Mansfield Park Read-Along: The End

Hello!

I have finally arrived to say my thoughts for the final part of Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along! It definitely was an interesting read, and it is always fun to read Jane Austen, because she is hilarious!

Make sure to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

Spoiler alert! If you haven't read Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, please do not read this as I will be talking about the ending of the book.

Mansfield Park Volume III: Chapters 6-17

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'The novelty of travelling, and the happiness of being with William, soon produced their natural effect on Fanny's spirits...'

'It was really March; but it was April in its mild air, brisk soft wind, and bright sun, occasionally clouded for a minute; and everything looked so beautiful under the influence of such a sky...'

'What animation both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely, and seeing its increasing beauties, from the earliest flowers, in the warmest division of her aunt's garden, to the opening of leaves of her uncle's plantations, and the glory of his woods...'

General Impressions:

"Tell me the real truth, as you have it from the fountain-head."

Fanny and I differ on one point, and one alone: She is more of a poetry fan than I am. And, she is a little nicer than me. 'She was always so gentle and retiring, that her emotions were beyond his discrimination.'

I was a little disappointed in her family. They don't really care for her as much as Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram do. At first I wasn't convinced that taking her from her family was for the best, but now I am sure. 'But he was the master at Mansfield Park. When he had really resolved on any measure, he could always carry it through...'

Edmund finally came around. Thank you, very much, Edmund. Everything you need is right in front of you.

I do feel that I am also like Susan, as she is just trying to get things done. I really like this paragraph about her: 'She acknowledged her fears, blamed herself for having contended so warmly, and from that hour Fanny, understanding the worth of her disposition, and perceiving how fully she was inclined to seek her good opinion and refer to her judgment, began to feel again the blessing of affection...'

William is just a sweetheart, and I hope that he ended up happy.

I pity Julia, and I find Maria unbearable. I also pity Mr. Rushworth.

This might be the most accurate sentence of the whole book: 'In their very last conversation, Miss Crawford, in spite of some amiable sensations, and much personal kindness, has still been Miss Crawford, still shown a mind led astray and bewildered, and without any suspicion of being so; darkened, yet fancying itself light.'

And... Henry remains "messed up guy". He was getting better (though he couldn't get Susan's age straight), then he just went and blew it all. There was fault on either side, though. "What a difference a vowel makes!--if his rents were but equal to his rants!--"

But: 'Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody, not greatly in fault themselves, to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest.'

'With such thoughts as these among ten hundred others, Fanny proceeded in her journey, safely and cheerfully, and as expeditiously as could rationally hoped in the dirty month of February.'

Discussion Questions:


1. Do you think Fanny's home and family had changed a lot since she left when she was a girl, or do you think Fanny was the one who changed the most?

I think both. Fanny showed that she was used to more grand things, but I also feel like her family had changed. I think Fanny was better off living at Mansfield, but things might have been better at home had she stayed.

2. Just for fun: What sort of conclusion would you give to Susan's story if you were to write a sequel/epilogue for her?

This is a hard question! I would have that she learned so much, and that she and Lady Bertram enjoyed each other's company. (I know, that is a very lame answer. Please write a better one.)

3. Which character's growth or consequences (as described in the last chapter) brought you the most satisfaction?

Mrs. Norris. She got a taste of her own medicine in the end. :)

Okay, okay, I like Tom's growth. I think one day he would make a very fine master of Mansfield.

Final Questions:

Of the Jane Austen books you've read so far, how would you rank them in order of preference?

1. Pride & Prejudice
2. Sense & Sensibility
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma
5. Sanditon and The Watsons
6. Mansfield Park.
These are not definite, as I change all the time.

If you've seen an adaptation of Mansfield Park, which one(s) did you see and how did you like it/them in comparison with the book?

I saw the 1999 version, but I definitely liked the book better.

Thanks for hosting this, Amber! I enjoyed it a lot! Have you read Mansfield Park? How long did it take you? Did you like it?

MovieCritic

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 1

Hello!
The lovely Amber at Seasons of Humility is hosting a Mansfield Park Read-Along all through January! As Mansfield Park is one of the Jane Austen works I haven't read yet, I needed to join the fun.

"This is not a very promising beginning." Me, being late and behind on everything this year. Opps. I am so sorry! I will try to remedy that soon.

Um, there might be a few spoilers, so if you haven't read Mansfield Park, please don't read.

Mansfield Park Volume I: Chapters 1-12

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

"'Here's harmony!' said she, 'Here's repose! Here's what may leave all painting and all music behind, and what poetry only can attempt to describe."'
(Then Edmund was just like, "Nice.")

'Mrs. Grant and her tambour frame were not without their use; it was all in harmony; and as everything will turn to account when love is once set going, even the sandwich tray, and Dr. Grant doing the honors of it, were worth looking at.'
(I was laughing so hard! This is why I love Jane Austen.)

