Guest piece: Enchanted by Ella Enchanted by Laura Hilton

Once a week, my mom would load me, my older sister, and a number of foster siblings into her white mini van for a trip to one of my favorite places in the world: the library. Being homeschooled, there were only so many times I was able to have so much freedom.

One particular day when I was visiting, I happened to read the "Children's Book Club Reading List." The book of the month was Ella  Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. I never actually attended the meetings, but upon reading the description on the flier for Ella Enchanted, I was enticed to check it out for myself. There was one lone copy in the small county library, and lucky for me, there were no holds. Score!

As soon as I got home, I began reading. And I never wanted to stop. I’m pretty sure I finished the  book that day, staying up past my bedtime under the covers with a flashlight to devour the final chapters. The story is a rather simple one, but it was love at first read. Ella Enchanted is a twist on the classic Cinderella story, but instead of the traditional “Woe is me,” oppressed female tale, it follows the story of an independent and feisty young lady (both qualities which I could easily relate to).

In the novel, Ella is “gifted” a curse upon being born. This curse makes her do whatever she is told, literally.

If someone told me to hop on one foot for a day and a half, I’d have to do it. And hopping on one foot wasn't the worst order I could be given. If you commanded me to cut off my own head, I’d have to do it. I was in danger at every moment.

Though she is cursed, Ella finds ways to rebel against those who want nothing to do but torture her and in the end, she is the hero. Of course, there is an evil stepmother, fairy godmother, extravagant balls, and a handsome prince, but the cliches of the story didn't stop me from hanging onto every last word.

After two weeks with the book passed, it was time to return it to the library. I insisted upon checking it out again and again. I did eventually return it, but the next year, when I was enrolled in public school, I ordered my very own paperback copy. I carried it with me everywhere. I read and re-read the book every few weeks. Anytime someone asked me if I recommended any books, I would enthusiastically suggest Ella Enchanted.

As I grew older, my fondness of the novel only grew. I finally handed over my copy to my little sister, who also seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. In fact, she hasn't been able to let go it of since. So if you have the time (and if you don’t, you should make some), pick up a copy of Ella Enchanted from your local used bookstore or library and get lost in Ella’s world of elves, ogres, fairies, and curses. You won’t regret it one bit.

My Ten Least Favorite Books

For me, not liking a book is most often about the situation in which I've read it. Where there are aspects of the books I generally dislike, what gets it into my least favorite books list is most often something beyond the control of the author or me. For whatever reasons, though, these are books that I seriously did not like:

1. 'Cold Sassy Tree' by Olive Ann Burns

I read this book as part of the curriculum for my Freshman year of high school. It takes place in Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906. The book dragged, in my opinion, and it seemed as though it would never end. It's not even that long. Besides all of that, though, was that the teacher told us something happened that she did not want to hear anyone making fun of later. That was it. *SPOILER ALERT* As it turned out, one of the characters recounts a rape they went through as a child.

Some thing I can handle with no warning, others I can't. I find that kind of thing to be extremely disturbing, and I barely finished it after that. If there had been a proper warning, then I may have a different view of it, but being required to read something with such a scene without being told beforehand is not ok. Ever since, this book has been colored for me in a very negative light. Since I didn't enjoy it to begin with, I think I am doomed to never like this book.

2. 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad

Have you ever read a book that you couldn't wait to stop reading? That was this one. Situation has very little to do with me disliking this book, I just really didn't like it. Interestingly, I read this book as part of the same class as 'Cold Sassy Tree'. We had been given a list of books to choose from, so I did this one to myself. I remember giving the book report and discussing the end to show that I had read it, but openly admitted how I couldn't stand the book and thus could hardly remember anything that had happened in it. Who knows, maybe if I read it again I would like it. But I doubt it.

3. '1984' by George Orwell, 'Slaughterhouse Five' by Kurt Vonnegut, 'Brave New World' Aldous Huxley

These three are grouped together for a reason, and I am sure that if I read them again I would have a totally different view on them. These I read for class in my Junior year of high school. We read them one after another in extremely quick succession. Now I can read quickly, and I did finish them and score well on the tests. This was a perfect example of having to memorize and regurgitate information, because looking back on them I honestly can't tell the three apart. They blend together in my head so I can't remember what book the part I'm thinking of happened in, or what character belongs to which book.

