Inferno (The Divine Comedy #1) by Dante 4/5 stars

Hey, guys! Reading Dante's Inferno has been an end goal of mine for a few years. I kept hearing it referenced, and I thought I might enjoy it. I told a friend, and she leant me a copy to read while traveling. I basically wanted to read the idea of this book and knew absolutely nothing about it.

The Cover:
There are so many covers of this book. None of them I particularly like, so this is the version that I ended up reading. It shows a spiral, depicting the layers of hell. B cover.

Official Description:
Belonging in the company of the works of Homer and Virgil, The Inferno is a moving human drama, a journey through the torment of Hell, an expression of the Middle Ages, and a protest against the ways in which men have thwarted the divine plan.

Review:
Going into it, I knew the vague concept of this book and that was it. I opened it and was immediately surprised. The Inferno is composed entirely of poetry. It flowed beautifully, which is pretty amazing considering it was originally written in Italian.

However, it was also difficult to read. The poetry was beautiful, but it was easy to get lost in the words and lose the meaning. In fact, in this version, each chapter started out with a summary of the chapter in plain english and then moved on to the actual chapter in its poetic form. I don't know how much success I would have had reading this book if it wasn't for those summaries, either.

That being said, the ideas in The Inferno were just as solid as I had heard they would be. It is a mix of controversial statements (for example, there are many Popes in the deepest layers of hell) and political statements, as well as a commentary on what values to us as human beings and what justifies a crime, as well as what worthy punishments are.

My only other draw-back is that it got to be a bit repetitive halfway through. Basically each chapter would be Dante viewing the punishments of a group of sinners, talking with one, and then moving on to the next group. I feel like a lot of those repetitions were not entirely necessary. It dragged a bit in the middle as a result.

Overall, it was very difficult to read through. I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I could ever read it again. It is interesting from a cultural point of view, but you could probably skip half of it and get the same benefit. It was a challenge, but the ideas and concepts that it proposed are, largely, equally valid as they are now. I would recommend it, if you are also interested in the ideas and are willing to work through the dense poetry.

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Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 4/5 stars

Hey, guys! Recently, I read Frankenstein for a project I was working on. I've always wanted to read it, so I seized on the chance. It is also surprisingly short, only about 200 pages in the edition I read. 

The Cover:

The Cover:
This is one of my favorite covers for Frankenstein. It shows rather the monster or Frankenstein journeying through the mountains near the coast of the North Pole, a scene near the beginning/end of the novel.
Official Description:
At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but; upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever.

My Review:
I was surprised by how much I liked Frankenstein. It wasn't really what I expected, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Instead of being a horror/thriller, it was more a social commentary. Instead of being afraid of Frankenstein, I felt pity for him. It was really interesting in that regard, but not what I was expecting. 

I was also afraid that, since this book was written in the 1800s, it may be difficult to understand. After reading Moby Dick, I have tried to avoid any writing that may be similar. However, Frankenstein was surprisingly easy to read. It wasn't "easy" but certainly better than Moby Dick. It uses some archaic words and phrases, but is fairly straightforward. It's not an easy read, but it is definitely doable.

The characters were interesting. We actually got to see both from Frankenstein (the creator)'s point of view as well as the monster's, which I really liked. The other characters in the story were a bit flat, however, which made me care less when/if they were killed. I just didn't have an emotional connection to them.

I had two main problems with Frankenstein. One was that it grew repetitive too often. There is only so many different ways for Frankenstein and his monster to call themselves the most "wretched" person alive. The other was that Frankenstein, the creator, was a complete wuss. He would be in a position to help his friend or save someone with little to no harm befalling him, and he would just cower in the corner. Also, near the end of the book, the monster gives him a clear warning, which Frankenstein misinterprets, again causing another person harm, which is just irritating. I was honestly rooting for the monster throughout the book, if only because Frankenstein is a pushover. 

Overall, I would recommend reading Frankenstein, if you are willing to read something that is a little difficult. It was really interesting, and I am definitely glad I read it. It will make you feel more cultured, plus it has a nice story. Give it a shot!