General Impressions:

Mansfield Park is said to be Jane Austen's least liked novel. But why? I have seen one movie version of it (that was a looong time ago.) and I can see some things that people might not like but most people's problem is Fanny. I thought, "Okay then. She must not be that likeable."

Oh my word. I am Fanny. It is crazy! Does that mean people don't like me? Hm...
'He knew her to be clever, to have a quick apprehension as well as good sense, and a fondness for reading, which, properly directed, must be an education in itself.'
I mean, I'm not clever, but I do love to read! And, I don't get treated like her as I have a wonderful family, but we are the same person.

Fanny thinks the best of everyone. She always tries to believe the best in each circumstance. She is kind to all around her, though sometimes she can get offended when people insult things close to her heart. (I can just imagine her looking exactly like me when I am upset. A red faced blond. [That Wonderland Creek quote is ssssoooo accurate!]) She loves her home and family more than anything. "...which shows you to be a very good girl; but you must remember that you are with relations and friends, who all love you, and wish to make you happy."

'Her sentiments towards him were compounded of all that was respectable, grateful, confiding, and tender.' I am still trying to sort out my thoughts for Edmund. I like that he is nice to Fanny, but I don't like it when he is weird and thoughtless. Ugh. Why does he like Ms. Crawford? I mean, it's okay to like her, but please don't neglect Fanny. This is a very good description of him: '...for he was not pleasant by any common rule, he talked no nonsense, he paid to compliments, his opinions were unbending, his attentions tranquil and simple.'

Mrs. Grant: I don't know why I am listing her so near the top, but oh well. I really like her. I don't know what it is, but she is just so great! I don't know what makes her that way, but she is one character that I would like to just sit down and talk with for an hour or two. She seems very nice. And all of Ms. Austen's bits with her are gold! "'I pay very little regard,' said Mrs. Grant, "to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.'"

I like Mrs. Rushworth, I mean ("Stop saying that!"), she was so nice to think of Fanny, when no one else was. "Miss Price, who had never been at Sotherton yet, and it was a pity she should not see the place."

Maria and Julia: Spoiled is the only word I can think to describe them. They make fun of Fanny for not knowing as much as them, then they are just so annoying!!!

Tom Bertram: I don't really have my thoughts put together for what I think of him. I might remember something from the movie, but I don't know. I like that he danced with Fanny, even if it was to get away from Dr. Grant.

Miss Crawford: I don't know, she is sort of annoying as well. I don't think I have agreed with a single thing she has said.

Henry Crawford: Another annoying person. But, I am triumphant to say that I am taller than him.

Mr. Rushworth: What is trying to be said about him? I think he is very agreeable.

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider the Bertram family taking in Fanny to be a kindness in the long run? If so, why? If not, could it have been a kindness if they approached things differently?

Well, that is a harder question than you would think. I think it was sad for Fanny to be separated from her brothers and sisters. But, Edmund is nice to her (sort of), and she has gotten a good education.

2. If you were a governess teaching the Bertram children and Fanny, what lesson would you specifically choose for each of them (as kids or adults)? Feel free to have fun with this!

I think Edmund would have a lot of fun with science. Tom would be good with Geography. Julia, I would teach Math. And I would just try to get some sense into Maria's head. I would teach Fanny history, because she loves it. '...delighted to connect anything with history already known, or warm her imagination with scenes of the past.'

I have no idea why I picked all of those things. It just seemed right.

3. Imagine you had joined the group on their visit to Sotherton. Which part of the tour would you most have enjoyed? Would we find you wandering the halls or meandering through the wilderness?

Definitely wandering through the wilderness. I actually would take Julia's position, because I like to listen to people and walk slowly.

Thank you so much to Amber for hosting this! I am sorry I am so late!

MovieCritic

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 2

Hello!
I am here (late) once again for Amber's Mansfield Park read-along!

Make sure to go check out Amber's thoughts for this week!

'...The buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates...' Or, between Amber and all her readers...

There might be a few spoilers, so if you haven't read Mansfield Park, please don't read this post.

Mansfield Park Volume I: Chapters 13-18 and
Volume II: Chapters 1-6

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'The aspect was so favourable, than even without a fire it was habitable in many an early spring...'

"How wonderful, how very wonderful, the operations of time, and the changes of the human mind!"

General Impressions:

"I suppose I am graver than other people." Once again, I think Fanny and I are very alike. She just doesn't want to do the wrong thing. I don't like how they think they can just order her around. She will do it, but it isn't nice of them. I don't like how they pressured her into reading the part. "Fanny is the only one who has judged rightly throughout, who has been consistent."

