Derik’s Bane

Derik’s Bane is another, quick, fun read by Undead and Unwed author, MaryJanice Davidson. It’s a cute book I decided to pick up since a member of the Wyndam Werewolves showed up in the last Undead book I read. Though it’s nice to know where Antonia came from, this story is about Derik. Derik Gardner isn’t your typical werewolf. The story starts off interesting enough, though I feel like it loses its punch partway through. I read it and before I knew it, the story was over. It isn’t a terrible novel, it’s just not as good as other stories I’ve read.

The Thorn Birds

I can’t believe how much I loved The Thorn Birds. It was long, but so well written, you don’t even feel the time pass. Colleen McCullough created more than just a story or an interesting narrative. McCullough created a dynasty, a family you could believe was real and grow attached. Even now, I miss them.

Though there were many unexpected events throughout the story, The Thorn Birds had a practically perfect ending. I wouldn’t call it neat, more like final. Yes, the reader might wonder about Justine’s future; she is only 30 by the end of the novel. The reader might also wonder a bit about who takes over Drogheda. However, I don’t feel like there are any lingering questions. The story does not need a sequel or an interview with the author asking her what she things the future would hold for the Cleary line. When The Thorn Birds is over, it’s over.

Star Trek

I loved it. Simply put. Kirk, Spock, the entire cast was amazing. Chekov and Scottie were hilarious. Bones was brilliant. Uhura was alluring and absolutely gorgeous. Sulu kicked ass. Bruce Greenwood was a fantastic Christopher Pike. Leonard Nemoy’s performance was great. I was pleasantly surprised with the casting of Spock’s mother. I could say so much more, but I don’t want to give away anything. All I have to say is that you should see this movie. It doesn’t matter if you’re and avid Star Trek fan or not. This is a great, well constructed movie, that requires no previous Star Trek knowledge to enjoy. It was just so good!

The Book Mine Set: Poetry Friday: A.E. Housman

The Book Mine Set: Poetry Friday: A.E. Housman

A great, fun poem.

Death On The Nile

I can't believe the story ended that way! I know Poirot isn't always conventional, but he just stood there. I have to say I’m glad about Cornelia’s choice in husband. Even though the very end was startling, it was a good jolt. Death on the Nile was another great, inventive mystery from famed writer, Agatha Christie. It didn't have the same surprising twist that Murder on the Orient Express did, but it keeps the reader guessing the whole way.

Death on the Nile is a good book for someone who has already read a novel or two staring Hercule Poirot. It wouldn't be the first book I start with though. My problem with this story was the plethora of characters. Was Fleetwood really necessary? Was Mr. Burnaby or his lean friend? I found that I had to go back to the little drawing (included in all the Christie novels I’ve read) to help me keep the characters straight. I was getting Fanthorp, Ferguson and Fleetwood mixed up initially. By the first murder, I was okay though. There was also more than one mystery to solve. Before even getting to who the murderer was, Poirot had managed to discover and solve three other crimes! The story had so much happening. In the end, Death on the Nile was a good distraction and I look forward to my next adventure with Monsieur Poirot.

WALL-E

WALL-E is a cute, funny and sad movie. After the first fifteen or twenty minutes, I almost had to turn it off. It seriously affected my hormonal heart. To see the planet like that and lone little WALL-E working to make it right, I wanted to cry a little. I don’t know what I expected this movie to be. Some futuristic, robot thing, but it’s not. It is so much more than that. WALL-E can actually be seen as a commentary on the state of the world, the environment and big business.

I adored this movie. I want to get the Blu-Ray Special Edition; I thought it was brilliant. There’s barely any speaking in the movie, but the emotions of the characters come through so clearly. WALL-E and the other robots really connect to the audience. Even the drawings that accompany the credits tell a story. If you haven’t seen WALL-E yet, you’re missing out on something wonderful.

A Short History of Myth

I just finished Karen Armstrong’s A Short History of Myth, a historical, though opinionated look, at the history of myth. A Short History of Myth is part of the Myth Series, which includes authors Margaret Atwood and Alexander McCall Smith. I found it very informative; a good beginning if someone was curious about mythology across civilizations. It was well written and for the most part, easy to read. You don’t have to be a historian or intellectual to pick up Armstrong’s book, though you may have to open the dictionary occasionally, especially in the second chapter.

