Finished 'Cutting for Stone'

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be one of the best books of 2009. It was completely enthralling from the very first chapter. I loved how each character was developed, although I wish we knew a little more about Genet's thoughts since she ended up being a major player in how the novel ended. It was really a love story to medicine and I found myself appreciating people who choose this field even more after reading this magnificent story. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!

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Started 'Cutting for Stone'

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese





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I have been on the hold list for this book since March, so I am anxious to read this one. The author lives in my neck of the woods, the Bay Area; Palo Alto, specifically. EW gave it an A grade; here is that review.

Opening line: "After eight months spent in the obscurity of our mother's womb, my brother, Shiva, and I came into the world in the late afternoon of the twentieth of September in the year of grace 1954."

Finished Codex

Codex by Lev Grossman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was really impressed with this other Lev Grossman novel. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did his newest book, 'The Magicians,' but I still found myself racing to the finish to find out what was going to happen to Edward Wozny. Gaming isn't really my thing and neither is medieval literature, so I wouldn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It was kind of like 'The Da Vinci Code,' but with less twists and a better final reveal.

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'Nuff Said

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Gabourey Sidibe

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/11/gabby_sidibe_makes_conan_debut.html

I just watched this interview this past weekend and I rewound it several times because I enjoyed it so much! I hope she gets nominated and I hope to see Precious soon.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: There's a Party In My City

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: There's a Party In My City

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Finished The Group

The Group by Mary McCarthy


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had never even heard of this book but it was briefly featured on an episode of 'Mad Men.' The character Betty Draper was reading this in the bed and they showed the title. I love when they show what characters are reading on TV shows because it makes things seem realistic. This is a sure change from the contemporary fiction that I have been reading lately as this book is set in the period of 1930s to 1950s. We'll see.....

This book blew my mind. It was truly a glimpse into a lifestyle you rarely get this many details about. I love the idea of fleshing out what happens to a group of friends after they graduate from college. This book only went as far as six years post graduation, I would have loved to find out where they all were twenty years after. The really insightful and best part of the book is the period it is set in, when women went to college and very few went on to careers outside of the home. Almost all of the women in the group got married, to varying degrees of success.

At first I was worried there were too many characters with too many similar names (Libby, Lakey, etc), but I eventually got in the groove and couldn't put it down! When reading the part that describes (in detail!) Dottie's first time, I found myself looking around to make sure no one saw what I was reading, it was so realistic. Almost all of the stories were heartbreaking, especially Kay's and I won't give away the ending. It didn't come to much of a shock. I'm so glad to have discovered a book and author I might never have known about. I'd also like to read her memoir about growing up Catholic, because I could likely relate to that too.

The only thing I wish there was more of was Lakey's story. She appeared at the very end, but the tidbit left me wanting more.

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This Cracked Me Up!

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

I am late on the Zach Galifianakis train, because I didn't see the summer blockbuster 'The Hangover.' I only got introduced to him by watching one of favorite new shows on HBO 'Bored to Death,' where his scenes were often the funniest of the episodes. This is apparently a running joke on the Funny or Die website, so I'll be looking for the other ones. I also always love Conan, he's game for things that make people uncomfortable.

Starting The Group

The Group by Mary McCarthy



I had never even heard of this book but it was briefly featured on an episode of 'Mad Men.' The character Betty Draper was reading this in the bed and they showed the title. I love when they choose to show what characters are reading on shows because it makes things seem realistic. This is a sure change from the contemporary fiction that I have been reading lately as this book is set in the period of 1930s to 1950s. We'll see.....

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Opening line: "It was June, 1933, one week after Commencement, when Kay Leiland Strong, Vassar '33, the first of her class to run around the table at the Class Day dinner, was married to Harald Petersen, Reed '27, in the chapel of St. George's Church, P.E., Karl F. Reiland, Rector."

A Happy Marriage

A Happy Marriage: A Novel by Rafael Yglesias


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book touched my heart. It's not technically a memoir but I put it on the memoir bookshelf because the author has been open in all of his interviews in noting that it is autobiographical and based on him and his late wife's relationship. I also read Joan Didion's ‘Year of Magical Thinking,’ which was a beautiful elegy for her husband, but I don’t think you can compare ‘A Happy Marriage’ with that book. Somehow I feel like I really came to know the author and his wife over the course of the novel. They both deal perfectly with describing the loss of a beloved spouse.

