With a book like this, avoiding reviews, comments, and criticism is hard. If I watched Game of Thrones (I know shocking that I don’t) I might be more used to such spoilers. I did try to avoid anything that might give the story line away too much and commenced avoiding anything HP related on social media.
Okay so let’s get right down to it. This latest installment was a script for a play. Which as a writer, I can appreciate on a whole new level. The dialog carried the story beautifully. I tend to be a bit heavy handed with the inner dialogue so to speak, so this was refreshing. What I loved about this play, was how it wasn’t afraid to break down walls of what “masculinity” should look like. Toxic masculinity dictates that men must act a specific way, in order to be considered an acceptable man. Not only has this damaged the way that society sees men, but it’s utter crap. TV, movies, and even books have added to this unacceptable macho man expectation we’ve all come to have of what a male to male relationship should look like and anything other outside of this new “norm” is labeled “gay” disparagingly so.
HP Cursed Child is what I consider a normal (wizardness aside) relationship expectations of two 14 year old boys. Why can’t they be kind to one another? Talk about feelings? Pop culture has created insecurities and shame with regards to any sort of physical intimacy between men regardless of weather or not it is sexual. Meanwhile girls do it all the time and no one bats an eye. Instead of criticizing HP Cursed Child for “queerbaiting” why can’t we stand up and celebrate it instead? Do you know what this book did well, it portrayed a loving relationship between two fourteen year old boys. Weather or not their in love is neither her nor there. What does mater is bonds of their friendship.
Okay stepping off my soap box. See this is what happens when I start to read reviews before I write one. Grrr…
What I LOVED seeing, was the time-terner. I’ve read it as one of the top criticisms of the series. If they existed, why didn’t the ministry simply go back before it all started and stop xyz from happening. I loved seeing this in use and that alternate realities it created, including bringing back Snape, Umbridge, dementors. I loved who the question of weather Ron and Hermione really should be together sort of gets played with. I basically loved it all. I couldn’t put it down. Ron, Harry, Hermione are not the same as Scorpious and Albus. Nor should they be. Every character is who they are inherently are. I was glad to see that there wasn’t a case of reinventing our trio in some new generation.
Love it or hate it, I saw this book as a win. My biggest complaint, it was just too short.
When Audible had a sale on some titles, and this was E & P was one of them, I jumped at the chance to add it to my library. As my readers know, I’m an audio book fool. Especially if there’s a great narrator, and this book had two: Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra.
I feel like I could tell you what this book is about, two outcasts fall in love but are torn apart by family and circumstance. But it doesn’t begin to do it justice. Maybe I’m a softy, and that chocolate gooey center is just a sucker for a great love story. I don’t know. This story was innocent, gripping, filled with first loves, and made me ache for something I haven’t felt in years. It was like stepping into a time portal and getting to experience all of that teenage angst for the first time all over again, this time without the homework.
I did a quick google image search for “Eleanor and Park” and came up with a slew of fan art. I wanted to show some of it off. It’s rare that a book moves people to such things, and when it does, I thin it’s worth sharing. This first one, I believe is from a special release of the book, the others are from fans. Each of them are simply lovely.
It’s after reading a book like this, that I wish I was friends with the author. I want to call Rainbow up right now, and squee into the phone. I want to know where this came from, who the inspiration was, what her thoughts were. I want to know what she’s thought of doing since. Is there a film in the works. Could one ever do it justice by capturing the magic that was clear in the book. Ahhh well. Someday.
Until that day comes, please check out this book. If you’re up for young love done right, this is where you should start.
This was one of those books that I’m pleased I happened upon. It was unconventional and written with such a strong, unique, voice, it was no wonder I couldn’t put it down. Of all the books I’ve read this year, The Rosie Project has the strongest sense of voice bar-none. As a writer myself, there are certain things I look for in a book, and this was one of them. From the first pages Don sucks you in as he tells you his story. It’s easy to root for his successes, and morn his losses, even if he struggles to do the same for himself.
A little digging proved there’s a second book already published and potentially a third one on the way. In true Miranda fashion, I’ve already purchased the second and eagerly await the third. There is little doubt in my mind that the Rosie Effect, and whatever Graeme has named the third, will not be just as powerful as the first book.
Rosie is charming, Don is endearing. The antics between Gene and Claudia (Don’s only friends) are just as engrossing, and I’m dying to know if they’ve worked out their issues just as much as I want to know how married life is for Rosie and Don.
I was surprised to read, at the back of the book, that it was originally a screenplay. After five years of edits and rewrites and more edits and rewrites, The Rosie Project was born. I find tidbits like this encouraging. It’s nice to see that amazing authors didn’t just pull a fully formed book out their ass. It took hard work and long hours and commitment to create a piece of art, ready for the world.
This is a light summer read, that will not disappoint.
I was roughly half way through the book when I started to watch the television show Girls on a whim. A handful of episodes into the first season and it occurred to me that what I was watching was all a bit too familiar. Why? OMG. It hit me, I was reading a book by the creator of the show. Duh. What a lovely surprise, I had no idea. Thank you Lena Dunham.
If you look at my good reads account then you’ll see that I’ve been reading this book for months. In most cases, this is a bad thing, however with this book, it was a process of savoring it. From the very beginning Lena had me laughing out loud. There wasn’t a single essay that I didn’t gobble down quickly.
Lena Dunham is a talented, creative, writer. This book was smart, vulnerable, bold, and in your face. Let me sum it up this way. After two weeks with the library book, I ordered a copy of my own. Lena is an inspiration to both women and creatives alike. I love how unapologetically brazen she is. This was hands down one of the best books I’ve read all year. When the topic of non-fiction, essays, or people I admire come up, this is one of my go to topics.
Now go out and grab a copy for yourself please. Because Lean is so That Kind of Girl.
I decided to listen this book because I wanted to tackle it right away and I was in the middle of editing two books (which hinders my personal reading time a bit). I think my biggest hang-up came down to not liking the narrator for the audio version. I found his voices to grain on my nerves and ultimately even when I wanted to know what was going to happen, I’d roll my eyes at the idea of listing to more. When I decided to up the speed a bit, this helped dull the narrator’s voices a bit. In the end it took me quite a bit longer to listen to this book then it should have. This being said…
I enjoyed the book a lot. There were some places where I felt that it dragged a bit. I wanted it to move faster, to really get to the story and leave me in the thick of things. This happened a bit in the beginning, and during the time at the institute. Had I been reading a physical copy I’d have probably peak ahead to find out when it picks back up. Maybe even skimmed through the areas, I felt were too slow of a pace.
I did appreciate the beauty of the world that Pierce created. Stunning world building and that alone deserves recognition. From the caves of the hell diver, to the world of the golds, Pierce paints a world so vivid that I started to question where I was. True immersion in a book’s world is so rare.
I did find it a bit weird that Darrow was married. I had a hard time aliening the book in my mind as a YA, despite the fact that there was no reason it shouldn’t have been one. While it helped move the story forward, it still left a weird taste in my mouth. On the other hand, there were a number of twists that I hadn’t expected and found myself quite surprised, enjoying the ride.
In summation… I would not recommend listing to this audio book. Tackle this one old school, page by page with a paperback, or digital edition. Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, I think I will. It’s a bit short and sweet today, but sometimes that’s all that’s needed.
Like a drug dealer, I push books on everyone I meet. I’m always recommending this book or that one, depending on the person’s tastes. It helps that I’ll read just about anything under the sun. I’m always trying to get Mel to read something new. Testing the waters with a new title as often as I catch her in the same room long enough. In recent years she’s tried to turn me to comics.
I’ve read a small handful of what she considers to be the best of the best. It pisses her off that I don’t even agree with her half the time, but once in a while she catches my attention with something new and fun.
Enter: comiXology
I downloaded this new app onto my tablet called comiXology. For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s an app to read comics and graphic novels from. You can buy digital versions of basically anything and application has painted software that moves through each panel smoothly. They also have a free trial of their monthly subscription service where you can read a number of their “unlimited” titles. Now, I could give a rats ass if you choose to subscribe to them, I’m just telling you how I’m reading these titles. As someone who doesn’t really want to invest in graphic novels that I probably won’t like, $5.99 a month is a steal. That being said…
I decided to use my free trial to peruse some new titles. I left several after a few pages because blah. Either the story wasn’t catching me or the pictures weren’t. But then I came across Scott Pilgrim. Like most of the world, I’d heard of Scott Pilgrim, but unlike most of the world, I’d never read it. So why the heck not.
It was very catchy. I was surprised in a good way that the story moved with ease and mostly that I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Side note: I’ve also never watched the movie. But after reading the first graphic novel, I’m set on reading another and finding the movie.
Okay so one point Mel. Who knew that I’d find something I’d like all on my own.
So I’m pursuing the titles again and I come across: Sex Criminals. We both know that title caught your attention too, let’s not pretend it didn’t. The clincher was that Pat Rothfuss and Wil Wheaton both loved this book too when I looked it up. How could I go wrong?
I was not disappointed! Best Graphic Novel I’ve read probably ever. Not that I’ve read that many, but still. It had a crazy amazing story, the art was beautiful, and at the end of the day I just really enjoyed it. Providing that reading about two people who have the ability to stop time by having sex doesn’t bother you, than I’d highly recommend checking this book out!
