Kiara Brinkman's Up High in the Trees
I'm sure this book is going to garner lots of comparisons to Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, b/c it too is narrated by an autistic boy (actually, they never say he's autistic--some review I read said that--so he may have some other mental handicap). Anyway, his mother has just died, his father is having a breakdown, and his two older siblings are also having trouble coping. It can be hard to write a realistic narrative from the POV of a kid, especially a handicapped one, and I don't think Brinkman quite managed. It's a first novel and it really feels that way. B.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
2007 book 119
Lynn Harris' Death by Chick Lit
I looooved Harris' writing when I was in college (back during the Breakup Girl website days--now she does freelance stuff. I sometimes see parenting-related stuff she does for Salon), so when I saw she had written this goofy-looking mystery, I had to check it out. The premise is that a sort-of-unsuccessful writer Lola (who clearly is a little bit autobiographical) gets caught up in a series of murders--but all the victims are very successful chick lit authors! Lola takes up the investigation--but is she famous enough to be on the hit list??? Anyway, this was very funny, although very New York. I'll give it a A-.
I looooved Harris' writing when I was in college (back during the Breakup Girl website days--now she does freelance stuff. I sometimes see parenting-related stuff she does for Salon), so when I saw she had written this goofy-looking mystery, I had to check it out. The premise is that a sort-of-unsuccessful writer Lola (who clearly is a little bit autobiographical) gets caught up in a series of murders--but all the victims are very successful chick lit authors! Lola takes up the investigation--but is she famous enough to be on the hit list??? Anyway, this was very funny, although very New York. I'll give it a A-.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
2007 book 118
Michael Chabon's Summerland
Like, ohmigod, can you believe there is a book by Michael Chabon I hadn't read?? Frankly, the idea of a YA book mixing fantasy and baseball sounded like the least appealing idea on the planet. OK, not the least appealing, but still. And unfortunately, Chabon just couldn't pull it together for me. Take all the usual elements of YA fantasy books--a totally non-special kid tapped for a world-saving task, with a motley assortment of friends and mystical creatures--and make them play baseball for like half the book . . . sigh. I'm just not really that into baseball. B/B-.
Like, ohmigod, can you believe there is a book by Michael Chabon I hadn't read?? Frankly, the idea of a YA book mixing fantasy and baseball sounded like the least appealing idea on the planet. OK, not the least appealing, but still. And unfortunately, Chabon just couldn't pull it together for me. Take all the usual elements of YA fantasy books--a totally non-special kid tapped for a world-saving task, with a motley assortment of friends and mystical creatures--and make them play baseball for like half the book . . . sigh. I'm just not really that into baseball. B/B-.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
2007 books 116 and 117
Back in Tally . . . and with a kitty in dire need of cuddles!
Laurie R. King's Locked Rooms
The latest Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery deals with Mary's own past! Dramatic! B+.
Meg Rosoff's Justin Case
A teenager believes he is doomed; stupid interludes by fate confirm this. Or something. D.
Laurie R. King's Locked Rooms
The latest Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery deals with Mary's own past! Dramatic! B+.
Meg Rosoff's Justin Case
A teenager believes he is doomed; stupid interludes by fate confirm this. Or something. D.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
exciting literary gossip!
And it's right in my own backyard (well, not right now, since I'm in PA, but in Florida).
Monday, July 30, 2007
P7300355/2007 book 115
Today my parents and I went to see the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Phipps Conservatory. It was pretty amazing, and apparently is even better at night (some of the sculptures light up). I think it's up through November so get to Pittsburgh and see it!
Also, I read a pretty awesome book this afternoon:
Heather McElhatton's Pretty Little Mistakes
McElhatton, a contributor to This American Life (among other things), presents a grown-up version of a choose your own adventure book (the writing is much better too). A girl has just graduated high school--what choices will she (you) make??? I've read the majority of the endings--I think--and they range from tragic to silly to beautiful. I can't think of a book that better fits the adjective "entertaining" . . . I was VERY entertained! A.
Oh, and as of this morning my parents have wireless and my computer is actually working, so hooray!
Also, I read a pretty awesome book this afternoon:
Heather McElhatton's Pretty Little Mistakes
McElhatton, a contributor to This American Life (among other things), presents a grown-up version of a choose your own adventure book (the writing is much better too). A girl has just graduated high school--what choices will she (you) make??? I've read the majority of the endings--I think--and they range from tragic to silly to beautiful. I can't think of a book that better fits the adjective "entertaining" . . . I was VERY entertained! A.
Oh, and as of this morning my parents have wireless and my computer is actually working, so hooray!
2007 book 114
Ruth Rendell's The Water's Lovely
When I finished this book, I actually slammed it down and exclaimed, "This book was crap!!" Because it was. It focuses on a young woman who's convinced that her younger sister killed their stepfather when they were girls. As she frets over this, a cast of other characters all come into the story, leading to a bunch of totally unbelievable coincidences and interactions. The mystery's resolution is totally predictable, and the end of the book sucks hard. D.
When I finished this book, I actually slammed it down and exclaimed, "This book was crap!!" Because it was. It focuses on a young woman who's convinced that her younger sister killed their stepfather when they were girls. As she frets over this, a cast of other characters all come into the story, leading to a bunch of totally unbelievable coincidences and interactions. The mystery's resolution is totally predictable, and the end of the book sucks hard. D.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
2007 book 111, 112, 113
Hey! I'm in Pittsburgh!
Nicola Griffith's Always
I think this was part of a series I've never read, b/c there were lots of references to people that never actually showed up in the story. Anyway, it's about some rich ex-cop woman who goes to Seattle to investigate some weirdness with real estate holdings and has to deal with the weird goings-on at a movie set. It's categorized as a mystery but the tension level was really low. Meanwhile, the protagonist is flashing back to a self-defense course she taught (the author used to teach self-defense--thoguh I think the method I learned for eye-gouging is more efficient than hers) and the problems it caused. The protagonist was likable enough but this may have been a little too formulaic for me (lots of falling in love at the drop of a hat with a local caterer). B.
Michael Loewenthal's Charity Girl
A really fascinating historical novel set during WWI, when women with STDs were imprisoned so they wouldn't infect soldiers. Young Frieda, a Jewish runaway, falls for such a soldier, who of course gives her the clap, and she's rounded up and locked up with a group of women. This part of the novel was stellar, but things start to fall apart towards the end and the book ends pretty abruptly with some serious deus ex machina. I wonder if the author was fascinated by his setting but didn't know where to take the story--that's how it felt. Anyway, another B.
Alix Ohlin's The Missing Person
When a grad student struggling to write her art history dissertation is beckoned home from NYC to New Mexico to deal with her brother, an eco-activist, wacky adventures ensue. OK, not exactly: she falls for one of her brother's cohort, becomes fascinated by two paintings bought by her late father, and has to deal with her mother's affair with a married man. The story was ok, but there was absolutely no closure and things got pretty unbelievable toward the end anyway. OK, I guess I'll give this one a B/B-.
Nicola Griffith's Always
I think this was part of a series I've never read, b/c there were lots of references to people that never actually showed up in the story. Anyway, it's about some rich ex-cop woman who goes to Seattle to investigate some weirdness with real estate holdings and has to deal with the weird goings-on at a movie set. It's categorized as a mystery but the tension level was really low. Meanwhile, the protagonist is flashing back to a self-defense course she taught (the author used to teach self-defense--thoguh I think the method I learned for eye-gouging is more efficient than hers) and the problems it caused. The protagonist was likable enough but this may have been a little too formulaic for me (lots of falling in love at the drop of a hat with a local caterer). B.
Michael Loewenthal's Charity Girl
A really fascinating historical novel set during WWI, when women with STDs were imprisoned so they wouldn't infect soldiers. Young Frieda, a Jewish runaway, falls for such a soldier, who of course gives her the clap, and she's rounded up and locked up with a group of women. This part of the novel was stellar, but things start to fall apart towards the end and the book ends pretty abruptly with some serious deus ex machina. I wonder if the author was fascinated by his setting but didn't know where to take the story--that's how it felt. Anyway, another B.
Alix Ohlin's The Missing Person
When a grad student struggling to write her art history dissertation is beckoned home from NYC to New Mexico to deal with her brother, an eco-activist, wacky adventures ensue. OK, not exactly: she falls for one of her brother's cohort, becomes fascinated by two paintings bought by her late father, and has to deal with her mother's affair with a married man. The story was ok, but there was absolutely no closure and things got pretty unbelievable toward the end anyway. OK, I guess I'll give this one a B/B-.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
2007 book 110
Jerry Spinelli's Love, Stargirl
Aw, this was a really sweet followup to the original book about the mysterious and fascinating Stargirl. She finally gets to tell her own story as she moves to Pennsylvania, meets the usual assortment of people whose lives she can enhance, and moves past her broken heart. I will be nitpicky and point out that the continuity between the books isn't perfect, but like many fans, I am still hoping for more to this story. A-.
Aw, this was a really sweet followup to the original book about the mysterious and fascinating Stargirl. She finally gets to tell her own story as she moves to Pennsylvania, meets the usual assortment of people whose lives she can enhance, and moves past her broken heart. I will be nitpicky and point out that the continuity between the books isn't perfect, but like many fans, I am still hoping for more to this story. A-.
2007 book 109
Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl
The sequel to Stargirl debuted at ALA, but being unaware that a sequel was forthcoming, I didn't track a copy down. Imagine my delight when a copy landed on my desk today! I actually have no idea who left it for me and hope s/he reveals her- or himself soon so I can properly express my thanks with cupcakes. Anyway, I had to reread the first one since I didn't really remember much besides "normal boy falls for eccentric girl and betrays her in some way that I don't recall" (which is pretty much the gist of it--lots of high school peer pressure and whatnot). I intended to save the sequel for my trip to Pittsburgh, but I don't think I'm patient enough for that. Anyway, I like the original, so give it a A-.