This book somehow touched me even more by describing when the couple first met and their first time. It alternated chapters from when they first met to the last days of the wife’s life. I really can’t do a sufficient job describing the book because it is so beautifully written but I highly recommend it.

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Entertainment Weekly gave it an A- in this review.
Here is the NY Times review.

Best Season Finale Ever

I can't believe we have to wait another 6-7 months for Season 4 of the absolutely perfect 'Mad Men.'

Finished Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry: A Novel by Audrey Niffenegger


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was unusual right from the beginning. I have never heard of mirror image twins before, and I don’t know if they actually exist but the idea of two people coming out that way is disconcerting. Audrey Niffenegger did a great job as always of describing almost every nuance of each character’s life, even the ghost Elspeth/Edie. The beginning of the novel gives no foreshadowing of what eventually happens, and I was unsettled to say the least. I don’t want to give anything away, but I just could not come to terms with what happens at the denouement of this gripping book. It pains me to know that the only characters who end up happy are Martin and Marijke. Even though I wasn’t thrilled with how everything played out, I still think this book deserves 4 out of 5 stars just because of Audrey Niffenegger’s ability to write really compelling characters. I think the EW review (which was a C+) was a little harsh; I would give this book a straight B grade. There is absolutely no comparison to her prior work, ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife,’ which I LOVED. I think she still did a great job telling another completely unique story.

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Here is the EW review.

Get Well Blanche

After September 11th, TV was gut-wrenching and horrible to watch because every channel was showing the towers falling over and over again. I remember being glued to the television and in tears for almost all of my waking hours. When I finally emerged from the gloom of that time, the Lifetime network was the only channel showing something other than the tragedy. They played episodes of the Golden Girls non-stop and I became addicted.

I could not get enough of those four ladies, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be Bea Arthur as Dorothy, who can inspire a belly laugh with just a look. Bea Arthur passed away earlier this year, and Estelle Getty who played Sophia has also passed on. This only leaves Betty White (Rose) and Rue McClanahan (Blanche). Betty White is still acting and actually had a guest appearance on '30 Rock' last week, in a hilarious scene. This latest news about Rue McClanahan is what my post title is about.

Lifetime doesn't show the show as often anymore, and I think the rights may have been bought by the Hallmark channel. I don't watch it every day like I used to, but I would never turn off an episode of the show as I have never come across one I didn't like. A truly, great timeless show that gets better with age.

Huh?

My favorite awards show and the reason I love awards show season has announced the hosts. The upcoming Academy Awards will be co-hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. If you are anything like me, you are have a huge question mark floating over your head. With an exclamation point.

Come on now, Oscars! They have different producers this year and I was hoping for a fresh unique choice, like Wanda Sykes (OK, she's probably a little too controversial for the telecast, but who cares?). Instead, they went with two mildly likable guys who I personally think are boring choices.

For one thing, I don't like the idea of co-hosts. This is a one person job, otherwise there will be too much mugging from one or both with each person trying to upstage the other, consciously or not. I have to say I'm disappointed, but maybe they'll blow my mind. Neil Patrick Harris was so spot-on for the Emmy telecast, I just can't see these two guys pulling it off to even compare. The last time they both hosted SNL (individually), I was underwhelmed. I do enjoy Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock, though.

I read this scoop at EW.com, of course.

Starting Her Fearful Symmetry

Here is the author talking a little bit about the title and her writing process, which I found to be very interesting. I loved her other book 'The Time Traveler's Wife' so I can't wait to see what she did with this one.

Opening line: "Elspeth died while Robert was standing in front of a vending machine watching tea shoot into a small plastic cup."

Bolt and Little Bolt

I thought this was a great Picture of the Day on one of my regular websites. Usain Bolt, world-record holder in almost every short speed track event holding a baby cheetah cub that he named Lightning Bolt. Two really fast creatures, really nice photo.

