Posted on May 15, 2008 in Books
Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?
Do you ever read manuals?
How-to books?
Self-help guides?
Anything at all? – BTT
In the least, I usually skim manuals. I won’t say I read them cover to cover, but I do browse through them. I haven’t read a how-to book in a while. I don’t really read them as I would other types of books. I don’t consume them like I do novels or some other nonfiction as I usually just flip through, skim, and read what I like from how-to books. I have read self-help guides, but it has also been awhile. I would say I read a couple in a year.
Posted on May 14, 2008 in Books
Edited by Harvey Pekar, this first edition of The Best American Comics anthology showcases the variety of comics and visual storytelling available today. Many of the stories are very political which is understandable since comics has history of being subversive. Even more off the comics featured are based on autobiographical experiences or nonfictional accounts which seems to me the biggest movement in comics and graphic novels these days. The end of the book includes notes about the contributors and on the pieces in the book by the authors themselves. There are quite a few that did not stand out for me as it often happens in some anthologies, but many were well done, a couple extremely so, and one made me laugh out loud. Pekar wanted it to feature the best of the 2004-2005 time frame and allow old and new readers like to appreciate comics. I don’t think this would necessarily be the best introduction to the graphic storytelling medium, but it really does showcase the diversity of styles in the medium. It is short, and I would recommend reading the introductions after the comics themselves.
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Posted on May 13, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
Often, I go through periods of knitting washcloths. Like most knitting projects, finding yarn will inspire, and I found out my LYS had all this brandless purple cotton chenille. I never tried knitting with it until this project, and I have already cast on for another project. Having said that, the chenille shed when I was weaving the ends for this cloth. It’s soft, but this pattern has to much ends to weave, and I’m not too keen on the chenille either. I do like knitting cloths though, even if I never use them. I will someday, and I like the practicality of using knitted items not only to wear but around the house.
Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth, started May 5, 2008, finished May 8, 2008 (+1-2 days blocking) 
Pattern: Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth by Cindy Taylor from Weekend Knits.
Yarn: Unlabeled 100% cotton chenille 98g – less than one skein.
Needles: US 6/4.0mm 16″ circs and DPNs
Cost of Project: $4 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? No, too many ends to weave in.
Posted on May 12, 2008 in Books
Alexandre Dumas’s epic tale of suffering, revenge, and providence. An enjoyable work with elements of the gothic and romanticism making it very much of its time. I think the plot is well executed for the most part even if I was bored of when the scenes were not about the Count in some way. All of these characters have lengthy backgrounds which link together wonderfully and with good planning on Dumas’s part. Another notable style is that most of the unseen action or past actions is told in dialogue. The work, at over 1200 pages, did not actually take that much time when I got down to it. It would have been better if I had read it in French because I realize that that some translations can vary greatly in terms of titles and interpretations. I just thought I would read this epic novel faster in English, but circumstances prevented that. When I reread it, it will be in French, and I will enjoy it again. By the way, I read the Penguin Classic edition translated by Robin Buss.
I liked most of the characters and appreciated the subtle characterizations. I did enjoy Dumas’s The Three Musketeers as well, and he can craft some interesting people. I really liked Edmond Dantes at the beginning and Abbe Faria. Dantes changes so drastically through the book, and once he becomes the Count completely, he is very mysterious and omnipresent. He does appear Godlike or preternatural, but it does make the book more interesting having such a superhuman character. He kind of reminds me of Batman and other morally ambiguous superheroes from graphic novels or comic books. I wish there was more of Mercédès who is often described as one of the most intelligent characters. I also really appreciate the mother-son relationship between her and Albert.
The ending was okay, and in some ways, I kind of like the ending of the 2002 movie adaptation more as it gives a more hopeful ending for a couple of the characters. I wish Mercédès got a better ending because while Dumas is not harsh to female characters as some authors from the nineteenth century can be, he is not generous either. Most of the “passive” females are given good characterizations (Mercédès, Valentine), and those that are active are usually immoral (Mme Danglars, Mme de Villefort) or odd (Eugenie). Mercédès’s fault also seems to lie in her passivity (girl can’t win) so her ending leaves me dissatisfied because she seems to be punished while she holds less blame and guilt than others. Aside from those who truly acted ill against Edmond, her suffering is the most complete. It’s a credit to her character that she takes it gracefully, but not to Dumas’s view of women especially shown in her last scene and her somewhat hopeless ending.
On a more positive note, the book was engaging for the most part, and I like the last line:
…all human wisdom is contained in two words- “wait” and “hope.”
Posted on May 11, 2008 in Books
This morning, I finally finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I read most of it, about 800 pages, yesterday. I read the last 35 this morning. I liked the ending for all characters save a couple, but I was really pleased overall with the experienced and enjoyed reading it. It’s been awhile since I read anything so epic and long, not to mention spent most of the day reading. Review to be written later and up tomorrow.
Now, that I am finished that book, I can move onto others. Gilead is still beside me, but I am not sure if I want to read it today nor Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Right now, I am in the mood for something light and amusing such as The Zombie Survivial Guide or some comics The Best American Comics. Maybe even poetry by T. S. Eliot or a book on books such as Bibliotherapy.
