The Dark Tower 2: The Drawing Of The Three

Why does Roland pursue the Dark Tower? I still wonder. I know it is his obsession. I know what he did in the first book to get there. I know why Eddie and Susannah are now with him. I know what he is willing to do to them, though he loves them to get there. Why does he pursue it? Will it right his world? Will his world gain some kind of peace or coherence? (A world I still think is a dark future of our own.)

I think the additions of Eddie and Susannah to the story is marvelous. They are taken from our world, but at different times. Eddie first, in 1987 and then Susannah in 1959. Taken almost thirty years apart, they become a perfect pair. Now Roland isn’t the last gunslinger anymore. He has people to share in his quest, who will hopefully make it to the end.

Shrek The Third

I finally saw it… I really wanted to when it first came out in the theatres last summer, but, well, I didn’t. I heard mixed reviews. Now I know why.

It was a good movie. It was funny, but there were some parts that felt rushed. It was as if the movie was too eager to get to the end, as if it was forced. The movie was barely 1½hrs. It could have gone on a little longer and used that time to better develop the new characters.

It also lacked the same sweet kid value that the first two had. After all, it was initially designed as a kids’ movie with some hidden adult humour. I feel like that is all we got. I wanted that heartwarming kiddie feeling. I don’t know… I suppose I just thought the first two were better and Shrek The Third was just filled with star powered voices and surface comedy.

But I’d still recommend it.

Night Masks

R. A. Salvatore’s Night Masks did not disappoint. The third installment of The Cleric Quintet was thoroughly entertaining. Each of the main characters showed considerable growth. Young Cadderly has grown into his manhood and is beginning to accept all that comes with it. Night Masks was fun and exciting; the action kept moving. I can’t wait to read The Fallen Fortress.

Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West

I absolutely adored this book. Gregory Maguire wonderfully retells the story of The Wizard Of Oz. Poor Elphaba. She isn’t made out to be wicked in this story or innocent. She is just a person trying to get through life as best she can. The book examines evil. Is Elphaba born evil? I think evil things just happen to and around her. Though from birth, from conception, she seemed destined to play an important role in the history of her country.

Of course she wanted the shoes, the ruby slippers. They were her sister’s shoes and The Good Witch Of The North had no right to give them away. Both Glinda and Elphaba were only trying to do what they thought was right. After all, Dorothy was sent to the castle with the purpose of killing the Witch. I’m sad that a horrible accident, a happenstance of circumstance, cost Elphaba her life.