Girl Meets World

Summer 2012 Movie Kick-Off: The Avengers

2012-05-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Avengers

4 out of 5 stars

What do you do when you want to watch something about beloved, classic fictional characters made with disgustingly expensive special effects and starring at least five incredibly hot male models - I mean actors?

You go pay your future children's college money for a ticket to see The Avengers, of course!

Is it worth it? I would say definitely. They hired some pretty skilled special effects guys, because there is some sweet computer action going on here. And then there's the wave of nerd euphoria that comes with seeing a whole group of your favorite childhood obsessions together in one movie. Now if only I could get someone to put the Power Rangers, all the Nick Toons, and the Backstreet Boys together, they would be an animated crime-fighting musical group; we definitely don't have enough of those. I call the copy rights on this.

I was expecting that Robert Downey Jr.'s sarcasm would have to carry the movie, but the others did surprisingly well. And of course, the entrance of the Hulk stole the show. I mean, when a huge, invincible green guy starts roaring and throwing stuff, he's got my attention (guys, take notes).

Even that Hawkeye dude who fights super villains with a bow and arrows is hot enough to distract me from the fact that he's fighting super villains with a bow and arrows.

Overall, Avengers is a win-win for everybody: the studio makes its money back, actors stay employed, and you get to ogle your one-film-wonder characters one last time.

Quoth The Raven: "Meh"

2012-04-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Raven

2.5 out of 5 stars

I was fairly excited to see this film - the subject of Poe is not yet horribly overdone, but alas, there were more weaknesses here than strengths.

First, I think it tried too hard to be the Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) movies, with that hyper-throwing-lines-out-like-everyone's-on-crack vibe. Those movies are only Bs anyway, we don't need copycats.

Second, as much as I like John Cusack, he was the wrong choice for Poe. He does not work the macabre well; maybe he's been typecast too long as that feel-good stereo-toting lover boy next door, but he really doesn't have a creepy bone in his body. Unfortunately, that's a disadvantage when you're playing a famous historical creeper. In the scenes where Cusack was supposed to be an arrogant a**hole, he just couldn't pull it off. Why? Because he is too good; he's nice to the bone.

I hate to say it, but Johnny Depp probably would have been a better choice, or maybe Stanley Tucci - we know he's got serial killer down pat from The Lovely Bones.

Acting aside, it would have been just a fun movie if it weren't for the over-the-top violence. Now don't get me wrong: I like my violent movies just like the best of them, but this was just excessive without anything to back it up (like a good storyline, memorable characters, etc.).

Final Cut: Maybe when it comes to Netflix it might be worth checking out if you have nothing else to watch, but otherwise, save your money.

A Room Without A View

2012-04-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Room

by Emma Donoghue

4 out of 5 stars

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

I first heard about this novel sometime last year when it was very positively reviewed by Entertainment Weekly. I immediately downloaded the sample, but it ended up sitting for ages in my nook library as a lonely little sample, just waiting for me to give it some attention.

Most people would probably be turned off by the dark subject matter, but I was drawn immediately to the uniqueness of the story. It is told in the words of five-year-old Jack, so as an adult reader you gain information in little bits and spurts, as it is delivered to Jack.

As Jack's narration continues, you get to observe how Ma and Jack have carved out an existence for themselves, and you feel right along with them as they transition between worlds. The book definitely stuck with me for a while after I finished reading, enough for me to look up some of the relevant true-life cases that inspired the story - Jaycee Lee DuGard and Josef Fritzl, for example.

The novel's power lies not in the graphic details of the crime but in the human elements of the story. It's a gripping, moving story that I wholeheartedly recommend for anybody willing to explore a nontraditional literary plot.

My Latest Obsession

2012-01-12T20:56:00.001-08:00

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

4.5 out of 5 stars

Last summer, out of curiosity, I read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. To be quite honest, I was intrigued by the story, at least enough to finish the book, but I wasn't overly impressed. It was much more graphic than I was used to reading at the time, and I was left wondering at the choice of title, as it appeared to me that Mikael Blomqvist got much more screen time (and was more central to the story) than Lisbeth Salander.

So I left it at that. I did not continue the second book, nor did I bother to reread the first. I remained thoroughly unimpressed.

And then the movie came out.

Rooney Mara bowled me over with the power of her performance. Daniel Craig supported her perfectly as Kalle Blomqvist. Lisbeth Salander finally came alive for me; at last I understand the enormous popularity of the series.

