Pages read this week: 300-401 Chapters read this week: 59-83
Only 52 chapters and 224 pages left to go and I will be done with Moby Dick. I am so proud of myself for reading this far. The reading is going pretty good now as I have picked up a natural rhythm when reading this story. I was reading my 100 pages from Tuesday to Friday with 25 pages a day, but last week I read from Tuesday to Thursday and finished my pages a day early. This week I plan to read all my pages during the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon and finish by Wednesday. Hopefully I am going to write my post early and schedule it for Monday as I will be lost in the woods at Boy Scout camp next week.
The beginning of this section of the book begins with the sighting of a squid and the first Sperm whale kill. It was gruesome and crazy and amazing. Melville really makes you feel amazed at the difficulty of the chase and kill of a whale and great sadness as the whale gives up his life for the sake of mankind's selfish needs. Ishmael then narrates how the dead whale is brought to the side of the boat and tied there for the night and how the sharks hover and tear at the whale carcass. He then explains to the reader how the whale is cut up and disposed of including obtaining the special and fine spermaceti oil located in the whale's skull.
Then the crew chases and kills a Right whale and the Pequod has a whale tied up to each side of the boat with massive amounts of sharks circling. Ishmael launches into comparisons between the two different types of whales, which I actually found quite interesting and found myself looking at the pictures of the whales in the back of the book and studying the ship and implements used to strip the whale of its blubber so it can be boiled down into barrels of oil. The Sperm whale typically yields 100 barrels of oil.
These whales are ginormous. I can't even begin to picture in my mind how massively large they are. Ishmael explains how Tashtego falls into a whale's skull and is actually entombed in there until rescued. Today the Sperm whale is an endangered species and the ban on hunting these whales began in 1987. Some countries still illegally hunt this whale.
Ahab questions every whaling boat that happens by about Moby Dick and if they have sighted the great white whale. I enjoy the Gam between the Captains and crew and look forward to the Pequod meeting new ships on the voyage because they abound with whaling stories.
I am continuing my intellectual voyage by reading pages 402-500 this week. Be sure to join Rachel at 1001 books and Book Snob Wannabe as they sail the foreign seas looking for the infamous whale called Moby Dick.
The Read-a-Thon starts today!! I am excited to participate. This is a busy week for me as I am packing to go to boy heaven aka Boy Scout camp for the week with my son. So I have shopping, errands, packing, and Doc Appts. too. I have enlisted my two kids to participate in the read-a-thon and they are excited and have their books picked out. Here is my tentative reading list:
1. Athena by George O'Conner 2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson 3. Read 100 pages of Moby Dick 4. Read 1 chapter in Superparenting for ADD 5. If it arrives in the mail: Away Laughing on a Fast Camel by Louise Rennison 6. Start reading Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Interview with Emma Michaels, author of THE THIRTEENTH CHIME.
This is my first author interview and I am excited to share it with you. I enlisted my kids and my family to help me write the questions. It made the kids feel really powerful and I think they came up with some great questions. After each question I will tell you who suggested it and their age if they are under the age of eighteen. The questions with no name behind it are mine. I hope you enjoy this interview. Emma is a wonderful author to work with and I am looking forward to reading her book and passing it along to my kids.
Hi Emma, 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I live in the state of Washington on a small island with my small Chihuahua. I love this state and the surrounding area and it provides me with so much of the inspiration I use within my books. One of the best things about this state is that it rains for most of the year, providing me an excellent opportunity to write! I have loved writing since I was very young and it is my hope to inspire others through my writing. I hope that my books will one day make the "New York Times Bestsellers List" and I intend to work very hard to make my goals come true!
2. What is your favorite color? (My son, Max, age 12)
Pink! Maybe that makes me a girlie girl, but I really love pink or shades like black, white and gray.
3. Tell us in one sentence what your book is about?
It is about the bond between two people, David and Destiny, as they face off against a trap that has been lying in wait for almost fifty years.
4. How did you decide on the title for your book?
The title is very sigificant to the story. It is based on the concept of the clock and what happens to both David and Destiny.