This is not just a neutral report. Though very informative, Armstrong has an opinion on each era of the subject matter. Especially with the last chapter, which deals with modern mythos, it is the era we live in now. Armstrong discusses Pablo Picasso, T. S. Eliot, James Joyce and Joseph Conrad. She argues that the artists are now the myth makers. Since mythology has fallen by the wayside and has been replaced with modern science and technology, people look to their artists to create heroes, something in which to believe. A Short History of Myth is a good beginning into the realm of mythology, just remember that it is not exactly an unbiased account of the past or present.

Watchmen

We saw The Watchmen tonight. It was rather spontaneous. I’m glad we went to see it though. The Watchmen raises interesting questions about the nature of humanity and what it would take to bring world peace. These aren’t idyllic superheroes; their inner darkness, inner demons go way beyond what The Dark Knight or The Hulk could offer. They have very human problems and don’t always handle things the way you think a superhero should.

One thing I have to mention is please, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not bring your five or six year old to see this movie. Even though this movie is about costumed heroes, it is not for small children. It’s an 18+ movie for a reason. First graders do not belong. There is some serious violence and sex. Not TV sex. There are scenes with full nudity and it is obvious what the characters are doing. There are some scenes that are so violent, that I heard one of the children in the theatre (who looked five or six) cry out, then their parents shushed them. Seriously. Did you have to see the movie so badly that you had to drag your small child to the theatre and give them nightmares? Yes, I think a five year old will get nightmares from watching the blood and bones and death. It’s not Superman, it’s not even The Dark Knight. It’s the same person who directed 300 and that certainly had sex and violence. Please, keep that in mind.

As much as I liked this movie, it was very long. I kept waiting for them to get to the point. I wanted to know who the killer was and why they were killing the former heroes. I waited a long time. We sat in the theatre for three hours. If you factor out previews, the movie was at least 2½ hours. Yes, there was a lot of action and great dialogue and the visuals were amazing. Eventually, however, I got restless. I know it’s not just a pregnancy thing either, when the people I was with mentioned the same thing. So, definitely see The Watchmen, but be prepared for the length of the film.

Mr. Peabody’s Apples

I’ve always been interested in what kids are reading (eg: my brief obsession with Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events - See posts from July 06, August 06 and November 06). Now, with a baby on the way, my interest has grown. I want to like a book, know what it’s about before I impart it on my child. Besides liking the story, I also would like them to be visually appealing (for the early years). Today, I thought I would be nice to take a few minutes and read Madonna’s, Mr. Peabody’s Apples.

The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the art was. Loren Long does an amazing job bringing the town of Happville to life. Each picture is detailed and intricate. I couldn’t have asked for a better illustrated book. Madonna and the publishers made a good choice bringing Long on for this story.

Madonna’s words are truthful ones. Mr. Peabody’s Apples tells the story of a man who is hurt by the careless words of a thoughtless boy. Rumours are bad. The boy sees something, out of context, assumes the worse and tells all his friends, who tells all their parents and word spreads. In Mr. Peabody’s Apples, we learn that words can ruin lives. Words have the power to hurt, heal and teach. Madonna dedicates this story to teachers. Though the story is about a teacher, it is about teaching children the power of their words.

Undead and Unpopular

Betsy, Queen of the Vampires, is at it again. She’s trying to solidify her power base, but has to deal with interruptions from ghosts, zombies and former vampire hunters. She has friends who don’t understand her and some who understand her too well. Is Detective Nick fooling everyone or does he really not know what’s going on? I want to know.

Undead and Unpopular is another fun adventure in MaryJanice Davidson’s kingdom of vampires. It’s blood drenched chicklit. Admittedly, it’s not as good as her previous installments, but I still can’t get enough to Betsy, Sinclair, Jessica, Tina and all the situations they find themselves in. I want to know how they deal with Sophie and Liam, with Carolina and the Europeans, with Delk. There is so much going on, which I think is part of Undead and Unpopular’s problem, I’m not sure which of my questions I want answered more.

Fired Up!