(Note: I've heard that Frankenstein is absolutely nothing like the movie version. If you have watched the movie, you haven't seen the real story of Frankenstein, so you should give the book a try, too!)

Phrase:
The scared cottagers

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:
The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf 3/5 stars

Hey, guys! This is another book that I read in an English class, Mrs. Dalloway. I didn't particularly like it, but I can see how others would. 

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows 50 year old Clarissa Dalloway preparing for her party. Nothing too exciting but it fits with the book. B- cover

Official Description:
In this vivid portrait of one day in a woman's life, Clarissa Dalloway is preoccupied with the last-minute details of party preparation while in her mind she is much more than a perfect society hostess. As she readies her house, she is flooded with far-away remembrances. And, met with the realities of the present, Clarissa reexamines the choices she has made, hesitantly looking ahead to growing old. Undeniably triumphant, this is the inspired novelistic outline of human consciousness.

My Review:
Mrs. Dalloway is a snapshot of a single day in London as Clarissa prepares for a party and a long-lost friend comes into town, making her ask herself if she has any regrets about how her life turned out. Meanwhile, a seemingly unrelated character, Septimus, faces his world unraveling because of his PTSD. 

Mrs. Dalloway is a novel that focuses on nostalgia, the beauty/cruelty of the world, and the power of small moments. Most of Mrs. Dalloway was enjoyable enough to read. However, nothing really happens throughout the entire book. Nothing is changed as a result of this day in the lives of the characters. Everything remains the exact same, which makes this book feel inconsequential, to me.

That being said, Mrs. Dalloway does a great job of contrasting different people's thoughts, which can be pretty interesting. It all depends on what kind of book you want to read.

Overall, I would recommend this book for people who want to read about varying point of views and are motivated more by writing style than plot, as this book has a very compelling writing style with a very stagnant plot. 

Phrase:
Exquisite moments

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As I Lay Dying

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As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner 2/5 stars

Hey, guys! I had to read As I Lay Dying in my English class. I had high hopes. They were crushed. Honestly, if I hadn't had to read it for school I would have abandoned it after the second chapter (it doesn't get any better).

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows a flooded road after the large storm that knocks the bridge down, a central part of the story. However, the cover is uninteresting, just a shot of a forest. Even the other cover versions of this book aren't interesting. B- cover

Official Description:
As I Lay Dying is Faulkner's harrowing account of the Bundren family's odyssey across the Mississippi countryside to bury Addie, their wife and mother. Told in turns by each of the family members—including Addie herself—the novel ranges in mood from dark comedy to the deepest pathos.

My Review:
Usually I can find redeeming qualities in a book. That being said, I hated this book. As I Lay Dying was told in a manner that spoke more volumes of how smart the author hoped you would think he was than anything else. While I think that many classics are difficult to read, they are usually worth the hassle to understand references and feel cultured (ex. Moby Dick).

As I Lay Dying was not worth it. It is told in alternating first-person point of view, from not two, not three characters, but more than ten. It was incredibly difficult to understand who was speaking, as it was all written in first person and none of the characters were particularly distinctive. Even once you understood the characters, the chapters were more confusing than insightful. Many sentences are almost complete gibberish, even after being reread five times.

It often feels like comprehending this novel is impossible. Faulkner uses almost solely pronouns in his writing. There will be entire chapters which mention "he" and never declare who they mean.

Even when you get used to Faulkner's style of writing and mostly understand the novel, you will be disappointed. Buried underneath the symbols and confusions is... nothing worthwhile. I feel like I could read a John Green book and feel more enlightened than I did after finishing As I Lay Dying.

I honestly believe that anyone who can claim to have thoroughly enjoyed this book were lying so that you think they are cultured. Rather that or are just plain pretentious.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate this book just because I had trouble reading it. No. I understand this book. It's trying to prove how different people have different perspectives and about grief's varying effects. I understood this book, but I don't think that understanding is worth the pain As I Lay Dying causes by reading.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was just horrible. If you have to read this book for school or some other reason, I would recommend reading each chapter and then reading the Sparknotes for that chapter, so you aren't completely lost.

