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Learning to Empathize with Hedda Gabler
“It’s a liberation to know that an act of spontaneous courage is yet possible in this world. An act that has something of unconditional beauty.”― Henrik Ibsen, Hedda Gabler Reading a play produces a very different experience than seeing it performed before your eyes. In a play, every detail adds layers to the words–the subtleties of tone,…
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: When Society Trades Truth for Lies
“I think there’s a natural goodness built into human beings. You know when you’ve stepped across the line into evil, and it’s your life’s challenge to try and stay on the right side of the line,” (Lucy Gray, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, pp. 493). *** “‘If even the most innocent among us turn…
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Q&A With Bob Shumaker: Author of ‘Return of the Schmooney’
This week, we’re excited to be talking with children’s author Bob Shumaker. After retiring from his sales and marketing company, Bob chose to focus on his lifelong passion of writing. His character the Schmooney was the South Carolina Mascot for Literacy for several years, and also the Simpsonville City Mascot. Now, he’s excited to…
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Return of the Schmooney: Celebrating Differences and Friendship
“All of us have gifts. We are born with them. You just haven’t discovered yours yet.”–Return of the Schmooney, Bob Shumaker Back in 2005, I was captivated by the story of the Schmooney, an adorable creature made up of seven woodland animals. Now, author Bob Shumaker brings the Schmooney back for a whole new take…
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3 Life Lessons From Jane Eyre
One of the strongest female characters I’ve found in literature is Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. In Jane, the reader finds courage and wisdom, an appreciation for the natural world, and a loving spirit. She’s an excellent example for readers to learn from, and there’s far more I can say about her than I fit in…
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The Awakening: The Freedom of Self
“In short, Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman. . . . [mother-women] were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels.” The Awakening by kate chopin, pp. 10 Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, first published in 1899, met with…
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Puddle Pug: A Picture Book On Mud and Friendship
Puddle Pug by Kim Norman was originally published in 2014, but I only recently came across it. This precious gem of a picture book is now a top favorite of mine. Not only is the story utterly adorable, but it’s also a lovely reminder of the wonder of friendship. A Quick Summary Percy the Pug…
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Pygmalion: Fairness and Kindness
“The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she’s treated. I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower girl, and always will; but I know I can be a lady to you, because you always treat me…