American Gods (II)

American Gods

by Neil Gaiman

First of all, his name is pronounced GAY-man.  I’m saying this more to remind myself than anyone else.  I always pronounce it G’EYE-man.

Second, I’m reading this book on my shiny new Nook!  So I may pepper this commentary with my reading experiences on the device as well.  I’m rather excited about BOTH the book and the nook.

Caveat, and Warning for Travelers

Gaiman just said what we WANT people to do in our books.  Our setting is very familiar to us, and we want people to seek out the various points in Lowell we highlight and exploit.  I’m glad he’s taken liberties.  Of course, all authors (of fiction or otherwise) take liberties.  It’s part of the game.

Part One | Shadows

Chapter One

Totally NOT what I was expecting in any way, shape, or form.  I knew next to nothing going into this book.  A stray word from Rhiannon here and there.  I have yet to read HER commentary, but for the most part, I remained ignorant of the plot … and I still am, in a way, because I’m not sure what’s going on.

Shadow is out of jail for doing something mysterious.  He’s being stocked by the strange Mr. Wednesday, “although given the weather, it might as well be Thursday, eh?”  Mr. Wednesday knows that Shadow’s wife died in a car crash DAYS before Shadow got out of the clink.  Despite his being suspicious, I still have a feeling I’m going to love this character.  And last, but not the least mind boggling, this scary chick who eats people with her vagina.  Yeah, nice one there Gaiman.  You’ve fulfilled every “gay man’s” worst nightmare, there.

Chapter Two

Rhiannon said something about liking the way Gaiman explains religion in this book.  I think I just got the start of it in the end of this chapter.  When that “kid” and his posse pick up Shadow after his wife’s funeral.  “The new paradigm,” have I heard THAT more than once in recent times.

I have a feeling this book is going to be REAL Neil Gaiman.  This is not a children’s story.  Not in any way.  Teenager, maybe.  I’d allow it, but I can see a LOT of parents being too prudish to let their kids read this.  Luckily, I have two sisters who will allow me to influence the reading of my niblings.

Chapter Three

Creepy!  Both the dream of the museum of dead gods and Laura, Shadow’s dead wife!

Interesting imagining of the immigration of gods!  I like it!  Must keep reading though.

Chapter Four

I’m still not sure what is going on in the story yet.  I don’t know who is good, bad, or what the point is.  Let’s see what I DO know.

[Rhiannon: I was thinking this through the whole book, but somehow it didn't irritate me that I didn't know.  I think it's because of Shadow's patience and ride-it-out attitude.  It was sort of zen being inside his head after being in my high speed nervous head all the time (and I don't even have HALF the worries Shadow does)]

I know that Shadow is working for Mr. Wednesday, and he’s “going to be killed” (I put it in quotes, because I don’t think it’s really going to happen) by Czernobog.  Currently, they are in the latter’s house with the three Zorya.

[Rhiannon: I didn't really think he was going to be killed either, but it was a weird gut feeling.  I knew Czernobog meant it, but I just figured Wednesday would weasel Shadow's way out of it.]

These “Coming to America” things are interesting, but I’m not sure what they’re leading to yet.  Rhiannon was quite right to be confused in the beginning of this story.  There is a lot going on, but not a lot being revealed.

Chapter Five

FINALLY!  We get some MEAT in the story.  First Mr. Wednesday robs a bank in a way I never would have thought to–nor would be brave enough to try.  Then we get to the House on the Rock and to this carousel (which is genius), and we’re suddenly before all the gods!  The next chapter is sure to explain a few things.

[Rhiannon: The carousel IS genius!  I want to go to Canobie Lake and try this!  Let's make a date this summer.  We can take Emily again!]

Chapter Six

Okay, so this is new gods against old gods, and Shadow’s quest to bring his wife back to life.  Got it.  It took a hundred and twenty pages, but we got there!  Now let’s see how he plans to DO it.

[Rhiannon: brilliant summary.  By the time I got there I kept thinking something else was supposed to happen other than those two things.  I was sort of right...]

Chapter Seven

Ah, so THAT’S what gay sex with a “god” is like.  A djinn … with fire cum.  As I was contemplating the possible fate of this character, Rhiannon informed me that he does appear in the book again.  Hrm.  So, what the point of these interludes after the chapter?  They are amusing, but distracting from the plot.  Maybe that’s the point … or maybe it WILL all come together.

[Rhiannon: I honestly don't remember if he shows up or not!  Do not quote me on that ]

Chapter Eight

Hrm, so Mad Sweeney is dead.  The coin Laura has is important … maybe that is why she has come back from the dead.  A LOT of people don’t trust Mr. Wednesday.  For SOME reason, I still really like him.  I dunno.  First impressions are lasting.  He charmed me.  What can I say?

Where are they off to?  Maybe we’ll get to find out what’s going on in the next part. Haha!

[Rhiannon: Haha.  Hahahahaha.  Maybe!]

Part Two | My Ainsel

Chapter Nine

Is Shadow meant to be a sacrifice of some kind? Or is he going to be Wednesday’s new “junior partner?”  Both?

Poor Shadow.  I’m not sure bringing Laura back to life is a good idea.  I’m also afraid for his life … and it has nothing to do with him getting his head bashed in.

Rhiannon is right; Sam IS cool! I hope nothing bad happens to her because she won’t cooperate.

Chapter Ten

What a quaint little town Lakeside is.  This cold seems like the calm before the storm though.  It’s too … quiet.

Why can’t Shadow keep that name in his mind?  Who are they going to see in Las Vagas?  It’s still too quiet.

Is this mysterious guy in the charcoal suit “RAM?”  That would explain why no one remembers him … except, somehow, Mr. Wednesday.  It can’t be though.  He seems to be on the side of the “old gods.”  Hrm.  Who could he be?

At the end of this chapter, I find myself, again, wondering what on EARTH is going on.  In a fun way though.  There are LOADS of possibilities.

Chapter Eleven

I know at the end of that it said that Mulligan was in love with Marguerite.

Okay, there is a LOT of pissing in this book.  Just sayin’.  And the gods can see Shadow’s dreams?  What exactly IS Shadow?  This was a strange dream as well.  Did he call the thunderbirds?

I’m highly amused that the “Easter Bunny” is a large, voluptuous woman.

“‘Scared my grandmother so much she nearly had kittens.’” HEEEEEEEEEEhehehehehe!

So … a girl had “disappeared” every winter for the past couple of years?  Is this god related?  Is this WINTER god related?  Is Sophie just reading into things?”  I ask again, what is going on?

That interlude was sad.  The twins who never see each other again until death.  It was kinda long though … *scratches his head as if he hadn’t said that last part*

Chapter Twelve

I’m not sure who Whiskey Jack is supposed to be, but I think we’ll see him again.  That “behind the scenes” stuff was weird/cool.  LOVED the “spider”/search-bott reference.

Okay, so does Marguerite know something?  What about her son, Sandy?

What’s this?  Mulligan has a girl out of state now?

Hrm.  Who/What was calling to Laura then?  Mr. Wednesday?  A menace we have yet to meet fully?  That weird guy that Shadow kept “forgetting?”  Is HE Mr. World?

As much as I was skeezed out by Bilquis’ man eating vagina, no one deserves to die like this. *Frown* I hope that tech-boy gets Shadow’s fist up his @$$.

Sam is Marguerite’s sister!  Whaaaat?

HAH! Laura got a job?  That’s … amazing.

Chapter Thirteen

Mr. Wednesday is dead.  Odin, King of the Norse gods is dead.  He did say something about being brought back with enough attention.  Shadow is very good at focusing his attention on something he wants … like the snowstorm he created.  Maybe Mr. Wednesday is counting on Shadow to “reimagine” him, and that’s why Shadow got hired.

That interlude was like the suicide of a god.  Unless the gods were too young to know back in 14,000 B.C.

Part Three | The Moment of the Storm

Chapter Fourteen

Could this vigil have something to do with bringing Wednesday back?  What is “the center?”

The center of America.  Hrm.  Places that are the opposite of sacred, and the center is the lowest of the low.  DOESN’T sound good, people!

Yeah, sleeping in the same building with new gods in them seems like a bad idea under ANY circumstances!

Low Key is Loki … ah, so DEATH is on the way!  Why is he on the BAD guys side?  He better be doing something covert … or come around.  He seems like a nice enough guy.  What’s this whole vigil business, and when is Shadow going to hop to it?