I. Love. Lisbeth. Salander.

I'm currently working my way through the final book of the triology, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, and will be posting some more in-depth book reviews, but for now, if you see nothing else this year,

GO SEE THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.

A Book That's Not About Horse Racing

2011-11-28T18:20:00.001-08:00

It's been a long, lonely few months since last I published anything to my humble little blog. Honestly, I've been pulled in every direction by my school work, work work, and family commitments - every which way but doing what I really love, which is reading and writing. I'm like a teapot though - stop me up for too long and I'll eventually blow my lid clean off (metaphorically speaking, of course).

So what's got me boiling? I've just finished reading a new book that was so good I have to write about it to somebody or I'll explode, and nobody wants that, least of all the unsuspecting family members I live with.

So here it is, world:

The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater

4.5 out of 5 stars

It's got everything any self-respecting reader wants in a novel: drama, true love, beautiful imagery, and yes, scary man-eating water horses.

The story takes place on a fictional island that seems convincingly real; it could be any seaside town except for that small bit about the man-eating horses. On this strange yet completely acceptable island, the locals host an annual race riding (what else?) the carnivorous equines. Our protagonists are a young woman struggling to keep her family together in desperate times, and the reigning champ who lives life by his own rules.

Ironically - and Maggie talks about this herself - the book has little to do with the racing. It's about self-identity, the things that are most dear to us, seeing people for who they truly are, and loving outside of ourselves.

I was instantly drawn into the lives of the characters, thanks to Maggie's style of switching first-person narration between each player. I loved reading both Puck and Sean's points of view. The narration itself demonstrates Maggie's trademark style. She crafts her words with such poetry, it's like reading a song. The cadence of the words themselves lend a rhythm to the story that makes it truly her own unique creation.

The romance is exactly my cup of tea: perfectly understated, so that the reader feels the intensity of emotion between the two characters, the restraint between them allowing the moment in which they are finally able to express themselves to be most powerful.

The one down side to restraining the passion is that it does end leaving you wanting more. The Scorpio Races reminded me of Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorite love stories, but which also leaves me frustrated and wishing the author would just come out and finish it already.

But, there is much to be said for delayed gratification.

Box Cutter

2011-07-24T12:36:00.001-07:00

The guy in the orange suit won't do anything crazy, we promise.

Breaking Bad
Episode 4.1, Originally Aired 17 July 2011

9.5 out of 10 stars

Initial Reactions
Wow. I mean, WOW. What a way to start a season. Walt and Jesse ARE murderers after all, Victor gets slaughtered, Skylar uses her baby to manipulate people, and Denny's sells (hopefully) their first "post-body-liquification" breakfast platter.

Ok, let's break it down:

At the end of the last season, Walt vehemently tells Jesse that they aren't murderers, that everything they've done is fully justified by their situation. Well, if they weren't murderers then, they certainly are now. Gale was the first truly innocent and lovable person they've killed. They have definitely now crossed a line they can't come back from.

I would take a few steps back if I were Victor.

There is a short diversion to show that Marie is struggling with Hank, who is really at his jerkiest in this episode - not without reason, but still. I hope something happens soon to get him out of this funk. It is not fun to watch him being so mean.
Then there's the standout scene of the episode: Walt, Jesse in the lab confronting Gus. There's a telling interplay between Gus and Walt. Panicked Walt can't stop talking, while Gus doesn't say a word for many long minutes. And then the massacre of Victor: I knew something bad was going to happen when the network flashed a special "viewer discretion is advised" warning right before the lab scene. Still, I was completely shocked by what actually did happen.


Nothing else satisfies after body disposal

The real kicker was following all the blood up with ketchup at Denny's. I'll never look at Denny's the same now, that's for sure.

Standout Performances
1. Gus. Gus. Gus. Can anyone else stay SILENT for more than 5 minutes of screen time and keep increasing the tension, second by second? Don't think so.

2. Skylar - used her baby to manipulate the locksmith. She's definitely all-in at this point.

3. Lab scene. Hands down.

4. Denny's scene. Breakfast will never be the same.

Burning Questions
1. Why did Gus kill Victor? Total surprise! I still don't understand.
2. What is Walt & Jesse's relationship with Gus going to be now? With each other?