5. What is so significant about the number 13?
Throughout history, the number "13" has meant different things around the world. For some, it is a number that represents ill-luck and evil. For others, it is a number of power that bridges the divides between worlds. For me, the true significance of the number will be found within the book and I hope everyone will enjoy discovering the truth about "The Thirteenth Chime".
6. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what book would you choose and why? (Max, age 12)
Only one book? Oh my goodness, that would be such a nightmare if I was stuck reading only one book! I would imagine I would read the bible. It's not necessarily about religion, but rather it is filled with wonderful stories that each have a point and a moral. Even atheists admit they find things of merit within the book. So for me, if I truly must be confined to a single book, it would be that one. Especially since I would want it to be a very thought provoking one.
7. What was your favorite book when you were a child and why? (My nephew, Devin, age 8)
"In the Hand of the Goddess" by Tamora Pierce. It still remains my favorite to this day! It was the first Young Adult novel I had ever truly read and it just awakened a part of me that lead to reading hundreds more Young Adult novels and now writing Yound Adult novels!
8. What inspired you to write THE THIRTEENTH CHIME? (My niece, Jasmine, age 13)
Actually, I had a number of really great inspirations. The bond between David and Destiny is something very important to me and I wanted to share it with other readers. Through a bond, you can take part in the journey of two characters in a way that goes beyond reading a sentence. You can feel their emotions - their joys, fears and triumphs. For the clock, the inspiration happened one night during a major storm we were having out on the island where I live. We had lost the power and we were over at our neighbors sharing a few candles. Suddenly, the huge grandfather clock they have began to strike ten and the sound echoed throughout the house as thunder flashed outside. I knew then it was an experience I wanted to share with others.
9. What was your favorite experience in writing THE THIRTEENTH CHIME? (My daughter, Georgia, age 9)
The bickering between the characters *laughs* They are so human in the book it is easy to forget they are only characters. I hope others will enjoy the discourse between the characters as much as I have. Especially their humor.
10. Who is your favorite character in THE THIRTEENTH CHIME? Is this character modeled after anyone?
I think my favorite character is Stephanie. No, I don't feel that she is modeled after anyone, but there are a number of characteristics about her that I identify with, particular her heart and spirit. I believe that many readers will really love her character. I won't say too much more about her so I don't give anything away... *wink*
11. Do you plan on writing more books? Will this book be part of a series? (my nephew, Damian, age 10)
Yes! I do plan on writing more books. Although I can't share too much about the "A Sense of Truth" series, I can promise that readers will not be disappointed if they want more!
12. Do you have a new book already started? Could you share something about it?
Unfortunately, I can't share too much, but yes, I do have several projects that are standing by for the final phase. I can't tell you too much about "A Sense of Truth" books, but I can share a small hint - readers who love owls should be excited for my future series!
13. If you had to write the book over again, would you change anything about your experience? (My Mom)
Not a single thing. I wouldn't even change submitting to as many agents as I did (even though I received well over a hundred standard form rejections without anyone even asking to read a sample of my work) as it was a learning experience and it helped me to take the bold new step of submitting directly to publishers which was amazing. I had such positive feedback suddenly and feeling both the highs and the lows made the journey even more worth every step I have taken.
14. Tell us in one sentence why we should read your book?
Because it is a journey, filled with wonder, suspense and the hearts of two very unique people, that I would love to share with others.
Thanks for having me, you and your family really did pick great questions. It was a pleasure to answer them and I hope you all will enjoyThe Thirteenth Chime!
Thanks so much Emma, for letting me interview you. Laura (Booksnob)
I am ready to do the hippity, hip, hopping, blog hop and am trying the Friday follow this weekend as well. Welcome to all my visitors!
Jennifer at the Book Blogger Hop has a question to answer every week and this week's question is: Tell us about some of your favorite authors and why they are your favorites!
Oh Boy this is a really hard question and I am not good at commitment but I will list my favorite Minnesota authors:
1. I love Louise Erdrich. She has written so many good books and her stories all intertwine but are also great as stand alone novels. Plus she writes about Native American culture and issues and places all of her novels here in the Midwest where I live. She owns a bookstore in Minneapolis called Birch Bark Books and it is a lovely store.