Secret? I’d probably even buy the whole set to own in book format. Shocking I know. 2 points Mel. Now, if I can only find something that will grab her attention long enough to even the score.
I had to wait to read it of course, because book rules dictate that no one reads my autographed and special release books. I’m one of those crazy book people who put them up on their own shelve and they stay in the most pristine condition ever. Someday I’d like to have a glass cabinet in which to display them all… oh dreamland, you’re the best.
Last week I downloaded a copy of Sleeping Giants from audible. It’s read by a full cast of people. The book is written through a number of case studies, journals, logs, etc. as it follows a few specific characters. 20 years have passed since a giant glowing hand was found in the earth, cradling a child. Now a secret government agency is uncovering all the missing parts of what appears to be a sleeping giant. Is it alien? Will it cause havoc or peace? Who is the nameless man pulling the strings?
I am still reeling from this book and I finished it yesterday. The ending has me seeing stars and I saw nothing coming. NOTHING. I’m usually quite good at predicting how a book will progress and the ultimate ending, however Sleeping Giants kept me at the edge of my proverbial seat until the very last page. The log entries helped keep up the suspense and had me clawing for the next time I’d hear from a specific character. I don’t even want to tell you more about the book, because it’s that good. I don’t want to spoil any of it for those who might pick it up. It’s rare for a book to come along and keep the suspense up for so long. I bow to you Sylvain.
When I reached about an hour from the end, I had to find out if there was more. Was this it? Could he wrap up such a large, cultivated, interact story so quickly? Nope… of course not. This is book one of three. Ahhh… ding ding ding, it all makes so much sense. There was no way this could be it. Simply put, I need more.
Like a lot more.
George…err… Jake (because who doesn’t want a secret Identity?) is an English teacher who finds himself in an interesting position, a doorway to the past has landed in his lap. If you could change history for the better, would you? With some persuasion, Jake goes back in time to stop the Kennedy Assassination. In theory, if he’s able to prevent it from happening, by killing Oswald, the entire world would be a different place. But will it be a better place or will the butterfly effect wreck havoc and destroy Earth as we know it?…
Filled with a generous heaping of 1960s history and a side of time travel, King sent me back in time with Jake to an America of long ago.
Like many of you out there, I picked up a copy of this book when it first came out. It sat on my shelf for a long while, and when the television show came out I was hooked.
One episode in and I knew that I had to read the book. By episode three I was buying the audio version to go along with it and by episode 6 I’d nearly made it half way through the audio book. Right along with the mini series I had to know what was going to happen. What was different? Was it better or worse then the other? I couldn’t even decide until I finished both.
For a shortened ride, high highs, low lows, go with the television show. For the full effects of a mind bending tale that will warp your mind and have you craving more, read the book. Of course read the book. Like there was any other options.
Maybe it is my fascination with people’s lives that caused me to gobble this book in just a few days, or maybe it was because it was a genuinely well written book. Either way, it was an interesting read.
Corey Feldman talks about everything from his best friend, Corey Haim, to Michael Jackson, his film carrier, his family, and his and Haim’s sexual abuse as a child stars in Hollywood. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Corey didn’t dwell on any one topic too long, leaving me both wanting more and moving to the next event keeping me engaged until I’d finished the book. It felt like the tip of an iceberg, you know there’s depths undiscovered but you awe in what you can see.
There is little doubt to any of us that some people in this world have lived very hard, yet fascinating lives. I am glad to read that despite the abuse, the struggle, the loss, that Corey Feldman continues to thrive and make a positive impact on society. I was lost in his words until the very last page. Chalk it up to a 30 year fondness, or someone who can legitimately tell a story and keep his reader engaged.
When I finished reading Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, I was a bit surprised to see that there was a sequel. If you’ve read the first one you’ll know why I’m scratching my head a bit, but heck. I’m game for just about anything so bring it on.
While I enjoyed this book, it wasn’t what I was expecting. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but I can see why I’ve heard/read some mixed reviews.
To me, the first book felt like it was about finding happiness. In a lot of ways the second is the same, finding happiness through pain. The biggest different is that the first book was the secondary main character was searching and the second time, it was our main character. The majority of this book is Lou working through the grieving process. Jojo Moyes does a beautiful job of showing that grief comes in all forms, and so through the eyes of various side characters. I couldn’t always keep them straight but it never seemed to matter.
After the ending of the last book, you can’t help but wonder what happened to Louisa Clark. Did she pick up the pieces? Did she go on grand adventures? Did she really live? Were left thinking maybe, as we leave her sitting in a Paris cafe. In After You some of our questions are answered. Lou did go and travel, she tried to pull herself together, only in the end she failed. She failed so hard that one night she drank to much and fell off the roof of her condo building. Ouch!
What we do learn though, is even through life’s obstacles, if we seek the things that make us happy, sometimes with enough luck, we can have them.
Did I like part two as much as part one? No. Was I glad that I read part two? Yes. Was it a lovely book where I got to spend several more hours with characters that jump off the pages? Yes. Without a doubt.
Me Before You was profoundly moving. Not in a Nietzsche sort of way but in a The Fault in Our Stars sort of way. It was unexpected and it snuck up on me.
Lou is the newest caregiver to a quadriplegic, he is the last man Lou ever thought she’d love. Will was a daredevil and after an accident that left him wheelchair bound, he is ready to take his own life. Can these two find happiness or is death the only answer?
I wanted to know the answer to this question with every page of the book. It’s a rarity to find a story that is both captivating and leaves me wondering how it will all end. Usually there is a bit of give, and you know that the couple will end up together, it’s a trope. But I wasn’t sure with this one. Not till the very last page.
I’m not going to tell you what happens, because even though there have been 5 million copies sold, I won’t give it away for other rock dwellers. It’s too special to ruin. What I will say is, if you are looking for a new kind of love story, one that will move you to tears, look no further.
June 1st I will be at the theatre, to see if the movie lives up to the book. I’ll let you know if it does.
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
I had to look up the the last Aaron Michael Ritchey book I had the privilege of reading; it was back in June of 2015. Nearly a year ago, I finished Long Live the Suicide King and I’ve been itching at that empty part of me waiting for the next piece of fiction from Ritchey so that I might get my fix.
This time last year I met Ritchey and he told me about this wonderful new series he was writing. The way his face lit when describing a futuristic post-apocalyptic cattle drive was worth a thousand words. You can imagine my surprise and delight when I received an ARC of The Juniper Wars: Dandelion Iron. I breathed a little easier knowing that after many long months, the wait and come to an end.
The year is 2058 and the Sino-American War caused many problems for the world. The first and arguably the biggest problem was the Sterility Epidemic, causing 9 out of 10 men to be sterile as well as 9 out of ten births to be female. The second largest problem was due to the Yellowstone Knockout. New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana, as well as the edges bleeding into bordering states have no electricity. This makes up what is known as The Juniper, the wildest most dangerous part of the world. While the rest of civilized society moves on and embraces technology, cures cancer, and are working hard to save the earth; those in the Juniper are left to function in the dark ages of what resembles the old west.
In Dandelion Iron, book one of six in the Juniper Wars series, we meet Cavatica Weller. She has fully embraced civilized life and going to school in the city. She’s even made peace with the fact that she’ll probably never have a boy of her own. Until her gunslinging sister Wren shows up at her school forcing her to run for her life back to the Juniper. Her oldest sister Sharlotte is holding down the family ranch, with bad news to bare. In a last ditch effort to save the family ranch, Cavatica and her sisters will take on the most dangerous outlaws the Juniper has ever known.
During this Firefly-esk book, a rare viable boy who falls from the sky. Literally. Only how much do the Weller sisters know about him? Wren wants to sell him for the millions he’s worth while Cavatica has fallen head over heals in love and Sharlotte is caught in between. It’s easy to forget how emotional teenagers are when you no longer suffer with the highs and lows of teenage hormones, when everything is life or death. In this case though, the world really is life and death and falling in love with a strange boy who fell from a zeppelin makes it just a bit harder. Or is easier?
There is a strong dance in Dandelion Iron around what is right and what is wrong. The world starts a little black and white for Cavatica. She tends to see things strongly one way or the other, despite her own internal reservations. As the book progresses, we see her start to listen to the internal voice that tells her the world isn’t so black and white as she once thought. I have little doubt that we won’t see more of this as the series progresses.
This book is about so much more than everything I’ve said before. It’s also about family, three sisters who could not be more different if they tried. But whose love and commitment to one another keeps them together. Dandelion Iron is a coming of age story and while I don’t know for sure, I would guess that it’s the beginning of something much bigger to come.
Ritchey’s writing never ceases to delight. His pros never fail to pull at the heart strings, and promote strong visuals. Ritchey’s work is the perfect example of showing a reader the story with words and not telling them outright. Everything from the landscape to each character has been developed so completely that it is all as real in my mind as if I’d witnessed everything myself. English teachers everywhere will be proud.
Now if you’ll please excuse me for a couple of days, I have book two to melt into next and I’m dying to know what happens to the Weller sisters and their beefsteaks out in the Juniper.