Double Review: Shiver & Linger

2011-07-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

Shiver and Linger
by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver: 7.5 out of 10 stars
Linger: 8 out of 10 stars

Initial Reactions
One of the best things these books have going for them is that Maggie Stiefvater has come up with such an original way to write about such a cliched plot device. The werewolves of Mercy Falls aren't the violent, deadly, full-moon-transforming werewolves of folklore; they turn into actual wolves and stay that way for months at a time. Initially I wasn't sure I liked these changes, but I realized that they really tie into the plot very well.

Maggie has such a creative way of writing. Her characters use poetry and song quite often, but she also narrates in a poetic voice. It took me two reads of Shiver to adjust to her style - it's just so different from most authors today.

At first, I didn't particularly care for Sam. He came off as a sappy, unrealistic ideal of a teenage boy, but I grew to appreciate both him and Grace, especially in the context of their relationship to Isabel and Cole. I loved having Isabel come into the story more. Her snarky comments are hilarious, but she also ads an emotional depth that balances Sam and Grace's passion.
And of course, there's Cole. Cole! I do love him, despite his tendency toward arrogance and narcissism. He makes a good foil/potential love interest for Isabel.

Noteworthy
1. The risk that the wolves will stay wolves forever adds a touching dimension to the character interaction and the reader's attachment to them

2. None of Maggie's characters are flat - each is very carefully and realistically developed.

3. I really like the flashbacks to the characters' childhoods, particularly Sam's. I love watching him with Beck and the rest of the pack.

It's Bloody Good, Alright?

2011-07-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

True Blood
Season 2

7 out of 10 stars

Initial Reactions
I can breathe so much easier now that I've finally admitted I'm a Trubie (fan of True Blood). I have to say that I liked season 2 much better than the first season. For one thing, they got rid of Amy (whom I despised), and replaced her with Daphne, Amanda, and my personal favorite, Jessica. They've also added Eric's maker, Godric, to the mix, and boy is he some fine undead eye candy!

They have also intensified plot lines, making them more intricate and therefore more interesting. While Jason is initiated into the Fellowship of the Sun, Sookie and Bill must help Eric find Godric and deal with problems in Dallas. Sam meets and falls hard for Daphne, who turns out to be more like him than Sam realized. And, most intense of all, is the havoc Maryann is wreaking on Bon Temps, especially Tara and her newfound love, Eegs.

Lafayette has quite a harrowing experience at the beginning of the season, which understandably changes him on a deep level. While I agree that it had to be done, I definitely missed his smack-talking wit and wisdom.

Probably my biggest criticism: I could have done with about 5 fewer orgies. I know it's HBO and it's True Blood, and there has to be sex, violence, and cursing, but wow, it was graphic.

Standout Performances
1. GODRIC. I LOVE him. He brought the emotional depth and soul-reaching, self searching that none of the other vamps have. This guy has so many dimensions!

2. Jason & Sam both grew in my opinion. They were both kind of flat in season 1, but they both also gain a lot of depth this season.

3. Jessica and Hoyt's budding relationship. It is sooooo cute! C'mon, Bleeding Love? How corny-romantic!

4. Maryann. Michelle Forbes is an excellent actress (check out The Killing!) but I couldn't help but hate her character.

Burning Questions for Season 3
-What's the deal with the "queen" vampire? How/why did she get to be queen?
-Who are Sam's real parents?
-Why does Eric want Sookie? What are Bill's true motives?
-What's going to happen between Jessica and Hoyt?
-What direction is Tara headed in? Can she spiral any further out of control?

One Test You DON'T Want to Ace

2011-07-22T14:26:00.001-07:00

The Psychopath Test
by Jon Ronson

8.5 stars out of 10

Initial Reactions
Throughout the whole book, and even afterwards, I was continually fascinated by this subject matter. For anybody who has an interest in abnormal psychology, this book is definitely for you. Psychopathy is not something I think about on a daily basis, so the novelty of it is intriguing.

Ronson does a remarkably thorough job of researching and interviewing the subjects. He approached his topic in a fair-minded, journalistic way - he realized that each side has its own story to tell. In the process of investigating the history of psychopath diagnosis and treatment in this country, with some key examples of patients, Ronson realizes the damage of putting too much trust in either the doctor's evaluations or the patients themselves.

In the beginning he grabs your attention with the mysterious case which starts him investigating psychopathy, but I felt by the end that the mystery wasn't solved very tidily. Maybe it's not supposed to be an open and shut case. Anyway, you finish reading with some open-ended questions, but also with a new perspective on humanity.

