May 9, 2010 - The Bank of Mom and Dad, Chatelaine magazine, May 2010

More and more children are living at home these days instead of moving out after high school to pursue higher education or a job. "Today's  boomers are spending big money on their kids' tuition, rent, cars, weddings and first-home down payments." Some parents are even paying for cell phone bills, car insurance, groceries, vacations...you name it. How can they afford to do this with retirement looming and perhaps aging parents to take care of as well? And, are they really helping their children learn financial responsibility? When will these children finally be able to support themselves?

This article immediately struck a chord with me because I have more than one friend in this situation. Instead of saving money to retire, my friends are paying hundreds of dollars a month to support their adult children. And to top it off, these same children are making irresponsible choices. Getting a full-arm tattoo instead of worrying about paying the rent or buying groceries when your parents are supporting you just doesn't seem right. So is taking expensive vacations on your parents' dime. Do they really "need" these things?

The article gives advice to parents who find themselves in this situation. "The bottom line is that you shouldn't be eating Kraft dinner every night just so your kid can go to university out of town." Allowing children to live beyond their means, doesn't teach them to manage their money properly. Taking money from your line of credit or credit card, only puts you in greater debt and sends kids the message that it's OK to do this to get something you really want. Wanting and needing are two very different things. Our children deserve to learn this lesson. They need to work hard to achieve their goals and to support themselves. They will feel good about their independence, just as we did in our time.

We need to make responsible and reasonable choices when helping our children. Putting ourselves into debt is not the answer. I have a friend who allows her adult child to live at home. Her child pays a portion of the bills, her car insurance and even some rent. The rent money is deposited in a bank account which will go back to the child when needed for a house, car or school tuition. Many parents are putting money in RESP's which is another good way to help our children with their education.

We need to show our kids that money "doesn't grow on trees" and that it is difficult to make a living, to pay for school or to be out on your own. The sooner they learn these lessons the better for everyone involved.

May 8, 2010 - The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

Attracted by the title and the cover, AWESOME painted in fluorescent-coloured letters across the front, I immediately grabbed this book off the shelf and started flipping through the pages. What I found inside was a collection of ideas that made me chuckle aloud, not necessarily because they were humourous, but because I found myself connecting to the observations.

Who doesn't love popping bubble wrap? And, the description of the numerous ways of performing the popping are all things I've tried in the past. What about the feeling of total accomplishment and satisfaction experienced after working on untying a really stubborn knot? Or, the feeling of a hot shower after being deprived for a few days? From humorous observations about the "5 second rule" to the frustrating account of the great key hunt, the stories profile common occurrences in everyday life that we rarely take the time to relish.

Based on the blog, 1000 Awesome Things, this book will make you smile and laugh as you connect with the experiences described. "Awesome things are all around us - sometimes, we just need someone to point them out."

May 7, 2010 - Mr. Darcy's Decision by Juliette Shapiro

All's well that ends well and no one could be happier than Mrs. Bennett at the outcome of this sequel. Indeed love is in the air as many of the original characters find suitable mates by the end of the story. Even uptight, studious Mary Bennett finds a worthy husband. Obviously, not everything can be blissful and thus conflict is inevitable in the advancement of the plot. Although some situations seem unrealistic and the ending is almost utopian, I still enjoyed the sequel very much.

There were, however, some serious grammatical flaws mostly in the area of appropriate punctuation. Many dialogues were a number of sentences strung together without so much as a comma to separate ideas. I found myself rereading many phrases in order to be sure of the meaning. The saving grace was the similarity of language and style to the original which helped retain the integrity of the story. Coupled with the authenticity of the setting and the characters, it made for a very enjoyable read.

May 6, 2010 - Mr. Darcy's Decision by Juliette Shapiro

As I continue in my quest to evaluate Pride and Prejudice sequels, I found this version at Chapters the other day. I wasn't really looking for more sequels, rather I was searching for two books I have in my possession but are due back at the library very soon.

What is great about this book, at least so far, is the similarity to the characters, setting and language of both the original and the movie version. Each chapter begins with a quote from Jane Austen's work, reminding the reader of the original context and providing a framework for upcoming events as in Chapter 5 which focusses on Mrs. Bennett's preparations to visit her daughter. "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least."

The sarcastic remarks of Mr. Bennett towards his wife, as highlighted in the movie, continue to provide humour in serious situations. As usual, Mrs. Bennett's character is a source of frustration and embarrassment for Elizabeth and her family. Despite the marriage of her daughters, she continues to boast to anyone who will listen about her hand in the successful placement of her children. However, she has yet to receive an invitation to visit Elizabeth at Pemberley, about which her husband teases her mercilessly. "Indeed my dear, Mr. Darcy's admiration and respect for you very near exceed his affection for our own dear Lizzy. Considering the intensity of his feelings for you I am incredulous of the fact that the entire winter has passed and you have, as yet, not received a formal invitation to Pemberley."