Juniper Wars: Dandelion Iron
Release date: April 11, 2016
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
I’ve picked up The Night Circus twice now. The first time, I was so completely and utterly thrown by the way it was written, that I got distracted by it. I’ve never read a book told in such a way. This only stopped me a short time though, before I found myself picking it back up again. I only made it 50 pages the first time. It’s a thing I do, give every book 50 pages before calling it quits. In my experience, many books need a little extra time and they are so worth the time. But if you’re not completely drawn in by that point then move along. After all there are millions of books in the world, and I only finish about 50 or 60 a year. I like to think that the 50 or 60 I do finish were worth the time. Besides, this book was calling me. I read 50 pages and walked away. Only it haunted me and called my name.
The Night Circus can best be described as Romeo and Juliet meets a circus filled with magic. It is the tale of two very old, very great magicians (for lack of a better word). They have to extremely different takes on how to manipulate the world around them. So much so that they have created a test or a game out of who’s way is better. Enter Marco and Celia.
Marco and Celia come from “two houses”, or two schools of thought. Pitted against one another to be the best, each plays their part well in the circus. Until they fall madly in love. With a backdrop of characters making up the company, the guests, and time, Marco and Celia must bend all the rules to break free of the game and follow their hearts.
I truly enjoyed this book far more then I anticipated. I tend to shy away from things that are overly popular and maybe that was my reason for shying away form this book for as long as I did. I’ve been entranced for days now and all I keep thinking is how beautiful it would be to attend a proper circus, a night circus. I imagine that nothing will live up to the images painted by Erin Morgenstern in my mind. The love letters that Marco and Celia send to one another in the form of circus tents, magic mazes, and wishing trees… I don’t know that any real circus could live up to this romanticized version.
There was part of me that wondered how different would The Night Circus be from say Water for Elephants. I loved that book as well for many different reasons. It was grounded in history and the former took a turn for mysticism. In the end, I will recommend this enchanting tale for years to come.
Jim Butcher’s Grave Peril was no exception to the three book rule. This book took off in a way that the other two couldn’t touch. I found the lack of Agent Murphy in this book to be the only real disappointing part. There was more of Susan then I would have liked too. Not that these stories are all about the romance, they are far more slay the dragon. However there are romantic connections and I just don’t feel it when it comes to Susan and Harry. Like at all. I am really rooting for Agent Murphy in this one. In the end I guess maybe we won’t see Susan so much anymore but it doesn’t change the fact that she was sort of a big part of this book.
I’m guessing that we won’t see to much of the Never Never again until book 5. Harry has a year until his Godmother can got after him and there seems to be between 6-9 months between each book (in book time that is). Yea, I’d guess maybe well see more Never Never in book 5. Also MORE MURPHY!!!!
Bring on book 4 people, bring it on!
DJ’s husband was a fire fighter who passed away on the job, leaving DJ with their three sons. Stephanie (aka DJ Tanner) is a DJ, and traveling goddess. Danny and Rebeca are hosting a morning show in LA, I don’t remember what Jesse is doing… but the twins are in collage. Joey is in Las Vegas doing 10 shows a week. Steve is a divorced podiatrist and still every bit in love with DJ. Kimmy is also divorced, (or will be soonish?) a party planner and has a daughter of her own.
Everyone is moving on and DJ is staying in San Fran with her babes. When the gang over hears her crying upstairs with Tommy, her youngest, on the baby monitor EVERYONE offers to stay and help. Family. Stephanie tells them no, that it’s her turn to step up and Kimmy offers her help too. By the end of the episode, I had happy tears of nostalgia and love.
There were a couple of great moments, such as when Stephanie asked where Michelle was and Danny says, “She’s in New York too busy with her fashion empire, but she says hi.” Every cast member stairs into the screen for a long moment giving the live audience and myself a good laugh. Or when DJ’s middle child says, “I already know the bad words, dumb, booger, and Donald Trump.”
The thing is, yes it might be a bit unrealistic, but the show pokes fun at that. Everyone went on to do big things and honestly we want nothing less from them. Sure it’s probably a bit unlikely but who cares?! I don’t, I love that at the end of the day everyone did well for themselves. There is something so American about dreaming big. Television shows like Full House taught morels, talked about real family issues, and at the end of it all, they were there for each other. Basically, say what you want, I loved it.
The first book Storm Front focused on a rouge wizard who was using Chicago based storms to wreck havoc on the city. Fool Moon was about rouge ware-wolfs (of which there are seven verities) killing various citizens. The common denominator with both novels is the big bad who’s supporting or training the various other baddies has yet to be be explored.
Both books are written as a sort of a sifi cop drama. There is no point in which Harry, our main character, takes a breath. It is literally go go, go. There is no point in which you want to stop and take a breath. There is no point in which you can. I just had to and every time it was hard.
So was book two better then book one? I didn’t think so. I enjoyed the character development. I think there is something between the main investigator and Harry and I’d love to see that develop a bit more. I’m sure it won’t be for a long time. I have this theory about books, movies, etc that the second of something is never as good as the first, but by the third the creator has figured out how to make it good again. Now, I’m in no way saying book two was bad, just that I preferred the first. Now, that being said, I can’t wait to read book three. If my theory serves it will be freaking epic!
So way back when, I had a hard time getting into the first book let alone the whole series. I’m not even really sure why in all honesty, but I’m glad that I gave it another go because wow! This book was go-go-go from the very beginning. It’s like it never stopped to breathe. Sometimes I think I stop to breathe too much in my books, and this was the extreme opposite. It was refreshing, I laughed, I was shocked at one point, I was kept wondering page after page.
I read that this was Jim Butcher’s first novel and all I have to say is how impressed I am. Everything comes back around.
I know this is an extra short review. Sometimes that’s just life. I did start book two today, so maybe there will be a bit more depth to that review. Until next time.
Let me start first by saying: It was worth every single minute, page, word committed.
The authors Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan, thoroughly researched this book. It’s been a long time since I’ve read such a strategically thought out biography. Truly. The structure followed (for the most part) from the beginning of Frank Sinatra’s life and his parentage through his death, with limited veering from the timeline. Sinatra managed to cover some hot topics such as: The Mob, JFK Life and Death, The Mob, All 4 Wives and 400 Mistresses, The Mob, Singing Career, The Mob, Acting, The Mob, His Charitable Nature, and even The Mob…again. I always wondered how deeply rooted Sinatra was with the Mob, and this biography paints a very colorful story I’m sure would make the very private Sinatra roll in his grave.
Summers and Swan made me reassess the love of my musical life, a little. Like every person breathing, Sinatra was human. As humans we all make mistakes and some of them are worse then others. Sinatra lived a very… is ‘active’ (pun only partially intended) the right word here?… a very unique life.
Musically speaking I was a bit on the sheltered side. Some might argue the opposite, my parents for sure but it wasn’t until I was 16 that I discovered life outside of 80s rock. This might be great for someone a few years older then myself but my formative middle and high school years were in the late 90s and early 2000s (graduating class of 2003 here). Growing up in the most north west corner of the united states meant that Canada was closer then Seattle, offered better hangout places, the only local TV and radio (also why my accent is accused of being Canadian – not that I’ll admit to having an accent in the first place). Which effected my choices of what to watch and listen too- also this contributed to missing a lot of the very popular types of music and TV (Meh). This combined with the cost of CD players in the 90s and my lack of radio control all equaled believing that the coolest music in the world was accessed through my parent’s record and CD collection. It was a lot of Guns and Roses, Heart, Meatloaf, Alice Cooper, Eagles, and Cindy Lauper. My first tape was a mix and my favorite song was Joan Jet’s version of Crimson and Clover. In fact I think I still have it in a box somewhere. So sweet 16 came along and I got my first car. To me, this meant control over the radio. Holly shit world, there is so much music! Gods forbid I run with the crowd on this one, no… I fell in love with Sinatra instead. So while my friends were in the world of boy bands (which is a funny story for another time) I was in love with Frankie Blue Eyes.
Reading this book meant taking the chance that I’d be so disgusted with someone I loved. But I guess that’s the thing about love. It means loving the person whole, flaws and all. Loving them for everything they are: good, bad, and the ugly. I worried for nothing. I still love Frank despite his severely rooted Mob ties, his drinking, the 400 mistress, and his often angry take on life. His music makes me swoon still today. I can’t help but stop whatever I’m doing to listen. A girl doesn’t take 10 years hunting down a specific record to find the only version of a song she loves, to fall out of love by some words in a book. Even if that book doesn’t always paint the man so nicely. While this post has taken a mind of it’s own, Sinatra was a gripping detailed portrait of a man the world loved through music and movies. I was no exception. While not always kind with words, the authors seemed to be as unbiased as possible in their work which I appreciated. At the end of the day when all is said and done, I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
There is something to be said for having a sister who you can bond over the silliest things with. While this movie had a few over the top moments, it didn’t take away from what was one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time. I’m sure that somehow this movie has fallen through the cracks given all the Star Wars mania. Or maybe it hasn’t and I just live in a bubble. Which let’s face it, it’s probably the later of the two.
Amy Poehler plays Maura, who is always putting other people first. She’s the responsible sister, a nurse, who owns a house, has a good savings account, generally plays the party mom. I’ve been there.
