The Wondrous Adventures at Puffin's Book Nook

Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann This story brought the young Mann recognition when it was first published in 1901. It is the story of a German family over the course of 40 years, from wealth and prosperity to decline. The book is written in 11 parts. Part 1: 1835 Here we are introduced to the family and some of the ideas of the time. A dinner is held to celebrate the family's purchase of a new home and invite other family members and friends. The characters introduced are: Herr Johann Buddenbrook and his wife, Antonie. Son, Consul Jean Buddenbrook and his wife, Elisabeth (Kroger) and their 3 children, Thomas, Christian and Antonie. The extended family is mentioned, sister in Frankfurt and stepbrother (son of Herr Buddenbrook's 1st marriage) Gotthold. Also parents of Elisabeth. Things discussed over the dinner include: The July Monarchy and changes being introduced from the influence of France. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_Monarchy "...

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville How did I get to the age of 53 and not read Moby-Dick? About time to tackle this whale of a tale. Come on board and join me and see if you are not taken in, hook, line and sinker. 'Call me Ishmael.'   The famous first line of the novel. Ishmael is the eternal exile. Is Moby Dick a novel about such and not a story about a whale at all? The quest of each human on his own search. Are all of us 'endlessly searching through oceans of night'. Seeking answers to eternal questions... The voyage of the Pequod, Captain Ahab's ship. I love the colour coding Ch 1-16 Best parts: Descriptions of Queequeg. The author is pointing to judging the inner man not the exterior. The Whaleman's chapel, it's interior decor with it's pulpit and rope ladder and painting representing a gallant ship in a terrible storm. Does this depict us? Each man a gallant ship? The gospel a pulpit into which we can cli...

History has long been a favourite subject of mine since school days. I continue to study. Why study history? To understand people and societies, how the society we live in came to be and to contribute to moral understanding and good citizenship of the world. I will review the books I read that are worthy of attention. January 2018 1. The Journey Through Wales and a Description of Wales by Gerald of Wales.