by Brandon Sanderson
PRMS hard cover 308 pages
genre: humor / mystery / fantasy
April raved about this book, so I had to read it. Alcatraz is a wonderful protagonist, but the technique of self-aware storyteller got old. Alcatraz has a talent for breaking things. On his thirteenth birthday, things go worse than usual when he sets his foster parents' kitchen on fire, has his inheritance stolen, and gets a gun drawn on him.
Filled with talking dinosaurs (politely British), special lenses, and evil librarians, this is a quirky book. There were *so* many great lines in it that I wanted to jot some of them down. Fun, odd title.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Les Miserables
1935 movie
based on the book by Victor Hugo
starring Fredric March, Charles Laughton, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke
Hennepin County Library 110 minutes long
I sort of knew the story of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert, but hadn't ever actually read Hugo's book or seen any of the many theatrical interpretations. I enjoyed this old black & white film, but am not sure how faithful it was to the original story. The only thing that really creeped me out was the relationship between Valjean and Cosette. He took care of her from the time she was a little girl and was a father figure, but acted as though he wanted to jump her bones.
I started to watch the 1952 version on the flip side of the disk, but I just wasn't up for another telling of the tale. I'll need to read the novel, but at least now I have a better understanding of the story. Now when I hear a reference to it, I'll have a connection to the text.
based on the book by Victor Hugo
starring Fredric March, Charles Laughton, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke
Hennepin County Library 110 minutes long
I sort of knew the story of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert, but hadn't ever actually read Hugo's book or seen any of the many theatrical interpretations. I enjoyed this old black & white film, but am not sure how faithful it was to the original story. The only thing that really creeped me out was the relationship between Valjean and Cosette. He took care of her from the time she was a little girl and was a father figure, but acted as though he wanted to jump her bones.
I started to watch the 1952 version on the flip side of the disk, but I just wasn't up for another telling of the tale. I'll need to read the novel, but at least now I have a better understanding of the story. Now when I hear a reference to it, I'll have a connection to the text.
Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve
by Christopher P. Andersen
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 hours
read by Edward Herrmann
genre: biography
From the back "When a 1995 equestrian accident paralyzes Chris from the neck down, the star of four Superman films battles back to become an inspiring symbol for millions. His wife Dana, no less heroic, stands steadfastly by her husband's side until his unexpected death in 2004. . . . " Then Dana's mom dies, then Dana herself, from lung cancer (though she was a non-smoker). Though there were times when I teared up a bit (mostly thinking of poor little Will), this story did not make me overflow with compassion. Mr. Reeve was wealthy and privileged in many, many ways. Though what happened was tragic, many non-famous, non-wealthy people have horrible accidents and are left paralyzed. I struggled at times with my attitude while listening to the book. They really do sound as though they were wonderful people who positively impacted many other people's lives. The author was extremely positive in his portrayal of the Reeves. It just didn't move me the way other people's struggles have. Am I anti-rich? Not consciously. I'm glad that his accident led him to improve research for others with spinal cord injuries. I'm so sorry for all three of his children that they lost their dad (and Will his mom as well) while still so young.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs 6 hours
read by Edward Herrmann
genre: biography
From the back "When a 1995 equestrian accident paralyzes Chris from the neck down, the star of four Superman films battles back to become an inspiring symbol for millions. His wife Dana, no less heroic, stands steadfastly by her husband's side until his unexpected death in 2004. . . . " Then Dana's mom dies, then Dana herself, from lung cancer (though she was a non-smoker). Though there were times when I teared up a bit (mostly thinking of poor little Will), this story did not make me overflow with compassion. Mr. Reeve was wealthy and privileged in many, many ways. Though what happened was tragic, many non-famous, non-wealthy people have horrible accidents and are left paralyzed. I struggled at times with my attitude while listening to the book. They really do sound as though they were wonderful people who positively impacted many other people's lives. The author was extremely positive in his portrayal of the Reeves. It just didn't move me the way other people's struggles have. Am I anti-rich? Not consciously. I'm glad that his accident led him to improve research for others with spinal cord injuries. I'm so sorry for all three of his children that they lost their dad (and Will his mom as well) while still so young.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
McLibel: The story of two people who wouldn't say McSorry
a film by Franny Armstrong
Hennepin Public Library 85 minutes long & extras
genre: documentary
I don't usually review films, but this one was very interesting. I found myself vacillating between complete agreement and "you've got to be kidding me - this is how the world works." They state that they were not fighting McDonalds so much as multinational companies. I don't think most people really consider how McDonalds, Wal-Mart, and other companies affect this planet and all the people on it. At the same time, some of the arguments seemed a bit much. Interesting, because I despise Wal-Mart and the impact of WM on the world. . . . But I kind of like McDonalds. (Perhaps I'm just an innocent victim of their insidious advertising to small children. My McDonalds connection goes waaaay back.)
