Read: The first book to be started and finished in St Albans! I began it some time last week and finished the day before yesterday (when I ought to have been asleep for school).
Review: At the beginning, although the story was in some ways interesting, I didn't feel really grabbed by it and would happily have stopped reading had it not been a challenge book. In a way, though, I'm glad it was, because the second half was more engaging. In places very well-written, in other places less so, Coram Boy is kind of like an eighteenth-century August Rush, only more gruesome. The first few chapters deal with Meshak, an introverted lad deemed by those around him to be an "idiot". He tags along after his father, ostensibly a pedlar, but with a hand in a much deeper and darker trade. Suddenly, though, the story switches to tell us about the lives of Thomas and Alexander, two choirboys at Gloucester Cathedral - Thomas from a poor family in the back streets of Gloucester; Alexander from the luxurious country house of Ashbrook. But whilst penniless Thomas is free to follow the life he chooses, Alexander's exacting father demands that his son give up music the very day his voice breaks, in order to return home and learn to run the family estate. The second half of the book draws together all of these threads in the tale of two lads of the next generation, both living at the Coram hospital for the education of orphans, yet also both of very different backgrounds.
Time: Oh, ages. Nearly a week, I reckon. Even though I did read parts of it whilst walking from my house to Noah's! This teaching business is keeping me pretty busy doing other things (not to mention living in the SAME TOWN as my wonderful boyfriend!)
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Book 76: Goodnight Mister Tom
Read: In America, over the summer. I don't remember the exact dates. This review is long overdue - sorry Noah!
Review: I think this is one of the best books I've ever read. Bear in mind that I read a lot of children's books, but I loved this one. It's so evocative of character, and the story drew me in just right, so that I wanted to read it all the time and not do anything else.
The story begins as William, evacuee, is deposited without ceremony on the doorstep of Tom, reclusive older gentleman who lives with Sammy the dog, and owns a horse, and generally doesn't get involved in the community. Willie, a filthy and cowering seven-year-old, covered in bruises, appears afraid of almost everything. From a grudging acceptance of his responsibility Tom gradually learns more and more about Willie - later Will - who in turn begins to speak, even to smile, and, shyly, to play with children from the village and other evacuees. As the plot progresses we learn where Will came from, discovering also the origins of Tom's apparent misanthropy. I'd spoil it if I tell you how I ended up feeling, but I heartily recommend this affecting story.
Time: Hmmm... again, I can't remember. Sorry! But I know I read a lot of it lying on my mattress in the blue room in Noah's house in Florida. I think I also read some in the sky.
Review: I think this is one of the best books I've ever read. Bear in mind that I read a lot of children's books, but I loved this one. It's so evocative of character, and the story drew me in just right, so that I wanted to read it all the time and not do anything else.
The story begins as William, evacuee, is deposited without ceremony on the doorstep of Tom, reclusive older gentleman who lives with Sammy the dog, and owns a horse, and generally doesn't get involved in the community. Willie, a filthy and cowering seven-year-old, covered in bruises, appears afraid of almost everything. From a grudging acceptance of his responsibility Tom gradually learns more and more about Willie - later Will - who in turn begins to speak, even to smile, and, shyly, to play with children from the village and other evacuees. As the plot progresses we learn where Will came from, discovering also the origins of Tom's apparent misanthropy. I'd spoil it if I tell you how I ended up feeling, but I heartily recommend this affecting story.
Time: Hmmm... again, I can't remember. Sorry! But I know I read a lot of it lying on my mattress in the blue room in Noah's house in Florida. I think I also read some in the sky.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Film 64: "Sahara"
Lazy day, take two.
This turned out to be one of those big action explodey movies. Quite cool. The story here is that two treasure hunters venture to war-torn Mali in search of an American civil war iron iron ship they believe floated all the way there. They encounter a team of W.H.O. doctors investigating a mysterious plague which is taking the lives of hundreds of villagers all over remote regions of Western Africa. But with a private military seeking to eliminate the adventurers chasing them all over the deserts of the country, this plague seems to be more than meets the eye.
The best bit
The firing of a Civil War-era canon directly into an enemy Hewy gunship mid-air was awesome. The boat chase wasn't too bad either.
Marks out of ten: An unique plot rare in a block-busting ensemble of hollywood A-listers and special effects brought up the score of an otherwise predictable, contrived and unbelievable film... so I'm giving it a 5.5
Film 63: "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"
Woo! I finally got a day off the new job which means a chance to cut into the massive lead Kate's got. So let's review some Gilbert Grapeage.
Synoahpsis
This was a young, small town man's story of adversity, isolation, heartbreak and love starring Jonny Depp and Leonard DeCaprio. Growing up in the rural, middle American farming community of Endora, (I'm assuming Iowa) Gilbert hasn't experienced much of life outside of his home; he spends all of his time between providing for and attending to his morbidly obese home-bound mother, autistic younger brother and two sisters. In the opening lines of the film, Gilbert remarks that "Nothing much has ever happened in Endora, and nothing much ever will."
