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.

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!

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!

My Classical Point of View

Excluding the people I love, second only to writing, music is the most important thing in my life.   I’m not sure I could write without it.  Sure, there are those times I need absolute silence in order to focus on the idea I’m putting onto paper.  However, for the most part, music can ease the writing process, facilitating the desired mood for a particular piece of writing.

A few months back I got the urge to listen Classical music–instrumental is what I was really after, and I did start with some movie soundtracks.  I listened to John Barry’s soundtrack to Somewhere in Time (starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer), which has Rachmaninov ’s Rhapsody a Theme of Paganini .  This is one of my favorite movies from growing up (based on the equally awesome book, Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson), and I always loved the music in it.  John Barry’s The Old Woman is still one of my favorite pieces of music.

From there, I moved on to Fantasia.  Y’all remember that one right?  I was a Disney Kid, I had to watch it.  I think cartoons are a great way of getting kids in to Classical music.  Come to think of it, I have to track down Fantasia 2000 and watch that again.  Anyways, that movie lead to The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky.  There, I also found Sleeping Beauty, the ballet.  I knew that the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty based it’s music on the ballet, but I never realized just how much GREAT music they cut! Before I moved on from Tchaikovsky, I also discovered I knew–and loved–his fifth symphony.  It too was used as a basis for another great movie moment from my childhood:  Maytime (staring Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, and John Barrymore), the last opera in the film, Czaritza, is based on Tchaikovsky’s music.

Classical music is everywhere, I find.  Didn’t Mr. Holland try to teach us that?  Thanks Richard Dreyfus; I should have listened to you sooner.  All I’m sayin’ is, those of you out there who think listening to Classical is too boring/old fashioned, like I was before this Classical craving struck me, then stop thinking and start listening.  I promise you’ll find SOMETHING you already know.  The lack of lyric (or understandable lyric in some cases) really helps the writing process.  I find myself giving in to the muse with ease with the aid of such pieces of music.

Chopin’s Nocturnes shall be next, I think.  Then I’m going to delve into Dvořák … that should be interesting, I’m sure!

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.

Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry

by Audrey Niffenegger

This book looks a little weird.  I picked it up because it was fifty percent off hardcover plus my ten percent as a Barnes and Nobles membership.  I figured it would be a good read.  There was a bunch of hype over The Time Traveler’s Wife, but I’ve yet to read that.

It’s odd that we start with a Beatles quote.  I flipped through the book and saw that a title was named after a Beatles song too.  I wonder how they inspire the story…

Part One

The End

In which Elspeth dies.

The Mirror Twins

It took me a few chapters to get into this book.  Everything seemed hazy in the first few chapters.  Here, we seem to get the full picture.  We know Edie and Elspeth parted on bad terms, and Jack seems to be involved.  We know the twins will spend a year in London, but they have to wait another year before they can go.

We also know Robert loved Elspeth very much, and will surely get involved with the twins somehow with they arrive.  Then there is Martin and Marijke who lived upstairs from Robert.  Hrm.  The letter from the law firm said Robert lived downstairs from Elspeth.  Did she move in with Robert and give the apartment to Martin and Marijke?  Did Robert move in with her, the lower apartment remain empty with just his particulars, and Martin and Marijke live the next floor up?  Or did neither happen and we’re talking about a three story building?  Haha!  Does any of this matter?  I guess we’ll find out when we get to London.

If Martin is still living in the apartment, that’s going to be interesting.

Bleach

Martin is an odd one, I’ll give you that.  I feel sad for him.  Why did Marijke leave?  It has to have something to do with Elspeth’s death.  That’s why I think they might have been living in her apartment and she was down living with Robert.  Not 100% positive though.

Night in Highgate Cemetery

Robert is a tortured soul.  I think he was even before Elspeth died.  That seems to be his nature.  This story has certainly caught my interest.

Sunday Afternoon

This story is beautifully written.  We’re just seeing snapshots.  The essence of everything that happens.  I like this very much.  It’s revealing the plot piece by piece.  The image of a ghost of a tree–a tree’s shadow–is amazing.  It puts a whole new perspective on ghosts … something that inspires me.

