Marian's 2015 Reads - 'Anne of Green Gables'

1/6/15

via http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/

Title: Anne of Green Gables
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Publisher (of this edition): Puffin Books
Original Publisher: L.C.Page & Co.
Publication date (in this edition): 2008
Original Publication Date: 1908
Pages: 427

For this book review, let us travel back in time to when technology did not conquer our everyday lives. By "traveling back in time," I mean reviewing a classic novel such as 'Anne of Green Gables'. I stumbled upon this franchise when I was scrolling through Tumblr and saw a post about Anne and Gilbert. After watching the three movie adaptations, I decided to read the first book.

'Anne of Green Gables' is the story of a despairing red-headed orphan named Anne Shirley who is adopted by two siblings named Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. The adoption of Anne was quite fortuitous since Matthew and Marilla intended to receive a boy, but as Anne develops her new life at Green Gables, the foster parents begin to love and decide to keep her. In the early midst of the book Anne reveals that her dreams include staying at Green Gables and meeting a female kindred spirit. Serendipity swoops its way into the story as Anne meets Diana Barry, and swears to keep their friendship eternal just minutes after they first meet. As I have mentioned in my recent 'Pictures Into Words' segment on EAM, Anne and Gilbert Blythe did begin their relationship on the wrong foot, but as the end approaches you'll be able to finally read about how this pairing became friends - one of my favourite parts from this novel.

The author of this book, Lucy Maud Montgomery (L.M. Montgomery), came up with the concept of this storyline from her surroundings in Prince Edward Island, the same main setting in this novel. From a forgotten source, I read that Anne Shirley was the character Lucy Maud dreamed to be. 

I'm not an orphan, my hair may not be a rich red and I certainly do not come from Canada, but I feel as if Anne and I are kindred spirits. We are both stubborn, read a lot of books, share the same age and have broad imaginations.

As cheesy as it sounds, I cannot possibly express how much I adore this book series in words only. I'm already reading the third book within a few weeks! L.M. Montgomery is now my favourite author. I definitely recommend this book/book series to people who appreciate the simple country life or have magnificent imaginations. Stay tuned during the upcoming weeks as I review the whole series (if I can find 'Anne of Windy Poplars' and 'Anne's House of Dreams')!

Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,

- M ★ 

Pictures Into Words - Anne and Gilbert's Wedding

29/5/15

via anne.sullivanmovies.com

Ever since the girl smashed her slate onto the boy's noggin, Anne and Gilbert have always been ready for this day. The lady in white had a short flowered veil, complementing her beautiful snow sprinkled lace gown. Her auburn hair was tied up in an elegant updo as a sheaf of graceful tulips occupied her right hand. Anne's left arm interlocked with her beau's as if she were holding onto him for dear life. Gilbert wore the WWI uniform instead of the traditional groom's tuxedo, his hair ever so dark as nightfall.

Anne was aware that Gilbert was to leave her in pursuit of defending his country soon, so the couple insisted that they were to marry immediately. Although Anne was deeply saddened to hear about her new husband's department, she gazed into Gil's twinkling eyes until every spark, every star and every piece of their romance was rendered apparent. 

Every person at the wedding understood that the couple would soon separate but nevertheless clapped and cheered as if there were no burdens in Anne and Gil's life. They adored the way Anne and Gil's fairytale formed - from academic rivals to fervent lovers.  

- M ★ 

Marian's 2015 Reads - 'The Diary of a Young Girl'

via blendspace.com

Title: 'The Diary of a Young Girl'
Author: Anne Frank
Publisher: Contact Publishing
Publication date: 1947
Pages: 339 (includes afterword)

In English, we were given a selected range of books to study. The novels ranged from 'Holes' by Louis Sachar to 'Goodnight Mister Tom' by Michelle Magorian. I chose 'The Diary of a Young Girl' because my English teacher especially recommended my classmate to read it at least "once in your life," and because I've never read material written during an era of war.

This novel is in the form of diary entries written by a Jewish teenage girl named Anne Frank. Her diary entries began a few weeks before her and her family went into hiding and concluded three days before they were captured in 1944 by policemen. The novel begins in an untroubled note on the 12th of June, 1942 when Anne writes:

"I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support."

When I read this passage I suddenly found out that Anne never had a true friend. It's as if she were a deaf person who never learned sign language and had to keep her innermost thoughts crammed inside.

My English teacher instructed us to think and write about the main protagonist's strengths and weaknesses. This is what I wrote:
"I enjoyed discovering Anne's creative flair when she writes her diary entries. She describes her outrages and content moments in such descriptive expressions. She is resilient - when being criticized by her peers, she wasn't afraid to reveal her feelings to Kitty. She is knowledgeable about the Roman and Greek empires and their mythical gods. There was a part in the novel where she writes about what the Annexe residents' favourite subjects are, and when hers was mentioned Anne included 'Greek Mythology'. There are also various times when she has mentioned these passions. 

"Some of the observations I've made of Anne is that she was ignorant and rude. She opened the curtains at some times when her peers told her not to since it would reveal that they were in hiding, and her irresponsible connection with Peter seemed obnoxious for two youthful people. I didn't like it when her and her mother quarrelled over Anne's petty complaints.

