"Dear Future Cassandra"
I'm a book addict. I decided this year that I wanted to label all my blogs with a quote from a book that I love, and had so much fun relating my life to my favorite books. I know, nerd alert. Look, if you didn't know I was a nerd by the History degree that is hanging on my wall, you can only blame yourself for not paying more attention. Anyway, I thought I would share what those books were, in case you missed it, and why I love them.
"Oh Gilbert, you've spoiled everything!" Anne of the Island, by L.M. Montgomery
I have never found a character that I relate more to than Anne Shirley. Honestly, we're the same person, minus the red hair. I have always loved this book the most out of the whole series because it explores Anne's journey to discover what she really wants in life. I love how independent and headstrong she is, and how she works so hard to really discover what she wants out of life, but she does it in such a way that she would be happy with the end result. She doesn't like being told who or what she should be, or where she should be going. It's a journey of self discovery, that allows her to end up in the happiest place she can. I've related a lot to her because I'm stubborn, opinionated, outspoken, and independent. I have a very red personality, and relate to her temper and the grudges she holds, especially against Gilbert (Gilbert is probably my dream boy. I'd marry him in a heart beat). I love how she ends up where she does because she decides to, and not because anyone tells her that's how it should be. I also relate to her imagination. I've always had an over active imagination, and she and I would have been best friends if we had both existed in the same world, I'm sure of it.
"Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless?" Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.
Honestly, I've always loved Jane. Another strong, independent woman who cares about being smart and being the best she can be. When faced with a moral dilemma, she chooses to be honest to herself and leaves the situation, even though she is in love with one of my favorite male characters, Mr. Rochester. How many of us have that kind of will power these days? I see so many people compromising their morals because of their selfish desires, and it is really sad. I have always related to Jane because of the truth she holds on to, no matter the risk.
"All's well that ends well." Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Laura is spunky, outgoing, smart, adventurous.... ok, are you getting a pattern in the kind of books I love? Almonzo is such a stud. He's hard working, loving, and fights for what he wants. Laura works hard to help her family, and becomes quite the accomplished woman. I really look up to her. I feel like we are so blessed in our day to really have everything at our fingertips, but so many people have become slothful and self entitled. It's such a stark contrast from the life Laura led. If you did not pull your weight, if you did not work hard, if you did not put everything into life, you would die. Oh how different the world would be today if we still had that kind of life.
"I have lived a thousand years." I Have Lived a Thousand Years, by Livia Bitton Jackson.
I read this book in college and fell instantly in love. It's about a Jewish girl who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. If just that name didn't cause you to drop everything and buy the book, I guess I'll have to explain it. Auschwitz was the worst concentration camp in WWII. People were sent there to die, not survive. It was not a place to find joy, or hope, and yet she does. She survives. She uses everything she has, which is basically just her mind and goodness, because literally everything is taken from her, including her family. As someone who studied history, I studied a lot of war, and sorrow, and heartache, and mass killings, and destruction, and evil. Through out history, there is always evil. There are always people trying to take away others agency, and the big one our generation focuses on is Hitler, but there were so many men like Hitler throughout history... it gets overwhelming to think of that much evil in the world. And yet, there were also so many women like Livia, who faced evil in the face and were strong and courageous. What an amazing story to our people, who, again, expect everything to be given to them, and wouldn't last five seconds without their smart devices. I'm inspired by her will to live, and by hers, and others determination to not give up when all hope seems to be lost.
"What are men to rocks and mountains?" Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
If you did not know that I loved Jane Austen, I am worried about our friendship. Elizabeth, with her outspoken intelligence is one of the most relatable characters! I love her wit, and her loyalty to her friends and family. Her battle of words with Mr. Darcy is something so impressive to me. The relationship with her sisters is something that I really relate to- not that I have a crazy sister like Lydia... although, I do have a sister named Lydia, so I can see how that might confuse you. Anyway, I have a very close relationship with my sisters, and love how no matter the mess they get in, they are still loved. Even when Lydia runs off and shames the family name (Lydia from the book, not my sister), Elizabeth does not disown her. I mean, granted, she doesn't invite her over for tea, but she still loves her sister. I feel the same loyalty for my siblings. Mess with them, and you will get more than the earful that Mr. Darcy got when Elizabeth accused him of messing with her sister Jane's happiness.
"What is optimism?" Candide, by Voltaire.
