authors | Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Bibliophile Collective Tuesday – Which Novel Plot is Your Favourite?

February 21, 2023
mandyevebarnett

We all read books that resonate with us in one way or another. Some of us have a favourite genre, others more eclectic tastes jumping from one genre to another (me included). As many of my followers will attest, I love a novel called Ferny by James Long. It is essentially a love story, but across time and has a reincarnation theme, much like my own homage to this book, The Twesome Loop. Similar to the novels, The Time Travelers Wife or My Names is Memory or Mariana.

In all stories there are plots that propel the characters on a journey. Some are easy to follow, others trick us into one way of thinking only to shock us with an unexpected outcome. There are novels whose plots cause sensations in their creativity, this list includes many, although you (and I) may have our own favourites.

Gone Girl by Gilliam Flynn

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Lost Ground by Ulla Jordan

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

1984 by George Orwell

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Of course, many of these novels we have heard of, and indeed read, they are great literature from our youth and others more modern. We became involved with the characters and their plight and their essence remains with us, months, sometimes years after we’ve read the book. That is the true test of a great story.

Which plot resonated the most with you and why?

For me, Ferney, put into a story context a fascination I have in reincarnation. It is a topic I have researched and been interested in for decades, ever since working as a nurse. But not only that, it is the finding of their soulmate after years of searching – one with the certainty of prior knowledge, the other from an unknown soul deep longing.

Bibliophile Collective Tuesday – Library Lover’s Day

February 14, 2023
mandyevebarnett

For any book lover, a library is the ultimate place to visit and enjoy. Filled with a fantastic array of books in every genre possible, we can browse to our hearts delight.

So today, we celebrate Library Lover’s Day, which falls on February 14, and is dedicated to book lovers across the globe. The day honors libraries, librarians, book lovers, and lovers of libraries. A celebration of the enduring relationship between our communities and libraries, and more importantly to remind decision makers how loved and cherished libraries are by the entire community. Not everyone receives flowers on Valentine’s Day, but everyone is welcome at their library to receive the gift of a book, a story, an escape.

I am extremely fortunate to have the most beautiful library in my community, Strathcona County library is modern, light, functional and a vital part of the locality.

Not only do I frequent for checking out books, but my own books are display on the Emerging & Local Authors shelves and I host my writing groups monthly meeting there too. It is certainly a hub for me and many locals too.

Show your love for your local library.

Bibliophile’s & Wordsmith’s What Do You Want On This Blog in 2023?

December 20, 2022
mandyevebarnett

As we come to the close of the year – 2022 – I would like to know what you would like to see on this blog in 2023. I can keep the same regularly themed twice weekly posts, or do something completely different. I am always looking to engage readers and writers alike in my blog community.

Shall I continue with Bibliophile Collective Tuesday’s and Wordsmith Collective Thursday’s or change it up?

What do you want to see, read, interact about?

Is there something I have not covered or included you wish I did?

I am open to suggestions.

It’s up to you!

Bibliophile Collective Tuesday – Books Most Frequently Made into Movies

December 6, 2022
mandyevebarnett

There are numerous movie adaptions of novels, and many we know well, due to their multiple adaptations. This is a list of the most frequently adapted stories. I also noted the first publication date, which shows how particular stories hold our imaginations, over and over. These span from the 15th century to the 19th century.

Hamlet Originally published 1599-1601 Adapted over 31 times

Pride and Prejudice Originally published 28th January 1813 Adapted 28 times

Frankenstein Originally published 1st January 1818 Adapted over 37 times

A Christmas Carol Originally published 19th December 1843 Adapted over 44 times

The Three Musketeers Originally published July 1844 Adapted over 10 times

Les Miserables Originally published 1862 Adapted over 50 times

Alice in Wonderland Originally published November 1865 Adapted over 20 times

Sherlock Holmes Originally published October 14th 1892 Adapted over 44 times

Dracula Originally published May 26th 1897 Adapted over 62 times

And Then There Were Non Originally published 6th November 1939 Adapted over 10 times

It is the magic of a gripping, relatable and empathic narrative that makes these stories so captivating. No matter how many times we read them, or even watch them, there is a deep seated attachment to the characters, their plight and how they develop within the story.

We all have our favorites from these titles. They have become traditional, a part of society’s fabric and will continue to do so in one way or another, I am sure. As an author, I can only hope one of my stories will be as well loved and cherished as these author’s work.

Which one is your favorite?

For me it is Alice as I love the delightful world inhabited with surreal beings.

Bibliophile Tuesday Collective – Reading Challenge Update

November 22, 2022
mandyevebarnett

Even though I am in the throws of the November writing challenge – National Novel Writing Month and as I write have surpassed the 37,000 mark, I do still read. This is for the Goodreads reading Challenge! Seems like there challenges all the way around at the moment, revolving around the written word.

This is my new total for book reading for 2022. I know some people have vastly larger numbers, and some less. It is not the number we are chasing, but the joy of reading stories. As you know I have an eclectic taste and read a variety of genres. You will see that of the five books in the illustration only one is a big name – my hero, of course, Stephen King. I will read his latest book before anything else once it is available. The other book are all from authors who live in Alberta. These are my contemporaries and I am always keen to read their work, but also support them by purchasing their books.

I will be adding to this list with my current read. An author whom I connected with through Facebook. I have interviewed her on this blog a couple of times too.

What have you read this month? What book are you most excited to read next?

Do you have local authors you support?