Trash Talk Tuesday: Review of Susan Straight’s Between Heaven and Here

“It’s a thin line between heaven and here.”

-Bubbles, The Wire

It may be because I took a class with Susan Straight, or maybe she writes differently than I typically read, but I expected more out of this book. She is the second professor I’ve had a class with that I actually read the book for. One professor required it, and that was okay because his book was gorgeous and I cried reading it. Though I think the man is cocky for making his classes read it. But Susan, I expected more out of you. 

I believe my main source of complaint comes from there being too many characters. I couldn’t keep track of who was who, and who was related to who, and who saw what and when. This made all the point of view shifts difficult for me, and I generally love changes in narration. Almost all of my writing has at least two narrators. 

My main source of awe was the words. Straight is a hilarious woman, gifted in the craft of fiction (that was the title of the course!). There were moments that were clear and beautiful. I enjoyed the read. But would I recommend? Not to most people. 

I love characters and plot. This book had both, but I wasn’t connected to any of it. The plot mattered but I felt that we, the readers, knew more than we should too soon. 

The best part of the book, and the time that I felt most connected with the plot and characters was the last two sections/chapters. They were what I expected when she mentioned the book in her class. A boy who finds out his druggy mother is dead before his last chance to take the SATs; his last chance to get out of his shitty life and the shitty town. The opening and the middle weren’t about this, but some were, of course. But the book was mostly about a town and how this woman’s death shows the connection between all the people. Which sounds great, right?

But then my stupid ass brain couldn’t remember character names and even if some characters were a male or female. And in a book that has prostitutes, rape, and family, the genders matter a little. 

I plan to read other reviews of the book. The “about” section of the book states that some of the sections/chapters were originally short stories. Honestly, I’m sure they were better stand alone. 2 out of 5. 

If you read this Professor Straight, don’t hate me! I loved your class!

Tears Tuesday: A Review of The Book Thief

"I have hated the words and I have loved them, 

and I hope I have made them right." 

- Markus Zusak, The Book Thief 

The Book Thief is about the power of words in the face of death. Zusak shows the reader this throughout the novel not only by the characters using powerful words, but by using words in a powerful way himself. He also took a subject that almost seems overdone or predictable and does something completely new with it. 

 

The use of Death seemed like a cliché to me when I first heard the novel described, but it is woven into the story in a way that is both natural and fitting. 

There are points to be given on the feminist side of things as well. Liesel is surrounded mostly by men, but she is not defined by them. She loves and cares for them but the story is her own. She is the one with the power. Though they help shape that power and her personality, they do not make her who she is. She does. 

The amount of moments in this book that make you cry will shock you. If you know about Germany, WWII, and the Holocaust you will (like me) think it won’t faze you. You might think you’ve read, seen, or heard about every possible Nazi Germany story before. But Zusak does something with this book I’ve never read before. It is those words and all the impact they hold. Zusak uses them to slice you open and pour in emotion you’ve never felt. 

Overall report: read this book. I went in thinking I would give it a 3 but after closing the book with tear streaked cheeks, I’d give it a 5.

Writing Wednesday: Darkly Dreaming Dexter, a TV show better than the original book? MADNESS.

"Another beautiful Miami day.

 Mutilated corpses with a chance of afternoon showers."

- Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Jeff Lindsay

As any aspiring writer should, I try to always read the original book of a movie/TV adaption. The only book I refuse to do this for is Big Fish because I'm too scared of the possibly of not liking it. But everything else, I want to read the original, I want to support the author. 

So naturally, as a fan of the Dexter television series I needed to read the book. I finished it Tuesday afternoon, and it took me far too long to read a book that short. I had a hard time feeling compelled to read it since I knew the outcome, at least until the book took a weird turn that didn't occur in the first season of the show. Now that I'm done, I feel weird writing a review of this book because I've never truly and completely liked a TV/movie more than the original book. Live-action and even cartoon adaptions never do the author's words justice. But that's not the case with this book. 

I could tell he was a newbie writer. Things were repetitive. For example, Dexter had to keep telling us he was an unfeeling monster. And we got it after the first chapter. It didn't need to be spelled out for us, after he murders someone. The book also felt rushed, and not thought out until the end. It was as though, Jeff Lindsay knew the beginning and ending but didn't know how to connect the two. 

The best difference is Deb. Even LaGuerta. I'm glad they get more screen time in the series, but they are better characters in the book. Rita too! Oh my gosh, she's in the book so little I almost forgot about her. There's stuff about each of the women that I love in the show, but things I love just as much (if not more) in the book that they changed. One thing I realized during the last season of the show is that it's pseudo-feminist. They try to tell us the women are strong and independent but the women all rely on the men for just about everything. The men rely on no one, not even each other. Deb is like that in the book, but LaGuerta isn't. She's more sexualized in the book, but a slight bit more badass. 

Overall, I would give the book a 2.5. Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments!

Also, I'm excited for the new season even though some think it should have ended early. What do you think?

