Sundance and Seeing Austenland

Monday night I took my husband to attend a screening as part of the Sundance Film Festival here in Utah. It was so much fun. We headed up through Salt Lake City and grabbed a bite to eat and then another hour up to Ogden.

Ogden seems a bit out of place for the Sundance Film Festival but they have an amazing theater, the Peery's Egyptian Theater. It holds over 800 people and there were more than enough to fill all those seats.

Inside the Egyptian Theater

Stock photo from Austenland

We had to stand in line for a long time to get in but I got our tickets early and so we were one of the first people in line and in the theater. My husband is such a fun person. When he's really excited and feeling good, he's such a people person. So he talked to everyone in line and found out where they were from, how long they had been attending/volunteering. He even found a fellow Portlander where they talked about the old days of organs and bubbles of his youth...

Archie and I chilling before the movie

The theater also hosts one of the few pipe organs left in the country and so we were serenaded by organ music before the movie started. So amazing. The atmosphere is electric with people excited to see everything. I know I was.

Pipe organist!

This showing was not the premiere of Austenland. That happened two nights before down in Park City so I didn't think we'd get any of the actors up in Ogden, but the director and writer (they're locals) were there and after the movie, they answered questions.

Drinking chai tea by the fire before movie

The movie is FUNNY! Jerusha Hess managed to take subpar material and really turn it into something visually as well as do a script upgrade with the actual author. The whole audience just guffawed almost through the whole movie. I was crying! Busting a gut, what have you. Romance didn't work very well, but it didn't in the book either so I wasn't expecting much in that area but if you want a really funny movie, this is it. You can tell the actors and the crew just had a blast. It really does make the movie come alive.

I was soooo excited for this to start!

After the movie there was a Q&A session. It was just fun and exciting to see the director and writer up there just being funny and personable and talking about their experiences. How can I put it? It was just really cool.

Jerusha Hess (director) and Shannon Hale (book author)

They even had a live band next door and a few appetizers to eat and we sat and listened to music and ate a few cucumber sandwiches.

It was an amazing experience and one we look forward to experiencing every year!

Saturday Snapshot (1)

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky at At Home With Books book blog. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

I thought this would be a fun meme to post on today!

I really love Fall and this is a local hike we went on in Provo Canyon, Utah.

I love corn mazes and I caught this one as the sun was setting.

Sundance Film Festival 2013

I live in Utah and I have never ever attended the Sundance Film Festival. It's literally less than two hours away from me, and it's really not too expensive if you want to make a day out of it and see 1 or 2 movies and maybe a bite to eat. So....I finally decided this year was the year! My hubby and I are seeing Austenland, a book-to-movie film by Shannon Hale. The film has been written and directed by the same people who did Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre (Jerusha and Jared Hess). While I know those films weren't everyone's favorite, they are two of mine. Napoleon Dynamite reminds me a lot of my own childhood--similar boredom, dresses, paneled walls, 70s green lamps, and crazy creatures in the backyard.

Austenland was not my favorite Austenesque book, but it had its moment,s and since it had a lot of potential, I'm hoping it will turn into a great homage to Austen and her characters, along with some funny romance.

My devoted husband is taking the day off, mom's watching our son, and we're heading up for the whole shpeel next Monday! I don't know if I'll see any celebrities, but I'll keep my eyes peeled. In any case, it's a date without our child. It'll be fun no matter what.

Gabe moment this week: He's potty training....and this is what he came up with while playing with his Tiggers:

One Line Movie Reviews (1)

Invisible War (2012): Documentary on the prevalence of rape in the U.S. military, well-done and timely.

Rating: A-

Tropic Thunder (2008): Silly and bloody movie about a movie that was in a movie?

Rating: C

Total Recall (2012): Better than I expected with good action fights.

Rating: B-

Looper (2012): Fantastic sci-fi movie with story, action, and heart.

Rating: A+

Pitch Perfect (2012): A wonderful take on the Glee singing montage with humor, romance, and of course, singing!

Rating: B+

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

Summary: Liyana is a vessel. Her goddess Bayla will inhabit her body while her soul moves onto the Dreaming. The other desert clans all have vessels being prepared for their god or goddess to come down and help save their people. Until 5 gods do not show up. Liyana's family leaves her banished when Korbyn the trickster god finds her. They set out on a quest to free the other gods and save their people from an encroaching enemy.

My thoughts: World and character-building are big ones for me when reading any kind of fantasy novel. It seems nowadays that authors just kind of throw together a world without fully fleshing it out and some two-dimensional characters to feel it. Not Durst. She packs this novel with myths, histories, and people. I was thrown in and immersed from the beginning. I love mythology and I am amazed when authors can make up their own for their stories and make them sound credible.

Goddesses and gods inhabit this world but they are all very human, with much to learn. I loved the interaction between Korbyn, learning to be in a body again, and Liyana who knows she should not be having feelings for her goddess' lover.

In the beginning Durst threw out a few stereotypes with her cast of characters but I think it was intentional to get the best changes and growth out of them she could. Liyana was a bit on the unquestioning and shy side but she really let her grow into a role of leadership and free-thinking. Is it really necessary that the gods kill those they inhabit? Why can't the vessels learn magic like the gods? The gods are supposed to love us, why are they so petty and selfish?