So many options! I have too many books to choose from. It has been very overwhelming of late as others have loaned me more books, and the library never stops pursing me via email about requests to pick up. It’s daunting, but I love books so I acquire them and surround my life with them almost excessively. Do you ever feel that way? I don’t even know which book to turn to sometime. Also, I am getting moodier with my reading choices as I get older so it seems to cloud my decisions and book choices.
As a result of so many books and moody choices, I am less monogamist than ever so I am probably going to dip into a few books today. Start them, and then pick up on whichever for the rest of the week. Plenty of material, and it’s a nice enough day to read.
Happy Mother’s Day to those celebrating it.
Literary Links:
Posted on May 8, 2008 in Books
Writing guides, grammar books, punctuation how-tos . . . do you read them? Not read them? How many writing books, grammar books, dictionaries–if any–do you have in your library? – BTT
I don’t “read” them per se. I do have a couple, and I like a good reference book as the next bibliophile. I have two English dictionaries, a couple of English other language dictionaries, and one purely French dictionary. I use the computer and online dictionaries more. I also have one grammar book, and I would really like to get a copy of the Elements of Style. I like owning grammar books rather than using them though. I listen to the Grammar Girl podcast which says a lot about me, but I am horrible at grammar and syntax. When I learn languages, writing and proper oral communication is the hardest for me to learn while I learn quickly through comprehension.
Bit late today since I’m busy on thursdays now. I haven’t had time to read this week. The weekend can’t come fast enough.
Posted on May 4, 2008 in Books
This week, I finished three books: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, Othello, and Cranford. I joined yet another reading challenges. I wish there were support groups for reading challenge addicts like me. We would probably end up making more challenges and finding more ways to cross post our selections.
Today, I am reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Yes, it has been months now, but it’ll be finished soon (hopefully). I still have Gilead on hold. This week, two friends lent me books. I received Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose which I think I will start in the next couple of weeks. The second book is a collection of Tolstoy’s short stories in French. I am unsure when I will get around to that one, but it should be one of my French reads this year. I should start The God of Small Things soon as well. I also want to start The Tempest and Shakespeare’s sonnets soon because the Shakespeare challenge is almost over. How time flies.
I have been cleaning this weekend, and I won’t be finished for awhile. I am trying to clear away things I’ve had for years. I am at a loss for what to do with all the textbooks that I was unable to sell during the school years. I should probably sell my philosophy books too. Hmm.
Salon has an article on “Personal profiles, faves, lists, snobbery, books.” It purports the idea that we are not what we read, and that culture has become where some books (such as self-help books) are scoffed by those who consider themselves truly literary. As a result, favourite lists on profiles have become definers that say “I like this = I’m like this”. This is why I never provide those details online; we are creatures of judgment to be sure. I can say that I know the books that I like, but others may not. My literary tastes do not necessarily define me. I do admit that I have read a self-help book or two. Do you feel that your preferences in books defines you in some way? Do you admit to reading self-help books; are they so shameful? Thoughts?
Literary Links:
Petrona has a discussion on the Sunday Salon.
“Baby Got Book” – To the tune of Sir Mix-a-lot’s “Baby got back”
20 Science Books Every Sci-Fi Fan and Writer Should Read – While I don’t read a lot of scifi, this is actually a pretty interesting list.
Posted on May 3, 2008 in Books
Read 10 books in 10 months from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die list. I think I will be able to finish this. The challenge began May 1 and runs through the end of February 2009. I am already keeping track of my books read for this list, and I just finished one today, Cranford, which I will count towards the challenge total, so nine more to go. As of right now, I have read 83 books which sets me at 8.29%. Here is a long list of possible reads. This list which will undoubtedly change as I cross post and read on a whim:
Posted on May 3, 2008 in Books
My first Elizabeth Gaskell novel. I have wanted to read Wives and Daughters and North and South for awhile, but somehow Cranford ended up being my first Gaskell. This novel is about the lives of the predominantly female, older population of the eponymous small town. There is little way in plot, and the tone is quiet and subdued like the setting of the book itself. It does have moments of amusement, satire, and cleverness that displays Gaskell’s ability as a writer. The vignettes are subtle and you can get so much from the characters from them. It is actually a good social portrait of England in the early mid-19th century. Many of the stories are based on actual events from Gaskell’s childhood. I would not recommend it to everyone as it quite slow, but I found many of the moments in the book touching. While the characters can be rather silly and gossipy, they are not vindictive for the most part, and stood by those they loved in the end. This novel worked on my sentimentality and sensitivity as you can tell. I liked it, but I understand that few people could get really into it.
The recent adaptation and mini series have already aired in the U. K., and PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre will begin its three week run of it tomorrow night. I have heard good things about it, and I wonder how they will shape the stories told in the novel. I do think that that with a cast led by Dame Judi Dench that the emotional aspect of the novel can be conveyed easily with the right script. I look forward to it, and will report back on it in a future blog post.