Phrase:
Get me some teeth

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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! I decided to read The Picture of Dorian Gray partially because it is a classic and sounded interesting and partially because I had loved The Importance of Being Earnest, a play also by Oscar Wilde.

The Cover:

The Cover:
There are a variety of different covers. Most of them just show Dorian's face. The covers are fine but nothing extraordinary. B- cover

Official Description:
Oscar Wilde brings his enormous gifts for astute social observation and sparkling prose to The Picture of Dorian Gray, his dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This dandy, who remains forever unchanged; petulant, hedonistic, vain, and amoral; while a painting of him ages and grows increasingly hideous with the years, has been horrifying, enchanting, obsessing, even corrupting readers for more than a hundred years.

My Review:
I loved The Picture of Dorian Gray. If you want to read a classic, this book is written in mostly modern English and is just plain witty. The phrases and ideas that Oscar Wilde creates are sometimes so interesting that I'm jealous that I didn't come up with them.

The storyline was compelling, full of betrayal, manipulation, and vanity. It keeps you riveted. The characters are also interesting. They are mostly two-dimensional (which is the whole point of the book), but when the novel examines them deeper, they are wonderfully complex.

It is also both a very quotable book and has complex themes. It isn't the type of book that is so full of symbolism that it is unenjoyable to read. It's a fun read, and if you want to look further in depth, you can choose to do so (or not).

I would definitely recommend reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. It is incredibly witty and interesting. It is one of my favorite "classics" of all time.

Phrase:
Dorian's beauty

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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Hamlet by William Shakespeare 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! In my english class for the past week or so, we have been reading Hamlet. This will just be a very quick review, but I wanted to mention it to you all.

Official Description:

Hamlet is the story of the Prince of Denmark who learns of the death of his father at the hands of his uncle, Claudius. Claudius murders Hamlet's father, his own brother, to take the throne of Denmark and to marry Hamlet's widowed mother. Hamlet is sunk into a state of great despair as a result of discovering the murder of his father and the infidelity of his mother. Hamlet is torn between his great sadness and his desire for the revenge of his father's murder.

My Review:

I loved Hamlet. It was definitely very interesting. I think it is my favorite Shakespeare book to date. (If you've read Shakespeare in the past, Hamlet is more on the Macbeth side than the Twelfth Night side.)

Hamlet has a very compelling plot full of betrayal, love, and hate. It also includes most of the quotes that are iconically Shakespeare. (For example, "to be or not to be")

It is a bit ridiculous at moments and incredibly serious at others, but it was fun to read. Despite being a tragedy, its mood was not too heavy. In fact, it had a few of my new favorite insults/ comebacks in it, which is always enjoyable.

I'm not going to lie and say that it is easy to understand, but it is worthwhile if you want to give it a try! I would recommend that you read or at least watch a production of Hamlet.

Phrase:
"Oh! I am slain" - Hamlet

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Twelfth Night

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Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison 4/5 stars

Hey, guys! This will be a pretty short review, but in my English class, we just finished Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. It was good and makes you think, but it was probably a hundred pages too long. The same point was repeated a few times too many, in my opinion, but it was still a great and notable book in American history.

The Cover(s):

The Cover(s):
There are many, many covers for Invisible Man (not to be confused with H.G. Wells's The Invisible Man). These are the two that I think are most prevalent. Neither is very interesting, but Invisible Man is not the type of book that fits a "busy" cover. A- cover

Official Description:
First published in 1952 and immediately hailed as a masterpiece, Invisible Man is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature. For not only does Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be.
As he journeys from the Deep South to the streets and basements of Harlem, from a horrifying "battle royal" where black men are reduced to fighting animals, to a Communist rally where they are elevated to the status of trophies, Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist ushers readers into a parallel universe that throws our own into harsh and even hilarious relief. Suspenseful and sardonic, narrated in a voice that takes in the symphonic range of the American language, black and white, Invisible Man is one of the most audacious and dazzling novels of our century.

