Calexa

Where to begin? Introductions are a little intimidating to write; I always feel a little naked... Hello is a good place to start. So, hello! *waves* My name is, Jones (of the feminine variety). Yes, my name really is Jones--named after a character in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. I'm a 24 year old caffeine-dependent terrestrial, self professed nerd, and a somewhat quirky critter. I don't claim to be interesting. I don't even claim to be funny. But I am a lover of satirical humour, rapier wit, and the whimsical. I'm an avid writer (who isn't an inspiring writer?), a dedicated cinephile, and voracious reader with an eclectic taste in literature; fiction, non-fiction, classics, science fiction, thrillers, fantasy etc. I also love raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens...and chocolate is my favourite food group. I'm still exploring *points to her Indy-style fedora and bullwhip*...still rifling through the forum's metaphorical drawers...still settling in...so please be gentle with me (!). I have found so many gems of literary discussions, book recommendations, and whatnot during my forum forays, and I find myself very much looking forward to getting to know everyone, and becoming an active and contributing member of this forum. If you wish to know more about me please feel free to ask, or the alternative...you can speculate, contrive, fantasize and embellish at your own will.

For your own pleasure, inspiration, as a warm fluffy security blanket and-or a set of wide verbal shoulders to help carry the burden are some of the best reasons to memorize a poem. Words can weave the most beautiful dreams, and also etch the darkest of nightmares. Indeed words are powerful.

I have only just joined Goodreads after a friend recommended it as a way to track the books I have read and those I wish to read. As I have moved recently and as yet have not unpacked my crates of books I thought it would be a grand idea to list and-or rate my books on Goodreads as I unpacked them. https://www.goodreads.com/scruffymind

The Kite Runner -- Khaled Hosseini Gilead -- Marilynne Robinson Life of Pi – Yann Martel The Shipping News --E. Annie Proulx Cloud Atlas -- David Mitchell A Fine Balance -- Rohinton Mistry Both The Road and No Country for Old Men -- Cormac McCarthy Fight Club -- Chuck Palahniuk The Horse Whisperer-- Nicholas Evans Are a few contemporary books off the top of my head that I think will eventually be classified as classics...or more specifically modern classics (books published after WWII). I guess what is perceived as a 'classic' is subjective, as it is with all things. Even those books already deemed as classics are always open to dispute to why they warrant being on such an esteemed list.

A Walk In The Woods is on my next to read list. I've read most of Bill Bryson's other books, and have been told by numerous sources that A Walk In The Woods is the best of his collection.

24...soon to hit my quarter of a century.

Nebraska. Shot in black and white it is a beautifully sculpted film; with the characters presenting a kaleidoscopic vibrancy against the starkness of the landscape, and indeed, Bruce Dern gives an Oscar-worthy performance as the alcoholic and cantankerous, Woody Grant.

I love John Marsden's Tomorrow series, and his follow-through series The Ellie Chronicles. I don't think it would be out of order to number both series amongst the best in the young adult genre. The premise and characters are all relatable in today's unsettling climate.

Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen was a master of social satire, and nowhere does she display this better than in Pride and Prejudice.

I have often wondered the same, Angury. I *think* the novel has lost a great deal of its popularity over the years. It no longer appears to be a regular on English Lit. curriculum lists. The Catcher in the Rye is squarely aimed at the adolescent demographic, and I believe that the premise of the story simply doesn't resonate with them anymore. The world has evolved culturally, and the way society once related to the 'classics' has changed greatly...with a shift towards more modern 'classics'. Although, I cannot believe anyone could relate to the misery of Holden.

In nearest memory I can think of two occasions where my memorization of poems has been helpful. The first was to recite Percy Shelley's Ozymandias to punctuate the point I was making during a politically hued conversation, and the other was to answer a friend's query as to what poem Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) was reciting during the film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. I answered my friend's query by obnoxiously rattling off a few more stanzas of The Faerie Queen. My friend thanked me for my help then promptly accused me of being pretentious...I think her accusation held more than a little merit. I do, now and again, will quote a line here and there during conversation if it will make a point...or sometimes out of nothing more than whimsy. Maybe I'm a little odd...

'I don’t know a lady who isn’t a little bit in love with him'--Julie Andrews on James Garner. An easy to like actor with an under-stated acting style that delivered the goods superlatively time and time again; Bret Maverick, Hendley, Nichols, Jim Rockford, Jim Doyle, or Duke...to name a few...James Garner was a delight to watch. R.I.P Mr Garner, and thank you for the celluloid memories.

I do. I love poetry, and those well-loved poems from my favourite poets are burned into my memory through repeated readings or recitation in the same way as lyrics that are often heard or sung unevenly pitched by me in a vain attempt to flatter myself that I can carry a tune...are...

I read The Catcher in the Rye as part of my English Lit. curriculum whilst I was at high school. I must own that it is one of my least liked books. I loathe the book. I really couldn't stand Holden and his incessant whining. Holden is the original Emo kid. Sorry to be so harsh, however, there it is.

As a preteen my gandpa gifted me a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, and it was not long after my first read that it became one of my most beloved books. I still have my "gandpa copy", with its dogeared and worn with love cover from many a read.

My current reads: Stuart: A Life Backwards, Alexander Master's biography of a homeless man, Stuart Shorter; "thief, hostage taker, psycho and sociopath street raconteur". After viewing the film adaptation of the same name, starring Messrs Hardy and Cumberbatch--which is numbered amongst my favourite films--I wanted, nay, I needed to read the book to learn more. Enjoying the chaotic ride through Mr Shorter's mind and life with each page turn thus far. And... Patrick Taylor's amusing tale of An Irish Country Doctor. A bargain bin book that has rewarded me far beyond the $2 I paid for it. So far an enjoyable read punctuated by little laugh out loud moments.