Tina Fey plays Kate, who is the far more irresponsible party sister. She’s a hair stylist, who can’t hold a job, or track her daughter, without a place to live. She’s laid back but has a bit of a temper.
Ike Barinholtz plays the love interest of Maura, James. I love Ike from The Mindy Project and it was nice to see him in a bit of a more intelligent roll.
The three of them make a down right hysterical movie. I even found myself crying from laughing too much, something I really needed right now given everything that’s been going on in my life. It was a nice escape and I recommend it to those who enjoy movies like Bridesmaid, Pitch Perfect, and anything that Tina, Amy or Ike have been in.
So tonight I sat and enjoyed the final installment of a four part movie saga I read more then four years ago. While I remembered almost every moment of the book, I was still hoping the movie would feel fresh. Boy did it ever! I was pleasantly surprised at the way it was filmed. I felt like the last book was a bit rushed but they were able to take the time to express it all visually in this two part movie.
After the movie was over, my theatre companions asked me: Did Peta and Katniss actually have children at the end of the book? I was able to explain that yes they did. In the books, Katniss was so hell bent against ever getting married or having a family because it would mean that she’d bring life into a world of starvation, slavery, death, and the chance at torture in the Hunger Games. But by the end of the book, she’d found peace, and sacrificed nearly everything for it. Children at the end of the book and movie meant that life in the districts was peaceful and she was able to flourish. Enough so that bringing life into the world wasn’t a bad idea.
I wondered how Philip Seymour Hoffman’s roll was going to play out in the film knowing that he’d passed away before the filming was finished. Successfully it would seem, it didn’t feel awkward at all. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson had outstanding performances. As I was walking out of the theatre these two Bro-Bro’s were walking behind me. “I don’t know why Katniss chose Peta over that hunky Gale.” “Seriously dude, Gale was way more buff then Peta.”
*Sigh* Clearly some people don’t understand.
The cinematography didn’t disappoint and in fact I (the girl who never gets jumpy) jumped when the mutts came out of the tunnels. I was on edge when the oil was rising. I got choked up when Finnick was getting married knowing it was only a matter of time before he was going to die. There are a lot of things that could be said about the these films, a lot of political statements. But at the end of the day, they are also simply good fiction. I feel like the film was able to do the book justice, it made me even want to re-read them all. Maybe this year I’ll do just that.
That is all.
So the latest autobiography was Amy Poehler’s Yes Please. I went about it the good ol’ audio format, I figured listening to Amy read her book had to be funnier then reading it myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that one chapter was read from a comedy club, she had several guests and it was a surprising delight.
There was a large chapter or two dedicated to Poehler’s television show Parks and Recreation. While I’ve never watched this show, I was still able to enjoy those very humorous chapters. Amy takes us through her very middle class suburbia life through her education and hard work, to the heart of her story. We get to peek inside of her life and we get to take a glimpse of who she is.
Now let me attempt to side step my soapbox for a moment while I talk about the women in this film. While I don’t always agree that Bechdel Test is the best form of measurement when it comes to the integrity of gender portrayal, but it is something that is a consistently used method for film criticisms. That being said… The Force Awakens passes the test where the most basic requirement is for two women to talk to each other about something other then a guy.
Rey, is this epic story’s heroine. I found myself pleasantly surprised when Rey was in a fight with multiple male baddies trying to save BB-8 from being taken. During this scene Finn starts to come to Rey’s rescue only before he gets there he realizes that she doesn’t need saving at all. Throughout the whole film Rey finds herself saving Finn. Never once is Rey sexualised instead her character is strong, intelligent, independent and able to save herself.
The other strong female is General Leia. This might be a rather clear attempt at correcting the image of helpless slave bikini Leia from movies past. Now, General Leia of the Resistance, she is independent, strong, and not afraid to live her own kick ass life as she’s even split from Han Solo.
Maz (Lupito N’yongo) is an older, wise woman, revered above many and very Yoda-esk. She was fantastic and again not just there to chat about boys.
While I know there were others, the only other female to stand out to me was a Chief Stormtrooper (Gwendoline Christie). I don’t recall in the past ever seeing a Stormtooper clearly labeled as a girl. There is no defining female body armor, which I appreciate, it’s armor after all and doesn’t need to be sexual.
In my personal opinion, I feel like for the first time the fandom spoke and the creators listened. The Force Awakens brings back to screen the same magic that the original trilogy had, contains strong females characters that weren’t simply sexual objects, and developed in such a way that when you leave the theatre you’re begging for more.
I’ve been a Star Wars girl since I was five years old. It means the world to me that Episode VII was created so beautifully.
P.S.
I never even mentioned how wonderful Adam Driver was in this film! I love him in Girls as well as a few other small rolls he’s had. It was nice to see him here as Kylo Ren, the son of Liea and Han Solo.
The endless, and I truly mean endless number of cameos was fantastic: Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually and Maze Runner), Ewan McGregor, Mark Hamill, Frank Oz, Billie Lourd, Jessica Henwick, Bill Hader (as BB-8), Simon Pegg (as Unkar Plutt!), Greg Grunberg, Mark Stanley, Warwick Davis (who’s been in both Return of the Jedi & The Phantom Menace) Even Daniel Craig played a Stormtrooper!
In 1999 I was fourteen years old and I’d been counting the days until Star Wars Episode 1 came out. Dad talked about his youth and how important the movies were to him, the impact they had, the number of times he’d watched them. I’ve heard how my mom wasn’t really a fan but when they re-released the movies in theatre the two went and saw all three together anyways. In a way, I hoped that the next three would be as special to me as the first three were to him. When they finally came out one after the next, my dad and I went to watch each of them in turn. Forever I will think about my father when I think about Star Wars. I don’t know that I could separate the two if I tired.
Lets fast forward and the year is 2015, Disney has purchased Lucas Films and they’re going to release another Star Wars, this time Episode 7. It should come as not great surprise that like the rest of the world, I’m dying to see it. Only I live on a small little island and I’ve not found the time to escape away to a bigger town to see it yet. Have no fear, it just means that I get extra time to re-watch the first 6 episodes. Tonight is Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
For those who live under a rock, The Phantom Menace is a prequel to the original three Star Wars movies that were released between 1977 and 1983.
Where to start, where to start. Lets start with the most obvious, Jar Jar Binks. When I was 14, I thought Jar Jar was fine. He was fun and likable and I didn’t understand what the issue was. Now at 30 I find him a bit distracting, annoying, and I’m wondering what the hell Lucas was thinking. Now that that is done we can move on.
This first movie moves a bit awkwardly. Unfortently I don’t feel like there is enough Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) or Obi-Wan Kenobie (Ewan McGregor). For that matter, Darth Mal feels under developed as well as lacking in screen time too. It’s sort of like Lucas was too excited to use updated special effects that he forgot about character development and the emotional investment that movie goers want to put forth into their characters. Unfortunately when there is a moment between the characters, it often feels forced. As someone pointed out to me, this film is missing a Han Solo or Luke Skywalker to provide the audience connection we crave. I didn’t find myself rooting for anyone in the ways I did 4,5, and 6.
On the plus side, the pod-racing is top notch as was the ending. In general the special effects are outstanding for the time. This movie has far more in that category than the original 3 put together. The costume design must be noted as well, in particular Queen Amidala’s. I don’t remember if costume was ever nominated for an Oscar but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.
At the end of the day, this was a lot of back story for characters we’ve grown to love in later films. I have a soft spot for C3PO and R2D2 and in this film we get to see their beginnings. This is the beginning of it all. I think that’s what makes this one so hard. In writing, there’s a saying about back story: Cut it all out. While backstory is fun for the author, and okay to draw on once in a while, most of the time backstory is just not nearly as interesting to the reader. In a lot of ways, these are my thoughts on this film. It’s nice to know, but just not as good to the audience as it was to the creator.
Fun fact: I’m pretty sure that at the one hour mark you can see Warwick Davis who plays Willow in the 1988 movie, Willow. Maybe I’m full of crap, but that’s what it looks like.
Until tomorrow…
The book follows Caitlin and Vix through the many ups and downs of their lives from a friendship that started over summer vacation in the sixth grade and lasted into their thirties. We get to watch these two girls grow into women over the course of their summers spent together. Supplementary we get to read the narration through many of the books other characters. However, never once does Blume voice Caitlin, only letting us see her through Vix’s rose colored glasses. The two are the epitome of opposite attraction. Vix is prudent, introverted, perceptive, hard working, and comes from a middle class working family. Meanwhile Caitlin is far more irresponsible, extroverted, free-spirited, the apple of everyone’s eye including her upper-class family.
There are many layers to this book and it seems that it doesn’t matter how many times I read it, I’m able to take something new away. I was 18 when I first read Summer Sisters. Back then I think I envied Caitlin a little, relating much more to Vix. I envied Caitlin’s ability to let loose, to travel freely alone, her gumption, the carefree way she viewed the world. As I’ve grown it’s Vix who I envy. I moved away to a small nowherevill town and fell in love. I was in love the the town, it’s people, but mostly I was in love with the person that it turned me into. Or as I’ve learned, the person I let myself become; stronger and more independent. When I left the town and moved on with my life I traveled the United States in my car, alone. I saw things, experienced things that made me a better, stronger, wiser person. I didn’t feel like Vix while living there. I’d let myself grow wild. But now, I crave stability (I always have in one way or the other), I want to buy a home, I want to make something of myself, I want things that feel out of my grasp but I’m not going to let anything stop me from achieving my goals. I feel thirty and much older, more experienced then the child who read Summer Sisters 12 years ago.