Western Skies

Western Skies by Nora Roberts


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I bought this one when I bought Bed of Roses and I quickly devoured it as well. These are re-prints of two of her older stories, so they lack the punch she currently writes with. Still enjoyable, though.

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Bed of Roses

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I can't think of a better way to spend a lazy Sunday than curling up with the latest Nora Roberts. Thankfully, my family let me do just that this past Sunday with minimal distractions. I cannot say enough about Nora Roberts' unique ability to draw a reader in and make you feel like you know fictional characters by page 50. I was even in tears by the end, because I was so happy and touched for Emma and Jack. The only beef I have is that I have to wait 6 MONTHS for the next installmaent in this quartet. May 2010!? Whose idea was that?! I demand an earlier release. Oh, well...I guess I'll have to read less satisfying fare until then. No other romance writer comes close.

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Just Finished New Moon

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I TOTALLY understand the Twilight craze now. After reading the first book in the series, ‘Twilight,’ I just could not get what all the fuss was about. After reading ‘New Moon,’ however, I’m right there with those shrieking teeny-boppers. Stephenie Meyer officially has another fan. I am not ashamed that I was completely enthralled by the melodramatic and emotional love triangle that has only just begun with this book. I cannot wait to find out what happens to the characters- so glad I didn’t read any spoilers. Usually I don’t like reading a book after the movie has already been made, but for some reason I loved thinking of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner acting out these incredibly juicy roles. It was so soap-opery and delicious, I lapped this book up like a vanilla cone from McDonald‘s on a hot summer day. It was almost impossible to put down, even when the expressions of teenage love were at their corniest. Bella really has it going on, with two pretty great guys vying for her affection. I think I know who she’ll choose in the end, but I can’t wait to find out. Too bad I don’t have ‘Eclipse’ waiting right here to get started on. I have to request it from the library STAT!

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WOW

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can honestly say I have never read a book like this one. It was truly unique from the very beginning, with an approximately 30 pg intro/prologue full on ramblings and sketches. Dave Eggers even put in parts that he supposedly retracted from the text – think about it; he printed, in full, complete sections taken from different parts of the book. Who does that?! It was incredible to feel like you are really in another person’s head, more so than I have ever felt while reading a book. It totally makes sense to me how the author befriended someone like Spike Jonze; I can see how they would be right up each other’s alley. If you have ever seen ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ you’ll know what I’m talking about when you read this book. Dave Eggers is something genuinely special; this book touched my heart. The title couldn’t more aptly describe the experience of reading. I have to read all of his other works, and soon.

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Interesting Article

I just read this article on the NY Times site and I am ashamed to say that I am guilty of this. Sometimes I start yelling before I even realize what I'm doing. Sydney yells too, which I hope is phase or habit she will grow out of or that we can break. This article was really interesting, especially when the person notes that yelling is not a parenting technique. Also, if someone yelled at you at work, how would you react? I have to remember this the next time I feel a scream coming on.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22yell.html

Be Still My Heart.....

This past year, Adam Lambert helped me remember why I used to love 'American Idol.' Details magazine did a great profile of him I just finished reading here. I haven't bought a CD in months, but I will definitely be in line at Target or Best Buy on Monday, November 23rd when Adam's debut disc drops. There is just something about him and its not just his brain-liquefying vocals and audacious/exciting stage presence. I absolutely CANNOT wait!! I wish him all the best.

Beautiful Title

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers





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The author of this book co-wrote the screenplay of the recently released 'Where the Wild Things Are,' which I posted about previously. I LOVE the title.

Opening line: "Through the small tall bathroom window the December yard is gray and scratchy, the trees calligraphic."

Barely Finished This One

Third Degree by Greg Iles


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This one not one of my favorites by Greg Iles. It was too much for me somehow. I couldn't believe that a cuckolded husband would go this far without actually killing their spouse and it was unsettling to read.

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Funny Baby Video

This video cracked me up!

Sydney

Sydney said the funniest thing yesterday which isn't a new occurrence but this was particularly noteworthy. I showed her some new underwear that I bought (for myself) and she goes, "That's beautiful, Mommy! It's beautiful!"

