Taking a Break

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh . . .

If you're jonesin' for something to read though, I did write a review on the movie Borat over at The Book Reviews blog.

Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

For a change of pace, I thought I would review Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, which I saw last night with a friend.

I really don't like throwing around the term politically correct. I would prefer everyone just use some manners and not get their panties in a wod over stupid stuff. That being said, Borat is probably the most politically incorrect movie I've ever seen. Hysterically so, but still. The movie is not for the faint of heart, stomach or mind as Borat and the people he interviews tend to offend all of these at once.

Thinking back, it's really a sad state of affairs the American public is in and this aspect is laid out for everyone who watches the movie to see. From the New Yorkers who either a.) run from Borat when he tries to greet them, or b.) threaten to kick his ass to the old rodeo leader who blatantly bashes homosexuals and Muslims. He even goes so far as to advise Borat to shave his mustache so he'll blend in better. Then there are the fraternity guys who disrespect (and I hate that word also) women which such vigor that it will be a miracle for them to ever find a wife. I've heard that those dipicted are in an uproar over the unfavorable light with which they are shown, but really, they made asses out of themselves with their close minded comments.

In my opinion, the only people who have a right to be offended is the residents of Kazakhstan. Borat portrayed them as backwards, incestual, animal beaters and more.

The humourous parts were so over the top, I couldn't help but laugh. Imagine a tall skinny man and a short fat man fighting. Now imagine them naked and throwing each other around a hotel room. Some aspects I laughed at just for the shock value of how prejediced the general public appears to be.

Overall, I recommend the movie. (well, maybe not to my mother.) The pure in-your-faceness of it screams loud and clear and could be a real eye opener.

Goodnight Nobody

Having just completed Goodnight Nobody I felt I should go ahead and write the review for it rather than some of the other ideas floating around in my head.

Goodnight Nobody is an awkward book to review, as it struck me so many different ways. On one hand, I related to the main character, Kate, in the sense that she is a suburban housewife with three kids and the feelings that accompany those surroundings. Ok, so there are some differences, I work and only have two kids, but the overall emotion expressed of "Is this all?" resonates through moms of today. I think any mother could relate to the feeling that motherhood, at times, sucks you dry. Kate, who was accustomed to the fast paced life of New York has been whisked away to a "safe" town in CT. Can someone say Stepford Wives? She confused about what she wants to do for herself, and struggling to keep up with the other mothers that appear so perfect. This aspect of the story resonated with me.

On the other hand, the storyline is a bit contrived, and to me seemed a bit redundant, or maybe just didn't hold my attention. I didn't feel for Kate in her quest to find the murderer of Kitty (this is actually the driving storyline). For me, there was no suspense build up. Almost everyone Kate wanted to interview was willing to speak with her, at least at first. Parts of the book that were supposed to be funny, like Kate singing "If You're Happy and You Know It" at Kitty's funeral, fell flat. Also the trying to be climatic ending was anti-. Maybe the story would have been better served if author, Jennifer Weiner, followed other characters as well, rather than just Kate. There were several situations that may have been funnier or scarier if we would have seen them through the other character's eyes rather than their retelling to Kate.

Overall, it's not a bad read, especially if you just want to relax.

Running with Scissors

With the impending release of the movie, and a conversation yesterday with an old friend, Running with Scissors has come across the radar of the next book on the chopping block. Thankfully, I enjoyed Running with Scissors so it won't be chopped too hard.

Running with Scissors is a memoir by author Augusten Burroughs recounted his strange, dark childhood. I'm very curious as to how this will be adapted to the big screen, as the novel is extremely graphic in places and although hailed as humourous, I didn't find it really funny at all. This isn't to say I didn't enjoy reading the memoir, but rather couldn't turn away from the train wreck that was Augusten Burroughs' childhood.

Augusten was abused by a pedaphile, practically abandoned by his mother and fed prescription medication like it was candy by the crazy shrink, Dr. Finch, with whom Augusten's mother left him. Augusten finds commroderie with Finch's daughter Natalie, and the two pave the way for a path of destruction to themselves and the household. The house holds a zoo of strange behaviour, from Mrs. Finch who nibbles on dog food as a snack, to Hope, another daughter, who proudly displays her father's crap for inspection (and yes, that's crap literally.) Natalie and Augusten run amuck making holes in the ceiling for a skylight, skipping school, drinking and smoking.