"Could it be possible? Edmund so inconsistent. Was he not deceiving himself?" My opinion of Edmund dropped way down. He was opposed to the play, then all of a sudden he is in the play because he is opposite Miss Crawford. This is just too much. Move on, Fanny.

Of all of the Jane Austen books I have read, I have two least favorite characters: George Wickham, and Mary Crawford. Mary is just so rude, mean, and selfish. She has said something terrible about pretty much everybody. I didn't mind her at first, but now, just no.

Mrs. Norris is also so annoying. Doesn't she know other people have feelings, too?

'Her heart was sore and angry, and she was capable only of angry consolations.' If there is anyone I pity, it is Julia. Though, when she was like this, and she was "lonely" why didn't she talk to and be with, Fanny?

"He is not a shining character, but he has a thousand good qualities!" I like Mr. Rushworth. I don't like Mrs. Rushworth (Maria). She is also inconsistent. "She is too good for him." WHAT? '"We see things very differently," cried Maria.' because I think HE is too good for her.

'She did not like him as a man, but she must admit him to be the best actor, and on this point there were not many who differed from her.' I do think that Mr. Yates is a little bit annoying.

"Where is my little Fanny?" That almost made me cry. I actually like Sir Thomas, even in the beginning. I am so glad that Fanny likes him now. I can see how when she was little he was intimidating, but I'm happy she got over that.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you were one of Maria's parents, what might you have said to her before the wedding?

Well, I would have been like Sir Thomas. Then I would have said, "Be happy with what you have, because some are not as lucky as you." 'Cause she is not that grateful, and she takes things for granted.

2. What are your thoughts on the friendship between Fanny and Miss Crawford? What would you recommend to improve their relationship?

Fanny was feeling very poorly, and Mary Crawford made her feel better, but it was just to get her to do the play in the long run. Fanny saw that, and appreciated it at the time, wouldn't call Mary her friend.

Then, Mary just had Fanny as her "friend" because she had nothing else to do. She didn't even care what Fanny said. If it were to be an actually "friendship" then Mary needs to listen and care about what Fanny says.

"My dear Miss Price, I beg your pardon, but I have made my way to you on purpose to entreat your help." I kind of liked Mary here, as she actually was asking Fanny's opinion, but it was for the purpose of impressing Edmund, so....

3. Consider Mr. Crawford's sudden interest in Fanny or Edmund's admiration of Miss Crawford. What makes them so attractive to these guys? What would you consider to be valid reasons for falling in love?

Well, once again with Mr. Crawford, I think it is more that he has nothing to do, that he talks to Fanny, than anything else. And, Miss Crawford doesn't respect Edmund's wishes for taking orders, so I don't think either of those are valid reasons.


With that: 'The house would close with the greatest eclat.'

Thank you so much for reading! And a big thank you to Amber for hosting this! Please tell me what you think about Mansfield Park!

MovieCritic

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 3

Hello!
I can't believe that I am so late, I am so sorry that this happened, I have been really bad about being on schedule this year. I am here to put my thoughts down for Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along!

Click HERE to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

SPOILER ALERT! If you have not read Mansfield Park, please do not read this.

Mansfield Park Volume II: Chapters 7-13 and
Volume III: Chapters 1-5

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'Fanny had never known so much felicity in her life, as in this unchecked, equal, fearless intercourse with the brother and friend, who was opening all his heart to her, telling her all his hopes and fears, plans, and solicitudes...'

'An affection so amiable was advancing each in the opinion of all who had hearts to value anything good.'

'...and was actually practising her steps about the drawing-room as long as she could be safe from the notice of her aunt Norris, who was entirely taken up at first in fresh arranging and injuring the noble fire which the butler had prepared.'

General Impressions:

Fanny is such a sweet heart. I am enjoying reading about her. I found a funny thing:"Her eyes should be darker, but she has a sweet smile...", Jane Austen was very picky about her characters eyes. I wonder if Fanny's are "...brightened by the exercise."

And... her brother, William Price, is no different! I would love to get to know him.

I'm still unsure of what I think of Lady Bertram. She is sort of nice to Fanny, but sometimes she doesn't appreciate Fanny. "I feel quite stupid. It must be sitting up so late last night. Fanny, you must do something to keep me awake, I cannot work. Fetch the cards--I feel so very stupid." I feel like this all the time.

This is the perfect description of Mrs. Norris: 'Sir Thomas, indeed, was, by this time, not very far from classing Mrs. Norris as one of those well-meaning people, who are always doing mistaken and very disagreeable things.'

I am so glad that Edmund went through with being ordained. I was worried that he wasn't, but I am glad that he was consistent. But, right now I have no clue what is going through his mind.