So Shadow will be tied to a tree for nine days.  Will Shadow actually die from this?  At least he’s “comfortable?”  What?  Naked, tied to a tree?  Will Laura be around for any of this?  Will Laura EVER be brought back to life? Who killed Laura Palmer?

Chapter Fifteen

What did that Elephant headed god just do?  This CAN’T be just a hallucination.

So Laura IS coming!  I like this squirrel.  Did she just spit out maggots?  And now Shadow is dead.  Hrm.

Chapter Sixteen

What the ..?  He chooses NOTHING?  What does that mean?  Mr. Wednesday is his father?  He is the son of a god?  I thought Wednesday said gods (for the most part) shoot blanks?  Shadow must be an exception of some kind.  There’s 120 pages left.  Shadow CAN’T be done and gone.

Chapter Seventeen

Does that mean Laura is back to life?  What’s with Town’s clocks and why is Shadow bleeding?  I’m back to just being completely confused … it’s so interesting though.  I can’t guess what might happen.

Easter is supposed to save the day?  I like Easter … she’s hawt.

Laura is in the car with Town … I feel bad for Town.  And who was that that walked in on Mr. World at the end?  Who exactly IS Mr. World supposed to be?  Should I know at this point?  I mean, he’s the leader of the new “gods,” but is there any more to it?  His lips were sewn shut?  Why?  Gaiman is going a GREAT job at keeping me on my toes.

Chapter Eighteen

Yeah, that’s what sucks about dying.  You go and come back to life and have all the bumps and bruises to deal with.  Almost makes you wish you had just stayed dead.  Although, Whiskey Jack DID say they were coming after Shadow anyway.  Might as well get it over and done with.  C’mon.  Y’all KNEW he was coming  back!

Wait … Easter blushed at Shadow’s nakedness?  Shouldn’t she, like, want to jump his bones?  Whatever happened to Wednesday’s eye?  Was that still in with his clothes?

What. A. BITCH! Haha!  She killed him.  Laura freakin’ killed him!  I mean, I was expecting it, but that was just … the dog’s bollocks!

*I* wanna ride a thunderbird … an not vicariously through Shadow!

Holy shit, what?  Loki is Mr. World!  You know, I remember someone saying something about him “playing driver” but I didn’t know what they were referring to, because Gaiman is a master at distraction!  Woo!  This is awesome!

Ah, well, he didn’t come right out and say it was Loki like I thought he was going to.  He might as well have though.  Saying he was in prison with Shadow coupled with the whole driver bit earlier … it’s quite obvious now.  Unless I’m wrong, but I don’t think so.

Since Laura’s “life” isn’t permanent, will the thunderbird Shadow is riding be able to help?  Does either of them want that at this point?  I don’t think Shadow would want her back.  If I was Shadow, I wouldn’t.  Oh!  Especially not if it means KILLING a thunderbird.  I don’t like that at all!

Well, now … I wasn’t expecting that.  Laura killed Mr. World/Loki.  Spectacular.  Kinda turns me more in favor of her revival.  Only I don’t want to have to MURDER and thunderbird.

“I was the sacrificial lamb.” “No, you were the Judas Goat.” <–That is humor.

Laura is gone for good.  As it should be.  I realized something here.  When Mad Sweeney is killed because Shadow snatched the wrong coin, I had a feeling it was Mr. Wednesday he was afraid of.  That makes sense now, because it was Laura (who Wednesday killed to get out of the way) who changed a LOT of what went down.

Part Four | Epilogue: Something That the Dead Are Keeping Back

Chapter Nineteen

What in the world did Shadow just realize?  What about Wednesday’s eye?  Can that help bring him back?  I still want him back too.  He was a jerk, but I liked him.  He’s just doing what he thought he had to do to survive … er–get power as gods again.

P. S. I like how some chapters are very short, and others are EPIC!

Chapter Twenty

We found Alison, dead.  Who put her there?  Hinzelmann?  He’s got to be some kind of god.  Why where the buffalo guy, thunderbird, and Whiskey Jack together?  Were the girls sacrifices to them?

Ah, sacrifices to Hinzelmann.  Makes sense.  At least he’s gone now, and almost everything is wrapped up nice and neat.  I knew Mulligan was going to end up with Marguerite.

Well, there goes Sam and Shadow ending up together … Sam has found herself another girl.

See, we knew Czernobog wouldn’t kill Shadow!

Postscript

Great ending.  All loose ends tied, and the story has been a wild ride.  I could barely guess a thing in this story, and I liked that.  He kept me on my toes, threw major curveballs, but EVERYTHING made sense.  I think most fantasy lovers will appreciate this book.

Lastly, I totally forgot that I was supposed to be making comments about the Nook!  Haha.  The Nook disappeared to the story.  That’s saying something about the story AND the device.  I love it.

Night of the Soul Stealer | The Last Apprentice Book 3

Night of the Soul Stealer

by Joseph Delaney

I’m reading this book because the first two were great … and I need another fantasy before I choke someone!

Chapter One: An Unexpected Visitor

Uh oh, looks like we’re dealing with a jilted, former apprentice in this book.  Poor Alice.  The Spook is always dumping her.  I hope she comes back … like she did in the last book.  She HAS to!

Chapter Two: Farewell to Chipenden

Alice WILL be nearby.  We’re going to get to find out all about Meg and Emily–YAY!–and what could it be that Morgan THINKS the Spook owes him?  Off to Mam and Dad’s!

Chapter Three: Home

Eap!  Now I’m worried.  This doesn’t sound fun.  I’m glad I chose to read this book now.  This is how I feel about the cold weather we’re having here in New Hampshire.  I wonder if Delaney wrote this book in winter?  I hope dad doesn’t die soon … cuz that would be really sad.  Delaney is also setting us up for Alice to do something silly again.

Chapter Four: The Winter House

Wow.  This book is so GOOD!  I’m totally drawn in in the best way!  What’s with Meg?  Is she good or bad?  What’s with Morgan?  Is that who is looking down on the house from above?  Why can’t Tom go to town?  Is the Spook going to be doing the shopping? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Chapter Five: What Lay Beneath

Hrm.  So Meg’s sister is laying in a SUPER-witch’s pit in the cellar.  Meg might get her memory back … this sounds like a bad combination.  It’s kinda cool that Tom doesn’t have to do the errands all winter back and forth from town … but this snow sounds terrible.  *peers at the piles outside his window and sighs*

Chapter Six: A Nasty Piece of Work

What are you doing to me Delaney?  You make me sad and suspicious of Meg.  You make me feel terrible for Alice, and then you go a pull a final line like that?  Morgan needs a good punch in the nose as well!

Chapter Seven: The Stone Chucker

Good gravy that was awesome!  The ax, the stones, the lighting the tree on fire!  Brilliant!  And ending it with Alice showing up … talk about perfect.  Once again, Delaney manages to side track me, and I totally didn’t see that coming.  I was so sad about Alice’s predicament, I forgot to look for clues!

Chapter Eight: The Stone Chucker’s Return

Poor Spook.  These books are just getting worse and worse for him.  Tom really has his work cut out for him.  At least the boggart is dead.

Chapter Nine: Intimations of Death

Yay, Alice saves the day!  Of course the doctor and nurse were wrong.  There’s TWO more books after this one … he COULDN’T be dead.  Well, I guess he could–but I can’t see how it could get better without him.

Chapter Ten: Bad News

I knew this was going to happen.  I just didn’t think we were going to find out until the end of the book.  I thought the whole adventure would be over the winter, and he’d come back to his father’s grave.  Turns out it’s much sooner.  Way to subvert my expectations, Delaney.  I love what you do to me.

Chapter Eleven: Mam’s Room

That may have been the saddest thing I’ve ever read.  Poor Tom!  He’s smart though, I wonder why Mam left him her room.  There’s probably something in there that’s going to help us.  And I hope Morgan hasn’t stolen Dad’s soul … the title of the American suggests it.  I wonder if we’re going to get to see Mam’s homeland.  That would be … scary.

Chapter Twelve: Necromancy

Jeez.  That chapter could have been the CLIMAX of the book.  I love how Delaney does that.  He brings you to climax after climax, and they only get better throughout the book.  I love this.  Noted.  I can’t wait to see what the Spook has to say about all the magic Morgan just did.  How are they going to save Dad?  Where is Alice?  She’s GOT to be with the Spook.  Or, maybe she’s with Mam.

Chapter Thirteen: Trickery and Betrayal

Had to stop reading to note: Meg just called Tom “Tom” not “Billy.”  Something’s up!

Climax after climax.  Meg has got the Spook imprisoned, and her blood-thirsty sister is on the loose.  Where is Alice?  Will Morgan end up being one to help the Spook?  Hrm.