In any case, thought-provoking and worth my time. I appreciate food for thought. And I appreciate something that makes me think about my choices.
It truly was stupid of the company to demand apologies for libel based on a leaflet.
Hennepin Public Library 85 minutes long & extras
genre: documentary
I don't usually review films, but this one was very interesting. I found myself vacillating between complete agreement and "you've got to be kidding me - this is how the world works." They state that they were not fighting McDonalds so much as multinational companies. I don't think most people really consider how McDonalds, Wal-Mart, and other companies affect this planet and all the people on it. At the same time, some of the arguments seemed a bit much. Interesting, because I despise Wal-Mart and the impact of WM on the world. . . . But I kind of like McDonalds. (Perhaps I'm just an innocent victim of their insidious advertising to small children. My McDonalds connection goes waaaay back.)
In any case, thought-provoking and worth my time. I appreciate food for thought. And I appreciate something that makes me think about my choices.
It truly was stupid of the company to demand apologies for libel based on a leaflet.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Get Real: What Kind of World Are You Buying?
by Mara Rockliff
Hennepin County Library paperback 99 pages
genre: non-fiction consumerism
Finally finished putting the websites mentioned throughout the book into my delicious account! Very interesting book. Very appropos for middle school. Heavily into careful consumerism and green living.
Hennepin County Library paperback 99 pages
genre: non-fiction consumerism
Finally finished putting the websites mentioned throughout the book into my delicious account! Very interesting book. Very appropos for middle school. Heavily into careful consumerism and green living.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
HP #5 & #7
You know I'm feeling stressed when I read cover-to-cover something that I've already read multiple times . . . at least I didn't start with #1 and read all seven . . .
Ten Things I Love About You
by Julia Quinn
Hennepin County Library audioCDs ~10 hours
ready by Rosalyn Landor
genre: historical romance
Enjoyable. Sebastian Grey is the dashing hero - an author of gothic novels in secret. His uncle is the Earl of Newbury, desperate for an heir after his son's death. Annabel Winslow is the poor, beautiful, well-endowed young woman whose grandfather "sells" her to the Earl by pointing out the likelihood that she'll breed well.
An accidental kiss and society's disproving morals get annoying, but it's overall an enjoyable romance story. Landor's reading is good, but it's always a bit disconcerting to hear the male hero's voice through a woman's interp.
Hennepin County Library audioCDs ~10 hours
ready by Rosalyn Landor
genre: historical romance
Enjoyable. Sebastian Grey is the dashing hero - an author of gothic novels in secret. His uncle is the Earl of Newbury, desperate for an heir after his son's death. Annabel Winslow is the poor, beautiful, well-endowed young woman whose grandfather "sells" her to the Earl by pointing out the likelihood that she'll breed well.
An accidental kiss and society's disproving morals get annoying, but it's overall an enjoyable romance story. Landor's reading is good, but it's always a bit disconcerting to hear the male hero's voice through a woman's interp.
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