Author: caitlinemccann

Book Titles Worth A Giggle

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Hello all! I’m back from my move-in hiatus. I’m now blogging from beautiful California. And since it’s Tuesday, lets talk books. For this week’s The Broke and the Bookish meme I’m borrowing from weeks past and choosing the topic of top ten hilarious book titles. I’ve either read all the books listed below or they’re in my must-read-pile.

*All links lead to Goodreads.com*

1.Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don’t Float: The whole premise of the book is literary characters and authors on Facebook. Reading Hamlet’s status updates is totally worth it. But more importantly the title makes me smile.

2. Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar: I chuckle a little bit just thinking the word platypus, if the nonsensical little creature is toting philosophy then I’m really going to giggle. For any amateur philosophers, this book is really a good way to think about the basics. Beyond the awesome title, I really did enjoy the book itself.

3. Cinderella Ate My Daughter: This book is currently sitting on my bedside table. The quirky title and the glitter grabbed my attention in the bookstore but I stayed for the content. The book is about what our culture is telling our young girls and how those girlie-girl values are manifesting in kids. There may be a book review about this in my future. Just a thought.

4. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: When I was a pre-teen this odd-ball title is what got me to turn the page. I didn’t go further into the series than this first book but the funny title did its job of getting me to pick up the book.

5. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day: I challenge you to read that title and not smile. It’s just too cute. You can practically hear a kid draw out the title with a pout. For me, this is one of those children’s books that is classic, and I have no shame in revisiting it from time to time when my day takes a turn for the terrible.

6. Why We Suck: Dennis Leary’s collection of rants disguised as essays. I had this one recommended to me by one of my best  friends and it was worth the read because I laughed at more than just the title. Leave your political correctness at the door and you won’t get offended in the process.

7. Oxymoronica: I just enjoy the word oxymoron. My love of the word comes from one of my favorite comedies, The Renaissance Man. Danny Devito plays an out of work advertiser who takes a job as a remedial English teacher on an army base. He writes “oxymoron” on the board on the second day of class and one of his students cries out, “We a’int no ox-morons.” That line has always stuck with me and made me laugh. Now the book Oxymoronica is worth the read for its own humorous qualities. Witty humor from some of the best.

8. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter: I’m grinning reading this title. The premise is so intriguing. I’m guilty of not having read this one yet but it’s one I’m desperate to read when I get the free time. Everyone I’ve talked to about whose read it is thrilled with the book, so it’s more than a fun title.

9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Not taking in to consideration the actual story, this title is hilarious. Anyone who has felt like a wallflower (ahem, me) just wants to know what these so-called perks are, and you smile a secret smile imagining what those perks might be. Now the novel itself is its own beast and worthy of praise above and beyond the title. Definitely read the book before you see the movie.

10. The Tao of Pooh: This book is darling. Adorable. Soothing. The ideas will soak into you through its soft laughter, and it starts with the title. Taoist principles delivered by the bumbling Pooh Bear. Welcome to happiness.

Well my plan for the evening worked. This list of silly book titles put a smile on my face. Hoping they do the same for you!

Move Um Out…Rawhide!

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This is it. THE BIG MOVE.

I’ve casually mentioned moving out to California and the epic packing, which God help me, the latter is not quite done. Overwhelmed does not even begin to describe the sensation of packing up your life. I honestly did not realize how much stuff I have collected over the years.  And the hard thing is that not all of it can come out there with me.

Letting go is something I struggle with. I keep mementos of major and minor events in my life–like my ticket from The Merchant of Venice, in England, or the pennant from my high school. Well those little tickets and trinkets add up. I’ve had to recycle and toss a lot of things both big and small, which has been so hard. But moving  out of St. Louis is a new opportunity and I’m ready to embrace it!

My convoluted journey begins tomorrow morning with a trip to Ohio. So I’ve got to go back to move forward. I’m actually spending some time up there with him and then he’s going to help me get out to California. We’re going to make to most of our adventure out West and make a couple of stops on the way. We’re not making huge plans, the one thing I know for sure is that when we stop back in St. Louis we are going to stop at the zoo because we both love penguins (the St. Louis Zoo has one of the coolest penguin enclosures I’ve ever seen).

