Ciao! I hope everyone is doing good. I had a different post planned altogether as I’m behind schedule with new material, but I couldn’t resist doing this fun post after seeing areadingwritr do it this week. It’s not going to be an every Tuesday thing, but I’ll love to do a few more at some point.
The Artsy Readerโs Top Ten Tuesday ‘s theme for the week is all about Super Long Book Titles. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of loooonngggg book titles, but most of them are probably forgotten by now. I’m going to share 10 long titles that are on my TBR (most of them are Paris-based).ย
1. Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King by Antonia Fraser
Every year, I keep saying that I’ll get to this book, but I’m yet to pick it up… sadly.ย
2. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Another book that’s been collecting dust on the TBR.
3. We’ll Always Have Paris: Trying and Failing to Be French by Emma Beddington
I’m actually close to reading this memoir!
4. Eiffel’s Tower and the World’s Fair: Where Buffalo Bill Beguiled Paris, the Artists Quarreled, and Thomas Edison Became a Count by Jill Jonnes
This is probably the longest title I own!ย
5. The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino
Can’t wait to read about this iconic street!
6. The Lost King of France: How DNA Solved the Mystery of the Murdered Son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by Deborah Cadbury
I was going to add this book to the wishlist when I realized that I already have it in my TBR!
7. Bright Lights Paris: Shop, Dine & Live…Parisian Style by Angie Niles
Ah, Paris, the capital of everything! I look forward to probably breezing through this book soon.
8. The knowledge of the holy: The attributes of God, their meaning in the Christian life by A.W. Tozer
I can’t wait to read this book, but I have to be in a good headspace to start.
9. Letters to a Law Student: A Guide to Studying Law at University by Nicholas J. McBride
I got this book during my law phase and although it’s cooled now, I still look forward to reading this book.
10. Learn Japanese: Discover the right approach to Japanese, forget phrases learn how to form your own sentences by Languages World
This book – and several other language books – is for special hoarding purposes.
Well, that was fun! How about you? Do you have a book with a super long title to share? Let me know in the comments.
**GIFs/Images that don’t belong to LPM are via Google Search (Right-click for original source)
This should’ve been posted since last month, but today’s the 20th, so hey!ย In no particular order, these are the books I hope to read this year:
1. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
For those of you that read this blog, no explanation is needed. This was my first literature book and the book that made a Francophile out of me. I’m not sure if I’ll get to this book before 2020, but the year’s still young and I’m curious to see if I still like the book… although I don’t think it’ll be a 5-star book anymore.
2. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
This book was only recommended to me 1,000 times. I might’ve exaggerated, but many bookworms have recommended it, so I put it on the list. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from EH, so this short novel should be the first.ย
3. 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die by Peter Boxall
1001? I’m certain that I haven’t read 90% of the books in there and if I did, I probably strongly disliked them. I love lists, but don’t tell me what to do before I die. However, I’m curious to see how bias this complied list is.
4. Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands
32 writers share their observations and revelations about the world’s most romantic city. I’m naturally intrigued by anything Paris, so this collection of memoirs should hit the spot.
5. Khu: A Tale of Ancient Egypt by Jocelyn Murray
I got this book for two things: the cover and the location. I honestly have no idea what the story is about so it’ll be a surprise read.
6. Napoleon by Andrew Roberts
This man! In 1804, Napoleon declared himself emperor for life. He is one of history’s greatest military leaders and although he won many battles, the defeat at Waterloo probably haunted him to death. When simulations are run today, they show the French winning, so he had no right to lose. However, like Nebuchadnezzar and many other heads of state over the years, they needed to learn WHO really is in charge.ย
7. Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser
This man! I’ve been trying to read this book for so many years now, but I keep putting it off. Louis XIV is fascinating, but I am more intrigued by the way he handled his crown and put France on the map. I’m actually looking forward to reading the detailed part of this Sun King’s reign.
8. Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
I am only familiar with a few works from this man that is said to be a genius and one of the most influential writers in American literary history. I recall “The Tell-Tale Heart” because it was one of the first short stories I had to read for a writing class and also in Spanish. Then there is “Annabel Lee” because I listened to Matthew Gray Gubler read it with such emotion. EAP sounds like an acquired taste, so I’m quite curious to see if it’s a taste that I’ll enjoy.
9. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
I don’t normally chase after Christian Literature, but it’s A.W. Tozer. This book focuses on God’s character throughout and I can’t wait to get into it.
