A Little Victorian England, Anyone?

Last year, I read a book called Galway Bay that told the story of the Irish potato famine through the eyes of one family and community. Since my great-great-grandparents came from Ireland at about the same time, it helped me to see what their life might have been like.

Nicki aka WordCustard had a similar experience while reading Lark Rise to Candleford, a book by Flora Thompson, about "life in a rural hamlet, village and market down in Victorian Britain." She writes,

"This book is a delight for anyone who has an interest in how their ancestors once lived, told in an engaging way, more like fiction than a history book. If you liked 'Little House on the Prairie', or grew up on a diet of 'Little Women' and 'Anne of Green Gables', you will love the narrator of 'Lark Rise to Candleford' and the tales she has to tell."

Nicki also adds information about what it was like to live in Victorian England from both a man's and woman's point of view. Very comprehensive SquidLit review that is also very well written. Lark Rise to Candleford is also a BBC series available on DVD.

Lark Rise to Candleford

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

Mindsight by Dan Siegel

Do you meditate?

What if you knew that the focused attention of meditation actually rewires your brain for increased well-being, insight, and empathy? That is what Dr. Dan Siegel, psychiatrist, claims in his new book Mindsight. And he has the knowledge of brain science and practice of psychotheraphy to back it up.

Last fall, I went to a workshop given by Dan Siegel and didn't really know what I was getting into. I have been someone who wants to meditate but rarely gets around to it. The subject of the workshop was Mindsight and his book on the subject was coming out in January, 2010. I immediately pre-ordered it. When I received the book in late January, I was not disappointed. Siegel is a scientist / mystic and writes in a style that anyone can understand.

If this sounds interesting to you, please read my SquidLit review of the book Mindsight.

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

How Successful People Think

Do you believe that you can change your thinking and consequently change your life?

When I heard that lakeerieartists aka Paula had reviewed the book, How Successful People Think by John Maxwell, I had to take a look because Paula is a very successful artist and business woman. Paula was influenced by Maxwell's other book, Thinking for a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work, which was the first business book that she ever re-read. This newer book is pocket-sized, perfect to keep in your purse or car for a little inspiration. What Paula likes about this book is that "it touches on several thinking concepts, and gives you ideas of how to implement them, use them, and challenge them." Maxwell also offers thinking questions at the end of every chapter.

Paula tells the story of how she came upon this book, when at the time, she did not really read business books. Oh, and she's chosen some very relevant Peanuts cartoons that add to the quality of her review.

Squidoo lensmaster JaguarJulie is also a big fan of John Maxwell and has a SquidLit that showcases all of his books.

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

Founding Brothers

Our web 2.0 guru and joker squid, Alex, is also a history buff. Did you know that he celebrated his 50th birthday in Washington, D.C. and stocked up on some history books while he was there? I found out about this after reading his SquidLit review of the book, Founding Brothers, by Joseph J. Ellis.

Alex gives high praise to the author, Ellis, who provides the story of the seven men responsible for the founding of the United States of America. He says that it is beautifully written and not laden with maps and timetables. Instead, Ellis provides the meat of the story - "why certain events took place and what the motives of the men and/or women behind these events were"? What sold me in Alex's review is when he said that Ellis explores the strengths and flaws of each of the men and explains how their different personalities worked together to literally "shape the destiny of a nation."

It sounds to me like this book would appeal to a wider audience than just true history buffs.

See his SquidLit Review: Founding Brothers

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

Have you used the SquidLit Co-brand?

If not, what are you waiting for? If you're intimidated by using this co-brand template, kab may have just what you need.

SquidLit Tips tells everything you need to know about this co-brand template, including which modules are included, how to add your own personal thoughts and others' reviews, and how to initiate a conversation. Kab explains that people are doing internet research before buying books and personal recommendations are the best. The SquidLit template is also the perfect vehicle for having a book discussion. Find out what others thought of the book you just read. My own personal tip: If you do a SquidLit lens, add "SquidLit" as one of your tags.

So, have you done a SquidLit lens? If not, why not? If so, do you have one you are particularly proud of? Let me know.

SquidLit Tips by kab

Create your own SquidLit or see the Top 100 SquidLits

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

Quality and Zen

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Well, I am going to plug one of my own SquidLit lenses today - one that I am very proud of. The book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is my favorite book of all time. To write this review, I read the book for the third time and wrote a comprehensive outline as I was reading. Mainly, I did it as a way for me to better understand what I was reading and to archive what I wrote. I also hoped it would be helpful for others who might enjoy this book.

Written by Robert Pirsig in 1974, this is a book of philosophy which asks the question "What is quality?" I know it's not for everyone but if it sounds like your cup of tea, why not give it a try?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

Time for Atonement

Does the book "Atonement" ring a bell? It should since the novel by Ian McEwan was named best fiction novel of the year (2001) by Time Magazine and considered one of the 100 best novels by Time and the Observer.

The movie of this book was released in 2007 and starred Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and a  young Saoirse Ronan, now appearing in "The Lovely Bones." It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, 14 BAFTA Awards, 7 Golden Globe Awards, 5 Broadcast Film Critics Association Critics' Choice Awards. 8 London Film Critics Circle Awards, 6 Online Film Critics Society Awards, and 5 Golden Satellite Awards (woooooh).

Lensmaster CDT, head of the British Literature group on Squidoo, has written an extensive review of the book and the movie. I personally loved both and would recommend watching the movie first and then discovering the differences in the book. Fascinating characters, suspense, intrigue, and overall a reflection on the effects of our mistakes and whether atonement is possible.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

The Shell Seekers

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher is a "girlie" book, according to one Amazon reviewer and I have to agree. Although I read it more than 15 years ago, I remember it being a very enjoyable and comfortable read with interesting characters.

Lensmaster jptanabe has written a SquidLit review in which she says,

"If you love Cornwall and are fascinated by people and relationships, this is the book for you!"

The story revolves around Penelope, a 64 year old woman who recently suffered a heart attack and retreats to a seaside cottage in England to recuperate. She spends time reflecting on her life, how she grew up, her relationship with her adult children, and how she plans to spend the rest of her life.

The book is like one of those long, family sagas and would be great to take on a relaxing vacation.

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

The Pillars of the Earth

At 970 pages long, it is amazing that this book, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, is a favorite of many. A friend who was visiting this weekend told me that she was just finishing this book and then I saw this SquidLit review by Mac33.

I did read this book many years ago, because it had been recommended by several friends. I remember liking it but it is not one of my favorites of all time. However, Mac33 offers a thoughtful review of the book. He asks at the beginning "Does this best selling book set in 12th century England live up to the hype?" Giving the book a 5 star rating, he says it reads like a "medieval emotional roller coaster." Since the book takes place in the 12th century, he provides links to some of the historical figures mentioned, like Thomas Becket and King Stephen. Nice touch!

Did you read this book? How would you rate it?

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Lensmaster WordCustard writes beautifully about her favorite book of all time - I Capture the Castle.

She read this book as a teen and it made a huge impression on her, although she could not remember the title or the author. It was jolted back into her memory when she saw a movie trailer based on the book.

She writes, "I had a strong feeling of deja-vu when I saw the title, and was even more excited to see the trailer. It was like meeting up with an old and dear childhood friend."

WordCustard's review of the book and movie is as excellent as all of her other lenses. I love the way she gives detailed descriptions of each character, including quotes from each. Oh, and did you know that the author, Dodie Smith, also wrote 101 Dalmations?

© 2010, SquidLit Review. All rights reserved.