Chapter Fourteen: Snowbound

You know, I had a sneaking suspicion about the Spook being Morgan’s father when we heard that thing about him always loving Morgan’s mother.  I forgot where that was though … SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED!

This is getting all so complicated.  This is how Delaney is a genius.  He gives us a bite of predictable story, the explodes it in a million directions, making the reader wonder where all the chips are going to fall.  How will Tom defeat Morgan and save his father?  How will they deal with Meg?  How will they rescue the Spook?  “Questions … questions that need answering!”

Chapter Fifteen: Down to the Cellar

Hrm. I’m starting to get suspicious.  Maybe Morgan doesn’t have all the powers Delaney wants us to think he has.  I’m not sure, but Delaney is REALLY pushing this Dad getting tortured thing.  So much so, that I feel like it’s only a distraction from what’s really going on.  Maybe I’ll figure something out when I finish the chapter.

Well, I’d be angry with you too, you dolt!  Ah, I know you’re doing it for your father, but your father is dead.  There’s nothing Morgan could do that could really harm him I don’t think.  Once the Spook is on his feet again, this Morgan shite will be all sorted out.  Come on, Tom.  “Don’t be daft!”  Although, I think binding Meg is a GREAT idea.  Nine out of Ten OR Ten out of Ten.  It’s worth the risk.

Chapter Sixteen: Up to the Attic

I wonder how Tom is going to get out of the cellar.  Maybe Morgan.  I don’t see Alice coming back in the night.  Maybe Mam, but Mam is gone.  Hrm.

Chapter Seventeen: Home Truths

Well, that was unexpected, haha!  The Spook saves the day!  Now all we have left to deal with is Morgan … who is NOT the Spook’s son.  So I guessed wrong.  Delaney did that on purpose.  He’s distracting us from something else.

Chapter Eighteen: The Chapel of the Dead

Tom is caught.  Someone is going to have to save him YET again, haha.  I’m ready to sort out Morgan.  I DON’T think Alice sent him to a trap … it’s not like her.  All the suspicion around Alice is just a red herring.

Chapter Nineteen: The Round Loaf

Nothing new to add.  Golgoth just showed up … MAJOR bad guy, and Tom is all tied up.  Gotta go find out what happens!

Chapter Twenty: Golgoth

Good lord, if it ain’t one thing it’s another.  Now the feral witch Marcia is after him.  Unless … somehow … she’s there to RESCUE Tom … you never know! *shoves nose back in book*

Chapter Twenty-One: The Trap

Hehe! That was an easy guess.  Although, I could have easily been wrong in THESE books.  Delaney fakes me out SO much.  I don’t think Alice is going to be allowed by to Chipenden with Tom and the Spook, but, you never know.  STRANGER things have happened!

Chapter Twenty-Two: For the Best

After this scene I have more hope than ever that Alice will be allowed back with them.  However, there is still some doubt.  I HOPE so!  And what about Mam?  Are we not going to see her at all?  MAYBE I’ll be lucky and get BOTH my wishes in the next and last chapter

Chapter Twenty-Three: Back to Chipenden

YAY! Got BOTH my wishes! w00t!  Haha.  Sorry.  What an interesting ending.  BOTH Alice and Tom are going to do something BIG for the Country.  The way Delaney writes about Tom’s duty to server could almost be used as military propaganda.  I’m really interested in reading the next book now.

The last pages written by “Tom Ward” say something about sorting out 3 covens of (39) witches … could be fun!

Hard Times

Hard Times

by Charles Dickens

Honestly, I picked this book next, because it’s the shortest of the Dickens I have purchased for the project.  Little Dorrit and Bleak House are long books.

Book the First | Sowing

Chapter One: The One Needful Thing

Hah, you’ve got my attention Dickens.  Tell me what you believe are the facts, sir.

Chapter Two: Murdering the Innocents

I see this is going to be a moral fairytale.  I hope there weren’t school masters like this during the industrial revolution.  Dickens definitely has me.  I’m eager to see where this story is going.  This is clearly a story about “fact” versus imagination.

Chapter Three: A Loophole

Wow.  We can tell Mr. Gradgrind doesn’t like his neighbors.  He’s playing off indifferent, but the way Dickens reprises the images of horses and flowers from the previous chapter leads me to think he feels otherwise.  It’s no surprise he finds his children there.  They’re bound to wonder … just as I wonder about Mr. Bounderby.  I wonder what he DOES think, and I hope it’s not as solemn as Mr. Gradgrind suggests.

Also, Sissy Jupe … Signor Jupe … father and daughter?

Chapter Four: Mr. Bounderby

Not only is Mr. Bounderby not nice; he is also creeptastic.

Chapter Five: The Keynote

The sad part is, out of these two Mr. Bounderby seems to be the leader.  Mr. Gradgrind is very much a sycophant to him.  I think they’re both in for a wild ride though.  We’re about to meet Signor Jupe!

Chapter Six: Sleary’s Horsemanship

It’s a shame Sleary isn’t going to be in the whole book.  It’s sad that Sissy’s father ran away “for her own good.” I’m interested in seeing what happens to Sissy–especially considering it’s the name of a very important character in OUR stories.  The only difference being Dickens’ Sissy is short for Cecilia, our Sissy is short for Carissa.  I’m wondering Dickens, what exactly does Sissy have waiting for her at this dreadful school she’s now tied to?

Chapter Seven: Mrs. Sparsit

This chapter makes it seem like a female version of “Great Expectations.”  I’d also put this book on the shelf right next to Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.  What Dickens is talking about in this book, trying to kill imagination, definitely something I identify with, and enjoy reading about.  I’m being inspired by Dickens now.  I have an idea.  I must throw it by Rhiannon!  That, and keep reading …

Chapter Eight: Never Wonder

I’m frowning, but I’m smiling at the same time, because I know Dickens is only setting us up emotionally.  Must.  Keep.  Reading.

Chapter Nine: Sissy’s Progress

I feel so sad for Sissy, and I wonder what Louisa is going to do with this information.  Clearly she is effected by Sissy’s imagination, and the way she recounts the events of her life up to this point.  It’s not all fact.  There is emotion, heart, love in the whole of it.  This probably won’t end well for either of them.  I wonder which side Tom (the younger) will choose?  Oh, wait, I’m not supposed to wonder.

Chapter Ten: Stephen Blackpool

Holy moly, Dickens.  You managed to inspire me in two directions with that chapter, once for the Taftkan Materials and once for the Dickens Project.  You, sir, are a genius.  You also managed to surprise me at the end of this chapter.  Not only did I love the awkward relationship Blackpool has with Rachael, but who in the world was that alcoholic woman that so overpowered him in the end?  And does this tie into the rest of the plot?

Chapter Eleven: No Way Out

The drunk woman is Blackpool’s wife, and he’s gone to Bounderby looking for information on how to divorce her.  Alas, there seems to be no hope–without a TON of money–for Stephen and Rachael to ever have a chance to be together.  Although, I’m not sure Rachael WANTS to be with Stephen.  Unless she was just being distant for propriety’s sake.  It does seem like he’s reading into her words where there is nothing to read into … Dickens has said as much.

Chapter Twelve: The Old Woman

That was surely Bounderby’s mother who walked with Blackpool back to the mill.  Dickens is going to make it so I don’t get any sleep tonight I see.

Chapter Thirteen: Rachael

That was an unexpected turn of events.  Lots of interesting dreaming going on here.  I like it.

Chapter Fourteen: The Great Manufacturer

Oh. My. God.  Louisa is going to marry Bounderby?  What!

Chapter Fifteen: Father and Daughter

Come on Louisa!  I thought you were making a turn around.  You know, rebelling against your father and his messed up way of teaching you guys.  You were starting to get an imagination.  It leaked out everywhere in this chapter.  Don’t ignore or mistreat Sissy.  It’s not right.  She doesn’t understand why you’d do such a thing as marry Mr. Bounderby.  Neither do I, for that matter.  I get it; I understand the logic behind it.  It’s just that … he’s such a jerk, and that DOES matter.

Chapter Sixteen: Husband and Wife

I’d have to disagree with you, Tom.  Yes, things could, indeed, be jollier.  Loo has made the biggest mistake of her life, and now we reap the benefits in this beautifully told story.  Dickens, I can almost hear you whispering in my ear … the way you write.

Book the Second | Reaping

Chapter One: Effects in the Bank

I couldn’t find a clear definition of the word coriolanian online.  The closest I could find was on Dictionary.Com and it was Coriolanus, who was a “Roman military hero” from b. c. huz-buh-chungle … Also a play by Shakespeare.