It was so sincere and so clearly spoken that I did a double take and immediately called Donte. It's funny, because she always notes our reactions to things. So of course she saw my expression and when I asked her to repeat it, she did. Now she goes around the house saying 'That's beautiful' to everything, probably hoping to get the same reaction she got the first time. So funny and adorable!

She is really something and I am amazed at the way she always surprises me. She is truly a special child and I can't thank God enough for bringing her to our lives.

Switched Books

I had to put down Water for Elephants because the library book stunk. I mean it literally stunk, so much that I couldn't stand to hold it up, let alone read it. I returned the book and I will request it again at a later date.

I'm starting this Greg Iles' book, a suspense/thriller.

Third Degree by Greg Iles





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Opening line: "Floating in the half-world between sleep and wakefulness, Laurel reached down and slipped her hand into the crack between the mahogany bed rail and the box springs, searching...searching for her connection to life."

Rachel Maddow is Spot-On

This video completely describes my previous post, albeit in a much more fluid and understandable way.

Nobel Peace Prize

I had decided to not blog about politics as a rule, leaving that to the many experts who do it for a living. But I really feel the need to comment on the top news story of the day, our President receiving the tremendous honor of the Nobel Peace prize.

It is absolutely amazing how ridiculous people are behaving in reaction to this announcement! Somehow Barack Obama brings out the worst in some people and it can be downright scary to behold. I could not believe the excoriating remarks made by some of my favorite online writers this morning. I have to say I wasn't surprised by the reactions from the RNC, Rush Limbaugh and the Taliban (notice how I linked the three, just the DNC spokesperson did justifiably).

This man is the leader of our great nation and he cannot get a break. When he loses something that he obviously wanted for his hometown as well as his country, people are rejoicing in American streets (i.e., the Olympic bid failure of last week). Now, when he is awarded this prize out of his control, he is kicked about like he paid off the committee or something. I smell a lot of jealousy and I hate to say it, but racism as well. It is disgusting and I am ashamed of many of my fellow countrymen today who could have taken the high ground just ONCE and congratulated our President. Let Mr. Obama work on trying to deserve the honor as he so graciously put it this morning.

Also, shame on the media for doing the same old thing and glorifying the haters as they always do.

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen





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My mom just listened to the audio book and was telling me that she wouldn't recommend it to me, but she hadn't even gotten through telling me about the main character's childhood when I stopped her and told I wanted to read it and find out for myself. I was intrigued to say the least. Happy Reading!

Opening line: "Only three people were left under the red and white awning of the grease joint: Grady, me, and the fry cook."

This Will Make a Great Movie

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I finished this one last night and I was very satisfied. Jonathan Tropper must have been very close to a female figure growing up or he is the most observant man ever. It’s almost like he has lived as a woman in a past life. The book is from the point of view of a man, Judd Foxman, but he is uniquely attuned to women. He describes the course of falling in love and getting into a rut in a marriage with alarmingly jarring detail.

I REALLY enjoyed this book, although I would never be able to cast the movie like I thought I would starting out. The actor playing the lead role of Judd will likely have to be a relatively unknown actor, because no current big star fits the bill in my opinion. The family is Jewish and specifically described, so blonde or straight-haired actors need not apply.

I had heard of sitting shiva before, but I am really unfamiliar with the nuances of the Jewish faith. It was nice to learn a little bit about a different culture while still enjoying a great novel. Even the ending was a nice surprise, although I saw one part coming.

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Fringe, Again

I wrote about the season premiere earlier and shame on you if you haven't tuned in yet. Tonight's episode promises to be a dinger, for both fans and newbies. I can't wait!

Started 'This Is Where I Leave You'

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper





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I LOVE this title! I would steal it if it wasn't already taken. Also, this is going to be made into a movie so I'll try to cast the film as I read. The author is also currently writing the screenplay for the remake of'Harvey' to be directed by Steven Speilberg. If you haven't seen the original 'Harvey' starring the incomparable Jimmy Stewart, go rent/but it immediately!

Opening line: "Dad's dead, Wendy says offhandedly, like it's happened before, like it happens every day."

Songs For the Missing

Songs for the Missing: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was unimaginably sad which affected my overall rating. I really cannot abide by really sad subject matter for some reason. Especially when it is unrelenting as was the case for this book where there is no happy ending. I didn’t finish ‘The Lovely Bones’ for this reason and I likely won’t see that movie, either.

