I’ve received a few requests for books I would recommend or what I’m reading, and I thought I’d try something out. My idea is simply that I’ll elaborate a little bit more on the books you see under “What I’m Reading.” After all, I may have actually detested the book you saw listed there and yet you innocently go to the library or, heaven forbid, buy the book all the time thinking, “Well, Katie read it . . .” Also, this will be a good opportunity to really think about why I liked or didn’t like a book. In all honesty, I probably won’t write about all the books I read because I want to maintain this false image that I’m sure you all have that I only read high brow literature while sipping tea and eating crumpets :) However, if I run across some really great chick lit (like Confessions of a Shopaholic) I will be sure to mention it. That is my promise to you because hey, don’t we all sometimes need a little break from Tolstoy? So without further ado: I bring you my thoughts on I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.
First, how I came across this book: my wonderful friend TimidTripper once mentioned that it was one of her favorite books. I logged that away in my mind because I really think she is such a smart and well-read person, and I want to be like that—so when I had time and no reading material over the holidays I found it at the library. I love this book because I love the narrator, Cassandra Mortmain. She is seventeen and her family lives in a castle in England in the 1930’s. The book is her journal which she writes in to teach herself how to become a better writer. She is funny and observant and sensitive and she “captures” her surroundings and her friends and family wonderfully. The story is also a love story, but not the kind where the hero and heroine live happily ever after at the end. Why? Because life’s not always so simple as that. The book is more character driven than plot driven and there are some interesting observations about the differences between America and England (Smith is English and wrote the book while she was living in America). The book sort of reminded me of Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. TimidTripper loved that book too—me, I didn’t like it quite as much, but I Capture the Castle I would recommend to anyone.
9 comments:
I think it's a great idea for you to review the books you read. You are my literature guru!
Did I ever tell you that while reading Cold Comfort Farm, I frequently thought of I Capture the Castle? Castle is a much more lovely, comforting read, but I think Cold Comfort Farm is a bit more profound. Did you know that the gal who wrote Castle also wrote 101 Dalmations? or something like that.
I actually tried to call you from Barnes and Noble on Sat. for a recommendation, but you must have been screening you calls. :) But this is a great idea, just be sure to keep it not too intellectual for us not-so-intellectual readers of yours because I always need a new book and you can only read the Harry Potter series so many times in a row before it's time to move on.
I've heard of this book and I've wanted to read it. I'll try it out.
Melissa: I'm flattered.
Timid Tripper: I need to read Cold Comfort Farm again. Also, I'd like to see the movie. Did you see it? And yes, I did know that Smith also wrote 101 Dalmations. She's even cooler for having created a character as evil as Cruella d'Ville :)
Aub: Thanks for continuing to be my friend despite my phone flaws. My mom was in town so that's some kind of good excuse right? Anyway, I still adore you and you better not forget that even when I don't answer my phone :) What'd you choose at Barnes & Noble? Maybe I'll read whatever you're reading and write about that next . . .
Adrianne: I'd love to know what you think. I'm actually planning on reading that wicked stepsister book you liked. It's on my list.
i hate to tell you katie, but i dont read. haha.
Katie,
I saw the movie years ago and loved it, probably because it was so different and I like to be unique that way sometimes. Anyway, it gave me a good context for the book, which is richer and deeper, but that's probably why I liked the book so much.
Hi Katie,
I stumbled onto your blog because I grew up in Gooding. Anyway, love your blog and I am especially excited about this new book thing. I love to read, but have a hard time finding good books to read, and if I do find a good book, sometimes I don't get it (example: "Life of Pi", let me know if you have any insights into that book), so it would be good to have and English guru explain things for the me. In short. I like your blog and like the new idea.
YES! I'm so happy you are finally posting book reviews on here. I really do check to see what you're reading and am curious if it's good stuff or not. I am always looking for that next favorite book! I love to hear what you think, even if we don't always agree...*Muuuaaah!*
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