tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9389392030246835782024-03-14T11:20:36.669-07:00Ranea Recommends...Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-61259711676559056332015-05-15T12:14:00.002-07:002015-05-15T12:14:56.874-07:00Moving OnHello, Everyone! I have decided to move on over to Wordpress. I've been thinking about taking a different approach to blogging for a while now, and it felt easier to start fresh. I'll be exclusively reviewing picture books over on my new Wordpress site. So, if you want to take a look, my new blog will be at: <a href="http://raneasurbrook.wordpress.com/">raneasurbrook.wordpress.com</a>. So if you're interested in children's books and story times, join me at Wordpress! Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-24994164406605600062015-01-22T13:58:00.002-08:002015-01-22T13:58:59.921-08:00Favorite Movies Watched in 2014Okay, one last post to wrap up my favorites from 2014. Then I can get back on track and start writing about what I'm currently reading and watching. I saw a lot of movies last year, but I've narrowed it down to eight favorites. The first four were movies that actually came out in 2014 that I saw in the movie theater, and the last four are movies that came out in 2013 that I saw on video last year. Here we go:<br />
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#1 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2278388/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>The Grand Budapest Hotel</em></a>: I love Wes Anderson. I own all of his movies, and I try to see everything he directs at least once in the movie theater. He is my favorite film director. And <em>The Grand Budapest Hotel</em> did not disappoint. The humor is dark, the cast is outstanding, and the sets and cinematography are incredible. It is everything you would expect from a Wes Anderson film. [Side-note: My brother got the DVD for me for Christmas this year, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the special features include the recipe and instruction video for <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Courtesan</span> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">au</span> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chocolat. See this video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx5lZkpDxnc">How to Make Courtesan au Chocolat</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#2 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>Captain America: The Winter Soldier</em></a>: If you have yet to join the Marvel Studios party, I would highly recommend that you do. It has been so much fun going to see all of these movies as they come out in the theater. I love waiting to the end of the credits for a hint of what's to come next. I love tuning into <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2364582/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>Agents of Shield</em></a> after an opening weekend to see how the events unfolded in the latest film will effect the next episode. Captain America has become a favorite in this new movie universe Marvel has created. And <em>The Winter Soldier</em> is definitely one of my favorite movies in the entire series of Marvel films. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#3 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2015381/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>Guardians of the Galaxy</em></a>: Another Marvel Studios favorite from this year. This movie was simply a ton of fun! As I came out of the theater, I told the friend standing next to me, "I want to turn around immediately and watch it again." The soundtrack! I can't say enough about the soundtrack. The moment Chris Pratt started dancing to <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYs5NGw2EYc">Come and Get Your Love</a></em> during the opening credits, I knew I was going to love this movie. [Side-note: I also fell in love with the character Groot because he reminds me of my brother, Will. When he smiles at the end of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiPcz4G7YD8">this scene</a> his face transforms into my brother's for just a second. And I think if my brother didn't have MD, he would be a superhero with a heart of gold, just like Groot. (He's already a superhero, in my book.)]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#4 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582846/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>The Fault in Our Stars</em></a>: I know that I have mentioned before that I am a huge fan of John Green. I really am. I took tissues to the theater the day my friend Jeanne and I went to see this because I'd already read the book, and I knew what was coming. This movie did such a wonderful job capturing the spirit of John Green's book. I was very pleased with the outcome. And yes, the story made me cry... again. But it's a beautiful story, and I would highly recommend reading the book and seeing the movie, if you haven't already. If you are so inclined, you can also visit the post in which I wrote about <a href="http://ranearecommends.blogspot.com/2012/04/fault-in-our-stars.html"><em>The Fault in Our Stars</em></a> when the book first came out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#5 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1706620/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>Snowpiercer</em></a>: If you do not like violence, I'm going to tell you right now: do not watch this movie. However, if you do like interesting, and somewhat strange, post-apocalyptic stories, then you might enjoy this one. And to truly enjoy this movie, you must be a person who can suspend their disbelief because it is about an impossible train that can circle the globe without ever stopping. In the <em>Snowpiercer</em> universe, the Earth is frozen over, and it's last inhabitants live on said impossible train. A class system emerges on the train, and the lower class, tired of being mistreated, plan a revolt against the higher class and the leadership. I really enjoyed this movie, even though there were a couple of scenes I had to turn away from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#6 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2101569/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>In Your Eyes</em></a>: This is a wonderful film by Joss Whedon about two people who discover they have an inexplicable telepathic link. The movie was never released in theaters which is kind of a shame because it is <strong>really good</strong>. But it is currently streaming on Netflix, and I believe you can also purchase a digital copy on Amazon. I would highly recommend seeing it. It was definitely a favorite from this year. It's sweet and charming, and I'm becoming increasingly impressed with Zoe Kazan. She is a marvelous actress and does a phenomenal job in this film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#7 <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1486834/?ref_=nv_sr_1">What If</a></em>: This is another film starring Zoe Kazan, and her leading man is Daniel Radcliffe. He's not Harry Potter anymore, folks. Daniel is all grown up, and he's quite funny in this quirky romantic comedy about two friends who are seemingly perfect for each other. I've come to think of it as my generation's <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/?ref_=nv_sr_1">When Harry Met Sally</a></em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">#8 <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1980929/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Begin Again</a></em>: Starring Kiera Knightly and Mark Ruffalo, this movie is about a down on his luck music producer who discovers a musical talent that might save his career. The film was directed by the same people who directed <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0907657/?ref_=nv_sr_4">Once</a>,</em> so it is, not surprisingly, a heartwarming story full of great music.</span><br />
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All the movies I've mentioned in this post are currently out on DVD and you should be able to find them at your local library. Happy viewing! :)Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-56553780559231601182015-01-17T08:42:00.001-08:002015-04-28T16:34:12.323-07:00Favorite Picture Books of 2014It's still January, so it's still okay to post about my favorites from 2014, right? Right. Next on my list is picture books. Some of my all time favorite books are picture books. One of my favorite things in the world is to read out loud to just about anyone who will listen. I don't care if you are two or 92, I will sit with you and read a picture book, and I promise you'll laugh. Or cry. Or sometimes both.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver Jeffers</td></tr>
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My #1 picture book of 2014 is the best alphabet book I've read since <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6949680-lmno-peas?ac=1">LMNO Peas</a></em>, by Keith Baker. And, of course, it was written by the very talented Oliver Jeffers. It's called <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821124-once-upon-an-alphabet">Once Upon an Alphabet</a></em>. Seriously, Oliver Jeffers is amazing! One of my favorite books to read for story time is <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13595647-this-moose-belongs-to-me?ac=1">This Moose Belongs to Me</a></em> because you get to yell the phrase, "Hey! This moose belongs to me!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DntD6_672nnsztd5w2MgrOI8AQZXOXCydu_Gs1sTOPONNB_-hqQ7Qt5Pd4nWMwwO166KmM8a7JAyZkN72CY5pgDRTMdwyeO-jbdWkTSNQYyi-uSAwL0-wh0ppgiVltHDW57elPsRjhJf/s1600/The+Right+Word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DntD6_672nnsztd5w2MgrOI8AQZXOXCydu_Gs1sTOPONNB_-hqQ7Qt5Pd4nWMwwO166KmM8a7JAyZkN72CY5pgDRTMdwyeO-jbdWkTSNQYyi-uSAwL0-wh0ppgiVltHDW57elPsRjhJf/s1600/The+Right+Word.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a></div>
My #2 picture book is about a shy little boy who loved words. His name was Peter Mark Roget. This lovely picture book tells the true story about his invention of the thesaurus. The book is called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20696727-the-right-word"><em>The Right Word:</em> <em>Roget and His Thesaurus</em></a>, by Jennifer Fisher Bryant. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNqikvbmJD2-rofO7W-5E0iLTtyMhXbugbrO1W-eOA288dG0967m4Lk-K0DazOE8iwoe55zdpGAiZc8W9EVzpeMMJTe19kJpgM64y2MNwdoH422UkA1os0wX0PGI7dlWuRXbVz9QfnGrc/s1600/Sebastian+and+His+Balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNqikvbmJD2-rofO7W-5E0iLTtyMhXbugbrO1W-eOA288dG0967m4Lk-K0DazOE8iwoe55zdpGAiZc8W9EVzpeMMJTe19kJpgM64y2MNwdoH422UkA1os0wX0PGI7dlWuRXbVz9QfnGrc/s1600/Sebastian+and+His+Balloon.jpg" height="200" width="164" /></a>The next book on my list is by Philip C. Stead. A couple of years ago, I fell in love with his book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7268995-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee?ac=1"><em>A Sick Day for Amos McGee</em></a><em>, </em>a lovely story about the a zoo keeper who has to take a sick day, and how the animals of the zoo surprise him because he's sorely missed. In 2014, he wrote a book about a boy who goes on an adventure in a hot air balloon made from quilts and afghans called <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19156006-sebastian-and-the-balloon">Sebastian and His Balloon</a></em>. This story is beautiful and magical, just like Amos McGee. <br />