Augusten comes to the realization as he ages and matures (a miracle in itself given his circumstances) that having all the freedom in the world may not be the best way to live. Boundries need to be raised and rules respected. For all the horrendous events that occur, this was the one lesson that stuck out and gave true meaning to Running with Scissors.

Lisey's Story

As predicted, I read all but about 30 pages of Lisey's Story over my weekend away. Where can I even begin? For Stephen King fans, Lisey's Story ranks with the best in my opinion.

The book begins with Lisey (Lisa) beginning the daunting task of cleaning her critically acclaimed author husband's study out following his death two years ago. As she begins organizing, labeling and packing up the manuscripts, reviews and papers, memories begin to creep into her mind. These are memories that she has hidden "behind the purple curtain." Memories of a magical place parallel to our own universe that her husband, Scott, dubbed Boo'ya Moon.

In true King fashion, the events that take place are extraordinary. A little boy, who grows into a man and can travel to this place at will. A little boy who suffered such abuse from his father than he makes Lisey promise they will never have kids so the "bad gunky" isn't passed on. Propelling the storyline is Lisey's sister, who also travels to her version of Boo'ya Moon and a crazy man that has targeted Lisey in an effort to capture her late husband's works.

Lisey must relive the painful stories Scott shared with her regarding his mutilating father and brother, who was overcome by the bad gunky, in order to save her sister and herself from the stalker.

Aside from the terror and fantastical ideas, King also weaves the love story of Lisey and Scott into the novel. Their extreme devotion of each other and the devastation of his death are apparent in Lisey's recounting of their life through flashbacks.

Being Stephen King, there are parts of the novel that are graphically gruesome, but the depth of love between husband and wife and sister and sister balance the horror. Overall, Lisey's Story is a captivating read, and a novel I'm sure I'll read again.

When Crickets Cry

As much slack as he sometimes gets from book critics, I just can't resist Stephen King. I own almost all of his novels, so last night when I saw Lisey's Story I had to pick it up for my trip this weekend. Expect that review in the near future, as I devour his novels rather quickly. But for now, I present When Crickets Cry

When Crickets Cry, a novel by Charles Martin, opens when Reese, a man who is obviously running from something, meets a little girl, Annie, who is suffering from a heart condition and is in desperate need of a transplant. Through flashbacks, we learn of Reese's undying love for his wife, who has passed away from a condition similar to Annie's.

The two main characters find an immediate connection and a heartwarming and heartbreaking friendship grows. Annie's will to live life to the fullest is inspirational, while the demons Reese faces from his past are recognizable by most adults, although his are on a grander scale.

We learn through the story and flashbacks that Reese is the one surgeon who could save Annie should a heart become available. God is mentioned throughout, and it may seem overwhelming to some, but even those that don't see themselves as religious will enjoy the story. I think most people have been shaken to the core at some period in their life, and this is story of how one man overcomes his ghosts to help a little girl who desperately needs a chance to grow old.

A Summer to Die

Where to begin? Which book is allowed the privaledge, nay, honor of being my first reviewed book. Should it be a classic favorite? Like Bridge to Terabithia, or my first full scale huge novel, It (Signet Books) as recounted in my last post? How about a true classic, such as Moby-Dick (Bantam Classics) or a modern day bestseller like The Da Vinci Code?

All these books are great, and I'm sure I'll review them eventually, but I think the book I must start with is a childhood/teen favorite of mine, A Summer to Die.

A Summer to Die is a fictional novel by Louis Lowry. Meg, the main character, has an older sister Molly and the two are complete opposites. Meg, the studious one, developes a love for photography by building a darkroom with their new neighbor. Molly, the ever popular one, developes, I believe, cancer, and is dying. The two don't get along, even when Molly is really sick.

I'm not sure what drew me to this book as a youngster. I read it several times. So much, in fact, my mom worried about me and my obssession with death. I think it was more Meg's coming of age that affected me though. She was so awkward in her own skin, which Lord knows, I felt all the time at that age. By building the darkroom and honing her photography skills, she comes into her own.

During her sister's funeral, their neighbor takes a photo of Meg that is displayed at a local art show. Meg sees the photo and tells her friend, "You made me beautiful." He replied, "My dear, you were beautiful all along."

That's what stuck with me, You were beautiful all along.