The sequel to Stargirl debuted at ALA, but being unaware that a sequel was forthcoming, I didn't track a copy down. Imagine my delight when a copy landed on my desk today! I actually have no idea who left it for me and hope s/he reveals her- or himself soon so I can properly express my thanks with cupcakes. Anyway, I had to reread the first one since I didn't really remember much besides "normal boy falls for eccentric girl and betrays her in some way that I don't recall" (which is pretty much the gist of it--lots of high school peer pressure and whatnot). I intended to save the sequel for my trip to Pittsburgh, but I don't think I'm patient enough for that. Anyway, I like the original, so give it a A-.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
2007 book 108
I recently received some suggestions that I should add additional tags to my book reviews for specific genres like YA or mysteries, so I'm going to start doing that from now on. No promises on tagging old entries--it's a little bit of a hassle so it'll have to wait for some day when I'm really bored. :)
Margo Rabb's Cures for Heartbreak
This semi-autobiographical novel (Rabb's first after her Missing Persons series) focuses on a teenage girl whose mother suddenly dies of cancer. As she and her family struggle to cope with their loss, along with her father's failing health, she deals with the typical teenage dramas involving friends and boys. I really enjoyed this, and actually wish there had been more of it; it could easily have been a grown-up coming-of-age novel instead of a YA one. Still, it was a nicely bittersweet read. A-.
Margo Rabb's Cures for Heartbreak
This semi-autobiographical novel (Rabb's first after her Missing Persons series) focuses on a teenage girl whose mother suddenly dies of cancer. As she and her family struggle to cope with their loss, along with her father's failing health, she deals with the typical teenage dramas involving friends and boys. I really enjoyed this, and actually wish there had been more of it; it could easily have been a grown-up coming-of-age novel instead of a YA one. Still, it was a nicely bittersweet read. A-.
hope for harry potter fans
Some spoilers appear in this article about J.K. Rowling's appearance on the Today Show, but there are some interesting tidbits for fans!
Monday, July 23, 2007
2007 book 107
Hey, I'm back from NC! It was a great weekend--I got to see many of my favorite people, read the new Harry Potter (twice!), experience the joys of communal living, go shopping, etc. I also read a book on the way home:
Howard Norman's Devotion
This book has a really interesting premise--a man and his father-in-law get into a fistfight just after the honeymoon, and the book tells the story of the aftermath of said fight and how and why it occurred. I liked it a lot, but there were occasions of very clumsy exposition, i.e., "Who will be your maid of honor?" "Francie So-and-so." "Ah, your best friend since you were 11." Um . . . ok. Anyway, B+.
Howard Norman's Devotion
This book has a really interesting premise--a man and his father-in-law get into a fistfight just after the honeymoon, and the book tells the story of the aftermath of said fight and how and why it occurred. I liked it a lot, but there were occasions of very clumsy exposition, i.e., "Who will be your maid of honor?" "Francie So-and-so." "Ah, your best friend since you were 11." Um . . . ok. Anyway, B+.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
2007 book 106
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I tried to pull an all-nighter to finish it, but I crashed and burned a little after 3 (I got up at 4:30 yesterday, after all). It was a delight to sit outside and eat blueberry pancakes and finish it this morning . . . I thought it started off slow but it got SO GOOD like halfway through. Obviously I won't say anything else yet, but I'm ready to discuss it if you are! The safeword for those who have finished is PHOENIX. A+.
I tried to pull an all-nighter to finish it, but I crashed and burned a little after 3 (I got up at 4:30 yesterday, after all). It was a delight to sit outside and eat blueberry pancakes and finish it this morning . . . I thought it started off slow but it got SO GOOD like halfway through. Obviously I won't say anything else yet, but I'm ready to discuss it if you are! The safeword for those who have finished is PHOENIX. A+.
Friday, July 20, 2007
2007 book 105
I'm in NC!!!!! I;ve gotten to see several of my favorite people so far and will be seeing more shortly. And I got to go into my favorite comic nbook store and pick up stuff in person! And I got yummy food at Sandwhich and got to admire Christina's amazing garden. Excuse typos, I'm on Christina's computer (mine is doing that awesome thing where it forgets I have a wireless card) and I'm not used to her fancy keyboard.
I oinly read one booki on the way here:
Naeem Murr's The Perfect Man
This was a really great novel about an Indian boy who's shipped off to live in Missouri with a woman who sort of knows his father's family. It's the 1950s and a small town, so he feels out of place, but still makes some great friends. Their story, along with the town's dark secrets, makes for a compelling read. A-.
T minus a-little-under-7-hours to Harry Potter!
I oinly read one booki on the way here:
Naeem Murr's The Perfect Man
This was a really great novel about an Indian boy who's shipped off to live in Missouri with a woman who sort of knows his father's family. It's the 1950s and a small town, so he feels out of place, but still makes some great friends. Their story, along with the town's dark secrets, makes for a compelling read. A-.
T minus a-little-under-7-hours to Harry Potter!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
2007 book 104
Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society
Quickly, b/c I have to get back to the World Series of Pop Culture! This is an awesome book about 4 super gifted kids who are recruited by a mysterious gentleman into a plan to stop an evil dude from doing nefarious things. A.
Quickly, b/c I have to get back to the World Series of Pop Culture! This is an awesome book about 4 super gifted kids who are recruited by a mysterious gentleman into a plan to stop an evil dude from doing nefarious things. A.
66570007
My computer has only been working in fits and starts--as in, sometimes it starts up and sometimes it throws a fit and freezes up. Good times. Since it's working at the moment, I figured I'd post this picture--I brought my Holga to campus the other day and was lucky enough for it to be a day where someone put bubbles in the fountain!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
sigh
When libraries sue famous theorists' widows, nobody wins. I actually saw Derrida speak at AAR in 2001--Kate dragged me, b/c after struggling through my lit theory class in college, I wasn't really interested--and to my surprise, he was an adorably engaging man. I was very sorry when he died, and now I'm sorry that UCI's stupidity may mean that his later writings won't be accessible to scholars.
In other news, my laptop may or may not have died (terrible timing, since I'm going on two vacations in the next two weeks and was planning on bringing it), so book updates may be delayed.
In other news, my laptop may or may not have died (terrible timing, since I'm going on two vacations in the next two weeks and was planning on bringing it), so book updates may be delayed.
Monday, July 16, 2007
2007 book 103
Stef Penney's The Tenderness of Wolves
This was a really riveting novel set in the wild north of Canada in 1867; a woman's son disappears after their neighbor is murdered, and she sets off to track him down, with the help of a mysterious man. Various other characters are drawn into the case, including the relatives of two young girls who disappeared seventeen years earlier, various Hudson Bay Company employees, and a woman living in a religious community. While reading, I was at first annoyed that the son's secret was glaringly obvious and wished Penney would just officially reveal it already, but as the story really got rolling all complaints fell by the wayside. I almost want to reread it, just to try and figure out the narrator's first name! If anyone knows, will you tell me? A.
This was a really riveting novel set in the wild north of Canada in 1867; a woman's son disappears after their neighbor is murdered, and she sets off to track him down, with the help of a mysterious man. Various other characters are drawn into the case, including the relatives of two young girls who disappeared seventeen years earlier, various Hudson Bay Company employees, and a woman living in a religious community. While reading, I was at first annoyed that the son's secret was glaringly obvious and wished Penney would just officially reveal it already, but as the story really got rolling all complaints fell by the wayside. I almost want to reread it, just to try and figure out the narrator's first name! If anyone knows, will you tell me? A.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
2007 book 102
Leonie Swann's Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story
The premise of this mystery is very silly--a flock of sheep tries to solve their shepherd's murder--but although the book was occasionally hilarious, it really wasn't silly at all. Lots of small-town dark secrets are ferreted out by the sheep, led by the one cleverest sheep in all Glennkill. I really enjoyed this and will give it an A, though it's not really a contender for best of the year or anything. Totally a good summer read though.
The premise of this mystery is very silly--a flock of sheep tries to solve their shepherd's murder--but although the book was occasionally hilarious, it really wasn't silly at all. Lots of small-town dark secrets are ferreted out by the sheep, led by the one cleverest sheep in all Glennkill. I really enjoyed this and will give it an A, though it's not really a contender for best of the year or anything. Totally a good summer read though.
Friday, July 13, 2007
2007 book 101
Diana Abu-Jaber's Origin
On paper this sounds like most any mystery book--a gifted forensic expert with an asshole ex-husband and a cadre of eccentric co-workers comes to believe that a series of SIDS deaths are actually baby murders. But Abu-Jaber takes this way beyond the formulaic mystery, as the forensic expert's own past (described as "improbable" by the book jacket, to which I'd add the adverb "wildly") starts to seem connected to the baby killer. The only other book by Abu-Jaber I've read before this was her memoir, The Language of Baklava, and I was expecting something this dark, unsettling--and yet completely compelling and, um, AWESOME. A, baby!
On paper this sounds like most any mystery book--a gifted forensic expert with an asshole ex-husband and a cadre of eccentric co-workers comes to believe that a series of SIDS deaths are actually baby murders. But Abu-Jaber takes this way beyond the formulaic mystery, as the forensic expert's own past (described as "improbable" by the book jacket, to which I'd add the adverb "wildly") starts to seem connected to the baby killer. The only other book by Abu-Jaber I've read before this was her memoir, The Language of Baklava, and I was expecting something this dark, unsettling--and yet completely compelling and, um, AWESOME. A, baby!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
more harry potter
I just got back from seeing the new HP movie. Actually it may be my favorite in the series--mainly b/c I violently dislike the other four movies, and I only disliked little bits of this one. It was really beautiful, so even when it was annoying it managed to be pretty and I could distract myself. I do wish Daniel Radcliffe would extend his acting chops a little and learn to express emotion in ways other than a) shouting, and b) making tortured faces. The kid playing Ron has learned to make way subtler facial expressions than in the earlier film, so props to that guy. And I still hate replacement Dumbledore. But Imelda Staunton was a genius, and Helena Bonham Carter was clearly enjoying playing mad and villainous Bellatrix. I also liked the hints of Ginny the badass and Neville the avenger. Good times.
