Tag Archives: Shakespeare

Book Review – Dead White Guys

Dead White Guys book coverDead White Guys: A Father, His Daughter and the Great Books of the Western World by Matt Burriesci

Matt Burriesci takes the “great books of the Western World,” everything from Plutarch and Aristotle to Shakespeare, John Locke and Karl Marx, and distills them down into short lessons for his daughter. Each chapter focuses on a different lesson and Burriesci connects these classic works to modern times through what amounts to a literary lecture and usually contains some anecdote from Burriesci’s life. The book, meant for his daughter to read when she turns eighteen, succeeds in making the “dead white guys” feel relevant to today’s society, but I felt there was something lacking. I appreciated the laid back tone of a father writing to his daughter but I wanted more analysis or discussion of the literature.

Bookish Gifts

Week #2 of book-related goodies!

  1. The Little Prince Bookends
    Little Prince bookends
  2. Book Pins from Ideal Bookshelf
    Book Pin
  3. Book Lovers Unite Pullover
    Book Lovers Unite pullover
  4. “Eye Heart Books” Vinyl Decal
    Eye Heart Books sitcker
  5. William Shakespeare Cookie Cutter
    Shakespeare cookie cutter
  6. Book Lover Art Print
    Book Lover art print
  7. Temporary Literary Tattoos
    Temporary literary tattoo
  8. Mini Book Necklace
    Mini book necklace
  9. Always Hungry for More Pin
    Always Hungry for More Books Pin
  10. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Bag
    Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy purse

Book Review – Still Star-Crossed

Still Star-Crossed book coverStill Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub

Melinda Taub’s homage to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, takes place in Verona after the events of the play. Romeo, Juliet, Paris, Tybalt, Mercutio and Lady Montague are all dead and Houses Montague and Capulet have pledged peace but in practice, peace proves elusive. Prince Escalus, desperate to protect his city, devises a new plan. Benvolio, nephew and heir of Lord Montague will wed Lady Rosaline, cousin of Juliet. Yet, they have no interest in each other and resolve to find a way to end the violence without marrying. But, an unseen force might have a different plan. Still Star-Crossed is a faithful tribute using the same language and tone of Shakespeare. The characters, though minor in the play, are fully fleshed and real. Melinda Taub’s Verona is mysterious and full of intrigue which makes for enthralling reading. Hopefully the coming television show keep the spirit of this lovely novel.

Check this out… A Grand Treasury of Shakespearean Insults

A Grand Treasury of Shakespearean Insults via ebookfriendly

Shakespearean Insults

In honor of William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday this week…

Some fun/interesting Shakespeare links from around the interwebs.

  1. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Online
  2. 23 Thinks You Didn’t Know About Shakespeare
  3. Which Shakespeare heroine are you?
  4. 13 Everyday Phrases that actually came from Shakespeare
  5. What Shakespeare Knew About Science (excerpt)
  6. Butchered Shakespeare Quotes

shakespere

Check this out… Shakespeare’s plays in 3 panels

Three Panel Plays via Good Tickle Brain

Check out these cool comic versions of Shakespeare’s plays. Below is a little taste…