Mad Men Monday: What the hell are you doing, Don?!

"It's easy to give up something when you're ashamed." 

- Sylvia Rosen, Mad Men

 

 

Um. What are you doing, Don Draper? I hope all of your fans judged you tonight. I'm not sure what this means for you but I was glad when Sylvia finally realized how creepy you were being and ended it. 

Part of me thinks Don knew it was over when he heard Sylvia and her husband arguing, and then just played out the fantasy for as long as he could. Problem is, the fantasy was a creep show. I always thought Don liked powerful women, but maybe he wants the power now? I'm not sure. 

On a lighter note, Joan and I have the same health issues! I was entertained when she said it was just a cyst on her ovary because I have had that happen to me twice. It sucks. Seeing Bob Benson as real human was also fun in this episode.

Overall, this episode of Mad Men confused me. The best thing that came out of it was this GIF: 

Trash Talk Tuesday: Season one of Pretty Little Liars

"Got a secret. Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then they know it
Won't tell what I said
Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead…"

- "Secret" by The Pierces

Spoiler alert if you haven't seen the show.

 

Some of have judged me for even bothering to watch Pretty Little Liars but since I have nothing to do (besides study for the GRE), I have been rewatching the show. After finishing the first season, I was left wondering: Why did I ever start this show in the first place? 

But I did. And I love it. But I think it is incredibly stupid. Especially when rewatching it, and having the knowledge from the later seasons. I'll keep my judgements short, since I do love the show. I've picked two things that made the first season hard to re-see. 

#1 Ali's brother Jason. I understand that the writers have no way of preventing actors from leaving the show, but Jason has a totally different personality, tone, demeanor, and everything in the first season. He comes off like an Ivy league rich boy creep. In the second season he suddenly looks like a Hanson brother. 

#2 How the hell did "A" who is supposed to be Mona, (and from my knowledge, only Mona) in the first season push Ian off that ledge? He looks at her, sees who it is, is scared, and then she able to push him off a ledge? He is a big dude, and she is tiny girl. Not believable. The hooded figure didn't even look as short as Mona. I'm hoping when they find out its Mona the liars question this and give me an answer. 

So, I'm looking forward to the new season and I've already started rewatching the second but I'm majorly judging. Feel free to judge me right back in the comments, I would love some explanation.

Manic Monday: Disappointment in Pepper Potts

"Baby, you're in a relationship with me. 

Nothing is ever going to be alright."

-Tony Stark, Iron Man 3

 

On Thursday I spent the day in an AMC theater rewatching the first two Iron Man films, The Avengers, and then Iron Man 3 for the first time. 

One of the things I was looking forward to in seeing this movie was Pepper Potts becoming a BA. She was in a way in the previous films, but I was looking forward to her kicking some ass. But she didn't. She was a victim, and a damsel in distress. Honestly, she was kind of mean to Tony who was clearly having trouble dealing with ALMOST DYING. AGAIN. 

But Pepper has only ever gotten her "powers" from men. Even just being CEO of the company was something that Tony almost nonchalantly gave her. The extremis virus and the Iron Man suit were the same. She was given something (by men) that could make her powerful and she struggled with it. She doesn't know how to use to her new powers and then feels guilty about using them. She's no Black Widow. And the Marvel films need more women like Black Widow. 

Overall, I loved the movie. I really enjoyed it despite mixed reviews I've heard. I never read the comics so I didn't have much to go off of in comparison. I would give the film a 3. The Avengers was the best, and I have no idea how anyone will beat it. 

Last question to the writers of Iron Man 3, WHY DESTROY ALL THE SUITS?

Trash Talk Tuesday: Review of The House of the Scorpion

"Very dark indeed is his majesty when he wants to be. 

When he was young he made a choice, 

like a tree does when it decides to grow one way or the other. 

He grew large and green until he shadowed over the whole forest, 

but most of his branches are twisted."

-Nancy Farmer, The House of the Scorpion

There are some children's books that I read and my brain screams "How is this for children!?" Some people argue that children aren't capable of grasping the concept they are reading. I don't agree with that. I believe that children understand the horrors and sadness they are reading/watching/hearing but they don't have the words yet to explain their grief. I thought about this a lot throughout the course of reading Nancy Farmer's The House of the Scorpion.

I wish I had read this book as a child. It is a shocking and intense introduction to science fiction. I wanted to cry so many times throughout reading it. 

My only "trash talk" about this book is that I wouldn't call it feminist. The women were mostly bad mothers because they cared about political issues or evil or cute little girls who want to save kittens. Only Celia was a feminist character but even that could be argued. 

This was a great coming of age novel that dealt with too much for one child. Which is why I wanted to cry so often. I suggest this book for people who love science fiction and children's stories. You should also read it if you want to read a story about a character of color. 

The House of the Scorpion is about science, corruption, power, and what it means to be human. Strangely, it is both a celebration of the will to live and the acceptance of death. My overall score would be a 3.5.

Feminist Friday: Naked Women in Video Games

"What's an appropriate way to ask about all the boobs?"

