#SerialSunday: a quick blog feature where I post Serial Reader progress updates and highlight a recently read selection. For more information about the Serial Reader app, click here: https://www.serialreader.org
CURRENTLY READING //
“The Five Orange Pips” (Sherlock Holmes) by Arthur Conan Doyle, 1891, Quick Bite: Sherlock Holmes investigates a series of sudden deaths connected with an apparently omnipotent secret society. PROGRESS: 35%
“The Five Orange Pips” (Sherlock Holmes) by Arthur Conan Doyle, 1891, Progress: 35%
IN THE QUEUE //
“Ten Days in a Mad-House” by Nellie Bly, 1887, Quick Bite: The result of an undercover investigation into the brutality and neglect at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
“Ten Days in a Mad-House” by Nellie Bly, 1887, Status: To Be Read
“Wired Love” by Ella Cheever Thayer, 1880, Quick Bite: Romance is sparked across telegraph lines between people who have not even seen one another. Can you imagine?
“Wired Love” by Ella Cheever Thayer, 1880, Status: To Be Read
“Why Is the Negro Lynched?” by Frederick Douglass, 1895, Quick Bite: Douglass attacks the concept of “the negro problem” in post-Civil War America, showing how it is instead “a great national problem” with racism entrenched in the systems of society.
“Why Is the Negro Lynched?” by Frederick Douglass, 1895, Status: To Be Read
RECENTLY READ //
Title: “Anne of Avonlea” (Anne of Green Gables #2)
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Year: 1909
Genre(s): Classics / Canadian Literature / Children’s / Young Adult / Romance
Format: novel
Read on the Serial Reader app
Rating: 4 / 5 stars
Read: July 3, 2020
Notes: can’t put down, classics, novels, new-to-me author, ebook, digital reads, Serial Reader app
Quick Synopsis: The second chapter of Anne Shirley’s life, following her years teaching at Avonlea school. Includes everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed parrot!
Comments: I enjoyed the second book almost as much as the first. Great series; I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get caught up in Anne Shirley’s world!
First thing we’d climb a tree And maybe then we’d talk Or sit silently And listen to our thoughts With illusions of someday Cast in a golden light No dress rehearsal This is our life
— “Ahead by a Century,” The Tragically Hip
“An Inward Treasure is Born” (Season 1, Episode 4)
In between daily nursings, bottle feedings, nappy changes, fussy time, playtime, and the beloved naptime, I carve out time for a humble little Netflix show called “Anne with an E.” Based on the classic “Green Gables” and “Avonlea” books by L.M. Montgomery — a series I am just now exploring — the show debuted in March 2017, ran for three seasons with promise of a fourth, but was discontinued in November 2019. Fans of the show took to the internet in hopes of saving the show, to no avail. (I didn’t start watching the show until this time, or I certainly would have protested the end of “Anne.”)
According to representatives for the show, the reason for the cancellation was the disintegrating partnership between the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) and Netflix. Basically, the CBC didn’t want to partner with Netflix for big-budget series to help further Netflix’s economic security ahead of their own. As usual, it came down to money and self-serving interests. However, like Anne, I have an overactive imagination and I can think of several reasons why the show probably would not have lasted in today’s world. (I’m surprised it made it to three seasons).
“What We Have Been Makes Us What We Are” (Season 2, Episode 16)
“Anne” is too much! She’s too honest, loving, intelligent, bold, dramatic, passionate, etc. a character for most viewers to relate to
We are living in a one-dimensional world, and I see evidence of it everywhere in modern society, especially entertainment. I contend that “Anne” the character, and the show itself, are too intelligent for many – certainly not all — viewers tuning in to platforms like Netflix. Most streaming offerings cater to the masses with bright-colored, flimsy fluff that has little substance. Everything seems too predictable, and most plots are thin and devoid of soul. The few shows like “Anne” that tend toward something a little different, something much deeper and meaningful…well, they tend to crash and burn while still in their prime.
“Anne” the character is certainly intense, but everything about her personality seems to be what is missing from modern entertainment. She’s meant to be exasperatingly funny, dramatic, intelligent, creative, passionate, frustrating, mind-boggling, etc. She’s both unpredictable and a contradiction in terms, with her head in the clouds and her feet firmly planted on the ground. Her soppy enthusiasm for life isn’t as inane as it first appears, in either the book or show, for she’s not boundlessly happy. She has dark and sad moments where she’s utterly hopeless and melancholy. She’s anything but a one-dimensional character, and sadly, I’m afraid she’s just too much for the modern viewer. In reflecting our own natures right back at us, Anne’s intensity might be her downfall.