This book was written beautifully and was a little like a thriller for the first few months after Kim went missing, but it turned into a devastating manual on how not to grieve as evidenced the way each character came to turns with the loss of their daughter, sister, friend. It was too much for me and I can’t say I would recommend it.

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Starting Songs for the Missing

Songs for the Missing: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan





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It seems like a downer to go from a happy novel to a book about a missing person, but oh well! That's the way the cookie crumbles...

Opening line: "July, 2005. It was the summer of her Chevette, of J.P. and letting her hair grow."

Loved The Family Man!

The Family Man by Elinor Lipman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was an absolute delight. I would re-read it right now if I didn’t have another library book due next week. It was fun from start to finish with the perfect, light-hearted upbeat tone throughout. Many authors outdo themselves with symbolism and the darkness of people’s innermost secrets, but I found this to be a refreshing take on happiness. Elinor Lipman told a beautiful story that was unbelievably understated but filled with so many great things; I could go on and on.

The main character (John) Henry Archer had me at ‘hello,’ and I loved that he got a happy ending. Henry Archer is an openly gay man, but don’t think if you read this you will getting an E. Lynn Harris type novel. We are never told Henry’s race, but I assume he is not Black. Henry is also affluent, openly gay and not struggling with it, and his sexual escapades are not detailed. As a matter of fact, he starts off single and ends up with a partner! I loved that this happened, but almost without the reader knowing since the main story was about Henry and his reunion with his former step-daughter Thalia. It’s a long story to explain how a gay man has an ex step-daughter but I recommend reading this great book to find out. I loved it!!

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Starting Family Man

The Family Man by Elinor Lipman





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Opening line: "Henry Archer did not attend his ex-wife's husband's funeral, but he did send a note of condolence."

Lizz Wright

My mom and I saw Lizz Wright perform last Saturday at Yoshi's in Oakland. We had the best time, and it was definitely one of those moments you remember. We ate a sushi dinner before the show, also at Yoshi's and we enjoyed our meal immensely. The people watching was fun too, especially this one lady wearing a ridiculously enormous floppy-brimmed hat.

Lizz Wright was a revelation. From the moment she opened her mouth when she stepped onstage, she had the whole room enthralled with her. Her voice was pure and smooth and I haven't heard anything like it. A show at Yoshi's is unique because the venue is so small. The artist and band have no place to hide and I think you have to be uniquely talented to perform like this. Lizz Wright is definitely that - uniquely talented. She didn't hit one wrong note for an hour and a half and the band was also flawless. She was painfully shy, which was obvious since we were seated almost right under nose in the row of tables directly in front of the stage. I even liked that about her, because it showed that her talent is truly something she has to share even if her body may not necessarily want to. Each song of her set was relaxed and beautiful, although some of her lyrics probably weren't suited to a Mom-daughter date. More like husband-wife date ;)

I had a great time and I know my mom did too, we kept looking at each other in amazement that someone this talented exists somehow below the radar. She would put many of today's pop stars in their place with her vocal ability.

We shared our table with two other ladies who had each bought single tickets and come to the show by themselves. They were beautiful black women, which made our table a quartet of beautiful black women. They gushed over the fact that Mom was my mom (since she looks so great for her age), which happens almost every time we go out together, but I don't mind and I'm sure Mom doesn't.

The only bad part of the night was that it had to end and I forgot my camera. However, the memories are emblazoned in my mind and those pictures won't fade.

Disappointed

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was no 'Da Vinci Code.' I don't know why I couldn't really get into this one, whether it was the unbelievable villain, the reveal of the lost symbol or what. It was still a page turner, which explains why I read it so quickly, but I was not nearly as excited to read on as with the other two Robert Langdon thrillers. For some reason, I just couldn't connect with the history of the Masons, even knowing how many of our forefathers were members. The other books were about the Vatican and the Holy Grail, and I don't know whether being Catholic led to me being more interested in those two.