My Review:
Invisible Man was a very thought-provoking novel. It is about identity and racism and how the two relate. It offers a sense of the ideologies circling in the 1950s and even, in a lesser sense, today. Whether you are thinking of the '50s or 2016, Invisible Man will make you ponder the current situation regarding race, identity, and culture. In that regard, it is definitely worth reading.

However, while Invisible Man makes many good points, there are only a few core points. Ralph Ellison conveys his same point many times within three or four similar situations. While I appreciate the validity of his thoughts, it became repetitive after the second repetition. I feel as though a hundred pages could have been shaved off without any change in the story or its purpose. 

Then, there is the narrator. He is a very compelling character, but he does not have a name. This is very frustrating as you read the book. Even when the main character changes his name, his new name nor his old name are announced. I found this to be irritating as I read, but I am sure that the nameless narrator has significance. I know that my English class found multiple possible reasons, and I can respect its symbolism but would have preferred from him to have a name.

Invisible Man was pretty easy to read though. The material is heavy, but the language, while not modern, was similar enough to not create problems.

I would recommend Invisible Man if you want to read about race and theories on identity. An important note is that it is intended for mature audiences. (There is a mildly detailed scene describing incenst, among other things.) So, be cautious if you do not think you can handle that.

Phrase: Optic White

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Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! I just finished Twelfth Night for my english class and thought I'd give you guys a quick review!

The Cover:

Official Description:
Set in a topsy-turvy world like a holiday revel, this comedy devises a romantic plot around separated twins, misplaced passions, and mistaken identity. Juxtaposed to it is the satirical story of a self-deluded steward who dreams of becoming “Count Malvolio” only to receive his comeuppance at the hands of the merrymakers he wishes to suppress. The two plots combine to create a farce touched with melancholy, mixed throughout with seductively beautiful explorations on the themes of love and time, and the play ends, not with laughter, but with a clown’s sad song.

My Review:
I really enjoyed Twelfth Night. It was fairly easy to read. The language was complex, but with footnotes, it was pretty simple to understand. It was also really funny. The witty exchanges between characters often had me laughing. 

It is defintitely worth the time to read,which isn't much because it is a play, probably only a few hours worth of reading time. It's fun and creative and has a lot of irony. I'd recommend it, especially if you are looking for a straightforward Shakespeare play.

Phrase:
Yellow stockings

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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Moby Dick by Herman Melville 2.5/5 stars

Hey, guys! Over summer, I was tasked with reading Moby Dick. I kind of hated it. It is definitely not one of my favorite classics, anyway.

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows the great white whale (or Moby Dick) while the crew of the Pequod try to hunt him down. This is one of the many covers. I like the use of the whale, but it makes it seem more exciting than it was. B cover.

Official Description:
Moby-Dick is the story of an eerily compelling madman pursuing an unholy war against a creature as vast and dangerous and unknowable as the sea itself. But more than just a novel of adventure, more than an encyclopaedia of whaling lore and legend, the book can be seen as part of its author's lifelong meditation on America. Written with wonderfully redemptive humour, Moby-Dick is also a profound inquiry into character, faith, and the nature of perception.

My Review:
Moby Dick was a difficult read. It is hard to engage with the book. Moby Dick was full of descriptions of life in the 1800s and on whaling ships as well as whale facts. While the descriptions were vivid, they caused the story to drag. 

There was very little plot. The focus of the story was less on the story and more on educating the reader about whales. The same was true for characters. They were only mentioned on the rare occasion that the story needed to progress. A few of the characters, such as Ahab and Queequeg, were distinguishable, but the rest could easily have been exchanged or even removed without noticing.

Overall, I would not recommend reading Moby Dick. It's long and a bit lacking in plot/ characters. However, if you want the person sitting next to you to be impressed, this is the book for you. It will definitely make you seem more cultured!

