Thanksgiving

"A Boy's Thanksgiving Day"

"Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood-
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play
Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding",
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!" lines 1-12

by Lydia Maria Child 1844

"The Tyger" by William Blake

More English Literature

"The English Reader, What Every Literate Person Needs To Know"

by Michael Ravitch and Diane Ravitch

This book gives an excellent introduction to English literature; it gives a short biography and then examples of poetry, essays, songs, or memorable speeches, from a long list of English writers, from Queen Elizabeth I through Winston Churchill. Many of the writings I was familiar with, some I had never read before, such as Mary Wollstonecraft's writing "A Vindication of the Rights of Women". She was an early feminist writer and this piece caused an uproar. The speech to the House of Commons that William Wilberforce gave May 12, 1789 is also included in this book. After reading his speech I am now reading a book by John Piper entitled "Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce." I will be posting about this admirable man soon. I usually do not post that I highly recommend a book to read, but I highly recommend the book, "The English Reader". This book will familiarize readers with important writings that all literate people should know.

Barbara Pym

"Excellent Women" by Barbara Pym
I had never heard of the writer Barbara Pym but a friend on shelfari introduced me to her. Barbara Pym is a English writer that wrote several books in the 1950's. "Excellent Women" is the first and only book I have read so far. I was happy to read a book that is easy to read, unpretentious, straight forward, and uncomplicated. The time period for this story is shortly after WWII, in London. It is the story of an unmarried woman "just over 30" named Mildred Lathbury. She enjoys having tea with and eating out with friends, church, observing and peeking into the lives of other people, and she also wonders what being married would be like. She has new neighbors, a unconventional married couple that she becomes friends with, she secretly thinks the husband is handsome. But Mildred is practical and after all, happy with her life.