I am about to begin my fourth Kinsella novel. I was trying to determine if I truly wanted to delve into another novel by the Shopaholic author, and I succeeded in talking myself into it. As is the case with Romantic Comedies, I give in to the guilty pleasure of Chick Lit as an escape from all possible realms of reality in my own life. I'm looking forward to getting lost in the mind of a somewhat whiny, nearly irrational heroine, so I can escape the rationale and order that defines my daily routine.
If any of you have read this one, and have any input for me, please feel free to leave a comment.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Jane Austen Book Club (Karen Joy Fowler)
As a huge fan of Jane Austen, I was super excited to pick up this novel. The club consists of five women and one man, each of which contributes a unique aspect to the story. Each woman has a different background, two are best friends, one of which has her daughter join the club, and the last two female members are opposing forces, both in age and outlook on life. The one male member, Grigg, is new in town and new to the realm of Jane Austen. Despite the accusation that he might be gay, he turns out to have a love interest in one of the other club members.
Each club member accepts the responsibility to host an evening as well as an Austen book of his or her choosing. The book chosen directly reflects the character who chose it. Since each character is unique, each chapter presents a new outlook.
It was enjoyable to discover how each character's life turns out, and an easy enough read to get through pretty quickly.
The movie doesn't stray too far from the original story, and to that I am thankful. The film moves pretty slowly. Since the book develops the characters through flashbacks into each person's history, the movie didn't have the time to depict the characters in the same way. If you are unfamiliar with Austen novels, you can still appreciate the film and the book. It my be more difficult to understand the conversations that take place during the club meetings, but you can still pick up on what is happening with each member of the club.
Each club member accepts the responsibility to host an evening as well as an Austen book of his or her choosing. The book chosen directly reflects the character who chose it. Since each character is unique, each chapter presents a new outlook.
It was enjoyable to discover how each character's life turns out, and an easy enough read to get through pretty quickly.
The movie doesn't stray too far from the original story, and to that I am thankful. The film moves pretty slowly. Since the book develops the characters through flashbacks into each person's history, the movie didn't have the time to depict the characters in the same way. If you are unfamiliar with Austen novels, you can still appreciate the film and the book. It my be more difficult to understand the conversations that take place during the club meetings, but you can still pick up on what is happening with each member of the club.
Me Talk Pretty One Day (David Sedaris)
David Sedaris might possibly be the funniest man alive. His adventures in discovering his sexual orientation are humorous and light-hearted. Despite having been forced to try more "masculine" adventures as a child, he perseveres as a hilarious memoirist (I just made up that word) with readers hoping to get more childhood memories in print.
His explorations in youth result in his witty interpretations as an adult. His perception of family and friends is fascinatingly and awe inspiring. He fuses words and experiences with enviable wit and candor. I hope to one day meet him, even if only to banter for a few minutes.
His explorations in youth result in his witty interpretations as an adult. His perception of family and friends is fascinatingly and awe inspiring. He fuses words and experiences with enviable wit and candor. I hope to one day meet him, even if only to banter for a few minutes.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
Rebecca Bloomwood is infuriating at times, endearing at others, and completely clueless most of the time. It is hard to believe that Rebecca was hired to write about finances while having absolutely no clue about or interest in the arena. However, if you are able to take away the details like this, the book is entertaining enough. Rebecca's sweet demeanor and innocent mishaps lead the reader to enjoy and care for the protagonist. It is easy to get through, and a pretty quick innocent read.
If you are looking to pass some time while relaxing poolside, I would recommend this for you.
The film doesn't stick with the original plot-line, but it has an endearing side of its own. Despite the story's adjustments, the overall theme is adhered to. It is a simple romantic comedy that didn't do all that well at the box office. Isla Fisher is totally cute, and embodies the character of Rebecca Bloomwood very nicely. If you are thinking about having a girl's night, pick up this DVD and bottle of wine.
If you are looking to pass some time while relaxing poolside, I would recommend this for you.
The film doesn't stick with the original plot-line, but it has an endearing side of its own. Despite the story's adjustments, the overall theme is adhered to. It is a simple romantic comedy that didn't do all that well at the box office. Isla Fisher is totally cute, and embodies the character of Rebecca Bloomwood very nicely. If you are thinking about having a girl's night, pick up this DVD and bottle of wine.
Are you There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea (Chelsea Handler)
Chelsea Handler's wit and sarcasm is the obvious reason for her success as a comic as well as a TV Show host. Her personality is evident in her collection of memories from childhood through early adulthood. If you are sensitive to swearing, this might not be the book for you. However, if you are a fan of quick dialogue and sarcastic conversation, you will definitely enjoy Chelsea's memoirs.
I find Chelsea Handler hysterical in her childhood memories, especially her babysitting stories over summer break. Even as a child, Chelsea's imagination kept her out of (although sometimes got her into) trouble. I wouldn't want to be her mother, but it would have been a blast to be a close aunt or cousin so I could relish in all of her crazy antics.
I find Chelsea Handler hysterical in her childhood memories, especially her babysitting stories over summer break. Even as a child, Chelsea's imagination kept her out of (although sometimes got her into) trouble. I wouldn't want to be her mother, but it would have been a blast to be a close aunt or cousin so I could relish in all of her crazy antics.
Night (Elie Weisel)
It has been 70 years since the Holocaust, and even though I'm not "personally" affected by the atrocities, I find myself deeply moved by Elie Weisel. The story of his travel through Concentration Camps with his father is touching, saddening and motivating.
At one point Elie Weisel proclaims that his biggest struggle was when he understood that his "God died." A once religious boy was turned cold and disillusioned with the idea that the God he worshiped would allow devoted followers to suffer so gravely. This moment in the book held me captive for quite some time. I spent days imagining what Weisel was experiencing, wracking my brain attempting to live the moments that he and his comrades endured. At first I was frustrated that I couldn't even surmise the conditions in which they lived, but eventually I became thankful that I do not have the capacity to create these terrible conditions, even mentally, for myself.
A compelling first-hand account of daily life as a prisoner in an internment camp.
At one point Elie Weisel proclaims that his biggest struggle was when he understood that his "God died." A once religious boy was turned cold and disillusioned with the idea that the God he worshiped would allow devoted followers to suffer so gravely. This moment in the book held me captive for quite some time. I spent days imagining what Weisel was experiencing, wracking my brain attempting to live the moments that he and his comrades endured. At first I was frustrated that I couldn't even surmise the conditions in which they lived, but eventually I became thankful that I do not have the capacity to create these terrible conditions, even mentally, for myself.
A compelling first-hand account of daily life as a prisoner in an internment camp.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Devil Wears Prada (Lauren Weisberger)
This was the first Weisberger novel I had the pleasure of reading. While I was reading it, I was unfortunately on a very similar career path. The book definitely takes the glamor out of the fashion industry and reveals a sub-culture unappealing to anyone who enjoys friends. family and food.
It is interesting to see the main character transform through various stages in a relatively short amount of time. Her innocence and naivete in the beginning is clearly contrasted with her strength and charisma in the end. As a dynamic character, it is easy to distinguish the beginning character from the one who resides on the last few pages.
It is interesting to see the main character transform through various stages in a relatively short amount of time. Her innocence and naivete in the beginning is clearly contrasted with her strength and charisma in the end. As a dynamic character, it is easy to distinguish the beginning character from the one who resides on the last few pages.
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