I know they are all very different and distinct books, but being rushed through them did me no favors as far as really learning from them goes. Like I said, I can read quickly, but I prefer not to. I prefer to go along at the pace that the book guides me along. Some books are quick reads, like Diana's 'Dark Lord of Derkholm', where you pick them up and unintentionally emerge severl hours later wondering what year it is. Other books are slower reads, meant to be savored, like anything by Dickens. These three books I really wanted to take my time with but couldn't due to assignment deadlines and test dates. I have every intention of reading these again to change my view on them. Until then, please forgive me if I start talking about aliens in a conversation about '1984'.

4. 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown

This is another book I intend to read again, though I don't know if it will change my viewpoint on it. This isn't a book I read for class. I picked it up on my own after I had read 'Angels and Demons', one of the books on my favorites list. I found 'The Da Vinci Code' to be nothing like 'Angels and Demons' in it's exciting pace and intrigue that swept me along it's rapids. Unfortunately, I found the sequel to be so tedious that I had to put it down.

I've heard several people say, since I've had this experience, that those who read 'The Da Vinci Code' first more often than not very much enjoyed both books. Those that read 'Angels and Demons' first found the sequel so slow moving that they could hardly finish it. It makes me regret reading 'Angels and Demons' first, but what can I do about that now? Maybe since it's been some time since I've read the first one, I can try the second one again and maybe find it more interesting.

5. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold

This book was recommended to me by someone who ended up almost always suggesting something with some element of rape or brutal sexuality, things that are very much not what I enjoy reading. Where I didn't dislike this individual book, per se, it's more that I ended up disliking the string of books that were suggested to me because I thought this one was ok. So again, this one had more to do with the situation than with the actual content. I thought the difficult passages were done very tastefully, and I loved the part about the dog. 

6. 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub

I went into this book expecting something very different. When it was suggested to me, it somehow came across that it was a collection of short stories. I guess I can see where the mistake was made. It jumped between times and told different stories about the same person that all came together in the end, I imagine. I didn't finish it. I would like to go back to it when I don't have a set of expectations for it to live up to. I bet it would be a much better book then, though I didn't get far enough to understand the significance of the title. I may check out the detailed plot before I pick it up again, though. just to be sure it I have a warning about any difficult material. If I have warning and I can prepare myself, I am normally alright.

7. 'Vamphyri' by Brian Lumley

This is the second installment in the 'Necroscope' series, of which I had read the first one at my husband's request when we first started dating. It was an exciting horror book, with plenty of action and intrigue. Anything that I wouldn't have been able to handle otherwise was done in a way that was clear but not overly graphic. When I started in on the second one, early in the book was a part that really upset me. I put it down an haven't picked it back up since. Some series that are horror based or have difficult material get more and more gritty as you go on, and it seems the 'Necroscope' series does this. I am really sad that I had this reaction, because this series is one of my husband's favorites. I imagine I will someday try to venture into it again for his sake, but not yet.

8. 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

I wanted to like this book so much. I really did. I have found other parodies of 'Pride and Prejudice' to be hilarious, and I really believed this one would be the same. Unfortunately I found the blending of cultures was choppy and poorly done, with overlaps that made no sense. It was so abrupt and jostling that I couldn't manage to stay focused and it seemed like the Jane Austen part of the book was just slapped on to a book that had previously been written. I was very disappointed in this one.

9. 'Audition' by Michael Shurtleff

This book is very valuable and helpful. It makes a lot of sense, and I would say to anyone studying acting to read it. I put it on this list because I had to read it SO MANY TIMES in high school theatre classes. It makes sense and is applicable, yes, but after a while it just started grating my nerves. Again, this one is more about situation than content.

10. 'Glengarry, Glen Ross' by David Mamet

This script is honestly just a bunch of unlikable characters screwing each other over, and yelling and swearing at each other. I have tried to like, I really have. I just don't. I know, I know, it's a great piece of theatrical literature, blah blah blah. I just don't like it. If none of the characters are decent people, if I don't feel any kind of emotional investment in them or their goals, then it's a bad script. Is that part of the point? Maybe. Some people have made that argument. I can accept that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Honestly, anything that has me wondering when it's just going to be over is not something I'm going to give anymore of my time to.


Do you love any of these books? Why? Don't let me own opinion stop you from reading them! I would love to hear from someone that enjoys these books!

2015 Reading Challenge - Always adding new books and updating!

I am doing a Reading Challenge that was shared with me by my good friend, Carla Day! I have had a very late start, but I'm working on it.