Voltaire. Enough said. I love him. I was originally going to go into politics, and anyone who knows about politics knows Voltaire.... well, they should, anyway. I quote the priest all the time! I love this book. Love, love, love it! It's a really interesting perspective of the changing of the world at that time- the very essence of our country was founded on that change. As an American, you should read it, and understand why our country fought so hard to be free. You would be surprised at what that freedom has turned into... well, maybe not surprised. Look at the mess our country is in. Do you really think the original ideals that are brought up so prominently in this book were meant to get us here? It really is such a great book if you want to study the enlightenment. Oh, but be mindful, it is a satire!
"We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days." Persuasion, by Jane Austen.
This is a classic to me, because I've been there too! I know what it's like to be persuaded to stay away from people, or to do certain things. I have hated that side of me- the side that doesn't stand up for what I want, because of peer pressure. It's a small part of myself, and only comes out on rare occasions, but when it does, I can't help but think of Anne Elliot and the mistake she makes when being persuaded not to do something. I love how strong and independent Anne grows to be because of that mistake. It gets to where finally Captain Wentworth has to confess his love for her because to deny her caring, wonderful person, would be to to assume that riches and beauty matter more than character and heart.
"This above all: to thine own self be true." Hamlet, by Shakespeare.
I love Shakespeare. A lot. A lot, a lot. I've always loved studying his poetry. I love it. I'm obsessed. I think I love it so much because I love how poetic and beautiful he makes words. I've always loved writing, and to say in detail so much, so eloquently.... it's one of the most attractive things in the world to me. I've always loved that movie Kiss Me Kate, and not just because of my obsession with Howard Keel. There's a song that... well, just watch it yourself, here, and you'll know why I love Shakespeare.
"I wonder what you will do with your wings once you have found them." Blackmoore, by Julianne Donaldson.
Ok, so for the most part, my favorite books are all old books. I love classics, as you can see, but that doesn't mean I don't read books from today. Julianne Donaldson has only two books out right now. She's new to the writing world, but I love her. I highly recommend her, and Sarah Eden. They speak to my heart. This book is about a girl who takes matters into her own hands and lives the life she sees will be best for everyone, and not just for herself. I guess most of the books I love have characters who are willing to sacrifice for all, even when it costs them their own happiness. Kate is willing to sacrifice hers to save Henry's future. She's scared and afraid, and wishes something else could be done, but when tempted to give into her own wishes, she bravely chooses to put others needs in front of her own.
"There and Back Again... a Hobbits Tale." The Lord of the Rings, by Tolkien.
Ok.... I should confess here. I've only read Tolkien's books once. It is the only quote I've used from a book that I have no desire to read again. I know. I know! Don't judge me. I just.... *sigh*... fantasy is hard for me to read. But I love the movies! I've seen the movies dozens of times! So, does that make up for it? Haha, I don't know. But, what I love about both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the adventure they go on. I love that quote, "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." I love books where people grow into amazing beings because they took action. Because they took that first step.
"Dear Future Cassandra." My journals, by Cassandra Elizondo.
Yep. I have a journal. No. I lied. I have like 10 journals. I have a record of my life pretty well documented from the time I was about 8 to now. My sister, Lydia, gave me this beautiful journal for my birthday, and ever since then I have consistently written in a journal. Some times in my life I was better at documenting everything than others. My first semester in college I wrote every night, and by my last semester it was only 2 or 3 times a week, but I wrote it! I love going back and seeing the person I have become over the past 25 years. I love getting to remember what past Cassandra cared so much about. I have been selfish, embarrassed, blessed, overwhelmed, scattered, heart broken, vulnerable, happy, concerned.... every feeling has been documented, and I love getting to go back and remind myself that past Cassandra survived hardships, future Cassandra can too. I write a lot to future Cassandra. I love telling her to not put herself down about little things, because in the end those don't matter. I love reminding her of the blessings God has sent her. I love reminding her of all her awkward boy encounters. Of all the books that I have read, my journal, along with the Book of Mormon, are the ones which bring the most comfort into my life. I love getting to see the strong, independent, stubborn, opinionated, caring woman that I have become.
Well, I guess that's a little peak into my mind. I love that quote from Austenland, "I am single because apparently the only good men are fictional." Ok, so that's not true, but I do love the essence of that phrase. I am obsessed with fictional characters. I find them intriguing, intelligent, and hard working. (Do you know how hard it is to find a man like that? Haha, sorry, this isn't a blog about why I'm still single- it's about my love for books!) Seriously, go out and read! It's the best experience, and will help you grow as a person, I guarantee it... well, as long as you don't read trashy books. There are plenty of those out there right now. I highly do NOT recommend those.