Sigh. I guess I must put my thoughts down for who my sister and I call "messed up guy." At the beginning of this section I actually did agree with Mary for once: "The truth is, that she was the only girl in company for to notice, and you must have a somebody." I told my sister when we were discussing "messed up guy", that his is pretty much him exactly:

Isn't it though? I think his "love" for Fanny is still a challenge to get the only girl who doesn't like him, to fall in love with him. But, maybe he is nicer/better when he loves Fanny? Messed up guy is making me messed up.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which character do you feel most strongly about at this point—in either a good or disapproving way? What makes that character especially stand out to you?

I've already said that I really like Fanny, so I'll go with someone else.

I really like Sir Thomas. Though he was a little harsh on Fanny (But, 'As a general reflection on Fanny, Sir Thomas though nothing could be more unjust, though he had been so lately expressing the same sentiments himself, and he tried to turn the conversation...'), just because he doesn't know her side of the story, I like how he stands by his word, and cares for his family. He is probably my second favorite character in this book. "Could we be all assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement."

I also feel strongly about Mary Crawford, why won't she just go away!? I am so tired of her.

2. If you were in attendance at the ball, how would you occupy your time? Would you dance the night away, or would you prefer observation and conversation?

I love to country dance, so I would definitely be a dancer.

3. What advice would you give Fanny in handling Mr. Crawford's pursuit?

Fanny, I agree with you completely. Just keep at it, and give him hard looks. "...Fanny, I know he will make you happy; but you will make him everything." Fanny, don't accept, but make him better.


Sorry is some of my sentences don't make any sense. I am really tired. Thank you to Amber for hosting this! Thank you for reading!

MovieCritic

Presenting... My Sister's Jane Austen Book

Hello!
I am here for the second in my Presenting... series. Since all the last week I have been particapating in Hamlette's I ❤ Austen Week, I am in an Austen mood, so I asked my sister if I could do her Jane Austen book that she got last Christmas. Here it is:

Jane Austen ~ Seven Novels:
(Owned by my sister)

Last year my dad gave this book to my sister. He knew how much she loves Austen, though he has only seen a few movies. So far my sister has already read Mansfield Park.

Here's the back.

This has all of her published works in it they are:
(As before, when I review them I will put their links here.)

Sense and Sensibility

Pride and Prejudice

Mansfield Park

Emma

Northanger Abbey

Persuasion

Lady Susan

This is how wide it is. That is a regular sized pencil. It has a very pretty yellow bookmark.

Right now, I am reading Pride & Prejudice from this book (Because I had such a blast reviewing the 1995 version for I ❤ Austen Week!).

I hope that you once again enjoyed this little series!!

MovieCritic

Books I read in 2018

Happy 2019 everyone!!

I am so excited of what this year will bring!!! But, before I go into that, I am going to post a list of all the books I read in 2018! If I reviewed it, I have linked to it. Here are the links to my 2016 list, and 2017 list! I hope you enjoy!

This year was a little bit of a disappointment because I read some really bad books for school or challenges. Bleh, I always felt gross after reading them. I have hope, that this year will be better!


New-to-me Reads:

Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)
Danny the Champion of the World - by Roald Dahl
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - by Wendelin Van Draanen
Night of the Ninth Dragon - by Mary Pope Osborne
The Rumpelstiltskin Problem - by Vivian Vande Velde
The Goose Girl - by Shannon Hale
The Merchant of Mars - by Ronald Pisacuro
The Zookeeper's Wife - by Diane Ackerman
Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling
The Cure - by Parker J. Cole
Time to Say Goodbye - by Parker J. Cole
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin
When You Reach Me - by Rebecca Stead
Frankenstein - by Mary Shelley
Rainbow Valley - by L. M. Montgomery
The Beet Queen - by Louise Erdrich
Lady Susan - by Jane Austen
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares
Uncommon Type - by Tom Hanks
Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers
Candide - by Voltare
The Midwife's Apprentice - by Karen Cushman
The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian
The Haunted Showboat - by Carolyn Keene
Death Comes to Pemberly - by P. D. James
Charlotte's Web - by E. B. White
The Body in the Library - by Agatha Christie
The Book Jumper - by Mechthild Gläser
Romeow and Juliet - by Kathi Daley
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - by J. K. Rowling
Angela's Ashes - by Frank McCourt (I didn't read all of it, because I cried it was so terrible, but I did so much I am counting it)
The Wild Robot - by Peter Brown
I Got This: To Gold and Beyond - by Laurie Hernandez
Enna Burning - by Shannon Hale
Mark Twain in Virginia City - by (I'll have to look this up)
Funerals are Fatal - by Agatha Christie
Cinder - by Marissa Meyer
Scarlet - by Marissa Meyer
Treasure of Hope - by Ceciliy Wolfe
Cress - by Marissa Meyer
Winter - by Marissa Meyer
Stars Above - by Marissa Meyer
Missing! - by Émile Gaboriau
The Travelers Story of a Terribly Strange Bed - by Wilkie Collins
Murders in the Rue Morgue - by Edgar Allan Poe
The Ten-Thirty Folkstone Express - by Sax Rohmer
Sarah, Plain and Tall - by Patricia MacLacnlan

Total: 48

Yikes, I need to review more!


