Recent Reads

During the past few months, I have read two books that I think are particularly blog-worthy: The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.

I have read The Secret Garden at least two other times before; once when I was a child, and once again when I taught 4th grade. It took a long time for me to read it out loud to my class, but I remember that the kids really loved it (the girls, in particular). Anyway, someone suggested that I read it during my time here since it is set in England.

After reading just a few chapters, I realized that not only was this book set in England, but it takes place in Yorkshire- the very area that we are living in! Naturally, that meant nothing to me the last time I read it. But now, it really helped make the book more alive to me. First of all, I now know what a walled garden looks like since I have seen them first-hand. I know the types of flowers that they reference in the book because I have seen these flowers bloom in the spring time around here. The book also makes a lot of references to the moors, which we drive through every time we head north-east from here. The moors are a type of habitat that are characterized by low-growing vegetation such as heather (which turns a magnificent purple). It almost looks like a desert as there are no trees; just hills and brush. And of course, the book spends some time characterizing the different types of rain... all of which I have had the pleasure of experiencing! The only thing that I had trouble with was the Yorkshire accent spoken by Martha and Dickon. I couldn't quite hear it like I wanted to (probably because the local accent has changed some since the book was written).

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but I suspect that many of you have already read it. After reading the book, I watched the movie of it that was released in 1993. Most of this film of The Secret Garden was filmed in the local area, so it was really fun to watch.

I look forward to reading this book with my kids someday when we return to the US. What a delight it will be for me to reread it with them knowing that they have shared these experiences in this area.

The other book that I read was called The Thireenth Tale. A friend of mine who is in a local book club suggested that I read it since the author lives in Harrogate. I have to admit, at first I found that this book moved very slow for me. The author is very descriptive and contemplative, which usually turns me off. But the story line grabbed me from the start, and I was hooked! The story is about an author who has never told of her past before, but wishes to do so before she dies. She hires a local woman (who is living with her own secret) to write it for her. The book follows her biography, carefully revealing clues and secrets along the way. It is a mystery of sorts, and I enjoyed it very much.

The setting for this book is also in the moors, and again, I enjoyed the fact that I could relate to the scenery and weather!

I would love to hear any suggestions of other books that I should read during my time here (particularly ones set in England). I know... I know... Jane Austin. I have had a hard time getting into her books in the past, but maybe I could do it now. Leave your suggestions!!