What has my attention this week?
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Book: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I have serious mixed feelings about this book—although not, in any way, conflicted feelings. On the one hand, this a compelling, interesting, well written story that is nearly perfectly structured and kept my interest and investment all the way through. It also, on the surface, does a good job presenting the quandaries of the serious moral issue of assisted suicide. However, the issue aside, I found the male lead to end up as an insufferably selfish, arrogant [tries to think of polite noun/can’t think of one]. I gotta admit, it’s been a long time since a fictional character has made me this angry.
Movie: The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irwin Kershner
This has long been my favorite installment in the Star Wars series. I haven’t watched it in years, but in honor of the recent Star Wars revival, I pulled it out this week and was surprised to realize it’s even better than I remember. It’s a subtle blend of adventure/romance/comedy in Han and Lei’s plot line and nuanced, grown-up character development in Luke’s. When I was a kid, I admit to fast-forwarding through Luke’s “boring” Dagobah scenes. But I gotta say, I don’t think I ever appreciated until this viewing how brilliant Mark Hamill is in this movie, especially when you consider he spends only a fraction of the movie acting across from another human. Star Wars is always epic, but this one will always be extra special.
Music: Oliver! Soundtrack
I love Dickens, and I love musicals. What could be better than Dickens musical? This adaptation of Oliver Twist is ebullient with fabulous classics such as “Food! Glorious Food!,” “Consider Yourself,” “You Have to Pick a Pocket or Two,” and, of course, “Who Will Buy.” I think Dickens would have approved of this one.
Food: Dove Dark Chocolate Truffles
It’s a little late for Valentine encomiums, but I can’t resist: these are amazing! Dark chocolate hearts filled with whipped (let me say that again: whipped) milk chocolate centers. If I still didn’t have a chocolate stash from Christmas, I’d have to stock up.
Health: PiperWai Natural Deodorant
I’ve been super-excited about this ever since I saw it on Shark Tank a few months ago. Most deodorants and antiperspirants are incredibly unhealthy (especially those that contain aluminum), but, you know, they’re kinda necessary in today’s society. Unfortunately, most natural deodorants are worthless. But I gotta say: this one works!
Cute Animal I Want This Week
Photo taken by Lisa D.
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You can also make your own natural deodorant w/ coconut butter, baking soda, and arrowroot powder. essential oil optional. Super effective!
Empire Strikes Back: powerful and beautifully realized story about transitioning from child to adult.
Thanks! I’m sure that would be much cheaper.
Best books …yes a tie. “The Golden Son” by Shilpi Soraya Gowda and “The Girl On The Train” by Paula Hawkins (the latter was an audiobook). Both titles absorbing in very different ways. Could not put either down for very long!
Keep hearing good things about Girl on a Train. I keep getting the impression that it’s similar to Gone Girl. Is that so?
YES, the empire strikes back is deliciously epic. Seems almost timeless, and even better than modern day movies. You also hit the nail on the head with Oliver. Absolutely loved that movie. A super classic. I always mourn the part when the lady is brutally beaten to death. Ugh…Moves me to tears every time, even now. Enjoy your truffles. Don’t think I’ve ever had one.
Best recent books: Placebo by Steven James. He has a very unique writing style. Scarlet by Marrisa Meyer (can’t remember how her first name is spelled). The dog is a keeper. Very cute!
I liked Scarlet as well. Have the sequel on hold from the library.
I know, it’s a great series. Can’t wait to see what happens to Queen Levana. Or see what happens with Scarlet, Wolf and Cinder.
Deodorants that contain aluminum is the leading cause of Alzheimer’s and dementia. I use Tom’s of Maine.
I’ve used that one too.
Yikes! I was thinking rather pleasantly about books but after reading the comments have moved on to deodorant and Alzheimer’s. o|0
The best fiction book I’ve read lately is Jamaica Inn by Daphne DuMaurier.
Sorry about that. 😉
But, yes, I love Jamaica Inn. Probably my favorite of Du Maurier’s books.
Great. I’ve only used aluminum based deodorant for the last 25 yrs. And I still can’t find that anti-microbial toothbrush that’s fights off pneumatic fecal matter. ARG…Looks like I’ll get Alzheimer’s, AND become a fecal fueled zombie, to kick off the global apocalypse. *sigh* tell my kids I love em’ for me.
Haha. This totally deserves to be turned into a story. 😉
I finished The Wise Man’s Fear – it seem that Patrick Rothfuss has a knack for surprise endings!
Rothfuss is great! I’m actually just reading his “in-between-quel” The Slow Regard of Silent Things right now.
Okay, Katie,
The best book I’ve read lately and am just finishing up is E. B. White’s, Charlotte’s Web. Sometimes there’s more wisdom in children’s books that in some adult novels. White’s stories are like those of C. S. Lewis–adult stories for children. Or is it children’s stories for adults? You figure.
I’ve never read White (side from Elements of Style, of course), but if you compare him to Lewis, you know I’ll have to check him out!