Rereads:

The Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis:
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician's Nephew
The Last Battle

The Anne of Green Gables Series - by L. M. Montgomery:
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Anne of the Island
Anne of Windy Poplars

Total: 11


My 10 Favorites New-To-Me (No specific order):

1. Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling

3. When You Reach Me - by Rebecca Stead

4. The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian

5. The Wild Robot - by Peter Brown

6. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin

7. The Rumpelstiltskin Problem - by Vivian Vande Velde

8. Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - by Wendelin Van Draanen

9. Cress - by Marissa Meyer

10. Winter - by Marissa Meyer

The Mount TBR 2018 challenge:

Click here for Bev's original post.

I picked Pike's Peak, which is Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s, and I did 15!:


Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - by C. S. Lewis
Prince Caspian - by C. S. Lewis
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - by Kate Douglas Wiggin
Frankenstein - by Mary Shelley
Rainbow Valley - by L. M. Montgomery
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares
Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers
The Adventures of Robin Hood - by E. Charles Vivian
Funerals are Fatal - by Agatha Christie
Missing! - by Émile Gaboriau
The Travelers Story of a Terribly Strange Bed - by Wilkie Collins
Murders in the Rue Morgue - by Edgar Allan Poe
The Ten-Thirty Folkstone Express - by Sax Rohmer


The Mount TBR 2019 challenge:

I once again, pick Pike's Peak! I am really excited to participate again!


Thank you so much for reading this huge post! Have you read any of these books? Are they your favorite?

Happy 2019!

MovieCritic

The Honestea Tag // Let the Spilling of Hot Beverages Commence

Good day, friends!

At the begging of May Ivy Miranda tagged me for The Honestea Tag created by from nie, and I'll be filling it out today! I have a funny history with tea. When I was younger, I would drink it from time to time because my parents did, but didn't seek it out. In 2018 I went to another country and became obsessed with tea! I was that way until June 2020 when I stopped drinking it because I thought it was making me shorter (did I mention I'm crazy?). Anyway, I started drinking tea again last October and don't drink it every day, but I love it while I'm outlining novels or doing homework late at night. It's the perfect thing! 

The main reason I wanted to do this tag was to have tons of gifs of people drinking tea, even though that is the opposite goal. But wait, what does that even mean, MC? For this tag you want the least about of these gifs, but I'll let the rules explain.

The Rules:

no lies allowed. if an answer is too shameful to expose you may substitute the answer with a gif/image of someone drinking tea.

Chloe's example →

there are optional bonus additions to questions but these are not for the faint of heart. 

if you complete the tag having answered every question + the bonus additions (no gifs used), you are dubbed a certified tea chugger, and you deserve a badge to show the world that you are not afraid of a steaming hot cup of TRUTH. 

tag at least one other person (a tea party with just one is not very fun. trust me.) untagged persons are more than welcome to fill it out as well (nothing cooler than crashing a tea party).

Guys, ever since Ivy tagged me (thank you!) I've been stashing up these gifs, so be ready for a wild ride! It's funny, lab partners have been wondering why my computer's dashboard is so full of them...

As miranda (from nie) said, a gif defining apprehension before you get started doesn't count, so here's this.

She's at a tea party, so it counts.

THE QUESTIONS

what is a 'bad' (generally disliked) movie that you actually love?

I tend to have very controversial favorites, and I think those are all masterpieces. So, while 'bad' doesn't mean a poor quality movie, I can't make myself put it in this category.

I'm just not going to say anything. Mostly because I can't think of anything, but anything I do think of I'm not inclined to state here for all the world to see. I've been very sensitive lately to backlash against things I love, so I'm not up to this today. But, those readers who have been with me for a long time, I would love your guesses! What are movies I enjoy that are generally disliked?

what is your most shocking reading habit?

I am obsessive about which books I "read" before others. Especially on Goodreads. The covers of the books I read have to go in a certain order. So, I'll read all but the last page of a book then finish others. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I can't stop. And I just think I'm getting worse.

tell us the number one lie you write in your posts.

Ouch. This is a big ask! Probably that I don't like romance in stories. I do not like R rated content, but I love connections between characters. Ships are my favorite things, and I have multiple Pinterest boards for just characters who I think should be together. I am very particular in these things.