2007 book 100
Julia Glass' The Whole World Over
I remember loving Glass' previous book, Three Junes, so was excited to finally get her newest novel from the library. And mad props to Glass, b/c it did not disappoint--even though it's mainly the story of a bunch of New Yorkers just before 9/11. It revolves mainly around four characters--Greenie, who is suddenly being wooed by the governor of New Mexico, who needs a personal chef; her husband, Alan, a failing shrink; her friend Walter, a flamboyant restaurateur who takes in his teenage nephew; and Saga, a woman damaged from a past accident. This novel--despite its length--is something to savor (and I'm not just saying that b/c of all the descriptions of desserts!). Glass really brings these characters and their world--from a corner of a Manhattan neighborhood to the sprawling deserts of New Mexico and beyond--to life, and even the minor characters are interesting and lovable (though the governor is something of a caricature). I give it an A, even though I had some mixed feelings about the ending, b/c the writing and characters are just that good.
I remember loving Glass' previous book, Three Junes, so was excited to finally get her newest novel from the library. And mad props to Glass, b/c it did not disappoint--even though it's mainly the story of a bunch of New Yorkers just before 9/11. It revolves mainly around four characters--Greenie, who is suddenly being wooed by the governor of New Mexico, who needs a personal chef; her husband, Alan, a failing shrink; her friend Walter, a flamboyant restaurateur who takes in his teenage nephew; and Saga, a woman damaged from a past accident. This novel--despite its length--is something to savor (and I'm not just saying that b/c of all the descriptions of desserts!). Glass really brings these characters and their world--from a corner of a Manhattan neighborhood to the sprawling deserts of New Mexico and beyond--to life, and even the minor characters are interesting and lovable (though the governor is something of a caricature). I give it an A, even though I had some mixed feelings about the ending, b/c the writing and characters are just that good.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
harry potter and the media
This issue is something my mom and I were discussing on the phone last night--specifically, what Harry's fate will be (if I'm right and he lives, I get cookies from a certain coworker and friend! If I'm wrong, I owe her cupcakes).
My mom is insisting that I immediately tell her what happens to Harry, so she won't find out about it while watching the news or signing on to AOL or whatever. Of course, as I pointed out, my mom STILL doesn't know What Snape Did in book 6 (she's just reading book 5 now), so perhaps her usual media outlets won't give this away either . . . or maybe I'm putting too much faith in the media? I know everyone is looking at the Sopranos finale as the model here--I, who didn't watch the show, didn't need to read the recaplet on TWoP to find out what happened the following morning, b/c it was EVERYWHERE. (I wasn't avoiding it, though, since I don't watch the show.)
So I do wonder how long it will take for the media to reveal the ending of HP and the Deathly Hallows. I hope that for the sake of the younger and/or slower readers out there, they manage to contain it for a few days, at least.
I'm not worried--I'll be reading the entire thing Friday night, just like last time.
My mom is insisting that I immediately tell her what happens to Harry, so she won't find out about it while watching the news or signing on to AOL or whatever. Of course, as I pointed out, my mom STILL doesn't know What Snape Did in book 6 (she's just reading book 5 now), so perhaps her usual media outlets won't give this away either . . . or maybe I'm putting too much faith in the media? I know everyone is looking at the Sopranos finale as the model here--I, who didn't watch the show, didn't need to read the recaplet on TWoP to find out what happened the following morning, b/c it was EVERYWHERE. (I wasn't avoiding it, though, since I don't watch the show.)
So I do wonder how long it will take for the media to reveal the ending of HP and the Deathly Hallows. I hope that for the sake of the younger and/or slower readers out there, they manage to contain it for a few days, at least.
I'm not worried--I'll be reading the entire thing Friday night, just like last time.
Monday, July 09, 2007
ratatouille and the jews?
The Amateur Gourmet breaks out from his usual awesome food commentary to examine Rataouille as a parable for Jewish assimilation. He raises some interesting points, but the comments aren't very supportive.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
new mix!
It's been a while since I made a mix, but since summer seems to be the time for lots of poppy goodness, it was overdue! Track list below:
Easy - Tracey Thorn
Lay Down Your Weapons - Scissors For Lefty
Let's not Fall Apart - David and the Citizens
Melody Day - Caribou
Aidan Quinn - Thrushes
I Am John - Loney, Dear
Brief Meeting - The Galactic Heroes
Early in the Morning - Cripple Lillies
Heatstroke - Magic Bullets
Tonight I Have to Leave it - Shout Out Louds
Fato Consumado - Milton Banana Trio
If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up - Betty Davis
Paris 2004 - Peter Bjorn & John
Strange Little Girl - Stranglers
Why I Try To Look So Bad - Comet Gain
C'mon Cupid - Roosevelt Grier
Kaboom - Ursula 1000
Track 01 - Imperial Teen
Easy - Tracey Thorn
Lay Down Your Weapons - Scissors For Lefty
Let's not Fall Apart - David and the Citizens
Melody Day - Caribou
Aidan Quinn - Thrushes
I Am John - Loney, Dear
Brief Meeting - The Galactic Heroes
Early in the Morning - Cripple Lillies
Heatstroke - Magic Bullets
Tonight I Have to Leave it - Shout Out Louds
Fato Consumado - Milton Banana Trio
If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up - Betty Davis
Paris 2004 - Peter Bjorn & John
Strange Little Girl - Stranglers
Why I Try To Look So Bad - Comet Gain
C'mon Cupid - Roosevelt Grier
Kaboom - Ursula 1000
Track 01 - Imperial Teen
Saturday, July 07, 2007
2007 book 99
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Less than two weeks till the final HP book is out! I remember before this one came out, parts of it leaked onto the internet; like many other naive people, I clicked a link on some jackass' website that read "Harry Potter fans, click here!" only to be confronted by page 606. Of course that did color my reading of the book--I figured out who the titular Prince must be very early on--but didn't really lessen my enjoyment of it. Still, I've been carefully avoiding anything HP related online till after the new book comes out, just in case.
Less than two weeks till the final HP book is out! I remember before this one came out, parts of it leaked onto the internet; like many other naive people, I clicked a link on some jackass' website that read "Harry Potter fans, click here!" only to be confronted by page 606. Of course that did color my reading of the book--I figured out who the titular Prince must be very early on--but didn't really lessen my enjoyment of it. Still, I've been carefully avoiding anything HP related online till after the new book comes out, just in case.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
2007 book 98
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The fifth Harry Potter book is my least favorite by a large margin--I always refer to it as Teen Angst Harry Potter. There are some things I like about it--namely the DA, Neville being heroic, and various Weasley antics--but when you spend most of an 800+-page book wanting to give the protagonist a good shake, it can be a little wearing. Having Harry angrily talk in all-caps in multiple scenes isn't my favorite editorial choice, either.
I didn't actually mean to reread this before the movie comes out next week; I was sort of hoping to not really remember all the details, and that maybe the movie would leave out the annoying bits. (I actually have been saying that this is the first HP movie I'd like in a while, since they'd probably just leave in the good parts with the DA and the exciting fight scenes or whatever.) After reading it once again, though, I think this movie will probably annoy me just like the last two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll tone down Harry's attitude problems, but not getting my hopes up . . . Of course I'll still be seeing it opening night. :)
The fifth Harry Potter book is my least favorite by a large margin--I always refer to it as Teen Angst Harry Potter. There are some things I like about it--namely the DA, Neville being heroic, and various Weasley antics--but when you spend most of an 800+-page book wanting to give the protagonist a good shake, it can be a little wearing. Having Harry angrily talk in all-caps in multiple scenes isn't my favorite editorial choice, either.
I didn't actually mean to reread this before the movie comes out next week; I was sort of hoping to not really remember all the details, and that maybe the movie would leave out the annoying bits. (I actually have been saying that this is the first HP movie I'd like in a while, since they'd probably just leave in the good parts with the DA and the exciting fight scenes or whatever.) After reading it once again, though, I think this movie will probably annoy me just like the last two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll tone down Harry's attitude problems, but not getting my hopes up . . . Of course I'll still be seeing it opening night. :)
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
2007 book 97
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The new book comes out in just over two weeks!!!!
The new book comes out in just over two weeks!!!!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
YA book reviews
Actual YA kids review three new books over at Nextbook. I actually have Cures for Heartbreak on my hold list at the library!
Monday, July 02, 2007
2007 book 96
Doris Lessing's The Cleft
I have the say, the best part of being a book reviewer is getting to read these totally unexpected books. I don't think I'd ever have chosen this one, but it was a fascinating and thought-provoking story within a story deal--an aging Roman historian telling a tale of human origins, where the first people were all females and were horrified and confused when the first boys were born. I really enjoyed it--A.
I have the say, the best part of being a book reviewer is getting to read these totally unexpected books. I don't think I'd ever have chosen this one, but it was a fascinating and thought-provoking story within a story deal--an aging Roman historian telling a tale of human origins, where the first people were all females and were horrified and confused when the first boys were born. I really enjoyed it--A.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
2007 book 95
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Like I said, I just can't stop! (I read all three in one day.) Now I'm wondering if I can make the final HP book my 100th book of the year, though I think I'll hit 100 before July 21st, since I have three more HP books to read along with a slew of library books. It would be nice to have a big round ceremonial number, but I don't think I can avoid reading anything else for three whole weeks!
