Book insperation

I was just wandering through the university book store on a work related mission and I could not help but take a peak at the English aisles. I saw many familiar titles from my university days and many others that I have on my to read list and even a few that I had not ever seen before and I was filled with a sense of inspiration and longing for the days when I could spend all day reading. I love book stores of all kinds. I can wander through Chapters for hours without getting bored and used book stores are my absolute favourite, the prices are right and there is something about the cramped space and floor to ceiling books that just makes me happy.

As a child I loved the library since it offered me a chance to read all my favourite books (Baby Sitters Club, VC Andrews, and Sweet Valley to name a few) for free and I could try out new titles and authors without committing to buying them. I am sad to say that I do not frequent the library so much these days. I think it has to to do with the hours spent in the library during my university career so I now see them as a place of forced study instead of quiet inspiration.

As I continue to grow and I start to analyze what I want to do with my life I have come to the realization that I need to turn my love of books into a career. I am not sure where to start on this exploration so I thought I would turn to the blog world. Are there and book friendly career areas that you can think of??

The Lord of the Flies - William Golding

I was able to finish this book while waiting in the Toronto airport for our flight to Copenhagen. Even though it has been a month since I left these characters behind the story has stayed with me. Golding tells the story of a group of British boys under the age of 12 who have been stranded on a deserted island. In the beginning the boys try to recreate the world they left behind. They appoint a leader, gather food, build shelters, and try to come up with a plan to be rescued. As the days go by discord among the group begins and a second leader arises. This splits the boys into two distinct groups, blood is spilled, democracy crumbles, and chaos ensues. 

For a book with a seemingly simple story line Golding explores a lot of complex themes. The question of human nature and what happens when we are left to our own devices is prevalent as is the themes of leadership, fear, survival, and the questioning of society as we know it. I think I was most surprised by the level of the language in the novel. I had judged that since this book is read at the grade 10 level in most secondary schools that the language would be more simplistic but is truly a very well written book. I believe we all have a little of Jack and Ralph in is, the question is which part prevails and in what circumstances.

I'm back

I am so sorry for the long absence. We got back from our  honeymoon at the end of August and then I started back at work and it has been crazy busy. I have gotten a lot of reading done in the last few weeks so I hope to post a few reviews soon.

Our Baltic cruise honeymoon was amazing. We had a fantastic time and got to see many amazing cities. Our favouirites were St Petersburg, Stockholm, and Tallinn. I left Russia feeling very inspired, so much so that I think I might attempt to finish the second half of War and Peace. I also want to explore other Russian authors and read some non fiction about Russian history, from what we learned it is filled with lust, blood, and powerful individuals. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am open to historical fictions as well.

I was able to finish Lord of the Flies, The Corrections, and The Help in the last little while so stay tuned for reviews.