Summary: In Prentisstown, you drown in your own Noise and the never ending Noise of other residents, pets and wildlife included. Todd is a short month from his birthday, the most important one of all, where he will be considered a man. He is the last boy, and he finds that there has been a terrible secret hidden. So he runs.
I could not help but breeze through the first novel, and even the second. The third was a little less gripping, as I had begun to feel like I knew what was going to happen between the Mayor and Todd. All of the characters started out well, especially Todd and Viola. They linger on the cusp of innocent childhood, only to be shoved into adulthood, where they have no choice but to evolve into survivors, fleeing from their fellow man.
As a villain, the Mayor is a little one sided, never taking on any depth until the second book. I am still unsure how I feel about his part in the story, other than the continual use of him as a foil for Todd. Todd the redeemable and the Mayor being completely nonredeemable. Viola is realistic and strong, a wonderful female protagonist that is scared, brave, and makes very human errors in judgement. The part of the Spackle, the native indigenous race of the new world, in the story becomes larger as it progresses, finally getting an actual voice in the third book. Again, the notion of being redeemable plays an important role here with the Spackle, who is referred to as The Return. I feel like Ness used this formula well, and that the notion of how humans tend to destroy everything was not over done while also not being subtle.
Overall, all three books are well written. I struggled starting out, as they are written from the perspective of an uneducated thirteen year old boy. The purposeful misspelling used to give Todd a voice ended up working very well, as he symbolically showed that knowing right from wrong does not require an education. And also showing that despite his lack of formal education, and growing up surrounded by evil, Todd was able to remain good despite his mistakes.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
2014 Books
While I'm not confident that I can keep up with this in 2015, here are the books I read during the past year. It is a short list in comparison to past years, but I drive to work and also have school. Several were rereads, as I was finishing several series and it had been quite some time in between reads. So, Happy New Year!
- Inkheart - Cornelia Funke
- New Spring - Robert Jordan
- Love In the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Gentlemen & Players - Joanne Harris
- Juliet, Naked - Nick Hornby
- Crossroads of Twilight - Robert Jordan
- Knife of Dreams - Robert Jordan
- Five Quarters of the Orange - Joanne Harris
- The Gathering Storm - Robert Jordan
- Sandman Slim - Richard Kadrey
- Darkfever - Karen Marie Moning
- Bloodfever - Karen Marie Moning
- Faefever - Karen Marie Moning
- Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning
- Kill the Dead - Richard Kadrey
- Devil in the Dollhouse - Richard Kadrey
- Aloha From Hell - Richard Kadrey
- Oryx & Crake - Margaret Atwood
- Devil Said Bang - Richard Kadrey
- And the Mountains Echoed - Khaled Hosseini
- The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
- Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman
- The Golem and the Jinni - Helene Wecker
- The Girl With All the Gifts - M.R. Carey
- The Gunslinger - Stephen King
- The Drawing of the Three - Stephen King
- The Wastelands - Stephen King
- Wizard and Glass - Stephen King
- Wolves of the Calla - Stephen King
- Song of Susannah - Stephen King
- The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness
- The Girl With No Shadow - Joanne Harris
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Gentlemen and Players - Joanne Harris **Spoilers**
Balls. I mean, just... I can't even begin to know where to start. I already loved Joanne Harris. I've actually been rereading Five Quarters of the Orange in the middle of reading the last handful of Wheel of Time novels, just to break things up a bit.
But, bloody hell, this thing has such an intricate and twisted plot! Not only is she touching on class difference, she also shows how easily young minds can be shaped and influenced. Add in the back story, which the reader essentially gets in alternating chapters where our mystery villain tells us about their time at St. Oswald's, an expensive grammar school where class lines are defined and do not budge.
I actually had to go back and immediately read the last few chapters just to make sure I understood what I was reading. It seemed so obvious, who the mystery mole was at the school, but honestly, I completely missed it.
I've read a few reviews of the book and critics seem to think that the entire plot was predictable... And maybe I can agree on the aspect that was centered around the need for vengeance and the desire of our villain to topple the institution. However, the actual identity of said villain? That one took me by major surprise. And perhaps I am not perceptive, but I'd like to think I am.
But, bloody hell, this thing has such an intricate and twisted plot! Not only is she touching on class difference, she also shows how easily young minds can be shaped and influenced. Add in the back story, which the reader essentially gets in alternating chapters where our mystery villain tells us about their time at St. Oswald's, an expensive grammar school where class lines are defined and do not budge.
I actually had to go back and immediately read the last few chapters just to make sure I understood what I was reading. It seemed so obvious, who the mystery mole was at the school, but honestly, I completely missed it.