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<em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20518801-kid-sheriff-and-the-terrible-toads?ac=1">Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads</a></em>, by Bob Shea has to be on my list. I read this out loud with my coworker Linda. We were laughing to the point of tears, passing the book back and fourth and doing voices for all the colorful characters. The Kid Sheriff doesn't know a whole lot about law enforcement, but he certainly has a vast knowledge of dinosaurs. It's hysterical. It's inspired us to do a cowboy theme at the library this spring.<br />
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#5 would have to be <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17063690-gaston">Gaston</a></em>, by Kelly DiPucchio. An adorable story about two dogs that were unknowingly switched at birth and couldn't figure out why they didn't quite fit in with their families. I love the illustrations by Christian Robinson, and the story is very sweet. It would be a great pick for children who love dogs or for a dog themed story time.<br />
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The first book I ever read by Mac Burnett was called, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10947896-mustache?ac=1"><em>Mustache</em></a><em>, </em>and I loved it! It told the hilarious story about a terrible and vain king who was obsessed with his looks, but not very good at taking care of his subjects. His latest book is called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20549412-telephone"><em>Telephone</em></a><em>, </em>and it cleverly describes what happens when important information is passed from person to person along the grapevine (or in this case, from bird to bird along the telephone wire.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAFwxYLeUrRe1twwjam46LuIPTQzJC7Iu3ft1v1OgyzsLaAe3uPLlbaYZgGGBOsrEvi4qj-VS3ZYGVvSxDndPXviKvutrvW8HIyn4KEwTJUj4QkbI-3RyfJ9ouWp0hk1RfQ9nleWIh0kJ/s1600/Pigeon+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAFwxYLeUrRe1twwjam46LuIPTQzJC7Iu3ft1v1OgyzsLaAe3uPLlbaYZgGGBOsrEvi4qj-VS3ZYGVvSxDndPXviKvutrvW8HIyn4KEwTJUj4QkbI-3RyfJ9ouWp0hk1RfQ9nleWIh0kJ/s1600/Pigeon+Bath.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a><em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17846011-the-pigeon-needs-a-bath">The Pigeon Needs a Bath</a></em>, by Mo Willems. The Pigeon is back! My list would not be complete, if I didn't include a story by Mo Willems, and I'm so happy he brought Pigeon back in 2014! Mr. Willems is hands-down my all-time favorite writer of children's books. I've read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/191113.Don_t_Let_the_Pigeon_Drive_the_Bus_?ac=1"><em>Don't Let the Pigeon</em><em> Drive the Bus</em></a> out loud so many times, I practically have it memorized, and still, it never gets old. I just can't say enough about Mo and his wonderful books from <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7846067-we-are-in-a-book?ac=1">Elephant and Piggie</a></em> to <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4290363-naked-mole-rat-gets-dressed?from_search=true">Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed</a></em>. Every book this man publishes is a treasure. <br />
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The final book on my list of favorites is <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17197796-mister-bud-wears-the-cone">Mister Bud Wears the Cone</a></em>, by Carter Goodrich. I fell in love with Mister Bud and his little pal Zorro in the 2011 favorite <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9771739-say-hello-to-zorro?ac=1"><em>Say Hello to Zorro</em></a><em>, </em>a classic story of opposites reluctantly attracting. In this new installment, Mr. Bud has to wear the "cone of shame." Poor Mister Bud! It's always something. Mister Bud and Zorro would also make a great addition to your dog themed story time or a great gift for dog lovers of all ages. <br />
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I hope you have a lot of fun reading these wonderful stories!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-26386312583479562692015-01-06T10:39:00.001-08:002015-01-06T10:49:51.796-08:00Favorites of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year, I participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. And I always challenge myself to a ridiculously high number because I read a lot of picture books and comic books. I was looking through the titles I read in 2014, and decided I would create a list of my favorites from the year. It's been over a year since I've updated this blog, so I thought this might be a good way to get back into the swing of things. I'll begin with adult fiction.<br />
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<em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144053-the-museum-of-extraordinary-things">The Museum of Extraordinary Things</a></em>, by Alice Hoffman<br />
Coralie Sardie's father owned The Museum of Extraordinary Things on the Boardwalk near Coney Island in New York. He preferred to call the people in his employ wonders, rather than freaks. Coralie grew up thinking of The Wolfman and The Butterfly Girl as friends and not freaks of nature, as the world outside had come to see them. <br />
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I fell in love with Alice Hoffman's book, <em>The Dovekeepers</em>, in 2011 and just knew I would love this book too.<em> The Museum of Extraordinary Things</em> is a wonderful love story, and a beautiful portrait of New York in the early 20th century. If you're like me, and you really enjoy historical fiction with a little bit of weirdness, I would highly recommend this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15994634-z"><em>Z: A </em><em>Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald</em></a>, by Therese Anne Fowler<br />
After reading <em>The Great Gatsby</em> in my Literature of Conflict class my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to study English in college. That book also began my life-long love affair with the books and stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald. So when a novel about Scott's wife Zelda, told from Zelda's perspective, crossed over the circulation desk at the library, I had to read it. I've always been a little fascinated with the mythology of the Fitzgerald's. I've come to learn over the years that a lot of what we believe about them is, in fact, fiction. But they did lead quite extraordinary lives. And even though their marriage was rocky, they were, in fact, passionately in love.<br />
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<em>Z</em> is also a work of fiction, but the author tried to remain as true to reality as she could. It is a fast paced and enjoyable read, and it got me interested in doing some research of my own. So I read <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145996.The_Romantic_Egoists?ac=1">The Romantic Egoists</a></em>, a book of pictures and scrapbook pages compiled by their daughter Scottie Fitzgerald. I would recommend both books to anyone interested in learning a little more about Scott Fitzgerald and his very exuberant wife, Zelda. <br />
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<em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13522285-the-beginning-of-everything">The Beginning of Everything</a></em>, by Robyn Schneider<br />
This book would definitely qualify as the best YA book I read in 2014. Our protagonist, Ezra Faulkner, is a tennis star at his school, until a debilitating accident takes away his ability to play and with it, his popularity. He has to make a decision: eat lunch alone or reconnect with his childhood best friend, Toby. Toby is not the most popular guy in school, but he is definitely one of the happiest. Since he and Ezra parted ways in middle school, Toby has come into his own. He is confident and comfortable with who he is. <br />
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This book is darkly humorous and thoughtfully challenges high school stereotypes. It reminded me a lot of this really interesting nonfiction book I read a few years ago called <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8535464-the-geeks-shall-inherit-the-earth?ac=1">The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth</a>.</em> I would recommend <em>The Beginning of Everything</em> to anyone who enjoys the books of John Green or Maureen Johnson. It has a similar type of humor and is full of fun literary and pop culture references. <br />
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<em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17974620-trillium-1?ac=1">Trillium</a></em>, by Jeff Lemire<br />
<em>Trillium</em> tells the story of two people, one from the distant past and one from the distant future, who meet by traveling through space and time. It is a beautiful and a little unusual love story that has one of the best meet-cutes I've ever seen in a comic series. <br />
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I really love Jeff Lemire! After reading his comic book series, <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6954438-sweet-tooth-vol-1?ac=1">Sweet Tooth</a></em>, I was completely hooked. I get really excited when I find out he's going to start something new. He wrapped up his eight issue series <em>Trillium</em> in 2014, and I absolutely loved it! The series is now out in trade, so I would definitely recommend that you go to your local comic shop (or library) and pick one up.<br />
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I think I will leave it there, for now, and write a separate post for children's and picture books because a lot of good ones came out in 2014. Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-68488118693467384362013-08-23T14:50:00.003-07:002015-01-06T10:58:15.954-08:00Star Trek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dad and I have a somewhat strained relationship. We do
not agree on anything, and we both like to have the last word. Not a good
combination. Religion, politics and <i>Harry
Potter</i> (yes, I did say <i>Harry Potter</i>)
are all hot button issues with the two of us. Just a minor mention of the boy
wizard can send my father into an angry tirade about the evils of black magic. I’ve learned, over the years, there are
topics you just avoid when my dad is in the room. You don’t even joke about
certain things because the consequences could create a lot of tension, yelling
and eventual tears. It isn’t always easy, but I’ve also learned to just keep my
mouth shut and let go of my pride. I do not have to agree with him, but I do
not need the last word, either. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, despite all of this, we have managed to find a
little common ground over the years with television; particularly, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Star Trek</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. We watched every series,
growing up: re-runs of the original series, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The
Next Generation, Deep Space Nine </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Voyager</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.
We watched them all from start to finish. (The only series I did not watch with
my dad was </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Enterprise</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and it was
only because it aired while I was away at college.) The fact was, and still is,
if you wanted to spend time with my dad, you’d have to spend that time watching
television. But </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Star Trek</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was
something our whole family enjoyed watching, and that was rare. It was a weekly
event in our home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, naturally, in 2009 when I found out J.J. Abrams had made
a new <i>Star Trek</i> movie, I was really
excited. I hadn’t really thought about <i>Star
Trek</i> since the last episode of <i>Voyager</i>.