Here is the URL if you are interested in joining me on it! 2015 Reading Challenge

Below you will find the list of what I plan to read, what I have read, and what I have yet to choose for the category. Let me know if there are any you would suggest!

1. A book with more than 500 pages - 'Shogun' by James Clavell (recommended by Donna Kutlus and Jon Bryant)
2. A classic romance -  'Persuasion' by Jane Austen
3. A book that became a movie - 'Ella Enchanted' by Gail Carson Levine (recommended by Laura Hilton)
4. A book published this year - 'Go Set A Watchmen' by Harper Lee (recommended by Toni Lancey)
5. A book with a number in the title - 'Counting by Sevens' by Holly Goldberg Sloan (recommended by Melanie Barth and Mighty Girls)
6. A book written by someone under 30 - 'Hollow City' by Ransom Riggs
7. A book with non-human characters - 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame
8. A funny book - 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett
9. A book by a female author - 'Goldie Blocks' by Debbie Sterling (This is a kids book and it comes with toys. I'm really psyched for this one.)
10. A mystery or thriller -
11. A book with a one word title - 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters (recommended by Lisa Ferguson)
12. A book of short stories - 'Witches and Ghosts, Pirates and Thieves, Murder and Mayhem' compiled by John P. Hunter
13. A book set in a different country - 'Bamboo People' by Mitali Perkins (recommended by Terry Doherty)
14. A nonfiction book - 'Indoor Kitchen Gardening' by Elizabeth Millard (I picked this one up at the Denton Public Library!)
15. A popular author's first book -
16. A book from an author you love but haven't read yet - 'Reflections' by Diana Wynne Jones
17. A book a friend recommended - 'Eyes of the Dragon' by Stephen King (recommended by Jon Bryant)
18. A Pulitzer Prize winning book -
19. A book based on a true story -
20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list -
21. A book your mom loves - 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens
22. A book that scares you - 'A Clockwork Orange' by 
23. A book more than 100 years old - 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas (published in 1844, recommended by Jon Bryant)
24. A book based entirely on the cover -
25. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't - 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (another recommended by Melanie Barth)
26. A memoir - 'Still Foolin' 'Em' by Billy Crystal (recommended by Jon Bryant)
27. A book you can finish in a day - 
28. A book with antonyms in the title -
29. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit -
30. A book that came out the year you were born -
31. A book with bad reviews -
32. A trilogy - 'Inkheart', 'Inkspell', and 'Inkdeath' by Cornelia Funke
33. A book from your childhood - 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien
34. A book with a love triangle - 'Splintered' by A.G. Howard
35. A book set in the future - 'Old Man's War' by John Scalzi (recommended by Lisa Ferguson)
36. A book set in high school - 'Shadow's Edge' by Maureen Lipinski
37. A book with a color in the title - 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker
38. A book that made you cry - 'Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher' by Bruce Coville
39. A book with magic - 'Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh' by R.L. LaFevers (recommended by Deanna Easton)
40. A graphic novel - 'Fun Home' by Allison Bechdel (recommended by Tyler Murphy)
41. A book by an author you've never read before - 'Naked Lunch' by William Burroughs (recommended by David Pierce)
42. A book you own but have never read - 'The Man in the Iron Mask' by Alexandre Dumas (recommended by Eden Lakner)
43. A book that takes place in your hometown - 'Ghosts of Denton' by Shelly Tucker (Denton isn't technically my hometown, but I can't find any books set in Sharon Springs, NY. I wasn't born there, either, but I was 8 months old when we left Cleveland, Ohio, so I don't really count that as my hometown, either.)
44. A book that was originally written in a different language - 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (recommended by Donna Kutlus)
45. A book set during Christmas - 'The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus' by L. Frank Baum
46. A book written by an author with your same initials - 'Home from the Sea' by Mercedes Lackey
47. A play - 'The 39 Steps' by Patrick Barlow (recommended by Mike Strecher)
48. A banned book -
49. A book based on or turned into a tv show - 'America Entertains' by David Tutera
50. A book you started but never finished - 'The Crown of Dalemark' by Diana Wynne Jones

Red means I have read it! Blue means I am currently reading it. If it is black and followed by a blank, then I need recommendations. If it is black but filled in, then it is on my list. Comment with recommendations!