So in the midst of all this moving/packing/driving I will not be blogging. When I get the chance to write again I’m sure there will be so much to say!

Literary Escapism

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I’m late! I’m late! I’m late! Forgive me for slacking off in the writing department, I am terribly busy trying to pack up for the big move.  So my Top Ten Tuesday post is a day late. It’s only my second time participating in The Broke and The Bookish‘s weekly meme featuring lists of favorite books, so I’ll have to be more prompt in the future. This week’s feature is the Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds or Settings. I’m glad to be putting settings in the forefront this week because the backdrop of a story is part of what pulls readers in and captivates an audience. I could only think of five of my favorites this week, but each is worth the read.

*All links lead to Goodreads*

1. Lord of the Rings by J.R. R. Tolkien: After making this list I realize that the most successful settings tend to come from authors that set out to craft  multi-book stories. In a way, I think it forces them to think on a larger scale and create more depth in their worlds or settings. Tolkien built a world so complex that it filled the pages of an entire mythology. The man created multiple languages! I still remember girls in sixth grade (when the first movie came out) who were learning Tolkien’s Elvish.  Middle Earth is the perfect backdrop and makes the series all the more vivid. Editions usually include a map in the first few pages, the love and care evident in every line of the depiction. Tolkien’s books come alive, even after fifty-plus years.

2. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling: I’m a straight up HP junkie. I’ve read all the books and seen all the movies. When I was in England, I even went to see as many Harry Potter related sights as I could. One day I would absolutely love to visit Universal’s theme park. Again, this series is so successful  because the world draws you in with its details. Language aids the process of bringing a world to life, little tidbits like “muggle,” “quidditch,”and “dementor” add a sense of history to a made-up world. Hogwarts and the other magical settings in Harry Potter’s world make you want to believe in their reality, no matter what age you are.

3. Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin: This is my most recent literary love affair. The Seven Kingdoms are the perfect playground for the intrigue, warfare, romance, and mysticism of Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series. I’m only a book in to the series but I’m thoroughly impressed with Martin’s ability to balance the parallel stories on a razor’s edge. The setting appears effortless and covers all landscapes from arctic to woodland to desert. Another series preceded by a map that, in this case, is delightfully necessary.

4. Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton: I have a special connection with this series, which is perhaps why I feel it is so vivid. The novels are set in St. Louis, Missouri, in a near-future setting where vampires are legal citizens. I started reading these books when I was around twelve or thirteen, and they are first and foremost horror/paranormal stories. These vampires do not sparkle, people! Gruesome murders and mystical violence are hallmarks of  Anita Blake books. Knowing the locations around St. Louis initially freaked me out because I was so familiar with the settings, so the violence became extra spooky. Sometimes it takes a familiarity with a setting rather than a fantasy location to achieve full impact.

5. Song of the Lioness Series by Tamora Pierce: Along with Harry Potter, this is one of those series that shaped and defined my childhood. Set in Tortall, a kingdom with a variety of landscapes, the reader follows Alanna of Trebond as she disguises her femininity in order to be a knight of the realm. As a young girl, Alanna was my hero. She could kick butt and take names while still being a tad girly. A very positive female role model for young girls. And the world of Tortall was just as fascinating–I wanted to go there and experience it all with Alanna. Yet another series with a map! I think if an author cares enough to put in a map and make it work with the story, then the audience is willing to go on just about any journey with their characters.

These lists tend to show me  trends in my reading styles. Today, I’m recognizing that the books with my favorite backdrops are usually series and typically have some kind of mythology attached. Settings help you escape into the book’s version of reality. The better the setting, the better the escape.

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Recommendations

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As I continue my recent discovery of what this blog is all about, I’m also exploring what other writers are doing out in the blogoshpere. Inspiration is everywhere. One of my goals for bubblewrappedblog is to talk about my major passions, and books happen to be one of those undying loves. I found this fun little blog called The Broke and the Bookish that does a weekly list feature that any blogger can join.  Hopefully this will keep me posting regularly. This week’s challenge is to pick a book and then give ten recommendations based on the original choice.

