by Douglas Adams
Saw the movie, only remember the beginning-- thought it was extremely cheesy...
As for the book, initially thought it wasn't turning out much better than the movie, though reading about the incredibly absurd events taking place is easier and more entertaining than trying to watch them turn out on the movie screen. I generally like wordy humor, so his general style fits my sense of humor, but still, there's something stopping me from really enjoying this book. Is it the overly science fiction aspects? Or the lack of relationship development and a large focus on plot and description? I don't really know.
(Spoiler alert) When Zaphod said that his brain had been altered, I finally felt intrigued (previously I was mostly annoyed and slighly bored by the book). I'm not sure if this glimpse of a plot, outside the realm of improbabilities meshing together into abusurdity, will cause me to read more in the series. Probably. At least the next one. We'll see where this leads.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Book # 4: Holly's Inbox
by Holly Denham
One of those guilty pleasure books, like Bridget Jones's Diary, that you are half ashamed to admit that you spent your time reading, yet none the less couldn't put down once you started it. It was an easy read, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, but nothing to go on and on about. Basic plot, Holly starts as a receptionist in a new company and while learning the ropes of the company, also keeps up ongoing email conversations with friends and fellow employees. Throw in a few out-there friends and a romance or two, and you've got a lot of drama in her inbox. Not one I would put in my top ten list, but if I happen across a sequel, it would be hard not to read it.
And I think I've finally set my priorities straight--reading comes before housework...
One of those guilty pleasure books, like Bridget Jones's Diary, that you are half ashamed to admit that you spent your time reading, yet none the less couldn't put down once you started it. It was an easy read, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, but nothing to go on and on about. Basic plot, Holly starts as a receptionist in a new company and while learning the ropes of the company, also keeps up ongoing email conversations with friends and fellow employees. Throw in a few out-there friends and a romance or two, and you've got a lot of drama in her inbox. Not one I would put in my top ten list, but if I happen across a sequel, it would be hard not to read it.
And I think I've finally set my priorities straight--reading comes before housework...
Monday, February 15, 2010
Book # 3: Julie & Julia
by Julie Powell
Let me start by saying I tend to be a read-the-book-first-then-see-the-movie girl. I also most of the time will hold that the book was better than the movie. In this case I am torn. I LOVED the movie! I'm not sure if it was understanding the feeling of being in a rut (which having almost three kids in three years will do to the best of us) or the way Julia Child came across as such a lover of life and everything to do with it. Either way, I not only had high expectations for the book, but I was also scared it would flop after the movie proved so good.
Well, it didn't flop. The book was funny and a fast read (perhaps because I've been caught in the thought-provoking book zone for quite some time). Some would get a tad frustrated by Julie's ability to frequently have a crisis about the smallest thing. It did get on my nerves, but at the same time, being the pregnant, hormonal maniac I currently am, I could really relate. And she knows how to tell a good story, even if her morals and language are at times shady (for Orthodox Christian right-winged me). Overall, I enjoyed it. I needed a dose of light-hearted dramedy. I will be seeking out the next book she's written, and if I could catch a glimpse of a vacation in the near future, would bring it to the beach, as it would be a great book to read out in the sun.
At the same time, I will say I liked the movie better; in fact, it will be on my birthday list. I will also be borrowing Mastering the Art of French Cooking from the libary to peruse, and I might just pick up a biography about Julia Child while I'm there.
And for the first time this year... MommyMeg: I'm ahead!!! :)
Let me start by saying I tend to be a read-the-book-first-then-see-the-movie girl. I also most of the time will hold that the book was better than the movie. In this case I am torn. I LOVED the movie! I'm not sure if it was understanding the feeling of being in a rut (which having almost three kids in three years will do to the best of us) or the way Julia Child came across as such a lover of life and everything to do with it. Either way, I not only had high expectations for the book, but I was also scared it would flop after the movie proved so good.
Well, it didn't flop. The book was funny and a fast read (perhaps because I've been caught in the thought-provoking book zone for quite some time). Some would get a tad frustrated by Julie's ability to frequently have a crisis about the smallest thing. It did get on my nerves, but at the same time, being the pregnant, hormonal maniac I currently am, I could really relate. And she knows how to tell a good story, even if her morals and language are at times shady (for Orthodox Christian right-winged me). Overall, I enjoyed it. I needed a dose of light-hearted dramedy. I will be seeking out the next book she's written, and if I could catch a glimpse of a vacation in the near future, would bring it to the beach, as it would be a great book to read out in the sun.
At the same time, I will say I liked the movie better; in fact, it will be on my birthday list. I will also be borrowing Mastering the Art of French Cooking from the libary to peruse, and I might just pick up a biography about Julia Child while I'm there.
And for the first time this year... MommyMeg: I'm ahead!!! :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Book # 2: The Heart of Anger
Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children
by Lou Priolo
This was given to me by my aunt, a mother of five well-adjusted and obedient children. She has recommended other books before, and I have never been disappointed. This one also proved to be a great resource.
Lou describes angry kids, how parents can provoke them, and how to deal with these attitudes. He gives extremely practical advice and examples of exactly what you can say and how you can word different conversations. He also discusses disrespect and manipulation and how in a sense you can "fight" back.