Sounds like the Bennetts haven't changed a bit since Pride and Prejudice was first written two hundred years ago. "The more things change, the more they remain the same." Which is just how I like it.

May 5, 2010 - Savage Lands by Clare Clark

It's very rare that I give up on a book I'm reading. Whether I love it or not, I tend to be a "finisher" because there is usually something to be learned by reading - in this case, learning about the history of the settlement of Louisiana. Although the historical setting and the detailed description of the scenery of the time is exquisite, the plot is confusing and the characters never really cause the reader to care about their relationships or to empathize with their situations.

I found it quite difficult to connect to the characters in the novel. The young Elizabeth Savaret is sent to the colony as a potential wife for one of the settlers. She is wed to Jean-Claude Babelon, who she finds herself in love with. Although he seems to be attracted to her as well, their relationship never really blossoms. She has a number of failed pregnancies, while he travels often, trading with the Indians, and has an affair with an Indian slave. Halfway through the book, he is murdered. As I read, I never really felt invested in the outcome of their relationship nor did I care what happened after his death as she tried to move on without him. There is a hint of romance between Elizabeth and Auguste, Jean's friend who has been raised in the Ouma tribe, but nothing materializes between them. Eventually, Elizabeth remarries, not for love, and I read no further after that.

Overall, this book painted a beautiful picture of a historical time and place, reminiscent of an impressionistic Monet painting, but lacked the emotional connection to characters or plot that appeals to me as a reader.

May 4, 2010 - Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

This particular Pride and Prejudice sequel reads like a romance novel. The only similarities to Jane Austen's classic work are the names of the characters and the setting. Neither Elizabeth nor Fitzwilliam display the character traits that endeared them to readers in the original novel. Even their relationship and the way they interact and talk to each other is different. Instead, the first four chapters focus on the honeymoon of two people who are very much in love, replete with all the romance novel language and "smut".

The reader's connection to the characters of Pride and Prejudice really suffers in this interpretation, since Elizabeth and Darcy don't act, speak or think in the accustomed manner. The cover reviews state that this is because "Sassy Lizzy matures and becomes a remarkable woman with Darcy's admiration, patience and love, and watching Darcy come alive and learn to embrace life through his love of Lizzy is a joy." However, these changes happen so quickly, as soon as the book begins, that it seems they are two different people from the outset.

The idea of a love that transcends time, of the ideal couple and relationship is what I believe appeals to readers here. Those who expect a true Jane Austen sequel, will be disappointed.

May 3, 2010 - Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson

I can't help but realize, as I begin this book, how vast the world really is. Reading about the remote corners of the planet, amongst the deserts and mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan, makes me feel insignificant. Snuggled safely in a community where basic needs are more than accommodated, it is hard to imagine that there are places in the world where this is not the case. Not only are basic needs in question, education is also sorely lacking, particularly for young women.

The experiences the Mortenson family has already had, building schools in remote areas of the world where poverty, war, religious extremism or geographic isolation are prohibitive, are difficult to imagine. How can one consider leaving the comfort and safety of their home to travel to remote and often dangerous regions, all in an attempt to help others and make the world a better place?

Greg Mortenson is a highly inspirational and selfless individual who has led an extraordinary life. Reading about his experiences promises to be a rewarding and motivational experience.

May 2, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

How tragic that three such talented writers as the Brontë sisters, barely beginning their literary careers, died at such a young age. Imagine the wealth of literature that might have remained for our enjoyment had these ladies lived even 10 years longer. Heathcliff and Catherine and Jane and Mr. Rochester exist alongside other famous romantic couples like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy and Romeo and Juliet. Emily Brontë's masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, has inspired numerous television and movie adaptations, as has Charlotte's Jane Eyre.

Inspired by the writing of Lord Byron in the 19th century, Heathcliff and Edward Rochester exemplify the idealized and flawed character of the "Byronic hero". In some ways, so does Mr. Nicholls, the curate who eventually marries Charlotte. Yet, throughout the story, the reader is anxious to see the protagonists fall in love and begin a happy life together. Such is the case for Charlotte and Mr. Nicholl, who after many misunderstandings and tragedies, finally marry, only to have their happiness cut short upon Charlotte's untimely death.

Beautifully written, in an extremely accurate historical setting, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, brings the Brontë sister's world to life. The reader experiences an emotional roller coaster of triumphs, as the sisters succeed in publishing their books, juxtaposed against numerous tragedies due to illness and death.

