I just finished reading the classic Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre for the first time. I loved it. It's not my typical book of choice, but I've been wanting to read it for years (It's one of my mom's favorites). The thing that always stopped me was that it is a massive 552 page novel. And it's definitely "a journey" as my mom puts it... not a crazy page turner at first and not one you want to read in 3 days. But alas I made it through and enjoyed the journey. If you haven't read it, you should.
My reward for finishing Jane Eyre is moving on to my latest purchase, Patti LuPone A Memoir. If you're not familiar with Ms. LuPone's work, she's most known for her Tony Award winning performances in Evita (1979) and the revival of Gypsy as Rose (2008).
I've already read the first three chapters and I'm hooked. The very first quote at the beginning of the memoir got me:
"It's a curious thing. I suppose most people think of artists as impatient, but I don't know of any first-rate artist who hasn't manifested in his career an appalling patience, a willingness to wait, and to do his best now in the expectation that next year he will do it better."
-Mark Van Doren
(from The Dialogues of Archibald MacLeish and Mark Van Doren)
(from The Dialogues of Archibald MacLeish and Mark Van Doren)
The very fact that Ms. LuPone chose this quote to start her book gives me a hint that this is going to be a good one. I'll tell you more as I keep reading! But so far, I can relate to a lot to her life... falling in love with music very early in life, being involved in school choirs, studying music in college and having a problem with judgement and not fitting the "mold" the school put on her. So far so good.
More to come :)
More to come :)
2 comments:
I love Jane Eyre. Such a strange story in a lot of ways, but captivating. She has sort of a monologue that I love when she is talking herself out of Mr. Rochester. When she is willing herself to do what is right rather than relying solely on her emotions. I love that... it applies to a lot of situations.
I'd love to borrow your Patti Lupone book sometime. I love biographies. :)
Yes, it's amazing that she is so incredibly in love with him but still able to see her own attachment as an idol. So painful to read at times, but so good :)
I'll let you know when I finish Patti LuPone's memoir! Have you been reading anything good lately?
Post a Comment