10. Akhenaten, Dweller in Truth by Naguib Mahfouzย
I’ve had this book on my TBR for the longest while, and I am hoping that this is the year that I can finally get this Sun King off it. When I came across it, I had to remind myself that this is a novel and not a history book about the heretic King.
11. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
I have no idea as to how I’ve never read this book in my teenage years. Absolutely no idea! Inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, the protagonist Edmond Dantรจs appears to capture so many hearts, that I am hoping he can live up to the hype when I get into this book.ย
12. How the French Invented Love by Marilyn Yalom
When this book first came out – I think it was 2012 – I couldn’t wait to put my hands on it. Then I got it and I dumped it into the ever-growing pile of TBR and forgot all about it… until now. The French didn’t invent love, God did, but the French are so devoted to the pleasures of love, I can’t even stereotype it. Throughout centuries, the French have been exemplary when it comes to showing affection and it’s been recorded in their movies and printed in their literature, but the question is: are they truly the world’s greatest lovers? Eh, anybody can love. This book focuses on love through the eyes of French culture and literature.
13. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Here’s the thing: I tried reading this book waaaayyy back and I just couldn’t get into it so when I came across it in my TBR, the first thought was to throw it out, but I relented because I believe in second chances. I also couldn’t get into the movie because Keira Knightley does nothing for me. Neither do Jude Law, or Matthew Macfadyen or any of the actors for that matter. The book was first published in 1878 and many writers consider it to the greatest work of literature ever.ย
14. A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
I could never get into books from Caribbean authors for we tend not to see eye to eye. V.S. Naipaul fits perfectly into this category and that’s why I stayed away from reading any work of his for so long, but now, the time has come for that moment of truth, so I really hope to get around to this one before the year ends.ย
15. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
I have no idea what this book is about, I just want to read it, although I didn’t like the last book I read from this author.ย
16. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
This memoir describes Jean-Dominique Bauby’s life before and after suffering a massive stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome. The entire book was dictated, letter by letter, by the blinking of his left eye. He died two days later after the publication of his book. I look forward to actually reading this book.
17. The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport
Their story is a tragic one. This book is a look at the last royal family of Russia and I look forward to seeing how Rappaport painted these girls’ portraits.
18. Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman
This warrior needs no introduction, but I’ve had this book on my TBR for too long and it’s time to finally get over it.
19. 1984 by George Orwell
This book mirrors a lot of what’s happening in the world today. Written in 1949, this book is said to be a great masterpiece and reasonably “prophetic”. People are in awe of his psychic skills when in fact, God warned us about what was going to come to pass in these last days if we don’t repent in a book written way before 1984 called the Bible for it’s the living and standing Word.
20. The Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia
This epic mythological tale is regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature and the second oldest religious text after the Pyramid Texts. I think it’s a knockoff of the Bible as do all mythologies, but hey, I gotta read it before I knock it. It’s been on my TBR like forever, so I’ll try to get to this one before the year kisses us adieu.ย
To be honest, I am not sure if I’ll even get to read all the books that I mentioned here, but I am looking to expand my reading horizons a little. Lately, I’ve been engrossed in French Literature and I could’ve easily listed 20 French books I’ll love to read before the end of 2020.
What books are you looking forward to reading this year?
***GIFs/Images that don’t belong to LPM are via Google Search (Right-click for original source)ย
I love fun challenges and when I read theย 30 interesting questions challengeover on Stories of Hope blog, I just had to participate. This post was supposed to have been done since last month, but I am always late to the party.
Let’s do this!
1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?
Well, almost everyone calls me Dee and I have no problem with that at all.
2. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?
I don’t doodle much as before, but does this…
…count? It’s the last thing I did sometime back in November or so.ย
3. What do you do if you canโt sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and turn? Try to get up and do something productive?
I recite Psalm 91 and pray. Another great one is Psalm 4.
4. Do people consider you as talkative or quiet?
I am both talkative (especially if we’re talking about God, the Bible, travels, etc.) and quiet.
5. What makes you cry?
When people accept/return to God acknowledging Him as their EVERYTHING. And humanity…
6. What is your biggest pet peeve?
When the Lord’s name is taken in vain. I also dislike it when people listen to music via their headset really loud. Like, what’s the use of having a headset if other people are going to be hearing your music?
7. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
I normally look in the mirror when I’m leaving the house.
8. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
That people entered inside the television set from behind to be on TV. ๐
9. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
Guilty pleasure? What is that? Here I quote the great Matthew Gray Gubler:ย โDonโt feel guilty if you like something.โ
10. Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?