May 1, 2010 - Watching TV hinders kids’ math achievement by Kristin Rushowy

“Television exposure is a very passive activity both intellectually and physically, and what we see eight years later (at age 10) is that these kids are suffering from the effects of having developed passive habits. They have higher BMI (body mass), less preference for physical activity, they engage in physical activity less and in the classroom their teachers rate them as less persevering, less task-oriented and less autonomous.”

This article from Parentcentral.ca reveals some interesting ideas that may relate to student motivation and initiative in school. The rise of technology and the vital impact of media in the lives of our children may be a contributing factor. Add to that, the fact that students can no longer be held back a grade in elementary school and the recipe for success is greatly altered.

Another factor is the home environment. In an effort to be closer to their children, confusion about the parental role arises. Parents believe that being friends with their kids precludes disciplining them. This is the biggest mistake they can make. Children need and respond positively to discipline that is reasonable and uses practical consequences to correct their behaviour. Spending time with our kids and listening to them is what makes us close to them. We can be parents first and still have their respect. Why is this important in regards to this article? Because, as parents, we need to set limits on television viewing, gaming and other activities that take time away from important activities such as education. Parents are in charge - not children and setting these limits will ultimately make a big difference in the lives of all involved.

April 30, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë

LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall ? 
- Charlotte Brontë


This poem, by Charlotte Brontë, may be one of the works in a collection of poetry published anonymously by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. The siblings had to pay up front and the collection sold only a few copies but they were proud to have their work in print. This also gave them the courage to publish their other novels, beginning with Charlotte's Jane Eyre. However, all of their novels were also published under pseudonyms. They didn't think the public would respond as well to their writing if they knew they were women. The three sisters tried to keep their identities secret for as long as possible. 


The first half of the book has been devoted to background knowledge of the sister's lives and how this inspired them and prepared them for a career as authors. Their work is now among the great classics of literature. Unfortunately, the Brontë sisters and their brother all died quite young, leaving us, sadly, with only a few of their great works. I am fascinated with the story of this talented family.

April 29, 2010 - The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

With over 20 million copies sold worldwide and a slew of spinoffs or sequels in print, including some with vampires and zombies, readers are entranced by the love story of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Indeed, the ending of Pride and Prejudice leaves the reader longing for more information about the happy couples united in marriage. What would their lives be like? Where would they live? What would happen to the other characters like Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett?

The Pemberley Chronicles attempts to address these questions in the same 15th century setting as the original novel, while staying true to the essence of the characters. Using a style similar to that of Jane Austen, the author delves into the time after the marriage, particularly at Mr. Darcy's estate of Pemberley. The stylistic use of free indirect speech is reminiscent of Jane Austen's writing. "Free indirect speech is a style of third-person narration which uses some of the characteristics of third-person along with the essence of first-person direct speech." Wikipedia Despite such careful attention to detail, no one can fully replicate the literary genius of Jane Austen. Although many attempts have been made, few sequels have been satisfying. This is one of the better attempts and therefore, well worth reading.

April 28, 2010 - Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant

Sarah Dunant, author of In the Company of the Courtesan and The Birth of Venus, continues her tradition of writing about the Italian Renaissance in her latest book, Sacred Hearts. This time, the setting is a convent, the Convent of Santa Caterina, in the Italian city of Ferrara in 1570. The story is told by Suora Zuana, the nun in charge of the dispensary. She befriends young sixteen-year old Serafina who has been left at the convent, against her will, by her family. Pulled from an illicit love affair, she screams and rages against the loss of her freedom and the power to choose her own destiny.

Although the characters in this story are fictional, the historical context they are placed in is accurate. "After 1480, female monasticism became integral to more systematized family strategies that advanced the collective fortunes of household and patriline at the expense of particular family members. Rising dowries and a complex marriage market meant that making a good match for one daughter increasingly hinged on another daughter remaining celibate." Nuns and Nunneries in Renaissance Florence, Sharon T. Strocchia

It is difficult to imagine how Serafina must feel, especially since modern women have so much more control of their lives. Although our parents continue to guide us and give us advice, many choices are ours to make. Marriage and children as well as a career are distinct possibilities for most women, if they so choose. Careers that were once dominated by men are now shared equally by women. To be forced into a situation such as Serafina is foreign to us. Nevertheless, it is frustrating to witness the powerlessness of women as portrayed in this setting.

