I know I know I know there are already that many blogs etc devoted to twilight and probably just as many expressing their contempt of Stephanie Myers's books but I wanted to add my own opinion, without perhaps the amount of hype it received in America.
I got on to Twilight through a friend who kept having facebook status changes expressing her thoughts on the latest book. I will read most things to give them a go and see what I think and this was one of those cases (apart from Harry Potter just could never get into that).
I bought my own copy for some reason and began reading straight away. I'm not going to go much into the story as I'm sure most are very aware of the plot line if not through the book then the movie which has now also come out here in Australia too.
To begin with I was quite annoyed with Bella as so many are. I found her character to be annoying, I had no idea why so many people wanted to be her friend and why every guy in the school wanted to date her. She seemed to get herself into the stupidest situations without knowledge or any air of awareness at all, and it just didn't ring true in any sense (I know I am talking about a book with vampires but come on).
Edward's (said vampire) dreaminess was mentioned annoying so on every second page but he never really did anything for me. Maybe because I'm too old to be reading this stuff.
The book didn't get too interesting for me until about 2/3s in when it seemed like an actual plot line started to develop. And then I admit I got hooked in and wanted to read more. My co worker (a converted Twilight nut) then placed the second book on my desk (her copy) before I got to work one day and I will also admit I am reading it now, and really prefer Jacob to Edward.
Bella is still annoying but unfortunately I've probaly suckered myself into reading the whole series now. If I were to give advice I'd say don't bother and save yourselves the pain I'm surely in for, but if you want some mindless fluff to read go right ahead.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Holidays
Yay so I'm on holidays..from one job anyway - I get two weeks off from the office life.
I'm beginning to agree with my dad that maybe primary and high school are the best years of your life. I remember thinking at the time, is he crazy? I was miserable for the first couple of years of high school. High school is the worse unless you're in the 'popular' crowd. Luckily I had some good friends, got over my awkwardness (mostly) and got through it and mostly had fun.
But to think of all the summer holidays we had, man I miss that. I wish I had endless time to enjoy the heat stifling summer we have and not have to commute on a train at peak hour and try and sneak a peak at what other people are reading (this morning The White Tiger, Aravind Adig, lady in red top next to me who dropped her aspirin).
Anyway I'll have to be content to take my 2 weeks. At least the bf and I are going down south for a couple of days although we will need to find a babysitter for the dog (thanks Mum in advance!).
Also on a side note, I watched Teen Witch the other day for the first time in preparation for the 80s fun in February (my 25th) and that was possibly the strangest 80s movie I've seen yet. I know a few of them can be out there (Better Off Dead with John Cusack comes to mind) but this was just random. Pretty bad acting by a few, the brother character was plain weird, dodgy situations, a rapping boyband esque trio. But check out the costume change towards the middle for a dance. Awesome tragic 80s: fluro taffetta skirt, side fluffy hair, orange eye shadow!Apparently the main character though is Blake Lively's sister Robyn who is some big deal on Gossip Girl? I don't watch it but it also had the little lady from Poltergeist in it (can I say little lady?). Strange but somewhat interesting.
I'm beginning to agree with my dad that maybe primary and high school are the best years of your life. I remember thinking at the time, is he crazy? I was miserable for the first couple of years of high school. High school is the worse unless you're in the 'popular' crowd. Luckily I had some good friends, got over my awkwardness (mostly) and got through it and mostly had fun.
But to think of all the summer holidays we had, man I miss that. I wish I had endless time to enjoy the heat stifling summer we have and not have to commute on a train at peak hour and try and sneak a peak at what other people are reading (this morning The White Tiger, Aravind Adig, lady in red top next to me who dropped her aspirin).
Anyway I'll have to be content to take my 2 weeks. At least the bf and I are going down south for a couple of days although we will need to find a babysitter for the dog (thanks Mum in advance!).