Terry Pratchett Passes On

I didn't know Terry Pratchett. I'm not a journalist. I am not even an avid reader of his books, as much as I wish I was. Though several of his books are on my "To Read" list, the only ones I've read at this point are 'Going Postal', and I am currently working on 'Making Money'. Two books in his extensive career are hardly enough for me to have a real sense of his work or appreciate it as much as it is due.

In that case, I don't think I should write an obituary for the man. There are plenty of them out there, and they can convey his colorful career and deep connections with friends and family better than I could. Instead, I'd like to discuss how people we have never met, often authors, actors, and others in the arts, leave such a lasting impression on us that when they pass, it feels as though a close friend has left us.

When I found out Diana Wynne Jones had passed away, I was inconsolable for days. I had never met the woman, hadn't written any fan mail to her, hadn't ever tried to contact her. We didn't even live in the same country. She had no idea I existed. But I was very aware that she did. Her books made such an impression on me that my taste in literature has been colored ever since. My writing style, and love of fantasy and fiction were cultivated by her books. I harbored a slight resentment at J.K. Rowling, at first, because I noticed so many similarities in the Harry Potter series as I did with Jones' novels, like Chrestomanci. I got over the very quickly, though, and read Rowling's books.

Jones' books have gotten me through difficult times by being a steady source of comfort and learning. There is always something new to find in her books, no matter how many times I've read them. I've probably read 'Howl's Moving Castle' 20 or 30 times, and I have every intention of reading it 20 or 30 times more.

So while I didn't have that kind of relationship with Pratchett's books, I absolutely understand the kind of grief that is being expressed over Pratchett's passing, especially at such a young age (only 66) from something has nefarious as Alzheimer's. Couple that with Leonard Nimoy's recent passing, and the passing of Robin Williams (who played one of my favorite versions of Peter Pan), Mickey Rooney (a regular voice actor as Santa Claus for the claymation Christmas specials) and Richard Attenborough, (another wonderful Santa Claus), it only makes sense that we should feel this passing so sharply.

When Diana passed, it seemed that no one understood why I should be so bereft and disconsolate over the passing of a woman I had never met. Some of these people are expressing a similar kind of sorrow over Pratchett's passing. Where I find myself irritated that they attempted to invalidate my grief that is so similarly present in themselves over Pratchett's passing, I also understand absolutely where they are coming from.

What I am saying is that it is perfectly fine to feel this sorrow. So what if others don't understand it? That doesn't matter. Your sadness is valid, and it matters. Pratchett, like so many other authors, touched so many lives with his books and left such lasting impressions. It's beautiful, really. So let yourself process the grief, and spread your love of his books around. That's one of the best ways you can honor his legacy.

How did Pratchett impact your life? What books of his do you love? Are there any other authors that have had a similar impact for you?

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month!

Endometriosis is a very nasty disease that impacts around 8.5 million North American women and 176 million women worldwide. It has a lot of awful symptoms, like infertility, pain with intercourse, painful urination and bowel movements, and extreme abdominal pain. It's hard to live with. It takes 8 to 11 years on average to diagnose. It's hard to treat. It can bring on depression and anxiety in the same way any chronic disease can. To be perfectly honest, endometriosis sucks.

When I first realized there was a problem and started having some major health concerns, I lost pretty much every friend I had. Whether it was because hey couldn't relate, or they didn't understand, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that when I was in the most need of support from them, they bailed. The sad part is, this seems to be pretty common.

You can't be as social as you used to be. It's no fun seeing someone you care about in pain. It's not like other diseases, with set treatments and cures, so it can often seem to someone on the outside that you aren't doing anything about this disease that they can't even see. The same can be said of the many doctors who still believe that women are just meant to feel pain, doctors that won't listen to us about our symptoms or our pain, that brush us off as drug addicts when we say we need help managing this pain that makes it difficult to live our lives.This isn't an excuse for their behavior at all. I say this to highlight just how difficult it can be to live with this disease. I say this to highlight how alone you can feel.

Thankfully, the Internet allows for plenty of resources to turn to. Online support groups, blogs about personal stories, informative articles, and research all exist out there in the ether of the Internet. They are there if you look for them, so even if the people in your physical life aren't there for you, I bet you can find the beginnings of a support structure online.

It's scary to go out looking for yourself when you feel out of touch, though. Maybe you don't know what this disease you're living with really is. Maybe you don't understand how medication impacts it. Maybe you don't get why you feel searing pain in your low abdomen when you walk by a heavily scented store. If you want to get more educated about endometriosis, the resources out there for it, different treatment options, and a whole gold mine of other knowledge, I'd say turn to these three books. They've helped me a lot, and when I can't seem to communicate with my family about what's going on, I can just hand them my copy and tell them what chapter I want them to read.