I sometimes tell the truth in this area. If you've been reading my posts for a few months you'll confirm that I've said these two are my favorite couple of all time. Period.

tell us the worst character name you've ever thought up. {bonus: share a character name you find ridiculous in a book/movie}

Just the other day I was trying to remember all the names of all the characters I've created and I failed miserably. Probably my main character being Peter? Just because it is so basic (still my favorite name of all time, though, but not for a character). So many of my characters have bad names because I think I'll just stick something in there as a placeholder and will change it later, but I never do. I also always forget to give them last names.

I just found one, but I can't share. It's too bad.

Fine, I found an even worse one, but I'll say it anyway. King Audric of Nivalis. I often just throw assorted letters together. Nice, huh? I found it when looking to answer a question later on.

I can't answer the bonus option just because I can't think of anything. I know so many times I come across a name that I think it's horrendous, but I'm drawing a blank here! 

Okay, Quiggly Quagmire is not my favorite. I like Duncan and Isadora well enough, but Quiggly? No thank you.

what is the real reason you procrastinate writing your work in progress?

Do I even know? I usually say, "time", but is that the real reason? I guess I think it won't be any good. It will be cringy, I have no right to write or have an opinion when everyone else in the world does. It's easier for me to be quiet. 

Can you guys tell I haven't really written since December?

what is a genre of music you secretly love?

I am very vocal about my music tastes and I don't have secrets. I loathe country music but once in a great while I find something tolerable. I have a really wide range in music tastes (I bet you thought it was all just Twenty One Pilots, musicals, and movie scores. It's only mostly those things, not completely). The other day I realized I seamlessly went from listening to country to k-pop. A skill, right?

if you're a plotter, what do you really think of pansters? and if you're a panster, what do you really think of plotters?

I am officially a planster. I need structure to do ANYTHING, but also am a little lazy and never fully commit to that. So, if people can go either way I really respect them! I think it is very brave to be a pantster (how do you even spell that?) and it takes serious dedication to be a plotter. I fall more into the plotter category because as soon as I don't have something plotted I stop writing. Hey, that's the real reason I procrastinate! I don't always know the truth myself...

share at least three lines of dialogue from one of your first writing projects {bonus: give us the good stuff. your most gruesome butchering of the English language)

Oh dear. There's a reason I don't read that. Man, it's going to take me awhile to find something old...

“I cannot thank you enough, Sir--I mean, King.” He said not to say Sir or Your Majesty, but what else should I say?

“Abbi, I know you miss your father, so I will not ask you to call me that, but you cannot call me Sir or King all the time. What would you like to call me?”

“Well, I only ever called my father ‘Papa’, so I could call you Father if it is alright with you--and Mariah.”

From my very first "novel". Ouch. What is this? What is the purpose of this dialogue? What is the purpose of this story. This at least shows me that I've gotten much better now that I have a few completed works under my belt. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to completely redo this. It may be past repair.

SO TRUE.
(Source)

tell us the title & artist of the last song you listened to. 

Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root. Right now my family is hanging out and listening to music, all picking things and adding to the queue on my sister's phone. I picked that one, because it is straight up nostalgia.

(editing me is listening to Simple Song by Passenger, so I thought I'd let you know to be 100% honest).

which beloved book/movie character do you dislike & why?

Beloved...hmm. I have put this post off for days because I. cannot. think. of. anyone. I know there are tons, I just can't think of any? Finally, I came up with one each of my sisters like but I don't, but I don't know how beloved they are for the rest of the world.

Peter Kavinsky (from the To All the Boys series). This is just from the movies (haven't read the books), but I never liked him. He annoys me tremendously, especially because I'm a lot like Laura Jean but I don't get what she sees in him. The 2nd movie is my favorite because it has the least of him and darling John Ambrose (aka Jordan Fisher). I slightly liked him in the beginning of the 3rd, then grew to like him more, then was annoyed with him AGAIN by the end.

Edmund Bertram (from Mansfield Park). The most useless Jane Austen hero. I don't get what Fanny sees in him, especially because Fanny and I are identical in every other way, no questions. He's just there. I don't have time to vent about him right now, but he's the reason I don't like Mansfield Park. Right now my sisters and I are in the middle of watching the 2009 Emma mini-series for the first time, which I've wanted to do for years. But, I'm having the hardest time with Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley because I'm so used to him being unlikeable as Edmund! 

tell us the title & topic of a post you have left in draft. 

Title: Why I Hate the Word "Good" When it Comes to Books and Movies

Topic: exactly how it sounds. Anyone interested? I should come up with a more mysterious title.

What else do I have? Oh, I'm thinking about writing one called "Story Bulimia" which is about struggles I've had with stories. Any interest in that one?

what is a book you pretend you've read/would like to read but know you never will? {bonus: share a time when claiming you've read a classic/well known book didn't end well}

I've never claimed to read a book I haven't. I'm very honest when it comes to books. Let's see, though, I've thought from time to time about reading Lord of the Flies, but I don't think its going to happen.

tell us the title & topic of the most embarrassing post you've ever written. {bonus: include. the. link.}

Presenting...My Charles Dickens Book. It was basically Bookstagram, but here on my blog. I actually had many posts titled "Presenting..." which was me just showing off my collections. It is all very embarrassing and makes me want to slam my head on a table or spit out my tea. Now I actually share a Bookstagram account with my sister, and she ensures I'm not so awkward.