And I really loved the new movie. I watched it over and over again. After it
came out on DVD, I bought it for my dad for Christmas, and we watched it
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moments of connection with him. People talk about television like it’s this
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Christmas present to my dad this year will be <i>Star Trek: Into Darkness</i>, and we will
watch it while I’m home, and it will be wonderful. (I was also thinking I might get him one of those "Trek Yourself Before Your Wreck Yourself" t-shirts.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This blog’s intention was really to recommend the new </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Star Trek</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> films because I've been
meaning to write about them for a while now, but it looks as though I had
something else whirling around in my brain. However, I will say they are fantastic films, and even
if you’re not familiar with the entire </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Star
Trek</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> universe, they are still highly enjoyable. So I suppose my real recommendation
is this: take home some </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Star Trek,</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> put aside your differences and spend some time in front of the television with your family.</span><br />
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Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-44549172756377090182013-02-28T09:56:00.000-08:002013-02-28T15:48:20.646-08:00Anna Karenina<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBVh_QJkI3b0uP8LcCt4Uk4GFLGF4OKssEdie_IHmfJCHHHW1x5jUWmfMtVhkPPsQ8vQrS52GQ71guk6r7JEg79rbn-XQj7i7S2rjLuOMx749Nm3VVuUrvMbWZ35_GsID0-7jqfLl_4Lp/s1600/anna-karenina-2012-anna-karenina-by-joe-wright-31213779-1280-960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBVh_QJkI3b0uP8LcCt4Uk4GFLGF4OKssEdie_IHmfJCHHHW1x5jUWmfMtVhkPPsQ8vQrS52GQ71guk6r7JEg79rbn-XQj7i7S2rjLuOMx749Nm3VVuUrvMbWZ35_GsID0-7jqfLl_4Lp/s320/anna-karenina-2012-anna-karenina-by-joe-wright-31213779-1280-960.jpg" width="320" /></a>My battle with the book <em>Anna Karenina</em> is still waging. I read the first half of the book over the summer and absolutely loved it! Then, in the fall I moved to a new city. Between moving and searching for a new job,<em> Anna Karenina</em> was put on hold. The hold was only supposed to be temporary, but not so much. I lost my momentum. But I decided to steal an idea from a friend who runs this amazing book club. </div>
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In her book club, they pick an extraordinarily difficult book and break it up over an entire year. They meet each month to discuss the assigned section. I thought to myself, I can do that with the second half of <em>Anna Karenina</em>! I'll break it up into six sections and read a section each month for the next six months. And when I'm all finished, I'll reward myself with Joe Wright's new film version of <em>Anna Karenina</em>. </div>
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However, I do work at a public library, and I catalog all new materials for said public library. So when the new <em>Anna Karenina</em> DVD crossed over my desk, the temptation was too great to resist. I ended up taking it home the same day I cataloged it. Reward? Ha! Oh, well. I suppose it will be reward enough to know I've finished the book, whenever that may be.</div>
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But I do recommend reading the book, and I recommend Joe Wright's new film, as well. Being a fan of his for several years, I'm glad to say he's done it again! Much of the film is set on a stage which reminded me a lot of the 2003 movie <em>Dogville</em>, starring Nicole Kidman and Paul Bettany, but Joe Wright took things a step further. The story weaves on and off stage, in and out of doors, and as in all Joe Wright films, the camera work is extraordinary! </div>
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Everything from the cinematography to the costumes to the music is just beautiful in this adaptation. I applaud Joe Wright for bringing this book to life in a very unique and surreal way. Whether you're a fan of the book or you've never heard of it, I'd still recommend this film. It's a magical experience. And it may inspire you to have a go at the book. (If you start now, you might even finish it before I do!) </div>
Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-41100043432767270352013-02-21T13:57:00.002-08:002013-02-21T14:01:54.108-08:00More and More Masterpiece One of my regular patrons came in the other day, carrying the first season of <em>Call the Midwife</em> and saying, "You were so right! This is amazing!" <br />
I smiled and told her I'm glad she liked it, then my coworker, Karen, chimed in, "Do you watch <em>Downton</em>, too?" <br />
The patron said, "Yes, of course!" <br />
My coworker pointed to me and said, "I have this one to blame for my <em>Downton</em> addiction."<br />
"Me, too," my coworker Olivia now joining the conversation.<br />
"Yeah, me too," said the patron. <br />
"I can blame her for my <em>Doctor Who</em> addiction, too," said Olivia.<br />
Hmmm.... so this is the effect I have on people. That's okay by me. I really love quality television, and I love being able to share it with other people. <br />
I recently got my friend Laura to watch <em>Lark Rise to Candleford</em>, and as she was nearing the end of the series she said to me, "I don't want it to end! I'm going to need something else to watch when it's over." <br />
So this post is for all the people I've turned on to <em>Masterpiece</em> and other BBC dramas who are looking for that next thing to watch. I've compiled a list of all my favorites. Some of these I've probably blogged about before. Some of them I haven't. But I thought I'd make it easy for people and make one list for future reference. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>My Favorite Austen Adaptations</strong>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8SzrGZC-KzC06T-re0-qGR6JxUG-EhJEUMHLvrRNr6my9P03dugUAq50Ej7F18yje-tKqNb7yYW2xGYnH9VTF7jtmKAxLc1eSOrZF8ct9KgY9yLCHVLLz2FPgZCU_Mt5RBCssLlAKtaw/s1600/200px-S&S_DVD_Cover_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8SzrGZC-KzC06T-re0-qGR6JxUG-EhJEUMHLvrRNr6my9P03dugUAq50Ej7F18yje-tKqNb7yYW2xGYnH9VTF7jtmKAxLc1eSOrZF8ct9KgY9yLCHVLLz2FPgZCU_Mt5RBCssLlAKtaw/s200/200px-S&S_DVD_Cover_2008.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><em>Sense & Sensibility</em> (2008) - This film version is absolutely stunning! As much as I like the Emma Thompson version from the 90s, this one is by far my favorite!</li>
<li><em>Emma</em> (2009) - Again, I like the 90s version, but the new adaptation is just so lovely! </li>
<li><em>Northanger Abbey</em> (2007) - This is the only film version that's ever been made of this book, as far as I know, but it's a really wonderful film, so I'm okay with that!</li>
<li><em>Persuasion</em> (1995) - This is one of the rare cases where I prefer the older version to the newest one. The <em>Persuasion</em> that came out in 2007 is really awful, as much as I hate to say it. <em>Masterpiece</em> really let me down with that one. But I love the 1995 version! It's a much better production!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<strong>My Favorite Charles Dickens Adaptations</strong>:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0cR9YJ2oT0MWP25iSeEYCI9ASMXEmWtGRrCXKazPwesYGE-Z56mVHMHyjm3oH1SGrEbVI1VOlMSEH8FRR8OuSXVajKfJPtdAFN4Z_BeW37nqUc1CKB3Ue8JWdxNIBzsttLFfnUdN-cPf/s1600/great-expectations-dvd-3d_mvr6x7a51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0cR9YJ2oT0MWP25iSeEYCI9ASMXEmWtGRrCXKazPwesYGE-Z56mVHMHyjm3oH1SGrEbVI1VOlMSEH8FRR8OuSXVajKfJPtdAFN4Z_BeW37nqUc1CKB3Ue8JWdxNIBzsttLFfnUdN-cPf/s200/great-expectations-dvd-3d_mvr6x7a51.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><em>Great Expectations</em> (2012) - This is hands down the best Dickens adaptation I've ever seen! I love it so much! </li>
<li><em>Little Dorritt</em> (2008) - A really close second to the 2012 <em>Great Expectations</em>.</li>
<li><em>Bleak House</em> (2005) - Seriously, they should just put Gillian Anderson in <u>every</u> Dickens adaptation. She's so awesome!</li>
<li><em>The Mystery of Edwin Drood</em> (2012) </li>
</ul>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Elizabeth Gaskall</strong>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKQhGVqf__bosjzMLLM-4NSXko4UOGEHzYf_iBE_p4Hwtkb4NX5PBl6UMMZTCC3OAnI7Y6e4QGg80Npqol4olwTS6hqi8p0FvcQHyojn6aQDBgv_OIlksNdiqeuvbZSwN5dDWgvv5hD4/s1600/Cranford-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKQhGVqf__bosjzMLLM-4NSXko4UOGEHzYf_iBE_p4Hwtkb4NX5PBl6UMMZTCC3OAnI7Y6e4QGg80Npqol4olwTS6hqi8p0FvcQHyojn6aQDBgv_OIlksNdiqeuvbZSwN5dDWgvv5hD4/s200/Cranford-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><em>Cranford </em>(2007) - I love this mini-series, and I also love <em>Return to Cranford</em>, even though I'm pretty sure Elizabeth Gaskall never wrote a <em>Return to Cranford</em> book.</li>
<li><em>North and South</em> (2004) - Not to be confused with the American <em>North and South</em> mini-series about the civil war.</li>
<li><em>Wives and Daughters</em> (1999)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<br />
<strong>The Bronte Sisters</strong>:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfcGpIsXQdgcadTs3X0VIsfd3Uz7mEvG_i6wOShS36QZ7JpfGFK7AWKgvrk3aNTcE0nY6cC5yFJvy6IC0IkoElWgGobZtL23V99yhKW6WLCduqffyFBBhUEK3nzm2eV9UtjaZ70-z9yVT/s1600/jane+eyre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfcGpIsXQdgcadTs3X0VIsfd3Uz7mEvG_i6wOShS36QZ7JpfGFK7AWKgvrk3aNTcE0nY6cC5yFJvy6IC0IkoElWgGobZtL23V99yhKW6WLCduqffyFBBhUEK3nzm2eV9UtjaZ70-z9yVT/s200/jane+eyre.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><em>Jane Eyre</em> (2006) - Yes, the 2011 film version of <em>Jane Eyre</em> is beautiful and definitely worth watching, but the 2006 <em>Masterpiece</em> mini-series is still my favorite! </li>
