A Year in Books/Day 73: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen

Posted on March 16, 2012 by maedez

Title: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen
Compiled by: Dominique Enright
Year Published: 2002 (Barnes & Noble, Inc. by arrangement with Michael O’Mara Books Limited)
Year Purchased: 2002-2004
Source: Barnes & Noble clearance rack
About: Excerpts from her fiction and personal letters are featured in this slim but potent volume.
Motivation: Jane Austen! Quotes!
Times Read: 2
Random Excerpt/Page 63: “Walter Scott has no business to write novels, especially good ones. It is not fair. He has fame and profit enough as a poet, and should not be taking the bread out of the mouths of other people.” (Letter to Anna Austen, 28 September 1814)
Happiness Scale: 10
One Witty Brit-Image via Wikipedia

A Year in Books/Day 72: 1001 Pearls of Wisdom

Posted on March 16, 2012 by maedez

Title: 1001 Pearls of Wisdom Wisdom, wit and insight to enlighten and inspire
Author: David Ross
Year Published: 2006 (Duncan Baird Publishers Ltd)
Year Purchased: 2006
Source: Unknown
About: This is a thick little volume full of colourful illustrations and inspirational quotes that are divided into traditional self-help categories (the good life, finding fulfilment, lighting the dark).
Motivation: Quotes, quotes, quotes! Reading, compiling and dispensing quotes is one of my favourite pastimes (I know, I’m a bit obsessive). Although I have an extremely curious and roving mind, I love anything that gives me, however fleetingly, a sense of order.
Times Read: 1
Random Excerpt/Page 285: “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” (Benjamin Franklin)
Happiness Scale: 9 1/2

Posted on March 16, 2012 by maedez

Title: Passionate Pilgrim The Extraordinary Life of Alma Reed
Author: Antoinette May
Year Published: 1993/First paperback edition,1994 (Marlowe & Company)
Year Purchased: 2000/2001
Source: Barnes & Noble clearance rack
About: This is one of those books whose front cover tag line lets you know exactly what you are in for: Heroine of Mexico, Pioneer Archaeologist, and Acclaimed Journalist. She certainly had one of those rollicking, magically adventurous lives that makes even the highest of achievers look like dull, stay-at-home types.
Motivation: See above. I was also sucked in by the fabulous photographs of her no-less fabulous exploits. I adore kick-ass ladies!
Times Read: 1
Random Excerpt/Page 82: “It took nearly ten minutes of spirited cranking before Alma’s car was galvanized into action. As it jolted down the road, the jungle closed in around them. Distance ceased to exist, as strangely contorted trees, towering plants, feathery ferns, and spongy fungus all crowded together. Then, the last corner turned and instead of another vista of unchanging forest, a clear straight road led for another mile or so to a sight of breathtaking grandeur. A great white pyramid towered high above the forest, capped by a temple. There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by excited gasps, and then the crew were pummeling one another deliriously.”
Happiness Scale: 7