I was especially annoyed by the falseness of being able to solve something that supposedly no one has solved for centuries in a matter of hours. Also, at the end after the characters had narrowly escaped death by drowning or being bled to death, they still wax on for about 50 pages! If anything, you would think they could have talked about the secret in the morning after a night's rest. The authorities didn't really seem to care either, just letting someone whose hand had been cut off continue riding around with Robert Langdon talking about the pyramid and what it means.

It was totally unbelievable that any human being would be able to withstand that much stress and strain and not need immediate medical attention. For some reason, I just couldn't let that go and it ruined the ending for me.

I'm just glad I borrowed this book from the library and didn't buy it.

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Starting the New Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown





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Opening line: "The secret is how to die."

Finished 'The Magicians'!

The Magicians by Lev Grossman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just finished this one and I am in awe of Lev Grossman's brain. This was a true fantasy novel and I didn't think that was particularly my genre. This book may have changed my mind. I love the idea of anyone having the chanve of being chosen to go to a secret magician's school.
Quentin, the protagonist, is a unique character who is not easy to love, but somehow I did.
Just when I thought we had gone past the mainstream, the characters enter another dimension, only ever before written about in a novel. Can you imagine stepping into the world of one of your favorite books? I would love to spend some time in 2059 with Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but after reading this maybe not so much. The fantasyland is awful and scary and full of unimaginable beings and terror. I could never have guessed what would happen.
This was a great book and I think the film industry should not even attempt to massacre its originality by trying to make it a movie. Quentin wouldn't want that, anyway. ;)

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A rare 5-star book!

Whitney

I haven't bought her CD (yet), but this post by Rich is a piece of art.

Fringe

I LOVE FRINGE. It seems like I say I love a lot of things and that is probably true, but I really do love this show. It is so unique and so fun and so scary and so unsettling; I think it is one of the best shows on TV. The cast is terrific (an understatement) and I can't wait to see what the writers have come up with after the fantastic season finale. It premieres tonight at 9 PM.

Picture of the Day

For the record, Sydney does actually smile all of the time.

My mom went with me and Sydney this weekend to my friend and former co-worker's welcome baby party. I am holding little Darion Joseph Angelini, born on 8/5/2009. I love Sydney's expression in these pictures. This is her 'party-face' where she basically refuses to smile for an entire party. The other little boy is Darion's older brother, Givanni and he is almost 2 years old.

Picture of the Day

Kanye

Can I just say one thing? LEAVE KANYE ALONE!! Enough already! We are two wars, millions of Americans don't have healthcare, Michael Jackson is dead (OK that one probably doesn't count), don't we have enough to talk about? Taylor Swift has improved her celebrity; she will now always be pitied, unless she cheats on her future husband or starts doing drugs.

America is so fickle, it is incredible. I know this will blow over by the end of the week, but I am already tired of it. I watched the part of the show where the 'incident' happened, and I'm not entirely sure that it wasn't staged. Kanye is known to act out at awards shows, and putting him in the front row or anywhere near the stage reeks of a set-up. This show probably shouldn't even exist to put it plainly since the Music TeleVision channel does NOT show music videos. MTV execs were probably looking for a way to spice up their telecast and they are likely giddy with the publicity.

I think Kanye regrets getting played, but probably really regrets that he didn't think before he jumped up there. I don't think it was malicious at all, just the product of an immature, impulsive man.

ANTM

My favorite recapper is back with Part One of the America's Next Top Model first episode that aired last week. His name is Rich Juzwiak, he has an amazing blog/website called fourfour and he is hilarious! He is also really computer-savvy so he is able to capture images from the show and insert them into his commmentary of what went on that week. LOVE HIM! When Top Model is on, I can't wait until Mondays when he posts his recap. Its like watching the episode with a hilarious friend. Rich is also an author on the VHI Blog, where he also recaps the ridiculous shows on VH1.

Starting The Magicians

The Magicians by Lev Grossman





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Opening line:
"Quentin did a magic trick."

Just Finished

The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This one was really interesting, though in the beginning I wasn't sure I would like it. It starts in 1930s China, which I knew nothing about prior to reading this. The narrator is a young girl who is almost abnormally observant. We follow her throughout her life and she leaves Shanghai for LA when she is 7 years old. I really liked the progression of a young child who is trying to listen to adults and understand adult thinking to the narrator becoming an adult with children of her own. The father was hard to sympathize with, but I did feel bad for him when he was in prison and after he died and his daughter found out how he was living.