The first two come from the Endometriosis Association and Mary Lou Ballweg:

'The Endometriosis Sourcebook' and 'Endometriosis: The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health' are both books available for sale on Amazon.com. I have also seen the latter in stores such as Barnes and Noble, and they are affordable. Brand new, 'The Complete Reference...' is $18.95. They contain a collection of articles from various sources that discuss what endometriosis is, and the role of several variables on the disease, from hormones to nutrition to surgery. There are also resources and discussions of how depression can impact it, different medications and treatments, and even articles meant for spouses, family, and friends about how to be supportive. One of my favorite parts is a cartoon series called 'Joe with Endo', a comic that can help men understand the challenges of endo by having a male character, Joe, going through the challenges. Switching the roles can be a powerful tool in helping people put themselves into the shoes of others, and this cartoon does that very well.

The next book that I have found very helpful is 'The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Well-Being' by Valeria Ann Worwood and published in 2007. It goes in depth with helping women find ways to properly track their symptoms, and ideas on how to organize the information. There are lists of resources in the book, and also plenty of information about nutrition, supplements, exercise, and alternative methods of health care that include massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.

There are SEVERAL books on endometriosis, so this is by no means a comprehensive list. These are just the ones that I have used the most personally. There are others I would like to check out, but just haven't had a chance to yet.

If this is something you or a loved one is dealing with, do your research in alignment with working with your health care provider. Be open and honest with your symptoms and discussion of what you have found in your research and what you would like to talk about. Discuss methods of health care you're interested in, and be your own advocate. Look for support structures and support groups, either in person or online. Below is a list of different websites that can help:

The Endometriosis Association

Endo the Pain

Endometriosis: The Global Forum

There are also several groups on Facebook, so don't stop with just these three options above!

I believe we can find a cure within our lifetimes so that our daughters don't have to live with this horrible disease. Let's find a cure for all our EndoSisters!

The Ten Best Books to Read Out Loud

I love reading out loud.It's one of my favorite things to do. When my husband and I want to read the same book, we take turns reading chapters out loud to each other. If a friend or family member is in the hospital, I enjoy visiting them and reading out loud. Reading out loud to children is such fun for me, and I love imitating the voices of different characters. This is where my love of theatrics and acting comes out. I really love reading out loud.

As such, my favorite books are great to read out loud. To avoid being repetitive I will restrict myself to only one from my favorites book list to include in this list.

1. 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond
This book is such a sweet book that is so nostalgic for me. It's not only a book, but it's been performed on stage for children and is also available on CD. It's a wonderful book to read to your children and the children of friends and family. There is also a companion book called 'If You Give A Moose a Muffin', just in case the little ones in your life can't get enough of the exponential logic of silliness!

2. 'Fox in Socks' by Dr. Seuss
This book is such a fun read because it is meant to be read out loud. It's one giant tongue twister! Don't be discouraged if you stumble- that's part of the fun! My godson loves it when I stumble over the words and we always have a good laugh over it. It's even fun to challenge one of your friends to- have a tongue twister contest with it if you don't have a child to read it out loud to.

3. 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones
This is my all-time favorite book. This book is my favorite book to read out loud to loved ones who are ill (or simply to get them interested in my favorite author). It is an exciting book that isn't too extreme or stressful. It is a fun book, with a lot of adventure and wonderful voices to imitate. My favorite voice, which took me a while to finally get the way I wanted it to sound, is the voice of Calcifer, the fire demon. It is a great book to read out loud to children and adults alike.

4. 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens
This book is one of my mother's favorite books, and very early on it became one of mine, too. This is one of Dickens' shorter books, and could easily be read through the month of December before the Christmas holidays to help get people in the spirit. Don't be intimidated by Dickens' language. it really isn't hard, and this particular book has a lot of humor in it. Interestingly, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a filmed version that makes good use of quotes from the book and I highly suggest that version if you want to watch a version to introduce young readers to the book.

5. 'Seasons' by Robert Frost
This is a book of poems by Robert Frost. I specify this particular collection because the poems are grouped together by season, and accompanied by gorgeous photos. Reading out loud isn't just about the words you're reading, but also about the visuals, and this book really transports you into the world Frost is writing about.