“Struggling Against the Perception of Facts” (Season 2, Episode 15)
The show addresses serious themes and issues (like abuse, racism, sexism/gender inequality, xenophobia, discrimination based on sexual orientation/differing lifestyles, family/societal pressures, etc.) and it gets heavy often
I am nearing the end of the show, and plan to watch it again in the future. (I am reading the second book “Anne of Avonlea” so I cannot speak for the content of the book series yet.) “Anne” is one of those shows where you have to think and feel and reflect and a lot of people don’t want to do that. Especially during current times, when the stress of everyday can feel overwhelming enough, we don’t want to think about the heavy items in life. But shows like “Anne” force us to, and there are precious few moments of true escape when faced with such serious entertainment.
“Anne” takes place during the late 19th century in the fictional community of Avonlea, on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and finds the feisty redhead fighting for social justice in some capacity almost every episode. Each forty-plus-minute episode (27 total) addresses significant issues facing society, proving that Bob Dylan wasn’t completely accurate; the times haven’t changed as much as we’d like to believe.
Throughout the short-lived series, Anne fights valiantly for many principles and people in her close-knit circle: she works to educate and enlighten Matthew’s hired help Jerry Baynard; she pushes for community acceptance of Cole Mackenzie, a gay classmate, friend, and fellow creative; she campaigns on behalf of the unconventional “schoolmarm” Miss Muriel Stacy; and perhaps fights hardest throughout the trials and tribulations of her friendship with “kindred spirit” Diana Barry. Throughout the show, Anne struggles to come to terms with her past, and the revelations surrounding her parents and her adoption history set up and sustain the show’s overarching drama. There is nothing half-ass about Anne’s fighting spirit, and the themes get heavy, maybe too heavy if one is not in the mood for it.
Racism and xenophobia also play a role in the series, as do themes of gender inequality and family/societal pressures. None of this is easy to digest, in entertainment or the real world. Again, “Anne with an E” provides multi-dimensional perspectives and considerations of these issues, allowing Anne to serve as moral guide and/or conscience. This might feel like emotional and mental “homework” to much of today’s viewers.
“Signs are Small Measurable Things, but Interpretations are Illimitable” (Season 2, Episode 9)
I’m afraid the show, even with its adventures and misadventures, isn’t “riveting” enough for most
“Riveting” means “completely engrossing, compelling,” and as mentioned above, while these themes and issues are exactly that, many people don’t turn to entertainment to indulge in those things, but to escape them; “Anne” does not provide that luxury. Personally, I’m thankful for TV shows that require more than just a basic attention span, making me think and feel. That’s my idea of “riveting,” but I’m strange like that.
For many, “riveting” media includes at least some of the following elements: sex/nudity, action/adventure, violence/gore, shock and awe, various modes of vulgarity, etc. and without those things, many modern shows suffer. (I’m shocked that “Game of Thrones” didn’t air for 18 seasons, considering those elements were available in surplus. I stopped watching “GOT” after a few seasons because I saw that it was just another gimmick.) “Anne” is as far from a gimmick as one can get, and there were enough of us watching who would have loved to continue the “riveting” conversations the show put forth. As usual, these good things must come to an often-premature end.
“What Can Stop the Determined Heart” (Season 3, Episode 20)
Those who haven’t read the books probably aren’t interested
Even though I almost passed on the show because I haven’t read the series yet, I am glad that I took a chance on this one. The script is great, with a wonderful cast, and visualizing the characters while reading adds to the enjoyment for me. Those who have not cracked the cover of the first book are not likely to dive into a wholly unfamiliar show, and 27 episodes is a big commitment for people who haven’t already fallen in love with the likes of Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Mrs. Rachel Lynde, and other various characters.
“The Growing Good of the World” (Season 2, Episode 17)
As a self-described “old soul,” I find it hard to dive deep into today’s media. There’s not much available for people like me who crave shows with heart, intellect, and passion. Forget the sex, violence, drug use, etc. that has come to define most of the entertainment industry; “Anne” is and always will be more my speed, and I’m not going to apologize for that. No accounting for taste, but there’s also no accounting for common sense. What is common sense, really, in a world where “Anne with an E” was cancelled right when it was just getting started?
So, just what was this humble little show accomplishing before it was cruelly struck down, financial bottom line or otherwise?
Bringing critical issues to the forefront of discussion? Check.
Not relying on gratuitous elements to attract an audience? Check.
Bridging the gap between classic literature and modern entertainment? Check.
Showing the modern world that humanity, humility, and grace are still quite possible, despite signs everywhere saying otherwise? Check.
Highlighting the importance of reading, books, and having an imagination? Check.
The wonderful universe of “Anne with an E” is just too much for the world — and probably always will be. Too bad because I relished the idea of season 4. But I’ll move on, for Season 1 Episode 6 is titled “Remorse is the Poison of Life” and isn’t that the truth!