Phrase:
Coffin

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And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  I'd heard about And Then There Were None for ages and finally decided to read it.  It was good; I enjoyed it and think you would, too!

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows a hand reaching for a "soldier boy" statue.  It makes sense in context of the book and emits an eery vibe.  It's alright.  B cover

Official Description:
First, there were ten - a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal - and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion. 

My Review:
And Then There Were None was great.  It wasn't perfect by any means, but it did a great job of building suspense and mystery.  It is a classic mystery novel that earned its hype.  

The drama that ensued from the search for the murderer was incredibly intense.  The conclusion blew my mind.  Finally a mystery novel where you don't guess the ending half-way through the book!  

That being said, the characters were a bit stupid.  They had to be for the sake of the plot but it was a bit much at times.  Some parts of the book are a bit outdated/ not entirely politically correct because it was written in 1939, but it was less so than you might expect.  Despite being written so long ago, And Then There Were None didn't require a translator to read by any means.  It was straightforward, fairly modern writing.  Perfectly understandable to an average reader.

I'd recommend reading And Then There Were None if you like mysteries at all.  It's not only a classic, but a good classic.  It's intense and fun.  It'll make you excited to read the next chapter.

Audiobook Review (read by Dan Stevens):
This was a wonderful audiobook.  Dan Stevens did a great job conveying the excitement of the book without going overboard.  Also, whether this is positive or negative to you, he has a British accent.  It fits with the story, but I wanted to mention it in case you don't like accents!

Phrase:
Ten Little Soldier Boys

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The Time Machine by H.G. Wells 4/5 stars

Hey, guys!  Reading this book (or, more accurately, listening to its audiobook) was a half-hearted effort to make myself more cultured.  I wanted to listen to War of the Worlds, but the library didn't have it, so I settled for The Time Machine.  It was beautifully written and less dated than you would expect from a book published in the 1890s.

The Cover:

The Cover (of this version):
It shows the Time Traveller and Weena in a forest with the Morlocks sneaking up behind them. I like the cover.  A+

Official Description:

“I’ve had a most amazing time....”

So begins the Time Traveller’s astonishing firsthand account of his journey 800,000 years beyond his own era—and the story that launched H.G. Wells’s successful career and earned him his reputation as the father of science fiction. With a speculative leap that still fires the imagination, Wells sends his brave explorer to face a future burdened with our greatest hopes...and our darkest fears. A pull of the Time Machine’s lever propels him to the age of a slowly dying Earth.  There he discovers two bizarre races—the ethereal Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks—who not only symbolize the duality of human nature, but offer a terrifying portrait of the men of tomorrow as well.  Published in 1895, this masterpiece of invention captivated readers on the threshold of a new century. Thanks to Wells’s expert storytelling and provocative insight, The Time Machine will continue to enthrall readers for generations to come.

My Review:
The Time Machine starts with the Time Traveller explaining his theory of time travel, followed by an account of his trip to the distant future, and ended with a dinner party's reaction to his tale.
The Time Traveller's trip to the future was full of interesting social commentaries.  How the world dealt with the problem's of H.G. Wells' days, which relate more than you would think to the problems of today.  Feminism, conflict between the rich and poor, environmental issues.  

It was an interesting read that exists to make you start thinking.  It wasn't too heavy handed though. The ideas were hidden behind an adventure story of the Time Traveller's escapades.  

My only problem with The Time Machine was its lackluster ending.  I understand what the intention behind it was, but I feel there was a better way to finish this book.

The language is very plain and fairly modern.  You will be able to read it easily.  It isn't very dated.  Some of the scientific observations made are obviously wrong in this day and age, but the rest of the book is timeless.

I'm glad that I read it and feel suitably cultured.  It's only about 100 pages, so it isn't much of a commitment.  Go ahead and read it!

Audiobook Review (read by Sir Derek Jacobi):
It was a very pleasant narration.  The audiobook experience wasn't distracting, nor particularly spectacular.  Jacobi has a British accent if that affects your decision there.  