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Phillipa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl is one of my favorite books from an indulgence standpoint. It’s well written and also happens to feature a time period I’ve been obsessed with since childhood–Tudor era England. The Other Boleyn Girl tells the story of Mary Boleyn, the infamous Anne’s sister and Henry VIII’s lover. Gregory brings life to Mary’s perspective with a blend of romance and intrigue without loosing its historical moorings. So if you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, you should read…

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1. Susan Carroll’s The Dark Queen is the first in a series of the same name. The series follows the lives of the Cheney sisters during Catherine de Medici’s reign. I’m only two books into the series myself, but Carroll’s writing is a pleasant bit of historical fluff. The Dark Queen follows the eldest sister, Ariane–Lady of the Faire Isle and budding mystical power. When a wounded soldier disturbs the peace of the Faire Isle, he brings witch hunters and the Dark Queen’s wrath upon the island.    The Dark Queen Saga brings together the romance and history I was attracted to in Gregory’s book.

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2. Franklin’s Daughter of Troy is another favorite novel from a far-gone era. It’s a thick book packed with details, almost an Iliad told through the feminine perspective. The heroine, Briseis, was born to be Queen of Lyrnessos but is made a slave as Agamemnon’s army sweeps across her land. Briseis becomes the property of Achilles and the pair fall in love under the doomed walls of Troy. Just writing this mini-summary, I want to pick this book up again! Franklin gave a new depiction of Troy that was fascinating and endearing while not over romanticizing the ills of war.

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3. I discovered E.M. Hull’s The Sheik in a quirky little bookstore called Pudd’nhead Books in my hometown of Webster Groves. They carry mainstream books but also feature little read wonders like The Sheik. You may also recognize the title as being one of Rudolph Valentino’s more sultry roles, based off the book. Set in the 1920’s Algerian desert the novel follows young socialite Diana Mayo as she is captured by Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, who demands her submission and her love. What grabbed my attention was the jacket’s assertion that this novel was the precursor to the modern romance novel. But the glimpse in to 1920’s era perceptions of race and gender make it worth the read for those interested in history.

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4. I read Sara Gruen’s Water For Elephants after seeing the movie with Reese Witherspoon (I know, bad reader, bad!). The book was, as expected, better than the movie. Jacob Jankowski hops a ride on a circus train during the Depression and becomes the veterinarian to the circus’ menagerie. Amidst the chaos of the tents, Jacob meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and he falls in love. Unfortunately, Marlena is married to the violate, animal trainer August. Things come to a head when an un-trainable elephant enters the circus as she becomes a symbol for hope, love, and survival. The backdrop of the circus is lush and darkly hypnotic. Gregory fans will be attracted to the love triangle and the character details.

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5. If you’re a reader that enjoys a series, then track down Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. You cannot skip a book in this series or else you’ll get lost. Outlander, the first in the series, is another richly detailed historical piece. In 1945, Claire Randall is honeymooning in Scotland but when she steps through an ancient stone circle, Claire is transported back to 1743 in the middle of the war between the Scots and the English. Stuck in the past, Claire begins to accept her new life and finds love again with Jaime Fraser, only to realize there is a way back to 1945. Well-researched doesn’t even begin to describe this novel. If you enjoyed the history, and romance of The Other Boleyn Girl, imagine how much you’ll love it when you mix  in some time travel.

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6. Oh look, another series! Gaelen Foley writes several historical romance series that I adore, but my favorite is the Knight Miscellany series. Lord of Fire is the second in the series and is probably my favorite in the set. This is a series you can get away with skipping around without feeling like you’re missing important details.  Lord Lucien Knight is trying to infiltrate an underground society in London, until he stumbles across Alice Montague. I have no pretensions about this book. Lord of Fire is a straight forward romance novel that you can read in a night or two. But those who were drawn to Gregory’s characters will be Charmed by Lord Lucien and Alice.

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7. Atonement is another one of those books that I read after seeing the movie (guilty, again). But Lord Almighty is it one of the best adaptations I’ve ever seen. Ian McEwan creates a beautiful story of love and guilt in war-torn England. In 1935, young Biriony Tallis witnesses a forbidden moment between her elder sister, Cecilia, and the gardener, Robbie. That one moment changes all three lives for decades to come, throwing all three into the heart of WWII. I think Atonement is so masterful that a few sentences cannot possibly do it justice. I just beg you to have faith and read.