My husband and I decided to take in the new movie Fired Up! last night. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It wasn’t just about the cheerleading, though they made an excellent throw back to the classic cheer flick, Bring It On. It wasn’t just about the team or them beating their rivals. The story was about the two guys. It’s about how being part of this cheerleading squad changes them. Their journey is hilarious. My only problem was the plethora of chatty teenagers in the theatre. While I highly recommend seeing Fired Up!, I’d try going when less teens were there.

The Spine Of The World

Normally, I love R. A. Salvatore’s books. They’re full of fun and adventure. The Spine Of The World was more than a little frustrating. It took so long to get to the meat of the story. Some of the characters (most?) in the second storyline were different levels of irritating in their choices and reactions to those choices. There was so much build up just so Wulfgar could re-learn how to be a hero. The novel could have easily been a hundred pages shorter.
If you’re working through the Legend Of Drizzt series (which I highly recommend), this will be the most difficult book to get through. I found myself waiting for the good stuff to happen. When it did, it would be another fifty pages of exposition. You have to read The Spine Of The World to understand what happens in the subsequent novels in the series.

Speaking with someone who has read all the Drizzt books up to The Orc King, including Tymora’s Stone the book Salvatore wrote with his son Geno, this is the most difficult book by far. Having said all this, it wasn’t a poorly written book. It was full of Salavatore’s style and action. It just wasn’t what I expected. I am looking forward to getting into what I hope to be a meaty story, Servant Of The Shard.

Dollhouse

Joss Whedon’s new series, Dollhouse premiered last night on FOX. You might remember Joss from, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel and the short-lived, but fantastic Firefly. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was better than I expected. After the first episode, I think the show will really test the acting skills of the people living in the Dollhouse. There’s so much possibility with this show, I hope it’s allowed the chance to explore.
I also have to say that I’m a fan of Eliza Dushku (Echo) and Tahmoh Penikett (Paul Ballard) and I look forward to seeing their new characters grow. I can’t wait until next week to see Echo and the rest of the Dollhouse.

Eleanor Rigby

Douglas Coupland’s Eleanor Rigby is much more than what it seems. The novel, named for the Beatles’ song, takes the idea of loneliness and expands it. You think it is a story about the lonely life of Liz Dunn. It is, but it is so much more. Liz lives her life, simply, routinely. Then, a mysterious man shows up and her life is never the same again.

This is the second of Coupland’s novels that I’ve read. He likes to throw the unexpected at his readers, something I appreciate. There are so many bumps on the road to what seems the end of Liz Dunn’s solitary existence. I enjoyed the ride immensely. I’m eager to read another of his novels.

Remember Me?

I think Remember Me? had the perfect ending. Lexi Smart doesn’t have some brilliant flash of memory; things don’t come flooding back to her in grand, dramatic fashion. What happens seems more natural. It’s a thread, “gossamer thin” and it’s real. It’s something she can hold on to and use for the life she’s creating for herself. It’s not the picturesque life she thought she had, it’s a life that reflects the person she’s remembered.

Remember Me? is definitely full of Sophie Kinsella’s style and humour. The story, however, didn’t have me yearning for more the way the Shopaholic series has or The Undomestic Goddess. I didn’t love Lexi the way I did Becky or Samantha. The meat of the story, the really interesting bits, doesn’t happen until a third of the way into the narrative. Lexi takes too long to learn about Eric. Maybe Jon should have been introduced sooner.

It is a really enjoyable story and an excellent stand-alone book. I just found Lexi’s friends and family frustrating and extremely unhelpful towards someone who has amnesia. It fueled the plot, but made me a bit angry at the supporting characters. Remember Me? was an easy read and a unique story. However, it didn’t leave me with the same good feeling as Kinsella’s other works.

The Dark Tower VI: The Song of Susannah

SPOILERS

Stephen King is such a freak! He put himself in his novel! I mean, it is a fictionalized version, especially after what happens at the end. That obviously can’t be real. It somehow justifies or explains how so many of his other novels have a thread of The Dark Tower running through them. Is it self-indulgent to make himself a part of Roland and his ka-tet’s quest for the Tower? Maybe. It does seem to add another layer of interest to the story. Is he the creator or just the bard, the vessel? What would happen if your imaginings were to come to life?


