Somusing

I started writing one of my typical quick reviews of this book, and then abruptly quit because while I was writing it, I read a blog post by the author about how to be a reader in which she questions the value of the question: "Did you like it?" As well as the answers thereto, of course.

So I suddenly felt like I needed to write a really great review of this. And then nothing happened for a long time.

I've decided a quick review is better than nothing, so here we go. It's based on a fairy tale I'm not familiar with called Maid Maleen (and if you follow that link, there are other links that are highly entertaining; Shannon Hale's website is funny and fun!). I loved it! And here's why: the narrator is the most reasonable character in the book, and yet she changes and grows, maybe more than anyone else. The writing is lovely but believable as a journal. So there: highly recommended!

I think the general consensus in our family was that this movie was kind of slow but also sweet. And by general consensus, I mean me and Jon, because the kids aren't all that critical yet. Also, by general consensus, I mean Jon thought it was slow, and I thought it was kind of sweet. However, I wish the temptation to place the climactic moment of the movie on the side of a very high building had been resisted.

This movie has a non-linear story-telling structure that worked pretty well, I think. Like the poster says, it's not a love story. More a break up story, like The Break-Up. But this one's funny and much easier to watch, partly because it tells the whole story, not just the break up part. I love movies and books where the characters actually learn and grow, and that's what happens in this one.

I was a tiny bit disappointed by the ending of this movie, but then I realized that I'm happy Hollywood didn't impose anything more satisfying or potentially sappy and sentimental. Meryl Streep is incredible as Julia Child. Amy Adams is great, too. It's wonderful to see two healthy and mostly happy marriages portrayed on the big screen. (And I did get to see it on the big screen, which was a nice treat.)

A delightful film about the members of an Egyptian Police Force band who are supposed to perform at the opening of an Arab arts center but end up in the wrong Israeli town. By the "wrong town," I don't mean that they have a showdown with the Israeli Clint Eastwood, just that they get lost. Anyway, it's lovely.

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is a fantastic book. I think it might be my favorite book this year, even though I'm not a runner. It's right up there with The Omnivore's Dilemma and Mountains Beyond Mountains. It has inspired Jon to start running barefoot, and the kids have run with him a few to several times (depending on which kid). Unfortunately, it has only inspired me to want to go barefoot all the time, which is not practical in these parts (it's about 20 degrees outside right now). I do have plans to become a runner, though. Check back with me in a year.

My non-running aside, though, I think everyone should read this book. It's full of riveting information and also funny and easy to read. I loved it!

While I'm doing Mira's hair, Phin comes in and says, "Mom, where's a clipboard?" And without missing a beat, Mira answers, "It's right here!"