I've read a few reviews of the book and critics seem to think that the entire plot was predictable... And maybe I can agree on the aspect that was centered around the need for vengeance and the desire of our villain to topple the institution. However, the actual identity of said villain? That one took me by major surprise. And perhaps I am not perceptive, but I'd like to think I am.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Les Miserables - Dallas Summer Musicals
For all of you folks out there that think we Texans don't actually like things like musicals, well you're terribly wrong. My mother, poor thing, attempted to make me a well rounded child. She succeeded, but I'm fairly certain the process was not as enjoyable for her as it was for me. There were several instances at the Houston Symphony where I elbowed her awake (rarely for snoring, but because she was missing Beethoven and Handel. She's also responsible for my love of ballet. I was enrolled in ballet classes when I was six or seven, but didn't really enjoy it. I am not keen on small children in large numbers, and was not when I was a small child. That same year, she started my collection of Christmas nutcrackers, the first having two tickets to The Nutcracker tucked in the box. One could say that I probably, most definitely nerded out. She lives vicariously through me, because she claims she can't sit through anything that long anymore. Psssh.
This was my first time seeing Les Mis, and I have to say I absolutely enjoyed it. A previous boyfriend was (and still is) quite fond of the show, and purchased the version with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, which was nice, as musicals turned movies go. It certainly didn't catch my heart then, but this time was certainly different. Pretty certain I was not the only person sniffling when Fantaine sang I Dreamed a Dream. There was sniffling on and off on my part. It's hard to get into the recording of a musical when you've never seen the whole story play out on stage. It is just so different than seeing it on a screen. And I have to say that Allison Blackwell, who played Fantine last night was quite lovely and her rendition was touching and I think I must have really heard the song for the first time. She made it resonate.
Nehal Joshi played Jean Valjean, and again, I was really touched by how spirited his performance was. Joshi was animated, passionate and I truly felt for him as he struggled with accepting his second chance at living a worthwhile life. Elizabeth Judd was a very sweet and precious Eponine. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the elements of the story--being happy for Cosette and Marius, but the Eponine element broke my heart. Judd gave a perfectly sassy and heartfelt performance.
Costumes were on point, a mix of modern military gear for the prison guards and lovely frippery for the more colorful characters. In short, I loved everything and am already dying to see it again!
This was my first time seeing Les Mis, and I have to say I absolutely enjoyed it. A previous boyfriend was (and still is) quite fond of the show, and purchased the version with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, which was nice, as musicals turned movies go. It certainly didn't catch my heart then, but this time was certainly different. Pretty certain I was not the only person sniffling when Fantaine sang I Dreamed a Dream. There was sniffling on and off on my part. It's hard to get into the recording of a musical when you've never seen the whole story play out on stage. It is just so different than seeing it on a screen. And I have to say that Allison Blackwell, who played Fantine last night was quite lovely and her rendition was touching and I think I must have really heard the song for the first time. She made it resonate.
Nehal Joshi played Jean Valjean, and again, I was really touched by how spirited his performance was. Joshi was animated, passionate and I truly felt for him as he struggled with accepting his second chance at living a worthwhile life. Elizabeth Judd was a very sweet and precious Eponine. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the elements of the story--being happy for Cosette and Marius, but the Eponine element broke my heart. Judd gave a perfectly sassy and heartfelt performance.
Costumes were on point, a mix of modern military gear for the prison guards and lovely frippery for the more colorful characters. In short, I loved everything and am already dying to see it again!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Ft. Worth Music Festival
Was out past midnight this morning, on my way home from Panther Island Pavilion. I had the pleasure of hearing some great local bands (I have to go back and listen to a few, due to having good conversation with a long lost friend). I also had the pleasure of listening to three bands I had already heard of: Airborne Toxic Event, Dale Earnheardt Jr. Jr. (Yes, there are two Jr.'s), and best of all.... Jimmy Eat World. Holy crap, it was such an amazing show! Granted, there were a ton of 30-something's, myself included... And I really expected more jostling. It was a super tame crowd, not at all what I expected, which was cool, considering I made the choice to wear some toe baring gladiator sandals. But, it was definitely nothing like the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis show I went to for my birthday. Again, which was fine. I, however, danced and sang until I was dead tired last night.
I guess, since m focus was more on the original music I heard from them so, so very long ago (The Middle was during my senior year of high school). I had, on previous occasions, given a listen to new releases and liked a couple songs, but my taste in music got put up on the shelf for a few years. I've recently dusted off a few things I liked then, and turns out a few things are still good (like JEW), and a few are not...