One thing I have to say about this edition of The Song of Susannah is how much I like the artwork. When I read Wolves of the Calla while liking the story, I strongly disliked the artwork they decided to include with it. I thought it took away from the imagery King was trying to create. With Susannah, I found that the artwork added something; it was more expressive. The images didn’t try to represent what the reader was imagining, rather a feeling that the story was trying to create.

There is only one more book in The Dark Tower tale (not including the second graphic novel.) I can’t wait, yet I will. I don’t want Roland and the other characters to disappear on me just yet. I want to prolong their existence. I know that no matter the end of the final novel, I’ll be sad that they are gone.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is J. K. Rowling’s latest addition to the supplementary works of the Harry Potter series. In the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hermione is lift a book by Dumbledore. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of stories that every little witch and wizard heard as children. However, Harry and Hermione were raised by Muggles, so they are not familiar with Beedle the Bard. One story in particular plays a large part in the events of The Deathly Hallows.

Rowling gives us the opportunity to read these stories ourselves. She allows us to look a little further into a world that Harry Potter fans love. After each story is a commentary by Albus Dumbledore, written very much in the voice of the character. The stories are cute, easy to read and have what most ‘fairy tales’ have, a moral at the end. They are definitely stories that could be added to the young child’s repertoire. Right after The Cat in the Hat, a child might want to hear about The Hopping Pot.

A Chrstmas Carol

I really wanted to read the unabridged, original, unillustrated, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. I finished it, appropriately enough on Christmas Eve. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I found it difficult to get into initially. It had nothing to do with Dickens’ writing – this is the third book by him I’ve read and the others were much longer. The difficulty lay more in the fat that I already knew what was going to happen. How many times have you heard the story, read a children’s version or seen a movie adaptation? There’s even A Muppet’s Christmas Carol! I can understand the appeal after finishing the original work. The story has a cinematic quality, which creates a vivid narrative. There are a few things, as with every original piece, that were left out. In the end, it is a wonderful story that every holiday lover should read.

Mrs. MabbThe Ladies of Grace Adieu

What a strange story? How did Susanna Clarke come up with this one? I think Mrs. Mabb is my favourite in the collection so far. Venetia is such a wonderful, determined character. She knows that she is not crazy. There is something in her, drivnging her to save her love, Captain Fox. With some expansion, I could see this being a lovely fantasy-adventure love story movie. I look forward to the second half of Clarke’s collection.

Undead and Unreturnable

MaryJanice Davidson brings us another book in the Undead series. I love Betsy. She is the most unlikely vampire queen. The story begins with Betsy, her human best friend and her sister (who is the daughter of the devil) staring at Betsy’s never-used grave. The plot and tombstone were paid for, so it was set up. Very morbid, I must say, but interesting. Betsy again winds up in danger, the worse kind any of the vampires can think of, exposure! Does Betsy want her whole history of being a vampire printed for all her subjects (especially the bad ones) to see? Sinclair and Tina certainly don’t want it to happen. I can’t wait too see if the revealing book is published.

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born

For anyone who is a fan of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, The Gunslinger Born is welcome addition to the canon. Even if you don’t read graphic novels, try this one out. If you’ve never read a Dark Tower novel, this is a great way to start. It was a great idea for Stephen Kin to partner with Marvel Comics (home of his and some of my favourite characters.) They did justice to his work, which is not just my opinion. King’s letter at the end of the story emphasizes how happy he is with the final product.

The Gunslinger Born isn’t a retelling of the fourth Dark Tower book, Wizard & Glass. I feel it’s more of a coupling; Wizard & Glass is the launching pad from which The Gunslinger Born springs forth. Many of the events that occur in both books are the same, though truncated in the latter. There are also new glimpses in the lives of the people in Roland’s world. We see the Crimson King, Marten, Walter & John Farson. It’s as though the reader is given a behind-the-scenes peek at the workings of the ‘Good Man’ and his followers. If you want to prolong your journey to the Dark Tower, pick up The Gunslinger Born

The Ladies of Grace Adieu

So they didn't know they ate mice? Did they turn the men into mice by accident? The Ladies of Grace Adieu, the first and title story of Susanna Clarke's collection, leaves the reader thinking that there will be another story to follow. It feels as though the ladies will appear again, along with Mr. Strange, in a future narrative, whether it be a novel or another short story. I haven't read Susanna Clarke's novel, Johnathon Norrle and Mr. Strange but after this story, I might have to. I look forward to the rest of the stories in this collection.