So, who was that Mrs. Sparsit just saw?  Was it a good idea to give him Mr. Bounderby’s address?  Was he really sent by Mr. Gradgrind, and why was Mrs. Sparsit perturbed after he left?

Chapter Two: Mr. James Harthouse

He’s a rich kid who is looking for a place in the world?  That’s what I got out of the chapter.

Chapter Three: The Whelp

Well, it is clear that Dickens doesn’t like how Tom has turned out.  Jaded, in a way.  He thinks he’s discovered life, but Dickens describes him as a very unhappy person because of his breeding.

I have to say, I am liking Dickens in a way I never expected.  Usually “classics” have a certain feel when I read them.  Sometimes I have to be in a specific mood to “read up,” but the way Dickens writes … I can see everything.  It’s like reading something that was published this year.  I totally recommend this book already!

Chapter Four: Men and Brothers

What in the world did Stephen Blackpool do?  Did I miss something?  They said something about him not following regulations, and it sounded like he was late for work a few times–maybe everyday–but that would be because of his wife and also why he doesn’t want to talk about it at the assembly.  What could Mr. Bounderby want with him as well?

Chapter Five: Men and Masters

Poor Stephen!  What’s with this sudden turn of events Dickens?  I didn’t see this coming!  These chapters must have thrown your readers for a loop when they first read them in 1854.  It’s been a while since we heard about Blackpool, and all-of-a-sudden he is blacklisted.

Chapter Six: Fading Away

And there goes Stephen.  I don’t remember Louisa telling him not to join the union.  This was all … so sudden.  I wonder if we’re going to see him again.  Dickens has a knack for cutting things short and tragic.  Alas, this also makes his happier endings all the more worthwhile.

Chapter Seven: Gunpowder

What, exactly, is Harthouse up to?  It can’t be good.  It seems like he’s playing with Lousia and Tom, but why?  What is his angle?

Chapter Eight: Explosion

Tom BETTER not let Stephen take the fall for the bank robbery.  It was Tom that did it, it HAS to be … and I bet Harthouse has something to do with it.

Chapter Nine: Hearing the Last of It

Awe!  It was IMAGINATION Mrs. Gradgrind!  That’s what Mr. Gradgrind forgot to teach his kids!  Oh, this chapter was sad.  I am glad to see Sissy again, though.  And I’m happy to see that she’s had some impact on the youngest Gradgrind.

Chapter Ten: Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase

Mrs. Sparsit is trying to topple Louisa.  Well, we knew Mrs. Sparsit felt slighted by Louisa’s marrying Mr. Bounderby … and I half expected this, but EVERYTHING seems to be working against the Gradgrind kids.  I surmise Dickens is trying to tell us that less the imagination, human existence is hellish.

Chapter Eleven: Lower and Lower

Clearly Mrs. Sparsit has an imagination.  She’s not using it for GOOD right now though!  It’s almost like she’s working a spell.  Single-minded to her “task” of seeing Louisa fall from Mr. Bounderby’s good graces.  It has been established that divorce is a possibility for those well endowed within this story.  Having Louisa take her place must have been the straw that broke Mrs. Sparsit’s back.

Louisa didn’t ACTUALLY do anything but accept Bounderby’s proposal.  It’s not like she was TRYING to cheese Mrs. Sparsit off.  It is stupid–yet strikingly human–that Louisa is having an affair with Harthouse.  However, I’m not entirely convinced she’s not just being USED by him.  I’m pretty sure he’s manipulating Tom too.  What’s with this guy?

Chapter Twelve: Down

Now THAT was completely unexpected.  Of all the places I expected her to go, it wasn’t home.  I’m glad to see Mr. Gradgrind was finally saved from his own mind.

Book the Third | Garnering

Chapter One: Another Thing Needful

Sissy is definitely going to be some sort of hero in this book.  She’s going to help set Louisa right.  Maybe she’ll make ALL of the Gradgrinds happy.

Chapter Two: Very Ridiculous

Hrm.  Well, go Sissy for getting rid of Harthouse.  Though, I’m not sure he’s gone for good in the book.  He deserves to feel the way he feels, I think.  I’m still suspicious about him.  He’s GOT to have something to do with Tom and the robbery at the bank.

Chapter Three: Very Decided

I’m not TOO sad about this.  Louisa never would have been happy with Bounderby … even if she COULD be with Harthouse.  Not that I want her to be, with what I think went down.  Mrs. Sparsit finally got some of her own back.  She jumped to entirely the wrong conclusion when she lost Louisa.  The plan backfired.  I guess it could have gone worse though.  Bounderby could have fired her as well.

Chapter Four: Lost

Okay, so Stephen Blackpool is coming back.  Will he and Rachel EVER end up together?  Louisa just helped clear his name, but he’s still got to show himself.  Was it Tom after all who committed the crime?  Will he ever confess it?

Chapter Five: Found

That’s interesting.  I mean, I guessed that was Bounderby’s mother, but I was thrown off when he said his parents were dead and he was brought up by a evil, drunken grandmother.  It’s hilarious that Bounderby got caught in the huge lie … and sad that he’s blocked out his mother from his life.  I think this might be the end of Mrs. Sparsit though.

Chapter Six: The Starlight

*BIG frown*  Stephen Blackpool fell through a pit in the ground and died holding Rachel’s hand.  He knew it was Tom, or at least he suspected.  Louisa and Sissy suspect.  Come on Tom, don’t bury and innocent man with your lie.  It’s not right.

Chapter Seven: Whelp-Hunting

All that just to end the chapter with Tom getting caught after all.  Dickens seems to have been up on the old tricks of modern writers.  Suspense is his best friend.  Especially in this book.  I was happy to see Sleary again, but sometimes it’s hard to read his dialogue.

Chapter Eight: Philosophical

Okay, so Tom gets away.  I don’t know if I like Tom getting away.  He DESERVED to be caught … especially after what ended up happening to Blackpool.  Poor Rachel.  Dickens seems to have let Tom off the hook due to the way he was brought up.  I heartily disagree with that choice.

This may be an insight into the morals of the English during the Industrial Revolution.  Tom is pardoned by Dickens because of his upbringing, therefore on the side of nurturing rather than nature for the source of your character in life.  If you consider Ebenezer Scrooge, you can come to the same conclusion with the shadows of his past.

Sleary was a good man for doing what he did for Tom and the Gradgrinds though.  It’s sad that Sissy never reunites with her father in the story, but we know he still lives … Sleary’s seeing the dog indicates the possibility.  Maybe it would come in the future.

Chapter Nine: Final

Haha!  I never DIS-liked Mrs. Sparsit, but she did get what she was asking for.  All that determination to topple Louisa … it wasn’t right.  It’s funny, because if she’d just had patience, Louisa would have made everything better on her own, and Mrs. Sparsit could have resumed her old place in Mr. Bounderby’s home.  Alas, she put her foot in her mouth one too many times, and it was her undoing.

I’m glad Sissy had kids, and Louisa became like a loving aunt to them.  Tom got WAY better than he deserved, and Mr. Bounderby never changed ’til the day he died.  Not surprising.

This was a great choice for my first full length Dickens in this project.  I heartily recommend it.  Of course, I’ll probably recommend many Dickens-es this year!  The story was a lot simpler than I thought it might be.  I was looking for things in many places–and some of those things Dickens honestly says will never be explained.  That’s my problem with Dickens.  I love him to death, but I hate it when he says something, but never explains it or follows through with it.  At least he acknowledges it though.  It’s not like he forgot about it, and just left it unfinished.  It’s very real, the things in life that never get explained, but this is a novel, by god, and it SHOULD be explained.  Haha.  Okay, I’m going to end this final rant here and post this baby.  I really did enjoy the book!

American Gods

American Gods

by Neil Gaiman

Preface

I recommend reading “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman before reading this post. It’s not a very formal commentary like Joey does. I didn’t have the thought to mark what chapter I was on as I had these revelations, and they come very far into the book.

My Thoughts on the Book

Ok, I haven’t commentated on this book like I wanted to. I kept forgetting, because I was at work and reading during lunch instead of at home where I can turn to the computer at any moment. So, I didn’t comment on some woman swallowing a guy with her vagina, I didn’t comment on the random gay sex with a god, and I didn’t comment on the giant mechanical spider of doom on top of a pile of human bones. I didn’t get to talk about how awesome (girl) Sam is, even though she is barely in the story or how much Wednesday reminds me of a much more psychotic version of one of our characters.

