I know this book has been out for 16 years, and I am sure there are hundreds of glowing reviews by fans. But, I have to gush a little myself. Turner’s novel holds up well against classic adult literature. Most young adult / children’s books are driven by fast moving plots and cliffhanger endings at chapters and books. But, The Thief slowly reveals itself, layer by layer. A tapestry unfolds artfully displaying rich landscapes, multi-dimensional characters, mythology, and an amazing adventure. Several plot lines are being unwound at the same time, and those not paying attention may not know it. Nothing is as expected. Themes abound. I am inspired to re-write my top 50 favorite books list. This will definitely make my Young Adult list, and it might knock a title off my adult book list.
General Strike of 1877 in St. Louis
The Missouri History Museum depicts the General Strike of St. Louis that took place in 1877 with a creative display of “roustabouts” working on the wharves. The workers had no rights, low pay, and no chance of improvement. People throughout the country walked off the job, and St. Louis workers represented one of the biggest strikes in the country. It took several days of police and military to stop the strike, but it did lead to better conditions for the workers eventually…
I have read in other places that after the strike, the leaders of St. Louis wanted to spread some goodwill so the started the now famous Veil Prophet Parade and Celebration that has been going on is St. Louis since October 1878. It was designed to entertain the people, but also re-establish some of the social hierarchy that was challenged in the General Strike of the year before.
I would like to know more.
Filed under Areas of Study
The Boneshaker by Kate Milford
Every once in a while, I stumble on to a book that is so good, that I don’t want to race through it. I want to slowly read it and enjoy it. And when it is over, I almost grieve that it is over. Kate Milford’s Boneshaker ranks as one of those books because of the Medicine show, mysterious abandoned town, automata, duels with the devil, and an adventurous wholly enjoyable main character. Dr. Limberleg’s Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine Show mesmerized me.
Other books that I have read that I don’t want to end because the world and characters are too intriguing to give up:
Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones
Incarceron and Sapphique – Catherine Fisher
Witches – Roald Dahl
Harry Potter – J.K. Rowling
The Oppum Oppidulum world of F.E. Higgins wonderfully depicted in the Eyeball Collector
Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising Series
C.S. Lewis’ Narnia
Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart.
Interesting enough Kate Milford is the only American writer on the list.
Filed under Books
Animal Encounters
Our first encounter with the Madrid “entertainers”. No donation for this one.
Luckily we didn’t see a real bull fight in Sevilla.
But it was in Morocco and Gibraltar where things got crazy!
Camels…
Chickens…heading to slaughter! Yikes!
Cobras in weird places!!!
and then there is this…
lucky for me, that wasn’t a cobra.
and then the gibraltar monkeys…
That looks peaceful, Sharon wasn’t so lucky…
Coming Soon! Movie Connections.
Filed under Travel
Toledo, Spain
The holy city of Spain – Toledo.
– A nearly impenetrable gatehouse.
The Visogoths constructed the first version of this town on the Tagus River, but the Moors captured it, and improved it. Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths were all practiced here in harmony for hundreds of years.
– el Transparente – with the striking skylight.
Toledo also houses the famous Burial of Count Orgaz by El Greco. This magnificent painting hides many stories:
And one more view of the Tagus River…
I really don’t understand anything about the Damascene Steel from Toledo.
Filed under Travel
Madrid – People Outdoors
Madrid in the center of Iberia experiences a continental climate. The majestic city was built on 21 hills. One of the parks is called Parque del Oeste (Western Park).
– One of the hills has the Temple of Debod brought in from Egypt in 1968.
The Spanish people of Madrid love to be outside walking through the wide plazas, pedestrian shopping centers, tree-lined walkways, parks, green spaces, and the historic plazas. Modern Spain united in 1492 under Ferdinand and Isabella when the kingdoms of Castilla, Navarra, Leon, and Arragon joined together and the Moors were evicted from Granada. The King moved the seat of government from Toledo to Madrid in 1764 when he started building his Palace.
– A cortado (strong coffee) in the Plaza de Mayor with friends. This says Madrid to me the most.
Madrid boasts incredible art and the Prado shines the most. But the beauty of the streets and buildings stunned me…
We tried calamari sandwiches, chocolate and churros, Jamon, and delicious desserts like this…
– Pastries in the San Miguel Market next to the Plaza de Mayor in Madrid.
Filed under Travel
Spain – the man in La Mancha
“In a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those gentlemen that keep a lance in the lance-rack, an old buckler, a lean hack, and a greyhound for coursing.”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
Filed under Travel
Freshly "Pic'ed" 