Noteworthy
1. The story of John, the psychopath stuck in prison for the criminally insane. At the end, I found myself questioning my own perceptions of him, and if he truly deserved to be in jail (even if he is a clinically diagnosed psychopath!).

2. Not only fascinating, but a quick read! I read this in two sittings.

Bottom Line
Read this book! Even if, like me, you're not a big non-fiction reader, this is an excellent examination of conscience and character. I definitely want to read more by this author.

3 Moms in 1 (a balancing act): Why I blog (and what's next!)

2011-07-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

3 Moms in 1 (a balancing act): Why I blog (and what's next!): "'So, you have a blog?' 'What do you write about?' 'Why would anyone want to write without getting paid?' 'Why do you blog?' Good qu..."

It Sucked Me In

2011-07-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have been trying out a lot of new tv shows lately, ones that I wouldn't normally be able to see, all thanks to the miraculous power of Netflix. Dexter, Breaking Bad, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and all sorts of awesome are now a click (and some delivery time) away. But every so often, I try a show that just turns me off - either it doesn't hook me, or it grosses me out, or my brain cells mutiny. For whatever reason, I can't tolerate a show.

But then there's True Blood.

Now, I tried on two separate occasions to get into the first season of True Blood. Both times, I got more than halfway through the first season and then just couldn't stomach it anymore. The profanity and violence is bad, but they're PG-13 compared to the *cough cough* intimate scenes shown. Seriously, I have never seen a show this sexually graphic before. And for a while, I stayed away.

But, like many Americans, I read Entertainment Weekly. And I have a cousin who loves the show. So when everybody is raving about a show, well, I just can't stay away.

His looks can actually kill. But you almost can't stop looking.

So against my better judgement, I rewatched the rest of season one, and truly, it turns out the later episodes are more exciting intriguing than the initial ones. Before I knew it, I was halfway into season 2 and begging for more. I admit it: I'm hooked.

I'm still waiting for the point where I'll get tired of watching it, but that hasn't come yet. I'll keep you posted, and I hope to eventually catch up to the current season (4).

Any other True Blood fans out there?

A Disappointing Finish for 'Criminal Intent'

2011-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Law and Order: Criminal Intent
Series Finale

2 out of 5 stars

Last night, my long-time favorite brand of Law and Order, and crime drama in general, solved its last murder. I have loved Detective Goren (and to a lesser extent, Eames) for quite some time now. I even made it through the Chris Noth episodes - while I like him, he is still no replacement for Goren. For me, Goren represents one of the best fictional detectives on TV, right up there with Inspectors Morse and Frost.

As much as I LOVE Goren, last night's finale was a huge disappointment. It felt tired and old, and although there was a huge opportunity for a touching, tear-jerking farewell to longtime fans, I have to say no tears of mine were jerked. In fact, the writers seemed to disregard the years of setting up Goren's fragile emotional state in favor of implying that he goes on to live a normal, mentally-well life.

The parting shot was more like an indifferent shrug.

What. A. Cop-out. Pun intended.

Even the case they were investigating felt canned - they almost literally just retold the plot of The Social Network, based around a fake dating site called Kizmate. This was just a dismal showing on behalf of the writers.

I'll tell you that my dad, who has been a huge fan of the Nicole Wallace-arch-nemesis side story, was desperately hoping that they would at least give a wink and a nod to the fans in this regard, but no joy.

Overall, a disappointing bowing out. At least we have the previous seasons to watch while we reminisce about the years when Criminal Intent was good.

A Peculiar Book...But Good!

2011-06-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs

3.5 out of 5 stars

I downloaded this book on my nook in response to Entertainment Weekly's recommendation: The book was on the Must List for a week, and mentioned again for a week or two after that. Being an avid paranormal and fantasy novel reader, I was highly intrigued.
If the book has anything going for it, it is certainly the originality. It was its own unique world and storyline, and at no point did I feel that the author was just rehashing every fantasy novel known to man. I give a lot of points for creativity.
The author also chose to employ a rather unique tool in the telling of his tale, one not normally found in adult fiction: pictures. I'm sure it would be nice in the paper version as well, but on my nook color, which has an HD color screen, it was enormously entertaining, and definitely enhanced the reading experience. Some of the old-timey looking photographs were even creepy-looking enough to give me shivers.
I didn't give out more points here for several reasons. First, the romance that the author sets up between Jacob and Emma does feel a little canned to me, but I am hyper-critical of romance in novels anyway. I would rather have characters developed in great detail and have them struggle through hardships to find each other rather than falling in love at first sight. If you don't mind that, then you won't have a problem with Peculiar Children.
Secondly, at about two-thirds of the way through, the plot switches from character development and storytelling to action. The switch isn't bad, but I felt it lost a little bit of steam though it tries to keep up a fast pace.
Overall, I would say it's definitely worth a read; at only 225 pages, it will be a quick pool- or beach-side summer read. And the author definitely left enough room for at least another sequel, possibly more.
Happy reading!