11. How often do you read the newspaper? Which sections?
I don’t read the newspapers, but I do read news online once or twice a week.
12. Which animal scares you the most?ย
This question is very subjective so I’ll give a pragmatic answer: diseased animals.
13. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?
I run away from conflicts.ย
14. What was the most recent compliment you received?
It was from my sister in Christ, Leiya. She said that she enjoys watching me grow in Christ. ๐
15. What question are you tired of hearing?
Do you watch Game of Thrones?No. Just no.
Is Annie okay?ย Of course, she is! She was a CPR mannequin for Smooth Criminal’s sake! She saved millions of lives!
Why do you like Tom Cruise?ย You, do you.
Why do you support France and not Spain?Last time I checked, Messi wasn’t Spanish and it was Les Bleus who got me into football, not FC Barcelona or Argentina for that matter.ย ย
16. What is the strangest thing you have eaten?
I’m not an adventurous eater so I have to go with pepperoni. ๐
17. Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends?
Close friends that I cherish and love.
18. Do you have a catchphrase?
None I can think of at the moment so I guess I don’t have one.
19. Whatโs your all-time favorite town or city? Why?
San Fernando! It’s the most beautiful place in the south and it should’ve been the capital of Trinidad. The people there are very different than the town people and they don’t have time to mind your business. And the hill’s got a panoramic view!
20. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
I love the name my parents gave me so I don’t see the need for changing it.
21. When was the last time you lied?
Let’s see…
22. Whatโs something that amazes you?
Simply God. Especially the way He answers prayers!ย
23. Would you rather be the first person to explore a planet or be the inventor of a drug that cures a deadly disease?
The inventor for I wouldn’t be able to explore another planet anyway given the firmament God put in place.
24. What is your favorite amateur activity?
Reading and also walking to clear my mind while communicating with God.
25. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
Another day? Thank You, God! ๐
26. What is your favorite song (at least for the moment)?
“All I Want” by Michael W. Smith.
27. List someone you know, and describe them in 5 words.
Lee is caring, eager, driven, focus, and learning.
28. You can select one person from history and have them truthfully answer one question. Who would you select and what would the question be?
Oh my! So many people! Here are a few:
Albert Einstein:ย Why canโt you take the time to fix your hair? And why would a grown man be sticking his tongue out of his mouth?
King Solomon:ย How did you ever make time to communicate with your 700 wives one on one?
King Louis XIV: You were four-years-old when you ascended the throne and you became the longest reigning monarch in Europe. How did your longevity affect your reign?
Napoleon Bonaparte:ย Why in the world did you continue to trust Talleyrand even after you found out that he was not trustworthy?ย
29. Which celebrity or artist do you resemble the most?
It’s been often said that I look like…
…God! I was created in His image after all. I wouldn’t even give my left foot to look like any of these basic celebrities out here.
30. What do you want me to know?
Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?
This fun challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Thank you to Stories of Hope for allowing me to join in the fun. See her post here:
If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?
This is hard, but I’ll have to go with King Louis XIV because he was an intriguing, fascinating, fabulous, fashionable creature of habit… and he’ll make a great muse for stories!
And he had France in heart, soul, and mind when he made her the most enviable country in the world when he builtย the extravagant Palace of Versailles.
60s, 70s, 80s, 90s: Which decade do you love the most and why?
The 80’s because it gave me the best music I’ve ever experienced and it gave me this man…
I tend to always associate the 80’s with music. ๐
When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
For being a true representative of God. ๐
What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week?ย
Preparing for the World Cup! I am excited for the tournament to kick off already!
This is a wonderful and creative question and I like it very much! But it’s also hard because I can’t invite everyone to dinner. ๐I’ll love to have dinner with my characters, but I think I’ll go with some of my all-time favoriteย people from history. This might get lengthy for most of them are French, all of them are dead, and all of them are menfor I am not easily fascinated by women. Jesus Christ is not a fascination; He is my heart. Here we go:
King Louis XIV – This man revolutionized France, fashion, art, and etiquette. I’ve read about people fainting in his court whenever he entertained. Michael Jackson who? This Louis lasted for 72 years,ย longer than that of any other known European sovereign, and he happens to be my favorite French monarch… for some reason!