Me, after reading that post.

I actually did much better than I thought I would! I'm not a certified tea chugger, but I am more honest that my sister things. (She says I lie all the time, but that's not the same as only telling part of the story).

I tag:

PioneerGirl @ The Tearoom

Megan Chappie @ Only Mildly Mad

Emily Grant @ words that really matter

I think you guys are all tea drinkers, right? If not, I apologize for my mistake! What is your favorite beverage?

Thank you all for reading! I haven't been that active this month with blogging because I'm taking a summer course, but I have plans for this summer, so stick around!

In the meantime, tell me what you think of my answers! Do you drink tea? Do you have a genre of music you only rarely listen to? Do you ever expire from reading your old writing? What are your thoughts on Peter K and Edmund B? What are movies you like that other people don't? I'd love to talk about it with you!

Have a lovely rest of your May!

Chloe the MovieCritic

The Greatest Showman Book Tag!

Hello...

Yes. This is me. (Haha, I didn't even me to do that!) The person who you really haven't seen a lot these last two months...

May and June have been hectic. And I haven't been in a blogging mood. But, I'm back now and (hopefully) for the rest (most) of the summer!

Getting down to business. On Monday, my family and I finally saw The Greatest Showman.

...

...

IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I really enjoyed it and cried a lot. Just because that is what I do when I watch movies.

But, I can't get the songs un-stuck from my head, which is fortunate that Hamlette tagged me with The Greatest Showman Book Tag!!! Thank you so much Hamlette!!! (She loves it as much as I do. Probably more.)

The Greatest Showman Book Tag:

This tag was made by Eva at Classics, Coffee, and Craziness.


Rules are:
Answer the questions.
Tag whoever you want .
Using her graphic is optional, but recommended.


'The Greatest Show': Name a book that’s as entertaining as a circus:

A Riddle in Ruby - by Kent Davis. It has been awhile since I read this, but I do remember it being hectic. It was funny, entertaining, confusing, and crazy.

'A Million Dreams': Name a book that’s set in a fantastical world:

Peter Pan - by J. M. Barrie.

'Come Alive': Name a book that makes you outrageously happy:

Flipped - by Wendelin Van Draanen. I don't know why, but I love this and the movie so much.


'The Other Side': Name a book that changed your mind about something:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J. K. Rowling. I didn't really like the Harry Potter books up until the last half of this book. It is amazing.

'Never Enough': Name a book that you’ve re-read more than once:

I don't usually re-read books. I love them, but I just want to read new things. I can't think of any book that I have re-read more than once. But, if I do re-read a book once it means I like it.

Here are some that I have re-read:
Holes - by Louis Sachar
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - by Lewis Carroll
The Penderwicks - by Jeanne Birdsall
Ella Enchanted - by Gail Carson Levine
The Chronicles of Narnia - by C. S. Lewis

'This Is Me': Name a book with a character that reminds you of yourself:

Fanny Price from Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen. She and I are so alike! (Though, what does she see in Edmund?)

(Here is a list of more people I am like.)


'Rewrite the Stars': Name a book with a forbidden romance:

Hamlette took the only one I know of.

Hm... forbidden? I can't really think of one.

The Little Mermaid - by Hans Christen Anderson. The original. It is stunningly beautiful!


'Tightrope': Name a book with an adventurous main character:

Janie from The Apothecary - by Maile Meloy. By the way, it's a really good book.

'From Now On': Name a book with a wonderful family (related or otherwise):

The Lord of the Rings - by J. R. R. Tolkein. They aren't really related, but all the characters have such fellowship for each other. I'm fitting this into the "otherwise" bit of this question.


(Just to let you know, I could have answered The Chronicles of Narnia for all of these questions.)

I tag:
Elanor: she told me again and again to watch it.
Lilah: because she is the musical expert.
Anyone who saw it for the first time recently.

Thanks for the tag, Hamlette!


Hm, notice anything different?

My little sister made me a new header!!! Isn't it great! It perfectly combines my love of books and movies!

That's all folks!

MovieCritic

Another Period Drama Tag

Hello!

I am so sorry these posts have been so random lately, this year so far has been crazy!

Anyway, the amazing Elanor at Musings of an Austen Wannabe, created this tag, then tagged me! And the fabulous Ruth, the lovely Cordy , and the splendid Olivia tagged me as well! Thank you, Elanor, Ruth, Cordy, and Olivia!! Of course, it's a period drama tag, so I can't pass it up! And, when four people have tagged you for the same tag, I guess it's time to do it.