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8. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is nearly seamless blend of past and present. Grad student Connie Goodwin is pouring over research for her dissertation when she is asked to clean out her grandmother’s dilapidated house in Salem, Massachusetts. Buried under layers of history in the house may be the key (literally) to Connie’s success as she begins to chase down the history of Deliverance Dane, an accused witch in the 1690’s. Katherine Howe intersperses Connie’s chapters with Deliverance’s perspective during the Salem witch trials. Anyone who is interested in this time period will feel as if they’re getting a sneak peek into the past. It’s that same feeling of being invited into another era that I loved in The Other Boleyn Girl.

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9. Let’s be honest, even if this were a list about science fiction I would probably recommend Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I just think it’s one of those books you ought to read at least once. Goodreads describes it as, “a comedy of manners between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet.” I’d call that a fair representation of the novel I adore. I might add that it’s heartbreakingly romantic and joyfully dramatic. You’ll probably see Pride and Prejudice on more of my Top Ten Tuesday lists as I can’t resist Mr. Darcy.

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10. Much like my number eight choice, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is a novel that has characters in the past and the present. Eloise Kelly is a grad student  living in England, hoping to finish her dissertation on spies like the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. She finds a cache of documents leading to a previously unknown spy that changed the course of history–the Pink Carnation. Eloise’s story acts as a frame for the historical drama that unfolds around the spy’s identity. Lauren Willig has a whole series of these historical spy pieces that will attract fans of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Phew! That was a long list. But each of these books is worth the read. I hope you enjoy them all! And if you have any recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

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There has been so much hype for E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey in the past few months. Many have been quick to label the series as “mommy porn”, and James has been credited with bringing sexy back to books. Both comments floor me as a reader. I love romance novels. They are my not so guilty pleasure. Romance and erotica are not new concepts in the publishing world, so I was irked that mass media seemed to be ignoring many other authors’ mass market successes.

At the same time, I have a strange relationship with mainstream fiction. I always want to resist the book-of-the-moment, but then I get so curious that I cave. Why are certain books so popular? I played this resistance game with Harry Potter (loved), Twilight (Mer), and The Hunger Games (decent). So with all the buzz about Fifty Shades of Grey, I knew I would eventually give in and read the book. When my new read hit my Facebook stream, I got decidedly negative feedback from my friends, which sort of surprised me. After reading the novel, my surprise is gone.

Fifty Shades of Grey follows a recent graduate, Anastasia Steele as she begins a turbulent relationship with demanding entrepreneur, Christian Grey. Ana is innocent and intimidated by Christian’s wealth and cold exterior. Yet, she is equally drawn to Christian’s hidden depths and dark desires. Both Ana and Christian must find the balance between what they want and what they need, or risk falling apart.

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Now, when I judge this book it has nothing to do with the BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism) subculture that’s depicted in Fifty Shades of Grey. That has never bothered me as a reader, and I’ve delved into that world before with some of my favorite romance authors, Emma Holly and Laurell K Hamilton. The sex scenes are well written and keenly balanced. James offers a view in to the realm of BDSM without taking her readers into the culture’s more intimidating intensity. The sex is, in my opinion, the best part of the book. Some may argue that the sex is all a romance reader needs, but there has to be a strong, well-written story to justify a 514 page novel.

I feel compelled to address the fan-fiction history of this series. It’s like The Exorcist: you can’t un-see those  gruesome scenes, and you can’t un-hear that Fifty Shades of Grey was based on Twilight. Even at my most involved with this book, I would recall that Christian Grey is supposed to be Edward Cullen and it would throw me out of the story. Christian exhibits the stalker tendencies that creeped me out with his sparkly counterpart. And while Ana is less dull than Bella Swan, she has the same overwhelming insecurities. Surprise! Both qualities are still off-putting. Though the book doesn’t follow the trajectory of Twilight’s plot exactly, I couldn’t escape the legacy.

