the question is something that I did not consider as being possible in the story and yet the evidence backs up the conclusion completely! I like the creativity!

            Being a person that enjoys studying people’s behavior, ideas, and habits, I loved the section at the end after the solution has been explained. I loved the way that Doyle wrote Sherlock inviting people to dinner at 221b Baker Street and that Sherlock Holmes seemed to like Americans and said as much. It was just an interesting moment to learn a little more about what kind of a person Sherlock Holmes, the great detective, was meant to be in the original stories. I like seeing what kind of a person Sir Arthur Conan Doyle originally wanted Sherlock Holmes to be. Do not misunderstand me, it is fun to see all the variations of Sherlock Holmes and all the variations of character and backstory that have been given to the detective over the years, on the stage and screen, but I like to see what person Sherlock Holmes was originally meant to be. Remember, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the original writer. Doyle created Holmes and had reasons for writing Holmes the way he did. While we may never know what Doyle’s actual thought processes or reasons were, I like the idea of paying the author the respect of getting to know his original character while getting to know the other variations as well (sometimes I find that I even like the original Sherlock Holmes’s personality much better than the variationsJ).

            I have almost completed The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and will soon be moving on to “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes” as they have been published in the compilation “The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes”

You can buy a copy here

I realize that this version is missing many of the short stories but I am going to go back and fill in the areas that have been deleted using this book that I recently ordered through Amazon.com shown here:

This book has all 56 Short stories and all 4 novels so I am really excited to get to add it to my collection.

You can buy a copy here

            I think that either book would be a great addition to your personal library. While the first is missing several stories, it does include the illustrations by Sidney Paget and the stories are printed the way you would have seen them in The Strand Magazine. The other has all of the stories and novels but no illustrations. I like both copies and am glad to have both.

 

Until next time!,

                  Lizzie <3

The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello bookworms!,

          I’ve been blogging about reading through the original Sherlock Holmes stories (after being a fan of the Granada Series and The BBC series Sherlock, I wanted to explore the original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). While I have been trying to read them in order, after the grand finale of Series 3 of Sherlock, I went back to watch the Granada version of The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton, and I became curious as to what the original story looked like compared to the two incarnations I’ve watched.  So, I skipped ahead to The Return of Sherlock Holmes, found the story, and now I want to share my thoughts on it!

Summary

       Lives are being ruined left and right in England. The elite are suddenly being blackmailed by a ruthless man. Who is he? Charles Augustus Milverton. A young lady is in danger of having her marriage ruined by this man and she has now entrusted herself to the care of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. But how is Sherlock to stop a man who makes the issue very black and white: give me what I want, or face ruination. Sherlock will go to new lengths to put an end to Milverton’s reign of terror, and it could cost him everything.

Review

          This is one of the most famous Sherlock Holmes cases. This is the villain that, after Moriarty, every adaptation of Sherlock Holmes must pay tribute to. It is also one of the shortest stories. So much of the details that you see in television, movie, and theater adaptations is actually not written down in the original story. However, it is still a very enthralling story to read.

          You really feel like there is no way out of the situation. Sherlock’s only solution is absurd and has little chance of working. And then, BANG!! The resolution comes and it doesn’t come in a way that the reader will have expected.

 

A note on the adaptations:

          If you do want to watch one of the adaptations, I recommend the one from the Granada Series with Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. For me, they did the best job of bringing and the details, both implicit and explicit to life and it’s a thrill to watch.

 

          If you’ve already seen that and you’re interested in what other adaptations have been done, another one that I enjoy is the recent retelling from BBC’s Sherlock, His Last Vow. While it is vastly different from the original, it is still very recognizable and absolutely thrilling.

 

This is the book I'm currently reading from. Its missing some of the stories, but it does include the illustrations and the text as it appeared in The Strand Magazine so its really a gem!

Purchase it here

 

 

This is the box set that I bought to complete my Sherlock Holmes novels/stories collection. the two volumes in the box are small and portable making them perfect for travel or dropping one in your bag for those opportune moments of down time to read wherever you are! You can buy a copy here

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

And Furthermore by Dame Judi Dench

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you! Today’s book is nonfiction. It is a memoir about the life and career of Dame Judi Dench written by none other than the lady herself Dame Judi Dench (granted she only goes by Judi Dench on the cover but I want to give her the proper respect and add Dame. She’s earned the title J)!

Summary

            Have you ever wondered what it was like for actress Dame Judi Dench in her many years as theater and film star? Did you ever see her in a play or movie and wonder what she thought about the role or wish you could see behind the scenes? In “And Furthermore” you get the chance to have your questions answered!

Review

            And Furthermore was an absolute pleasure to read. Dame Judi’s writing style is like having a real conversation with her. As I read I thought to myself, this must be what it would be like to get so sit down to tea and listen to Mrs. Dench tell her story. I loved her stories of the successes and especially the stories of the jokes and pranks shared backstage.

