Movies based on a favorite book always scare me. Too often Hollywood seems to miss the author’s point and feels obligated to add sex scenes, whether or not the scenes were in the original book.
Therefore, it was with a slightly closed mind that I allowed myself to be talked into seeing the movie version of Sara Gruen’s WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. The result is that I have to share my opinion of this production.
Cristoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon play August and Marlena, the owner of a 1930’s circus, and his wife who, along with her performing horses, is the star act of the show. Robert Pattinson is Jacob Jankowski, the almost veterinarian who hops a freight car and finds that he has joined the circus. If you have read the book you know that the tension builds not only through the love story between Jacob and Marlena, but also through August’s cruel treatment of the animals, as well as his relationship with the people working for him.
Marlena’s feelings for the two men in her life were complex. Reese Witherspoon did an excellent job of showing the strength of being married to a volatile man, the softness of caring for her beloved horses, and the vulnerability of falling in love.
To me Christoph Waltz was the surprise of the movie. He was terrific as the sadistic August. He played the part on so many levels: ambitious for his circus, jealous of his wife, remorse after particularly cruel actions. I found myself watching his reactions no matter who else was in the scene.
The reason that I found the movie to be a little flat may have been the casting of Robert Pattinson as Jacob. Ironically, his scenes with Rosie, the elephant, seemed warmer than his scenes with Marlena. I know that he is very popular with the young girls, so maybe I am missing something, but he and Witherspoon did not strike sparks for me and that was important to the outcome of the movie.
Hal Holbrook as the 90 year old Jacob telling his story was perfect, as was Rosie, the elephant. The sets, costuming, and cinematography captured the mood of the Depression exceptionally well. I am not sure if there is an Academy Award for elephants, but everything in this paragraph is worthy of their consideration.
I know that a movie has to condense a book to fit the time constrictions, but I missed the colorful characters that made up the 1930’s circus in the book. I would love to hear from people who saw the movie, but did not read the book. It is not that I did not enjoy the movie, but I really loved the book.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: I Am The Messenger
Markus Zusak is a brilliant author. His books are “fresh, engrossing, well conceived, and touching” to quote his many reviews. I have to add my own opinion; Markus Zusak may be categorized as a Young Adult author, but he is one of my favorites. (To be perfectly honest, I do not qualify as a young adult.)
I AM THE MESSENGER is Ed Kennedy’s story. Ed is hardly the type to find himself the hero of anything, let alone a full length book. He is an underage cabdriver, a pathetic card player, his best friends are losers, and he is completely devoted to his dog, Doorman, who has body odor issues.
After Ed earns some brief fame for capturing a very incompetent bank robber, he receives an ace of diamonds in the mail with three addresses written on it. As he visits each house, he slowly becomes aware of what he is expected to do. One house has a husband who comes home each night to beat and rape his wife. One home has a lonely, elderly woman and in another home is a young girl who gets up each morning to train for a track event.
The result of figuring out what he is to do to help these people brings more cards, more address, and more confusion as to who is making him the messenger and why. Each assignment brings him a little closer to the people he cares the most about. He learns things about his mother and why their relationship is so cold. He also gets involved with his friends troubles in ways that surprise him, as well as the reader. Who is responsible for the cards becomes secondary to how each life story will play out, with Ed's help.
It is not giving too much information to tell you the point of the book is that everyone, no matter how ordinary he sees himself, can change lives. This is a message for all of us; no matter what our age is.
Although this is listed as a young person’s book, I would recommend it for the more mature reader. The language is typical for the characters and some of the scenes a little violent; so be aware.
Markus Zusak is also the author of my favorite book of the year, THE BOOK THIEF. Zusak is brilliant at character development, creates witty and touching dialogue, and can invoke honest emotions in his readers. He is writing books with more substance than most of the best sellers written for an adult audience. Some books may be wasted on the young. It takes a bit of life to appreciate life.
I AM THE MESSENGER is Ed Kennedy’s story. Ed is hardly the type to find himself the hero of anything, let alone a full length book. He is an underage cabdriver, a pathetic card player, his best friends are losers, and he is completely devoted to his dog, Doorman, who has body odor issues.