Posted on May 2, 2008 in Movies
Juno (13 04 08) – As predicted, this movie is likable. Lots of Canadian actors too. I enjoyed all of the performances and the script did have a lot of heart. Sweet and enjoyable little flick.
I am Legend (13 04 08) – Slow stuff, but people watch this for Will Smith. This is actually my first Will Smith movie in a long time. It’s well shot, and I liked the dog as I usually do.
A Room with a View (13 04 08) – I’m fairly understanding of Andrew Davies’s scripts and his lack of subtext at times, but he does not do well with Forster. While it wasn’t all bad, it was boring and just not as good as the Merchant-Ivory version. The most annoying thing was he changed the ending to one that felt empty and just weird.
Dan in Real Life (14 04 08) – It feels like ages since I’ve seen a typical rom-com. This was such a cute one too. I actually did chuckle a few times, and I adored the Steve Carell/Julie Binoche pairing. I like how romantic tension is played, the setting, and just the simplicity of a nice adult romance. Underrated and sweet.
Lars and the real girl (15 04 08) – Well, this was fine. Nothing too extraordinary, but Ryan Gosling does make this movie. I’ve been watching RG since his TV days (so about 10+ years), and he has always had the screen charisma. Patricia Clarkson and Emily Mortimer also did well in this. I hope EM gets more work; I warmed to her from Match Point on.
The Swan (15-6 04 08) – This is a 1956 film directed by Charles Vidor starring Grace Kelly, Alec Guiness, and Louis Jordan. It’s a bit slow moving, but the ending is a nice twist. There’s the right humor, and Grace Kelly plays a very convincing shy and awkward Princess. Harder to discern what AG was going for in his immature Prince character, but Louis Jordan is as gorgeous and romantic as always.
Becoming Jane (19 04 08) – I avoided watching this for the longest time because I had heard iffy reviews based on its fictionalization of Ms. Austen’s life. It had a trite Hollywood ending, but the best thing about this is James McAvoy. I am really glad his star is on the rise, and he is one of those actors that can make a movie so much more bearable. His acting and screen charisma is off the charts.
Hable con ella (Talk to her) (24-5 04 08) – REVIEW
Across the Universe (25 04 08) – I love the Beatles. I like interpretations of their songs, and the only good thing about this musical is that some of the numbers (Let it Be, I want you so bad) are well done. It is also well shot, but it is clear they wrote a story around the music. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters. You never get a sense of them at all, and my emotions rang from indifference to annoyance. The characters didn’t even seem to care about each other either, and there were some irksome plot holes. I’m not really keen on any of the actors either. It has no real humor like Moulin Rouge or warmth like Singin in the Rain or the Astaire/Rogers movies. This is how you should not do a musical. As a result, this movie was extremely slow even though I knew all the songs and sang along. It was trippy and well shot, but it was far more tedious.
Rewatched Films:
Moulin Rouge – I own this film; it was given to me by friends for a birthday years ago. It was my third DVD I think, and I’ve watched it a couple of times since. I’m not in the habit of rewatching or rereading many things, but I wanted to watch this again after Across the Universe which has nothing (except the Beatles song) on MR. If Baz Luhrmann decided to do a musical with solely Beatles songs, it would be funny, have some warmth, and a decent (albeit melodramatic) romance. It’s sad for me to admit this, but this truly seems to have been Nicole Kidman’s career height. Right after this movie, she went on to do The Hours (which I also loved), Dogville (I am never watching a Lars Von Trier, but she was good in it), The Others (great reviews; have not seen), Birth (same), but lately, her choices have not been great. I am cautiously optimistic of Australia coming out this November because it is Kidman reunited with Baz. I am only seeing it it because it is a Baz film. Back to MR, based off Dumas’s Camille (I only realized this until after seeing George Cuckor/Greta Garbo’s Camille), this is a fun movie. The songs have been on my playlists for years; I like all of the musical numbers and interpretations. Another thing that AtU lacked was charismatic acting. All the actors in MR seem to have fun and really get into it. Kidman is incredibly zany in the beginning, and I have rarely disliked Ewan Macgregor or Jim Broadbent in anything. Maybe I shouldn’t have rewatched this because now I’m more annoyed by AtU.
Posted on May 1, 2008 in Books
Quick! It’s an emergency! You just got an urgent call about a family emergency and had to rush to the airport with barely time to grab your wallet and your passport. But now, you’re stuck at the airport with nothing to read. What do you do??
And, no, you did NOT have time to grab your bookbag, or the book next to your bed. You were . . . grocery shopping when you got the call and have nothing with you but your wallet and your passport (which you fortuitously brought with you in case they asked for ID in the ethnic food aisle). This is hypothetical, remember…. – BTT
First: Ha! Second, I usually do have a book on hand in my bag. In these situations, I think I would buy a magazine or two. If not, I would buy an overpriced book from the book store. Preferably a classic, prize winner, or something from a favourite author I have yet to read. I’m more inclined to think I’ll buy the New Yorker or something though.
I do wonder, why would they check for ID in the ethnic food aisle?