MARCH MADNESS in KANSAS

Well, getting here was kinda embarrassing, sorta like the ugly stepsister at the Big Dance, but we made it! 
FINAL FOUR in New Orleans.  What college basketball is all about.  From dozens of teams and hundreds of games, it all comes down to this week.  MARCH MADNESS.

                       ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK, GEAUX KU !!!!!

Book Review

Charles Dickens by Lucinda Dickens Hawksley


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a totally delightful book on the life of Dickens! The huge format with lots of beautiful pictures and drawings makes for such an interesting read. The inclusion of copies of documents from the family only adds to the charm.




Written by Dickens great-great-great granddaughter, we are given an abbreviated look at each stage of his life, and those of his children. Two page spreads are given to each of his major works and the background of their writing.




For the true Dickens fan, this book is simply an added gem for their treasury, but for those who would like simply a good overview of his life and work, this book is perfect.




Given that this is the 200 year anniversary of Dickens birth, this rates a read from any and all who so love and admire his work.




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Book Review

How it All Began by Penelope Lively


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Rather like a set of tumbling blocks, one event triggers or enables another in this "lively" read of Penelope Livelys'.



A woman is mugged, forcing her to live with her daughter for a time. Due to that, her daughter has to miss an important trip with her boss, whereby his niece fills in, causing a change in her plans and leaving a text message that falls into the wrong hands. And so it goes; one event spurs another.



All coincidence? For Ms. Lively, yes, as she makes her characters ones that do not believe in the hand of God. Would the same ends be accomplished in another fashion? It would seem not in this story. Also, it is far easier to blame others for what befalls us rather than take some of the responsibility ourselves.



Much food for thought here, all written in a compelling manner.




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