            I love Judi’s honesty as well. She tells you the whole story and is not afraid to tell you what she’s really thinking and yet she does it in a way that doesn’t humiliate or demean. That’s class.

            If you’re a fan of Dame Judi Dench (like I am) this is a wonderful book to find out what roles she may have played that you haven’t gotten to see yet. For me, I tried to make notes on what television programs and movies Dame Judi was in that I didn’t already know about. It’s a perfect cross-reference book as well as she often names her co-stars.

            For aspiring actors and actresses, in the final chapter of the book, Dame Judi gives tips. She tells a little about what she’s learned that works, as well as a little about what routine she uses now to prepare her voice for the stage. Also, Dame Judi mentions that she is honored when young actors ask her questions about how to improve and want to know the answers from her. So, if you are a budding actor or actress and you are ever blessed with the opportunity to ask Dame Judi Dench a question, do.

            I highly recommend And Furthermore to fans of Dame Judi Dench as well as fans of the stage and screen. This book will be a pleasure for you. Also, for those who are looking to learn a little more about acting, this would be a good book for you as well.

 

You can purchase And Furthermore here

Until next time,

               Lizzie <3

Last Bus To Woodstock: An Inspector Morse Mystery by Colin Dexter

Hello Bookworms,

          Recently, I received something wonderful! The entire collection of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels including Morse’s Greatest Case and other Short Stories (a huge thanks to my family for this generous gift!! J They know how much I love PBS’s Endeavor and Inspector Lewis). I’ve already started the set and today I’m going to review the first novel in the series: Last Bus to Woodstock!

Summary

          When a woman is found murdered outside of a pub, the case seems pretty normal. All that needs to be done is to find out who killed Sylvia Kaye. But as Inspector Morse and his new partner Sargent Lewis begin to inspect the clues, this case is more twisted that they thought. Rather than narrowing down their list of suspects, it just keeps growing. Morse is really going to have to employ his mind if he’s going to find the killer and close the case.

Review

          This is the first Colin Dexter book that I’ve read. Some of the things I like about it are:

First, it’s the original Inspector Morse. I am one who loves to go back to the original stories if I find I like to television adaptations. I always like to know what qualities the original writer gave the character. What were the original thoughts of the author?

Second, the way Mr. Dexter changed from character to character. There are moments in the book where there are several short paragraphs back to back. This is Colin Dexter’s way of showing you what happening “meanwhile” and giving you the whole picture! I like that!

Finally, the solution. Wow! I will admit I could not see where we were going with the case! Every time I thought I knew who it was, it would change again! In two sentences it all became clear and I had to stifle a massive gasp! You’ll love it!

What didn’t I like?

The case itself. I’m not one to love rape/sex centered cases and unfortunately this was one. And sometimes, the author was WAY too graphic. This isn’t Fifty Shades of Morse’s Suspects it’s an Inspector Morse Mystery. I wouldn’t recommend the first book for younger audiences. Adults, read at your own risk. That was a massive disappointment to me because Colin Dexter is hailed as one of the best but, it wasn’t so bad as to scare me away from all Inspector Morse novels. I’m proceeding with the second and I think it might be better than the first!

 

Buy Last Bus To Woodstock

Until next time,

                      Lizzie <3

Curious by Rebecca Front

Hello again bookworms,

        Today I have a book review I’d like to share with you! Fans of Rebecca Front (Jean Innocent from Inspector Lewis) you’re going to want to listen up! Today I’m reviewing Curious by Rebecca Front!

Summary

        Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction and Rebecca Front has the stories to prove it. In Curious, Mrs. Front recounts stories from her childhood as well as her adult life, infuses them with humor, and entertains the reader.

Review

        Fans of Rebecca Front are going to love this book! Readers get to learn quite a bit about the actress, wife, and mother and will laugh along the way. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions.

        I will admit, that from time to time, it did feel like Mrs. Front was “on her soap box” as the saying goes, but I'm pretty sure that it was all a part of the comedy (and she made some pretty good points).  Overall the book is worth the read. It’s full of fun anecdotes and even offers a great perspective on what it is like to live with claustrophobia.

 

         On a non-writing related praise: I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover art on this novel! The reference to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" with the tiny door and the white rabbit (named Flip Flop according to the book jacket :D) is just too cute!

 

Buy Curious

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

Take a Look at the Brand New Harry Potter Cover Art!

Hello Bookworms!!,
                As you may know, I grew up reading Harry Potter and I absolutely loved it! It is still my favorite series after all these years! But did you know that the old books have been given a facelift?

               UK concept artist and illustrator Jonny Duddle has designed new covers for all 7 Harry Potter books! The books are set to be released in September of this year! Unfortunately, for many of us, we can only admire from afar. These new covers are only available in the UK! (Though I'm pretty sure any non-UK resident that wants a copy will probably be able to obtain them from an online seller ;) )

Take a look at all 7 Covers!

Click the image for a larger view

What do you think? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Gotta have 'em? Let's chat!

Until next time,
                 Lizzie <3