October 2008 Archives
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Books
Julia's chocolates by Cathy Lamb
Julia Bennett leaves her wedding dress hanging in a tree in Iowa as she makes her escape from her abusive fiance towards the safety of her loving, but eccentric Aunt Lydia. Julia's self esteem, not to mention her body, has suffered a the hands of the attractive, wealthy abuser. Julia retreats to Aunt Lydia's to tend chickens, develop new friendships and create her delectable chocolates. She makes friends with the attendees of "Psychic Night," a talented artist, turned reluctant minister's wife; the mother of four children, who shares her home with an alcoholic husband; and a reclusive psychic who fears the future as she sees it.
The broken blade by William Durbin (young adult fiction)
Durbin writes fantastic historical fiction with just the right amount of detail. Each chapter is headed with a map showing the progress that the main character, Pierre, makes. If you have any interest in Great Lakes history, check this book out!
Back to life : a Trophy Wives Club novel by Kristin Billerbeck
Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck is the second book in the Trophy Wives' Club series. Lindsay married a man, Ron, seventeen years her elder for his money, but came to love him in time, so she is devastated by his sudden death, leaving her a widow at the age of 35. She's living in a condo with old woman who have lots of cats and trying to get her feet back on the ground when her husband's first wife, Jane, shows up to execute his will, bringing with her a handsome son, Ron Jr, who she swears isn't Ron's son. Billerbeck takes what could be a typical chick-lit plot and gives it life and zing. Lindsay has used her beauty to get by for so long, that she doesn't even notice when she's doing it, and Billerbeck is careful not to let the reader in on it too soon, so when Lindsay is stunned by the revelation, the reader is as well, but it makes all of the pieces of the entire novel fall into place. The chapters alternate between Lindsay and Jane, both of whom seem lost and are flailing about for what to do next. The highlight of the book for me was Lindsay's confrontation with Haley. Lindsay's attempt to control the argument and use of twisted logic was hilarious and extraordinarily well done. I've been on the both side of arguments just like that; to capture that in print is amazing. I'm looking forward to see which Trophy Wife Billerbeck tackles next.
Garden spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen proved to be a nice distraction to many unplanned hours in an airport and other unintended means of transport. (Don't ask!) The story revolves around a young caterer, Claire Waverly, who is an absolute wizard with food. Her mysterious powers allow her to add flowers to food or drink that affect mood or spur action. Her sister fled the Waverly reputation to lead a fast life, returning only when the safety of her daughter is in doubt. The sisters search for love and belonging in a town long suspicious of their special gifts. After reading this book I purchased (in hardcover!) the author's newest book, The Sugar Queen.
The Queen of Bedlam by Robert McCammon
The Queen of Bedlam is the sequel to McCammon's masterpiece Speaks the Nightbird starring law clerk Matthew Corbett. Matthew is back, this time in 1702 New York City working as a clerk to a magistrate and spending his evenings stalking the headmaster from his former orphanage. Before Matthew takes things into his own hands, a serial killer starts killing and mutilating businessmen, including the headmaster, and Matthew wants to know who else hated the man enough to do him such violence. Matthew is also invited to work for an early private investigation firm that takes him to an insane asylum to determine the identity of a beautifully and rich older woman who says nothing except to ask if the king's reply has arrived. Matthew's fierce sense of justice and what is right sends him on many quests that somehow end up tied together and of course endanger his life. You know how it feels when you ride on a roller coaster? The slow rise to the first hill that stretches your nerves to their limit followed by swoops and spins that leave you reeling and breathless leading up to the sick feeling of wanting it to be over while at the same time hoping it never ends? That's a Robert McCammon book. I don't know how to describe it any better than that.
Music
Compass rose bouquet / Great Lakes Myth Society
This is a great album - my personal favorite from 2007. This Band out of Michigan has a great art/folk rock sound. Their songs tell great stories and they have a great midwestern feel to them. I especially appreciate that they have a dynamic range - not every song sounds like the last one. If you like the Decemberists you may want to give Great Lakes Myth Society a try.
Sound Recordings
Never stand behind a sneezing cow & other tales from Foggy Crossing by Michael Perry
Perry has woven familiar and unique one-liners in his description of Foggy Crossing, a rural Wisconsin town. I appreciated his unique material best, but found myself laughing at the familiar as well.