After Ed earns some brief fame for capturing a very incompetent bank robber, he receives an ace of diamonds in the mail with three addresses written on it. As he visits each house, he slowly becomes aware of what he is expected to do. One house has a husband who comes home each night to beat and rape his wife. One home has a lonely, elderly woman and in another home is a young girl who gets up each morning to train for a track event.
The result of figuring out what he is to do to help these people brings more cards, more address, and more confusion as to who is making him the messenger and why. Each assignment brings him a little closer to the people he cares the most about. He learns things about his mother and why their relationship is so cold. He also gets involved with his friends troubles in ways that surprise him, as well as the reader. Who is responsible for the cards becomes secondary to how each life story will play out, with Ed's help.
It is not giving too much information to tell you the point of the book is that everyone, no matter how ordinary he sees himself, can change lives. This is a message for all of us; no matter what our age is.
Although this is listed as a young person’s book, I would recommend it for the more mature reader. The language is typical for the characters and some of the scenes a little violent; so be aware.
Markus Zusak is also the author of my favorite book of the year, THE BOOK THIEF. Zusak is brilliant at character development, creates witty and touching dialogue, and can invoke honest emotions in his readers. He is writing books with more substance than most of the best sellers written for an adult audience. Some books may be wasted on the young. It takes a bit of life to appreciate life.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Body and Soul
Thinking that I was picking up a Pat Conroy novel, I accidentally bought Frank Conroy’s BODY AND SOUL. All mistakes should turn out so well.
Six-year-old Claude Rawlings spends his days locked in an apartment in a run-down section of New York City while his mother, Emma, drives her taxi to make a living for them. Between her job and her drinking, Emma has very little time for her young son. He is as much alone when his mother is home as he is while she is working.
In his tiny room, under stacks of accumulated junk, he discovers an old white piano. He finds that he can pick out the music that he hears on his radio and his world becomes a little less lonely.
Later, when he goes to school, he makes friends with Mr. Weisfeld, the owner of a music store. Claude’s passion for music has finally found an outlet. With the help of Mr. Weisfeld and some of his surprising friends, Claude’s passion turns him into a highly regarded musician.
Starting in the slums of New York City during the 1940’s and following Claude through his school years in the 1950’s to his first big success in London in the 1970’s, this is not just a “rags to riches” story nor is it just a coming of age novel. It is an engrossing tale of a person’s dedication to something he loves, and in the process, the book becomes a love story to the art of music.
I have to admit that the technical language of music was beyond my understanding many times; Frank Conroy was a jazz musician who won a Grammy Award in 1986. It would take a reader more experienced with the theory of composition and orchestration than I am to criticize those parts of the book.
Conroy’s talent as an author had me so involved with Claude’s story that I felt that I understood the technical information. I did understand and appreciate the style and passion of this author. BODY AND SOUL should be on every musician or want-to-be-musician’s reading list.
Six-year-old Claude Rawlings spends his days locked in an apartment in a run-down section of New York City while his mother, Emma, drives her taxi to make a living for them. Between her job and her drinking, Emma has very little time for her young son. He is as much alone when his mother is home as he is while she is working.
In his tiny room, under stacks of accumulated junk, he discovers an old white piano. He finds that he can pick out the music that he hears on his radio and his world becomes a little less lonely.
Later, when he goes to school, he makes friends with Mr. Weisfeld, the owner of a music store. Claude’s passion for music has finally found an outlet. With the help of Mr. Weisfeld and some of his surprising friends, Claude’s passion turns him into a highly regarded musician.
Starting in the slums of New York City during the 1940’s and following Claude through his school years in the 1950’s to his first big success in London in the 1970’s, this is not just a “rags to riches” story nor is it just a coming of age novel. It is an engrossing tale of a person’s dedication to something he loves, and in the process, the book becomes a love story to the art of music.
I have to admit that the technical language of music was beyond my understanding many times; Frank Conroy was a jazz musician who won a Grammy Award in 1986. It would take a reader more experienced with the theory of composition and orchestration than I am to criticize those parts of the book.
Conroy’s talent as an author had me so involved with Claude’s story that I felt that I understood the technical information. I did understand and appreciate the style and passion of this author. BODY AND SOUL should be on every musician or want-to-be-musician’s reading list.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA
(Ed note: I got mixed up on dates and Mom's reviews got away from me. They'll be catching up for the next few weeks. Sorry.)