Anyway, it was a super fun day--I enjoyed my friend, she bought me tons of Rahr Blondes, which were freaking delicious, by the way. Maybe it was because it was sunny and warm, but I thoroughly enjoyed ever single one, especially after the smoking hot quesadilla we had. Geesh, I love festival food. I'm sure it was from one of the many amazing FW food trucks. Next year, I will most certainly invest in the two day VIP tickets, as I sadly missed Billy Gibbons.
I guess, since m focus was more on the original music I heard from them so, so very long ago (The Middle was during my senior year of high school). I had, on previous occasions, given a listen to new releases and liked a couple songs, but my taste in music got put up on the shelf for a few years. I've recently dusted off a few things I liked then, and turns out a few things are still good (like JEW), and a few are not...
Anyway, it was a super fun day--I enjoyed my friend, she bought me tons of Rahr Blondes, which were freaking delicious, by the way. Maybe it was because it was sunny and warm, but I thoroughly enjoyed ever single one, especially after the smoking hot quesadilla we had. Geesh, I love festival food. I'm sure it was from one of the many amazing FW food trucks. Next year, I will most certainly invest in the two day VIP tickets, as I sadly missed Billy Gibbons.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Whiskey Cake
Had a date. The most important part was the part where I had the food, at this lovely place in Plano, called Whiskey Cake.
Starting with the appetizer--our server suggested the goat cheese fondue, which was delicious. I was hoping for the fried green tomatoes, but I couldn't really argue with fondue. I really like fondue. Especially if it's the goat cheese variety. There were olives on the side, and the bread that went with was wonderful.
Drinks were fantastic. I had a margarita type thing, not sure if it was on the menu, but it was grapefruity and delicious. Not too sweet, which worked for me. Date had a drink called a Tennessee Stud with this amazing whiskey that's been aged in port wine barrels. A little on the strong side for me, but pretty tasty. He had a sour something that I didn't try, but it did disappear.
Dinner was made of fish, specifically the Texas Striped Bass, which was served over broccoli slaw--I was concerned about that at first, but decided give it a try anyway. Was definitely a good decision. Portions seemed alarmingly small at first, but mostly because the fish was on top of the veggies, but it was all just the right amount. There was also some warm sliced avocado.
Which brings us to dessert. Holy crap, Whiskey Cake is aptly named for their wonderful whiskey cake. It was warm and delicious, with spiced pecans and fresh whipped cream over the top. Definitely enough for two people... Or just one, if you're eating just the cake. It was wonderful and I felt that I could die happy afterwards. I also felt stuffed and quite satisfied.
Definitely going to have to go back, even if it's just for drinks in a week or two!
Starting with the appetizer--our server suggested the goat cheese fondue, which was delicious. I was hoping for the fried green tomatoes, but I couldn't really argue with fondue. I really like fondue. Especially if it's the goat cheese variety. There were olives on the side, and the bread that went with was wonderful.
Drinks were fantastic. I had a margarita type thing, not sure if it was on the menu, but it was grapefruity and delicious. Not too sweet, which worked for me. Date had a drink called a Tennessee Stud with this amazing whiskey that's been aged in port wine barrels. A little on the strong side for me, but pretty tasty. He had a sour something that I didn't try, but it did disappear.
Dinner was made of fish, specifically the Texas Striped Bass, which was served over broccoli slaw--I was concerned about that at first, but decided give it a try anyway. Was definitely a good decision. Portions seemed alarmingly small at first, but mostly because the fish was on top of the veggies, but it was all just the right amount. There was also some warm sliced avocado.
Which brings us to dessert. Holy crap, Whiskey Cake is aptly named for their wonderful whiskey cake. It was warm and delicious, with spiced pecans and fresh whipped cream over the top. Definitely enough for two people... Or just one, if you're eating just the cake. It was wonderful and I felt that I could die happy afterwards. I also felt stuffed and quite satisfied.
Definitely going to have to go back, even if it's just for drinks in a week or two!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Advice on writing
One of my favorite authors, Joanne Harris gave ten tips for writing on twitter yesterday. I was pretty excited, and kept checking my phone through the day, looking for the updates. So, here there are.
1. Build a world that your reader wants to visit - that is, that satisfies an as-yet unfulfilled desire - for instance, freedom; adventure; exploration; the ability to break the rules and conventions of the society we inhabit. This does not necessarily mean an ideal world - dreams and fantasies are often dark and challenging, hence the amount of fantasy dealing with war, conflict, apocalypse (all cathartic experiences, viewed from the security of the printed page).
2. Set down your rules, and stick to them. It’s fine to break the laws of physics in fantasy literature, but you do need to show consistency. If you’re writing a world in which magic works, you need to establish the laws of magic. Is it something innate? Can it be learnt? Are runes, incantations, spells, potions involved? Even fantasy needs to have its own internal logic, otherwise the suspension of disbelief becomes impossible.