Like I said, I just can't stop! (I read all three in one day.) Now I'm wondering if I can make the final HP book my 100th book of the year, though I think I'll hit 100 before July 21st, since I have three more HP books to read along with a slew of library books. It would be nice to have a big round ceremonial number, but I don't think I can avoid reading anything else for three whole weeks!
2007 books 93 and 94
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I wanted to wait till July to start my re-readings, but this may still have been a bit early, b/c now I want to go through the whole series all at once! Only three weeks till the new book comes out!!!
I had a pretty fun weekend--helping a friend shop for a wedding dress, then playing with an adorable puppy AND playing xbox monopoly, followed by a bunch of us going for delicious sushi at Kitcho (their Killer Rolls just about melt in my mouth) and then seeing Ratatouille, which was adorable. How could I not love a Pixar movie all about cooking?? The voice cast was great, too.
I wanted to wait till July to start my re-readings, but this may still have been a bit early, b/c now I want to go through the whole series all at once! Only three weeks till the new book comes out!!!
I had a pretty fun weekend--helping a friend shop for a wedding dress, then playing with an adorable puppy AND playing xbox monopoly, followed by a bunch of us going for delicious sushi at Kitcho (their Killer Rolls just about melt in my mouth) and then seeing Ratatouille, which was adorable. How could I not love a Pixar movie all about cooking?? The voice cast was great, too.
Friday, June 29, 2007
apropos of nothing
This article is amaaaaazing. I love how the reporter characterizes the zorse as being the product of a "holiday romance". I'm imagining the cartoon movie now . . .
Also, don't miss the photo caption: "Eclyse has earnt its stripes as one of the zoo's main attractions."
Nice work!
Also, don't miss the photo caption: "Eclyse has earnt its stripes as one of the zoo's main attractions."
Nice work!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
2007 book 92
I have been overwhelmed by books lately--eight books that I've had on hold for months at the library all came in at once, I got tons of awesome freebies at ALA, PLUS I need to start re-reading the Harry Potters! All that AND the next library book discussion group is less than two weeks away! Of course, I was happy to re-read this one and look forward to the discussion:
Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants
This was one of my favorite books of last year, and it still held up on a second reading. It's the story of a 93-year old man who's flashing back to his days as a circus vet in the 1930s, when trains of circuses were wandering America struggling to keep their acts together. Romance, fistfights, and elephants--all the elements of a perfect story are there! It still gets an A.
If I keep up this frenetic pace, I will be well on my way to breaking my previous most-books-read-in-a-year-record (155, in 2005), or at least since I've been keeping track.
Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants
This was one of my favorite books of last year, and it still held up on a second reading. It's the story of a 93-year old man who's flashing back to his days as a circus vet in the 1930s, when trains of circuses were wandering America struggling to keep their acts together. Romance, fistfights, and elephants--all the elements of a perfect story are there! It still gets an A.
If I keep up this frenetic pace, I will be well on my way to breaking my previous most-books-read-in-a-year-record (155, in 2005), or at least since I've been keeping track.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
2007 book 91
Austin Grossman's Soon I Will Be Invincible
This was an often-hilarious novel about a supergenius supervillain and the team of superheroes trying to bring him down. Told alternately from the villain's POV and one of the hero group's newest members, a cyborg girl, the story manages to maintain a high level of dramatic tension while throwing in a few twists. Grossman pokes a lot of fun at the superhero/villain relationship (I especially enjoyed the appendix, which really brings out the cliches) but all of his characters are interesting and whatnot. I think readers of Powers would probably enjoy this. It gets an A, because of course I am a nerd.
This was an often-hilarious novel about a supergenius supervillain and the team of superheroes trying to bring him down. Told alternately from the villain's POV and one of the hero group's newest members, a cyborg girl, the story manages to maintain a high level of dramatic tension while throwing in a few twists. Grossman pokes a lot of fun at the superhero/villain relationship (I especially enjoyed the appendix, which really brings out the cliches) but all of his characters are interesting and whatnot. I think readers of Powers would probably enjoy this. It gets an A, because of course I am a nerd.
2007 book 90
Ann Brashares' The Last Summer (of You and Me)
Brashares, author of all those books about pants, has written her first adult novel (though honestly I'm not sure I could tell the difference, except that the characters were in their 20s and the font was smaller). Anyway, it's about a summer beach town, two sisters, and the boy next door. I think Brashares is shooting for depth, but doesn't quite make it--it's extremely predictable and seems like the perfect book to read at the beach. Eh, B.
Brashares, author of all those books about pants, has written her first adult novel (though honestly I'm not sure I could tell the difference, except that the characters were in their 20s and the font was smaller). Anyway, it's about a summer beach town, two sisters, and the boy next door. I think Brashares is shooting for depth, but doesn't quite make it--it's extremely predictable and seems like the perfect book to read at the beach. Eh, B.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
2007 books 88 and 89
I'm back from ALA and wow, what a weekend! Getting back was a hassle and a half, but at least I read two books (plus one volume of the Azumanga Daoih manga, the latest New Yorker, an issue of Mental Floss . . . the usual while being delayed in airports).
Dana Reinhardt's A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life
This YA novel was the recipient of a few awards within the Jewish book community, so I was psyched to meet its author and get her signature while at ALA. It's a really likable book too, about an adopted teenage girl whose birth mother suddenly wants to meet her. I really enjoyed the way it all played out, though there were a few too many moments of Jewish education for my taste. I already know all about Passover and Hannukah, thanks, and I think the non-Jews in the audience don't need to be talked down to. Anyway, A-/B+.
Dalia Sofer's The Septembers of Shiraz
In this novel, an Iranian Jewish gem dealer is arrested just after the Iranian revolution. What happens to him and his family in the aftermath of his arrest is a really moving story. I especially liked the way his daughter was written, and wondered if this novel was a little autobiographical--apparently Sofer and her family fled Iran in 1982, when she was 10. I also suspect she's Jewish--her last name is Hebrew for "writer". A-.
Dana Reinhardt's A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life
This YA novel was the recipient of a few awards within the Jewish book community, so I was psyched to meet its author and get her signature while at ALA. It's a really likable book too, about an adopted teenage girl whose birth mother suddenly wants to meet her. I really enjoyed the way it all played out, though there were a few too many moments of Jewish education for my taste. I already know all about Passover and Hannukah, thanks, and I think the non-Jews in the audience don't need to be talked down to. Anyway, A-/B+.
Dalia Sofer's The Septembers of Shiraz
In this novel, an Iranian Jewish gem dealer is arrested just after the Iranian revolution. What happens to him and his family in the aftermath of his arrest is a really moving story. I especially liked the way his daughter was written, and wondered if this novel was a little autobiographical--apparently Sofer and her family fled Iran in 1982, when she was 10. I also suspect she's Jewish--her last name is Hebrew for "writer". A-.
Monday, June 25, 2007
east side story?
Arianne and I went on a tour of the Folger Shakespeare Library this afternoon, where, while perusing their current exhibit (Shakespeare in American Life), I discovered what may be the awesomest fact of all time!
It turns out that when Leonard Bernstein was originally working on his musical version of Romeo and Juliet, he envisioned it as EAST Side Story, with the gangs being Jewish and Italian!! In fact, in his original conception of the main parts of each scene, for the second scene he had written, "ball or seder or motzi shabbat" with motzi shabbat written in Hebrew/Yiddish letters! How cool is that? And imagine what a different movie that would have been . . .
It turns out that when Leonard Bernstein was originally working on his musical version of Romeo and Juliet, he envisioned it as EAST Side Story, with the gangs being Jewish and Italian!! In fact, in his original conception of the main parts of each scene, for the second scene he had written, "ball or seder or motzi shabbat" with motzi shabbat written in Hebrew/Yiddish letters! How cool is that? And imagine what a different movie that would have been . . .
2007 book 87
Claire Matturo's Sweetheart Deal
I think I would describe this mystery as a southern-fried cozy. The author, a former professor at FSU's school of law, creates a story set in a tiny SW Georgia town called Bugfest. The protagonist is a high-powered attorney (who possibly has a series--there were allusions to past events that indicated so) who returns to her hometown after her mother apparently shoots and kills a man. She's drawn into trying to figure out what happened, adventures ensue, ex-loggers try to set her up with their available sons, etc. There were few twists and turns and the villain was slightly cartoonish, but it was still entertaining enough for those few minutes before sessions were starting. B.
Back to conferencing!
I think I would describe this mystery as a southern-fried cozy. The author, a former professor at FSU's school of law, creates a story set in a tiny SW Georgia town called Bugfest. The protagonist is a high-powered attorney (who possibly has a series--there were allusions to past events that indicated so) who returns to her hometown after her mother apparently shoots and kills a man. She's drawn into trying to figure out what happened, adventures ensue, ex-loggers try to set her up with their available sons, etc. There were few twists and turns and the villain was slightly cartoonish, but it was still entertaining enough for those few minutes before sessions were starting. B.
Back to conferencing!
Friday, June 22, 2007
2007 book 86
Andrew O'Hagan's Be Near Me
I only read one book on the way to ALA (I slept on the plane, and read the newest issue of Craft magazine), and was really excited for it, b/c I loved O'Hagan's Personality. Unfortunately, this novel involved one of my least favorite plot points--an old dude forming an inappropriate relationship with someone much, much younger. And O'Hagan is way too young to be writing a book about a pretentious old British priest who takes a post in a tiny town in Scotland and forms a friendship with two drug-addled asshole teenagers. The conclusion was extremely predictable, the main character was weak-willed and unlikable, and there was an abundance of interminable dinner parties discussing the situation in Iraq and fine wines. Ugh. C-.
Here's hoping for some stellar advance copies to make up for this torturous read!
