Tara's Suggestions

"Read, every day, something no one else is reading.
Think, every day, something no one else is thinking.
Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do.
It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity." --Christopher Morley

In trying to create a more definite structure for this page, I realized that my diverse tastes would make this too difficult. Instead, I have here chosen to put forth my "favorite things" from a wide variety of life's spheres. I suppose I fall prey to the natural belief that if I think something is wonderful, it must be the very thing that everyone in the world would love. However faulty this reasoning may be, I truly believe that all of the following recommendations are of top-notch quality, and definitely worth a try by all those of good taste. :) So if you're looking for some great food, literature, culture, or entertainment, check out some of my favorite things and see what you think...You're under no obligation to agree with me (although if you reject any of these in favor of such atrocities as the fashion magazines, boy bands, or storebought cookie dough, I can only offer you my most sincere pity). :)

Literature

Go for the classics. Having been decidedly unimpressed with most modern literature, I usually stick close to the time-tested masterpieces. I'm especially partial to 18th and 19th century British literature. For specific recommendations, see below.

  • Jane Austen: Period. I've read all her books, and they're all terrific. Timeless character studies, and great vocabulary boosters--and I think even those of you with a Y chromosome would enjoy most of these masterpieces. Start by visiting The Republic of Pemberley.
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: My favorite book of all time. I've never been so engrossed in another story, or in the main characters. A good introduction is at: Victoria Turvey's Jane Eyre Page. Don't bother with any of the screen adaptations of the novel, except for the excellent BBC version with Timothy Dalton. The others are unfaithful to the story and/or poorly cast.
  • Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: I love every one of these mysteries, and they're extremely well done. Sherlock is one of the greatest and most complex characters every written. For the absolute best screen adaptations, check out the BBC miniseries with Jeremy Brett as the great detective. Take a look at The Sherlockian Holmepage.
  • See my Recommended Reading List for more specific suggestions.

    Music

    Two words: classical and oldies. I like a smattering of music from other genres, but these are by far my favorites. If you know me, it's Beatles all the way! I could go on and on about them with ease, but I'll spare you. In short, I believe they are the most creative, inventive, talented, and melodic band in modern music. I am also much more fond of singers who compose their own music, since I feel that it is more personal than simply spitting back someone else's words and melody. As far as classical goes, having played the violin for 15 years, I have a partiality for violin music. Mozart is my favorite composer, along with Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvorak. Other favorites of mine include Sting, Paul McCartney's post-Beatle music, Phil Collins, Yanni, and most of the 60's British Invasion bands. In general, I don't enjoy most female voices--no I'm not sexist, I just usually prefer to hear guys sing! :) However, I think a few of the best female voices out there are Adiemus, Celine Dion, Cher, Enya, Mary Hopkin, and Petula Clark. Here's a list of some favorite links.

  • The Beatles Official Site
  • Classical.Net

    Places to Go

    Still to come.

    Cuisine

    Still to come.

    TV/Movies

    Still to come.