The History of Her Ghost

Well … Elspeth makes a spunky ghost.  Totally a turn I didn’t see coming.  Maybe I should have read more of the book jacket.  Cool.  I like ghost stories, and this one seems different.  I guess the girls ARE ingenues in a “horror” story … hasn’t proved to be horrifying yet.  The Time Travelers Wife didn’t look scary … more romantic.  Hrm.  I’m up for anything …

New Year’s Day

Wow.

Part Two

The Mirror Twins

How dull it would seem to be a ghost.  Living life through others.  I wouldn’t want that.  I wonder where this story is going.  So Edie stole Elspeth’s guy.  So what.  Now the Beastiaries and herb notebooks Valentina knocked over … is that a clue?  Are we getting into magic?  I was thinking this was straight fiction.  Hrm.  I really knew nothing about this book going in.  Sometimes it’s better that way.

Mr. Roche

Well, the lawyer is keeping a secret.  Big surprise there.

Stalking

C’mon Robert.  Don’t be such a dunderhead.  Talk to them!

Pearls

Julia and Martin?  Valentina and Robert?  I don’t know about this …

Primrose Hill

It’s Robert that’s following you guys.  Oh the twins are so silly.  I’m still wondering how far this story is going to go.  It’s interesting so far … but nothing much has happened.

The Little Kitten of Death

G’awe kitty!

A Tour of Highgate Cemetery

Valentina fell in love with Robert … but something tells me that love will be unrequited.  I think Robert would if he wasn’t feeling so broken up by Elspeth.  And Elspeth is still around.  He “knows” and I’m sure he’ll discuss it with Valentina at some point.  No.  Unless Elspeth points him in Valentina’s direction, I don’t think the two will end up together.

Breathe

Okay, this is depressing.  Something needs to happen post haste!

Alright, so I was wrong about the unrequited love, but that’s okay.  At least it has started, but I would appreciate it if the story picked up the pace a bit.  What’s the point of Elspeth being a ghost if she isn’t doing anything much.  I’m not sure where we’re going.  Something needs to happen …

I know those feelings of things being the same, but different.  That kind of describes some of the friendship I have with Rhiannon, but it also speaks to the relationship I have with my parents.  They’ve evolved over the years … the same, but different.  I guess my siblings are included in that assessment.  Haha!  Finally, things are starting to move a little!

Ghostwriting

That’s so sad.  Looks like I DID have it right.  However, there is still a whole third of the book left.  Will Elspeth be a jilted lover?  Will Julia be jealous?  There’s potential for Julia to be used by Elspeth to get at Valentina and Robert.  I wonder.  I wonder.  What about Martin?  Has Julia really gone to far with that?  There’s so much that could happen in the conclusion of this book. *ZooM*

Part Three

Liminal

Oh you little witch Ms. Niffenegger!  How dare you end a chapter like that.  And I’ve peaked!  The next chapter doesn’t tell the story!  You’re going to make me read on.  Tricky!  Tricky, tricky, trickster!

Nine Lives

She’s not going to do what I THINK she’s going to do … is she?  Elspeth is going to possess Valentina?  This could just be me jumping to conclusions. Haha!

A Proposition

Now that IS a dumb idea, Valentina.  I thought you were the smarter of the twins … I guess you’re just as messed up as everyone else in this story.

Test

How did we know this was going to happen?  *Sigh* Poor Little Kitten of Death.

The Funeral of the Little Kitten of Death

Now that doesn’t make sense.  All of a sudden Robert says Elspeth’s ghost doesn’t feel or have compassion.  I believe Elspeth was screaming “I’m so, so sorry!” a couple times when trying to put the kitten back in it’s body.  I know Robert didn’t see that, and we didn’t see much of his conversations with Elspeth, but what we did see was all positive stuff.  They shared memories and such.  Nope.  Don’t make stuff up Ms. Niffenegger … unless you plan to prove this to us.