I only read one book on the way to ALA (I slept on the plane, and read the newest issue of Craft magazine), and was really excited for it, b/c I loved O'Hagan's Personality. Unfortunately, this novel involved one of my least favorite plot points--an old dude forming an inappropriate relationship with someone much, much younger. And O'Hagan is way too young to be writing a book about a pretentious old British priest who takes a post in a tiny town in Scotland and forms a friendship with two drug-addled asshole teenagers. The conclusion was extremely predictable, the main character was weak-willed and unlikable, and there was an abundance of interminable dinner parties discussing the situation in Iraq and fine wines. Ugh. C-.
Here's hoping for some stellar advance copies to make up for this torturous read!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
ha!
I'm an oldest child, so clearly I think this study is totally on the ball.
I'm off to ALA in the morning! The free advance copies are just one of the things I'm looking forward to. :)
I'm off to ALA in the morning! The free advance copies are just one of the things I'm looking forward to. :)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
news for knitters
The latest Stitch 'n' Bitch book, which is a whole collection of patterns for dudes, is available for preorder . . . and my friend Stef has a pattern in it! It's even on the cover!! (I believe it's the one on the far left.) She is a knitting superstar!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
2007 book 85
Will Allison's What You Have Left
This novel, told in alternating chapters by three of its main characters, revolves around a little girl whose mother dies in an accident and whose father leaves her at her grandfather's to be raised. As she struggles through life as a virtual orphan, her father has struggles of his own . . . and so on. I really liked all of these characters and the ending didn't feel forced. A-.
This novel, told in alternating chapters by three of its main characters, revolves around a little girl whose mother dies in an accident and whose father leaves her at her grandfather's to be raised. As she struggles through life as a virtual orphan, her father has struggles of his own . . . and so on. I really liked all of these characters and the ending didn't feel forced. A-.
Monday, June 18, 2007
comics!!!
I got home from work to find two awesome packages--one from my mom, of a homemade tote bag and a bunch of yarn, and one from Chapel Hill Comics, containing the new issues of Y the Last Man, Fables, Buffy, and SiP (the final issue--though the series has been dead in teh water for a couple of years), plus Re-Gifters and Plain Janes (the first two books on the teen girl-oriented Minx label from DC), Jason Shiga's Bookhunter (library-oriented! I believe this is the published version of his infamous webcomic), Fashion Kitty, Rutu Modan's Exit Wounds, and the new Stuck in the Middle anthology. Needless to say, I am a happy girl and comics fan!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
2007 book 84
Stephanie Kallos' Broken for You
This novel was recommended by a fellow librarian whose tastes I trust implicitly, and it did not disappoint. The story centers on a 70-something woman who discovers she has a brain tumor; deciding to change her life completely, she ends up taking in all sorts of metaphorical waifs and strays, particularly one damaged stage manager named Wanda. Kallos does an excellent job of weaving all her narrative strands together, and though the ending was perhaps a little bit too neat, I really liked it. A.
This novel was recommended by a fellow librarian whose tastes I trust implicitly, and it did not disappoint. The story centers on a 70-something woman who discovers she has a brain tumor; deciding to change her life completely, she ends up taking in all sorts of metaphorical waifs and strays, particularly one damaged stage manager named Wanda. Kallos does an excellent job of weaving all her narrative strands together, and though the ending was perhaps a little bit too neat, I really liked it. A.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
2007 book 83
Aryn Kyle's The God of Animals
This is the story of a twelve year old girl living on a poor horse farm in Colorado; her older sister has just run off to be married, her mother never gets out of bed, and her father is struggling to make ends meet by selling out. It's a very moving coming of age story that doesn't spare the reader (I'm still reeling from one event near the end) and gets a solid A.
This is the story of a twelve year old girl living on a poor horse farm in Colorado; her older sister has just run off to be married, her mother never gets out of bed, and her father is struggling to make ends meet by selling out. It's a very moving coming of age story that doesn't spare the reader (I'm still reeling from one event near the end) and gets a solid A.
Monday, June 11, 2007
2007 book 82
Michael Ondaatje's Divasadero
I'm not really sure where to start with this one. The first half centers on two sisters and a young man who works on their farm; they are torn apart and the novel follows their three divergent lives. Then suddenly it becomes the story of a writer one of the sisters is researching. Um, what? I kept waiting for it to get back to the main plotline, but it doesn't. In retrospect, the second half is stronger, but when you're waiting for the conclusion of some other story entirely, it's hard to get into it. B.
I'm not really sure where to start with this one. The first half centers on two sisters and a young man who works on their farm; they are torn apart and the novel follows their three divergent lives. Then suddenly it becomes the story of a writer one of the sisters is researching. Um, what? I kept waiting for it to get back to the main plotline, but it doesn't. In retrospect, the second half is stronger, but when you're waiting for the conclusion of some other story entirely, it's hard to get into it. B.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
2007 book 81
Harlan Coben's The Woods
This mystery/thriller type story involves a county prosecutor, Paul, who's had more than his share of tragedy--his sister disappeared twenty years ago, presumably murdered along with several other campers at the summer camp where Paul was a counselor; his mother left him; his wife died of cancer. When a dead man is discovered who may be tied to the summer camp murder case, things go haywire. The writing in this novel is often ham-fisted and overly dramatic, but the story moves quickly and was pretty riveting. I saw some of the twists coming, but not all of them. Definitely a good summer book. B+.
This mystery/thriller type story involves a county prosecutor, Paul, who's had more than his share of tragedy--his sister disappeared twenty years ago, presumably murdered along with several other campers at the summer camp where Paul was a counselor; his mother left him; his wife died of cancer. When a dead man is discovered who may be tied to the summer camp murder case, things go haywire. The writing in this novel is often ham-fisted and overly dramatic, but the story moves quickly and was pretty riveting. I saw some of the twists coming, but not all of them. Definitely a good summer book. B+.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
2007 book 80
Larry Doyle's I Love You, Beth Cooper
EW gave this a rave and Evan Dorkin did the cover and chapter heading art, so I've been looking forward to this for a while. Unfortunately, it was really stupid, trite, etc. It's all about the night of high school graduation, after the valedictorian (the stereotypical loser nerd) confesses his love for the head cheerleader during his speech, inciting the rage of her Army boyfriend. Wacky adventures ensue--think classic 90s comedy "Can't Hardly Wait" without cool subplots like Lauren Ambrose and Seth Green macking in a bathroom--until the entirely predictable ending. D.
EW gave this a rave and Evan Dorkin did the cover and chapter heading art, so I've been looking forward to this for a while. Unfortunately, it was really stupid, trite, etc. It's all about the night of high school graduation, after the valedictorian (the stereotypical loser nerd) confesses his love for the head cheerleader during his speech, inciting the rage of her Army boyfriend. Wacky adventures ensue--think classic 90s comedy "Can't Hardly Wait" without cool subplots like Lauren Ambrose and Seth Green macking in a bathroom--until the entirely predictable ending. D.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
tony cartoons
Hooray for Sean McBride (who I knew in college), whose Tony cartoons premiered on Salon today. Apparently a new one will be appearing every Wednesday. I've seen some of them and they're hilarious, so check 'em out!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
library thing
OK, OK, after several years of thinking about it, I finally joined Library Thing and started listing my books. I'm listed under "wordnerdy" so if you're on it, add me as a contact! I look forward to perusing your libraries as I keep adding books to mine.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
2007 book 79
Laurie R. King's The Game
And yet another Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes book finds the duo in India, in search of the missing titular character of Rudyard Kipling's Kim. This one had all the madcap adventures and danger lacking in the previous volume, so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Side note: the dedication reads "For the librarians everywhere, who spend their lives in battle against the forces of darkness"--hee!
And yet another Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes book finds the duo in India, in search of the missing titular character of Rudyard Kipling's Kim. This one had all the madcap adventures and danger lacking in the previous volume, so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Side note: the dedication reads "For the librarians everywhere, who spend their lives in battle against the forces of darkness"--hee!
Monday, June 04, 2007
cute sweater
Stef, who was kind enough to teach me how to knit back when we were freshmen in college (ah, nostalgia! Remember when all our boyfriends and guy friends joined our Stitch 'n' Bitch group, making the bitching a lot harder? Those were the days), has an awesome sweater pattern up at Magknits. Yay Stef!!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
summer tv
Ah, summer. The time of year all tv fans dread; the time of year they all expand their Netflix subscriptions. Luckily there are TWO food-related reality shows to see us through these dark times! The Next Food Network Star premiered tonight (one early notable character starred in The Mighty Ducks 2 and 3) and season 3 of Top Chef begins on Wednesday. Hooray for food-related drama! But please let is my less head-shaving heart-breaking drama than we saw on season 2 of Top Chef. That almost killed me for food-related competitions for good--except that I'm really bored. I was hoping to get hooked on the cheesiness of The Starter Wife, but it was too stupid for me to even make it through one episode.
Luckily here in North Florida we're only half an hour from Georgia and get the Georgia Public Broadcasting network, which has been pretty outstanding lately thanks to pledge drive season. I got to watch several hours' of Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel and almost called my mom to ask her to mail all the books to me so I can reread them!
GPB is also the station that got me into the Vicar of Dibley several months ago; after seeing an episode that ended with a raunchy jokes about three nuns going to heave, I netflixed the entire series and fell in love. Imagine my joy last weekend when, flipping through the channels, I caught the 2006 Christmas and New Year's specials that I hadn't even known existed. They were a sweet and funny capstone to a classy and hilarious series, and the sheer randomness of catching them on a night at a time that GPB doesn't usually air the show felt like a special present to me and warmed my cynical and tv-snobby little heart.
Back to food tv star competition! I'm hoping the show pulls out another Dan and Steve and not another Guy Fieri, b/c that dude is pretty annoying.
Other pleasant tv surprises tonight: TMC's Wizard of Oz/Spirited Away double feature. Nice!
Luckily here in North Florida we're only half an hour from Georgia and get the Georgia Public Broadcasting network, which has been pretty outstanding lately thanks to pledge drive season. I got to watch several hours' of Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel and almost called my mom to ask her to mail all the books to me so I can reread them!