I guess what I’m saying, is that this is the sort of book that someone can relate to repeatedly over the years, whether your sixteen or sixty. I’m saying that if you’ve never read this book, that you should give it a few hours of your life. It’s short but oh so sweet. It will leave you wishing for a warm beach with an old friend.
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
I’ve had a long love affair with Drew Barrymore. I’ve always felt this weird connection to her although we’ve never met. I even named my cat after her. But I promise this isn’t some crazy Taxi episode. But as you can imagine when I heard about Drew writing another biography I was super excited to read it.
I decided to listen to Wildflower because what better way to get a sense of the author’s meaning then to hear them tell you and Drew didn’t disappoint. She has always been so full of life and it radiates off her during the reading. Wildflower reads more like a long love letter to the various people in Drew’s life then it does an autobiography. I guess in a lot of ways, she’s moved so far beyond the crazy young woman she once was and this is reflected in the book. I’ve always thought about writing a memoir myself, I’ve lived an interesting life and I’ve got some stories. But I’ve always worried that I would over praise some of the wonderful people in my life to make up for the bad. In a lot of ways this is what happened in Wildflower. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just is.
None of this changed how I feel about Drew. She’s the product of reckless parents in the worst sort of way. Drew later became a UN ambassador fighting for the right for children to get an education because she never did. She really puts her heart into everything she does, and I have a lot of respect for the woman.
On the whole, if you like Drew, than I can’t see why you wouldn’t enjoy this very quick upbeat read.
I think as time went on Kitty was my favorite character. She got some of the best lines in the last two seasons. I often found myself laughing as tears ran down my cheek and her one liners. I’m glad that I watched this show after the fact, when everything was said and done because I think had I seen it while it was on TV I might have hated the changes as well. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. While I could happily watch this show another two or three seasons, instead it ended. I can now say that I have a larger appreciation for the fact that Ashton Kucher and Mila Kunis getting together in real life and having a kid. There is something to be said for Kelso and Jackie and I think it’s all sort of a cute.
It would appear that the six core are still very much friends. Which I’ll say, is nice to think of.
I really think that Bag of Bones was significant in King’s writing as he really steps away from his typical “horror” genre and intertwines a sprawling ghost story of good and evil and of love and hate. This book was not about demons and ghouls that lurk in the night and in our nightmares. Instead this novel touches on the very real horrors that live in the minds of men instead, the unthinkable created out of lust, greed, and bad choices. King delivers something in Bag of Bones unlike anything I’ve read of his before.
I’ve never seen the made for TV version of this book, and honestly I’ve not heard very good things either. But now that I’ve read it, I’ll have to see if it’s still listed on Netflix. I don’t know that anything will do the book justice. In fact, I’m sure it won’t but I’ll still give it a go.
The Wise Man’s Fear
By Patrick Rothfuss
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
There are a lot of things that I could say about The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Not all of which are harrowing reports. (Take that Pat!) If you’ve not read this book or heard of the series let me stop you for a moment and direct you towards The Name of the Wind the first in this mountain of a trilogy. Start there, it is well worth your time.
As you’ve heard in the past, I decided to read this series after meeting Pat at ECCC this past year. He’s by far the most even grounded writer I’ve ever met. Nice guy with good advice and more than willing to chat about books, agents, and the whole publishing world. I was very thankful. On the second night of con I went to buy some books authored by various attendees. Admittedly more than a few I’d not heard of. But what better opportunity to find new and wonderful favorites?! When I held a copies of The Name of the Wind and A Wise Man’s Fear I was stopped multiple times by various patrons professing their love for the book. I knew right then I had to read them.
Fast forward a few months and I’ve just finished with the second book in the King Killer Chronicles. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions right now. First, that sort of elated euphoria from finishing a book, the kind that comes from a truly magnificent tale. I’m feeling irritation from the way the book ended, god forbid you leave us on a happy note Pat like we’re almost lead to believe. And frustration at the fact that book three doesn’t even have a publication date yet!
*sigh*
All that aside, this was without question a brilliant follow up to the first book. I’ve taken some time away from my second novel, a dark fairytale, and thumbed some pages in the follow up to my first novel. There is an art to continuing a story, to keeping the heart of the first in tact. I tip my hat to Pat for he is a master story teller in every respect
I fee like I don’t need to tell you the details of this story. You’ve either read it, or are going to and in either case you don’t actually want to know. You already do, or you’d like to be surprised as I was. All I’ll say is that there is more of each of our favorites and many more. I did find this fun comic online and I thought I’d share it. I don’t know who the author is, but it does seem to be tagged in the corner. Without a doubt, this is not a book you want to remain in the dark about. Get on it before the rest of the commonwealth does.
A little more then three years after leaving the world of male entertainment, Michael “Magic Mike” Lane is more then a little frustrated with his happily ever after. Business is good but not great, his girlfriend (formally played by Cody Horn) said no to his marriage proposal and he’s left wanting more. After being swindled into meeting with some of his old friends, Mike joins the group on a road trip to Myrtle Beach to perform one last exotic dance at a male entertainers convention.
The impressively choreographed dance routines leave the first film in the dust. They are both creative and erotic. In my opinion Manganillo steals the show on this one. The first time was during an impromptu convenience store stop where the other guys bet him he can make the clerk smile just by dancing. He later follows that routine up with the most elaborate romance and bondage-themed performance hot enough to leave the audience on their knees begging for more.
I enjoyed this film far more then I expected to. The first film had far more plot, the second had far better dancing. It isn’t often when a sequel surpasses the first film but that managed to happen with Magic Mike XXL. I’m excited for the DVD release later this year.
When I was young, I watched the movie, with Judy Garland, but I never understood what the appeal was. I was perusing the audible titles the other day, as I like to listen to books as well as read them. At first when I saw the listing I kept right on looking, until I saw that Anne Hathaway was reading it. Oh how I clicked to look.
Turns out for 99 cents I got to hear one of the funniest audio’s of a book; that I wasn’t even that found of. My favorite part was probably Hathaway’s valley girl raven. It was a short read coming in a just over three hours. Overall, still not my favorite, for no reason in particular. But I did enjoy Hathaway’s rendition. I would recommend investing some pennies for a good laugh.
Elizabeth’s Midnight by Aaron Michael Ritchey
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read Elizabeth’s Midnight before it hits the streets on the 7th of May. Every spare opportunity I’ve had this past week has been spent with my noise to the page reading this well written beauty. Wondering if Elizabeth Meyers will find all the answers she’s been looking for.
Elizabeth’s Midnight is an enchanting coming of age story where adventure and magic collide griping at your heart until the very last page. For Beth Meyers the world has not been so kind. She has horrible mother and two petty sisters. Her only solace is reading to her catatonic grandmother when she is not drawing the characters faces inside of her novels. Until one day, when everything changes. Elizabeth’s Grandma May wakes up with a story of Princes from magical lands, World War II Nazis and the desperate need to get to France before Midnight on Halloween. For the first time in her life, Elizabeth will face her fears, defy her mother and sneak away to France with her grandmother, fall in love, and discover weather or not her grandmother was telling the truth.
From the very beginning it is easy to relate to Beth’s insecurity’s about life. At some point or another, Beth embodies everything we hate about ourselves. Fear and loathing at it’s finest. By the end of the book, I was charmed by Elizabeth’s passion for adventure and her willingness to stick everything out to the very end. She found her voice and embraced her inner dragon and let it roar.
Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of two other books, Live Long the Suicide King, and The Never Prayer. I just picked up a copy of the later myself and am anxious to read it. I can’t recommend Elizabeth’s Midnight enough. It is a charming story about a girl who learns to accept who she is and embrace life to the fullest. If you are fan of magic, fairytales, or adventure then I recommend picking up a copy of Elizabeth’s Midnight this May!
Ready Player One is littered with references to ‘80s pop-culture, virtual reality, video games, an array of geek heroes, and enough cult items to keep your interest far past the first read. It’s been a little over six months since I read it last and I can personally testify to this fact. But don’t skip the rest of this article if you’re not overly geeky, Cline is able to maneuver this ultimate nerdgasm into an accessible narrative that even you, my dear un-nerdy friend, will enjoy.
From the very beginning of the event we were treated with the utmost respect. I didn’t know what to expect from a radio show but I couldn’t have higher praise for it. It was only about an hour and a half of my day but it was well spent. If you ever get the opportunity to go to one of their tapings, I can’t encourage you enough to say yes.
Insurgent
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
When I read this book series, Divergent, I was deeply torn between a woman who was more of a bad ass then I could ever dream of being, and a women who was so broken she felt unlovable, unforgivable and more often then I’m sure some of us would like to admit, completely relatable. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is simultaneously both of these women. She pulled at my very human heartstrings and I fell in love with her story.