Hrm.  Well, now I’m a little suspect of Elspeth’s motives, but they’re still coming a bit out of nowhere.  Unless Elspeth is “losing her senses” … she did think she was losing something earlier in the story when she wasn’t trying to make intelligent communication, and that would fit Robert’s suspicions.  So, if she does end up possessing Valentina in order to get the feelings of having a body and being human again … and to be with Robert, then I’m not sure if she’s realizing what she is doing.

If she does realize it, then she’s doing a damned good job of keeping it secret … even from the reader … which is not a good thing in my opinion.  It’s left field-ish, and seems like a separation from the reality of the book.

And how does Martin fit into the picture?

He Comes Undone

This chapter only raises more questions.  What are we building to?  Only eighty pages to wrap this up here.  This was vaguely hinted at once or twice in the book … about leaving the twins to Robert, and the fact that she treats them like her children.  I’m still not sure how this is all going to come together yet though.

Pas de Trois

Indeed.  It IS time for something to happen!

Resurrection Day

I SO thought Robert was going to get caught.  There is still a chance though.  He has to bring the body upstairs.  Combing her hair by the way … creepy.

Alright, so even Robert suspected something like this.  I had the thought way earlier in the book.  Was this supposed to be a surprise?  If so, Ms. Niffenegger left WAY too many overt clues, and managed to confuse me in a bad way, lol.  I thought Martin was going to play a more important role in the story.  I guess there is a few chapters left, but seeing the next chapter’s title leads me to think the story is just about over.

Departures

Yep, things seem pretty final.

The End

In the end I am satisfied with the story, more or less.  I think because I figured out the end so far in advance I was expecting a different kind of story.  I kept waiting for the action, when this wasn’t a story of action.  I was waiting for high intensity drama, and that wasn’t in any way part of this story.  It was still a great book, I just didn’t get it until the end.

Curse of the Bane | The Last Apprentice Book 2

Curse of the Bane

By Joseph Delaney

C’mon.  You knew after I read the first one and commentated, I’d have to do it for every other one as well.  This is a great memory tool for me, and I hope it gets at least one or two of you interested in the books I tare through.  It might even ward you away from not so good books.

This book, I’m 98.764% sure will be fan-freakin’-tastic.

Chapter One: The Horshaw Ripper

More courage than in the first, we’re back in action with Thomas binding his first boggart.  Awesome.  I can’t wait to get into the meat of this book.  The premise is promising.  I can’t wait to see how they plan to outsmart The Quisitor.  And what of the Bane?  I have a feeling we’ll find out in the next chapter.

Chapter Two: The Spook’s Past

What’s this?  The Spook has an Alice too?  We’ve got to find out more about this!

Chapter Three: The Bane

I really like the way the Spook answer’s Thomas’ question about God.  Wise, honest, and it leaves the choice up to the reader what to believe while still making it perfectly clear what he, himself holds to be true.  This is one of my goals as a writer.

Chapter Four: Priestown

*Sigh* Of course Alice is a prisoner of the Quisitor.

Chapter Five: The Funeral

It wouldn’t be a great adventure if we didn’t go see Father Cairns.  Alice will be saved, rest assured people.  He has to.  Those are the rules for books like this.  It’s the journey to the great rescue that’s rewarding!  Woo!

Chapter Six: A Pact With Hell

What a jerk!  Of course, we had to get Tom really on his own–without the Spook.  It wouldn’t be Tom’s tale if we hadn’t!  Very “anti-Catholic” sentiments here.  I can appreciate them.

Chapter Seven: Escape and Capture

The Spook is captured.  I see we’re going to find out more about Brother Peter in the next chapter.  I’m glad Andrew is with Tom … maybe he’ll explain a few things.  *nudge nugde, wink wink*

Chapter Eight: Brother Peter’s Tale

Well, of course the Spook won’t be alone when Tom ends up bringing him into the catacombs–which we all know he will!  Therefore the Spook won’t die there.  That is, even if there was such a thing as a curse.

Chapter Nine: The Catacombs

Where the devil are the Spook and Alice then?