The Jane Austen Book Club

I adored this movie. The women fit so well together. The men were perfectly selected. You don’t need to read Jane Austen to love the movie. It’s not really about the books. It’s about these characters, men and women, coming together and sharing something in common. That thing just happens t be Jane Austen.

Undead and Unappreciated

I’ve done it again. I’ve read another fluffy book about vampires. (I can’t stop thinking about Twilight and how much I’m itching to see the movie.) Undead and Unappreciated is the third book in MaryJanice Davidson’s Undead series. It’s fun, easy to read and doesn’t involve any thinking at all. The vampire queen is a lovable woman of the modern era. The king is a throwback, but styled to appeal to modern women. The queen’s surprise sister keeps you interested. I’m sure all the Undead books are going to be full of this sort of crazy, impossible, entertaining stuff.

Eclipse & Breaking Dawn

Again, I couldn’t put the books down. Each book was such and adventure. I am even more in love with the characters, especially Edward. I think Breaking Dawn (more than Eclipse or New Moon) was able to do what Twilight. Breaking Dawn had strength on its own. It left the reader with a nice ending, making this installment of the story feel complete. Not that we would ever think it a conclusion to the series. It leaves us with the knowledge that all the characters we’ve grown to care for are safe and that danger is a distant thing in the future. I am eager to read more about all the Cullens and the wolf pack; Stephanie Meyer’s next book will be eagerly anticipated. I hope she doesn’t wait too long.

New Moon

I’ve done it again. I’ve read the second book in Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series in 3 days. I can’t help it. I constantly want to know what’s happening with Bella and Edward. What is the next big thing that’s going to happen to this couple? Will Bella get what she wants? Will they be together forever? I have to know. I’m halfway through the series and I don’t want it to end.

The only thing I didn’t like about this installment was Jacob Black. I like him and his character. I’m not surprised to see werewolves. Having them so close and one in love with Bella creates an interesting conflict. I just wanted less Jacob and more Edward. I’m sure we’ll see more of Jacob in future books and maybe the vampires and werewolves will eventually get along. I just need more Edward and Bella in the future books. I can’t wait to read Eclipse.

The Silent Blade

R.A. Salvatore has given us another fantastic tale staring the famed dark elf, Drizzt Do’Urden. In this story, however, we find another drow rogue. Jarlaxle is quite an interesting character. Drizzt is joined by the usual band of heros and villains, though I’m a little sad that Cadderly wasn’t included this time around. There is also the unexpected. Who really knows at this point the way Wulfgar will turn? The Silent Blade is another fine addition to the Legend of Drizzt.

Twilight

I can’t believe how much I love this book. I can’t stop thinking about it. Yes, Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight is not some brilliant work of fiction. It’s not a fine wine. It’s crack. I want to know what happens to Edward and Bella. Yet, I’m also scared to read the rest of the series too quickly. I’m going through withdrawal now, but what’ll I feel when I have no other books to look forward to? It'll be torturous! I didn’t know I was going to become so obsessed with this book. I’m even excited for the movie. Who could predict that a book written about teens and vampires could have me so enthralled?

Shopaholic and Baby

Sophie Kinsella has created yet another fabulous novel starring the incomparable Becky Brandon (neé Bloomwood). This installment of Becky’s life tugged at my heartstrings more than the others. She’s pregnant, happy and excited about her future with Luke when along comes the ‘red-haired bitch’. I can’t imagine, during what is supposed to be a magical time for a couple, to have your husband’s super hot ex-girlfriend show up and make a play for him! The way Venetia Carter treats our heroine is reprehensible.

Becky continues to make some crazy choices. She (as always) shops too much. She also makes some great decisions and helps not only her failing company, but Luke’s business as well. If she could only focus her powers, Becky would be unstoppable. She just can’t seem to get over this unstoppable shopping habit. I am excited to see what Becky has in store for us next.