There is a moment near the beginning of this follow up film to last years block buster, when Tris and Four (Theo James) are ready to fight a group of fractionless foe on a train. The shear anger is palpable on Tris. She closes her eyes, centers herself and just like that, is taking on a train of baddies without a second beat. Moments like this remind me that Shailene Woodley has come a long way from her early days on Secret Life of the American Teenager, to the kick ass – ask questions later – character she plays in Insurgent.
Insurgent picks up at the very end of Divergent leaving no room for questions about time laps. I was pleasantly surprised with this book to movie adaptation. While I know going into such movies that there must be cuts, I wasn’t overly surprised at anything left out or changed for the sake of forward momentum. I’m sure that there are some purists out there that will argue otherwise, but I’m a realist at heart and I can understand that from book to screen some changes must occur. I could spoil all of the goods for you, but since I saw this on a rare opening night, I’ll save them and let you watch it for yourself. It has been a little over a year since I read this series myself, but it still felt fresh enough to say with conviction that this movie justified it well.
The cinematography was raised a notch, if you can believe it. They manage to take this to the next level, using the simulations as an opportunity to blend the surreal with the real leaving the audience stunned and wondering what’s next.
There was one moment that I feel the need to mention. I was laughing out loud, annoying my fellow moviegoers, when a perfect moment took place tonight. Theo James, who plays the love interest of Woodley’s, Four, in Divergent and this film Insurgent; Miles Teller, who plays Peter in this film and Woodley’s love interest in The Spectacular Now; and lastly Ansel Elgort, who plays Caleb in this film but also plays a love interest of Woodley’s in The Fault in Our Stars – were all on screen in one perfect shot with Woodley herself making for a beautiful moment. I wonder if this was a nod to each of their work, and a moment for fans like myself to get excited about. Or perhaps it was simply cinematic serendipity; either way, I’ll take it.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed this film a lot and will no doubt add it to my collection when it comes out on BluRay later this year. Did you watch Insurgent yet, what were your thoughts?
iZOMBiE “Pilot”
Reviewed by Miranda Boyer
When I heard about iZOMBiE I sort of rolled my eyes at the prospect of yet one more zombie tail. Then I instantly shrugged it off and decided I would watch it. After all, I’m sort of a sucker for a new spin on an old story, particularly when I heard who was involved in the making. Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas tells a new story of the undead. A story that is funny, maybe even a little campy, and full of feels.
Since I’ve recently finished reading Warm Bodies, I couldn’t help but draw a few similarities between the zombie attributes. When either R (Warm Bodies) or Liv (iZOMBiE) eat brains they get flashes of what that persons life was. There is a more human side to the zombies, while in both universes they can be horrifically violent as well.
iZOMBiE is loosely based on the comic book series by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and is a story about a driven doctor named Liv (Rose Mclver) who was infected by the undead and finds her life coming to a halt. Liv copes with her “affliction” and the growing disconnection from her family and friends. She now works for the coroner’s office where she has an ample supply of brains and with her brain inherited knowledge she helps to solve crimes.
If this show makes it, and I hope it does, Rose Mclver is going to be the reason. She is easy to watch and nails the deadpan comedy in such a way that everyone will have no choice but to keep watching. In the pilot we meet an array of new cast, something that feels heavy for the first episode, but should ease as the show continues. There is a lot of story to tell and I’ve no doubt that Rob Thomas will do it well.
What I appreciated most about this show was how fun it was. Between the comic book nods, to the flashbacks, the filming was beautiful. I’m not sure if were seeing anything that new, but a crime show with a zombie twist is something I’ll happily watch.
The Boy Next Door
Reviewed By Miranda Boyer
The Boy Next Door plays out like a reverse gender Fatal Attraction. It is an erotic psychological thriller that explores a forbidden attraction between a student and a teacher. Only in this case that student is a crazy heavy-handed psychopath. I mean it should have been a neon crazy sign when Ryan Guzman’s character gives Jennifer Lopez’s a “first edition” of the Iliad. I don’t know many high school students’ who can even tell you what the Iliad is about let alone spot such a fine book at a yard sale. I mean who wouldn’t want a 3,000-year old book. Either that or that the script had a bad fact checker. But details, details right?
The film had me thinking about Fifty Shades of Gray, however odd that might sound. I found myself wondering if they were trying to ride the fifty’s waves. Then I found myself wondering if I could tell the difference between Lopez’s ass and the body double’s.
I actually enjoyed more of this movie then I would like to admit to. However, I’m nearly certain it wasn’t for the intended purposes. The acting was over top at times, and the story had some holes. There was a part in the last fifteen minutes that was very reminiscent of Evil Dead. I don’t think that was the intention, but squished eyeball has a way of making me think about anything other then what I was supposed to be mentally submerged in.
What were your thoughts on it? Good? Bad? Or just plain ugly?
I’m a multitasker at heart, often unable to only sit and watch a show. I find myself doing any number of other things while enjoying television. Black Mirror’s haunting story sucked me in so completely that within fifteen minutes I couldn’t look away; and that was only one episode!
I’m watching Fifteen Million Merits now; an episode where citizens are forced to earn merits by riding exercise bikes that power the world and by watching overly sexualized advertisements. Their only hope is to become apart of a reality game show.
I had to pause it to finish my thoughts, as I can’t stand the idea of missing even a little of this show. Black Mirror – named so, due to the way our screens appear when they are powered down – is equal parts wonder and horror landing somewhere between the world we know and one tyrannized by Skynet.
I can’t get enough! Have you seen Black Mirror? What did you think?
Second best moment I came across was Patricia Arquette, using her three minutes to accept her Oscar, as an opportunity to address the world with a speech about equal pay for Women! There was strong sentiments of support from Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez #askhermore
Ask women about more then just their dress! Change needs to happen, and where better to start then having the women in film stand up and say enough is enough. I generally don’t watch any red carpet coverage, as it is only ever about who’s wearing what. Since fashion has never been my thing, I see little point to allocating time. But the fourth video I watched was a moment on the red carpet with the extremely talented Reese Witherspoon. She took that time to talk about the Pacific Crest Trail. I was surprised when the interviewer didn’t ask about the dress. SHOCKER! Instead she said #askhermore. I couldn’t be more supportive of these role models who stand up in support of women everywhere. Stop asking women sexist questions about what they wear to cover the body their brains are stored in. The idea is to ask about what causes she supports, the risks she takes, her accomplishments, what changes does she want to make, what characters she wants to play. Lets ask about women’s stories and not what they wear.
Lastly I watched a little video of what I can only assume was the introduction. A hysterical song preformed by Neil Patrick Harris, Anna Kendrick, and Jack black about Moving Pictures, various hot and not-so-hot films over the last 70 something years, critics, and all of the naysayers. I thought it was beautiful!
I enjoyed my glimpse in the world of glitz and glam. What were your favorite moments?
50 Shades of Gray – Movie/Book Review
By Miranda Boyer
I read this book about two and a half years ago, at the request of a dear friend of mine who wasn’t sure if what she was feeling about it was “aloud”. This alone prompted me to read the book. Whatever it held, it was enough for my friend to question if it was “normal” to be physically turned on by what was written. I really had no idea what I was in store for and it has been an interesting ride to say the least.
In my opinion 50 Shades of Grey has been an intriguing debate because for the first time, on a large global scale, a book gave women an outlet to connect with their erotic selves and work out the complexity of erotic desires. Societal norms dictate that women should have little interest in sex, they don’t masturbate, and in regards to fantasies, well we just don’t talk about them. 50 Shades of Grey gave women permission to view their erotic fantasies as normal. When it comes to women, the idea of forced seduction means never truly being hurt; the only pain received is solely in the interest of more pleasure. When she is being told what to do, she no longer has to think about caring for someone (another ingrained norm) instead the focus becomes exclusively about her own pleasure. More then all this, 50 Shades of Grey made way to simply talk about this in an open forum such as book clubs, and over coffee instead of behind closed doors.
Was it any good? Well that’s an entirely different debate. The book was very simply written. It flowed with ease and main character, Anastasia, could be anyone making her very relatable. Christian, is the embodiment of every female fantasy; he is the bad boy thrill seeker with a billion dollars to blow on the girl of his choosing. He chose plain Jane girl next door. There is endless appeal to the masses for these reasons alone. The movie did a good job at embodying these characters, however cheesy it felt at times. It is no doubt a movie that is better if you’ve read the book; I’m sure fitting 400 pages into 2 hours wasn’t easy. Needless to say they cut a lot out. One thing I felt could have been depicted better was the bickering between the two main characters. It was almost charming in the book, and in the movie Ana felt more like a pushover until the end when she finely stands up for herself. I also thought it was interesting that neither character ever had an orgasm in the movie. It was more then implied, but never actually shown. I’m sure that there is some theory out there about it but I’ve not really given it anymore thought then this.
My biggest complaint about both the book and the movie, there was NO plot. There was nothing except sex. Which is what it is, regardless of if you take it or leave it, but I wanted more plot. As for the debates about whether or not there was abuse and what that says to the world, I’m going to refrain. I think that there are typically two sides to that fence, and the view you have will largely depend on if you fantasize about anything that this book has to offer. I can see how it could be a trigger for some people and how others simply cannot understand. It is what it is, and clearly not a book / movie for everyone.