I am going to try to do a different movie/book/actor for each question, but it might not work.

Another Period Drama Tag:

Rule #1: Answer the questions

Rule #2: Link back to the person who tagged you

Rule #3: Tag at least one other blogger to do the tag

Here are the questions:

1.  What was the most recent period drama you watched?  Share what you thought of it.:

Uh, the last one was Sense & Sensibility (1995). I have seen it before, and I love it to pieces. My sisters and I were laughing, and crying, and my dad was wondering what in the world was going on. It is actually so funny, especially Hugh Grant. But, Alan Rickman is my favorite. I wasn't even going to watch, but then I got sucked in. I love that movie so much.

2.  Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series?  Why?:

If it is based on a book, I usually like mini-series if it is based on a book, but then some of my favorite period dramas are just movies. And I love it when I find a full series that is a period drama and that is clean.

Sorry, that was not a good answer. These are hard questions!

3.  What is your favorite musical period drama?:

I have lots of others, but I'll say My Fair Lady. Just 'cause I get those songs stuck in my head all. the. time.

4.  Read the book first or watch the movie first?:

Book! This is sort of my blog's motto:

Unless, I have already started watching it when I learn it is based on a book, I'll just keep watching. Or, if it has been on my shelf forever and I just go ahead and watch.

5.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama?:

Don't judge others.
Speak with your voice as well as your actions.

6.  Which period drama hero would you be likely to fall in love with in real life?:

Elanor! How am I supposed to answer this!??

Um, I guess I would say Don Pedro of Aragon from Much Ado About Nothing (1993). I mean, he just is so nice, and I feel that he gets left out.

Anndddd... Jim Craig from The Man from Snowy River (1982).

Mr. Darcy, from Pride & Prejudice.

7.  Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?:

Haha. Hahahaha. It's not like I've ever done that.

Kidding. I once watched all of Pride & Prejudice (1995) in one sitting. And I have watched five episodes of Robin Hood BBC in one sitting as well. I know, I'm crazy, but when it is so good you have to keep watching!

8.  What things go best with watching a period drama?:

Family who laugh and talk about it with you. I know, you're thinking, "Why would you talk during a movie?" Well, you don't, but you do talk about the movie. My sister and I yell at the characters, we tell them to do things.

9.  Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?:

Robin Hood!!!!!!! (MC, you just want that to be true.) Okay, okay. I probably wouldn't last one day in Sherwood, but still.

I really cannot think of anything for this question. Um... I took a quiz and it said I should be in Call the Midwife. I'm not sure how accurate that is, so I'll say Mansfield Park.

10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be?  And why?:

Beatrix Potter from Miss Potter (2006). She loves to write, draw, dance (sob), and I think we would be great friends!

11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.:

*yawn* Hurry up and get me dressed, maids! (btw, this movie is sssssooooo good.)

Sorry, I'm kidding again. They are all ssssssooooo amazing!!! They are a little too fancy for me, but I would love to wear this one of Meg's from Little Women (1994).

Sorry the picture is a little blurry.

12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?:

I only watch A Christmas Carol (many different versions) during Christmas.

13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?:

Robin Hood BBC! I could listen to it all day long!

14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.***:

I did this backwards, I should have come up with a movie then come up with actors. I came up with actors then found a movie for them to be in. I'm not even sure if this will work, but I tried. I know that it sounds really weird, and it probably won't go, but it was all I could think of.

A new version of Emma:
Holliday Grainger as Emma Woodhouse.

Richard Madden as Mr. Knightley.

My brain is dead, and they are all I can think of.

15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?:

Robin Hood!!!!! (Stop answering that for everything, MC!)

16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?:

Only three!!??:
Belle (2013)
Howard's End (1992) [I own this, but I just haven't watched it yet!]
Sense & Sensibility (2008)

17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.:

I know I already used P&P as the answer to what I binge watch, but this is really my favorite hairdo.

18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?:

This wedding from Emma (1996):

Look!! Mr. and Mrs. Weston are so happy! And Emma is congratulating them!!

19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?:

AMAZING GRACE. If you have not seen this movie, GO!! It is the true story of William Wilberforce, and it is sssooo beautiful!

And... The King's Speech is really fabulous.

20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?:

Any Jane Austen book, any Charles Dickens book. Forever.

***14. Side note: deceased actors do count

Well, I did use some twice (or thrice), but I am pretty happy with my answers. Thank you so much to all of you for tagging me!

I tag:
Elanor (you have to answer your own tag!)
&
Hamlette
&
Catherine
&
Anyone else who hasn't done it.

Many thanks once again to everyone who tagged me, and thanks for reading! What do you think of all these movies?

MovieCritic