<li><em>Wuthering Heights</em> (2009) - The version with Tom Hardy is the only film version of this novel I've ever seen that's really worth your time. (At least in my opinion.)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Miscellaneous</strong>: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn-rQGKUaB1fMcTpd08qHxSrC-aQnj4x_rVgTPEJb0g8Y0NBltJB0nwA3FjCvZnlEV174cWGpIzOXvIM7MOkhosN_m-afXQ4ZszNKMQ-BCSekFpaLFPgeOZBcNhuWMcMKcJfP7BGUgsVQ/s1600/DD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn-rQGKUaB1fMcTpd08qHxSrC-aQnj4x_rVgTPEJb0g8Y0NBltJB0nwA3FjCvZnlEV174cWGpIzOXvIM7MOkhosN_m-afXQ4ZszNKMQ-BCSekFpaLFPgeOZBcNhuWMcMKcJfP7BGUgsVQ/s200/DD.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><em>Daniel Deronda </em>(2002)</li>
<li><em>The Way We Live Now</em> (2001)</li>
<li><em>Under the Greenwood Tree</em> (2005)</li>
<li><em>He Knew He Was Right</em> (2004)</li>
<li><em>Call the Midwife</em> (2012)</li>
<li><em>Upstairs Downstairs</em> (2010)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<br />
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I hope this gives you <em>Masterpiece</em> junkies enough to hold you over in the meantime. As I was looking at the <em>Masterpiece</em> website to refresh my memory for this blog post, I jotted down some mini-series I haven't seen yet that I'm sure will be great! So there will be more recommendations to come, hopefully in the near future. Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-22406192857262296062012-11-08T20:19:00.003-08:002012-11-12T12:01:47.583-08:00Call the Midwife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"In the East End, I found grace and faith and hope hidden in the darkest corners. I found tenderness in squalor and laughter amid filth. I found a purpose and a path and I worked with a passion for the best reason of all; I did it for love." -Nurse Jenny<br />
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One of my regular patrons came into the library couple of days ago, and she was so excited to tell me how much she loves <em>Downton Abbey</em>. I had recommended that she watch it the week before because I can smell a soon-to-be <em>Masterpiece</em> junky a mile away. (It’s my superpower.) As she handed over season one in exchange for season two, she says to me, “Everything you recommend is so good. What am I going to do when you’re gone?” (Oh yeah, did I mention I moved to Chicago? We’ll get to that in a second.) In answer to my patron’s question, I gave her the web address for my recommendations blog. I told her that I sometimes write about my favorite things on <em>Masterpiece Theater</em>. Then it dawned on me… when was the last time I updated said blog?? The answer: May. Yes, it’s been a while. <br />
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I’ve just been incredibly busy. I moved this summer, and since the move I’ve been commuting to Kankakee every week and sort of living in two places at once. Hopefully, my continuous job hunting will pay off soon because my life is completely crazy right now! <br />
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BUT, I’ve still managed to make time for PBS on Sunday nights. (Of course.) Originally, I was really excited about the second season of <em>Upstairs Downstairs</em> that started this fall, but it was a new show, <em>Call the Midwife</em>, that I was most impressed with. That’s not to say the new season of <em>Upstairs Downstairs</em> has been completely awful, but <em>Call the Midwife</em> has been so wonderful, it’s managed to greatly overshadow <em>Upstairs</em>. <br />
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<em>Call the Midwife</em> is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a nurse who moved to the East End of London in the 1950s to work in a convent as a midwife. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. She didn’t realize the kind of poverty she’d be exposed to. But she forms relationships with the people she cares for and overcomes her fear and prejudice.<br />
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I have fallen in love with this show. If I were telling you about this in person, I’d be holding my hand over my heart and sighing. It’s just that kind of show. I love all the colorful characters and the beautiful costumes and every episode makes me cry. (In a good way.) It’s not technically a <em>Masterpiece</em> drama, but it could be. So if you love <em>Masterpiece</em> as much as I do, you’ll love <em>Call the Midwife</em>. And the episodes are still available on pbs.org, so you should definitely check it out!<br />
<br />Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-39790859259583046322012-05-22T10:30:00.001-07:002012-05-31T10:53:11.193-07:00Summer Reading 2012<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU8pykcNavZmuQm3bkt7kQx-_dhAPM865kzj8RHDEf8nM0w26GeYHMmZhpPnjvmY3ZeeCKm4QJlYxueYyeZptpY_DaKZnxqa5MyyiE-5xxSvCOrg5yeRj6r2a1so4IKVL6C9Lnl3kHABD/s1600/moveable-feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU8pykcNavZmuQm3bkt7kQx-_dhAPM865kzj8RHDEf8nM0w26GeYHMmZhpPnjvmY3ZeeCKm4QJlYxueYyeZptpY_DaKZnxqa5MyyiE-5xxSvCOrg5yeRj6r2a1so4IKVL6C9Lnl3kHABD/s200/moveable-feast.jpg" width="138" /></a>I decided to make another summer reading list this year. Currently, I'm reading <em>Anna Karenina,</em> by Leo Tolstoy, and that's put me in the mood to read other classics that I've always meant to but haven't gotten around to reading yet. </div>
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1. <em>A Moveable Feast</em>, by Ernest Hemingway. I've been meaning to read this since watching the film <em>Midnight in Paris</em>. Plus, I haven't read much Hemingway, so I figured it's about time I did so. <br />
2. <em>Wives and Daughters</em>, by Elizabeth Gaskell<br />
3. <em>Middlemarch</em>, by George Eliot<br />
4. <em>Little Dorrit</em>, by Charles Dickens<br />
5. <em>The Age of Innocence</em>, by Edith Wharton<br />
6. <em>The Great Gatsby</em>, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I've decided to read this again because the new movie is coming out soon, and it looks amazing! Past adaptations have never come close to living up to the book, but I'm really excited about this one. This book was the reason I decided to study English in college. It's one of my favorite stories, and it's time I read it again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpAvxnpUC-vWwhKq-mIhAyc5O637WBmufC2WEfjIssHas0GA9TEPad76ckos59VMn_oNy0iL0vCU3EWq9sgvl0pQ_-war_bn01LJ-K14B3-NbB43Ee_DqjNXvan2daNk4FG58ThxwWSsg/s1600/250px-Sweet-Tooth-01-cov1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpAvxnpUC-vWwhKq-mIhAyc5O637WBmufC2WEfjIssHas0GA9TEPad76ckos59VMn_oNy0iL0vCU3EWq9sgvl0pQ_-war_bn01LJ-K14B3-NbB43Ee_DqjNXvan2daNk4FG58ThxwWSsg/s200/250px-Sweet-Tooth-01-cov1.png" width="128" /></a>I'm also going to read a few graphic novels this summer:</div>
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1. <em>Sweet Tooth</em>, by Jeff Lemire. My brother got me interested in reading this one. I like to read what he's reading, so we can talk about it. Plus it just looks really quirky and fun.</div>
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2. <em>Blankets</em>, by Craig Thompson</div>
3. <em>The Complete Maus</em>, by Art Spiegelman<br />
4. <em>V for Vendetta</em>, by Alan Moore. I saw this movie on a plane once, but I was so jet-lagged, I don't remember much of it. So I decided before I watch the movie again, I'm going to read the graphic novel.<br />
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Addition to blog made 5/30/2012: I decided to make some additions to my summer reading list because I found a couple <em>Doctor Who</em> and comic related books that seem quirky and fun.<br />
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1. <em>Doctor Who and Philosophy: Bigger on the Inside</em>, edited and compiled by Courtland Lewis and Paula Smithka<br />
2. <em>Chicks Dig Time Lords: A Celebration of Doctor Who by the Women Who Love It</em>, by Lynne Thomas<br />
3. <em>Chicks Dig Comics: A Celebration of Comic Books by the Women Who Love Them</em>, also by Lynne Thomas</div>
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That's all I've got, so far! I hope everyone is gearing up for a good summer of great reads!! :)</div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-35625785516661710132012-05-17T16:03:00.000-07:002012-05-17T16:03:08.912-07:00Salmon Fishing in the Yemen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iE-Zdl4kxnas0HzBwkRA2PJ3yJj1AlTwgWptKhAsMbuOKayLOwk6oTu6hPL567rBCf1dxLz-rGsEA1CC-MNOWo67jJAWsfq-uUXpksTGdPx0yIpjOVv8TCn9RWna8rqW89XMwsN3eQqQ/s1600/Salmon-Fishing-in-the-Yemen-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iE-Zdl4kxnas0HzBwkRA2PJ3yJj1AlTwgWptKhAsMbuOKayLOwk6oTu6hPL567rBCf1dxLz-rGsEA1CC-MNOWo67jJAWsfq-uUXpksTGdPx0yIpjOVv8TCn9RWna8rqW89XMwsN3eQqQ/s200/Salmon-Fishing-in-the-Yemen-poster.jpg" width="200" /></a>Over the weekend, I noticed the Paramount Theater was playing <em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen</em> and got really excited about it! I wanted to see it on it's first run, but it had a really limited release, and the small town I live in doesn't usually get limited release films. So when it finally came to Kankakee, I jumped on the chance to see it! And I'm glad I did. It was a wonderfully sweet film that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.<br />
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<em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen</em> is exactly what it sounds like it would be. It's a film about a branch of the British government that attempts to bring the sport of Salmon Fishing to the Yemen. Of course, there are many obsticles to overcome: a hot, dry climate and civil unrest to only name a couple. But what struck me about the story, was not all the fishing. What I was drawn to was the budding romance between the two leads. <br />
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Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor give outstanding performances as the two government officials who are teamed up--rather reluctantly, at first--on this seemingly impossible fishing project. But as they slowly get to know one another, they realize what a wonderful team they make, and of course they begin to form an attachment.<br />
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The film is beautifully filmed and made me want to travel to the Yemen. (Of course, almost everytime I see a movie that takes place overseas, I immediately want to visit that place.) I wanted to put on a pair of khakis and a light linen shirt, and go out into the desert. <br />