- Emily McGreevy

I'm not what one would call a "gamer" but I enjoy video games, and I love them as a new medium for story telling. What I don't love is the need for women to constantly be naked and large-breasted in the games.

Over the weekend I went to an art school in LA to meet the concept artists for the game God of War: Ascension. My boyfriend loves the God of War games, and in preparation for GOW:A which came out in March I sat through (sometimes slept through) his replaying of all the games. All the women are naked. Nipples out and everything. There is one sex scene in every game where the sex you have gives you experience or health points. That's ridiculous as much as it's hilarious. In the gallery of the art show there was one painting showing the progression of a character, and in each she just gets more and more naked. Its like the art director was like "Maybe show a little more boob in the next version." 

I asked one of the character artists about the use of boob, and his response was along the lines of:  "We just draw the character and leave that space open." I think the games are awesome, but something about the need to show nipple bothers me. 

Soon after my boyfriend posted this article The Real Problem With That Controversial Sexy Video Game Sorceress to one of our best friends, with whom we talk about this subject often. It got me thinking about the subject even more. This woman's breasts look like they each have their own heart beat as she moves! 

What do you think? Am I a crazy straw feminist for being bothered or should the video game industry evaluate its boob usage?

Writing Wednesday: Writing feminist children's books

To get news from a source other than Facebook, I often look at the website for Bitch Magazine. After reading these two articles: How do you find feminist children's books? and "Mad Men" actresses reluctant to call Peggy and Joan "feminists" I have this to say: we need to stop allowing feminism to be a bad word.

I'm sorry but from my view of feminism Peggy and Joan ARE feminist. And what the hell is wrong with that? The association that this means they hate men, and they don't shave their legs? That's not feminism exactly. I find feminism to be about equality, and Peggy and Joan prove and fight to be seen as equal in the workplace and in the home. I don't think feminists hate women who want to be mothers either. It is about the choice to do so, rather than an obligation.

As a writer, I want to combat this problem by writing for younger audiences with a feminist intent. My hope is to write YA novels, and children's book that are about being yourself and having the choice to live life the way you want. Not the way society tells you are supposed to live your life.

Interestingly enough, a short story I wrote for children has a main character named Peggy. I started writing it before I new anything about Mad Men other than it being a show about the 1960s.

Now my question to the blog world:
What do you believe 'feminist' means?
Have you read any books for children you find to be 'feminist'?

Manic Monday: Why I will never approve of Ted Mosby's wife

"All that is 45 days away. But I’m here now, I guess, because I want those extra 45 days with you. 

I want each one of them. If I can’t have them, 

I’ll take the 45 seconds before your boyfriend shows up and punches me in the face, 

because I love you."

- Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother Season 8 Episode 20

 

 For some reason, I didn't watch How I Met Your Mother from the beginning. I started it only after a bunch of my friends told me how amazing it was and how I just HAD to watch. They would say "had" like I would stabbed if I didn't. Or at least, one friend did. But I think she just wanted to stab me (needless to say, we aren't friends anymore). So instead of telling my friends I started the series, risk the chance of not liking it and being stabbed I watched in secret (thank you channel 131). Eventually, I told my boyfriend, but only after I fell in love with the show. 

Am I still in love with the show? I'm not so sure. The last episode was slightly stupid, and mostly reminded me of Ted's need for a therapist. I just want to scream at the television saying, "You don't need a woman to be happy!" But I'm in a happy relationship, so how I can really tell him or anyone that? I still love the show, but it needs to end. 

I can't imagine being one of the people who has kept with it since the beginning. The ongoing relationship failures of Ted Mosby make it unbelievable to me that he will ever have a successful relationship. The standards he holds and the image in his head of what his woman SHOULD be just doesn't exist. We get little pieces of knowledge about the mother but those only make her more unrealistic to me. How unrealistic the mother has been built up to be is shocking because of how realistic and well put together the rest of the women on the show are. 

In the end, I decided I don't want the mother to be cast. I never want to see her face, or hear her voice. I want her to remain a faceless woman with a yellow umbrella. She will never live up the image the writers have created for us. No actress is going to be that wonderful. And how will she ever compare to the wonderful writing the writers and the acting that Alyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders have created in Lily and Robin? She never will in my opinion. 

And how could a woman that perfect end up married to the whining, condescending, self-hating man that is Ted Mosby? Ted needs to make serious strides in himself before I will ever believe he can be in a serious and successful marriage. Even Barney has had more self improvement than Ted, and he is the man who should probably have an STD.  

I love HIMYM but I don't love shows that go on for too long. You have to know when you are "beating a dead horse," as it is often said. But I'm excited for the series end, and I will be watching until then. Hopefully the next episode takes me down a few pegs on this post. 

Shows I watch airing this week: 

Sunday: None. 

Monday: None. 

Tuesday: None. 

Wednesday: Modern Family!

Thursday: None. 

WHERE ARE MY SHOWS THIS WEEK?!