GPB is also the station that got me into the Vicar of Dibley several months ago; after seeing an episode that ended with a raunchy jokes about three nuns going to heave, I netflixed the entire series and fell in love. Imagine my joy last weekend when, flipping through the channels, I caught the 2006 Christmas and New Year's specials that I hadn't even known existed. They were a sweet and funny capstone to a classy and hilarious series, and the sheer randomness of catching them on a night at a time that GPB doesn't usually air the show felt like a special present to me and warmed my cynical and tv-snobby little heart.
Back to food tv star competition! I'm hoping the show pulls out another Dan and Steve and not another Guy Fieri, b/c that dude is pretty annoying.
Other pleasant tv surprises tonight: TMC's Wizard of Oz/Spirited Away double feature. Nice!
2007 book 78
Laurie R. King's Justice Hall
Yet another Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes story finds them reunited with some of the characters from O Jerusalem in a very different setting--a rich old noble English family's majestic manor. I think these stories are more fun when Mary and Sherlock are off having adventures; the staid English society life can be a little dull even with all this murder and intrigue. I also thought the end was kind of predictable, but I guess the story was entertaining enough. B.
Yet another Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes story finds them reunited with some of the characters from O Jerusalem in a very different setting--a rich old noble English family's majestic manor. I think these stories are more fun when Mary and Sherlock are off having adventures; the staid English society life can be a little dull even with all this murder and intrigue. I also thought the end was kind of predictable, but I guess the story was entertaining enough. B.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
2007 book 77
Peter Abrahams' Nerve Damage
A well-known sculptor, still in love with the wife who died 15 years earlier, manages to get a copy of his pre-written obituary and reads that his wife, who he believed worked for a think tank, worked for the UN. As he investigates this bizarre anomaly, he gets in some pretty deep stuff. I actually thought it was going to turn out that he was imagining the whole thing--there are a few red herrings that made me think so, or else I just assumed there was more to the story than this silly mystery/adventure plot. But it's pretty surface-level. The ending was really abrupt and kind of dumb, but it was entertaining enough. Maybe this was more of a beach book. B/B-.
Off to see Knocked Up!
A well-known sculptor, still in love with the wife who died 15 years earlier, manages to get a copy of his pre-written obituary and reads that his wife, who he believed worked for a think tank, worked for the UN. As he investigates this bizarre anomaly, he gets in some pretty deep stuff. I actually thought it was going to turn out that he was imagining the whole thing--there are a few red herrings that made me think so, or else I just assumed there was more to the story than this silly mystery/adventure plot. But it's pretty surface-level. The ending was really abrupt and kind of dumb, but it was entertaining enough. Maybe this was more of a beach book. B/B-.
Off to see Knocked Up!
Friday, June 01, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
2007 book 76
Nicole Mones' The Last Chinese Chef
Mones, a food writer for Gourmet, writes a novel about a 40 year old widowed food writer who receives the disturbing news that her late husband may have fathered a child in China. She heads to Beijing to investigate the claim, and while she's there, works on an article about a half-Chinese, half-Jewish chef who's opening a restaurant, and to whom she is drawn. The story got a bit sentimental at times for my taste, and there was a little too much about Chinese culinary history for my taste (unsurprising, considering Mones' food writing), but it was still a sold effort. B+.
Mones, a food writer for Gourmet, writes a novel about a 40 year old widowed food writer who receives the disturbing news that her late husband may have fathered a child in China. She heads to Beijing to investigate the claim, and while she's there, works on an article about a half-Chinese, half-Jewish chef who's opening a restaurant, and to whom she is drawn. The story got a bit sentimental at times for my taste, and there was a little too much about Chinese culinary history for my taste (unsurprising, considering Mones' food writing), but it was still a sold effort. B+.
even more harry potter
THEME PARK!! I am so there!!! (Thanks to Kate T. and Christina for the link!)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
damn you, comcast!
NOOO!!! Comcast changed my channel lineup sometime today and I no longer get the Game Show Network! Seriously, I love that Chain Reaction show and used to watch it every night. It's surprisingly challenging! (Sometimes.) Also, I love when they use brand names or people's names (once there was a chain of "BUD L_____ Sensitive" and a girl jokingly guessed "light?" and it was RIGHT! Also Puff Daddy was used once).
Anyway, I'm sad about this. It's all part of their plot to make everyone switch to digital cable (where GSN is now located). I don't WANT digital cable! 70 channels are enough for me!
Anyway, I'm sad about this. It's all part of their plot to make everyone switch to digital cable (where GSN is now located). I don't WANT digital cable! 70 channels are enough for me!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
2007 book 75
Chris Bohjalian's The Double Bind
A fellow librarian gave this to me to read--I think she was desperate to discuss it with someone, as it has a sort of unexpected ending (I guessed part of the twist ending very early on, possibly b/c she mentioned the unexpected ending, partially b/c I read a lot). Anyway, this novel centers on a young social worker who helps homeless people find homes. When one of her elderly clients dies, a cache of photographs of, among other things, celebrities and of places near the social worker's childhood home, she begins to investigate his life, stumbling into obsession and The Great Gatsby (side note: it's amazing how much of those high school English class discussions actually stick with you!). I had some mixed feelings about this book (and find myself wanting to track my coworker down to talk about it, myself) so give it a B+.
A fellow librarian gave this to me to read--I think she was desperate to discuss it with someone, as it has a sort of unexpected ending (I guessed part of the twist ending very early on, possibly b/c she mentioned the unexpected ending, partially b/c I read a lot). Anyway, this novel centers on a young social worker who helps homeless people find homes. When one of her elderly clients dies, a cache of photographs of, among other things, celebrities and of places near the social worker's childhood home, she begins to investigate his life, stumbling into obsession and The Great Gatsby (side note: it's amazing how much of those high school English class discussions actually stick with you!). I had some mixed feelings about this book (and find myself wanting to track my coworker down to talk about it, myself) so give it a B+.
more harry potter
Before I get too caught up in the Harry Potter frenzy (like I haven't already), I want to officially put my predictions on the record!
1) Harry will live.
2) Snape is good, and probably will save Harry in some way.
3) Neville will get to be heroic (this is more of a hope than a prediction--I love when Neville gets to be heroic!).
1) Harry will live.
2) Snape is good, and probably will save Harry in some way.
3) Neville will get to be heroic (this is more of a hope than a prediction--I love when Neville gets to be heroic!).
Monday, May 28, 2007
2007 book 74
Bernhard Schlink's The Reader
This is another of those books whose description makes it seem way more exciting than it actually is. In this case, a young boy in post-WWII Germany begins an affair with a 30-something woman in his neighborhood. Years later, he encounters her again during a Nazi war trial. The description discusses some deep secret she's hiding, which was the most boring and anti-climactic secret ever. I did like the end and have the feeling if this stupid description didn't exist, I'd have liked it a lot more (one of my co-workers recommended it, and she has similar tastes to mine). I guess I'll give it a B.
This is another of those books whose description makes it seem way more exciting than it actually is. In this case, a young boy in post-WWII Germany begins an affair with a 30-something woman in his neighborhood. Years later, he encounters her again during a Nazi war trial. The description discusses some deep secret she's hiding, which was the most boring and anti-climactic secret ever. I did like the end and have the feeling if this stupid description didn't exist, I'd have liked it a lot more (one of my co-workers recommended it, and she has similar tastes to mine). I guess I'll give it a B.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
2007 book 73
Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns
The author of The Kite Runner brings another novel set in Afghanistan, only this one focuses on two women and how their lives come to connect over thirty or so years. It's very depressing at times--though not nearly as dark as his first novel--mainly b/c it highlights the horrible treatment women had in Afghanistan under the Taliban. I had problems keeping some of the many political upheavals straight, but the two main characters were very well-written and really engaging. I can't decide if the ending was realistic or not, but I liked it anyway. A.
Other good things this weekend: the movie Waitress. It is such a bummer that Adrienne Shelly was murdered--I've been a fan of hers since I first saw that classically lame teen movie Big Girls Don't Get Mad, They Get Even (also starring Jenny Lewis) and she really deserved accolades for this one. I especially loved it b/c of all the pies, and sweet old Andy Griffith (who I met last year when he was at UNC).
Also, we tried a new local pizza place that has elephant ears on the dessert menu! Elephant ears are just like funnel cake! Awesome.
The author of The Kite Runner brings another novel set in Afghanistan, only this one focuses on two women and how their lives come to connect over thirty or so years. It's very depressing at times--though not nearly as dark as his first novel--mainly b/c it highlights the horrible treatment women had in Afghanistan under the Taliban. I had problems keeping some of the many political upheavals straight, but the two main characters were very well-written and really engaging. I can't decide if the ending was realistic or not, but I liked it anyway. A.
Other good things this weekend: the movie Waitress. It is such a bummer that Adrienne Shelly was murdered--I've been a fan of hers since I first saw that classically lame teen movie Big Girls Don't Get Mad, They Get Even (also starring Jenny Lewis) and she really deserved accolades for this one. I especially loved it b/c of all the pies, and sweet old Andy Griffith (who I met last year when he was at UNC).
Also, we tried a new local pizza place that has elephant ears on the dessert menu! Elephant ears are just like funnel cake! Awesome.
Friday, May 25, 2007
dinosaurs and the bible
This article couldn't be more timely, as this week at my place of work, someone attempted to donate a subscription to this ministry's magazine. (I actually intended to take it home to scan bits and pieces, but the donor wanted it back.)
The most recent issue had a Noah's Ark theme, including a centerfold and proof positive that dinosaurs lived in biblical times AND were passengers on the ark. It also had a letter suggesting that people donate it to their local libraries--mystery solved. I'm not going to get into the rest of the content . . . it sort of makes me laugh and cry simultaneously.