Let me know what you think about this commentary; please share your thoughts!
“Anne with an E” is available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.
L.M. Montgomery’s classic series is available in several formats, including the convenient Serial Readerapp.
Allison Barilone [send her mail] writes about the books she and her 8-month-old son read together in the blog Baby Stole My Book. Her first blog is called { pages for breakfast }, formerly Readage. She is passionate about literacy and maintains a rigorous social media presence to stay connected to the bookish world. She daydreams of libraries in between changing nappies. Her motto is: “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way,” unless the library is in that direction, then of course go back.
Good afternoon, friends 🌼 Don’t know that I’ll get to actually settle down for #Deweys24HourReadathon today; we are in Hour 6 now. I hope to make some more progress with the pictured book, and I’ll also be moderating Hours 18-19 on the official Dewey’s #Goodreads page. Who’s doing the RAT?!
Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do. If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you. Just as we did in District Thirteen.
*******************************
She reaches in, digs her hand deep into the ball, and pulls out a slip of paper. The crowd draws in a collective breath, and then you can hear a pin drop, and I’m feeling nauseous and so desperately hoping that it’s not me, that it’s not me, that it’s not me.
Effie Trinket crosses back to the podium, smoothes the slip of paper, and reads out the name in a clear voice. And it’s not me.
It’s Primrose Everdeen.
**********************************
I feel like I owe him something, and I hate owing people. Maybe if I had thanked him at some point, I’d be feeling less conflicted now. I thought about it a couple of times, but the opportunity never seemed to present itself. And now it never will. Because we’re going to be thrown into an arena to fight to the death. Exactly how am I supposed to work in a thank-you in there? Somehow it just won’t seem sincere if I’m trying to slit his throat.
I first read this book about 3 years ago and watched the movie. I devoured the book; the movie, although well-acted, was just “okay” in my humble opinion. I’m reading this again right now with my fiancé for our long-distance book buddy read (LDBBR). We are reading it slowly, so as to keep pace with each other’s reading progress. I’m just 2 chapters in, but it’s all coming back to me, and I’m itching to blast through it again.
This time I’m also listening to an OverDrive audio narration of the book, and liking it very much. I seem to most enjoy reading a physical book and pairing it with an audio performance. (This might seem a little odd, but for me it’s the best way to read and truly “experience” a book, given the narration is superb!)
For this week’s Tasty Tuesday post, I thought I’d offer up a food and drink recipe for anyone who’s truly HUNGRY for a feast! Also, I’m Italian so I’m going for a spaghetti recipe this time. (I love playing on the titles of the books I’m currently reading; that’s half the fun!)
10 anchovy fillets in oil, drained, finely chopped
2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
600 g (about 4) tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
50 g (¼ cup) salted capers, rinsed, drained, chopped)
50 g (⅓ cup) pitted black olives, roughly chopped
extra virgin olive oil and grated Italian Parmesan (such as Grana Padano), to serve
Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving a few tablespoons cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic, anchovy and parsley and cook for 1 minute, but don’t allow to brown. Add tomato and juice, chilli, capers and olives. Simmer for 4 minutes or until tomato has broken down, adding a little reserved cooking water, if necessary. Season with pepper, remove from heat and keep warm until pasta is cooked.
3. Add pasta to sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little extra virgin olive oil to taste. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan and seasoned with black pepper.
*******************
The meal is Italian, and the drinks are Australian; this Hunger Games-inspired Tasty Tuesday is jumping from country to country, and everything looks delicious!
60 ml (¼ cup) vodka (I like McHenry’s Puer Vodka from Tassie)
160 ml (⅔ cup) cloudy apple juice
160 ml (⅔ cup) soda water
crushed ice
cinnamon quills, to serve (optional)
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds. Serve immediately, perhaps with cinnamon quills as swizzle sticks, if desired.
***********************
NOTE: PLEASE DROP ME A LINE IF YOU ARE ENJOYING THE BOOK + RECIPE + DRINK! Are you reading the book and liking it, or not so much? Let’s talk about it!
Since I left the Church of Scientology in 2013, I am often asked the question “How does someone like you get involved with an organization like Scientology?” Or some people may phrase it more like “How the fuck did you get into some crazy shit like this?”
Describing Scientology is no easy undertaking for anyone. There are plenty of people (many of whom are smarter than I am and have more formal education) who have worked to define and examine the church and the sway it holds over its members. This book, written from my heart and based on personal knowledge, is my attempt to portray my experience within Scientology and the repercussions I endured as a result.