King Solomon – The wisest fool who ever lived. Beautifully flawed (who isn’t, though?), but I love the way he wrote and thought him to be a great writer. Shakespeare who? He spoke 3000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs (1 King 4:32) and if he wrote like that, just imagine the poems he wrote for the ladies. ๐
Napolรฉon Bonaparte – He was shrewd and skillful and he conquered much of Europe during his time.ย He wrote Josephine passionate love letters while away on military duties – although the power couple broke up after 8 years – and his said last words were:ย โFrance, the Army, the Head of the Army, Josephine.โ Here’s a nice fun fact: Bonaparte is the 2nd most significant figure in history behind Jesus Christ who is #1 of course! There is no one BIGGER than our King!
Marquis de Lafayette – This Frenchman is the hero of the American Revolution. He was without combat experience and only 19-years-old when he arrived in America. Heย penned one of historyโs most important documents about human and civil rights with the help of Jefferson:ย the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.
Alexandre Dumas – Well, I don’t think I have to talk about this man now! I’ve been talking about him since the year kicked off!ย ๐
Amenhotep IV/Akhenatenย – This Pharoah is known as the Heretic King because he tried to shift Egypt’s traditional religion to sun worship elevating god Aten above mere gods. However, I like to joke that he invented Photoshop and I’ll talk about that in another post someday because I’ve talked too much already.ย
Tutankhaten/Tutankhamunย – Of course I can’t leave out Akhenaten’s son now! As a child, I was fascinated by King Tut and spent time reading/researching about him. He tried to undo his father’s damage, but sadly, he had a short reign.ย
Simon Peter – This fisherman was one of the first followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had several failings, but in the end, he was still chosen to carry out God’s work. He was a natural born leader and outspoken. I love Peter and I’ll devote an entire post to him in the near future.
Alexander the Great – It’s not a dinner without the greatest conqueror who ever lived! He wasย King of the Four Quarters of the World! He was tutored by the great Aristotle and his influence on Greek and Asian culture inspired the Hellenistic period.
Joseph Nicรฉphore Niรฉpceย – He invented photography so Frenchie can take photos of our exciting dinner!
Now, for the menu:
I had fun creating that menu! ๐
Although this was a lengthy post, I enjoyed writing it because I simply love history and I can talk about fascinating people all day.ย
Here I go again buying books, but I have no shame, so eh! I’ll just add them to my ever-growing pile and whine about not having time to read all of them.ย
I’m kidding! I’ll eventually get to all of them and besides, this small book haul might just be my last haul of the year.
Okay! Okay! This is definitely not the last book haul of the year, but it’ll be for the while being. Nevertheless, I got new books (most of them for my birthday) and you know what that means! Happy dance time!
Let’s get to the books!
Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser
I don’t trust British writers when it comes to writing about French history (I’ve had some bias run-ins over the years and had to abandon the book), but I’ll give this woman the benefit of the doubt. I got this book because I’ll read anything on the greatest European monarch who ever lived. I think this might be a 4/5 stars read for it looks really good.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
I’ve been wanting to read this book since last year because I simply love Indian stories! This story has many mixed reviews, but I’ll be going into it neutral for the simple fact that it’s YA. Rishi sounds like a dream, though. I’ll say 3/5.
You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner
I am in love with the cover! Inside contains some drawings and graffiti although I don’t find all of them pretty. I got this book because I wanted to read up on more deaf characters given that I have one of my own. Given that this is a YA, I’ll say a 2-3/5. I really hope I can be proved wrong, though and it’ll be at least a 4 in the end, but I’m not holding my breath because it can easily be a 1.ย
Glitter by Aprilynne Pike
I saw the cover, fell in love, read the synopsis and fell in love even more because it revolves around the Palace of Versailles when King Louis XVI was King. Then I was disappointed when I realized that it’s actually a series and I dislike series unless it’s Alex Cross. In order for me to buy Shatter the sequel, this book must be a 4/5.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
ย
Earlier this year, I thought about doing a Classic Challenge and I just had to get my all-time favorite. This is the first time that I’ve received a stained book from Amazon, but I forgive them for the vinegar stain. It’s been a while since I’ve read this book. When I read it a couple of times back in primary school, it was a five every single time. But I’m not the same reader anymore so I’ll settle for 4/5.
Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu
Bruce Wayne as a teen? Count me in! However, to set the record straight, I could care less about Batman. I just like the fact that Brucie is a wealthy techie freak and he doesn’t need superpowers to be a superhero. Someone once said that wealthy characters are boring, but I have super awesome wealthy characters who aren’t boring and Brucie also proves that theory wrong. This YA is no Clark Kent, but I’ll say 3/5.