I especially appreciated his use of a "think room", where kids would go when they need to reconsider their attitude. This is different than time out, as they can decide when they have formed a better way of acting and then can come out and address their parents. As kids get older, the room would also involve certain tools, a bible and area to pray, in order to help them form better responses.
The "appeal process" was also a great concept, as it allows children to respectfully petition for a different outcome. For example, they can ask to clean their room later because of something else that needs done more urgently. It is a great way for kids to feel that they have an option for changing a rule if they see a reason. Granted, the child would then comply if the appeal was denied.
While my oldest is only two and a half, I can still see lots of ways to use the methods mentioned in this book. I was happy to see that I was already employing some of them, such as working with them to restate things in a respectful manner-- we are in full blown whining mode here! I think at the point I'm at if I remain consistent, I might not need to use the journals that Lou provides, but I like the fact that they are there if needed. And his description of the "Gumnazo Principle" is right up the alley of what Orthodox monks practice in giving up their will and training themselves in Godliness.
So definitely a book I will recommend to fellow parents, and one I will be rereading occasionally to monitor our progress.
And hooray for finishing a book! I have about four books on hold at the library that if it ever stops snowing, I will be starting shortly.
by Lou Priolo
This was given to me by my aunt, a mother of five well-adjusted and obedient children. She has recommended other books before, and I have never been disappointed. This one also proved to be a great resource.
Lou describes angry kids, how parents can provoke them, and how to deal with these attitudes. He gives extremely practical advice and examples of exactly what you can say and how you can word different conversations. He also discusses disrespect and manipulation and how in a sense you can "fight" back.
I especially appreciated his use of a "think room", where kids would go when they need to reconsider their attitude. This is different than time out, as they can decide when they have formed a better way of acting and then can come out and address their parents. As kids get older, the room would also involve certain tools, a bible and area to pray, in order to help them form better responses.
The "appeal process" was also a great concept, as it allows children to respectfully petition for a different outcome. For example, they can ask to clean their room later because of something else that needs done more urgently. It is a great way for kids to feel that they have an option for changing a rule if they see a reason. Granted, the child would then comply if the appeal was denied.
While my oldest is only two and a half, I can still see lots of ways to use the methods mentioned in this book. I was happy to see that I was already employing some of them, such as working with them to restate things in a respectful manner-- we are in full blown whining mode here! I think at the point I'm at if I remain consistent, I might not need to use the journals that Lou provides, but I like the fact that they are there if needed. And his description of the "Gumnazo Principle" is right up the alley of what Orthodox monks practice in giving up their will and training themselves in Godliness.
So definitely a book I will recommend to fellow parents, and one I will be rereading occasionally to monitor our progress.
And hooray for finishing a book! I have about four books on hold at the library that if it ever stops snowing, I will be starting shortly.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Snail's Pace
My reading at the moment has slowed waaaaaayyyyy down. I wasn't sure at first why (yes I know I have two kids, but they both still nap, so that's no excuse). But then I started considering when I typically read:
1. when the kids are napping
2. when the kids are in bed at night
Hmm...what am I doing instead of reading during those times?
Playing with my iPhone. *sigh* Yes, my iPhone. My husband very nicely surprised me with one for Christmas. Previously, I have never owned a cell phone, much less a tech-savvy item like this. So now when I should be reading, I am on my iPhone checking email, facebook, or reading blogs. Not that I'm complaining about the phone, I LOVE it! But I think I might need to prioritize, as people really don't post many fascinating new developments in the course of a two hour window of time. So in the future, iPhone, you are not invited during kid naptime.
Why else am I not reading? Well, I have no good books. No, that's not the right way to word it. I have good books, but they are all really heavy reading. I tend to be so exhausted by the time I sit down to read these days that I feel the need for something lighter and more fun. So to remedy that I just requested several books from my "to read" list at the library. So come next Wednesday, this excuse will be rendered unusable.
Why am I worrying about not reading? Well, you may or may not have noticed that my competitor has finished her second book. She is beating me, and with three kids at that! And as I am not one to surrender easily, consider my game stepped up.
1. when the kids are napping
2. when the kids are in bed at night
Hmm...what am I doing instead of reading during those times?
Playing with my iPhone. *sigh* Yes, my iPhone. My husband very nicely surprised me with one for Christmas. Previously, I have never owned a cell phone, much less a tech-savvy item like this. So now when I should be reading, I am on my iPhone checking email, facebook, or reading blogs. Not that I'm complaining about the phone, I LOVE it! But I think I might need to prioritize, as people really don't post many fascinating new developments in the course of a two hour window of time. So in the future, iPhone, you are not invited during kid naptime.
Why else am I not reading? Well, I have no good books. No, that's not the right way to word it. I have good books, but they are all really heavy reading. I tend to be so exhausted by the time I sit down to read these days that I feel the need for something lighter and more fun. So to remedy that I just requested several books from my "to read" list at the library. So come next Wednesday, this excuse will be rendered unusable.
Why am I worrying about not reading? Well, you may or may not have noticed that my competitor has finished her second book. She is beating me, and with three kids at that! And as I am not one to surrender easily, consider my game stepped up.
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