Anyway, I know you all must be bitterly disappointed not to be able to witness this yourself, and I am bitterly disappointed that I cannot share it with you. Maybe you should schedule a trip to the theme park!
The most recent issue had a Noah's Ark theme, including a centerfold and proof positive that dinosaurs lived in biblical times AND were passengers on the ark. It also had a letter suggesting that people donate it to their local libraries--mystery solved. I'm not going to get into the rest of the content . . . it sort of makes me laugh and cry simultaneously.
Anyway, I know you all must be bitterly disappointed not to be able to witness this yourself, and I am bitterly disappointed that I cannot share it with you. Maybe you should schedule a trip to the theme park!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
harry potter
Here's a link to some Harry Potter recipes to get you ready for the release of book 7, which is less than two months away!
I wasn't planning on starting my rereads yet--I was going to do a marathon in July--but I don't want to wait!!!!
I wasn't planning on starting my rereads yet--I was going to do a marathon in July--but I don't want to wait!!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
2007 book 72
Laurie R. King's O Jerusalem
Yet another Mary Russell book is enlivened by a trip to Palestine in 1918. General Allenby* makes a cameo appearance, as does my favorite old-timey spelling of a word ("orang-outang", first read in a Poe story, the meaning of which I couldn't puzzle out till I asked my dad aloud what it meant). The usual hijinks and adventures ensue, and I'll still not tired of this series so I'll give it an A.
__
*His namesake street in Tel Aviv is where all the fun is!
Yet another Mary Russell book is enlivened by a trip to Palestine in 1918. General Allenby* makes a cameo appearance, as does my favorite old-timey spelling of a word ("orang-outang", first read in a Poe story, the meaning of which I couldn't puzzle out till I asked my dad aloud what it meant). The usual hijinks and adventures ensue, and I'll still not tired of this series so I'll give it an A.
__
*His namesake street in Tel Aviv is where all the fun is!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
scott pilgrim preview!
Check it out!
Apparently the cover will be revealed on Monday . . . . YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Oooh, and look at this other shot from his photostream. If George Michael and other assorted people affiliated with that movie Superbad like O'Malley's stuff, you should too!!!!
Apparently the cover will be revealed on Monday . . . . YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Oooh, and look at this other shot from his photostream. If George Michael and other assorted people affiliated with that movie Superbad like O'Malley's stuff, you should too!!!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
2007 book 71
Lesley Kagen's Whistling in the Dark
This novel centers on ten year old Sally O'Malley. In the summer of 1959, her mother's in the hospital, her drunken stepfather isn't around, and her older sister is preoccupied with being eighteen, so it's just Sally and her wild little sister Troo, who Sally promised their dead father she'd protect. Meanwhile, there's a murderer and molester in town and Sally is not only convinced that she knows who he is, but that she's his next victim. It's a pretty riveting story--my only beef is that the writing gets a little too faux-childish at times, and the ending is clear to the reader long before it's clear to the protagonist, which can be a little bit frustrating. Still, I really liked the way the twists and turns played out, so I'll give it an A-.
This novel centers on ten year old Sally O'Malley. In the summer of 1959, her mother's in the hospital, her drunken stepfather isn't around, and her older sister is preoccupied with being eighteen, so it's just Sally and her wild little sister Troo, who Sally promised their dead father she'd protect. Meanwhile, there's a murderer and molester in town and Sally is not only convinced that she knows who he is, but that she's his next victim. It's a pretty riveting story--my only beef is that the writing gets a little too faux-childish at times, and the ending is clear to the reader long before it's clear to the protagonist, which can be a little bit frustrating. Still, I really liked the way the twists and turns played out, so I'll give it an A-.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
2007 book 70
Arthur Phillips' Angelica
I remember not really liking Phillips' The Egyptologist. but this has been getting good reviews and the descriptions seemed intriguing--a Victorian ghost story, a terrible family tragedy, etc. Each of the four protagonists has a turn narrating the novel, which isn't a ghost story, and the tragedy is debatable. Then ending is really stupid and totally unsatisfying. Maybe this would be a better book if it wasn't billed as all spooky and cool, since it is neither of those things, but is primarily annoying. C-.
I remember not really liking Phillips' The Egyptologist. but this has been getting good reviews and the descriptions seemed intriguing--a Victorian ghost story, a terrible family tragedy, etc. Each of the four protagonists has a turn narrating the novel, which isn't a ghost story, and the tragedy is debatable. Then ending is really stupid and totally unsatisfying. Maybe this would be a better book if it wasn't billed as all spooky and cool, since it is neither of those things, but is primarily annoying. C-.
2007 book 69
Laurie R. King's The Moor
The 4th Maru Russell mystery revisits the scene of the famous Hound of the Baskervilles. I wasn't as into this one as the previous stories--it took a while to get going, and it felt a little bit lazy, cribbing from a previous Holmes story--but it was still a fun read. B.
The 4th Maru Russell mystery revisits the scene of the famous Hound of the Baskervilles. I wasn't as into this one as the previous stories--it took a while to get going, and it felt a little bit lazy, cribbing from a previous Holmes story--but it was still a fun read. B.
Friday, May 18, 2007
2007 book 68
Nathan Englander's The Ministry of Special Cases
This novel, about a Jewish family in Argentina during all the crappy political unrest of the 1970s, has been garnering a ton of rave reviews. I was all excited to read it . . . and then I couldn't get into it at all. Seriously, it starts all in media res going on about Jewish cemetaries and things. It did pick up after that, but just as I'd get into it, it would start to drag again. And we're talking about a story involving the disappeared! But the problem is, there's so much bureaucracy and corruption in the book . . . it's easy to feel the frustration of the protagonists, b/c I as a reader was frustrated reading it. The ending was appropriate but I just can't give this book above a B.
This novel, about a Jewish family in Argentina during all the crappy political unrest of the 1970s, has been garnering a ton of rave reviews. I was all excited to read it . . . and then I couldn't get into it at all. Seriously, it starts all in media res going on about Jewish cemetaries and things. It did pick up after that, but just as I'd get into it, it would start to drag again. And we're talking about a story involving the disappeared! But the problem is, there's so much bureaucracy and corruption in the book . . . it's easy to feel the frustration of the protagonists, b/c I as a reader was frustrated reading it. The ending was appropriate but I just can't give this book above a B.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
2007 book 67
Laurie R. King's A Letter of Mary
The third book in the Mary Russell series was right up my alley, as it involved the murder of an archaeologist who has bequeathed a letter apparently writted by Mary Magdalene on the Holmeses. I wonder if King is secretly a biblical scholar or is just an excellent researcher, b/c all of her off-hand remarks about Russell's research are dead-on. I've definitely never seen a reference to a furtive patach in a novel before! Obviously I'm giving this one an A and putting the next couple books in the series on hold at the library! Gosh, are there enough prepositional phrases in these sentences? They'd be a bitch to diagram. (I love diagramming sentences.)
The third book in the Mary Russell series was right up my alley, as it involved the murder of an archaeologist who has bequeathed a letter apparently writted by Mary Magdalene on the Holmeses. I wonder if King is secretly a biblical scholar or is just an excellent researcher, b/c all of her off-hand remarks about Russell's research are dead-on. I've definitely never seen a reference to a furtive patach in a novel before! Obviously I'm giving this one an A and putting the next couple books in the series on hold at the library! Gosh, are there enough prepositional phrases in these sentences? They'd be a bitch to diagram. (I love diagramming sentences.)
Monday, May 14, 2007
2007 books 65 and 66
I managed to read a couple of short books last night and today while taking breaks from unpacking and whatnot!
Haruki Murakami's After Dark
I really think that Murakami is one of the most consistently GOOD authors out there. He never disappoints and this novel is no different. It's less, I don't know, epic than most of his novels, but the characters are some of his most likable. The story involves a small group of people who all encounter each other late one night. Meanwhile, the older sister of one of the protagonists is deeply asleep and possibly in danger. I really loved all the characters and I thought the film-like narrative was pretty interesting. A.
Chelsea Cain's Confessions of a Teen Sleuth
This was a mildly amusing Nancy Drew parody. It turns out that Nancy was a real person whose college roommate, Carolyn Keene, wrote a series of more-or-less inaccurate books about her. Nancy grows into adulthood, grappling with her teen sleuth identity and desperate for mysteries to solve. Totally a goofy read. B.
Haruki Murakami's After Dark
I really think that Murakami is one of the most consistently GOOD authors out there. He never disappoints and this novel is no different. It's less, I don't know, epic than most of his novels, but the characters are some of his most likable. The story involves a small group of people who all encounter each other late one night. Meanwhile, the older sister of one of the protagonists is deeply asleep and possibly in danger. I really loved all the characters and I thought the film-like narrative was pretty interesting. A.
Chelsea Cain's Confessions of a Teen Sleuth
This was a mildly amusing Nancy Drew parody. It turns out that Nancy was a real person whose college roommate, Carolyn Keene, wrote a series of more-or-less inaccurate books about her. Nancy grows into adulthood, grappling with her teen sleuth identity and desperate for mysteries to solve. Totally a goofy read. B.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
2007 book 64
Kirsten Miller's Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City
This was a fun YA book about a group of pre-teen girls, each with special skills, who band together to explore an underground city underneath NY. Meanwhile, they get caught up in danger and mysteries! I figured out the twist ending but enjoyed it a lot anyway. The sequel comes out this fall and I definitely will be reading it. A.
This was a fun YA book about a group of pre-teen girls, each with special skills, who band together to explore an underground city underneath NY. Meanwhile, they get caught up in danger and mysteries! I figured out the twist ending but enjoyed it a lot anyway. The sequel comes out this fall and I definitely will be reading it. A.