Phrase:
Flowers in pockets

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1984
Feed
Fahrenheit 451
Animal Farm

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Savior Pirotta (Compilation), Franco Rivoli (Illustrator) 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So a few weeks ago, I was given a copy of a new edition of Frankenstein from Edelweiss in exchange for a review.  It was actually pretty good.  In order to avoid confusion, here's the ISBN of the book if it makes finding it easier:  9781609927356 

The Cover:
There isn't one for this edition as it is only online, so let's just skip this section!

Official Description:
Victor Frankenstein, an aspiring scientist born into a wealthy family, discovers a secret technique to reanimate dead tissue. What will Victor create? Will the result be the beautiful creation that he dreams of? Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with stunning illustrations, these favourite horror classics will capture the hearts and imagination of young readers

My Review:
I found this retelling of Frankenstein wonderfully clear, while still feeling like it could have been written in the 18th century.  It was a small book, maybe 50 pages.  To me, it seemed like they simply put Frankenstein in a press and condensed it to just the important plot and themes, cutting out the unimportant fluff.  
The actual story was wonderful, and it deserves its popularity for the lasts two hundred years or so.  It was deep, less of a horror and more of a tragedy.  I just wanted to give Frankenstein's monster a hug.
Frankenstein is definitely worth a go, no matter if you want to read this version or another.  For what I wanted from it, which was to know the story of Frankenstein with limited hair-pulling-out, this edition was perfect.  I imagine that some people will still want to read the full, classic Frankenstein, but if you just want to read it to understand references/ learn what it's about, then I would say go for this edition.  

This edition official comes out October 1, 2015

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The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So, my class in school has been reading The Importance of Being Earnest in class for a few weeks, and we finished! I thought I'd blog about my thoughts on it.  I really enjoyed reading it.  It's very different than most books I read.  One of the main differences is the fact that it is a play instead of a novel.  It's also set in Victorian England.  It was just really funny and ironic.  I'd strongly recommend it.
The Cover:

The Cover:
There are a bunch of different covers out there.  I just randomly chose one.  It shows two girls, Gwendolyn and Cecily fawning over "Ernest".  The title is a play on words (Earnest vs the name Ernest).  The book I read had the subtitle, "A trivial comedy for serious people".

Oh, and also, the copyright is no longer valid for this book, so you guys can just go and download/ read it online for free!

My Brief Description:
Jack and Algernon are upper class men during the Victorian Era, and they constantly get into trouble.  However, they want to occasionally escape their lives, so Jack created an alter ego (Ernest, his "brother", a man who is constantly up to no good in London so that he could get out of his house as much as he likes) and Algernon made up an imaginary sick friend to get him out of social events.
Everything gets complicated when Lady Bracknell, Gwendolyn's mother, forbids her from marrying Jack because of his family and Gwendolyn only wants to marry a man named Ernest (not Jack).  Algernon also wants to find true love, and he looks for it in Cecily, the ward of Jack.  However, he introduces himself to her as Ernest, Jack's brother...

My Review:
This book was just hilarious! It was a romantic comedy or sorts.  It was just silly and ironic.  I had no opinion of it at all before I started reading it, but a few pages in, I knew I was going to love reading it.
There isn't that much to say about it, but I did enjoy reading it, and I hope you give it a chance!

Link to more of my thoughts (as I read it)

Phrase:
Frightening christenings

Happy Reading!

Currently Reading: The Importance of Being Earnest

Hey, guys! I just wanted to check in!

In school, we just started reading the old play, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.  It is great, and I strongly recommend it, though we've only gotten through the first act.  It just has so much irony and is just really funny.  Some of my class obviously don't find it very funny, as evidenced by the times I laugh at a joke they rather don't understand or don't find funny (or both).
Either way, it's fairly easy to understand, and just really entertaining if you want to give it a go.
I'll post a full review once I finish reading it!

Until then, Happy Reading!