Chapter Ten: Girl Spit

The title of this chapter gave it away.  I knew Alice’s return was eminent.  I’m glad for it too.  Alice and Tom make a great team.

Mr. Delaney has a quality in his storytelling I wish to capture–I even have a note of it written on the back of my bedroom door: subvert expectation.  He somehow gets the reader thinking in one direction, sometimes many other directions, and surprises the reader with what actually happens.  This is storytelling at it’s best.  Always exciting.  I can’t stop reading …

Chapter Eleven: The Spook’s Trial

The Spook can’t be all washed up.  No way.  The sad part is … I’m really not sure.  Mr. Delaney managed to dupe me with his straightforwardness throughout most of the last book.  Then snuck that rouse on me at the end.  This time there seems to be many truths going on.  I’m not sure what to guess.

My gut tells me the Spook is going to be alright by the end.  Just like it did when I wasn’t sure about Alice.  Not to mention, there’s four books come after this one.  The Spook can’t be all washed up!  Hope, my friends, we have hope!

Oh yes, and thank goodness Brother Peter is sentenced to go to the catacombs!  Tom can save him now!  Unless of course, Tom can’t save him.

Chapter Twelve: The Silver Gate

Damnit Alice!  Why do you have to be so … weak?

To make the story interesting, Joseph.

Chapter Thirteen: The Burning

I don’t think it’s so much good can come out of evil … more that good and evil aren’t so black and white.

Chapter Fourteen: Dad’s Tale

Did we not figure out Tom’s mother was a witch in the last book?  Maybe not in so many words, but there were definitely strong hints.  No great shock!  Haha.  I mean, the conversation between Mam and Alice … that was a huge clue.

Chapter Fifteen: The Silver Chain

Tada!  Mam’s officially come out.  I like all this loot Tom keeps getting.  Makes me want to quest even more.  Also glad to see the Spook starting to recover.

Chapter Sixteen: A Pit for Alice

Maybe I’m heartless, but wouldn’t you put Alice in the pit?  I mean, just until you figure out a way to kill the Bane.  Then let her out and deal with whatever comes next.  If she’s going to be a jerk about it, then put her back.  If she’s going to continue being good–and a bit smarter–in the future, then let her go.

Chapter Seventeen: The Quisitor Arrives

Mr. Delaney, are you really going to make me hold out on Alice again?  We know she’s good.  The Spook is silly for mistrusting her.  She’s going to end up a GREAT ally.  I suppose if she remains on the edge of the story, the trouble she causes does make for good story.

Chapter Eighteen:  Nightmare on the Hill

That IS a nightmare.  Of course, that may be his mother’s true form, but I don’t think that will end up being the fate of his family. If there is a real threat of this , I don’t see it coming into the plot for another couple of books yet.  It was already in the first book … give the family a break!

Chapter Nineteen: The Stone Graves

The best part about this chapter is that I guessed it was going to come to this … then, Mr. Delaney through me off.  He brought us down to the catacombs the first time, and subverted my expectations.  I wasn’t expecting to end up down there again after the Bane was free.  It’s all coming down to the wire, and it’s all going to depend upon one moment–where Tom is going to do the right thing and save everyone!  Woo!

Chapter Twenty: Mam’s Letter

Heh, you’re not alone Tom.  I’m starting to feel that way about me and my “great adventure.”  And my name means light bearer … there are a lot of us

Chapter Twenty-One: A Sacrifice

Well, that’s all fortune telling is really.  Intelligent guessing.  I wonder how Alice brought him back to life … and what the repercussions of that will be.  Probably something in the coming books.  This series has many of the elements I desire for the books we’re writing.

Chapter Twenty-Two: A Bargain’s a Bargain

The question still stands.  I can’t wait to see what comes of Alice.   I can’t wait to see Meg and maybe Emily.  I really should read another book before launching into the third one though.  But what?

This book was another amazing chapter in the training of Thomas Ward.  Bravo Joseph Delaney.  You’ve got me good and addicted.