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Ellen

I think I am in the minority of fans of American Idol who are not upset at the addition of Ellen DeGeneres as judge, in place of Paula Abdul. When I heard the news this morning, I was ecstatic. Ellen is funny, coherent, and would easily replace the niceties to contestants that Paula was known to do. However, when I looked on my Blackberry and saw my favorite Idol commentator EW.com's Michael Slezak's excoriating response to the Ellen addition, I was nonplussed.

Michael noted that Ellen was exactly influential with her 'critiques' when she guest-judged the 99th episode of So You Think You Can Dance this past summer. However, I think that Ellen served her purpose for that job. She was probably invited to offer comic relief and it was purely a guest judging stint. I think she would approach American Idol a little differently.

Michael also noted that Ellen does not really come into the position with any real music industry know-how or experience. That is true, but no one on the panel is a Juilliard professor of music. The few critiques that Paula offered that made sense were never on point as far as tone or resonance that I can think of. American Idol, which I admittedly have a love-hate relationship with, is not all music. The winner is based on part personality, part song choice, part relatibility and a lot of other factors. You can't really say that about the winner of Project Runway or Top Chef, a show where the fans do not decide. In those cases, the judges should have firm backgrounds in the fields of fashion and food.

I agree with Michael that American Idol should really be about the contestants, but I think that Ellen will enforce that more than any of the current judges have done in the past. When she was on SYTYCD, she was funny but the biggest point she made of the night was about one of the dancers who Nigel Lythgoe really ripped right before her. Her comments resonated because you could tell that she wanted the dancer to know that he was special and deserved respect even if he wasn't necessarily the best or the most talented.

I just wish Ellen the best and I know she'll do a great job.

SYTYCD!!!

If you don't know the above acronym stands for So You Think You Can Dance, I feel sorry for you. Because you are missing out on one of the best reality competition programs on TV. It premieres tonight, YAY! I don't know whether I like the audition episodes as much as performance night when the top 20 are finally revealed, but its still great to pick favorites and watch their progression.

L&O: CI

I have recently become obsessed with episodes of Law and Order: Criminal Intent. I have watched over 50 episodes since July and I find that I am only getting more and more addicted, rather than less so. Once I start watching an episode, I actually feel like I have to see it through until the end or the murder won't be solved. I know that's a little crazy, but I LOVE the show.

Jimmy Fallon

I LOVE Jimmy Fallon! I loved him on SNL, loved him in Fever Pitch, and I love him on Late Night. I think he has really come into his own in just a few short months and I wish him the best. This was a pretty good back and forth of him and Dick Cavett.

New York Magazine Article

This article is about David Letterman and how he has finally come into his own. I watch Dave from time to time, mainly when I want to see a guest he has scheduled to be on. When Jay Leno was on, I would always choose Jay over Dave but I think that now that I'm older I understand Dave Letterman a little better. I also really enjoyed his monologues leading up to the election last year. He doesn't care that his audience knows his political views, which is rare. I still love Conan although I can't say that I have watched him on the Tonight Show faithfully.

Wait a Minute

Hold on. I didn't start this blog to only post about books! I'll try to have more interesting posts about other things too.

Man Booker Shortlist Announced

I usually make it a point to read the winner ever since I read Life of Pi, which won the prize a few years back. The list this year didn't have any titles that really grabbed me, but we'll see.

The Distant Land of My Father

The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell





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This book was on my high school's summer reading list for all grades. The author will be leading a discussion at ND at the end of the month.

Opening line:
"My father was a millionaire in Shanghai in the 1930s."

An Expensive Education

An Expensive Education by Nick McDonell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one was very different than the type of novel I usually read. It was a cross between a spy novel and a college story. I could never really get a bead on the characters, which changed every chapter, but I liked it that way. It had a really good surprise also that I won't spoil here.
The author is younger than me, too so I'm jealous. And, this is his THIRD book! Some people have all the luck.

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Here's the Video

Great Kid's Book

It looks like this may be one of those rare instances that the movie is as good as or better than the book.