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So if you're in the mood for a sweet, feel good film about determination and hope, see <em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen</em>. You won't be disappointed.<br />Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-82598069412327324292012-05-01T09:36:00.000-07:002012-05-01T09:36:07.421-07:00The Classics: Shakespeare and DickensOver the past few days, I've had the chance to watch a couple of excellent new adaptations of two of my favorite stories. Shakespeare's <em>Hamlet</em> and <em>Great Expectations</em>, by Charles Dickens. I loved them so much, I wanted to write a little something about them both, and recommend them to whoever might be reading this.<br />
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<strong>Hamlet</strong><br />
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I finally watched the latest version of <em>Hamlet</em> (I believe it's the latest) over the weekend, and I was enthralled! I don't know what it is about Shakespeare that keeps me coming back for more, but I can watch his plays over and over again, and never grow tired of them. Especially, <em>Hamlet</em>. I was drawn to this version because Hamlet was played by David Tennant and Claudius by Patrick Stewart. The first thought that went through my head was, The Doctor and Captain Picard starring in a production of <em>Hamlet</em>!? I <em>have</em> to see this! And so I did, and it was wonderful! I've loved David Tennant ever since he captured my heart in <em>Doctor Who</em>, and now I love him even more! I mean, how awesome is it that right after he finishes out his time as The Doctor, he turns around and plays Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company?? That's pretty amazing. <br />
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<strong>Great Expectations</strong><br />
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Last night, I took home the latest <em>Masterpiece Classic</em> mini-series of <em>Great Expectations </em>and<em> </em>watched all three episodes! I couldn't stop once I'd started. It is beautiful. I'm not sure how else to describe what they accomplished with this new version. Everything from the costumes, to the houses, to the tiny forge were beautifully crafted and beautifully filmed. Gillian Anderson played the insane, broken-hearted Miss Havisham, and did a wonderful job. Her performance was perfection. And of course, the rest of the cast was also spectacular! Especially, Douglas Booth as Pip. Like Shakespeare, the stories of Charles Dickens never get old. I get swept away in them every time I read one or watch a film adaption. <br />
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So I hope you have a chance to watch one or both of these because they are both timeless classics!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-15908481974455269282012-04-26T15:29:00.000-07:002012-04-26T15:29:01.392-07:00SherlockSeason two of the <em>Masterpiece</em> series <em>Sherlock</em> will be starting very soon, and I'm really excited about it! And even though I just posted a blog yesterday, I felt like I really wanted to write about this show and encourage people to watch it because it's wonderful and amazing! (But I have other things to do tonight, so I will keep it short.) <br />
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First of all, <em>Sherlock</em> has some wonderful writers, Steve Moffat and Mark Gatiss (probably best know for their work on <em>Doctor Who</em>) are two of the <em>best</em> television writers. Period. I love their work! Second, the cast. Move over Robert Downey, Jr. because Benedict Cumberbatch was made for the role of Sherlock Holmes. He is perfect! And Martin Freeman (who I've always had a soft spot for since his adorable role in <em>Love, Actually</em>) is such an amazing Dr. Watson. I honestly can't imagine a better pair to play these roles! <br />
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But I think what I love most about this show is that they follow the original stories but set them in 21st century London. It makes my literary heart flutter. :) <br />
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So go to your library, and check out <em>Sherlock</em> season one, and then tune in to PBS May 6th for the premiere of season two! You won't regret it!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-73865166874479399452012-04-25T15:46:00.001-07:002013-04-02T16:53:08.731-07:00The Fault In Our Stars"I wanted to write a story that grappled with the reality of teenage mortality and the unfairness of that and the injustice of that, and what was angry about it, but at the same time was hopeful and that argued that it is possible for a life to be a good and full life even if it isn't a long life." -John Green, on <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sN6AGwpNuffm6SfcWKk4FL0Nwrdnq5cVyMGyg8IoldU5T2e_jwgbWjsgehDula62G0EPph0fUk2-Y7rI8_NkF2L6PKJDDOyIPYNLJFSKLER149KvPFi1tzq5RWdYXaZi9KOxnON6Qc4h/s1600/the_fault_in_our_stars_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sN6AGwpNuffm6SfcWKk4FL0Nwrdnq5cVyMGyg8IoldU5T2e_jwgbWjsgehDula62G0EPph0fUk2-Y7rI8_NkF2L6PKJDDOyIPYNLJFSKLER149KvPFi1tzq5RWdYXaZi9KOxnON6Qc4h/s200/the_fault_in_our_stars_.jpg" width="149" /></a>John Green. Sigh. I love this man's books, and I love the video blog project he created with his brother, Hank, and I love Nerdfighters! (If you want to know what I'm talking about please go here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers?ob=0&feature=results_main">Vlogbrothers Channel</a>) But I'm not here to talk about his videos, I'm here to recommend his latest book,<i> The Fault In Our Stars</i>. <br />
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<i>The Fault In Our Stars</i> is the very first book John has ever written from a girl's perspective. John did such a wonderful job capturing a female voice, it honestly blew me away a little. Said female voice belongs to a young girl, Hazel Grace, who has a terminal form of cancer. <br />
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I know what you're thinking, Oh man, not<i> another</i> book about terminal illness! That's such a bummer! But this isn't that kind of book. (Well, sort of, but not really.) John's book is full of humor and sadness, happiness and tragedy; he strikes this wonderful balance between light and dark, and the book is so honest about what it's like to live with a disease.<br />
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Hazel is a really bright and interesting young girl who loves reading poetry and watching bad reality television. Her life is pretty routine; school, support group, TV and parents. Until she meets Augustus Waters. A young handsome boy who shows up to support group one day and changes her life. He introduces her to new experiences and teaches her it's okay to let people in, even if that means they might lose you someday.<br />
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I really loved this book!! I couldn't put it down. The week I started reading it, I went home every night after work, ate a quick bowl of cereal and got back to reading. By the end of the week, I had a sink full of bowls and spoons that desperately needed washing, but I couldn't stop reading until I'd finished the book. (That happened to be early Sunday morning, since I stayed up all night Saturday just to finish it.) <br />
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So I highly recommend this and ALL of John Green's books. His work is always so funny and thought-provoking. So go to his website and peruse his books: <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/">John Green Books</a>, and then read <i>The Fault In Our Stars</i>. Happy reading, and don't forget to be awesome!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-70747821052940887582012-04-17T15:07:00.003-07:002012-04-17T15:38:44.696-07:00The Name of the Star<img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 134px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732495137222676674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZEgiE8RD1Zq3IS2-JGM1-Tk8SXu3a4ktm6Uvg2BKcPMcEZxroMTiR8oUasj3qrNksygISJW2o-sILT1EUkYOmvlJFXnUT2ZWsK5H7oTc2BTT0fwRQoYpxouwJwJcaEqqme13StlA96BI/s200/The-Name-of-the-Star.jpg" />I don't normally like ghost stories. Yes, they scare me. I'm a child when it comes to scary things. I went to see <em>The Blair Witch Project</em> when I was 17 years old, and afterward I laid wide awake in bed for four nights in a row. But this particular ghost story had some things I just couldn't resist.<br /><br />First of all, it was written by Maureen Johnson. She's a friend of another favorite author of mine, John Green, (I absolutely adore him and his books) so I've been meaning to read her books for quite some time. Second, my brother got around to reading her before I did, and gave her books two thumbs up! (And he's kind of particular, so I thought this was a good sign.) Third, a friend of mine who I recently convinced to start watching the<strong> amazing</strong> <em>Doctor Who</em> series said, "You need to read <em>The Name of the Star</em> because there's a reference you'll appreciate." Spoiler alert: It's a <em>Doctor Who</em> reference. So basically, how could I not read this book? Oh, and it takes place in London, and I'm a little obsessed with British culture, so of course I was going to read it.<br /><br />The story begins with Rory, our main character, an American teenager who moves to London to do a year of school overseas at a British prep school. When she arrives at her new school, she begins hearing about these murders that are happening in the city. Apparently, someone has been copycating all the Jack the Ripper murders of 1888. As the book progresses, she finds out she has this crazy ability she never knew about, and befriends a secret society of ghost hunters.<br /><br />Yes, it's definitely a YA novel, but I really loved it! It was a little creepy at times, and suspenseful, but Maureen Johnson is really good at creeping you out and then making you laugh out loud. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes YA fiction or anyone who is a fan of John Green's work. You can tell that Maureen Johnson and John Green have a similar sense of humor. And I think they are two of the funniest people on the planet. So read it and enjoy!