James does a decent job of articulating the conflicting emotions that a young girl would face as she enters into an uncertain sexual journey. What hinders the story is an overabundance of telling rather than showing (the ultimate author sin). Ana’s inner monologue often references her Inner Goddess and her Subconscious, and the latter is rather judgmental. The idea could have panned out if the characters were given in small doses. Once the idea is introduced, you can hardly go a page without running into the Inner Goddess or Subconscious. They’re both obnoxious bitches and they ruined the book for me. I wanted to gag them, and not in a way they would find pleasurable. I would have been drawn to Ana’s character more without her Inner Goddess and Subconscious talking for her.

Another element that I thought was overused and abused was the interior reference to “Fifty Shades” found in the title. Christian calls himself “Fifty shades of fucked up”, which if used once or twice would have had more resonance. But after the phrase is said, the floodgates open and suddenly “Fifty Shades” is in nearly every chapter. The more “Fifty Shades” is used, the more the words lose their power.

There were parts of the novel that I enjoyed, but they were overshadowed by what I consider to be errors in storytelling. It doesn’t matter what genre you’re writing in, the story has to be well written. Unless you just want to read it for the sex, I wouldn’t recommend Fifty Shades of Grey. A stubborn part of me wants to finish the series in the hopes that it gets better, but I don’t think I will give in to that impulse.

Backyard Amateur

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Even before digital cameras were found in nearly every home (Egads, I’m dating myself at 22) I have been captivated by photography. Getting a point and shoot, disposable camera back in the day was a gateway for fun. Our gifted and talented class took several field trips to downtown St. Louis over the years. We’d be taught the basics of centering, aligning left. or right, and then set loose into the botanical gardens or given a guided tour of the architecture. We would have an entire role of film to take whatever pictures we desired. I relished those days and looked forward to the creative freedom. Those cameras were point and shoots as well but that never felt like a limitation.

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Nowadays I’ve got a Canon Powershot camera of my own, and my little digital does a great job. But today is more about using my very first professional level camera. Mom has always shared my love of photography and has been curious about using a higher level camera. She found a Canon EOS 5d camera at an estate sale for a fraction of the cost. Playtime!

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I’m no pro. I’m a happy little amateur who got to play with a serious toy. I had to fiddle around with the thing for about thirty minutes to learn how to focus and zoom. I still have no idea what most of the settings do. I’m too stubborn to read the manual and would rather learn by experimenting. So today I tramped out to my backyard and started snapping.

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These pictures are my favorites. I didn’t do any rearranging. Everything I photographed naturally occurs in my backyard. But I did do some minor editing on the computer using Windows Live Photo Gallery. Just some cropping and a few color alterations.

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In this weather, I was a feast for the mosquitoes. But I had fun running around the backyard with my dogs, Sadie and Oliver. Mom loves birdhouses and fairy elements, and those were my favorite to photograph.

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I love how the old iron chair feels like a found moment. There were a lot of little treasures like this in the backyard. I had completely forgotten that my Uncle Rob made the birdhouse below for my mom.  Today was all about rediscovering what’s behind my house.

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After my little photography adventure, I’m excited to play with this camera elsewhere. Perhaps I’ll tackle the front yard next?

The Hobbit…It’s Happening

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I am obsessed with the trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. I’ve seen it on and off in theaters for a while now and my excitement builds with every viewing. The Hobbit even graced the cover of this past week’s  Entertainment Weekly, so clearly I’m not the only one who is waiting with bated breath for this movie’s release.

Peter Jackson is at the helm of yet another Tolkien wonderland.  Originally, Guillermo del Toro was slated to direct the LOTR prequel, but backed off when the project kept stalling in production. Personally, I am thrilled that Jackson is back for more. I could understand Jackson’s potential fear of being pigeonholed as a director or wanting to change-up his perspective, but I couldn’t imagine a better point of view for The Hobbit.

Fans of the original Jackson series will be glad to see familiar faces in the new film. Actors Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, and Hugo Weaving (Gandalf, Galadriel, Legolas, and Elrond respectively) will return for The Hobbit’s adaptation. Jackson also discussed some story expansion of some of these old favorites in order to extend the release into a two film series. Tolkien purists hopefully won’t be too upset  because the material is mostly taken from the writer’s other works.