2007 book 63
Laurie R. King's A Monstrous Regiment of Women
I moved yesterday and am tired and have a million things to do, so I apologize if this is scattered! Anyway, the second book in what is apparently a series of books about young eccentric Mary Russell and her friend Sherlock Holmes deals with some feminist biblical scholars and some mysterious murders. After we both enjoyed Beekeeper's Apprentice, Christina discovered all its sequels and encouraged me to read them, and this was pretty worth it. B+.
I moved yesterday and am tired and have a million things to do, so I apologize if this is scattered! Anyway, the second book in what is apparently a series of books about young eccentric Mary Russell and her friend Sherlock Holmes deals with some feminist biblical scholars and some mysterious murders. After we both enjoyed Beekeeper's Apprentice, Christina discovered all its sequels and encouraged me to read them, and this was pretty worth it. B+.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
two great tastes that taste great togther
The Clientele . . . as manga!! I totally have to buy that book when it comes out.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
2007 book 62
Michael Faber's Vanilla Bright Like Eminem
I am really not into short stories these days, but I'm reviewing this so I had to read it. It's really weird how Faber's stories veer between sort of surreal and/or totally unpleasant, and charming little vignettes. There were a few stories that made me want to put the damn book down for good, and a couple I really liked. I guess that averages out to a B-/C+.
I am really not into short stories these days, but I'm reviewing this so I had to read it. It's really weird how Faber's stories veer between sort of surreal and/or totally unpleasant, and charming little vignettes. There were a few stories that made me want to put the damn book down for good, and a couple I really liked. I guess that averages out to a B-/C+.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Multimedia message
I was out running errands this afternoon as a break from packing and moving and came across this publicity thingum for Harry Potter 7. I think this lends credence to the "Snape is actually a good guy" theory (which I totally believe), or else why would plot point that be such a big marketing thing?
Sunday, May 06, 2007
2007 book 61
Dani Shapiro's Black & White
The protagonist of this novel is a woman whose mother achieved fame and fortune by taking photographs of her young daughter naked. As an adult, the daughter has cut off all contact with her mother, until news reachers that her mother is dying. She struggles to come to terms with the role the photographs played in her own life while trying to raise her own daughter. Blah. This book was pretty good, but I wished they had fleshed out some of the characters more (like the protagonist's older sister). The ending also didn't do much for me. B-.
The protagonist of this novel is a woman whose mother achieved fame and fortune by taking photographs of her young daughter naked. As an adult, the daughter has cut off all contact with her mother, until news reachers that her mother is dying. She struggles to come to terms with the role the photographs played in her own life while trying to raise her own daughter. Blah. This book was pretty good, but I wished they had fleshed out some of the characters more (like the protagonist's older sister). The ending also didn't do much for me. B-.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
2007 book 60
Jennifer McMahon's Promise Not to Tell
I've been feeling a little bit sick for the past couple of days, so I've been sticking to lighter reading. This mystery revolves around two identical murders that took place thirty years apart--when the first victim's friend Kate returns to town to care for her sick mother and the second little girl is murdered, everyone is terrified and suspicious. As Kate attempts to unravel the truth, she must come to term with her own role in her friend's death, which has inspired a slew of local legends and ghost stories. Anyway, I liked the mystery part (though it was pretty easy to guess the killer) and had some mixed feelings about the ghost story parts, so I'll give it a B.
I've been feeling a little bit sick for the past couple of days, so I've been sticking to lighter reading. This mystery revolves around two identical murders that took place thirty years apart--when the first victim's friend Kate returns to town to care for her sick mother and the second little girl is murdered, everyone is terrified and suspicious. As Kate attempts to unravel the truth, she must come to term with her own role in her friend's death, which has inspired a slew of local legends and ghost stories. Anyway, I liked the mystery part (though it was pretty easy to guess the killer) and had some mixed feelings about the ghost story parts, so I'll give it a B.
2007 book 59
Alison McGhee's Falling Boy
This is a sweet novel about a teenage boy in a wheelchair; he spends his summer working in a bakery with an eccentric boy boss and with a troubled little girl hanging around. Gradually the story of his injury comes out, though his boss has half-convinced everyone that he is a superhero. Anyway, I really liked this, and give it an A- because it drags a little.
This is a sweet novel about a teenage boy in a wheelchair; he spends his summer working in a bakery with an eccentric boy boss and with a troubled little girl hanging around. Gradually the story of his injury comes out, though his boss has half-convinced everyone that he is a superhero. Anyway, I really liked this, and give it an A- because it drags a little.
Friday, May 04, 2007
chabon, chabon, chabon!
The Yiddish Policeman media blitz continues with an interview with Michael Chabon at Salon. It's mostly good, but I disagree with the introduction's assertion that there's a secret cabal akin to the Elders of Zion. I don't want to give the story away, so I can't explain why that is really off the mark, but it IS REALLY OFF THE MARK. I mean, the refrain the article's author refers to is actually "These are strange times to be a Jew," so clearly Ms. Goldstein didn't read the book very carefully.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
grey's anatomy
I am officially over this show! I've been on the verge of forgoing it since the whole George-Izzie pairing, but even a Broken West song couldn't redeem tonight's episode.
I might watch the spin-off though, but only if Piz from Veronica Mars will be appearing regularly (preferably shirtless, as he did tonight).
I might watch the spin-off though, but only if Piz from Veronica Mars will be appearing regularly (preferably shirtless, as he did tonight).
P5030083
I've been experimenting with recipes from that King Arthur whole grain cookbook. So far everything I've made (Milk and Honey Corn Muffins, Maple-Date-Walnut Bread) has been pretty good--but these Barley Sugar Cookies are pretty great! I could barely put this one down long enough to take a photo.
My only beef with the cookbook is that some of the flavors (i.e., the titular honey and maple from my previous efforts, and lemon in these cookies) don't come through as much as I'd like. That's probably just a personal preference, though, and it's easy enough to add more of the good stuff to a recipe!
My only beef with the cookbook is that some of the flavors (i.e., the titular honey and maple from my previous efforts, and lemon in these cookies) don't come through as much as I'd like. That's probably just a personal preference, though, and it's easy enough to add more of the good stuff to a recipe!
cook for the cure
I love all these kitchen products for the cure. I actually do need a set of cookware (I have myriad baking pans and things, but only one small saucepan and one frying pan due to various kitchen incidents), but I'm not sure I need THAT many pink kitchen accessories. Still, if you want to have matching stuff, you may as well do it for a good cause! And that cookware set is a really good deal at the moment. I am sorely tempted--I think pink kitchen stuff would nicely complement my pastel blue KitchenAid stand mixer.
OK, I admit it. I think pink pots 'n' pans are supercute! I am sooooo girly! WTF.
OK, I admit it. I think pink pots 'n' pans are supercute! I am sooooo girly! WTF.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
2007 book 58
Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union
You know how sometimes, when you've been waiting FOREVER for something, and are all excited about it, when you finally get it, it's just not as good as you thought it would be. Well, that is not at all the case here! I read an excerpt from it in some journal or another a couple months ago, and have been waiting with bated breath ever since, and it managed to exceed my expectations. So, nu, what is the book about? I guess people are making a big deal about it being an alternate history murder mystery, but the alternate history stuff is just a really wonderful and elaborate backdrop to a story that is straight-up noir. In this version of the world, Israel never became a state, and the Jews instead were granted temporary custody of a large chunk of Alaska. Of course there's the usual trouble with the land's previous inhabitants, not the mention the 60 years the Jews were granted to live there is about to expire. In the midst of all this, a cop named Meyer Landsman is called to the scene of a murder in his own hotel building. Also, his ex-wife is now his boss. I mean, it's the awesomest noir ever!
Anyway, this story is not in the least anti-Semitic, so whoever said that it was is clearly on crack. Like there have never been Jewish mobsters before--come on, there was a whole CLASS about Jewish mobsters at Penn State (I never took it). Weirdly, I feel like Chabon really tried to keep the Yiddish in check to make the novel more palatable and understandable to his non-Jewish readers. There are a few words that crop up a lot, but half the time he's called kugel "noodle pudding", so clearly there's some self-censorship going on. I mean, that's not important to the story at all, I just thought it was interesting. The whole world of the novel is steeped in Jewish culture, at any rate.
Can you guess that I'm giving this an A+ and an automatic spot on the year-end best list? Gosh I love Michael Chabon!
You know how sometimes, when you've been waiting FOREVER for something, and are all excited about it, when you finally get it, it's just not as good as you thought it would be. Well, that is not at all the case here! I read an excerpt from it in some journal or another a couple months ago, and have been waiting with bated breath ever since, and it managed to exceed my expectations. So, nu, what is the book about? I guess people are making a big deal about it being an alternate history murder mystery, but the alternate history stuff is just a really wonderful and elaborate backdrop to a story that is straight-up noir. In this version of the world, Israel never became a state, and the Jews instead were granted temporary custody of a large chunk of Alaska. Of course there's the usual trouble with the land's previous inhabitants, not the mention the 60 years the Jews were granted to live there is about to expire. In the midst of all this, a cop named Meyer Landsman is called to the scene of a murder in his own hotel building. Also, his ex-wife is now his boss. I mean, it's the awesomest noir ever!
Anyway, this story is not in the least anti-Semitic, so whoever said that it was is clearly on crack. Like there have never been Jewish mobsters before--come on, there was a whole CLASS about Jewish mobsters at Penn State (I never took it). Weirdly, I feel like Chabon really tried to keep the Yiddish in check to make the novel more palatable and understandable to his non-Jewish readers. There are a few words that crop up a lot, but half the time he's called kugel "noodle pudding", so clearly there's some self-censorship going on. I mean, that's not important to the story at all, I just thought it was interesting. The whole world of the novel is steeped in Jewish culture, at any rate.
Can you guess that I'm giving this an A+ and an automatic spot on the year-end best list? Gosh I love Michael Chabon!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