Also on a side note, I watched Teen Witch the other day for the first time in preparation for the 80s fun in February (my 25th) and that was possibly the strangest 80s movie I've seen yet. I know a few of them can be out there (Better Off Dead with John Cusack comes to mind) but this was just random. Pretty bad acting by a few, the brother character was plain weird, dodgy situations, a rapping boyband esque trio. But check out the costume change towards the middle for a dance. Awesome tragic 80s: fluro taffetta skirt, side fluffy hair, orange eye shadow!Apparently the main character though is Blake Lively's sister Robyn who is some big deal on Gossip Girl? I don't watch it but it also had the little lady from Poltergeist in it (can I say little lady?). Strange but somewhat interesting.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The Road
Wow, this one is a doozy. I was researching at work one day (nothing to do with my job) for interesting books and came across some random list of top books in the past few years.
Cormac McCarthy's The Road was found a few times. I have a rather sick fascination with end of the world stories (loved Stephen King's The Stand). They usually have so many depressing moments but still I read with macabre fascination, and there's always the what if situation - how would we as a society cope?
We never learn the names of the protagonists, a son and father, nor do we know what year it is, but through flashbacks can piece together that some sort of disaster perhaps relating to global warming or maybe war has lead the earth to become what it is.
My immediate reaction after (and during) the book was one of depression. This is not sugarcoated in anyway. We hear about roasting babies, slaves and all the other hopeless things the son and father endure to survive. You can't help wondering why they bother, but I guess this is the human spirit, to simply keep enduring. The style of writing is very casual with no proper punctuation used, for example during conversations. Once I started reading, I didn't really stop for breaks. You really just want to find out where it's all leading. You get the impression it's hopeless but it's still so intriguing you can't stop. The scary thing is the book reaches you as it is not unbelievable, we've seen what humans will do to save themselves and it rings true. Also with the world climate as of late, the events do not seem so unfounded. Overall an interesting read that stays with you.
Cormac McCarthy's The Road was found a few times. I have a rather sick fascination with end of the world stories (loved Stephen King's The Stand). They usually have so many depressing moments but still I read with macabre fascination, and there's always the what if situation - how would we as a society cope?
We never learn the names of the protagonists, a son and father, nor do we know what year it is, but through flashbacks can piece together that some sort of disaster perhaps relating to global warming or maybe war has lead the earth to become what it is.
My immediate reaction after (and during) the book was one of depression. This is not sugarcoated in anyway. We hear about roasting babies, slaves and all the other hopeless things the son and father endure to survive. You can't help wondering why they bother, but I guess this is the human spirit, to simply keep enduring. The style of writing is very casual with no proper punctuation used, for example during conversations. Once I started reading, I didn't really stop for breaks. You really just want to find out where it's all leading. You get the impression it's hopeless but it's still so intriguing you can't stop. The scary thing is the book reaches you as it is not unbelievable, we've seen what humans will do to save themselves and it rings true. Also with the world climate as of late, the events do not seem so unfounded. Overall an interesting read that stays with you.
This Charming Man
I finished reading This Charming Man by Marian Keys yesterday. I like to mix up my chick lit with other more ‘serious’ or ‘respected’ authors and books and while this book does fall under the chick lit banner it dealt with more serious issues such as domestic abuse and alcoholism.
While I could relate somewhat to the alcoholic storyline somewhat I have had no experience whatsoever with domestic abuse. I felt that the issues were dealt with in a respectable manner while Marian also kept her trademark wit about the storylines.
She interweaves the lives of 4 women who all have a connection to Paddy de Courcy. He is a politican who has charmed all of them in some way, but there are many secrets that are revealed throughout the book about all of the characters.
It is quite a thick book which I didn’t have a problem with (except on the days when I take a train to work and I gained a bit of weight in my bag) and perhaps certain bits could have been cut but it did show each characters journey and gave them more depth.
I would recommend this book if you like this type of Irish chick lit, Keys is better than most in this category and as she is a self confessed alcoholic you feel she knows what she’s talking about.