Keep On Going, Cassandra Clare!

2011-06-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

City of Fallen Angels
by Cassandra Clare

4 out of 5 stars

I honestly can't say what took me so long to get around to reading this book, especially since I LOVE the other books in her series. But read it I did, and I'm happy to report that it's a solid addition to the Mortal Instruments collection.
This fourth book picked up just a couple months after the end of the last one. Jace and Clary are together, of course, so we're ready for some of that tension between the two - which has spanned the entire series - to finally disappear. Oh wait: it DOESN'T, because although they've declared their true love to each other, Jace can't handle being in a relationship, so he of course tries to push her away. Which of course wreaks havoc on everybody.
I will say I didn't give more stars here because Jace has become a bit too mopey and mournful, rather than being is usually infuriating, hilarious self. There was a disappointing lack of comedy on his part, and I missed that.
However, while Jace faded somewhat, we really got up close and personal with some of the other characters who are awesome in their own right, particularly Simon and Isabelle. I think these two especially are really great characters, and I'm looking forward to reading more into their stories.
Overall, definitely a worthwhile, fun read. Plus, Cassandra Clare threw in some references to her prequel series, the first book of which is Clockwork Angel. I loved when she mixed in these characters, and I loved Clockwork Angel - I can't wait till the sequel to that one comes out.
Enjoy!!

Summer Movie Series: Super 8

2011-06-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Super 8

4 out of 5 stars

I first saw the promo for this film a looooooonnnnggg time ago, early last year, and it totally dragged me in with a teaser to this incredible nerd-tastic train crash scene. So, I was understandably psyched to see this movie. And all the better - my family came with me, which is an exceedingly rare event, seeing as I have an *cough* unusual taste in movies.

Set in the 70's with a small group of kids leading the story, I was enthralled from the very beginning. The film makers really allowed the dynamics of the kids to shine through, and that made a huge difference.

The special effects are amazing, but I would expect no less of Steven Spielberg. And still, it's tastefully done; they didn't throw in CGI just because they can, unlike some robot movies that I've seen.

Pretty much the best love story of the summer.

And the kids are just likeable, particularly the lead boy, actor Joel Courtney. I just liked watching him, and wanted to follow his story. Elle Fanning also does a terrific job as his love interest, and even the goofy kid with braces is fun.

This could literally be any monster movie.

The only slightly-less awesome part was that towards the end, it started to feel a bit campy, a bit like a monster-movie cliche. I lost a little of my enthusiasm about 3/4 of the way through the film. But hey, 3/4 is much, much better than 1/4, and even the less thrilling parts were still enjoyable.

If you're going to see only one movie this summer, I would highly recommend it be Super 8. INSIDER TIP: Stick around for the credits, you'll get your money's worth!

There's No End to 'The Killing'

2011-06-20T18:22:00.001-07:00

I have been faithfully following every episode of AMC's The Killing since it's premier this spring. The advertisements, the awesome soundtrack, and the moving storyline have all conspired to keep me watching and talking about it every week.
I was thrilled to learn that the show has been renewed for a second season, so it was with relief that I was able to watch last night's finale, knowing that no matter what happened, they would be coming back for more.
Even so: I was not expecting what actually did happen. Rather than wrapping up the case all nice and tidy, they decided to dangle a clean finish in front of us and then jerk it away, laughing maniacally. Ok, I was definitely half expecting Richmond not to be the killer because they laid him out last episode, just a little too easily. But seriously, did they have to mess with my adoring, he-can-do-no-wrong view of Holder?
I'm mad because they seem to be threatening that Holder may not be on the show much longer - if he's committing crimes and Linden knows about it, then they'll have to chuck him out. And if he's out, I'm out, I'm sorry to say.
All told, though, I can still truthfully say I'm a fan. Even when things go in an unexpected direction, it's still fun to watch. The characters and storyline are being developed richly.
So, they've hooked me for now, but time will tell if they'll be able to keep my attention for a second season.

