- I never thought I would be linking to Hallmark.com, or talking about a Hallmark movie, but last night (after 4.5 novels!) my brain was too tired to do anything except sit catatonically in front of the TV. The only thing on that wasn't awful was the Hallmark movie about Irena Sendler, who saved 2500 Polish Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during WW2. For me, the most amazing part of the story was that her deeds went more or less unrecognized on the global stage, due to lingering post-WW2 anti-Semitism and the repression of the postwar Polish government. That is, until an American high school history class (class motto: “He who changes one person changes the entire world,” and yes, I'm letting the sexism there go for now) uncovered Irena's story, wrote a play about it, and started an Irena Sendler Day in their town in Kansas. I could go on, but I'm just going to link to this and encourage you to check it out. Final note: the play has toured Canada, but their upcoming dates are all in American cities: find out more about getting them to visit here.
- The best book I read this weekend was the British novel, Broken, by Daniel Clay. Don't let the Independent review turn you off: while it is about a mental breakdown, it's also about a young gir's innocence, courage and purity of spirit. Clay writes in the acknowledgements that his novel would not have been possible without To Kill A Mockingbird. In a certain sense, while Broken is not a re-telling, it does draw on some of the same themes: Skunk is a bit like Scout, her father's name is Archie, her mother is absent, and the title character is a bit like Boo, only likely in much worse shape. Broken also has a lot of humour in it, which helps it avoid being utterly bleak. The final scene in the book is what sold me on it completely (I was in tears, and showing emotions openly is quite rare for me when I'm reading - I tend to be pretty stone-faced when reading even the comics). I hesitate to say (but it is kind of true) that the final scene reads a bit like Molly Bloom's speech at the end of Ulysses. So utterly life-affirming. Don't get excited (or think I'm trying to sound pretentious) - I have actually only read parts of Ulysses. I know, I know. I'll get right on that next time I'm lying in bed for 3 days straight.
- So, Broken won't break your spirit, but this will: libraries play pop music! ...And sometimes I wonder where I draw the line? The answer is, here. This is where I draw the line. There is so much wrong with this, I'm not even going to go there. Suffice it to say, it's simply wrong to see Sugababes and Bishops Cleeve in the same article. Also, little known fact about me: I can't listen to music and read at the same time. I could never even study or read anything in a café, unless under great duress. If more libraries started doing this, I'd go insane. Not to mention, how much would it suck to work there? I still can barely listen to Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" album because it reminds me of endless hours at Nicholas Hoare. Twitch, twitch.
- The Annoyed librarian almost got a laugh out of me (if I laughed out loud while reading, that is) with this gem, related to her opinions about unconferences: "The trendy librarians might think they're doing something fresh and new, when really they're just trying to replicate the political meetings of a bygone era, where hairy, unwashed people sat around without direction arguing about politics and smoking dope. Those were the days! It just makes one want to scream, "Take a bath, 'unconference' attendees!""
Last, but not least, here is the rest of my reading/watching list from the weekend marathon, in case you're interested:
- The Prairie Bridesmaid by Daria Salamon: not-totally-annoyingly-self-absorbed chicklit, so I don't completely hate myself. Plus, it's Canadian!
- Down the Rabbit Hole (An Echo Falls Mystery) by Peter Abrahams: very good teen fic., with an entirely loveable heroine and a choppy writing style that actually really works.
- Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter: second in a series I am reading to fill the hole in my life once filled by Veronica Mars - OK, it can't be filled, but this keeps me going like a cracker when you really want a steak. It's not bad, and it has its moments, but it's no Veronica. Funnily enough, there is a Veronica reference in this book!
- Broken: A Novel by Daniel Clay ('nuff said)
- Savvy by Ingrid Law: Newbery Honor book, PW Best Book of the Year, etc. - alas, I have to say I think it's a bit over-rated: seriously, how many running-away-going-on-a-roadtrip/sick parent/outcast children/incompentent adults who fall in love children's novels can you read? I think I'm reaching my legal limit. Nice subplot about a lonely minister's daughter, though - don't worry, I wasn't that lonely!
- The Saver by Edeet Ravel: pretty good teen fic about a girl whose mum dies. She has no one, so she has to survive on her own in Montreal. The references to 'hoods I know was comforting, and I really loved her cat. Nice ending: not utterly unbelieveable, like those types of books often are.
- Ballet Shoes (DVD): on a friend's recommendation, I watched this adaptation of the classic children's novel by Noel Streatfield. It was, as the friend told me, really well done. Emma Watson is quite good, as are the other young girls playing the three sisters. Emilia Fox is stunning, as usual!
- Twilight (DVD): yes, I know, half of you are saying, get with the times, already! And the other half of you want to disown me for not having watched this yet. Don't even start: I haven't read the books, either. Life is short, and vampires just aren't my thing (sorry, Care. I still love Willow, though). Anyway, all I'm going to say is that Kristin Stewart can't act! Seriously! She looks confused all the time! It's like she has mistaken the "confused" face for the "angst-ridden because I'm in love with a vampire" face! Also, did they skip a lot of the book? Because there is no solid foundation for the love story in the movie: they keep skipping over the actual conversations Bella and Edward have by going all wide angle and playing (lovely) classical music. If the audience is going to believe in this obsessive love thing, it has to be substantiated by more than moody (or in Kristin's case, confused) glances. Great special effects and lovely scenery, though.
I'm off to re-enter the land of the living now (hopefully!)
No comments:
Post a Comment