The years that I spent being a member of the PTA never involved the drama that Ellen Meister has written about in her debut novel, SECRET CONFESSIONS OF THE APPLEWOOD PTA. That is a good thing.
Maddie, Ruth, and Lisa belong to the Applewood PTA. At first they are not necessarily close friends, but when it is announced that the Applewood Elementary School has been selected to be the location of an upcoming movie starring George Clooney, they find a common goal--and enemy.
Ruth is part of the new wealth in town. Her husband had been on the brink of making his fortune when he had a stroke. On coming out of a coma, his first word was, “Sue”. The nurses thought that he was asking for a woman, but he had been a lawyer and his wife knew what he meant. The settlement moved them to the richest neighborhood in town.
Maddie is feeling that her husband has lost interest in her. He is busy with his job and she believes that he may be having an affair. Her marriage is in trouble and she needs a project. Whether that project is an affair of her own or the in fighting the PTA will be her big concern.
Lisa is the only one of the three who seems to have it all: a devoted husband, beautiful children, and a large, gracious home. One day, Lisa’s alcoholic mother shows up on her doorstep and we learn why Lisa works so hard at creating the perfect life for herself.
The women have to form a relationship to make the film company pick their school as the location for George Clooney’s movie. If their school is selected, the film company will build the sports complex that the community needs.
Potentially dangerous affairs, marriage woes, the appearance of an old flame, embarrassing family members, a little larceny, and maybe a bit of blackmail will help to form a firm friendship of the three women.
If all of this sounds like your favorite soap opera, you may be right. It is very close to a “desperate housewife” type of plot, full of sex, cat fights, friendship, and women searching for happiness. Meister keeps the novel from being trite by making her characters more than stereotypes of themselves.
The book is laced with humor and gives us a group of women with spunk who learn how important our female friends are---even if they themselves are a little flawed. It was a good vacation read.
The years that I spent being a member of the PTA never involved the drama that Ellen Meister has written about in her debut novel, SECRET CONFESSIONS OF THE APPLEWOOD PTA. That is a good thing.
Maddie, Ruth, and Lisa belong to the Applewood PTA. At first they are not necessarily close friends, but when it is announced that the Applewood Elementary School has been selected to be the location of an upcoming movie starring George Clooney, they find a common goal--and enemy.
Ruth is part of the new wealth in town. Her husband had been on the brink of making his fortune when he had a stroke. On coming out of a coma, his first word was, “Sue”. The nurses thought that he was asking for a woman, but he had been a lawyer and his wife knew what he meant. The settlement moved them to the richest neighborhood in town.
Maddie is feeling that her husband has lost interest in her. He is busy with his job and she believes that he may be having an affair. Her marriage is in trouble and she needs a project. Whether that project is an affair of her own or the in fighting the PTA will be her big concern.
Lisa is the only one of the three who seems to have it all: a devoted husband, beautiful children, and a large, gracious home. One day, Lisa’s alcoholic mother shows up on her doorstep and we learn why Lisa works so hard at creating the perfect life for herself.
The women have to form a relationship to make the film company pick their school as the location for George Clooney’s movie. If their school is selected, the film company will build the sports complex that the community needs.
Potentially dangerous affairs, marriage woes, the appearance of an old flame, embarrassing family members, a little larceny, and maybe a bit of blackmail will help to form a firm friendship of the three women.
If all of this sounds like your favorite soap opera, you may be right. It is very close to a “desperate housewife” type of plot, full of sex, cat fights, friendship, and women searching for happiness. Meister keeps the novel from being trite by making her characters more than stereotypes of themselves.
The book is laced with humor and gives us a group of women with spunk who learn how important our female friends are---even if they themselves are a little flawed. It was a good vacation read.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: The Last Child
Occasionally, while on vacation, I find an author who is new to me. John Hart has written several books but THE LAST CHILD was my introduction to this Edgar Award winning author.
A year ago, fourteen year old Johnny Merrimon’s twin sister disappeared. His father has gone and his mother has fallen into drugs and a boyfriend who abuses her. The town officials have tried to convince Johnny that there is no hope that his sister is still alive.
Armed with determination, a bike, and a map Johnny has a plan to find his sister. His map shows the home address of the known sex predators in town and Johnny spends his nights circling the town watching some very dangerous neighborhoods.
