Another book made into a movie

#26--I Am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore.  I am leary of the copycat Lemony Snickett-style anonymous/persona author approach, but I enjoyed the story.  (Maybe I should do my research--what if it's the same author?) The writing could be stronger, but the story-telling is solid.  I'll be reading the next installment as soon as I can get it. 

Another Book

Book #25  Bad Apple, by Laura Ruby deals with the realities of cyber- and tech-bullying in an empathetic way.

Movie #24 of 2011

Movie #24: The Social Network--The true story is more interesting.  I found the movie annoying, yet interesting.

Book #24 of 2011

24.  Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine-- This bildungsroman is narrated by a fifth grade character who has Asperger's Syndrome, and whose brother has been shot and killed while at school.  It's a worthwhile read for its empathetic and believable exploration of two topics many find uncomfortable. 

Book #23, Movie #23

Book #23 The Farther Shore, by Matthew Eck--I picked this up at the recommendation of one of Eck's students.  Since I read few stories involving soldiers (Tim O'Brien the exception, and the author to whom Eck is oft compared), the plot and characters felt uncommon to me, though I suspect they're atypical regardless.  The novel contains bursts of adrenaline-fueled action tempered with lengths of stillness.  In both cases, the unknown out-measures the known factors for these men.  I enjoyed the book, and found the characters sympathetic.  

Movie #23: Rango-- I am not a fan of animated movies, but I do enjoy Johnny Depp's work.  This was an okay movie.  Not surprisingly, I was eager for it to end and found sections awfully slow, but there was much humor and high quality dialogue.  The movie sure made me thirsty, though!

Movie #22 of 2011

22. Easy A--I know people who vocally disliked this movie, but was interested in the premise.  The good news is that we really enjoyed it.  We especially like the adult characters.  None of the characters looked like the were teens, but that always happens in this type of movie.

Book 22 of 2011

22.  My Boyfriends' Dogs, by Dandi Daley Mackall is a light read.  I picked it up (and finished it) for two reasons: it takes place on my stomping grounds and it involves canines in a major way.  Forgive me, for I adopted a dog a week ago and am feeling much love for my new companion.

New to my listing routine are the movies I'm watching this year.  Pardon me while I back up and list January to the present.

1. Cairo Time-- Fantastic in that slow-building, life-like way.  Sort of like Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.
2. Please Give--Why is there no resolution to the plot?
3. Ramona and Beezus--I cried.  Not just because I loved the books as a kid.  The movie got downright sappy, in a good way.
4. Inception--Wow!  Just as good, if not better than Memento.
5. The Kids are All Right--Good, very good.  Liked the characters, setting, and thought the plot was believable.
6. Scott Pilgrim VS The World-- I'm officially old; I didn't find it interesting.
7. Running the Sahara--not engaging.
8. Good Hair--interesting and educational for a white girl like me.  My husband was also fascinated.
9. Toe to Toe--meh.  Sort of a waste of time.
10. 180 Degrees South--thoroughly enjoyed it: scenery, vicarious adventure, environmental responsibility.
11. Warren Miller's Journey--fun while working out.  My son enjoyed it too.
12. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo--better than the book, thanks to editing.
13. The 9-Ball Diaries--good while on the treadmill or bike trainer.
14. The Girl Who Played with Fire--I liked it.
15. American Teen--starts slow, but hard to stop thinking about once it's over. (documentary)
16. Russell Brand in NYC--funny stuff, Maynard!
17. Following Sean--mildly interesting documentary about a boy who grew up in a polyamorous Haight-Ashbury home during its heyday.
18. The King's Speech--deserving of the Oscar.  I adore Collin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter
19. Dinner for Schmucks--a few moments of hilarity, but forgettable overall.
20. Never Let Me Go-- a solid interpretation of the book.  
21. Waiting for Superman--it would take an essay to explain my reaction, since I am a teacher and a parent.