April 27, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

The world of the early 19th century was much different than what it is today. I just finished reading a section describing the deaths of Maria and Elizabeth, Charlotte's sisters, both of whom died of consumption (tuberculosis) while at boarding school. The conditions in the boarding school caused many illnesses due to poor hygiene, especially during the handling and preparation of food. The girls were fed very little to begin with so they were often close to starvation. On top of this, what little food they were given was deplorable. They were expected to walk miles to church in frigid weather and then sit for many hours in wet and freezing boots during the lengthy services. All this was done in the name of religion, the founder and director of the institution, Reverend Carus Wilson, believing that "the intent of this institution is not to pamper the body, or accustom you to habits of luxury and indulgence; it is devoted entirely to your spiritual edification, for that is the route to the salvation of your immortal soul."

It is no wonder that most of the girls became ill, six of them dying after an outbreak of typhus. Emily and Charlotte somehow avoided the illness. When Elizabeth died shortly after her sister Maria, also suffering from consumption, their father finally realized what a dangerous environment his children were in and brought them home. It was this experience that inspired Charlotte to write the novel Jane Eyre, placing the motherless heroine in a similar institution in her early life.

We are very fortunate today to have a much better understanding of what causes certain illnesses. Often, hygiene is a big factor and we still see contamination of food or water supplies such as the outbreak in Walkerton caused by the E. Coli bacterium. Medical advances have eradicated many diseases that used to cause serious epidemics. In the 1800's, many children did not live into adulthood and often women did not even make it through childbirth. Although we have our own issues today and some problems still persist, overall people can enjoy a longer, healthier life than their relatives of the past.

April 26, 2010 - House Rules by Jodi Picoult

The young author Jodi Picoult is making a name for herself due to the interesting twist she puts on the stories she tells. She deals with important issues, bringing to light thought-provoking and often disturbing questions. House Rules, released in March 2010, is the seventeenth novel to date for this 43 year old award-winning author. One of her books, My Sister's Keeper, has even been made into a movie.

House Rules is a story about Jacob Hunt, a young boy with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Children who are diagnosed with this condition often have unusual traits such as a lack of empathy or connection to people or situations, an inability to read social clues, and usually some nervous ticks. However, they tend to be highly intelligent, often excelling in subjects like math. When Jacob's tutor is mysteriously murdered, these unusual tendencies look like guilt to the police. It is up to Jacob's mother, who has supported him and stood up for him all his life, to come to his rescue. But, can she, herself, believe in her son's innocence? And, will the justice system work for a child who can't communicate in the normal way?

Told from the perspective of different family members, as well as Jacob himself, each chapter bears one of the character's names. In this way, it is easy to connect with each family member's point of view as well as to experience how Jacob's condition has personally affected their lives. It is not an easy road but one that requires immense courage, determination and understanding. Will the family be able to band together to help Jacob? From reading some of Picoult's other works, I fully expect the ending to be surprising, unexpected and emotionally charged.

April 25, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

"Belgium! What a complex myriad of emotions are raised within my breast, at the sound of that single word. Belgium! The name has become synonymous in my mind with a person, and a place, both of which - or of whom - combined to exert such a profound influence on me, as to irrevocably change my life."

The account of Charlotte Brontë's time in Belgium, where she travelled twice, once with her sister Emily and once alone, is historically accurate. The sisters travelled to the Pensionnat Héger, a school for young ladies, to learn French and German, so that they could eventually start their own school. Charlotte returned the following year, upon Mr. and Mme Héger's invitation, to teach English. It was during this time that Charlotte became infatuated with her teacher, Mr. Héger. When his wife, having observed them in the garden together, discovered their mutual affection, she made things difficult for Charlotte, eventually causing her to return home. The details of Charlotte and Mr. Héger's attraction to each other may be fictitious but the historical background is accurate. It is said that her love for him inspired two subsequent novels, Villete and The Professor.

April 24, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

Although this novel is about the life of Charlotte Brontë, her diaries reveal much about the lives and talent of all her siblings. From Emily's Wuthering Heights, to Anne's Agnes Grey and Charlotte's Jane Eyre, as well as brother Branwell's poetry, each of the children was immensely gifted. Their talent was already evident at an early age. As they played together, they created stories about a fictional land called Angria. These stories were further developed as they spent many hours in each day writing. Emily's poems, published with Anne's and Charlotte's, under the pseudonym Bell, were based on the fictional characters and plots the children had imagined.

In the early 1800's, being published as an author was difficult for women. Their work was not taken seriously if they revealed their gender. Hence, the sisters came up with pseudonyms for their novels. For example, Jane Eyre was originally published under the pseudonym Currer Bell. The fate of women during the early 19th century, was limited. Some married and had children, others were employed as governnesses and some remained spinsters and took care of their family. Education for women was considered a waste. This attitude is evident in the conversations and attitudes of Mr. Brontë, his curate Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Grant. Thankfully, society has come a long way since then. Women can enjoy any career they choose and have written some of the best literature in the world.