Alexander and the wonderful, marvelous, excellent, terrific ninety days: [an almost completely honest account of what happened to our family when our youngest son, his wife, their baby, their toddler, and their five-year-old came to live with us for three months] by Judith Viorst
Despite (maybe because of) the fact that I don't have children, I could identify with Viorst's life changes as her adult child and his family come to live in her house for 90 days. This book is touched with light humor, but is primarily a reflection of multi-generation household living and family relationships.
Movies
That old feeling
No one has better credentials in American popular comedy than Carl Reiner, and he's achieved a minor classic in this story of a divorced and remarried couple whose relationship shows what a fine line there is between love and hate. Bette Midler almost steals the show, but luckily the other actors are good enough to stand up to her performance. The ensemble acting is impressive, and the escalating bickering scenes between Midler and Dennis Farina are very funny. Advisory: some mildly explicit sex and occasional language, and a generally adulterous plot line. (Reviewed by Jon Corelis)
A bridge too far
Operation Marketbasket was a foolishly contrived attack planned by Field Marshall Montgomery, which was very costly to the Allies and did nothing to advance the defeat of Germany. The movie is one of those star-studded chronicles produced in the '70's with lots of explosions and shooting and an uninspiring script. If you have never seen it, do watch it, but don't expect too much.
The benchwarmers
When I heard that another movie starring Jon Heder (Napoleon from Napoleon Dynamite) had been made, I rushed to secure a copy of Benchwarmers from my closest library. The concept of "Three Older (and nerdier) Guys" taking on teams of little leagues (and their "jock" fathers) seemed to be a promising premise. The movie falls a little short. There is a good dose of genuine humor, and stupid humor as well, but Jon Heder's role seems less important as the character Gus, and much of the movie is as crude as the PG-13 rating will allow.
Books
Julia's chocolates by Cathy Lamb
Julia Bennett leaves her wedding dress hanging in a tree in Iowa as she makes her escape from her abusive fiance towards the safety of her loving, but eccentric Aunt Lydia. Julia's self esteem, not to mention her body, has suffered a the hands of the attractive, wealthy abuser. Julia retreats to Aunt Lydia's to tend chickens, develop new friendships and create her delectable chocolates. She makes friends with the attendees of "Psychic Night," a talented artist, turned reluctant minister's wife; the mother of four children, who shares her home with an alcoholic husband; and a reclusive psychic who fears the future as she sees it.
The broken blade by William Durbin (young adult fiction)
Durbin writes fantastic historical fiction with just the right amount of detail. Each chapter is headed with a map showing the progress that the main character, Pierre, makes. If you have any interest in Great Lakes history, check this book out!
Back to life : a Trophy Wives Club novel by Kristin Billerbeck
Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck is the second book in the Trophy Wives' Club series. Lindsay married a man, Ron, seventeen years her elder for his money, but came to love him in time, so she is devastated by his sudden death, leaving her a widow at the age of 35. She's living in a condo with old woman who have lots of cats and trying to get her feet back on the ground when her husband's first wife, Jane, shows up to execute his will, bringing with her a handsome son, Ron Jr, who she swears isn't Ron's son. Billerbeck takes what could be a typical chick-lit plot and gives it life and zing. Lindsay has used her beauty to get by for so long, that she doesn't even notice when she's doing it, and Billerbeck is careful not to let the reader in on it too soon, so when Lindsay is stunned by the revelation, the reader is as well, but it makes all of the pieces of the entire novel fall into place. The chapters alternate between Lindsay and Jane, both of whom seem lost and are flailing about for what to do next. The highlight of the book for me was Lindsay's confrontation with Haley. Lindsay's attempt to control the argument and use of twisted logic was hilarious and extraordinarily well done. I've been on the both side of arguments just like that; to capture that in print is amazing. I'm looking forward to see which Trophy Wife Billerbeck tackles next.