"Oh Gilbert, you've spoiled everything!" Anne of the Island, by L.M. Montgomery
I have never found a character that I relate more to than Anne Shirley. Honestly, we're the same person, minus the red hair. I have always loved this book the most out of the whole series because it explores Anne's journey to discover what she really wants in life. I love how independent and headstrong she is, and how she works so hard to really discover what she wants out of life, but she does it in such a way that she would be happy with the end result. She doesn't like being told who or what she should be, or where she should be going. It's a journey of self discovery, that allows her to end up in the happiest place she can. I've related a lot to her because I'm stubborn, opinionated, outspoken, and independent. I have a very red personality, and relate to her temper and the grudges she holds, especially against Gilbert (Gilbert is probably my dream boy. I'd marry him in a heart beat). I love how she ends up where she does because she decides to, and not because anyone tells her that's how it should be. I also relate to her imagination. I've always had an over active imagination, and she and I would have been best friends if we had both existed in the same world, I'm sure of it.
"Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless?" Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.
Honestly, I've always loved Jane. Another strong, independent woman who cares about being smart and being the best she can be. When faced with a moral dilemma, she chooses to be honest to herself and leaves the situation, even though she is in love with one of my favorite male characters, Mr. Rochester. How many of us have that kind of will power these days? I see so many people compromising their morals because of their selfish desires, and it is really sad. I have always related to Jane because of the truth she holds on to, no matter the risk.
"All's well that ends well." Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Laura is spunky, outgoing, smart, adventurous.... ok, are you getting a pattern in the kind of books I love? Almonzo is such a stud. He's hard working, loving, and fights for what he wants. Laura works hard to help her family, and becomes quite the accomplished woman. I really look up to her. I feel like we are so blessed in our day to really have everything at our fingertips, but so many people have become slothful and self entitled. It's such a stark contrast from the life Laura led. If you did not pull your weight, if you did not work hard, if you did not put everything into life, you would die. Oh how different the world would be today if we still had that kind of life.
"I have lived a thousand years." I Have Lived a Thousand Years, by Livia Bitton Jackson.
I read this book in college and fell instantly in love. It's about a Jewish girl who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. If just that name didn't cause you to drop everything and buy the book, I guess I'll have to explain it. Auschwitz was the worst concentration camp in WWII. People were sent there to die, not survive. It was not a place to find joy, or hope, and yet she does. She survives. She uses everything she has, which is basically just her mind and goodness, because literally everything is taken from her, including her family. As someone who studied history, I studied a lot of war, and sorrow, and heartache, and mass killings, and destruction, and evil. Through out history, there is always evil. There are always people trying to take away others agency, and the big one our generation focuses on is Hitler, but there were so many men like Hitler throughout history... it gets overwhelming to think of that much evil in the world. And yet, there were also so many women like Livia, who faced evil in the face and were strong and courageous. What an amazing story to our people, who, again, expect everything to be given to them, and wouldn't last five seconds without their smart devices. I'm inspired by her will to live, and by hers, and others determination to not give up when all hope seems to be lost.
"What are men to rocks and mountains?" Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
If you did not know that I loved Jane Austen, I am worried about our friendship. Elizabeth, with her outspoken intelligence is one of the most relatable characters! I love her wit, and her loyalty to her friends and family. Her battle of words with Mr. Darcy is something so impressive to me. The relationship with her sisters is something that I really relate to- not that I have a crazy sister like Lydia... although, I do have a sister named Lydia, so I can see how that might confuse you. Anyway, I have a very close relationship with my sisters, and love how no matter the mess they get in, they are still loved. Even when Lydia runs off and shames the family name (Lydia from the book, not my sister), Elizabeth does not disown her. I mean, granted, she doesn't invite her over for tea, but she still loves her sister. I feel the same loyalty for my siblings. Mess with them, and you will get more than the earful that Mr. Darcy got when Elizabeth accused him of messing with her sister Jane's happiness.
"What is optimism?" Candide, by Voltaire.