One pastime Gilbert does take part in is taking his younger brother, Artie, to watch the motorcade of trailers/caravans pass trough Endora on their annual pilgrimage across America. When one of the cars breaks down and is left behind, Gilbert meets a short-haired, free-spirited young woman who seems to take an interest in him. The story of the film is told over the 1-2 week period that the caravaners must wait to receive the order for their new part... and what a 1-2 week period it turns out to be.
The best bit:
Well, I'm never sure where to pick out the best parts of these emotional, touchy-feely moments. Gilbert is so overloaded with the pressures of caring for his brother and mother while yearning for independence and normality that the audience ends up just waiting for him to crack. It takes a very long time... rather than pick out a particular scene, I would say the best bit of the film is Depp's acting: you can see his building frustrations and disappointments building in his body language, expressions and actions throughout the film.
Marks out of 10: The story was very well told and did get to me in places. There's loads of character development happening, and it's highlighted by the progression of certain actions and developments in the film... try observing what's happening in Gilbert's life every time he lights a match. It will rock your world. I generally don't appreciate films set in bleak landscapes like the southwest of the states or the wheat fields of middle America, but it was still good enough to warrant a very solid 7.9
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Book 75: Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotson
Read: Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th August
Review: I really enjoyed this tale of an orphaned girl who is taken out of school to go and live with some obscure relatives who are rubber planters in Brazil. Maia expects the exciting world of the Amazon to open out before her, with all its plants and animals and its mixture of exciting cultures. But when she arrives, in the care of the upstanding governess Miss Minton, things are not entirely as she expects. And then, who is the mysterious lost boy that detectives from England are searching for? And is it possible to make friends with the local Indians? Although some of the villains are implausibly villainous, and everybody's love for the protagonist seems a little exaggerated, I had fun reading this story, which deals with issues of freedom, the responsibilities of adults and the rights of children.
Time: Two days. Begun on the flight from Sacramento to Gainesville; finished at Noah's house in between a lot of swimming, thwarted attempts at sleeping - and a trip to the mall!
Review: I really enjoyed this tale of an orphaned girl who is taken out of school to go and live with some obscure relatives who are rubber planters in Brazil. Maia expects the exciting world of the Amazon to open out before her, with all its plants and animals and its mixture of exciting cultures. But when she arrives, in the care of the upstanding governess Miss Minton, things are not entirely as she expects. And then, who is the mysterious lost boy that detectives from England are searching for? And is it possible to make friends with the local Indians? Although some of the villains are implausibly villainous, and everybody's love for the protagonist seems a little exaggerated, I had fun reading this story, which deals with issues of freedom, the responsibilities of adults and the rights of children.
Time: Two days. Begun on the flight from Sacramento to Gainesville; finished at Noah's house in between a lot of swimming, thwarted attempts at sleeping - and a trip to the mall!
Book 74: The Box of Delights, by John Masefield
Read: Thursday 11th - Sunday 15th August
Review: Apparently I had read this book before (or had it read to me), but I don't remember that. I found it an engaging if at times implausible fantasy novel. I mean to say implausible even within the narrative framework, in the way of children going missing for several days (in 1950s Britain) without the matter attracting any apparent concern. But I enjoyed the book. It reminded me somewhat of Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising, partly I am sure on account of the snowy Christmas setting, the evil-threat-to-mankind theme, and the boy hero being entrusted by adult strangers with significant objects. I have to say that I think Susan Cooper better, but I did enjoy this tale, and it had some delightfully hilarious quotes - for example the following from Maria, a girl aged about eight: "Oh no... thanks. They know that I can look after myself. I've generally got a pistol or two on me and I'm a dead shot with both hands." Sadly Maria did not play a very major part in proceedings.
Time: Three days? In between all kinds of American gallivanting, including several over-large meals (of course), Taco Bell (!!!), swimming in the lake, and a visit to San Francisco.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Book 73: Kensuke's Kingdom, by Michael Morpurgo
Read: Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th August
Review: Another island adventure story! A touching and heartfelt tale of eleven-year-old Michael and how his life changes completely when his parents, both made redundant from their jobs, suddenly decide to buy a yacht and sail around the world together. Life aboard Peggy Sue is different and has its challenges - but they are nothing compared to what comes afterwards for Michael. Classic Michael Morpurgo.
Time: A day, or maybe a bit less. In between playing on the Wii, losing at Scrabble (Noah beats me at EVERYTHING), a bit of sleeping and going out for real American pancakes.
Review: Another island adventure story! A touching and heartfelt tale of eleven-year-old Michael and how his life changes completely when his parents, both made redundant from their jobs, suddenly decide to buy a yacht and sail around the world together. Life aboard Peggy Sue is different and has its challenges - but they are nothing compared to what comes afterwards for Michael. Classic Michael Morpurgo.
Time: A day, or maybe a bit less. In between playing on the Wii, losing at Scrabble (Noah beats me at EVERYTHING), a bit of sleeping and going out for real American pancakes.
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