6. 'Inkheart' by Cornelia Funke
I first heard this book as a book on tape when I had an hour commute both ways while going to massage school in Florida. It's a longer book, and takes some time to read out loud because of the length. If you saw the movie, you might have a lighter impression of the book. This is the first in a trilogy, followed by 'Inkspell' and 'Inkdeath'. As you can imagine, it's a darker book than the movie might let on, but it's a beautiful story that really explores the depth of human emotion, love, ambition, and creativity. If you have a long road trip coming up, I suggest having a companion read it out loud or getting the audiobook.

7. 'The Horse and His Boy' by C.S. Lewis
This is my favorite book of the Narnia series, and the most underrated in my humble opinion. It takes place during 'The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe', and follows the story of a boy escaping his life of servitude into the northern country of Narnia on a Horse named Bree. I don't think it's ever been turned into a film, which I find to be a great tragedy.

8. 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series has arguable made a huge impact in encouraging young children to read, and has been doing so for many years. I love her books, and the fact that they age with her readers. I got to grow up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, since I was 11 when the first one came out. It is such a wonderful book to read out loud, and I suggest it to anyone who wants to get their children into reading.

9. 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson
I adore Stevenson's books, 'Treasure Island' most of all. There have been so many adaptations of this book, into cartoons, movies, and stage plays. It is a well known story, but with several elements that are often left out of films, so there will be plenty of new material to experience. It is such an adventurous book with plenty of danger and intrigue, and a great book to read out loud to anyone.

10. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien
This book is a great one to read for young adults. I've heard several people say that Tolkien's books are better left to adult, and I profoundly disagree with this statement. I read 'The Hobbit' when I was in elementary school. I think I was in 5th grade. It is a great book to read out loud, for many of the same reasons as 'Treasure Island', and is a great introduction to Tolkien's books.

Reading out loud is a wonderful way to introduce friends and family to your favorite books and authors, as well as encourage a love of reading in young people. Are there any books you enjoy reading out loud? Tell me in the comments!

Guest Piece - Masks of Watchmen by Jon Bryant

Here is the first guest piece! Jumping off from the discussion of masks earlier, Jon Bryant takes a closer look at three masks in Watchmen.

Warning! Contains content intended for mature audiences and spoilers!

Hello all! Welcome to the very first guest post here on No Wasted Words. I’m here to talk about an interesting subject regarding the literary world. Symbolism. Yes, I know, English classes throughout the world have crushed the desire to analyze symbolism in pretty much everybody. But today I’m talking about comics!

That’s right. Comics. Or for those of you that prefer this small dignity, Graphic Novels. My favorite graphic novel is Watchmen. Yes, I am aware of the atrocious movie but Marygail will be talking about that one later. Probably the most important symbol in the serial is the mask. I know it seems obvious that a comic book about superheroes would have masks be an important symbol, but trust me. It goes deeper than you think.

Hooded Justice

What basic purpose of a mask it to hide one’s true identity. That is where our first mask comes to play, with Hooded Justice, the first costumed hero in the Watchmen universe. All the basic rules of superheroing apply to good ol’ HJ. But did you know that the mask serves as a barrier between him and his sexuality? That’s right, HJ is not only the first superhero, he’s the first gay superhero as well. The mask is his method of staying within the metaphorical closet. He, along with Silhouette and Captain Metropolis, were homosexual and sought to keep this information secret due to the inevitable backlash that would arise if they were found out. In the sad case of Silhouette, her orientation was exposed and she was murdered because of it. Interestingly enough, Silhouette never wore a mask. Perhaps this is because she felt she shouldn't have to hide who she was, unlike her masculine compatriots.

The Comedian

Our second mask belongs to The Comedian. He has three masks throughout the course of the serial: his domino mask, his full face mask, and the mask of human society. The first two are basic superhero necessity, his domino mask concealed his identity and his full face mask offered more protection during his more violent escapades later in life. His third mask is purely metaphorical. His is a reflection of the society in which he lives- a society obsessed with violence and sex, that seeks to claw its way to the top, no matter who it has to crush underfoot to do so. Some would say he is a sociopath that simply enjoys inflicting pain on others and has the good sense to inflict it on people that the law says deserves it. Others would say that he is a cosmic joke. I tend to agree with the latter. He is a parody of the American way, pulling himself up by his bootstraps and trampling any and all that get in the way of his manifest destiny. Underneath it all, he is a broken human being that needs intensive psychiatric help. Though his name is The Comedian there is no one laughing, and that is the joke.

