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.

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.