2. Stanley Gordon West. Excellent author. I met him at a bookstore in Saint Paul and asked him if he would speak to my high school classes, he said yes! When I told him what school I taught at, he responded that his granddaughters went to the same school. One was in my class! His books are great, and he is self-published.
3. Faith Sullivan. I love her. She was a teacher in Minneapolis and I have met her as well. A lovely lady. Her books are so entertaining. Lark from THE CAPE ANN is one of my favorite characters in literature. I wish she would write faster as I can't wait for her next book!
There are lots of great Minnesota authors, maybe I will do a future post on them. Have a happy weekend!!
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord
This best selling French novel is being published in English and released in the U.S. in September, 2010. A film is currently being made as well as two follow up novels, HECTOR AND THE SECRETS OF LOVE and HECTOR IN PURSUIT OF TIME to be released in France this year.
Hector is a French psychiatrist who has realized that a large number of the patients he treats are very unhappy and yet seem to have no clear reasons why they are unhappy. Hector decides that he is becoming unhappy himself and wants to undertake a journey to understand what makes people happy. During his journey around the world he imparts little bits of wisdom. The book encompasses up to 23 individual lessons. The story is told with a simplistic voice.
I think this book appeals to readers because we are all searching for happiness. Lesson number 7 states: It's a mistake to think that happiness is the goal. I found this lesson intriguing. It is probably the lesson I learned the most from. There are many determinants of happiness and happiness is hard to measure in each individual. The lesson I learned from this book is that happiness is found when you are not searching for it.
I have read some non-fiction books about happiness and as I was reading about Hector, I kept thinking about them. THE BEGGAR KING AND THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS is awesome! I also loved A SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE by Anna Quindlan. THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLISS is the non-fiction version of HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS. Both travel around the world to search for happiness, both speak to a professor of happiness studies. I think they would make excellent companion reads. the voice in each are drastically different but would make great discussion for book clubs.
If you are unhappy, you need to check your vitamin D levels and read a few of these books. If you are happy, like me, you will love the journey of happiness these 4 books could take you on. So hop on the happiness train.
I received this book from Crazy Book Tours. If you would like to read and review it, go and sign up, as there is still space available.
If I could live in a book which one would it be? I'm going to make that decision by the men I've fallen in love with between the pages of the books. Here are my literature heart throbs.
My first love is Rudy Steiner from THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. He made me laugh, cry and rejoice that I was alive. Plus he was Liesel's best friend (a best friend any girl would want) and supporter. I wish more men were like him.
My second love is Paris from TROY by Adele Geras. Alas, the good-looking Greek who helped start the Trojan war. I love Greek history and mythology and Paris is one of my favorites.
My third love is Percy Jackson from THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan. I love his youthful, innocent way of saving the world. Plus I love that he is a demi-god who is powerful but yet struggles to read and frequently gets expelled from school. He is a boy every mother could love!
Lastly, I feel the need to announce that I prefer Jacob over Edward from the TWILIGHT series. I am definitely a sucker for the underdog. Plus Jacob just seems a lot more fun than Edward. I want a man who can lead me to adventure and not constantly coddle me to keep me safe.
There you have it, my secret loves, hidden between the pages of a book.
Book News: I have decided to participate in a Read-a-Thon. This is my first time and I am really excited. My kids are going to participate as well and mommy will give them lots of fun prizes for pages and books read. The dates are July 12-14. I plan to read, blog, sleep, work out, walk the dog and have fun!! Here is the link and the rules.
I have joined the Jane Austen NORTHHANGER ABBEY Readalong hosted by the blog Reading with Tequila. It begins on July 16th. There is still time to pick up a copy of the book if you are interested.
Week 1 (July 16 - July 22): Chapters 1-9 Week 2 (July 23 - July 29): Chapters 10-15 Week 3 (July 30 - August 5): Chapters 16-23 Week 4 (August 6 - August 12): Chapters 24-31
Each weeks reading is approximately 50 pages.
I will be finishing Moby Dick the week of July 16th, and starting Northanger Abbey while roughing it at Tomahawk Boy Scout camp . Call me crazy!