Pump Up the Volume
Okay so I am in the midst of planning an 80's themed 25th birthday party (born in 84 love the music, and movies not so much the fashion but that's part of the fun) and it is interesting. I love the idea of planning a party but I'm such a scared freak when it comes to actually holding it.
I don't want to be that annoying party host whose asking everyone if they're having a good time or not; or spending way too long wondering if guests are going to get along alright or not; or if I invite my brother will he be embarrassing and actually wear the superman outfit?
I have been watching some 80s movies I haven't seen before (sacrilige) to also help me get in the mood, started watching Pump up the volume last night with a good looking young Christian Slater in it. While it isn't what I expected I'm enjoying it, next up is Teen Witch which sounds very similar to Sabrina the teenage witch and then the Outsiders.
I do have some ideas: twister, my boyfriend recently bought me an old sega master system which apparently came out in 1985 (I love Wonderboy, tried to get Paperboy but the games store had the cover but not the cartridge - had to stop myself from writing disc then!) and also singstar with 80's hits, technically obviously not 80s but points for karoke!
Of course there is also the issue of fancy dress: will people make enough of an effort? I think it is a lot easier for girls. You've got the big hair option, side ponytail, scrunchies, big headbands and of course shoulder pads, off the shoulder tops, bright colours or failing that there's always dressing as Madonna or Cyndi Lauper.
But I just wonder if the guys will get into it. I asked my Dad for insight into 80s parties (he was 22 in 84) and the best I got was no pre-mixed spirits in cans. I guess there always is the mullet as a staple from the time and skinny ties.
The 80s was supposed to be about power dressing but that was more for the women who were trying to prove they were as good and deserved to earn as much as the men. The 80s for fancy dress is not as easy to define as say the 60's/70's (go as a hippy, serve fondue and you're set) or the 50's where I'd suppose men could go as Elvis and girls could wear flouncy skirts a la Grease.
I really really want to have a party though...I never do much for my birthday and it's always fun to dress up (and get presents)..so I'm just going to suck it up and get over my fears somehow. Plying everyone with liquor usually helps.
I don't want to be that annoying party host whose asking everyone if they're having a good time or not; or spending way too long wondering if guests are going to get along alright or not; or if I invite my brother will he be embarrassing and actually wear the superman outfit?
I have been watching some 80s movies I haven't seen before (sacrilige) to also help me get in the mood, started watching Pump up the volume last night with a good looking young Christian Slater in it. While it isn't what I expected I'm enjoying it, next up is Teen Witch which sounds very similar to Sabrina the teenage witch and then the Outsiders.
I do have some ideas: twister, my boyfriend recently bought me an old sega master system which apparently came out in 1985 (I love Wonderboy, tried to get Paperboy but the games store had the cover but not the cartridge - had to stop myself from writing disc then!) and also singstar with 80's hits, technically obviously not 80s but points for karoke!
Of course there is also the issue of fancy dress: will people make enough of an effort? I think it is a lot easier for girls. You've got the big hair option, side ponytail, scrunchies, big headbands and of course shoulder pads, off the shoulder tops, bright colours or failing that there's always dressing as Madonna or Cyndi Lauper.
But I just wonder if the guys will get into it. I asked my Dad for insight into 80s parties (he was 22 in 84) and the best I got was no pre-mixed spirits in cans. I guess there always is the mullet as a staple from the time and skinny ties.
The 80s was supposed to be about power dressing but that was more for the women who were trying to prove they were as good and deserved to earn as much as the men. The 80s for fancy dress is not as easy to define as say the 60's/70's (go as a hippy, serve fondue and you're set) or the 50's where I'd suppose men could go as Elvis and girls could wear flouncy skirts a la Grease.
I really really want to have a party though...I never do much for my birthday and it's always fun to dress up (and get presents)..so I'm just going to suck it up and get over my fears somehow. Plying everyone with liquor usually helps.
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