Voltaire. Enough said. I love him. I was originally going to go into politics, and anyone who knows about politics knows Voltaire.... well, they should, anyway. I quote the priest all the time! I love this book. Love, love, love it! It's a really interesting perspective of the changing of the world at that time- the very essence of our country was founded on that change. As an American, you should read it, and understand why our country fought so hard to be free. You would be surprised at what that freedom has turned into... well, maybe not surprised. Look at the mess our country is in. Do you really think the original ideals that are brought up so prominently in this book were meant to get us here? It really is such a great book if you want to study the enlightenment. Oh, but be mindful, it is a satire!
"We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days." Persuasion, by Jane Austen.
This is a classic to me, because I've been there too! I know what it's like to be persuaded to stay away from people, or to do certain things. I have hated that side of me- the side that doesn't stand up for what I want, because of peer pressure. It's a small part of myself, and only comes out on rare occasions, but when it does, I can't help but think of Anne Elliot and the mistake she makes when being persuaded not to do something. I love how strong and independent Anne grows to be because of that mistake. It gets to where finally Captain Wentworth has to confess his love for her because to deny her caring, wonderful person, would be to to assume that riches and beauty matter more than character and heart.
"This above all: to thine own self be true." Hamlet, by Shakespeare.
I love Shakespeare. A lot. A lot, a lot. I've always loved studying his poetry. I love it. I'm obsessed. I think I love it so much because I love how poetic and beautiful he makes words. I've always loved writing, and to say in detail so much, so eloquently.... it's one of the most attractive things in the world to me. I've always loved that movie Kiss Me Kate, and not just because of my obsession with Howard Keel. There's a song that... well, just watch it yourself, here, and you'll know why I love Shakespeare.
"I wonder what you will do with your wings once you have found them." Blackmoore, by Julianne Donaldson.
Ok, so for the most part, my favorite books are all old books. I love classics, as you can see, but that doesn't mean I don't read books from today. Julianne Donaldson has only two books out right now. She's new to the writing world, but I love her. I highly recommend her, and Sarah Eden. They speak to my heart. This book is about a girl who takes matters into her own hands and lives the life she sees will be best for everyone, and not just for herself. I guess most of the books I love have characters who are willing to sacrifice for all, even when it costs them their own happiness. Kate is willing to sacrifice hers to save Henry's future. She's scared and afraid, and wishes something else could be done, but when tempted to give into her own wishes, she bravely chooses to put others needs in front of her own.
"There and Back Again... a Hobbits Tale." The Lord of the Rings, by Tolkien.
Ok.... I should confess here. I've only read Tolkien's books once. It is the only quote I've used from a book that I have no desire to read again. I know. I know! Don't judge me. I just.... *sigh*... fantasy is hard for me to read. But I love the movies! I've seen the movies dozens of times! So, does that make up for it? Haha, I don't know. But, what I love about both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the adventure they go on. I love that quote, "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." I love books where people grow into amazing beings because they took action. Because they took that first step.
"Dear Future Cassandra." My journals, by Cassandra Elizondo.
Yep. I have a journal. No. I lied. I have like 10 journals. I have a record of my life pretty well documented from the time I was about 8 to now. My sister, Lydia, gave me this beautiful journal for my birthday, and ever since then I have consistently written in a journal. Some times in my life I was better at documenting everything than others. My first semester in college I wrote every night, and by my last semester it was only 2 or 3 times a week, but I wrote it! I love going back and seeing the person I have become over the past 25 years. I love getting to remember what past Cassandra cared so much about. I have been selfish, embarrassed, blessed, overwhelmed, scattered, heart broken, vulnerable, happy, concerned.... every feeling has been documented, and I love getting to go back and remind myself that past Cassandra survived hardships, future Cassandra can too. I write a lot to future Cassandra. I love telling her to not put herself down about little things, because in the end those don't matter. I love reminding her of the blessings God has sent her. I love reminding her of all her awkward boy encounters. Of all the books that I have read, my journal, along with the Book of Mormon, are the ones which bring the most comfort into my life. I love getting to see the strong, independent, stubborn, opinionated, caring woman that I have become.
Well, I guess that's a little peak into my mind. I love that quote from Austenland, "I am single because apparently the only good men are fictional." Ok, so that's not true, but I do love the essence of that phrase. I am obsessed with fictional characters. I find them intriguing, intelligent, and hard working. (Do you know how hard it is to find a man like that? Haha, sorry, this isn't a blog about why I'm still single- it's about my love for books!) Seriously, go out and read! It's the best experience, and will help you grow as a person, I guarantee it... well, as long as you don't read trashy books. There are plenty of those out there right now. I highly do NOT recommend those.
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