Dead As A Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead

In Dead as a Doornail there’s the packmaster contest, a sniper and Tara’s new beau. It’s all twisted. Sookie gets sucked into these situations by being a caring person.

Definitely Dead has
Sookie dating a new man, trying to
figure out who is attacking her and cleaning out her dead cousin’s apartment. I actually wish there was a story that looked at Sookie and Hadley’s relationship, maybe with some sort of resolution. It’s still another great and frightening adventure for Sookie.

The vampire summit is the centre of All Together Dead. There are some hot scenes, bonding and Barry. Barry the Bellboy telepath from Living Dead In Dallas returns and it’s an interesting reunion. I hope he make appearances in future books.

Each book finds Sookie in peril. Most of it stems from her falling for Bill Compton. Though they aren’t a couple, his presence still ripples through her life. The sniper, however, is not Bill’s fault. With each book, Sookie learns not only more about the magical world around her, but more about herself. There are aspects of who she is that Sookie is proud of, parts she doesn’t understand and things she doesn’t like. I like that each book isn’t a flat story with a flat lead character. The supernatural world has depth and so does Sookie Stackhouse.

Dead to the World

I am definitely on Team Eric after Dead to the World. Charlaine Harris delivers again. With each book, I’m loving Sookie Stackhouse more and more. She’s inventive, tough and self-educated. She’s not a damsel in distress. She can think her way out of dangerous situations. Her bravery, however, can land her in a lot of trouble. At least Sookie is able to handle everything thrown at her. Harris has created a great lead character, of whom we can be proud.

The Fuchsia Is Now

I gave my husband The Fuchsia Is Now by J. Otto Seibold to read to our daughter today. I warned him that it was ridiculous. When he was done, he called it annoying. It was a shower gift and I was happy because I love books and the illustrations seemed really colourful. After the first time I read it, I nearly returned it and got something else. I do like the pictures, even though Fuchsia’s hat looks like a nipple.

The Book Mine Set: The Great Wednesday Compare #4- Gone With The Wind VERSUS The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Which would you choose?

The Book Mine Set: The Great Wednesday Compare #4- Gone With The Wind VERSUS The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Club Dead

I think that I am now officially on Team Eric. How can Bill think Sookie would stay with him after what he did? I was hoping that Eric and Pam were wrong about what Bill was doing in Mississippi. I suppose there wasn’t really a need for them to lie to her. The truth pushed her more towards Eric anyway.

With each novel, I get more and more involved. I want to know what happens to Sookie. How will her life become more tangled with supernatural beings? Will she ever be able to have a normal relationship? Could she date a regular human guy even if she found one she liked? Harris does a great job keeping Sookie and all the characters fresh and interesting. There seems to be more to discover with every story.

PS: I knew who killed Falcon the whole time.

Dream Angus

A short book, but not exactly a quick read; it was difficult to get into, to lose myself in the story. I’m sorry to say, I was a bit disappointed with Alexander McCall-Smith’s Dream Angus. I really wanted to like it. Dream Angus is another installment of the Myth Series, which includes authors Margaret Atwood and Karen Armstrong. I’ve read both their contributions and they were great. Instead of one story, I got many. Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad and [another contributor] Jeanette Winterson’s Weight were retellings, reimaginings of old myths. This is what I expected. Instead, Angus’s story was constantly being interrupted by different tales from the modern world. It was more like a collection of short stories orbiting Angus’s myth. I suppose I had high expectations. It was still a good book. Perhaps I was just unprepared for its format. I just wish there was something about it I could get excited about.

Living Dead In Dallas

Living Dead In Dallas is the second of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels. I couldn’t put it down. Sookie found herself involved in another vampire mystery. She also found herself in a human one as well. In both instances, it was the humans who hurt her most, not the feared undead. There are fanatics and fangs, shapeshifters and werewolves. There are mythical creatures you don’t expect. This story was a ton of fun and I’m eager to read about what happens to Sookie next.

Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

If you loved the original… well, I hope you’ll love Seth Grahame-Smith’s reworking of Jane Austen’s classic. I certainly did. The story still centres on Elizabeth Bennet. However, instead of her and her sisters being English ladies, they are great warriors as well. Elizabeth and Jane are in fact, the two best warriors in Hertfordshire. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies really shows off women as strong individuals, fighting to save their country.

I really enjoyed how Grahame-Smith took the character development a step further. Elizabeth was a strong individual in Austen’s classic, but in this new retelling, she is also physically strong. If you thought Mrs. Bennet was silly before, she’s especially silly now. The antagonists are even more vile. Grahame-Smith is a bit more obvious with how troublesome Mr. Collins is, but alas, poor Charlotte… The punishments for the antagonists are probably things you wished would happen to these characters originally. Oh, Mr. Wickham…

Having recently read Austen’s Pride and Prejudice many of the passages were fresh in my mind. I loved how little words like, “zombies” and “Satan’s army” can change the meaning of an entire chapter. The zombification seemed seamless. For people who have read Austen’s work, this is a fun change. For those who haven’t, this might be a nice introduction into a classic…just make sure you read the original after.

Did I mention they’re going to make it into a movie? I can’t wait!

