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"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage."
--Martin Luther

Tuesday 24 November 2015

Top Ten Tuesday - (American) Thanksgiving Edition

This week is a Thanksgiving theme over at The Broke and the Bookish, so I've chosen to write about fictional families. There are some families in books that are so fun and sweet and I would totally want to be at their table for Thanksgiving dinner. Here are five:

1. The Weasleys from the Harry Potter series: I think we all saw that one coming. How much fun would it be to spend a holiday in the Burrow?!

2. The Bennets from Pride and Prejudice: Okay, Mary is awkward and Lydia is a handful, but I think it would be fun chatting with Lizzie and Jane and having a laugh at Mr Bennet's dry wit.

3. Lara Jean's family from To All the Boys I've Loved Before (and the sequel): I love the three sisters from this series. They are funny and quirky, and they fight but still love each other. I feel like they would be a blast to hang out with for Thanksgiving dinner. (Not to mention, Lara Jean would bake something delicious for dessert!)

4. Lou's family from Me Before You and After You: Sure, they've got problems, and they probably don't have much room around the table, but Lou is hilarious and her nephew and grandfather are a riot. I think they'd be welcoming and warm.

5. The Green Gables family from Anne of Green Gables: Yes, they're a non-traditional family, but Anne is such a riot and Matthew is so warm, and you know that with Marilla cooking, the food would be fantastic.

And five families that would make staying home alone preferable!
6. The Malfoys from the Harry Potter series: They're arrogant and they're racists (or the Wizard equivalent). Need I say more?

7. Any family in a Gillian Flynn novel, but especially the Camille's family in Sharp Objects: I'd rather impale myself WITH all those sharp objects than spend the day with this collection of people. Soooo creepy.

8. King Arthur's family as portrayed in The Mists of Avalon: I mean, the food would probably be great, but it comes with a healthy side dish of dysfunction.

9. The de Bourgh family from Pride and Prejudice: Colonel Fitzwilliam's comment sums it up: "My aunt does talk a great deal, but seldom requires a response." Considering I'm not a gentleman's daughter, I think it would just be an evening of awkwardness, even if I were granted a look at the famous chimney piece of Rosings Park.

10. The Karamazov family in The Brothers Karamazov: Way too much baggage and drama for my liking.

Happy Thanksgiving to any American readers! Enjoy your time with family and friends!

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Book To Movie/TV Adaptations I Still Need To Watch

I've skipped a few TTT due to not really feeling the topics, but today's discussion at The Broke and the Bookish is a fun one. We're talking about which book adaptations we are looking forward to, or which ones are already out that we still need to watch. One thing about me is that I rarely watch movies. It's not for any philosophical reason. I just rarely get out to the cinema. I've seen one film in theatres this year so far... That said, here are some that I really need to make time for, one of these days:

1. Mansfield Park: There are several adaptations of this book, but I haven't seen any of them. I hear good things about the 1999 version, even if it's not loved by all Austenites.

2. Paper Towns: I quite enjoyed this John Green book, actually (whispers) more than I liked The Fault In Our Stars. I'd love to see the film.

3. Divergent: I'm just waiting for this to play on TV some days so I can convince my husband to watch with me.

4. The Remains of the Day: Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. How in the world have I not seen this film?

5. Life of Pi: I didn't particularly like this book, despite all the hype. However, I hear the film is wonderful and I really do want to watch it.

6. The Great Gatsby: I'm a sucker for Baz Luhrmann. He makes such gorgeous films.

7. Wolf Hall: Now that I've read both Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies, catching the mini-series is on my radar, for when I'm not buried in school assignments.

8. Matilda: I adore this book, but the movie came out just before I turned 16, so when I was feeling way too old to see a kids' movie. I hear it's great though.

And finally two adaptations that I won't see until I've actually read the books:
9. War and Peace: One day, I will read this book. I swear it. I'd also like to see some of the film adaptations, as well as the upcoming BBC miniseries.

10. The Book Thief: It's on my to-read list, I promise!