Rite of Fancy

A short summary of The Return of the King: The end of the journey and the end (?) of evil. My favorite JRR Tolkien quote from the book: "I will not say; do not weep; for not all tears are an evil." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you have someone you can trust? Can you succeed without friendship? My review of The Return of the King: The end of a long, long journey. An epic story for the ages. Tolkien is a master of description. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  or buying me a cup of coff...

A short summary of Memoirs of a Geisha: The path a Geisha walked through Imperial Japan, WWII, and the aftermath of the bomb. My favorite Arthur Golden quote from the book: "We can never flee the misery that is within us." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What things have decided your destiny? How have you chosen your path? My review of Memoirs of a Geisha: A compelling story. Well-researched historical fiction. Just barely scratches the complexity of Imperial Japan. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webs...

A short summary of Unf#ck Your Brain: How to avoid any future meltdowns. My favorite Faith Harper quote from the book: "Because trauma doesn't operate by checking the right box in the right category." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you do positive thinking? Do you swear? My review of Unf#ck Your Brain: Solid information, presented with humor. Full of tips and tricks.  I got a bit bored with the "edgy" vibe toward the end. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  or buying me a cup of coff...

  A short summary of Age of Ambition: The current state of China and how it came to be. My favorite Evan Osnos quote from the book: "The commander of a mighty army can be captured, but the aspiration of an ordinary man can never be seized." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you think you are in control of your fate? What do you think communism really looks like? My review of Age of Ambition: A very good insight into a powerful economy. Explores the Chinese people's perspective. Is there a perfect government? ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporti...

  A short summary of The Two Towers: Frodo and Sam are still trying to dodge orc's and destroy Bilbo's ring. My favorite JRR Tolkien quote from the book: "The wise speak only of what they know." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you think wars are inevitable? Do you think evil will always exist? My review of The Two Towers: Book two of the epic journey. Dangers and evils abound. I've mentioned the songs, stories, and sagas, right? ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  or buying me a cup o...

  A short summary of The Great Divorce: A "heavenly" bus ride before giving up the ghost. Jesus is driving. My favorite C.S. Lewis quote from the book: "If we cannot be reverent, there is at least no need to be obscene." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What is your lizard? What is your excuse? My review of The Great Divorce: An interesting look into the afterlife. I loved the analogy of light. I love how we grow too big for hell. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  or buying me a cup of ...

  A short summary of The Shipping News: A reporter learns to live again in Killick-Claw. My favorite Annie Proulx quote from the book: "One of the tragedies of real life is that there is no background music." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Who has left you broken? Who has helped you heal? My review of The Shipping News: A real-life story about real-life people. Colorful characters and great imagery. I got cold reading it. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  or buying me a cup of coffee!...

  A short summary of The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration: A daily dose of something to think about. My favorite Vera Nazaria quote from the book: "Patience is not a virtue. It is an accomplishment." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you try and solve every problem? Do you ask why? Why not? My review of The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration: A great little "daily dose." Lot of great little bits to think about. A good way to change your perspective. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webshop  o...

  A short summary of The Fellowship of the Ring: Frodo begins the quest to rid the world of Bilbo's ring. My favorite JRR Tolkien quote from the book: "Not all of those who wander are lost." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you get involved in things that are not your responsibility? How important is food to you? My review of The Fellowship of the Ring: It's the Lord of the Rings - how could you go wrong? The beginning of the epic quest. A lot of songs, stories, and sagas within the pages. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visi...

A short summary of The Case For Jesus: A scholarly look at the Son of Man through the writings of the Gospels. My favorite Brant Pitre quote from the book: "I found that the problem wasn't with Jesus; it was with me." Questions to ponder while reading the book: How much do you know about early Christian history? Do you struggle with the truth of Jesus' divinity? My review of The Case For Jesus: Thoroughly researched. Challenges many well-known misconceptions. Completely deepened my faith ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and...

  A short summary of Grace For The Good Girl: Why God doesn't want us to hide our imperfections. My favorite Emily P. Freeman quote from the book: "When we believe that God expects us to try hard to become who Jesus wants us to be, we will live in that blurry, frustrating land of Should Be rather than trust in The One Who Is." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What imperfections do you hide? Can you let go of your image? My review of Grace For The Good Girl: A great read for those who do too much. A  great read for those who refuse help. A great read for those afraid to be real. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.tak...

  A short summary of I Am Cyrus: The story behind the rebirth of the modern state of Israel. My favorite quote by Harry Truman about Israel: "I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have faith in it now." Questions to ponder while reading the book: How should the re-creation of a state be accomplished? Have you ever wanted to go to the Holy Land? My review of I Am Cyrus: An engrossing, well-researched read. I did not realize there was Arab-Nazi collusion. I hope to visit Israel someday. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting m...

  A short summary of The Hobbit: Bilbo's adventure to find a treasure that dwarves and a wizard convinced him he wanted. My favorite JRR Tolkien quote from the book: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What do you treasure? Have you ever wanted to go on an epic journey? My review of The Hobbit: Nostalgia alert! A forever-favorite tale. Riddles, Rhymes, and lots of songs. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  webs...

A short summary of Postcards From A Stranger: The search for my hidden mother in secret. My favorite Imogen Clark quote from the book: "Love is a learned behavior, I understand. If you're not shown it then you struggle to demonstrate it to others." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What secrets exist in your attic? Have your parents ever lied to you? My review of Postcards From A Stranger: A good book about a troubled family. Makes you wonder what "adult" behavior really is. I was a bit unsatisfied at the end. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my ...

A short summary of The Majesty of Calmness: How to find inner peace and radiate it outward. My favorite William George Jordan quote from the book: "Life is not something to be lived through; it is something to be lived up to." Questions to ponder while reading The Majesty of Calmness: Are you happy? Are you educated? My review of the book: LOVED LOVED LOVED this little book. I wish I had stumbled upon it much earlier in my life. A quick and easy read full of great bits of wisdom. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors and  we...

  A short summary of The Law: The philosophy behind justice in our laws. My favorite Frederic Bastiat quote from the book: "Life, facilities, production -- in other words, individuality, liberty, property -- this is man." Questions to ponder while reading The Law: Are politicians exempt from the vices they legislate? Do you believe in personal property? My review of the book: A great classical liberalism explanation. Fundamental paradigm shifter. Challenging concepts and language - take your time. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting m...

  A short summary of The Girl Beneath The Sea: A scuba detective searches for a submersible before getting sabotaged by secret agents. My favorite Andrew Mayne quote from the book: "Sometimes you don't get to choose your struggles - they choose you." Questions to ponder while reading The Girl Beneath The Sea: Have you ever done anything you weren't proud of? Is law enforcement really that convoluted? My review of the book: A totally engrossing murder mystery. Stayed up all night reading. The thought of scuba diving makes me claustrophobic. ****** ********************************* a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to her travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Pleas...