Book Review: The Castle in the Attic

 

Along with Lloyd Alexander's The Book of Three, this story was instrumental in establishing my childhood love of fantasy literature. I remember my mother reading it to me, and later reading it on my own. I loved each and every page, and not just because of the story itself. The main character was someone I identified with on several levels, the most significant being his abiding love of gymnastics (a passion of mine from age 5 until age 17).

Ten-year old William Edward Lawrence has been cared for all his life by Mrs. Eleanor Phillips, an English widow who is preparing to return home at the end of the month. Having no children of her own, as a parting gift she bequeaths to William a scaled-down, fully functional stone model of a medieval castle, complete with a figure of a knight in silver armor, that has been in her family for generations. While dreading the departure of his beloved caretaker, William is given the biggest shock of his young life. At his touch, the figure of the silver knight mysteriously comes alive and reveals an incredible story: Sir Simon (the knight) was cheated of his kingdom by an evil wizard who murdered his father and turned Sir Simon into a lead statue. Eventually, using magic stolen by Sir Simon from the wizard himself, William enters the enchanted kingdom of the Silver Knight and embarks on a quest to defeat the tyrant wizard once and for all.

In addition to my personal gymnastics aspect, William was a character who was very easy to relate to. His feelings of anger, sadness, courage and even social awkwardness are things that all children go through at some time or another. In addition, what little boy doesn't enjoy stories of knights, castles and magic?

Overall, The Castle in the Attic is a touching, poignant and very human story about the joys and sorrows of growing up. You could even say that it was my very first introduction to the classic "hero's journey" archetype so important to my later storytelling interests (Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings ect... ect...). I would highly recommend this story to any child with a love of fantasy, or an adult who wants to recapture some of that sweet, literary magic they enjoyed in their own childhoods.  

Greetings From Mexico

For as long as I can remember, food has been a significant part of my life. When I was growing up, home-cooked meals were a mainstay in my house at least four times a week (although the takeout we sometimes ordered wasn't half bad either). My mother has always been infamous for hosting large dinner parties and family gatherings for holidays and special occasions, and in the last bunch of years I have become her "sous chef" in preparation for these big gatherings (so much to do, so little time).

More recently, I have been fine-tuning my own culinary skills and hosting parties of my own. I like to cook whenever I can and enjoy experimenting with new recipes, techniques and ingredients. I have absorbed many helpful hints working alongside my mother over the years, and the Food Network and the newly created Cooking Channel are common staples of our evening entertainment. In addition, I'm always excited to discover a new restaurant and sample its many delicacies. Whether a simple sandwich shop or the fanciest of French bistros, New York City certainly has no shortage of these palate-pleasing wonderlands. Overall, I think I can safely say I am comfortable with calling myself a "foodie".

The following recipe not only comes from the Food Network website (always a great source for gastronomic inspiration), but was perhaps the most difficult recipe I have tried to date. I have never been a fan of the "Tex-Mex" style of food, and this culinary concoction has turned me onto the authentic flavors of Mexico. Although very delicious, a word of advice: if you want to attempt to make this recipe, CLEAR YOUR DAY!!!

Yucatan Marinated Chicken Skewers with Peanut-Red Chile Mole Sauce  

The John Lennon Project

This year I did a project on Legendary Beatle and Quarrymen leader John Lennon. He was not only a musician but he was also a activist. It was amazing doing a project. This year I collected his dvd's along with his songs and pictures. My friends and I even went to Strawberry Fields and The Dakota. It was great to learn about him I am sure that he is always watching us everywhere we go rather it's by day or by night.

by Justin Stenzler

Moving Forward

Moving Forward is a major step into a new world along with a new place and a new generation.

Well I now doing a major project a the legendary singer icon and activist John Lennon hope to finish the project real soon.

by Justin Stenzler

Reliving The Past

Well it's strange that I am reliving the past. I have been looking at clips from youtube.com. I have been looking at clips from Mister Roger's Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow and Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego and also Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It's great that I am watching clips from Mister Roger's Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow. I have also been listening to songs from John Lennon and more of The Beatles. It is all worth it.

by Justin Stenzler

Gay and Lesbian Couples Married

Gay and Lesbian couples now have legal rights to get married in New York. Couples lined up early at 7 am outside Brooklyn and Manhattan marriage. By 9 am over 250 people were lined up outside the Manhattan City Clerk's Office. It sounds like history is still being made. 9 of the same sex couples got married in New York.

by Justin Stenzler