But this? This I’ve got to comment on. Shadow, the main character of the book, just died. I stopped reading in order to write this, so I don’t know if he comes back in any capacity, but he BETTER! I just spent 484 pages completely wrapped up in this guy’s story, following along in his blank, unbelieving mind, wondering just when everything is going to make sense, and then he DIES! I seriously did not think he was going to die on the tree. I don’t really believe he’s dead, now. He can’t be. Okay, I’m going to pick the book back up again and I’ll get back to you on this.

OH NO! Laura is somehow alive (I feel like I’m talking about Twin Peaks…), ALIVE alive, not the dead alive, and she just got in a car with the guy that killed Shadow! I’ve been enjoying the book, but this is the first time I feel completely IN the story.

Oh yay, Shadow is back (sort of), but I don’t think he’s too happy about it! I suppose I don’t blame him, being hanged from a tree and all.

Um, Laura? I didn’t think I liked her too much, but I kind of like her style. She’s pretty badass for a semi-alive murderous bitch.

OH MY GOD, I think it was just last night that I thought of how terrifying it would be to fly on an animal’s back and then what happens? he flies on a thunderbird’s back and I WANT TO!

Neil Gaiman is a genius of epic proportions. And that’s not even sucking up!

Oh no, oh no, OH NO! And I liked Hinzelmann. Those poor kids . At least Shadow saves the day.

Awwwwe, Sam’s phantom flowers.

Ah, I love that Shadow went to meet his death but that he was allowed to live.

Type O Negative ending

I am sorry for the “Type O Negative” ending (where things just cut off randomly)…but I am unable to form coherent trains of thought after finishing that EPIC book. I’m glad I read this during the early drafts of our series! Thanks, Neil Gaiman!

Also, I promise that though my posts end abruptly, our books will not.  I don’t have a lot of time to devote to blogging at the moment, but it’s fun to share when I get the chance

Plum Spooky

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a commentary.  I didn’t think I needed to do another Stephanie Plum full length.  You’ve read one, you’ve read them all.  You read these books for the fun!

I do have to say this one WAS much more fun than Fearless Fourteen and Finger Lickin’ Fifteen–by far.  Of course, there were still far to many fart jokes.  What’s with that?  Has that always been there, and I just not notice?

I only have a few complaints about this book.  Stephanie doesn’t seem to be in any legitimate danger anymore.  Evanovich isn’t even going through the trouble of having her get RESCUED anymore … she’s just escaping.  There was no serious Grandma Mazur time.  And she totally set us up to duke it out with Wulf, and he just poofed.

Although, the book seems like a good platform for the planned Diesel Series to jump off of.  I can smell the ideas cooking in the last two chapters of the book.  YES, p-uh-lease!  I’d LOVE to read a Diesel spin-off series!

Oh, Edward *fluttery sigh* (Please don’t shoot me)

Okay, I am about to actually quote Twilight (well, New Moon) and blog about it. I’ll make it short and sweet and hopefully you can all forgive me in the morning.

“You’re impossible,” [Edward] said, and he laughed once a hard laugh, frustrated. “How can I put this so that you’ll believe me? You’re not asleep, and you’re not dead. I’m here, and I love you. I have always loved you, and I will always love you. I was thinking of you, seeing your face in my mind, every second that I was away. When I told you that I didn’t want you, it was the very blackest kind of blasphemy.”

That sentence sums up exactly why almost every ‘tween, teen and twenty-something is in love with these books, with Edward. Every break up we’ve ever had, we’re left wishing that person would come back and say these words to us. And I burst into tears right along with Bella.

On a personal note, I identify more with Edward in this scene than Bella at the moment, though I’ve been in her position at least three times. Because about five years ago I broke up with Ryan, for a myriad of reasons, but mostly because he lived in Pennsylvania and he was a Junior in high school and I was a Freshmen in college. I didn’t want to say goodbye to him, but it wasn’t working then, never seeing each other. But, I got Edward’s ending here. We’re older, we have control over our lives and we have each other. My Junior year of high school, I dreamed and dreamed of being with Ryan forever. I think 16-year-old Rhiannon would flip if she knew she’d be living with him in her 20s!

Twilight

Twilight

by Stephanie Meyer

Okay, so, I swore I’d never read these books twice.  That … was before I discovered the joy of writing these commentaries.  It really means I never HAVE to read a book twice.  It’s nice being able to look over my notes.  Then I can decide if the book is really worth a reread, and not have to worry about tricking myself into thinking a book is good.

When I read The Neverending Story again, and Her Fearful Symmetry, I tend to remember the best parts about the book.  Looking over my comments, I see my real objections to those books, and I’m not likely to read either again.

Maybe Neverending Story … when I’m a lot older.

The epigram to this book is humorously received here.  Gen 2:17. It says: “If you start reading this book, there’s no going back … no matter how horrible it gets.”  And you know what?  She’s right.

Preface

This starts the dualistic Bella off right away.  She’s telling herself not to be upset that the dream is ending … yet, those of us who’ve read the whole series, know she doesn’t accept it very well when Edward goes away.  Maybe Bella should have been given this preface when she gets to mourning the loss of Edward.

Chapter One: First Sight

Anyone else would have thought that Edward was crazy, and want to stay far–far–away from them.  But not our Bella.  Even Edward comes to realize this … and Bella herself (to some extent).

Chapter Two: Open Book

Ms. Meyer does a nice job keeping things consistent here.  I know already that Edward can’t hear Bella’s thoughts, and you can see that in the lunch scene.  He does explain that he listens to her through other people in later chapters.  Still, I appreciate the plan being carried out from the beginning.  It’s a detail the analytic reader inside picks up on while I’m busy being entertained by the story.

Chapter Three: Phenomenon

Here we see the perceptive Bella again–something we don’t get often!–when she “knows” that Edward is lying about where he started out in the parking lot.  Of course, she’s right, but that doesn’t matter.  She questions her own judgment so often throughout the series, it’s surprising she trusts herself about this.

*EDIT* I’m in the middle of writing the commentary for “New Moon,” and I started keeping score between Edward and Jacob, because I’m team Jacob.  He never gets a fair chance for Bella.  So, in order to find out if he SHOULD have had the chance, I am counting merits as +1 point, and mistakes a -1 point.  I needed to come back and track the score in this book because Edward starts in the negative in book two, and I wanted to be fair.  He gets a point for saving Bella’s life, but I won’t take a point off for lying … it wasn’t a big lie, and Bella doesn’t know anything yet.

Edward: 1 / Jacob: 0

Chapter Four: Invitations

When in doubt, win them over with a Jane Austen device … that is exactly what Ms. Meyer did.  Edward “gives up” trying to stay away from Bella, just like Darcy gave in.  This is why I love this book: for the moments of sheer brilliance shining through Bella’s complaining.

For romance, I award Edward 1 point.

Edward: 2 / Jacob: 0

Chapter Five: Blood Type

Of course she has a fear of blood.  I picture Bella like those fainting goats in this scene, when the teacher stabs Mike’s finger.

For saving the day, I award Edward 1 point

Edward: 3 / Jacob: 0

Chapter Six: Scary Stories

If I remember correctly, Jacob telling Bella turns out to be not such a big deal.  It helps Bella figure out what Edward is, but I don’t think there were any repercussions other than that.  It has also begun.  Ms. Meyer is telling us right from the beginning.  Jacob isn’t good enough. “But I really did like Jacob.”  *sigh*  He’s perfectly good enough Ms. Meyer.

I award Jacob a point for participating in the rejection of Mike.  Poor Mike … gets even less a chance than Jacob.  Alas, it’s hysterical.

Edward: 3 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Seven: Nightmare

Bella thinks WAY too much.  She takes WAY too long getting to the real questions she has–always takes the long route.  However, we are rewarded with a beautiful image of the forest with a side of mush.

Also, the feeling Bella gets (of going the wrong way because it’s taking longer than she thinks it should to walk home) is a familiar one.  To be so deep in thought you lose sense of time and speed, no doubt.  I’ve been lost in similar ways trying to walk places I’ve only driven to before.

Then all things are ruined again by Bella’s incessant whining!  Ugh, we get it.  Woe as me, you don’t see him.  I mean, sure, agonize away, but Ms. Meyer–do we have to hear every second of it?  Have mercy on your excellent story!

Chapter Eight: Port Angeles

Edward 2, Death 0.

Pfft!  Who knew, when I wrote that, I’d be keeping score for Edward and Jacob.  I guess that means Edward gets another point.

