January 50/50 Stats

Books:

• The Mark of the Golden Dragon: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Jewel of the East, Vexation of the West, and Pearl of the South China Sea by L.A. Meyer. I really enjoyed this one, more so than several of the recent Bloody Jack titles. I don’t know how much longer the series can really be spun out though.
• Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber. Eh, liked the idea better than the execution. It wasn’t BAD by any means (I’ve read far worse), but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was good.
• American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott. I enjoyed it, but I wish the author had written the book in a more linear fashion, instead of jumping between three different time periods. The story being told is so fascinating that I was willing to overlook stylistic irritations.

Movies:

• “Don 2″ So very silly, and utterly enjoyable. Everyone involved clearly had fun. I cannot wait to see the inevitable next installment of the franchise.
• “Hugo” Loved it! It was an amazing adaptation of the book. The 3D wasn’t at all gimmicky, and the critics who think it’s too sophisticated for kids can get stuffed. I would have absolutely loved this when I was 10.
• “Soundtrack” Much better than I was expecting it to be, but by no means exceptional. Mostly I watched it as a way to try out an app that I think I’ll be using a lot.
• “Marigold” It was pretty bad (again, I’ve seen far worse), but there were a few redeeming moments. Clearly the filmmakers really like and enjoy Bollywood films, and wanted to share that love with a wider audience, but it just didn’t work.

Grand Totals:

• Books: 3/50
• Movies: 4/50

50/50 Challenge

Some online friends bossed me into joining the 50/50 Challenge. All you have to do is read 50 books (easy!) and watch 50 movies (um, less easy!) by the end of 2012.

Since I handily read two or even three times that many books in a given year, I’ve decided to only count the books I read at work towards my goal. Watching 50 movies is going to be a much harder goal to reach, but I’ll do my best. I foresee many, many movie days with Cathy in my future…which is more than fine with me!

I’ll try and post a list of what I’ve read and watched at the end of each month so keep tabs on where I stand. And so that you can all be impressed (or appalled) by what I consume.

Wish me luck!

Happy New Year!

Fa La La La La! La La La La!

A Very Calvin and Hobbes Christmas

Russell Hoban

Russell Hoban, ‘Frances’ Author, Dies at 86

I loved the Frances books when I was younger–I still love them today, in fact. Frances is a kindred spirit; I identified wholeheartedly with her feelings about food and bed and younger siblings. I wasn’t as good at making up songs for every situation, but I appreciated her talent.

I had no idea that Russell Hoban had a second authorial career publishing books for adults. Several of them look quite interesting, most especially Riddley Walker. I will have to track it down after the holidays.

Independent Bookstores: Good for You or Bad for You?

Slate recently ran this article, which raised a few hackles and triggered massive *headdesks* heard ’round the internet.

Then Salon posted this brilliant rebuttal, and all was right with the world again.

Well, until the next time that someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about opens their pie-hole.

Hey Girl

Yes, I know this is making the rounds of Twitter and Facebook. And yes, I know you’ve probably already seen it.

But it’s simply too good not to share!

Hey Girl. I like the library too.

Wordless Wednesday

“Hugo”

Mr Lush and I are planning on seeing “Hugo” this weekend. It’s been getting amazingly good reviews from practically everyone.

With a few condescending jabs at what does and doesn’t constitute a movie (or book) that children will understand and love, of course. Sigh.

I have the book, although I confess that I haven’t read it yet; I doubt I will have the time to before I see the movie. But I know enough about the book to be able to enjoy and appreciate what is so clearly a labor of love and a very faithful adaptation of excellent source material. And I’m also smart enough to know that it’s perfectly accessible to children–the very same children who love the book will surely love the movie as well. Give the kids credit for being smart enough to get it, foolish adults!