Police detective Clyde Hunt has also been searching for Johnny’s sister. His obsession with the case has caused his wife to leave him and is threatening the relationship with his teenage son. He also knows how dangerous this quest can be for Johnny.
Then another young girl, a classmate of Johnny’s, disappears. This time Johnny has an idea of several men who could be involved.
This book is filled with well developed, sometimes flawed, characters whose stories wind through out the plot. The dialogue is crisp and the motivations ring true. The story is told from several points of view, giving the reader an insight into the minds of the lead characters. Hart also weaves several sub-plots together to take us down some twisted paths.
One of the earlier reviewers said that the book was a combination of Huck Finn and Lord of the Flies. This is only partially true. In THE LAST CHILD it is not the children who are the savages.
I really enjoyed this book. Trust me; I am going to be searching for John Hart titles in my favorite book stores.
A year ago, fourteen year old Johnny Merrimon’s twin sister disappeared. His father has gone and his mother has fallen into drugs and a boyfriend who abuses her. The town officials have tried to convince Johnny that there is no hope that his sister is still alive.
Armed with determination, a bike, and a map Johnny has a plan to find his sister. His map shows the home address of the known sex predators in town and Johnny spends his nights circling the town watching some very dangerous neighborhoods.
Police detective Clyde Hunt has also been searching for Johnny’s sister. His obsession with the case has caused his wife to leave him and is threatening the relationship with his teenage son. He also knows how dangerous this quest can be for Johnny.
Then another young girl, a classmate of Johnny’s, disappears. This time Johnny has an idea of several men who could be involved.
This book is filled with well developed, sometimes flawed, characters whose stories wind through out the plot. The dialogue is crisp and the motivations ring true. The story is told from several points of view, giving the reader an insight into the minds of the lead characters. Hart also weaves several sub-plots together to take us down some twisted paths.
One of the earlier reviewers said that the book was a combination of Huck Finn and Lord of the Flies. This is only partially true. In THE LAST CHILD it is not the children who are the savages.
I really enjoyed this book. Trust me; I am going to be searching for John Hart titles in my favorite book stores.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: Lost and Found
LOST AND FOUND by Carolyn Parkhurst takes us into the making of a reality show. The fictional television program is a global scavenger hunt where the contestants are given clues as to what the object is and where it is hidden. You are probably familiar with the idea from several shows that are currently running on television.
Parkhurst introduces us to the people who are involved in the show, some counting on the cool million dollars and some for more personal reasons. Slowly we learn the individual secrets that the producers are scheming to reveal.
Laura and Cassie are mother and daughter. One night Laura woke up to find that her daughter had given birth in her attic bedroom. Laura feels that the time spent together during the filming of the show will help to heal the rift between them.
Abby and Justin are newlyweds. They had met three years earlier through a Christian ministry to “cure” gays. We hear Abby’s voice more than we do Justin’s. Surprisingly, Justin turns out to be a very major character in the plot.
Juliet and Dallas are ex-child stars. Each had achieved a large fan base when they were very young. Juliet sees the show as a way to get back her earlier fame. She is afraid that the producers will show the two of them as “bratty child stars who grew up in la-la land.”
Carl and Jeff are brothers who provide some of the comedy relief for the show. Carl is the father of a son who has gone through a serious illness. He is not willing to allow the producers to make his son’s story part of the drama of the show.
The book has some surprising twists and you do get to know these people. It was easy to like and root for several of them. I am not familiar with this type of show, but I have wondered from the promotional ads how much the producers maneuver the outcome. Parkhurst may have given us some insight.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
BOOK REVIEW: 6 Reviews From Vacation
(Ed note: Many of you know that I maintain this blog for my mother. In spite of her recent travels, she has been diligent in keeping her reviews current. I haven't been as diligent as she, so this one is a bit late. I'm back on schedule as of this Wednesday, so keep watching for her weekly reviews! ~Wendy)
Vacation is over. Among other things I did lots of reading. Several of the books that I took are worthy of their own articles; some worthy of being ignored. This group, for one reason or another, is worthy of mentioning.