Rorschach

Our third and final mask belongs to Rorschach. His mask is not the swirling motes of black contained within that white cloth, it is what lies beneath that. Rorschach’s flesh and blood face is, in fact, his mask. It is what keeps his identity secret. You see, Rorschach lost all touch with his previous identity when he found the absolute lowest nature of humanity, a woman being raped and murdered while people watched and did nothing. He made the mask as a replacement for his face, in order to have something he could stand looking at in the mirror. He outright tells the police to give him back his face at one point while being arrested when the police remove it. Clearly he suffers from several mental disorders, but that is not what forms his new face. His new face is formed by his absolute disgust with humanity and the various lows to which they sink. His belief as a boy was that the ends justified the means. This is shown by his former admiration for president Truman dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Later when Veigt’s plan is uncovered and put into action, he cannot abide by this mindset. He knows that the needs of the many do not, in fact, outweigh the needs of the few. Despite his various psychoses and disdain for the majority of human life, he ends up being the best human being in the serial.

There you have it: a mask that hides homosexuality from a homophobic world, a mask of cosmic parody, and a mask that serves as a true face. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Watchmen. We also have symbolism with clock faces, smiley faces, and pirate ships. What do you think of these masks? Was I off the mark? Are there more important masks? Answers to these questions and more can be found in the comments.

Note on images: Please follow the links in the captions for more information.

Seven Literary Masks

When I was in New Orleans, I got myself a souvenir that is such a symbol of New Orleans and it's main festival, Mardi Gras. I got a mask! It is a beautiful mask that I will include a photo of later.

The mask is a very interesting piece of costuming, with a rich history in the arts, including visual arts, theatre, literature, film... the list goes on. The mask is a symbol of mystery, deception, disguise, sensuality, and celebration. Based on the type of mask, the symbolism changes.

Take, for instance, the Italian theatre form called commedia dell'arte . This is where we get the stock characters commonly seen in modern sitcoms and other forms of storytelling, and masks were a very central part of these characters. The character 'Pantelone' is the dirty old man, rich and miserly. The mask often had bushy eyebrows and facial hair to signify age, with the occasional pair of spectacles. A long, hooked nose was common. 'Capitano' was the boastful soldier who, despite his constant stories of success on the battlefield, would flee at the first sign of a fight. His mask had a long nose, a phallic symbol, but also often contained design elements from North Africa, where he often served as a soldier. It was meant to represent a dichotomy between the brave and aggressive soldier, and the cowardly nature. There is a whole treasure trove of symbolism in the mask, especially in regards to commedia. 

All of this made me thinking of where masks have been seen in literature, and I have compiled a short list. Some of these I have read, others I have not. I would love to discuss the mask in more detail with these books, but I will wait until I have finished reading all of these. 

1. The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas 

This novel was first published in serial form from 1847 to 1850. It is the fourth and final volume of the d'Artagnan Romances.

2. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

This was first published in September of 1909. We have all, undoubtedly, heard of the musical inspired by the book of the same name. It is a common literary reference, which has inspired many parodies and adaptations to the stage and film, and even other novels that seek to answer questions about the Phantom's mysterious past. 

3. The Red Mask of Death by Edgar Allen Poe

This short story was published in 1842. It has been adapted into various stage productions. Poe is known for his frightening horror stories, and this one is no exception. It is in public domain so can be found to read online or in various collections of his works. If you like this one, I suggest moving on to some of his other works.

4. The Mask by William Butler Yeats

This is one of the many poetic works written by Yeats, who lived from 1865-1939. I love reading his works out loud, and this one is no exception. It can be found online or in poetry collections.

5. Watchmen by Alan Moore

This graphic novel was published in 1986. I'll be honest, I haven't read it. It is a violent graphic novel, and I have a hard time with that. I will read it eventually, when I feel ready to face the violence it contains. It speaks a great deal about social issues and the human condition as it follows the stories of various superheroes, including the ever changing mask of Rorschach. Masks play a huge role in the world of superheroes and supervillains. I can hardly include them all here, so I have chosen just this one. 

6. The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine

I loved reading this series of books when I was younger. There are so many that I know I didn't even read half of the collection, and it's something I have often thought of. I would love to try to read them all. This particular book was published in 1993, and follows the main character of Carly Beth on Halloween when she buys a mask to get even with all the people who frightened and humiliated her.