3. Seek emotional realism. Whatever the setting of your story, at its heart lies a human connection between reader and writer. Fantasy speaks to us on a deeply emotional level, dealing with subconscious wish-fulfilment and the exorcism of personal demons. Just because this is fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be emotionally real. Use your own experience to make your feelings work for you.
4. Make your characters human at heart. That means creating empathy between them and the reader - whether they are elves, wolves, rabbits, dwarves, anthropomorphic space machines or aliens from the planet Targ.
5. Archetype, not stereotype. With such a strong foundation in folk-tale and fairy story, it’s easy to confuse the difference between archetype and stereotype. The first is an expression of the hidden dreams and desires of the human subconscious, articulated through traditional figures in story. The second, a gateway to cliche. Avoid.
6. Give familiar tales a twist. Don’t be afraid of breaking traditional conventions, of rewriting legends, or taking folk tales and making them yours. They are yours. They are also mine, and everyone else’s. You (and I, and we) have the right to tell them any way we like. Traditional stories need to evolve and grow in order to stay alive. Own them, and make them live.
7. Find out what makes your society tick. Does your fantasy world run on money? Magic? Tribal interactions? Philosophy? Slavery? Religion? War? Is there a king? A government? Gods? How do these things affect your characters and their journey through the narrative?
8. Think about the details. Every country or fantasy world has sayings, food, folk-tales, dress, weather, weapons, slang, customs, smells, plants, birds. Without writing a guide book, try to immerse yourself (and your reader) into this new environment. Just because it’s fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be real.
9. Don’t confuse fake with fantasy. That means getting your facts right if you want to write about authentic-sounding weapons, ships, armour or other quasi-historical details. Sound research into these things makes for more convincing fantasy.
10. There’s more to this than Middle-Earth. With infinite worlds to choose from, your inspiration doesn’t always have to come from mediaeval England. In the same way, urban fantasy doesn’t always have to be set in New York. Vary your landscapes; expand your horizons.
1. Build a world that your reader wants to visit - that is, that satisfies an as-yet unfulfilled desire - for instance, freedom; adventure; exploration; the ability to break the rules and conventions of the society we inhabit. This does not necessarily mean an ideal world - dreams and fantasies are often dark and challenging, hence the amount of fantasy dealing with war, conflict, apocalypse (all cathartic experiences, viewed from the security of the printed page).
2. Set down your rules, and stick to them. It’s fine to break the laws of physics in fantasy literature, but you do need to show consistency. If you’re writing a world in which magic works, you need to establish the laws of magic. Is it something innate? Can it be learnt? Are runes, incantations, spells, potions involved? Even fantasy needs to have its own internal logic, otherwise the suspension of disbelief becomes impossible.
3. Seek emotional realism. Whatever the setting of your story, at its heart lies a human connection between reader and writer. Fantasy speaks to us on a deeply emotional level, dealing with subconscious wish-fulfilment and the exorcism of personal demons. Just because this is fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be emotionally real. Use your own experience to make your feelings work for you.
4. Make your characters human at heart. That means creating empathy between them and the reader - whether they are elves, wolves, rabbits, dwarves, anthropomorphic space machines or aliens from the planet Targ.
5. Archetype, not stereotype. With such a strong foundation in folk-tale and fairy story, it’s easy to confuse the difference between archetype and stereotype. The first is an expression of the hidden dreams and desires of the human subconscious, articulated through traditional figures in story. The second, a gateway to cliche. Avoid.
6. Give familiar tales a twist. Don’t be afraid of breaking traditional conventions, of rewriting legends, or taking folk tales and making them yours. They are yours. They are also mine, and everyone else’s. You (and I, and we) have the right to tell them any way we like. Traditional stories need to evolve and grow in order to stay alive. Own them, and make them live.
7. Find out what makes your society tick. Does your fantasy world run on money? Magic? Tribal interactions? Philosophy? Slavery? Religion? War? Is there a king? A government? Gods? How do these things affect your characters and their journey through the narrative?
8. Think about the details. Every country or fantasy world has sayings, food, folk-tales, dress, weather, weapons, slang, customs, smells, plants, birds. Without writing a guide book, try to immerse yourself (and your reader) into this new environment. Just because it’s fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be real.
9. Don’t confuse fake with fantasy. That means getting your facts right if you want to write about authentic-sounding weapons, ships, armour or other quasi-historical details. Sound research into these things makes for more convincing fantasy.
10. There’s more to this than Middle-Earth. With infinite worlds to choose from, your inspiration doesn’t always have to come from mediaeval England. In the same way, urban fantasy doesn’t always have to be set in New York. Vary your landscapes; expand your horizons.
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