Anne's exasperation against her appearances was difficult to read about in the book. Early in the novel she writes about whether she has a fair complexion or straight teeth. This part made me more vexed about myself, especially in physical aspects."

I recommend this diary for teenagers who seem to struggle with insecurities or who are contempt. I strongly believe that Anne can get you back up on two firm feet.

- M ★

Letters to Electra - Post-Production Pessimism

20/5/15

Dear Electra,

One week after my birthday in September 2014, I chose to audition for my school's production of 'Beauty and the Beast'. A week later, the cast list was given out. I remember forcing Gwen to sprint all the way to my school's secondary campus and scanning the list to ascertain who was accepted. I was relieved to find my name under the list of ensemble singers.

After undergoing painful rehearsals and learning the harmonies, I swell with pride to know that I enjoyed being part of the 'Beauty and the Beast' cast. This was my first ever production to participate in and good grief, what a brilliant cast and crew to work with in spirit! Although I will see them at school every day, I will miss their presence at the theatre and in the rehearsal room. As I write this I have the foreboding presentiment that I am meant to be at the theatre to rehearse! Haven't you had the same feeling, Electra? 'Beauty and the Beast' has grown on me like poison ivy.

As this era has closed, everything has returned back to normal - completing home/schoolwork, fulfilling my chores, writing letters to you frequently and maintaining my friendships. Oh, Electra, if only my life were to be a secret garden full of eternal growing fruits and blossoming bright flowers. That garden and other dreams of mine must remain in my imagination and stories.

I am planning to release a long-due book review next Monday. Clue: the book is about a young girl who records her daily activities in her diary. Does it sound familiar to you?

Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,

- M ★ 

Letters to Electra - Insecurities Exist, Sadly

13/5/15

Dear Electra,

Would it be appropriate for me to write about the progression of my acne in this letter? I have just come out of the bathroom after washing my face and my mother warned me about the severe appearance of pimples on my face. First of all, mother, I have no control of the type of makeup they use at 'Beauty and the Beast'. Secondly, I thought you influenced me to believe that vanity is impertinent to who people really are. I am already aware that there has been an increase of excessive bacteria on my face, and usually you're the one who tells me to do absolutely nothing about it. Thus, I write this passage in utmost indignation.

Now that my outrage is finished, I have been enjoying what is happening in my life so far: the art of performing on stage with wonderfully talented people, flourishing in home/schoolwork and reading such remarkable books. Speaking of books, I am currently reading the novel adaptation of 'Anne of Green Gables', which some of you are aware I am fascinated with by my social media platforms or my inevitability of chattering about it in real life. I am glad that a few of my castmates are also head over heels for Gilbert Blythe, who is my kindred spirit. Oh, if only the good characters - such as Anne, Gilbert, Diana and Marilla - were alive and attend my school! That would be a miracle. I mourn for the fact that my fantasy would never come to life.

This week I had concluded Marian's Everyday Life's blog activity. Marian's Everyday Life will always haunt me in my future since it has been part of my life for more than three years. I had been thinking about it a while ago, since handling two blogs has been tragic. It seems like I post the same content on that blog here on 'Letters to Electra' - I write about my life's tribulations and contentment. I really hope that this blog will be successful and will help me to express my teenage experiences in the form of words and (sometimes) visual assistance.

Since MEDL is finished, I will now conclude my letters and book reviews with:

Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,

- M ★ 

Letters to Electra - My Dubious Dreams

6/5/15

Dear Electra,

Now that I am experiencing stress, I've been sleeping with odd dreams. Last night, I dreamed that Marius' 11-year-old sister entered a university exam. Two nights ago, I dreamed that I visited a dermatologist to clear my acne. I don't know if it's common or not but, I don't have nighttime thoughts often, so I consider this occurrence a psychological anomaly. My hypothesis is, do people who experience stress have better probabilities of having strange dreams?

In academic aspects, I'm studying for my chemistry test that will happen next Monday. In music, I'm preparing a powerpoint presentation about Lea Salonga's career. I chose her for my topic because she's had such a successful pathway as a talented performer.

It's opening night TOMORROW for my school's musical of 'Beauty and the Beast'! Just to be clear, I am playing a female villager and a candelabra. I wish I could show you pictures of my costumes, but we are keeping it confidential until the end of the production. Throughout the show, I have five costume changes:
ACT I:
1) Change into female villager for 'Belle' and 'Gaston'
2) Change into candelabra costume for 'Be Our Guest'
ACT II:
3) Change into female villager for 'Maison Des Lunes'
4) Change into dark robe for 'The Mob Song'
5) Quickly change into candelabra costume for 'The Battle'
When I have a lot of time to spend in my dressing room, I play card games with my dressing roommates or whisper-along to the songs playing.

As I write this, I am sitting in my gloomy room listening to music. Today I have decided to stay at home since I haven't had enough time to rest last night. I hope Sammi will manage to bring notes tomorrow for me to copy, and also that Gwen, Regina, Jayden, Mary and Charisma would've had an amusing day today.

With sincere affection,

- M ★