I'll Start This One Next

An Expensive Education by Nick McDonell





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Opening line:
"The large Victorian is dark and cool, silent in the autumn night."

Not Sure I Was Effusive Enough ;)

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is very rare that I have to restrain myself while reading a book from looking at the end to find out what happens to the characters. However, Carlos Ruiz Zafon is a master of suspense and surprise. Every word is a delectable treat. The imagery that comes out of his brain onto paper is absolutely staggering. Give this man all of the literary prizes! He is, in my mind, the greatest living author.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but I REALLY ENJOYED this book. It is impossible to sum up the plot without giving anything away, but any true book lover would eat this up.

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New Ones for the To-Read List

Just finished reading my EW for the week. I am interested in these two after reading the positive reviews.
Blame: A Novel by Michelle Huneven





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Await Your Reply: A Novel by Dan Chaon





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Great Article from NY Times

My mom sent me this link and this is a very interesting topic.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/fashion/27SKIN.html

TGIF

Friday is finally here and I'm itching to be off work. I have a few errands to run, but nothing exciting in the works.

HILARIOUS!

Who knew Ryan Seacrest could act?

Starting This One

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón





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This book is by the author of my favorite book of ALL TIME, The Shadow of the Wind. It is translated from Spanish, just like The Shadow of the Wind. I should have bought this one outright and I was so mad at myself for taking so long to get it in my hands. I was first in line on the library holds list but I was one day late to pick it up and lost my spot in line! I had to wait another two months to get it, but now I can finally start.

Opening line: "A writer never forgets the first time he accepted a few coins or a word of praise in exchange for a story.

Just Finished This One

In the Heart of the Canyon by Elisabeth Hyde


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was really exhilirating and actually had me contemplating a river rafting trip, and I am not an outdoors person. The likelihood of this many mishaps happening to one group on the river is unlikely, but makes for really good fiction. I was a little surprised that the character Evelyn did not turn out to have an illness or some other problem with the foreshadowing that the author used describing her inability to urinate. I figured out that the character Amy was pregnant and didn't know it pretty early on, but I was still surprised by her delivering.

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Don't Text and Drive

I just watched this harrowing British PSA and will definitely not even think about texting and driving.

In the Heart of the Canyon

In the Heart of the Canyon by Elisabeth Hyde





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Opening line: Down in the heart of the canyon, in the bone-baking heat, they put their lives on hold.

Black Hills

Black Hills by Nora Roberts


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was really one of Nora's finest. I loved the progression of seeing the characters' first impressions of each other from when they were children to adulthood. She did a great job keeping up the suspense as well because I never knew when the killer was going to strike again.

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Family Get-Togethers

I didn't forget that I said I would post about my weekend with my extended family in from out of town but I've had a pretty busy week and will post about it soon. I love them and want to do justice to my post about the get-togethers.

Old Friends

I just sent a pretty lengthy e-mail to an old college friend (what am I middle-aged?) and I hope she replies. She was pretty much my best friend in college but we live so far apart now that we aren't in touch as often as I'd like.

If you stick around this blog, you'll find out that this is a pretty consistent theme in my life. I go through periods where I get so sentimental and nostalgic that I start wishing I was still friends with people I knew in kindergarten. OK, maybe not that far back, but still. I have a horrible habit of not keeping in touch which I think may be a generational thing. I don't have time to get into my theory on that one, so maybe some other time.

Anyway, this girlfriend of mine is someone I really regret not keeping in touch with because we were so much alike and shared so much during our time together in college. I love you Tanisha if you're reading this. Which I doubt since you don't know I have a blog.

This Weekend

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. A lot of my family is in town including 3 cousins I don't see often as they live in Washington. I'll post pics after the weekend.

Starting This One

A Cure for Night: A Novel by Justin Peacock





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Had to Put This One Down

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

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Just seeing if I can post from my phone.

Another One

The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter





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My mom recommended this one, too. I think she is listening to the audiobook right now.

New Book

A Question of Freedom: A Memoir of Learning, Survival, and Coming of Age in Prison by R. Dwayne Betts





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">My mom just sent me this article about the author. It looks like a great read.