'Meek's Cutoff': Film Making At Its Best

2011-06-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

The three women of the wagon party.

Meek's Cutoff

4.5 out of 5 stars

I saw Meek's Cutoff this afternoon at my local artsy theater, and now, hours after the film ended, it is still reverberating in my head. There have been few films that really affected me like this (namely, Watchmen and Let the Right One In). Personally, I consider this type of move a resounding success, if it manages to evoke such strong emotions within the viewer. Meek's Cutoff does this in a unique and striking way.

The audience's attention is first captured when, fifteen minutes in to the movie, no one has uttered a single word. The only sound has been the natural soundtrack of a small wagon party crossing a river, setting up camp, etc. The tension is already beginning to build here while the audience waits for someone to say something! Admittedly, many Americans would watch this and call it quits right away, but I believe that the director is calling on our patience as an audience to immerse us into the scene.

It is the deliberately slowed down pace and the lack of excess stimuli that really make the viewer a part of the story. Hearing the wagons creek, watching the hard physical labor, take away the "glory" of the pioneer days and reveal it to be the demanding, sometimes terrifying, often deadly enterprise that it was. You feel the setbacks along with the characters, the tension mounting as the situation becomes dire.

In the traditionally European style of film making, the movie leaves a lot of unanswered questions, and therefore allows you to fill in the blanks. I left the theater with the story playing out in my head, over and over. That's definitely how I like my movies.

If you prefer billion-dollar transforming robots waging war against vampires, werewolves, and aliens, then alas, you won't be satisfied. BUT, if you believe that minimalist film making can lead to great things, then this is definitely the movie for you.

Pleasantly Surprised

2011-05-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Fallen
by Lauren Kate

3.5 out of 5 stars

I've been disappointed recently in the young adult fiction available right now; it's become more difficult to find a quality piece to read that doesn't abandon basic creative writing skills just to throw in a vampire, some zombies, and a sickeningly sappy love story.

I have to confess that I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. The plot drew me in from the beginning. I am such a sucker for "reform" or "special" school stories, where weirdness is (or becomes) socially acceptable. Right away, Luce became likeable, and I wanted to know where her story was going.

I even enjoyed the interplay between Cam, Daniel, and Luce, though in my opinion, Lauren Kate has veered a little too close to Twilight for comfort. I definitely don't want another Bella with zero self-confidence becoming obsessed with the guy. In my book, obsession does not equal love, and too many authors substitute a physically passionate, obsessive fling as lasting love. As much as I enjoy romance, it has to be believable.

My only other complaint with the book is that Luce accepts Daniel's true identity too quickly. I think there needs to be more of a realistic reaction. If I went up to Leonardo DiCaprio and said, "Hey, guess what? I'm an alien," his first reaction probably wouldn't be to crush me in a bear hug, tell me he always new it, and start making plans to relocate to my home planet.

Overall, definitely a good read, and I may consider going further with the series. Not on my favorites list, though. What do you think? Would you read it? Feedback is welcome!

Too Many Gizmos?

2011-05-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

The new nook: How could you not want this?

Barnes and Noble finally announced yesterday the arrival of the next addition to the nook family: the Simple Touch e-Reader. And of course, it was love at first sight.

I do feel a bit guilty for wanting this, though, primarily because I already own two e-readers. The nookColor is an awesome hi-def touchscreen, particularly for magazines and such. I also have an iPad, which is an awesome hi-def touchscreen, particularly for magazines and such. Do you see my dilemma? (Disclaimer: I did NOT buy the iPad for use as an e-reader, it just happens to have that capability. So technically, I only have one dedicated e-reader.)

The practical side of me says I definitely don't need another gadget in my life, especially if that gadget will render one of my other gadgets obsolete. But here's why I want to ignore myself:

Sooo much time-wasting potential.

The new nook is half the price of the nook color, and a fraction of the iPad's cost. It would not be nearly so large an investment.
You can read it outside, even in direct sunlight!! I'm sorry, but my other gadgets just can't do that.
The battery life is A-Mazing. I'm sorry, nook color, I love you but you die so quickly.

Of course, all this is moot until I manage to find another job - it's definitely not a critical purchase at the moment. But one can dream...

