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.