Edward: 4 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Nine: Theory

After that, I want to go to bed too.  Alas, I have a job to do.

Chapter Ten: Interrogations

They fall so completely in love with each other very fast.  It’s almost not okay.  Alas, this is a vampire fantasy, there are allowances made for this kind of thing.  It always annoyed me that people think quick romance is ideal.  In a way I envy Bella and Edward.  I just don’t think that this kind of love is forever.

I want to see Meyer write more in this series.  These first four books show a Romeo and Juliet romance, and in the end they are together (as they should be).  What about once she’s a vampire though?  Once she’s really freakin’ cool and all the characters are well developed, then the story takes off.  Tell us of the love that continues on forever, Ms. Meyer.  Please.  These stories feel like only the beginning.

Yeah, I have to give Edward another point for the chapter.

Edward: 5 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Eleven: Complications

Edward’s questions didn’t bother me.  In fact, I thought they were more romantic than anything else in the book to this point.  The ordinary things he wants to know.  The things you need to know in order to REALLY know a person.  Now this is why I love these books.  Sometimes, Ms. Meyer, your truth is uncanny.

Edward: 6 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Twelve: Balancing

You know, I just realized, Bella’s earlier dream with werewolf and Edward was rather prophetic.  I wonder if it was this dream that inspired Jacob’s fate.  Of course, we’ve been given hints about his impending wolfishness before this point, but the dream is so vivid … it feels like an inspired scene … which always lead to amazing plot revelations when writing first drafts.  She could have added earlier hints later in the process.

For the most part, I liked this chapter.  I just have one problem in general.  Ms. Meyer, we get it–Bella thinks Edward is perfect.  I’ve started gnawing … I pray that you spare us from further reminders!

Chapter Thirteen: Confessions

We learn a lot about the Meyer-vampire in this chapter.  Their speed, strength, allure, as well as their temptations and dispositions.  Ms. Meyer is still using the word “perfect” way too much.  There is something to be said for being concise … you don’t have to describe Edward in such detail anymore Ms. Meyer.  We get the picture.

Chapter Fourteen: Mind Over Matter

If only to explain the mysterious origins of Alice, Ms. Meyer, you need to write another book in this series.  It is never explained.  It would be an interesting story to hear.  Her journey to finding her former self.  It might be hard to write, but it’ll make it all that more rewarding.

Also, I long to feel what Edward and Bella are feeling in this chapter.  It’s … kind of sad.  Where oh where could MY Edward Cullen be?

Edward: 7 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Fifteen: The Cullens

My favorite chapter–by far–up to this point.  Probably because Ms. Meyer makes a lot of promises here.  We see “vegetarian” vampire life, in anticipation of Bella’s joining.  We see the potential relationships Bella will have with them.  Also, there’s the warning of the coming conflict between the “good” vampires and the “bad.”  This is the first hint as to what the preface was all about … part of the reason I don’t LIKE the preface.  It took WAY too long to reveal itself.  We’re almost led to believe one of the Cullens is responsible for Bella’s impending “death.”

I’d like to hear what Ms. Meyer imagines Bella’s song to sound like … and I still want to know more about Alice.

Edward: 8 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Sixteen: Carlisle

Alright, so, I’ve been thinking.  It’s not the preface that’s the problem.  It’s the lack of reference to it again up until this point.  Of course, I know that the coming baseball game is part of the “bad” vampire conflict now that I’ve read the book once already, but it should have been referenced at least once before chapter fifteen.  Just to remind the reader where the story was going.

The whole point of a preface is to give the reader the target.  Ms. Meyer then launches us into 300 plus pages of mush and teen angst before we get back to thinking about the target.  “A pregnant pause,” as Ms. Rhodes (my high school dance teacher) would say.

There were a couple more promises made here.  We learn some of Carlisle’s past, but Ms. Meyer drops hints that there may be more than what Edward is telling Bella.  And, just for sayin’s sake, Jasper seems a million times less pained in this book than he does in the movie.  Jackson Rathbone looks like he’s wearing a cilice after a good scourging.

Chapter Seventeen: The Game

Fun, and a nice setting for the action to being in.  From this point on, I’m in love with the book.  It just takes off–even the rest of the series takes off a bit from here.  Getting Bella and Edward together took way to long.  At one point last night, I was thinking that the book needed more action before this, then I remembered: Edward saves Bella’s life twice.  Both not bad action sequences.  However, Bella’s rants and woes slow down the story SO much, I nearly forgot they happened all together!

Thank goodness Victoria, James and Laurant show up.  Otherwise, I may not have read the next book … and I most certainly wouldn’t be reading them again.  Ms. Meyer had a brilliant idea when this series was conceived.  You can tell she learned how to tell a story throughout the series.  Although, I have more complaints and praises for the later books as well.  The praises out weigh the complaints though.

For being a baseball-playing-vampire, I award Edward 1 point.

Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Eighteen: The Hunt

We are rollicking along now, for certain.  Ms. Meyer is at her best when she’s got a challenge in front of her characters.  I’m so excited for what is to come, I can’t stop reading!

Chapter Nineteen: Goodbyes

Finally we see smart Bella again.  Maybe a little over the top, but what can you do when you’re under so much pressure to save lives.  Charlie isn’t ever given the opportunity to fully understand what is happening to Bella–in the entire series.  I feel for the guy.  This is yet another reason Ms. Meyer needs to write another book! He deserves an explanation.

Chapter Twenty: Impatience

And we wait.  I enjoyed this chapter, because Ms. Meyer put in many things I can identify with.  Bella finding the shapes in the abstract paintings … I do that with popcorn ceilings and wallpaper.  What Bella worries about … I’d be in the same place in my mind.  Also, in this chapter, Ms. Meyer promises us Bella will become a vampire …

Chapter Twenty-One: Phone Call

Another great chapter; the suspense is building.  We’re getting closer to the end promised us in the beginning.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek

So we DO find out about Alice’s origins.  I guess I forgot, or wasn’t paying attention the first time.  We don’t get all the details, but enough to satisfy me.  It would be cool to see Alice find out more, but unnecessary with this.

Gripping.  I love this chapter.  Got to keep going though.  Edward is about to save the day!

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Angel

In ways, I love and hate this chapter.  Hurray, Edward saved Bella.  Boo, Bella isn’t yet a vampire.  Even if I don’t agree with Rhiannon at every point of this book, I do on this:  Bella is a MUCH better character as a vampire.  We need a full book of Bella-vampire!

For saving Bella’s life, I award Edward 1 point.  For preventing Bella from turning into a vampire, I take that point back.

Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1

Chapter Twenty-Four: An Impasse

I’m betting on Alice too.  Of course it always was (even when we didn’t know) dumb to bet against Alice.  Edward has made his promise now.  I hate that he’s going to break it.  Jerk.

For betting against Alice, I take one point from Edward.

Edward: 8 / Jacob: 1

Epilogue: An Occasion

A nice ending, but I think it might have been better if she just left it at the last chapter.  I guess that’s why it’s an epilogue.  It’s just a “bonus feature.”

And, yeah … Edward does get a point for this.

Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1

The Cricket on the Hearth | A Fairy Tale of Home

The Cricket on the Hearth

by Charles Dickens

I’m reading this as my Christmas book for the season as well as the beginning of a research project for next year’s NaNoWriMo novel.  I apologize for remaining secretive about this project, but I CAN say it involves reading a butt-load of Mr. Dickens!

I am very enthusiastic about this project, and I’m glad Rhiannon feels the same.  I’m glad I begin this year with Mr. Dickens with Cricket.  I’ve never read it, and it’s nice and short.  This commentary, on the other hand, may not be.

Chirp the First

Interesting.  It seems Mr. Dickens is trying to recreate the feel of the opening lines in A Christmas Carol, here.  “Marley was dead: to begin with.” “The Kettle began it!”  And both begin with a discourse which introduces the setting of the story.

However, in Cricket, Mr. Dickens spends the first few pages giving us his opinion on where the story should start.  He even ventures to argue with one of his characters about it.  For the first few pages I wasn’t sure who was telling the story.  I assumed Dickens’ voice in the opening lines was that of a character within the story.

I understand Dickens got paid by the word, and a writer has the need to experiment with his work, but this only confused me.  I, myself, played with the idea of giving the reader my opinion in such a way, and even interact with the characters.  Rhiannon was never receptive to the idea though.  Reading this only reinforces her point. I found it rather disorienting.

As for the rest of this first chirp … it’s great in the way only Dickens is great.  Sure, at times he can be too verbose in his descriptions for the modern reader, but his dialogue is still flawless.