Love, Life, and the List byย Kasie West
I’ve always wanted to read materialย by Kasie West and when I saw this overhyped book at my favorite bookstore, I knew that this was the chance to read her. This is a summer read and the synopsis sounds really good. It also looks like a cute story so I’ll say 3/5.
The Christmas Mystery by James Patterson
The trilogy of Monsieur Luc Moncrief is finally complete! I can now read these book shots in one sitting! Base on the back cover, I’ll say this is a 4/5 read! I hope James Patterson can prove me right because I’m not a big fan of the book shot series, but I couldn’t pass up this French detective. I hope he can have his own full-length novel series at some point… assuming that he’s good!
Hidden Order by Brad Thor
I got this book on sale for only $15. Now compare that price to the original price of $78.70! This is the first time I’ve come across this author, but the story sounds good and I look forward to reading it at some point this year. I’ll say this is a 3/5 rating.
And that’s a wrap for now. Whenever I read these books, I’ll come back to the so-call predictions and see if I was right. By the way, did any of you guys happen to read books from this haul? How was your reading experience like?
I might have mentioned them a few times since I’ve started this challenge. James Patterson’s Alex Cross.
Alexandre Dumas’s d’Artagnan who was based on real-life Charles de Batz-Castelmore d’Artagnan. Charles served Louis XIV as captain of the Musketeers of the Guard.
I made a Thursday Ten travel wishlist, but I am yet to schedule it. I’ll love to travel the world, but let’s face it, that’s farfetched at the moment given the times that we’re living in. Anyways, to name a few, I’ll love to visit places such as theย El Deir aka The Monastery in Petra, Jordan; Meteora, Greece;ย the Rice Terrace Fields in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam; Egypt, India, the Amazon, Italy, the Li River in China and of course, EVERYWHERE in France because France is bae. โค
Day 13: Modes of transportation I want to take
A train, helicopter, and motorcycle.
Day 14: I want to learn how to...
…keep growing in my relationship with God, write in calligraphy, draw (I used to be good at this!), write computer code and pilot a helicopter. So many things that I want to do, so little time.
Day 15: Events I want to time travel to
I’ve literally answered this question so many times since I’ve started La Petit Muse, that the question makes me frown every time I come across it. A few events and yes, they might just be the same answers from last time:
* When Jesus first walked the earth. He performed miracles and walked on water, yet, people didn’t believe that the Messiah walked and preached amongst them because they were scattered sheep looking for someone else. Jesus is the ULTIMATE example of what a role model should be and I can’t wait for His Majesty to grace our presence soon. โค
* When Solomon was king. Although he was the wisest man who ever lived, he was also curiously foolish and flawed just like any other human being and his sins speak toย us in this modern day pursuit of materialism. I can go on and on about Solomon, but since I plan on writing about the Bible soon, I’ll have to leave it for now. I would’ve liked to have been present when he built the first temple on Mount Moriah and that majestic palace.
* When King Louis XIV ruled France from Versailles. He contributed so much not only to France but to the world. No wonder why women fainted in his presence (especially when he danced)! Michael Jackson who? Ballet was refined and formalized in Louis’s court. He owns my French historical monarch heart. I like learning about monarchs, but only if they were French and this King is my absolute favorite of the bunch.
Ceeโs Share Your World Challengeย continues this week. Due to the madness of completing the NaNoWriMo challenge, I almost forgot about it.ย
Would you prefer a reading nook or an art, craft, photography studio?
I’ve always wanted a reading nook! This is probably how mine would look like if I ever get around to having one in the future:
Tell how you are feeling today in the form of a weather report. (For example, partly cloudy, sunny with a chance for showers, etc.)
I don’t know how to do this, but partly cloudy, partly sunny, with a chance for heavy showers. The sleep is real! It looks better and better every minute.
If you could witness or physically attend any event past, present or future, what would it be?
I tend to answer this question with the same thing, so let’s see how I can switch it up a little.ย
Past: When Solomon was King, when Jesus walked the earth, and when King Louisย XIV ruled France. That man was fabulous!ย
Present: I already participated in NaNoWriMo. ๐
Future: Jesus Christ’s second coming.
What inspired you or what did you appreciate this past week? ย Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.ย
I’ve been participating in NaNoWriMo this month and now it has come to an end, all I want to do is sleep. I feel like I haven’t slept in months!
King Louis XIV was a fascinating man and King! His reign (1638-1718) lasted for 72 years, longer than that of any other European sovereign. Known as the Sun King, this man was my favorite French King and these were his last words:
“Why do you weep? Do you think I should live forever? I thought dying had been harder.”
ย 
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