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-18295569567672807712012-03-17T13:00:00.003-07:002012-03-17T13:23:20.055-07:00Room<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcJ9uVmHXizG9csVb05sytsYEB9bK-S-2n-kBgr4943zDHqF2bR6of2VPnRSzmxiUvRynjdajX9sPm0iotjz5kqsNrs0TxsL_bgsG8XtlEo1acseAgDjzZ7eh2RWa-bZ1v0tS_Y-UOvtu/s1600/Room-by-Emma-Donoghue.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720958674405477218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcJ9uVmHXizG9csVb05sytsYEB9bK-S-2n-kBgr4943zDHqF2bR6of2VPnRSzmxiUvRynjdajX9sPm0iotjz5kqsNrs0TxsL_bgsG8XtlEo1acseAgDjzZ7eh2RWa-bZ1v0tS_Y-UOvtu/s200/Room-by-Emma-Donoghue.jpg" /></a> I took over the book club at work rather reluctantly. Since finishing college, I really have a hard time when people tell me what to read and when to read it. Hey, I think, I studied literature for four years, please give me a break. I'll get to it when I get to it. (That's not to say I didn't <em>love</em> my literature classes because I did.) So when I was approached about leading book discussions at work, I almost said no. So that would mean I have to read all the book club books whether they interest me or not, right? Hmmm... I'm not so sure about this.<br /><br />But I've been in charge of book club for several months now, and I'm glad, in the end, that I said yes. Because I've had the chance to read some wonderful books that I never would have chosen for myself. And one of those books was <em>Room,</em> by Emma Donoghue. The book is narrated by a five year old boy who lives in a small room with his mother. You find out the mother was taken against her will and trapped in this shed in her capture's backyard. And even though her son, Jack, was the product of continuous rape, she loves Jack and does everything she can to protect him from her kidnapper.<br /><br />She also creates this routine to keep the two of them from going crazy. She teaches him as much as she can with the little resources she's been given, and she comes up with the most creative games to play and projects to work on during the day. I think that's what stuck out to me the most. She realized early on in her captivity that she would lose her mind, if she didn't break up her day with a schedule of sorts.<br /><br />I don't want to say anymore about the plot because the twist is so surprising! But this was a wonderful book, and great for a discussion group. If you have a book club of your own, I would highly recommend reading it. There are a lot of great talking points. It's just a great read all around, so next time you're at your library, ask your librarian about it!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-31633584129244932762012-03-07T15:16:00.010-08:002012-05-24T14:21:21.801-07:00So You're Having Downton Abbey Withdrawals...I've been talking to a lot of people about <em>Downton</em> lately, and everyone agrees that it's wonderful! But now, after the end of second season, we are beginning to feel it's absense, and what my patrons and coworkers keep asking is, "How are we supposed to wait until <em>next</em> January to watch season three?" Yes, it's going to be quite a wait, so I thought I'd make some recommendations that might help you power through the withdrawals, and keep you entertained in the meantime.<br />
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<strong>Solution #1: Watch more <em>Masterpiece</em>.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv3AOYDYdUv4WPCzSa5hDS1hyexDLjgaX8auR36edONy58_uL4uEM6RcCodQ8fi7cichGkFi0k51MLgtcxHcSRevIrRXBrcfw3oyuu0AHzWjB_Y7DUf7lEEiG1tL306zSABTLfV2oYOjO/s1600/upstairs+downstairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717305350510706498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv3AOYDYdUv4WPCzSa5hDS1hyexDLjgaX8auR36edONy58_uL4uEM6RcCodQ8fi7cichGkFi0k51MLgtcxHcSRevIrRXBrcfw3oyuu0AHzWjB_Y7DUf7lEEiG1tL306zSABTLfV2oYOjO/s200/upstairs+downstairs.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 133px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><em>Upstairs Downstairs</em>: This started as a British drama in the 1970s, but in 2010, <em>Masterpiece</em> decided to continue the story. They made a three part mini-series that picked up the story of 165 Eaton Place with a new family and new servants, but great drama all the same! The new story takes place in the 1930s, and stars Keeley Hawes and Ed Stoppard, and Jean Marsh returns as Rose Buck.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2cHHVmX303SNUGL0nhjfpptvuo4DjwugH9BIWVFCjpFFAjbi_cGeUYGr8f6BFuf2fOPp0bSLcOUatH_WEjRetu4YaHr4dU3b0d4Xh_m__B5vdfCVv6NQC0OpoMrbEkANIyG7iypikeX5/s1600/SenseSensibility.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717301926243490450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2cHHVmX303SNUGL0nhjfpptvuo4DjwugH9BIWVFCjpFFAjbi_cGeUYGr8f6BFuf2fOPp0bSLcOUatH_WEjRetu4YaHr4dU3b0d4Xh_m__B5vdfCVv6NQC0OpoMrbEkANIyG7iypikeX5/s200/SenseSensibility.jpg" style="float: left; height: 112px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><em>Sense and Sensibility:</em> Most people have probably seen the film version of <em>Sense and Sensibility</em> starring Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. But in 2008 <em>Masterpiece</em> made a new mini-series that has an outstanding screenplay written by Andrew Davies. Plus, Edward Ferrars is played by Dan Stevens. Remember him? Do this words Cousin Matthew ring a bell? He is phenomenal as Edward!</div>
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<strong>Solution #2: Also written by Julian Fellowes</strong></div>
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Julian Fellowes, who wrote <em>Downton</em>, has written for a lot of films and TV Shows. So if you enjoyed the excellent writing in <em>Downton</em>, you're bound to like these as well:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_J2ajEi7_A8-SpQMJqJptYO4fZyMO1KrAX7IHeCfH7BRXgd_LEOiVPm-6uOz6wJKywr2ElGku3ueZSJwVq_QxUhzxaX8_XaYYELdrRJKohSNbaudN8vTg5F7Jw0BXG_ZSmWcmIMlRokc/s1600/Gosford+Park.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717305051786654610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_J2ajEi7_A8-SpQMJqJptYO4fZyMO1KrAX7IHeCfH7BRXgd_LEOiVPm-6uOz6wJKywr2ElGku3ueZSJwVq_QxUhzxaX8_XaYYELdrRJKohSNbaudN8vTg5F7Jw0BXG_ZSmWcmIMlRokc/s200/Gosford+Park.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 149px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 128px;" /></a><em>Gosford Park</em>: This is a murder mystery set in the 1920s, and you'll like it, even if you're not a huge fan of murder mysteries. Because it's not really about the murder. Much like <em>Downton</em>, there are servants and masters, and it's fascinating to see their worlds collide. It's also very funny, and of course well written!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBwV0bqaZRYR6IdEFv3R7ajRazlrHl0Ue6P4sNDt2WzC7DDPNTHNhU8Nl5PeqBR1oJSFdjXnrTd3aV_wpYjVGVxLb5e-s66TRi1PYjxIR35ffJgjf0HuWeNaJosIv-VD2CMU01qjblT8/s1600/Vanity+Fair.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717306711874352610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBwV0bqaZRYR6IdEFv3R7ajRazlrHl0Ue6P4sNDt2WzC7DDPNTHNhU8Nl5PeqBR1oJSFdjXnrTd3aV_wpYjVGVxLb5e-s66TRi1PYjxIR35ffJgjf0HuWeNaJosIv-VD2CMU01qjblT8/s200/Vanity+Fair.jpg" style="float: left; height: 127px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 144px;" /></a><em>Vanity Fair</em>: Based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. Reese Witherspoon plays Becky Sharp, a woman ahead of her time who tires of being a governess, and decides to try climbing the social ladder in 19th century England.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NPEN5mDc3zeDGx4U_ztCx-yDQiqk7JemzFVZmedRq0ODq6zJbhqR47ydhBWZ7vmivLCWqWtokOL0bAm4fcJy3LML0ObyD-fEaUrL77F-fN2ow_TSEeQDeznTXEcWLICqffgcz_v6A1qT/s1600/young-victoria.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717308528680128434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NPEN5mDc3zeDGx4U_ztCx-yDQiqk7JemzFVZmedRq0ODq6zJbhqR47ydhBWZ7vmivLCWqWtokOL0bAm4fcJy3LML0ObyD-fEaUrL77F-fN2ow_TSEeQDeznTXEcWLICqffgcz_v6A1qT/s200/young-victoria.jpg" style="float: left; height: 146px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 140px;" /></a><em>Young Victoria</em>: This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I'm a sucker for a good love story, and Julian Fellowes writes the love story between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert so beautifully! Both Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend give wonderful performances, as well! It's a good one, for sure! </div>
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So I hope these will tide you over for a little while at least. Just keep watching <em>Masterpiece</em>. <em>Great Expectations</em> starts April 1st, and it promises to be fantastic! </div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-65401932100616369652012-03-01T09:40:00.005-08:002012-03-01T09:52:15.434-08:00Doctor Who<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanuTo-dyfBbIEi-JlXzFtSmsd2TPzI2inInoRGdNQMpznvwF-129g8QbHBHgIwoq0LR8xYOUh6Zl6i-rMdXe6drqDIp5AylWXrJ_0XTfH7MSEByyUbXq3vJjDTau9wb80FijSisjrxG0h/s1600/doctor_who_david_tennant.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714985445176714658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanuTo-dyfBbIEi-JlXzFtSmsd2TPzI2inInoRGdNQMpznvwF-129g8QbHBHgIwoq0LR8xYOUh6Zl6i-rMdXe6drqDIp5AylWXrJ_0XTfH7MSEByyUbXq3vJjDTau9wb80FijSisjrxG0h/s200/doctor_who_david_tennant.jpg" /></a>I know. I’m a little late to the <em>Doctor Who</em> party, but I’m catching up quickly. Oh, Doctor, I think I might be falling in love with you, just like one of your companions….<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>Okay, let’s back up a little. A couple summers ago, I was in Michigan at my Cousin Aubrey’s wedding reception talking with a couple of relatives about the TV show <em>Lost</em>. It had just finished its last season, and I was saying something really melodramatic like, “No more <em>Lost</em>. What am I going to do now without <em>Lost</em>?” </div><br /><br /><div>Then my Cousin Heather’s husband said, “Start watching <em>Doctor Who</em>.” </div><br /><br /><div><em>Doctor Who</em>. Yes, I’d heard the buzz surrounding this updated version of the British classic, and I was a little curious, so when I got back home, I put the first season on hold at the library. I watched the first three episodes and thought, “I don’t think this is for me.” I took is back to the library the next day.