Because I don’t know anything about the plot of this story, I’m not sure what I’ve just seen here in this chapter.  It was a night in the life of a delivery man and his family.  We were introduced to the whole cast (I assume, since the book only has three chapters), and he’s set up a lot of things.

Mr. Tackleton sounds like an interesting man.  He’s obsessed with his work and his hatred of those who it benefits.  He adores the ugly, and tries to project it into the toys he makes.  Oddly enough, Mr. Tackleton makes it sound like people actually admire what he does.  Such a mixed up man.

He stirs up trouble for John too.  John’s revelry at the end of the chapter is beautiful and finally terrible.  The meditation the Cricket gives him is interrupted by a virus in the mind put there by Mr. Tackleton.  There’s no way I can stop reading at this point.

Chirp the Second

Pleasing, in an unexpected way.  I didn’t think we’d be changing settings at all.  I wasn’t expecting that … whatever that was, with Mrs. Perrybingle and the stranger.  I assume we find our more about this in the conclusion.

There seems to be quite a few possible redemptions in this story.  John, Dot, Caleb, and Mr. Tackleton promise to have revelations, confrontations, and changes of heart.  This is where I start to get worried.  Mr. Dickens has many things to do in such few pages …

Other than A Christmas Carol, I’ve only ever read one Dickens novel:  Great Expectations–and that was for high school.  I remember loving every moment of the read, but, when I came to the end, my stomach was ripped out.  You see, through his narration, he lead me to believe there was more to the story from the very beginning.  When he didn’t deliver, it hurt.  I’m afraid that my expectations might be too high here.  Let’s hope my disappointment with my first experience with Mr. Dickens was a fluke … and misunderstanding youth.  Oh, c’mon, you knew I was going to end up read that book again too.  That’s a SHORT one–haha!

Chirp the Third

My fears were unfounded!  Mr. Dickens manages to fulfill every promise made in the previous two chapters.  Dot and John are a happy family again.  May doesn’t have to marry the miser, Mr. Tackleton comes around, Caleb and Bertha find comfort in the truth … everything.

As I was reading the chapter, at times, I thought to myself, “now this seems contrived,” and some of it was.  There are some pretty miraculous turn arounds here, at the end of the story.  Bertha would have known she wasn’t surrounded by luxury, I think.  She also would have known the true nature of Mr. Tackleton.  Once I was finished reading, I flipped over to the title page again, and meditated for a moment … “A Fairy Tale of Home.”  That did it.  Miraculous turn arounds and mysterious ignorance are completely acceptable–encouraged–in fairy tales.  Brilliant to the last drop.

I’m not sure how much this has done for my research for The Dickens Project, but it has given me a peek at what I’m in for in the coming year.  Bring it on Mr. Dickens … bring–it–on.

The Men Who Stare at Goats

The Men Who Stare At Goats

by Jon Ronson

I picked this book up on a used book rack at the library in Japan two years ago.  I saw the trailer for the movie a couple of months back and bumped it up on my reading list.

It’s funny, the movie got me more interested in the book.  This cover doesn’t lend it much favor.  I took it because it was free.  I like to diversify my reading.

By the way, I still haven’t seen the movie.  I want to though.  I want to see George Clooney kill a goat with his mind.  Poor goat.

Chapter One: The General

I wonder how much of this book is factual.  If it is complete fact, I want to learn how to do all this stuff … sans the goat killing.

It figures that doing such things hurts the one doing it too.  I mean, it makes sense.  Haven’t we been told that in every story about the fight between good and evil from the get go?  We are connected to everything else, so it’s needless to say you cause harm to something then you harm yourself as well.

Chapter Two: Goat Lab

My brother is a U. S. Marine and he’s in North Carolina at the moment.  I wonder if the Goat Lab is still around.  Probably not.  If it was real, and this book seems pretty real–I want it to be real–then it’s probably gone by now.  Especially with a movie made about this stuff.

Chapter Three: The First Earth Battalion

Beautiful and disgusting.  I’m glad we’re on the trail of the goat-killer.  I wonder if we get to actually see any of the techniques and how to do them in this book.  Probably not, but I would LOVE to see … and maybe try.  It is a dream of mine to do REAL magic, and learn how to use more of my brain power.

Chapter Four: Into the Heart of the Goat

WHAT!? Major cliff hanger at the end of this chapter.  We’re on the edge of mysticism here … and I’m a believer.  I want to know!  Mr. Ronson is a genius.

Chapter Five: Homeland Security

So yeah, another interesting chapter.  I can’t tell if Mr. Ronson believes in this stuff or not.  Sometimes he sounds like he’s having rapturous visions while he’s writing–totally buying into the “magic” at work.  Other times he writes as if he can’t believe he’s even addressing this subject with his intellect.  All in an amusing, thought provoking, way.

Chapter Six: Privatization

How stupid can you be?  That’s all I have to say about that.  Darwin at his finest right there.  If someone can convince you to kill yourself like that–for any reason–then it’s your own fault.  I’m sure there are people who were duped into it, but there is a point where every individual needs to take responsibility for their actions.

Chapter Seven: The Purple Dinosaur

I remember when this was on the news.  I’m very familiar with this kind of torture.  Whenever I get on a music kick, I tend to listen to the same song/album for days on end, driving everyone around me completely bonkers.

I just watched the trailer for the film adaptation of this book.  It seems to be largely fictionalized, where the book stays (at least relatively) closer to the facts.  Don’t get me wrong, this book is not definitive by any means, but it is less fiction than the movie looks.  However, the movie looks very entertaining.  The book is very entertaining!  I can’t wait to see it.

Chapter Eight: The Predator

Yeah, things like that are not necessary.  Funny thing is, I know people like this … I work with one of them.  I don’t understand how someone could love destruction so much.  I have moments when I revel in darkness, but never to this true of a level.  I’m excited about the next chapter though.  We got a little preview there at the end.

Chapter Nine: The Dark Side

And that’s something I’ve always disliked about the United States government: they think they know what’s best for everyone.  Even the best of presidents don’t know every individual needs, and to try and force values on anyone is deplorable.

Chapter Ten: Think Tank

I guess I’m on Jim Channon’s side.  I’d have done the same thing in his shoes.  Given the government my ideas.  It’s predictable though.  The government was bound to construe them into something only vaguely resembling the First Earth Battalion in Mr. Channon’s vision.

Chapter Eleven: A Haunted Hotel

Whether the hotel was haunted for real or not, I don’t think it matters.  Some messed up stuff went down there.  I’m not sure I ever was fully under the control of those higher up in the chain of command when I was an active marine.  In my down time, I sequestered myself in the nearly deserted library, and read books on philosophy.  I would have LOVED this book at that time.  Too bad I didn’t read it until now.

Actually, it might be a good thing I waited.  Otherwise I might have gotten on my fellow marines’ nerves by spouting First Earth Battalion stuff at them neverendingly.

Chapter Twelve: The Frequencies

I realize now why the name Manuel Noriega sounds familiar.  I learned about that whole ordeal while IN boot camp for the Marines.  They told us in class that they used this music to pressure him out of hiding, and that it worked.  I guess some First Earth Battalion things are taught all the way down the chain.  Makes you wonder.

This book has some interesting insights on human nature.  One can be of sound mind and suffer insanity in the same moment–with the same words he’s phasing with his lips!  If half the stuff in this book are true … let’s just leave it at interesting, because some of this is uber scary.

Chapter Thirteen: Some Illustrations

That picture in the beginning of the chapter … unsettling.

Chapter Fourteen: The 1953 House

Now that’s all sorts of messed up!  I love and loathe this book.  He’s so dragging me into the story here.  I’ve never liked a non-fiction so much!  It’s ridiculously spooky.  This whole “science experiment”/”suicide”/murder is crazy.  I guess it’s more feasible in 1953 though … isn’t that when most American conspiracy theories started? Around that time?

Chapter Fifteen: The Harold’s Club or Bust!

Oh, now that just makes me angry.  I would rather know the whole–indesputable–truth, than live with a “fun” lie.  *Sigh*  I guess that’s one of the reasons “truth is stranger than fiction.”  It’s not that it’s inconceivable … it just that we don’t want to consider it happening in real life.  It’s “fun” when it’s not real.

Chapter Sixteen: The Exit

I think it’s funny, Mr. Ronson uses some of the devices he preaches against in chapter fifteen THROUGHOUT the book.  He makes the subject fun to read.  Seriously, this book is half laugh riot, half thriller.  Not to mention the movie!  THAT looks like rolling on the floor material.