The thing that I’m looking forward to the most are the thirteen dwarfs. Jackson told EW that his biggest struggle is defining each of the thirteen new characters as individuals since the book is at times vague with character description. The portion of the trailer where Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) stares in to the fire and sings, his baritone resonating through the space, fuels my Hobbit obsession like no other. I have been humming the tune sporadically for months. I cannot wait to see how this vast cast of characters develops.

Is anyone else obsessed? What are you most looking forward to?

Movie Going: Brave

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Brave (2012)

Rating: PG

My Going Rate: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 stars

Rotten Tomatoes: 77% Fresh

I’m a huge Pixar fan. From their shorts to their feature length films, this is a studio you can bank on doing well at the movies. And their latest creation, Brave, has captured about $131.8 million dollars from the box office so far. Part of Pixar’s success is due to their traditional emphasis on story. Animation enhances Brave’s story rather than dominating it, and that is the genius of Pixar.

I was particularly excited to see this movie because it is Pixar’s first foray into having a female lead. Brave is a coming of age story that takes place in the Scottish highlands. Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is a spirited princess with a mane of red-gold curls and a passion for archery. Her every move is guided by her mother, Queen Elinor, (Emma Thompson) who wants Merida to behave more like a lady. Much to Merida’s consternation, her parents arrange for a tournament where her hand in marriage is the prize.

*Spoilers Beyond This Point*

Merida believes she has found a loophole in the tournament when only the firstborns are allowed to compete, and she is allowed to choose the event that will win her hand. Naturally, she chooses archery, and enters the tournament herself as her father’s firstborn. Merida easily out-shoots the competition but her mother denies Merida’s victory. Mother and daughter fight, and Merida runs off into the woods. Following the will-o-the-wisps (humming, mystical blue lights that are supposed to lead you to your fate) Merida finds a witch’s cottage. The witch gives the young princess a spell to change her fate–to change her mother–in the form of a pastry.

And bippity-boppity-boo the Queen eats the pastry and…she turns in to a bear. A very prissy bear of grizzly proportions. Merida and her (pardon me) Mama Bear escape the castle with the help of her rambunctious triplet brothers. When they return to the cottage, the witch has disappeared but leaves Merida a message that the spell will be permanent after the second sunrise unless they can mend the bond torn by pride. What follows is a journey through the woods filled with mother bear-daughter bonding. Queen Elinor has to fight her increasingly bear dominated nature and Merida realizes how much her mother means to her. It’s a fight against time as they attempt to break the spell and fix their relationship.

As with all movies meant for kids, there are some overarching messages aimed at the audience. One of the trailer’s key phrases is “family is king”, and the idea rings true throughout. This may have been a movie better released before mother’s day because this is a definite mother-daughter movie. Brave also emphasizes following your heart and learning from the past, both ideas meant to inspire or encourage young audiences.

Brave is a movie that succeeds without many of the hallmarks of Disney/Pixar films. There is no discernible love interest, no Prince Charming for Merida to unwittingly fall for. At the close of the film, Merida is still firmly independent and resistant to suitors (perhaps a subtle hint that sixteen-year-olds don’t need to be in life or death love scenarios?). There is no real villain. The witch is eccentric and a bit cooky, but not menacing or malicious. Even the big scary bear (not the mother) gets a sense of redemption in the end. And there are a set of characters who don’t speak. The triplets giggle, scarf down food, and make a cacophony of other sounds but don’t actually talk. Pixar has proven they can pull off speechless characters with Wall-E and the opening sequence of Up, but it still impresses me that they can give such in-depth characterization without dialogue. With so much lacking from the traditional Disney/Pixar formula, it seems like Brave should be missing major story elements as well, but it isn’t. Brave is a fully realized film that Pixar will be happy to add to their successful ranks.

I gave Brave 3 and 1/2 stars because I enjoyed it, but I didn’t have the instant, deep emotional response I felt with Up or Finding Nemo. I would, however, still call Brave a good movie.

Book Review: Game of Thrones

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“If Tolkien and Dickens had a baby it would be Martin.” –Caitlin McCann (Me)

I recently finished George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and have been recommending this thing like a madwoman. Heck, I was recommending it before I had the whole book finished.

I got into Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series because of my friend Chelsey. She kept telling me about this amazing series I had to read. For months I put her pick on the back burner, because as any bibliophile knows, a must-read list quickly becomes an infinite thing. Plus, Game of Thrones is about 800 pages and I was waiting for summer time to read this mammoth at my leisure.