I would suggest waiting to either rent this film or at least till the theatres clear out a bit more. I broke my rule and went on opening night; we were drowning in commentary from the peanut gallery in a very packed theatre. Note to self, go early to find seating next time you see a new movie.
At the end of the day, this is all simply one person’s opinion. What did you think of the book or movie? Let me know in the comments below!
The Interview
Like most Americans, I’d heard of the movie The Interview but unlike that 10% of people who enjoy those types of movies, I had no real intention of watching it. That was until the entire hubbub about North Korea being sort of pissed off. That might be putting it lightly but I’m sure you get the jest by now. True to form, I waited to watch the movie. Not because of crowded theatres this time – as we all know it never really went to theatre – but because I knew it would be bad. The only thing that Kim Jong-un ensured was that every single person in America would want to watch the movie The Interview. I honestly wondered if this was some ploy by Hollywood to boost ratings. After having watched said movie, I have a feeling that it wouldn’t have done nearly as good without the extra hype. Thank you Kim. Obama might be a monkey but you sir are a hot-headed fool.
The Interview was at heart – and lets face it, as expected – a typical stoner comedy with an underlining semi-serious message. Did I laugh, no; but it did get a grin or two out of me. Maybe I needed to hit the pipe to enjoy this more thoroughly. It starts with a bad rape joke being sung by a 7 or 8-year-old girl. If that doesn’t set the tone… The film is filled with nonstop sledgehammer of jokes about things going in and out of rear ends. At the end of the day, The Interview was a goofy hit-and-miss farce. There was no political agenda. Had it not caused such an upheaval, I probably wouldn’t’ have even watched it.
Tell me what you thought in the comments below!
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
It has been more then eight years since I first picked up the book Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. Like many of you, I will read nearly anything put in front of me (maybe with the exception of a western). I was delighted – if not a little surprised – that this series was so wonderful. Not only was it an easy read, but it appeals to so many different people for just as many reasons. It wasn’t long before I’d convinced my dad to read the books as well – he is an avid science fiction lover- and now I had someone to share my delight with.
What I love most about the Sookie Stackhouse series is the plot development. Considering how only one book was released each year, Harris is a master at giving old information without the reader feeling like the book is being dumbed down. While I’ve read several of the books a half dozen times, I didn’t reread them this time around after not picking one up in more then three years. Happily, I didn’t feel lost or confused about anything. The development of characters and huge plots are over the course of many books. Often, we meet a character, or something happens and we never know how it resolves –if at all – until a couple of books later. There are never large time gaps –sometimes the next book picks up the following day or week – and it feels as though the reader has had the opportunity to share in Sookie’s life, instead of simply another adventure. It doesn’t mater how special someone is in the book; they all have to survive. They all work, pay bills, shower. It’s one of the things that makes each character relatable in one way or another.
I’m sure there is the wise ass right now asking, if I loved the books so much then why did I put off reading the twelfth installment in the series especially when the last book has been out nearly a year now. The answer is simply this: Sometimes when something is so good, you want it to last, and never end. If I never got to the end, then that meant that somewhere there would always be more. I’ve come to terms with this in the past week and delved in. It was as delicious as southern comfort food.
Many old favorites were back, even a short reprise of Bubba and Quinn –two of my longtime favorite side characters – but others seemed to be a little lacking in this book – i.e. Pam and Eric. Although there was lots of talk about Erik, there seems to be a distinct lack of him. I’m hoping, as it usually does, that this will work out in the final book Dead Ever After. Although by the end of a dead body escaped, I get the feeling that things will not end the way many long time readers (myself included) will want. I’m sure that Charlaine Harris will be true to her characters. Even though I would love to see more Eric, we all know that it won’t last.
Although still not my favorite in the 13 book romp, it was still well worth the read. I can’t decide which I liked more: Dead to the World – I’m sure you know whom I’m voting for – or All Together Dead. If you haven’t read them before, now is as good of a time to start as any. You can pick up the first book from your local used bookstore. It’s 300 pages that can be gobbled up quicker then you can make a pecan pie!
Stephen King On Writing: A Memoir of the craft
I think it is safe to say that there are few books written in the world, that when finished the reader knows without a shadow of doubt, that their life has changed. Maybe this is a bad assumption. Maybe that is the point of reading. With each page you can feel something shifting inside of you moving and growing. When those final pages are consumed and the book is set down, there is little question that the way you see something has forever changed. I believe this is the goal of a good writer. To change your reader, even just a little.
“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dated, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, oaky? Getting happy.” – Stephen King
Starting with his childhood and ending with the blue van and the man whom hit him in June of 1999, Stephen King opens up to his audience intimately. King weaves reflections on life and advice on writing culminating in this beautiful work of non-fiction. “One learns most clearly what not to do by reading bad prose…Good writing on the other hand, teaches the learning writer about style, graceful narrations, plot development, the creation of believable characters, and truth telling.” King states while hammering in the advice that in order to be a good writer, one must also be an avid reader. Advice I too preach. King doesn’t believe that a writer can be made, so much as a writer can be molded or formed, talents sharpened or strengthened. You either are or are not. I’m not inclined to disagree with him, however if you are then you’ll note that he makes it a point to remind you (often) that he’s okay with that.
Throughout the book King talks about his relationship with horror novels, movies, and books. Where some of his best ideas came from and when he struggled the steps he took to break through the writer’s block. Something every writer has faced at some point or another, this writer being no exception. Despite the fact that this book is now more then fifteen years old, the advice hasn’t changed. I know that there isn’t a doubt in my mind that On Writing will influence my own writing for all the days to come. If you are an aspiring writer, or maybe just a lover of the written word, On Writing will be one of the most influential books you pick up.
Lock In by John Scalzi
When I drive in the car, cook dinner, do dishes, etc. I usually am listing to an audio book. Multi tasking at it’s best. If I’m being honest with my audience, and I always am, then you should know that the reason I chose to read John Scalzi’s Lock In wasn’t because of his popularity in the science fiction world or the fact that he has been a New York Times Best Seller. No, the reason I picked this book was because Wil Wheaton is one of the Narrators.
I have a long love affair with Wil Wheaton’s writing and much to my surprise I’ve recently come to learn that the triple threat also narrates books! So when I was looking for a new book to read, having previously been blown away by his narration of Ready Player One (Which I will no doubt re-read soon and tell you all about it), I came across Lock In.
Point number two for this book was that Amber Benson also Narrates another audio version. After having read it, I can tell you that there is no gender identity for the lead character whose name is simply Chris Shane. I would happily reread this book with Amber Benson as the Narrator, and I have no doubt it would be equally as exciting, in all new ways.
Lock In takes place decades after a global flu killed 400 million people world wide leaving 1 percent to experience “locked in”. This unlucky 1 percent, also known as Hadens, are unable to move or respond to stimulus in any way but they are completely aware of what is going on.
The world moves on and technology evolves. Humans interact and connect with computers in ways that were never dreamed possible. A virtual reality called The Agora was created. It’s a place where those who are locked-in can interact virtually with the world and visa verse. It should come as no surprise that the younger generation of Haden’s prefers to interact with the world this way.
Android technology emerges in a from called a “threep” (a fun Star Wars reference), which houses the mind of someone locked-in virtually and allows the person to continue to have a life in the real world via a robotic body.
Scientists discover that some rare survivors of Haden’s who were not locked-in can in fact allow those who experience lock-in to essentially rent their bodies to others, they’re called “Integrators”.
Shane’s first day of work at the FBI involves investigating an incident with a dead body of an Integrator. This happens at the same time that Hadens are threatening to march on the nations capital after new legislation is passed that will take away funding that has been essential to Hadens for years.
There is a readily available amount of social commentary as Scalzi hits on the treatment of people with disabilities, the oppression of minorities, civil unrest, and the dangers of big business.
On a whole Scalzi’s Lock In is an old-fashioned detective story set in a world where post-apocalyptic wasn’t an answer. The tech-born culture is incredibly in depth and believable. There is action and whit a plenty. I can really see this making a good film and I hope someday I have the privilege of writing a comparison between the two. Oh if a girl can only dream.
Boyhood
Boyhood is the type of film you would wait more then twelve years for. Richard Linklater’s film is a once in a generational look at what it’s like to grow up. Filmed over the course of 12 years (Taking place between 2002-2013) using the same cast, this is a story of simply growing up from the eyes of a young child named Mason (Played by Ellar Coltrane). The cast includes Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as Mason’s parents and Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha.
When I first heard about Boyhood I was instantly reminded of my all time favorite movies Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight (also staring Ethan Hawke). Each movie was filmed using the same cast and each was also roughly filmed nine years apart respectively. They are about human connection in a way that I had never seen before and up until tonight since.
Boyhood is more then just a nostalgic time capsule; it is a truly intimate look at what it is like to live. Observed via a string of life’s milestones we see the growth and humanism in every character. Watching Arquette on the ground crying ripped at my heart. Listening to Hawke awkwardly give the sex talk to his daughter in a bowling ally was both endearing and relatable. I remember when my dad and I had a very similar talk in the parking lot of a horse ranch. The thing about this film is that more then feeling like you get to experience a very intimate portrait of a family, it reminds you of your own life. Watching the Mason and Samantha at a Harry Potter book release brought back memories of the Barns and Nobel party I went to once upon a time with my younger sisters.