All in all, an interesting book.  I enjoyed reading it very much.  Didn’t give much in way of answers to the important question (is this psychic stuff really real), but it was well worth the read.  I think I’ll pass this book on to my brother.  He’ll like it, I’m sure.

Lost Girls

Lost Girls

by Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie

I’m not sure how this book came to Rhiannon’s attention, but she started talking about it and my sister had to have it.  So, naturally, I’m reading it now.

It’s a graphic novel–the first time I’m to commentate on one of those–and I didn’t have to take a peak to know how lurid it is.  The girls have told me all about it.

If you continue to read this article, then I have to insist you agree to be 18 years or older.  I’ve hidden the pictures behind links … some of them are pretty graphic.

Older Children | Book One

Chapter One: The Mirror

Actually, that was artistic.  I liked that first chapter.  Old Alice and her mirror … although she talks to it like the wicked queen in Snow White.

Chapter Two: Silver Shoes

Oh boy does it get raunchy.  And I know that’s not even close to being the worst of it.  It’s not like watching a train wreck though.  It’s drawn so well … it’s definitely art, and that’s the last time I’m going to say it–otherwise I’ll be saying it every chapter!

Chapter Three: Missing Shadows

That was an old trick.  I’m glad they got it out of the way early.

Chapter Four: Poppies

This is genius on MANY levels.  The opium and the poppies … the way the two intertwined, and I’m not just talking about the plot here. Heh heh heh.  It’s scary that this is good story.

Chapter Five: Straight On Til Morning

That was cool.  The same chapter as the previous, but from the perspective of Wendy and Harold.  I wonder what Ginny Weasley would say if she read this book and saw that her husband was so cold to his Wendy-girl?

Chapter Six: Queens Together

Even if this book came into being just for the shock value, these two have still done a great job at telling the story.  Everything has a reason … there’s just the overwhelming sexual drive rollicking about, and it only adds to the story.  I’m still amazed at how NOT trashy this book actually is.

Chapter Seven: The Twister

Note to self: If I’m ever caught in a tornado, I must remember to …

Chapter Eight: Come Away, Come Away

[Click Here to view first naught pic from the book]

You know, if this Peter Pan was the Peter Pan from this movie version, then I’d believe this in a heartbeat.  That kid creeps me out.  And doesn’t this basically happen in that movie?  That whole preteen “coming for the first time” glow he gets?

Sorry folks, I figured if the content is adult rated, the commentary may be as well.  Haha!

Chapter Nine: Looking Glass House

Something is messed up with Alice.  So, I get that her father’s friend molested her … but Peter, Wendy and the boys was TOTALLY worse.  I think this would have worked better if Wendy ended the initial stories.

I’m laughing, because I’m putting so much thought into a commentary for such a silly book.  It’s just that it’s silly, but it’s also good.  I can’t explain it.  You’ve GOT to read it.

Chapter Ten: Stravinsky

I’m not sure I fully understood the “meaning” of this chapter, but way to go girls!  I’ve done things in a theater before … this takes it to a whole new level.

Neverlands | Book Two

Chapter Eleven: A Caucus Race and A Long Tale

Seeing as this was originally published in three volumes, this is a nice reintroduction to the world we just left.  I love the way they play with the images.  Graphic novels can be amazing.  It’s like watching a movie and reading a book at the same time.

Chapter Twelve: Shaking and Waking

In this Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque “seduction,” Alice rapes Wendy.  Huh, after Paris I didn’t think this would be necessary, but I want those Seven Deadly Sins pictures side by side in poster form to put up in my room.

Chapter Thirteen: Contrarywise

[Click Here to view another naughty picture from the book!]

That was amazing and a half times pi, and I’m not just saying that because Bauer (who is, essentially Toto) did Mr. Potter doggie-style.  That side bit with Dorian Grey … c’mon, everyone who has read that book thought this stuff was going on behind the scenes.  Wilde is basically a gay Jane Austen.  It’s good to see it finally in print somewhere!

By the way, has anyone else noticed this?  Wendy is married to Mr. Harold Potter.  Of course your first thought it Harry Potter reference, but “Pots and Pans?”  Harold Potter; Peter Pan.  That’s funny.

Chapter Fourteen: The Straw Man

See, now that was brilliant.  They dare to write what we’re all already thinking.

Chapter Fifteen: The Island Come True

The parallels are amazing.  Love Captain Hook.  Love how everything is “the same” but different.

Chapter Sixteen: The Garden of Live Flowers

I haven’t liked Alice’s tales as much as the rest.  Her’s are much more cerebral, and I don’t think I want that out of this book.  I’m going along with it though.  This is a fun read.  A read that requires sitting a spell before resuming no-reading activities.  You know, to write all these comments. *Grin*

Chapter Seventeen: A Mad Tea Party

I loved every minute of this chapter.  There was but one problem: it wasn’t long enough!  The tea party just ENDed.  Not cool.  I wanted more!

Chapter Eighteen: The Cowardly Lion

I want a lion; I’m not gonna lie.

Chapter Nineteen: Peter Breaks Through

The best out of the three tales this time around by far.  Captain Hook barging in at the end there–classic.  I almost want to image of Hook and Pan’s dueling penises for my bedroom wall.

Chapter Twenty: Snicker-snack

Hrm.  I wonder what that means?  Are the three of them not going to have sex anymore?  That seems unlikely–and me nuh likey either–seeing as there is a whole “third book” left.  At least this isn’t monotonous.  They change it up enough to keep it interesting as well as … hawt.

The Great and Terrible | Book Three

Chapter Twenty-One: Without, the Frost, the Binding Snow

And now the whole place is going at it.  Lucky that Duke got shot!

Chapter Twenty-Two: A Merry Crew, Beneath the Setting Sun

I think they’re testing us.  They want to see how far they can go before we throw the book in revulsion.  I must admit, I’d rather read more about the girls’ pasts.  This interlude wasn’t as interesting … or as arousing as the former interludes.

Chapter Twenty-Three: You Won’t Forget to Wave?

So, the manager is running away now?  Did he have anything to do with the death of the Duke I wonder?  Haha.  Maybe he just thinks he’s going to get in trouble for the book.  I’m not altogether sure why he’s running away, but the girls have the hotel to themselves now.  What could possibly come next?

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Poppyfield

There seems to be one more chapter in Dorothy’s story.  At least I hope there is.  That whole thing with the horse … I don’t know.  At least they didn’t show TOO much of it.  I’m surprised Bestiality didn’t come into the picture until this late actually.  Unless you count the dog humping the father’s leg in that side story earlier, but it isn’t addressed in the narrative.

As for the hotel manager and the Duke: the Duke is never mentioned again, and the reason given for the hotel manager running away is the coming war.  Great, that’s solved.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Hooked

Again, there seems to be more to the story.  Seeing as there is so little book left, let’s hope it’s in here.  This book has been otherwise satisfying story-wise thus far.  It would be a shame if it didn’t end with a flare.  Rosie said she got bored towards the end … I hope that’s not my fate!

Chapter Twenty-Six: A Vice from a Caterpillar

Alright, I guess we do have time for another round of tales.  They’re going to be real short by the looks of it.  These past three haven’t really done much for me but make me want to know what (or who) comes next.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Swallowed

Now you see, this would have been great if it immediately followed chapter twenty-five.  The severance lessens the quality a bit.  By splitting it up it just seems like they’re trying to cram as much sex and vile in as possible … which they hadn’t done in the beginning.  Sorry folks.  With me, it’s always about the story.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Man Behind the Curtain

Another satisfying ending, but again, I think it would have been better joined with the last round of tales.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Alice’s Evidence

That … was even scary for me.  I still don’t know why I liked Dorothy and Wendy’s tales better.  Alice’s was alright.  This ending is a little long, and I understand why Rosie got bored.  If they combined the last two rounds of tales, I think it would be a tighter story, and a more satisfying ending.

Chapter Thirty: The Mirror: Reprise and Crescendo (Who Dreamed It?)

[Click Here to view the last naughty picture!]

Alright, here’s where I’m going to sound like a “bloody American.”  The last part of this story, when the German’s come a-marchin’ in.  First of all, it in German so I can’t divine much from it.  Second, is the man who dies in the last panels the one who broke the mirror?  It’s not clear.

It could be Rolf, but I’m not sure.  It would be nice to know what the German’s were saying.

All in all, the was actually a great read.  I’d recommend this to any of my ADULT friends who have a great sense of humor, a strong stomach, and is just a little bit of a nymphomaniac.