Chuck Norris vs. Mr. T

Chuck Norris vs. Mr. T by Ian Spector is a fun laugh. It is also totally, wonderfully, pointless. Spector’s book is filled with “facts” as to why Chuck Norris and Mr. T are the baddest dudes who ever lived. It is a follow up to Spector’s The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human, which he was sued over. It all started on the internet; websites listing these satirical facts. However, once it was published, Chuck Norris sued Spector and Penquin books (though he didn’t seem to mind while it was only on the internet.) How Spector survived this encounter to publish another book, I don’t know. But he did and gave readers 200 more facts, plus 200 about Mr. T. As Chuck Norris felt the need to point out, these facts aren’t true, his tears can not cure cancer. They are just a bit of senseless fun, perhaps something to leave on the coffee table to spark conversation and loads of laughs.

He's Just Not That Into You

I just want to scream at these women, “Why are you acting so crazy?” The actions of some of the characters made me cringe. I felt like this movie gave women a bad name. I felt like the women were essentially all the same, just in different situations. None of them seemed to have any real, common sense. The male characters seemed to be somewhat more varied, though all except Conor were commitment phobes. It was very frustrating to watch.

I like to think that I was never like these women. Though I know I may not be the best judge of myself. Yes, sometimes we may read too much into a situation, trying to figure out if a guy likes us. Yes, we may delude ourselves about where a relationship is going. We at least try to believe the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech. Don’t guys do that too, try to figure out if a girl likes them? But I don’t know any woman who’s gone to a restaurant hoping to bump into a guy who hasn’t called her. I don’t know anyone who has purposefully gotten involved with a married man. I don’t know any obsessive callers.

For me, the highlight of the movie was the relationship between Gigi and Alex. I think they might have gotten the most screen time and deservedly so. It’s the only storyline that offered any real insight into dating. I also thought Mary was quite funny. The Janine, Ben, Anna triangle was frustrating. Was Ben Affleck only in the movie for five minutes? You forget he’s even in it. These women ‘aren’t the exception, they’re the rule,’ but that doesn’t mean they can’t have some individuality.

I am so glad I finally got to see Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. I found it a welcome addition to the Harry Potter franchise. The Half-Blood Prince has action, tense moments and maturing teenagers. As with the previous book to film adaptations, there were some good parts left out. I would have loved to see the Gryffindor team win the Quidditch cup, though I was happy to see Harry as captain, with Ginny and Ron on the team. It also would have been nice to be introduced to the new Minister of Magic, but that’s okay too. I’m sure the next movie will find us staring at a lion-esque man. I also would have liked a little more back story into who the Half-Blood Prince was. We get it in the book, but not for those who have only seen the film. I think the ending was well done, the battle and the meeting of friends. I also liked how the story began with the “Unbreakable Vow”. I’m glad that I was able to see it and can’t wait to see it again.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife is an amazing story. It is beautiful and sad. The story of Clare and Henry stays with you even after the end. I wish I could know more about Clare’s future; it seems so fragmented. I loved the evolution of Clare’s feelings for Henry, the childhood longing to the adult reality. I love Henry’s shock at his feelings of Clare. They each changed the other’s life before knowing the other existed.

Is there any free will in their stories if Henry comes to Clare knowing everything because he travels through time? The same question comes up when Clare runs into a young Henry. Do they ever make any real choices? There is a depressing inevitability to it. Fate or determinism? The added dimension to the story makes the events, the lives of Clare and Henry, seem real.

Pride & Prejudice

One of the best ways I’ve been able to stay awake during 4am feedings has been to read. It takes some careful balance and coordination, but I think I’ve figured it out. The first book I’ve finished since having this all consuming baby is Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

I have to say, I love Elizabeth Bennet. I love Darcy too. They are such great characters. I can see why Pride & Prejudice has remained a popular story and Austen’s most famous. The entire story, all the ways pride and prejudice get in the way of happiness, is fantastic. Any one who is a fan of quality fiction should read Pride & Prejudice I already want to read it again.

Urban Pessimist: Bruno: Raunch, laughs - and a whole lotta oh-em-jee

I haven't seen this yet, but I did see and enjoy Borat. I look forward. to seeing Bruno, whenever that may be.

Urban Pessimist: Bruno: Raunch, laughs - and a whole lotta oh-em-jee

Baby

Photo by Kelly Bystryk

It’s been a while… a long while since I updated my blog. Well, I’ve had a baby. She’ll be 8 weeks old this Sunday. She’s absolutely perfect and now takes up most of my time. I imagine she’ll take up most of my free time for a long time. I endeavor, however, to keep up my blog, my reading and my other pursuits. It’s slow going right now, but it’s getting better. My daughter, though not sleeping through the night, has a somewhat predictable sleep pattern and her personality is developing. It’s amazing to watch her grow and change every day. She already likes being read a story.

Dead Until Dark

I can definitely see why they turned Charlaine Harris’s books into a series. It’s not just some gothic, vampire romance. There’s a mystery to be solved. Sookie Stackhouse is a character who grows. She’s a shy waitress who has spent a lifetime hiding her “disability” and because of it, most of the people in her small town either think she’s slow or crazy. No one takes her seriously. She’s pretty, but doesn’t date. Then a handsome vampire moves to town and her whole life changes.

I love how strong and intelligent Sookie is. She isn’t stuck in the same place through the story. She learns and adapts; she changes. Something I find missing in the MaryJanice Davidson’s Undead books. Confidence is something she gains. Bill is the love interest of this first novel, but from the story, you can tell he might not be her only one. Harris creates possibilities for Sookie. Dead Until Dark isn’t about Sookie being saved by the vampires or other supernatural beings in her life. She saves herself.

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.