</div><br /><br /><div>Then, my friend Jeremy told me I just needed to get through the first season. “Season two gets so much better. You need to keep watching,” he said. I was still pretty skeptical.<br /></div><br /><div>A girl even came into the library about a month later raving about <em>Doctor Who</em>, asking me if I watch it. “I saw the first few episodes,” I said, “It wasn’t really my thing.” </div><br /><br /><div>“Oh no, you need to keep watching!” she said, in almost hysterics, “It’s the BEST show EVER!”</div><br /><br /><div>I thought she was crazy, but I just started season three last night, and I’m afraid I’ve turned into her. I even switched the desktop background on my computer at work to a picture of The Doctor with his sonic screwdriver in hand and a single sentence that reads, “Have you hugged your Time Lord today?” (I <em>wish</em> I could hug my Time Lord! Seriously.)</div><br /><br /><div>So Trust me on this: By time you get to the end of season one, you will want to go on to season two. Once you get to the end of season two, you’ll be hooked. This is a great show full of humor and insane adventure. I mean, come on, a time traveling genius saving the world armed only with a sonic screwdriver?? What’s not to love?</div></div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-55415518837307612932012-01-12T14:16:00.000-08:002012-01-12T14:20:20.754-08:00The Dovekeepers, by Alice Hoffman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMkrCtBHgen-Gwkby5UFIu5Z7nZUIK_ktIA6hIZYDPrw_wDATuzaikyLjh1ImvQMiQLAJScnIqQodl-yD4xOn0-vJP8z9l0c_2n4POaOKUASyRVOnVX7SH3DLlh5nZAI9o1M3BNlfYJMr/s1600/the-dovekeepers-by-alice-hoffman.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696873244931109730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMkrCtBHgen-Gwkby5UFIu5Z7nZUIK_ktIA6hIZYDPrw_wDATuzaikyLjh1ImvQMiQLAJScnIqQodl-yD4xOn0-vJP8z9l0c_2n4POaOKUASyRVOnVX7SH3DLlh5nZAI9o1M3BNlfYJMr/s200/the-dovekeepers-by-alice-hoffman.jpg" /></a>I came across <em>The Dovekeepers</em> the same way I come across a lot of books and that was over the processing table at work. The cover intrigued me. And while I know full well what the old saying says about books and their covers, this cover did not lie; it promised an interesting read, and the book followed through.<br /><br />The second thing that intrigued me to read this book was a quote from Toni Morrison, “Beautiful, harrowing, a major contribution to 21st-century literature.”After reading that, I thought, “Okay, now I <em>have</em> to read this book.” And I’m so glad I did!<br /><br />The book begins in 70 C.E. in Jerusalem and is based on true events. At this point in our story, the Romans are raiding the holy city, and droves of Jewish people are fleeing to the desert with their families, in search of Masada; a fortress built by Herod the Great around 37 B.C.E. as a refuge for himself. But in <em>The Dovekeepers</em>, this great fortress becomes a refuge for numerous Jewish families and a group of Jewish extremists called the Sicarii.<br /><br />The story is narrated by four women who are all equally fascinating and unique. They work side by side, everyday in the dovecotes together at Masada. They all have darkness in their past and secrets to share, and have to lean on each other through the difficult time of what later becomes known as the First Jewish-Roman War.<br /><br />This was a wonderful read! Every sentence is beautifully crafted. Alice Hoffman’s vision of what it would have been like to hide-out in Herod’s great fortress is astounding. I wanted to crawl inside the book and experience it for myself (aside from the whole mass suicide thing, of course.) Seriously, read this book! You won’t regret it!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-8962385864733828362012-01-05T15:25:00.000-08:002012-01-05T16:01:20.716-08:00Downton Abbey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSKB4Kck_dTbXhdLRD0PUT48P835tO9d6XWdGRJB-Jml59VQLOfrUt9tvMiJTaOUV6G_E-mRpxspXsWpEI63nUMliWRZfUwxEPls-8VR7JE9RMEvJMGA7goQq3TNPvjoAuFjqXY_4YOB/s1600/Downton-Abbey-Tour6_320x270.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694294952949426018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSKB4Kck_dTbXhdLRD0PUT48P835tO9d6XWdGRJB-Jml59VQLOfrUt9tvMiJTaOUV6G_E-mRpxspXsWpEI63nUMliWRZfUwxEPls-8VR7JE9RMEvJMGA7goQq3TNPvjoAuFjqXY_4YOB/s400/Downton-Abbey-Tour6_320x270.jpg" /></a>Today one of my library patrons reminded me how long it's been since I've updated my blog. Yes, it's been a long time since I've made any recommendations, and even longer since I recommended something from <em>Masterpiece</em>. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I <strong>love</strong> <em>Masterpiece, </em>and I'm so excited that the 2012 season is kicking off with season two of <em>Downton Abbey!</em><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I absolutely fell in love with this show last season and was blown away by the major cliff hanger in the last episode! I couldn't help but draw comparisons between <em>Downton Abbey</em> and the original <em>Upstairs Downstairs</em> series. <em>Downton</em> begins just before WWI and is set on a large estate where a wealthy family and all of thier servants live under the same roof. We see all the major events unfold from the perspective of both the privileged upper class and the myriad of servants down in the kitchen. It was such an exciting time in history with all of the social, economic and technological changes that seemed to happen over night. And to witness it all through the eyes of such colorful characters is just a bonus! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I would highly recommend watching this show, if you haven't already. The first season is out on DVD which you should be able to obtain through your local library. You can also watch episodes online at the <em>Masterpiece</em> website. The new season begins January 8th (THIS SUNDAY!) on PBS. For more details visit: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/classic/index.html">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/classic/index.html</a>. <em>Downton Abbey</em> is British drama at it's finest, so be sure to check it out!! </div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-43136631229910277862011-10-08T10:28:00.000-07:002011-10-08T10:31:29.723-07:00Fables<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq6UxfN1HnHj0_V7lY94-FdeGTv3sRRTJH_QDvJAbTRxA6mD3CoFYrGdUpfGbjWq6k4HrYDWK61o8F2QipyRrQj_czQOKZcqTdfVnngyd7CiLyL7l7GQwEYTIGtTCkSinf4SOp-VFdcmO/s1600/mean-season-fables.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661174745935886370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq6UxfN1HnHj0_V7lY94-FdeGTv3sRRTJH_QDvJAbTRxA6mD3CoFYrGdUpfGbjWq6k4HrYDWK61o8F2QipyRrQj_czQOKZcqTdfVnngyd7CiLyL7l7GQwEYTIGtTCkSinf4SOp-VFdcmO/s400/mean-season-fables.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>A good friend of mine from college was visiting from California yesterday, and since we often share the things we've been reading or watching with each other, I found myself telling her all about Fables. At first she thought I was referring to actual fables as in Aesop's or Grimm Brothers, but when I explained that it's a graphic novel series, she was little more intrigued. When I finished my monologue about the greatness of Fables, she said,"I want to read these!" So I thought since I'd convinced one person to read them, maybe I should recommend them to others.<br /><br />Several months ago, a couple of friends recommended that I start this graphic novel series, created by Bill Willingham, and it sounded interesting; fable and fairytale characters kicked out of their fairytale lands and exiled to New York City. I read the first one, and I liked it, but couldn't get myself to pick up volume two. One of those friends even let me borrow volumes two through four, but I still just couldn't get into it. However, a couple months after giving the borrowed comic books back to my friend, I was suddenly in the mood to continue reading them. Don't ask me why my brain works that way.<br /><br />So I'm currently up to volume six now and completely addicted! Lunch time has turned into Fables time. I get so excited to go on my lunch break because I know the next chapter is waiting to be devoured! (Along with my lunch.) It's fascinating to see how all the characters from the different stories interact with one another when confined to Fabletown, the small corner of New York City they have built up for Fables only, away from the prying eyes of the Mundys (Mundane, non-magical humans.) I don't want to say too much about the characters or plot because there are so many surprises! I would hate to give anything away.<br /><br />But, if you have a slightly darker sense of humor, like I do, or have any kind of interest in the original fairytale and fables, then I would recommend reading these somewhat darker and more twisted versions of the characters and stories. Fables will keep entertained for sure and keep you guessing about what will happen next! </div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-14473816200336942392011-08-30T15:15:00.000-07:002011-08-30T15:47:25.768-07:00Autumn Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dAuK_ioHWFErdwU_v7Wb4NtzA3n_2_TgIl61oVVSAA96PfSO13uPlZGYan-iuvgSskwmjgB-6xeiwaS0FOjF4ILRBbeKpdWgfoCxjddR2XA9_l3q7BxiMw3f8KBHSvXz8s0Fl2WKodFj/s1600/Fables.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646782723386527458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dAuK_ioHWFErdwU_v7Wb4NtzA3n_2_TgIl61oVVSAA96PfSO13uPlZGYan-iuvgSskwmjgB-6xeiwaS0FOjF4ILRBbeKpdWgfoCxjddR2XA9_l3q7BxiMw3f8KBHSvXz8s0Fl2WKodFj/s200/Fables.png" /></a>Summer is beginning to wind down. The summer reading program at the library has been done since July, and I made a pretty good dent in my summer reading list for this year. I am waiting on one last book to come in-transit, but all in all I did pretty well. But I got to thinking... why does my list making have to stop? It really helped to have a list to follow. When I have a goal in mind, it keeps me reading. So... I'm making a new list for the fall. And since I read a lot of nonfiction this summer, I will indulge in some YA literature and graphic novels this fall.