The Wolves of Andover

2011-05-21T15:40:00.001-07:00

The Wolves of Andover
By Kathleen Kent

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

I bought this book purely on a whim at the closing sale of my local Border's, knowing only that it was historical and the main character finally had a good name (Martha). Unfortunately, those were some of its most redeeming qualities. While I felt that there was so much potential for the plot, it was treated almost too gently; it could have used more passion and drama. And while the love story showed promise, the second storyline took chunks out of the romance. I have a general rule of thumb: if I have to skip sections of a novel, then it probably shouldn't have been there in the first place. The secondary plot in this case was less interesting than the main story, and Kent's rigid use of the alternating-chapter motif really slowed down the plot (for the worse).
Truthfully, I think this author has lots of potential, but if I'm to continue reading her books, she'll need to modify her double-storyline approach.

The King's Speech: Better L-L-Late Than N-N-Never

2011-05-08T08:51:00.001-07:00

The King's Speech

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

I have to confess that I have been seriously reluctant to see this movie, mostly because I felt that it pushed out other deserving movies in line for awards, like Inception and Winter's Bone. I managed to avoid watching it until last night, when my parents ordered it from Netflix, and started it while I was still in the room. The King's Speech hooked me against my will and forced me to watch it all the way through. Well, ok, it was only against my will the first ten minutes, then I went with the flow.
The end result? My attitude has completely changed. This period piece about England's King George VI was truly stunning. All the actors were marvelous, but none shined brighter than Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. From the beginning you are right there in the story with them. Few films these days achieve that level of character development. I must grudgingly admit that yes, their awards were well-deserved.
Have I learned my lesson? Will I take the academy's recommendations from now on? Not likely. I still think they skip over excellent films to favor the big production studios, but this was a case where the winners certainly earned it.

Is The Office becoming too much like an actual office (i.e. boring?)

2011-05-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Is the seventh season of The Office (NBC) proving that all roads eventually lead to tedious office work?

I just finished a viewing binge of all the old Office episodes, which, by the way, are hysterical. The problem is, though, that once we got through the seemingly endless back-and-forth between Pam and Jim, and with their eventual marriage and subsequent new daughter, the show seems to have left little room for itself to go.

Obviously, Michael was ready to move on. His heartbreakingly painful relationships were piling up, and even someone as clueless as Michael will eventually find true love (we all hope and pray!). Holly had such a calming effect on him that really he mellowed waaaaaaaay out compared to the first few seasons. It would have just been uncomfortable and anti-productive to keep him in the same rut.

My hope for the show is that the other characters are given an adequate chance to shine. Pam and Jim have dominated the relationship/friendship plotline for almost the whole show. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but I think they're kind of fizzling now that they have the baby. Pam isn't as funny now that she's in the same job as Jim, and baby jokes will only go so far with the single/childless viewer population. (And by the way, wouldn't they get sick of seeing so much of each other? You can be in love and still need some personal time, good grief!)

Hopefully, the new boss will be able to reinvigorate the post-Michael Office. Who wants to see Dwight get promoted to Regional Manager (for real)?

A Physics Book You'll Want To Read

2011-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
by Katherine Howe

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When I read a book and it makes me want to read other books about the same subject, I say mission accomplished. The Physick Book really delivers on plot, character, narrative, and every other thing that makes a story truly excellent. As a reader, I was hooked from the beginning and, corny as it may sound, I really felt as if I was a part of the story. Howe manages to throw in a lot of historical research and intwine it seamlessly with the narrative, so I never felt as if I were sitting through an endless history lecture. This is a must-read for anybody fascinated simultaneously by history and the paranormal.

On My Bookshelf: May 2011

2011-05-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Every month, I will make a list of the books I would like to read, and will then review. I know I'm being overoptimistic, but that tends to happen for us bibliophiles. My only complaint is that I have to occasionally stop to shower, sleep, work...

1. A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin
2. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
5. The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent
6. Evernight by Claudia Gray

Here's to good reading!

Up and Writing

2010-10-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

I just started my freelance writing position for examiner.com. While I'm very excited about it, they don't let me do personalized articles. That's where this blog is hopefully going to come in - I get to write about all those things I wanted to write about, but couldn't before. This either means that you'll enjoy my posts or smack your forehead in digust. No worries, though - even if nobody reads me, I will read me. I'm guaranteed one follower, so take that, popularity!