This film is like nothing ever made before, and is truly one of a kind. I didn’t realize that there was a near three-hour runtime before pressing play and I didn’t notice tell well after it ended. As time passes, the film grows further and it gradually captivates the audience. It is clear that this cast also grows with film in so many ways. Boyhood is art pure and simple. I would be hard pressed to pick a better film for best movie of the year and quite possible of many years to come.
What If?
Take one loaf of French bread buttered and toast it in the oven. Take that bread and cut it lengthwise, then promptly hollowed out. In one side you fill with a jar of creamy peanut butter, the other side a jar of jam. Lastly fill the halves with one pound of bacon slices fried in oil until crispy. Slap the sides together and you have Fool’s Gold. If at the end of the movie What If the only thing you take away is how to make this monstrosity (also known as Elvis’ favorite sandwich) then I would say it was it was 102 minutes well spent.
This charming little film severely flew under the radar and is well deserving of viewership. Wallace (aka Daniel Radcliffe) is a closet romantic that isn’t afraid to watch Princes Bride alone (we both know it’s one of the best films ever) and who has had an unfortunate bad string of relationships. He forms an instant connection with Chantry (Zoe Kazan). Those of us lucky enough to experience a connection like this know it is a once in a lifetime thing. The on screen chemistry between Radcliffe and Kazan is palpable and the very reason that watching them banter is so enjoyable. Who knew Harry Potter could play such a romantic?! The couple is paired with Megan Park and Adam Driver as the ‘best friends’ who’ve made love and their relationship work despite the fact that you sort of expect them to fail throughout the film. The dialog is sharp and it quickly moves into the ranks of a favorite romantic comedy.
What If you told her how you felt? What if you never told him you loved him too? What if being friends had its benefits? What if is not the formula you might expect. It is very reminiscent of 500 Days of Summer, and I for one can say I finished feeling refreshed and hopeful.
Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine
The Internet Archive
Until today, I didn’t even know what a petabyte was. I had to Google it. Uncase, your wondering (much like my over the top technology terminology lacking self) 1 petabyte is the equivalent of 1,000 terabytes. If your not sure how much information is in a terabyte, 1 terabyte is equal to 1,000 gigabytes. The Internet Archive is compromised of more then TEN petabytes of information!
The mission of San Francisco based non-profit company is “universal access to all knowledge. The IA provides free public access to HUGE collections of digitized information including but not limited to websites, music, movies, old news clips, more 3 million public domain books, audio books and video games! I spent more then an hour today reliving my youth killing all of my party and then dying of dysentery on the Oregon Trail. I’m having serious third grade flashbacks at the moment of Alan Baily pulling my hair and the endless debates of which was better, Paint or the OT. Clearly OT for life!
It is easy to fall down the preverbal rabbit whole when surfing this website. The Movie section alone has just shy of seventeen thousand results. If you want to really play around there are more then ninety-one thousand results. This includes everything from the Internet Arcade featuring old school video games including Atari, Nintendo even N64. All the way in to the depths of obscurity with it’s Linux games. The possibilities are truly endless.
The book library portion is broken down into American, Canadian, European, etc. etc. etc. libraries. Really, it goes on and on and on. Don’t believe me, check it out for yourself! This just adds one more point on the reasons to own a tablet over an e-reader pro-con list (thank you iPad Mini). Never before have you had access to so many books on the go. Check out the Internet Archive today!
Cheers!
The Theory of Everything
When I first heard about the movie, The Theory of Everything I literally had a bubble of excitement burst from my seams. A chill down my back when I watched the trailer and I’m honestly more surprised than you are that I waited nearly eight weeks to watch this glorious film in the theatre.
Stephen Hawking was 21 years old when he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). His doctors told Hawking he only had 2 years to live. Stephen Hawking pioneered the study of black holes, became a bestselling author; and despite his many accomplishments, Hawking is well known for his wheelchair and robot voice.
This is a story of a man who defied every scientific and personal expectation ever set upon him. This is about the love between Jane Wilde and Stephen Hawking. About the intimacy and patience between two lovers, who are both in their own right geniuses.
If Eddie Redmayne doesn’t win best Actor for his portray of Hawking, then count the ballots again. This movie could be like every other film out there. Not to say it wasn’t amazing, because it was. Redmayne brings The Theory of Everything to an award worthy level. He manages to have both the charisma and intelligence to portray Hawking unlike anyone before him. Despite not being able to speak let alone move for the majority of the film, it is powerful and Redmayne turns one of the best performances of the year.
The Theory of Everything is witty, brilliant, and at times laugh out loud funny. This is a biopic worth watching. Even my movie companions this evening (who umm for lack of better wording, weren’t looking forward to the film) left the theatre pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the cinematography was, at how well Eddie Redmayne’s portail of Stephen Hawking was, and at how kindly the story was told.
This film attempts to do more then just chronologically tell us a story about a famous physicist. The Theory of Everything paints a more intimate portrait of love and marriage and the compromises we make. Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox and Maxine Peake manage to not only show a very unique almost (dare I say) open four-way marriage, but to tell this very emotional story delicately. I didn’t leave the theatre hating any character or wishing that they had made different choices. No, instead I left understanding why each character made the decisions in life they did and I was moved by it. This was a more personal story about two friends who became lovers and stayed close friends despite everything that worked angst them. Stephen Hawking is one of my personal favorite people and so maybe this all comes out a little bias. Take two hours of your life and find out. I promise they won’t be wasted.
“There should be no boundary to human endeavor, however bad life may seem, while there is life, there is hope” – Stephen Hawking
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
By Mindy Kaling
Seriously, I’m going to start by saying that I just learned who Mindy Kaling was about a month ago. I was reading some random article about how there was this show that was hitting a no no topic on Fox. Of course the perv in me perked up and looked up the show: The Mindy Project. I’d seen the listing on my Hulu account but with a lengthy list of regular shows I usually only start new one’s in the off seasons. However, now I was interested. What is this show that was causing such a buzz? I have never laughed so much at TV as when I watch The Mindy Project. I’m talking out loud guttural laughing. I tend to be the chuckle on the inside type of person, but not when I’m watching this show. That being said, when I came across the book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling I picked it up right away.
On a whole, I enjoy autobiographies. I enjoy people and I enjoy hearing about the parts of their lives that brought them to the place they are today. Some people are better at telling their stories then others. Mindy is in the former group. I found myself laughing and nodding my head along with her as she talks about the various parts of her life.
The first “chapter” (although it is really broken down into several essays, don’t roll your eyes, trust me it’s worth the read.) Mindy paints a story of a little chubster girl who learned the hard way “bullies have no code of conduct.” More then her humiliating diving board incident or the secret friend she had in high school, what I love about this book is that Mindy isn’t afraid to be honest. Her chapter titled Failing at Everything in the Greatest City on Earth pretty much sums this point up. Life is hard, and no one who has made it in his or her careers got there blindly. They worked their asses off and sometimes took a few detours before making it.
Do you remember hearing about the one hour comedy sketch Matt and Ben? I do, but I of course never saw it. Guess what, that was Mindy! I know I was just as shocked to find out myself. Mindy delights the reader with her tales of one hour writing sessions that eventually turned into Matt and Ben, later her flop move to LA and her eventual small writing gig on a mid season filler show called The Office. I’m going to say up front, I’ve never watched The Office. But after reading her book littered with witty observations on life, film, and shopping, I’m almost willing to give it a shot.
Mindy isn’t afraid to go there and by there I mean there. Yes any there that could apply. She seemingly touches all topics and does so in voice that had me laughing out loud (need I say it again).
Jennifer Weiner wrote this about the book and I couldn’t’ have said it better myself, so thank you for letting me steal it: “By the end of this book, you will want Mindy Kaling to be your best friend, and you will want her parents to adopt you. Since neither of these events is likely, or even possible, buy her book instead.” – Truth….
I feel the need to start this blog by saying that I live in a bubble. Often I hear about something so far after the fact that it isn’t relevant anymore. I watch new movies weeks after they’ve come out (emptier theatres that way) and I have a back log of books a mile long. With that being said, Welcome to Mirandom Reviews! I have a good friend to thank for help with the title (Cassandra you’re amazing!)
I have been wanting to start this project for a while, without any actual solid plan about what I wanted to review. I debated about picking some really lengthily book or series and doing a play-by-play and in the end I decided that I really wanted to do it all without feeling like I was dragging any one thing out. I’m an avid reader and movie goer. If you follow my blog (mirandaboyer.tumblr.com) you will quickly learn all about some of my finer quarks and habits. On the top of that list is that I’m a writer. I’m currently working on my first novel and I’ve wanted another side project. Thus Mirandom Reviews was born. I will warn you now there will be spoilers! Unless you are just as behind as me with the world of books and movies, the spoilers probably won’t be an issue for you. Hopefully this will be a fun ongoing project that shapes into something wonderful!
Cheers,
Miranda
mirandomreviews.com 