7. The Phantom of the Auditorium by R. L. Stine

This book was published in 1994, and is a clear reference to The Phantom of the Opera. It is a great introduction to the story for younger readers who enjoy spooky stories but may not be ready to read the classic book that inspired this one.

This list barely scratches the surface. Have you read any of these books? Are there any books, poems, or songs that use the mask as a literary element you enjoy that I didn't include? Let me know what you thought of them!

Spellbound by New Orleans

Sorry for not writing in for the last few days. I was in New Orleans, Louisiana! Golden Key International Honor Society was having their Regional Summit. I serve as the Service Director for Denton's UNT Chapter.

It was a really interesting trip! I didn't get as much reading done as I would have liked, nor did I get to explore the city as much as I would have wanted. I guess that just gives me an excuse to go back, soon, though!

For those of you who don't know what Golden Key is, it is the world's largest collegiate honor society. It applies to the top 15% of college students, and invitations are sent out on a yearly basis. We also have a host of honorary members. Some big name members you might be familiar with include Walt Disney, Elie Wiesel (author of 57 books, including 'Night'), Bill Clinton... you get the drift. We're pretty much awesome.

Golden Key has three pillars that members dedicate themselves to- academics, leadership, and service. As far as service goes, Golden Key has a program called Spark A Change, which has a mission of improving the lives of at risk youth, ages 0-17, through "literacy, education, and real-world preparedness". Now that's something I can get behind! You can expect to see future blogs about the UNT chapter's efforts with Spark A Change, especially as far as literacy goes. What Spark a Change means by "at-risk" is those that are statistically more likely, due to a variety of circumstances, to fail in the area of academics. These circumstances take into account socioeconomic status, demographic background, behavioral challenges, failing grades, etc. Basically, Spark A Change wants to make sure everyone gets the chance to succeed instead of being burdened with additional challenges brought on by circumstances out of the child's control. They keep track of meeting this goal by aiming to raise $40,000 (at this time we are at $2,209), and counting the number of hours volunteered and the number of lives touched. At the conference, we did workshops and service projects. My favorite service project was making bookmarks.

This is the bookmark I made. What can I say? I love dogs. It brings a new meaning to the term dog-eared. *rimshot* My husband made me say that, blame him for any groans.

On the back I wrote the Groucho Marx quote I heard at the Little Free Library dedication. "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."



The events and workshops were a lot of fun and very informative. I'm excited to do more work with Spark A Change.

After everything was said and done, on Sunday before we left I got to take a look at a few really interesting spots! We didn't have much time, so I only got to go to two historic literary spots, but I did get to see a
restaurant called Huck Finn's, and a gay bar called Oz. There are literary references everywhere!

New Orleans has hosted a plethora of famous authors, including Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Anne Rice, William Faulkner, Thornton Wilder, and several others. It's the setting for several literary works from these authors. I got to see where Tennessee Williams lived, as well as Thornton Wilder's home!

This plaque is on the outside of 722 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Tennessee Williams set one of his most famous plays, 'A Streetcar Names Desire', in New Orleans. Since my bachelor's degree is in Drama, this was a really special place for me!

Thornton Wilder is also a playwright, who penned such plays as 'Our Town' and 'The Skin of Our Teeth'. Since I only had enough time to visit one more house, and this one was close, I decided to stop here at 623 Bourbon Street. 

You can go on a self guided walking tour of these houses, along with the houses of others I mentioned above. The addresses are listed in New Orleans Visitor's Guides. Don't miss out on this, because it has you right in the French Quarter, and you get to wander down Bourbon Street, where Marie Laveau's Voodoo Shop is! Next time I go, I'll be sure to stop by Truman Capote's and Anne Rice's homes, along with the cemetery which we were too late to see.

On the way back to the car, we stopped by another literary place that I was quite excited about- Kitchen Witch! It was filled with so many cookbooks, old and new. I even saw a copy of 'The Booklover's Guide to New Orleans'! I didn't buy it, though. I'll have to do it later. One of our party bought a Cajun cookbook for his husband, who is a fabulous cook. I can't wait to taste the recipes in it!

I loved the trip, and I can't wait to go back. New Orleans is a city rich with culture, history, and literary significance. Inside Kitchen Witch was a sign that pretty much sums up my basic needs, and I loved it. I'll have to get one for my home.

I have to get back to my books, husband, and cat. They all missed me while I was away, but probably nowhere near as much as I missed them. Until next time, don't forget to...