A reader’s tip: I read the appendix first to get a good feel for the characters and the history of Martin’s world. It made me feel more knowledgeable, and I wasn’t constantly flipping to the back of the book.

I also read the book in segments of fifty pages or more because this book is dense (in the best way possible). You have to attack this book or risk defeat. For me, the density is a bonus, but I understand it may not be for everyone. Some of my favorite authors are Tolkien, Irving, and Dickens: all known for their detail and depth.

I rattled off my quote above to my friend Carolyn, as I was making yet another recommendation. Truly, if Tolkien and Dickens had a literary baby it would be George R. R. Martin. Tolkien fans will be drawn to the fantasy element of Game of Thrones. There’s a well-developed backdrop of fantasy that bolsters but doesn’t over-dominate the plot. Dickens lovers will also appreciate Martin’s skill at character development and casual craft of language.

The novel takes awhile to truly pick up in pace, but what will pull readers through the intellectual thicket is the characters. Martin has a talent for connecting readers with his characters. Everyone will have a favorite. Mine are Daenerys Targaryen, the naive but regal young exile, and Tyrion Lannister, the witty and honest dwarf of a noble house. Game of Thrones is composed of small chapters, each told in the voice of one of eight characters. As I writer, I have to give Martin praise for the finesse it takes to balance so many perspectives. He takes on adults, children, men, and women, as well as differences in class. Martin’s gift is that each character is fully developed as if the whole novel was theirs. It’s damn hard, and he makes it look easy.

The multiple perspective format enhances the element of mystery inherent in the story as each character reveals new information that helps the reader piece together the plot. I felt more drawn in to the story because each chapter took me somewhere new. I also appreciated that not every character was pristine and 100% lovable. Some were definitely more likable that others but each is flawed and has to come up against those flaws in some way or another. I thought the characters made the book worth the read. Beware, they will grab you.

Game of Thrones is the first novel in a series, and it sets the tone well for a visual thrill ride full of strong characters. If you’re not already a fan of the HBO series by the same name, then get on that too. The stellar visuals translate beautifully to the small screen, and book purists will be happy to note the TV series follows the novel respectably. [Note: I haven’t seen the second season yet so I can’t pass judgement on it.]

George R. R. Martin has quickly risen to my personal pantheon of favorite authors. I can’t wait to start the next installment, A Clash of Kings. And next time, I’ll be moving Chelsey’s picks to the front of the line.

Fate and Palm Trees

/ caitlinemccann / Leave a comment

Even before I was handed my diploma at ONU, I was obsessing about where I would be living after. In general, I knew I needed to find a place in California, specifically in the Orange area since I had been accepted to Chapman University. And I’d seen enough HGTV shows to understand that having a wish list in rental properties helps with the apartment hunt.

Here’s what I was looking for…

  • AC/ heating
  • Safe neighborhood
  • Near public transportation [super key considering I am car-less]
  • Laundry on site or in the compound
  • Affordability

Now there were other things that went onto my wishlist that were more negotiable like access to a fitness center, a dishwasher, and the potential for pets. I pulled my opportunities mostly from a recommended list on Chapman’s website. All the places I planned to see were gated communities, which is why I had amenities such as a fitness center on my potential wishlist. I tried to go into the whole apartment hunt with the knowledge that I likely wouldn’t get everything on my list, but was shooting for the main five attributes listed above.

This past week, I was in California staying with family (a huge plus for me to know I have family in the area too) to begin the search in person. My grandparents and Aunt Monica went with me, and I’m incredibly glad they did because I probably would not have found the perfect place without their help.

First, we went to one of the gated communities suggested by Chapman, the Arbors at Santa Ana. The apartment itself was decent. A second floor, one bedroom with a balcony. It was spacious for a one bedroom apartment, and the kitchen appliances were modern. Everything was white: cabinets, carpet, walls. It sounds pristine but it felt uncomfortable. Maybe it was because the woman who was giving the tour struggled to answer questions…crucial questions. What is the crime rate in the area? Within the community? What kind of people live in the community? Families? College students? Her answers were vague, and in several cases she didn’t answer at all. That made my discomfort spike.