Garden spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen proved to be a nice distraction to many unplanned hours in an airport and other unintended means of transport. (Don't ask!) The story revolves around a young caterer, Claire Waverly, who is an absolute wizard with food. Her mysterious powers allow her to add flowers to food or drink that affect mood or spur action. Her sister fled the Waverly reputation to lead a fast life, returning only when the safety of her daughter is in doubt. The sisters search for love and belonging in a town long suspicious of their special gifts. After reading this book I purchased (in hardcover!) the author's newest book, The Sugar Queen.
The Queen of Bedlam by Robert McCammon
The Queen of Bedlam is the sequel to McCammon's masterpiece Speaks the Nightbird starring law clerk Matthew Corbett. Matthew is back, this time in 1702 New York City working as a clerk to a magistrate and spending his evenings stalking the headmaster from his former orphanage. Before Matthew takes things into his own hands, a serial killer starts killing and mutilating businessmen, including the headmaster, and Matthew wants to know who else hated the man enough to do him such violence. Matthew is also invited to work for an early private investigation firm that takes him to an insane asylum to determine the identity of a beautifully and rich older woman who says nothing except to ask if the king's reply has arrived. Matthew's fierce sense of justice and what is right sends him on many quests that somehow end up tied together and of course endanger his life. You know how it feels when you ride on a roller coaster? The slow rise to the first hill that stretches your nerves to their limit followed by swoops and spins that leave you reeling and breathless leading up to the sick feeling of wanting it to be over while at the same time hoping it never ends? That's a Robert McCammon book. I don't know how to describe it any better than that.
Music
Compass rose bouquet / Great Lakes Myth Society
This is a great album - my personal favorite from 2007. This Band out of Michigan has a great art/folk rock sound. Their songs tell great stories and they have a great midwestern feel to them. I especially appreciate that they have a dynamic range - not every song sounds like the last one. If you like the Decemberists you may want to give Great Lakes Myth Society a try.
Sound Recordings
Never stand behind a sneezing cow & other tales from Foggy Crossing by Michael Perry
Perry has woven familiar and unique one-liners in his description of Foggy Crossing, a rural Wisconsin town. I appreciated his unique material best, but found myself laughing at the familiar as well.
Alexander and the wonderful, marvelous, excellent, terrific ninety days: [an almost completely honest account of what happened to our family when our youngest son, his wife, their baby, their toddler, and their five-year-old came to live with us for three months] by Judith Viorst
Despite (maybe because of) the fact that I don't have children, I could identify with Viorst's life changes as her adult child and his family come to live in her house for 90 days. This book is touched with light humor, but is primarily a reflection of multi-generation household living and family relationships.
Movies
That old feeling
No one has better credentials in American popular comedy than Carl Reiner, and he's achieved a minor classic in this story of a divorced and remarried couple whose relationship shows what a fine line there is between love and hate. Bette Midler almost steals the show, but luckily the other actors are good enough to stand up to her performance. The ensemble acting is impressive, and the escalating bickering scenes between Midler and Dennis Farina are very funny. Advisory: some mildly explicit sex and occasional language, and a generally adulterous plot line. (Reviewed by Jon Corelis)
A bridge too far
Operation Marketbasket was a foolishly contrived attack planned by Field Marshall Montgomery, which was very costly to the Allies and did nothing to advance the defeat of Germany. The movie is one of those star-studded chronicles produced in the '70's with lots of explosions and shooting and an uninspiring script. If you have never seen it, do watch it, but don't expect too much.
The benchwarmers
When I heard that another movie starring Jon Heder (Napoleon from Napoleon Dynamite) had been made, I rushed to secure a copy of Benchwarmers from my closest library. The concept of "Three Older (and nerdier) Guys" taking on teams of little leagues (and their "jock" fathers) seemed to be a promising premise. The movie falls a little short. There is a good dose of genuine humor, and stupid humor as well, but Jon Heder's role seems less important as the character Gus, and much of the movie is as crude as the PG-13 rating will allow.
New highlights on the Family Reads page on InfoSoup include Fall booklists, the October selections from the Read On Wisconsin book club, and a plug for the Meet the Illustrator offerings from Bookletters. A new Meet the Illustrator
feature is posted on the 26th of each month. These are clever graphical
interviews with talented children's book Illustrators/Authors. They are lots of fun and a great way to learn about new (and old) picture
books.
