Numbers 43 and 28

Book #43 is Admission, by Jean Hanff Korelitz.  This 477-pager could certainly have been shortened without loss, though the prose reflects the psychological stasis of the main character.  Portions of the novel are masterfully tense, demanding reader attention.  I found most characters --especially the Quest group-- likable and fascinating.  Snippets of supposed admissions essays prefacing each chapter signal the author's skill, for they convincingly embody tone and voice commonly seen in student writing.  The idiomatic errors, such as with the use of the words myriad and everyday realistically belied the students' efforts to portray themselves as erudite.
This aptly titled book appealed to me while I was traveling through the areas where it is set, and noticed the abundance of elite school decals on car windows in the region.  Adding to the appeal was the fact that the main character is my age and has some facets in common with me.  The narrative perspective offered in Admission is new, and the lengthy, repetitious explanations of ethics exist for a purpose.

Movie #28 is True Grit.  Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and the young actress who plays the main character are definitely worth watching and (more notably) listening to.  Some laughs, some cringes, and some boredom are also in store for viewers.