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<br /><div>Beginning with...</div>
<br /><div>1. (The book I'm currently reading...)<em> A Great and Terrible Beauty</em>, by Libba Bray (And I will most likely follow that up with the rest of the <em>Gemma Doyle</em> series.)</div>
<br /><div>2. Fables (I've been meaning to read more of these for a long time. I'm currently reading Volume Two. It's a graphic novel series about characters from all kinds of fables and fairy tales who have been exiled to modern day New York City. I really like it so far... it just took me a while to get into it. But watching episode after episode of <em>The Big Bang Theory</em> tends to put you in the mood to read comic books.)</div>
<br /><div>3. <em>Going Bovine, </em>another YA book by Libba Bray. Her books are really quirky, and this book in particular was nominated for an Abe Lincoln YA Book Award, so I thought I'd give it a shot since I'm enjoying the <em>Gemma Doyle</em> books so much.</div>
<br /><div>4. <em>Oryx and Crake</em>, by Margaret Atwood. This is not a YA book, but it's one of her science fiction books, and seems as though it would fit in with the Autumn Reading theme I've got going on so far. </div>
<br /><div>5. <em>One Day</em>, by David Nicholls. This does not go along with the theme, but I saw the movie, and got the feeling the book would fill in a lot of the gaps. The movie was good, but I still felt some pieces had to be missing.</div>
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<br /><div>That's all I've got, so far. But there are probably 16 or more volumes of <em>Fables</em>, so that will take a while. (Not to mention, I'll be running book club this year, so that adds an extra book each month on top of my own personal lists.) But I hope you, too, have some good books lined up for this fall. Happy reading, everyone! :)</div>
<br />Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-16429361961917911112011-08-15T15:13:00.000-07:002011-08-15T15:46:41.648-07:00Little Princes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE493ffCE5jAmABSyd-fEEugPh9Njx-LLHn042c81PAe8PprOHerTZv_IGsgojjUK7zzrGkavCODYNtpsk09qh51zCsJzrHLGGFMV-eYT7Hao9tQWn8mC9bJIjKnNHesfIATpGpaUPzlJ/s1600/little+princes.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641209919969657778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE493ffCE5jAmABSyd-fEEugPh9Njx-LLHn042c81PAe8PprOHerTZv_IGsgojjUK7zzrGkavCODYNtpsk09qh51zCsJzrHLGGFMV-eYT7Hao9tQWn8mC9bJIjKnNHesfIATpGpaUPzlJ/s200/little+princes.bmp" /></a> Every adventurer at heart should read this book. Anyone who has felt even an ounce of compassion for "the least of these" (Matt. 25:40) should read this book. It is a wonderfully written account of a young man who begins a whirlwind, round-the-world trip by first volunteering at a children's home in Nepal. He starts out seeking adventure and ends up finding his true calling.
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<br />This book came to me as I was processing books at the library one day. (Ocassionally, if a book strikes my eye, I will stop labeling and covering long enough to read the jacket description.) I was drawn to the story because it seemed similiar to the time I spent volunteering with children in Thailand. However, as I began to actually read the book, I realized right away that Conor Grennan's story was going to be radically different from my own experience in a developing nation.
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<br />He did much more than just volunteer for three months: He rescued trafficked children, started his own children's home and non-profit organization, and reunited trafficked children with their families after years of seperation. And in the midst of telling his readers about all these incredible things he did in Nepal, he still manages to remain open and honest about his shortcomings. His humility and grace are truly inspiring!
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<br />And he never loses his sense of humor! This book will have you laughing out loud, when you are not gripped with suspense over what happens next. There were times when certain scenes got so intense, I felt like I was reading an adventure novel. I had to stop and remind myself that this story actually happened to a real person.
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<br />So I encourage everyone to read it! Even if you've never had the itch to travel around the world or volunteer in Southeast Asia, you'll walk away from this book inspired to do something good for others. (Even if that just means showing a little more kindness to the people you interact with on a daily basis. ) Read it... I guarentee you'll love it!
<br />Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-73883910615971480952011-07-26T15:11:00.000-07:002011-07-26T15:25:41.413-07:00Midnight in Paris<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xig0nnM1NswTBUdaoJrK91JpkE_ywTzYTk1rABRWyY2foquLwetAF-sxzWS9cQJKbn0Io2ekX8J_KnLHendcihx-_ilfh1d1IRZ6rlr8jDqdyp-HlzKjyrNpsVOh_WtXn509bWOYAQen/s1600/midnight+in+paris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 136px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633790331218799970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xig0nnM1NswTBUdaoJrK91JpkE_ywTzYTk1rABRWyY2foquLwetAF-sxzWS9cQJKbn0Io2ekX8J_KnLHendcihx-_ilfh1d1IRZ6rlr8jDqdyp-HlzKjyrNpsVOh_WtXn509bWOYAQen/s200/midnight+in+paris.jpg" /></a>I saw this movie several weeks ago, but I've been pretty busy lately, so it's been a while since I've posted. But I wanted to recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet! It was directed by Woody Allen, and has a stellar cast: Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams... how could one go wrong? Right? I've been a big fan of Woody Allen's work since college, but <em>Midnight in Paris</em>--I can say without hesitation--is my favorite by far! It is full of humor and wit and a touch of magic. After the movie was over, I couldn't wipe the goofy smile off my face for almost the entire ride home. It is a wonderful film, and being filmed in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it is also wonderful to look it! And, of course, the soundtrack was also perfection, as most Woody Allen soundtracks are. Watching it made me want to go back to Paris and take it slower this time around... instead of racing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction. I want to take slow walks through the Parisian streets, and take in every detail. <em>Midnight in Paris</em> is definitely a movie for dreamers and hopeless romantics. Go see it! You won't regret it!Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-82542600830525740872011-06-27T22:26:00.000-07:002012-04-26T14:12:09.133-07:00The Reading Promise, by Alice Ozma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaXKlUKtE2C00xbAEh9W1GIs-X5xgBMEsngN6fut76NaZsdaxZSzl2Xl3-isLP5vLhQHiB93C34049EqzqaKZQG_U9PKJxAdeaAIIjMicBKew9OIsLL79bGS23s2JuAQf_Fxe6gd6MYrj/s1600/the-reading-promise.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623138782416871138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaXKlUKtE2C00xbAEh9W1GIs-X5xgBMEsngN6fut76NaZsdaxZSzl2Xl3-isLP5vLhQHiB93C34049EqzqaKZQG_U9PKJxAdeaAIIjMicBKew9OIsLL79bGS23s2JuAQf_Fxe6gd6MYrj/s200/the-reading-promise.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 135px;" /></a>The first thing that struck me about this book was the author’s name: Alice Ozma. Why did that sound so familiar? It turns out her name comes from two female protagonists in two classic pieces of children’s literature: Alice from <em>Alice in Wonderland</em> and Princess Ozma from L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. Right away, the author’s name alone makes this book incredibly interesting!<br />
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<em>The Reading Promise</em> tells the true story of a father and daughter who make a pact to read with each other for one hundred nights. After they meet their first goal, they decide to go for 1,000 nights. Eventually they decide to just keep going. They read every night—never missing a night—until the day Alice leaves for college.<br />
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This book had me laughing so hard I was in tears when Alice described her crippling and somewhat unusual fear of the ghost of JFK at the age of twelve. And it had me tearing up at the more touching moments between Alice and her father. (I don’t want to give away too much, so I’ll stop there.) But it also made me think of how lucky I was to grow up in a home where books were not only respected, but cherished. My brother and I had a mother who read to us before we went to bed at night. Books were given as gifts for birthdays and major holidays. Reading was never turned into a punishment, or forced upon us. It was always something we were taught to enjoy. (I have to take a moment right now to thank my mother for this. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t be working in the library today.)<br />
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After working with public school kids and then later in the public library, I realized that the love of books and reading is not common in all households. That’s what I think makes The Reading Promise so incredible! It challenges the reader to get back to books, and to practice the art of reading out loud. So if you love books, or need some inspiration, read <em>The Reading Promise</em>. You’ll finish the book with a great excitement and enthusiasm for books, and you’ll want to make a reading promise of your own.Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938939203024683578.post-11599020253498914452011-06-13T15:12:00.000-07:002011-06-13T15:47:53.321-07:00Somewhere, Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdz-KdhR4ib-K8yhnCNhkCpPH9GQI0piW5UEAEoF-Q8Q0P0XUofL9wND3p7O9mV7Gxva_IvPcGkCTyS-7YIokHsoRP2J-hJQKVYiMIz79xts3_IQxO8fG7AhixlcKe8XRZOtYF3GTdTuD/s1600/Somewhere_1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617838115683340594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdz-KdhR4ib-K8yhnCNhkCpPH9GQI0piW5UEAEoF-Q8Q0P0XUofL9wND3p7O9mV7Gxva_IvPcGkCTyS-7YIokHsoRP2J-hJQKVYiMIz79xts3_IQxO8fG7AhixlcKe8XRZOtYF3GTdTuD/s200/Somewhere_1.jpg" /></a>On a Saturday afternoon--not long after I started college--I was sitting alone in my dorm room watching <em>The Virgin Suicides</em>. It was my first Sofia Coppola film experience. I didn't realize it then, but that one quiet afternoon turned me into a Sofia Coppola fan for life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A couple of years later, I saw the trailer for <em>Lost in Translation--</em>Sofia, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johanson? How could this possibly disappoint?? And, of course, it didn't. It exceded my expectations and then some! I went to see that movie in theaters at least three times (if not more) because I not only wanted to see it again and again for myself, but I wanted all my friends to see it as well. I knew while purchasing the DVD on the day of it's release that Ms. Coppola had earned a permanant place in my heart. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>The summer <em>Marie Antoinette </em>came out in the theaters just happened to be the same year I had gone to France and saw the Palace of Versailles up close and personal. The movie <em>Marie Antoinette</em> was different from Sofia's first two films, and some of my friends were not as impressed with it. But I have always loved it! Whenever I watch it, I always think of my trip to France. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>This post, however, is not about her previous films, but about her most recent release <em>Somewhere</em>. I was unable to see this movie in the theater which greatly disappointed me. But I recently purchased the DVD because I have enough faith in Sofia Coppola to pay full price for one of her movies without a preview. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><em>Somewhere</em> is about an actor in Los Angeles living a rock-staresque lifestyle; inviting poll dancers to his hotel room for private shows, racing around in his flashy sports car, and coming home to wild parties that he didn't seem to plan or anticipate. But when he unexpectedly has to look after his eleven year old daughter for an extended period of time, he begins to reexamine some of his life choices. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>This film moves more slowly than her other films, but if you're patient, it's well worth the wait! It's beautiful how the story unfolds. We get a small glimpse into the everyday lives of these characters, and witness a gradual change for the better. It's a wonderful story of redemption, and those are always my favorite kind!</div>Raneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680846534078901580noreply@blogger.com0