On top of that, the hallway was narrow and ill-lit. The landscaping throughout the community was large and full of shadows. Safety for me is an issue I cannot stress enough. I’m moving to a new place with few contacts so feeling safe in my living space is beyond crucial. The balcony was also connected by a low wall to my neighbor’s balcony, easily hopped over and lacking in privacy. Additionally, the property backed up against a freight train line.

I had really built up the whole gated community experience in my head. The Arbors technically checked off several of the things on my list including the pets, fitness center, dishwasher, and laundry, but it just didn’t feel right. And while the place was within walking distance of public transport, the street was grimy and could barely be qualified as safe. Part of my frustration was that I’ve spent my entire life being able to walk to school, restaurants, or the rec center, and I quickly realized that may not be my new reality. I walked away unimpressed.

Now, I don’t believe in coincidences, so the hours following the unfortunate Arbors tour was fate honking her horn and frantically waving her hands in my direction. We decided to drive to Chapman to poke around. Part of our going was pure pride. Right in front of the university, there is an amazing bronze sculpture of Charles C. Chapman sitting in front of a wall inscribed with his inspirational words to his grandson. The sculptor is Raymond Persinger, my grand uncle, and Grandma and Aunt Monica’s brother. He’s not a braggart, but the rest of the family doesn’t have that problem. We’re incredibly proud and wanted to see the piece for ourselves.

Image

Full credit for the photo goes to Ray’s website: http://www.raymondpersinger.com/Monuments.html

We took quite a few pictures with our phones and cameras, the photo above is simply an excuse to link you to Uncle Ray’s site. After thoroughly admiring the sculpture, we explored the plaza and found a kiosk littered with postings for apartments and events. I am not ever the kind of person to call a number on a flyer due to cumulative irrational feasr from years of watching CSI, Criminal Minds, and various horror films. But with family at my back, I tentatively called the number on the flyer for a guest house in Orange.

The woman who answered the phone had a lilting, lightly accented voice. She was kind and patient in the face of my nervous stutter and flurry of questions. We set up a time to meet at the house at five o’clock. I hung up that phone feeling elated. I may sound like a hippy here, but I think vibes and instincts are so massively important. Talking to my potential landlord just felt right.

With hours to kill, we went to a local restaurant in Orange Circle and then walked by the address given to me. My mind was blown. I could walk to school, to restaurants, to banks, and parks. I was beginning to think that wouldn’t exist here. We passed by the civic center and the library. The area just felt safe and connected to real community pulse. Banners advertised for summer concerts and police sponsored events. The house itself was in a historic  district that felt like the communities I grew up in. I hadn’t even seen the guest house, but I was in love with the idea of the place.

When we came back later that evening, we got lost. I panicked. Afraid that lateness would equal loosing the space. But I called the landlady and she was very understanding. The guest house lived up to my expectations. It was a small, two bedroom space behind one of those pretty, historic houses. The petite kitchen had modern appliances and included a mini dishwasher. Grandma labeled it a dollhouse and the name stuck. Two people were currently living in the little guest house, but I was planning to make it mine.

Outside was a patio with a fire pit and deck chairs, as well as a garden full of fruits and flowers surrounded by a high stucco wall. To top it all off, the landlady’s son, Brian, already had two dogs. A border collie named Remi and a poodle mix by the name of Madison. Adorable, well trained, and ready for adoration. Check. I also got to meet Brian, who would continue to live in the main house with another roommate. Talking to Brian furthered the idea that this little guest house could be a home. I’m a big believer in being friends with the people you live with.  When Brian offered me the opportunity to plant something in the garden, I knew the place and the people were perfect for me.

I signed the lease the next day. In about twenty-four hours I had found an apartment. I never expected to have such quick results or find a place that so well suited my personality and preferences. The only thing missing from my list was a fitness center, and with a daily ten to fifteen minute walk I think I can manage without it.

I never would have imagined finding a place so wonderful from a kiosk after all my expectations about gated communities. But as I get to know my future roommates, though I’m not sure if that’s the right word to use, I feel more and more confident about moving to California. I’m headed towards a home and a community I can be a part of. I can certainly live with that.