I, like many current Scientologists, was a second-generation practitioner (meaning you were either born into Scientology or brought in by your parents as a child). When you are raised in the church, your whole life–each and every day–becomes all about the church. Unlike members of other churches or synagogues, who attend Sunday Mass or Shabbat dinner once a week, as a Scientologist you are expected to spend a minimum of two and a half hours a day, every day, seven days a week, at church, studying and/or in counseling. The same goes for your family, friends, and business associates. It’s no wonder the indoctrination quickly sets up an “us against them” mentality. To leave, to question it, would mean leaving anything and everything you have ever known.
For those who are not born into the church or brought in as children, the attraction to join is most definitely there. Imagine you are struggling in your life, in your career, or you are maybe an actor with little or no fame. You walk into a Scientology church or a Celebrity Centre (a Scientology church that caters specifically to artists), having been enticed by an ad you read in a magazine about improving your life or career. You are impressed with the beautiful building, and the welcoming people there. They offer you food, listen to what you have to say. Maybe you talk about how your parents are not supportive of your endeavors, and they respond, “Wow, that is not cool. You CAN achieve your goals in life. Maybe you need to step away from your parents’ negativity for a bit and do a course here that will help you to reach your goals.” You feel vindicated. This person understands me. He or she is my ally. This group believes in me. In the real world you may feel like you are nothing, but here you are treated with respect.
The other aspect of Scientology that draws people in is the recognition the church bestows on its members for their donations. Let’s say you are a successful businessperson. Where else would you be pulled up onstage with crowds cheering in admiration for the million(s) you have donated? You are doted on by the church at this level, recognized, and made to feel special. Very enticing. Or what if you are someone who earns $45,000 a year? You’re now going to be celebrated and acknowledged for your $2,000 contribution (even if you have no money the church will find a way for you to borrow it) with a framed certificate in calligraphy certifying your donation. This in turn, again, makes you feel special. You believe you are doing great things for not only yourself, but for all of mankind. This type of celebration and recognition works on members of all levels.
During my thirty-plus years in Scientology I spent close to $2 million for services and training, and donated roughly $3 million to church causes. Most members, regardless of their income, over a lifetime in the church spend upwards of $500,000 to get to the highest levels, which often takes more than twenty years. During this time, they are required to purchase roughly 300 books, 3000 lectures, and 100 courses.
Scientologists funnel their hard work, money, and emotional capital right back into the church, often to the detriment of their own lives. They may sacrifice relationships with family members, contact with friends, and their life savings to move up through the assigned spiritual levels that are dictated by the church’s principles. They do this because they’re indoctrinated with the belief that Scientology has the answers not only to their own ills but to the ills of all humankind.
I’m on page 58 of this memoir, and I am loving it! Remini recounts her thirty-plus year involvement with the Church of Scientology with honesty, humor, and well…”balls.” She exposes the organization for its rampant mistreatment, hypocrisy, celebrity endorsement fetish, and gives a general history of how she came to the realization that she wasn’t living her best life as a practicing Scientologist. I was hooked from the introduction!
I love the title of this book (“Troublemaker”) so I thought I’d go with a recipe that starts with “T” (truffles) and has a little “balls” itself (it’s a recipe for truffle balls with the kick of rum!) Don’t tell me you aren’t on board for RUM TRUFFLES!
I think these look especially delicious, and if you try the recipe you’ll have to let me know what you think!
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
In a saucepan, combine cream and butter. Place over low heat, and bring to a boil. Pour over chocolate, and stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in cake crumbs and rum. Set aside until firm, but not hard.
Roll heaping teaspoons of chocolate mixture into balls, then roll in the chocolate sprinkles. Place on the prepared tray. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm. Serve in small paper cups.
Ok, I’m being naughty for posting 2 recipes with alcohol as an ingredient, but this book is all about being a troublemaker! LOL. Let’s take it up another notch with a recipe for:
Stir or shake together tequila and orange juice. Fill a chilled 12 ounce glass with ice cubes; pour in orange juice mixture. Slowly pour in the grenadine, and allow it to settle to the bottom of the glass (be patient). Garnish with a slice of orange, and a maraschino cherry.
NOTE: PLEASE DROP ME A LINE IF YOU ARE ENJOYING THE BOOK + RECIPE + DRINK! Are you reading the book and liking it, or not so much? Let’s talk about it!
See you tomorrow for another new feature. Until then, keep on reading and enjoying life! (Yes, alcohol can help with that! But don’t be TOO MUCH of a troublemaker!)
Excerpts from “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Press, © 2008
I’m on page 58 of this memoir, and I am loving it! Remini recounts her thirty-plus year involvement with the Church of Scientology with honesty, humor, and well…”balls.” She exposes the organization for its rampant mistreatment, hypocrisy, celebrity endorsement fetish, and gives a general history of how she came to the realization that she wasn’t living her best life as a practicing Scientologist. I was hooked from the introduction!
1/2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger grenadine syrup
{ pages for breakfast } 
You must be logged in to post a comment.