MORTAL FEAR by Greg Iles is a fascinating thriller. The main character, Harper Cole, is a systems operator for an exclusive, expensive, sexually explicit on-line service called E.R.O.S. Somehow the security has been penetrated, six of the clients have been murdered and Harper is the main suspect.
Once again, Greg Iles has written a fast moving suspense novel. The fact that E.R.O.S. deals with sex fantasies, may make this book too graphic for some tastes. It is still a Greg Iles novel, which means that it is well done.
THE LEGEND by Suzanne Robinson is an above average Historical Romance. Galen de Marlowe has moved to an out of the way, haunted castle. He has tried to keep his gift of clairvoyance a secret, but this time his “visions” are of the murder of the two young princes in the Tower of London.
Honor Jennings is trying to avoid another loveless marriage. She returns to her father’s estate, meets Galen, and discovers his secret. Galen has to do what he can to ensure her silence. This might mean marriage.
SECOND CHANCES by Sharon Sala is a light romance between a man and a young girl who he thinks is involved with his son. Although this is not her best book, Sala’s talent for character development and plot twists save this from being a run-of-the-mill romance.
FETE FATALE by Robert Barnard was a big disappointment. Usually I enjoy his mysteries, but in this one---I just did not care who was killed, by whom, or why.
THE LADY MOST LIKELY was written by three of my favorite Regency Romance authors, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway. I thought that it was going to be the typical anthology, perfect vacation reading. This is one story with three, or four, depending on how you count, plots woven together. I can not pass up a Julia Quinn book and this was a fun read.
THE FIFTH VICTIM by Beverly Barton would be classified as “romantic suspense”. FBI agent Dallas Sloan has been tracking a killer who has left his mutilated victims on a makeshift altar. Genny Madoc has a reputation for having “sixth sense”. Her visions have been getting stronger and more violent. Together with Sloan, she finds that she will be the next victim while we learn the dirty secrets of the town.
Barton did a very good job of confusing me to the identity of the killer. If this is your genre, you will enjoy Beverly Barton.
Now that you know what I really do on vacation, I promise to review several really good books!
Vacation is over. Among other things I did lots of reading. Several of the books that I took are worthy of their own articles; some worthy of being ignored. This group, for one reason or another, is worthy of mentioning.
MORTAL FEAR by Greg Iles is a fascinating thriller. The main character, Harper Cole, is a systems operator for an exclusive, expensive, sexually explicit on-line service called E.R.O.S. Somehow the security has been penetrated, six of the clients have been murdered and Harper is the main suspect.
Once again, Greg Iles has written a fast moving suspense novel. The fact that E.R.O.S. deals with sex fantasies, may make this book too graphic for some tastes. It is still a Greg Iles novel, which means that it is well done.
THE LEGEND by Suzanne Robinson is an above average Historical Romance. Galen de Marlowe has moved to an out of the way, haunted castle. He has tried to keep his gift of clairvoyance a secret, but this time his “visions” are of the murder of the two young princes in the Tower of London.
Honor Jennings is trying to avoid another loveless marriage. She returns to her father’s estate, meets Galen, and discovers his secret. Galen has to do what he can to ensure her silence. This might mean marriage.
SECOND CHANCES by Sharon Sala is a light romance between a man and a young girl who he thinks is involved with his son. Although this is not her best book, Sala’s talent for character development and plot twists save this from being a run-of-the-mill romance.
FETE FATALE by Robert Barnard was a big disappointment. Usually I enjoy his mysteries, but in this one---I just did not care who was killed, by whom, or why.
THE LADY MOST LIKELY was written by three of my favorite Regency Romance authors, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway. I thought that it was going to be the typical anthology, perfect vacation reading. This is one story with three, or four, depending on how you count, plots woven together. I can not pass up a Julia Quinn book and this was a fun read.
THE FIFTH VICTIM by Beverly Barton would be classified as “romantic suspense”. FBI agent Dallas Sloan has been tracking a killer who has left his mutilated victims on a makeshift altar. Genny Madoc has a reputation for having “sixth sense”. Her visions have been getting stronger and more violent. Together with Sloan, she finds that she will be the next victim while we learn the dirty secrets of the town.
Barton did a very good job of confusing me to the identity of the killer. If this is your genre, you will enjoy Beverly Barton.
Now that you know what I really do on vacation, I promise to review several really good books!
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