I am pleased to announce the winner of my birthday contest is Lily Thorns. She has won a one-year subscription to Book Women magazine. It is packed full of women's words and books. Congratulations, Lily! You can check out Lily's blog here.
Pages read this week- 194-299 Chapters read this week-41-58
I am officially half way done with Moby Dick! Yahoo! This makes me very happy. The pages I read last week were very enjoyable and I had no trouble finishing 100 pages by Friday. In fact I wanted to keep reading.
The storytelling part of the book is picking up. This section of my reading began with the only chapter in the book titled Moby Dick. Ishmael begins to tell stories and legends about the Spermaceti whale and the rumors and fables associated to Moby's character.
This is the first time the Pequod's crew lowers their boats to give chase to a whale. Ishmael barely survives and is wondering if this happens all the time. The crew responds that yes, being a whaler means you are risking your life. So Ishmael writes a rough draft of his will.
I wonder if the people around the world using the whale oil, wearing whale bone corsets, and burning whale candles knew the horrors and dangers that whaling men incur for their daily luxuries. This could be one reason why Melville chose to write his book and may be one of the reasons why the book didn't sell at the time it was published. People needed oil to survive but wanted to remain ignorant of how it was obtained.
I am learning a lot from reading this book. There are so many religious and historical references and I wish I had the time to look them all up. I would love to see an edition of this book that explains in detail what they mean because in some cases I feel as if I am missing some important meaning. The edition would probably end up being over 1000 pages. Pictures would be cool too. Ishmael explains some of the monstrous pictures and more accurate artwork depicting the whale hunt, I would love to have that in the book too.
One thing I have noticed about Melville's writing is that each chapter ends with an excellent quote. I can't wait to read the last sentence of every chapter. This last sentence is usually full of depth and meaning. Here are a couple:
"For one, I gave myself up to the abandonment of the time and the place;but while yet all arush to encounter the whale, could see naught in that brute but the deadliest ill." (Page 203, Chapter 41)
"God help thee, old man, thy thoughts have created a creature in thee; and he whose intense thinking thus makes him a Prometheus; a vulture feeds upon that heart for ever; that vulture the very creature he creates." (Page 220, Chapter 44)
I am continuing my intellectual voyage on the Pequod. Pages to be read this week (300-400). Don't forget to check out the other bloggers who are sailing the intellectual high seas with me. Book Snob Wannabe and Rachel at 1001 books.
Reminder: Enter to win a one year subscription to BookWomen magazine. If you love women's words and reading, you will love this prize. You have 24 hours left to enter. Don't miss this great opportunity. This contest is open to international participants.
If you would like to win this please comment with your name, blog (if you have one) and e-mail address. I will run this contest until Monday, July 5 at noon. Good Luck everyone!!
Hey everyone, Welcome to the book blogger hop! Please scroll down and enter my birthday contest. It is for a fabulous magazine about books and women's words. The odds are definitely in your favor! Also consider joining the Moby Dick reading Challenge. We are in our third week and would love to have more bloggers join. I am afraid that the big, bad, whale has scared all potential readers away but not to worry, I am still afloat in my rickety ole ship. I may have to have a shot of tequila soon but for now, I think I will survive without alcohol.
Jennifer at Crazy-For-Books has a new twist at the hop and wants the bloggers to answer a question. This week's question is: Tell us your NAME and WHY YOU STARTED BLOGGING?
My name is Laura and I started blogging for several reasons. This year has been a very hard year for my family. My children both have ADHD and some of the mental illnesses that go along with it. My son became very depressed and had to go into crisis intervention twice. My husband and dog were also very sick at the beginning of the year so by February I thought that I was either going to have a nervous breakdown or have to quit my job as a teacher. I did neither and began blogging for stress relief. I love reading and books and wrote my master's thesis on the topic and so it was a easy fit. I love blogging and have learned a ton in the last 5 months. Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and finds what I have to say valuable.
PS. Things are getting better. Everyone, including momma, is getting what they need to be happy.
Moby Dick Reading Challenge - Week #4
