I've worked my way through books on the states, learning about state flowers, flags, and so on and decided I needed to do the same for Canada. What I found was Positively Canadian: a Fun Guide to Canadian Language, Culture and History, by Heather Ann Pattullo. It's designed for those new to Canada, and learning English as well! There's a nice entry for each province (with pictures) and then exercises at the end on verbs, idioms, and so on. I would have liked a bit more ... is there a motto? What does the license plate look like? Is there a song? Still, it was a nice read and I especially enjoyed the chapter on 'weird Canadian words'!

I think I'm glad I didn't have to learn British history, especially about the monarchy! It's twisted and convoluted, and rather sad. There were lots of arranged marriages, usually to bind one country to another. If a male heir was not produced (and quickly) wives were banished (or worse) and 'other arrangements' were made. Those next in line might not want to wait and made plans to do away with their parents. Religion played a part, too, and sometimes a distant (but acceptable) person was crowned king or queen even though they couldn't speak English. One thing for sure, Behind Palace Doors: Five Centuries of Sex, Adventure, Vice, Treachery, and Folly from Royal Britain, by Michael Farquhar, is much different than the history books we read in school!

Reading Hermit With Dog