I just can't give enough praise for this book. It combined all of my required elements beautifully. I am definitely picking up more of her books in the future. And a big fat YAY to some quality young adult fiction.

Looking Forward in 2013

Last year was a bit lackluster for me on the blogging and reading front. I had new projects I wanted to try and do....Well, I don't know how well that all turned out. But I always try to read a bit more from the already-own books and I didn't do too well on that goal. So once again my goal is to read a bit more from my own pile. I have two book clubs one for strictly non-fiction books and the other one it just depends on who's picking for the month. So I'll probably have to buy a few more this year to keep up with the book clubs but overall I just want to stick with what I've got. I've found a lot of great classics finds at second-hand stores, so I want to get to a few more classics. I also want to get to a few re-reads. Little Women and Gone With the Wind have been on my mind lately.

For blogging purposes, I'd like to include books I read with my son (so a pic or two with him a month), some more short movie reviews, maybe some TV posts, and I may even get back to the 'things-I-liked/loved' posts for the week.

2012 in Review--Favorites!

 I was going to do a big post on all my books and all my movies but then realized that it would be way too long and way too boring! You are welcome. I'll do top ten lists instead. It'll still be long and boring but be grateful it wasn't longer. I'll even throw in a cute pic of my adorable son if you scroll all the way to the end ;)

Top 10 Books of 2012 (in no particular order)

1. Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke. Loved it. Pirates and magic and a strong female lead :)
2.  Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai. Beautiful poetry and strong and heart-wrenching story. Perfect combo.
3. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. Probably the best novel I've read (audiobook so listened to) all year. Gorgeous.
4. Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey Into Manhood and Back Again by Norah Vincent. Fascinating journey to read. Gave me new insights and she's a great writer.
5. Let's Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson. Funniest book I read/listened to this year! Awesome.
6. Rot and Ruin by Jonathon Maberry. One of the best and most heart-warming zombie stories ever. Love stories that make me sit back and think and ponder about what I just read. Love it!
7.  Doubt: A History: The Great Doubters and Their Legacy of Innovation from Socrates and Jesus to Thomas Jefferson and Emily Dickinson by Jennifer Hecht. One of the best history books I've ever read. Fascinating look at doubt and dissent throughout history.
8. The Many Lives and Secrets Sorrows of Josephine Bonaparte by Sandra Gulland. Great historical fiction about France's crazy revolution and its notorious emperor told through the eyes of his wife. Really great stuff.
9. Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. Great discussion of how science is carried out and why and how to spot the bad science. Brilliant.
10. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. I love everything John Green writes and this one is no exception. Heart-warming and funny.

Top 10 Movies of 2012 (in no particular order)

1. Blood Diamond (2006): Got rid of all my diamonds and cried myself to sleep...
2. Vagina Monologues: Eve Ensler (2002): Funny, poignant, and oh-so needed.
3. The Descendents (2011): Wow. So moving. I loved it.
4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011): Book and movie were fabulous. Such a great human story.
5. Beginners (2011): Beautiful story about finding love and living life to its fullest.
6. Les Miserables (2012): I sang, I bawled. Gorgeous...meh to Russell Crowe, though.
7. The Sessions (2012): Beautiful story on how a disabled man finds love and peace.
8. The Avengers (2012): Greatest superhero movie thus far!
9. Cabin in the Woods (2011): Joss Whedon and horror and pop culture makes this a winner!
10. Saved! (2004): Great comedy on religious intolerance and the importance of doubt and tolerance.

Gabe's fun Christmas....see I told you'd get some cute pics :)

After Christmas ice cream.

We're nerds. Lots of Carl Sagan love in our home :)

Meowy Christmas from Wolfy to you.

May all your goals, wishes, and dreams come true in 2013!

Dancing With Jesus by Sam Stall

Image Source

Dancing With Jesus was given to me for review by Running Press.

Funny! It's a small board book complete with pictures and moving graphics! Sam Stall describes various dance moves in honor of Jesus and his apostles, with little descriptions describing the story behind the dance move contained in the Bible.

My personal favorites include, The Temptation Tango with Satan, the Lazarus Lurch (love me some zombie moves), and the Judas Hustle. All are silly, fun, and irreverent, which insured my adoration.

I'd recommend this little book for stocking-stuffers, white elephant gifts, or as a gag gift for those who aren't too offended ;)

Thanks to Suzanne Wallace who provided me with this absolutely funny and adorable book!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

U.S. cover

This book is---hands down---the best book I've read this year. Seraphina combines all the elements of a great fantasy story into one. For me that includes a whole new fantasy world, complete with history, language, culture, but doesn't hit you over the head with it.

Seraphina lives in a world where the Catholic church reigns supreme and dragons roam the Earth. They have eased into an uncertain treaty and are celebrating it's 40th anniversary.

Suspicion and prejudice are present on both sides. Dragons hate emotions and humans feel that dragons are soulless and evil. It's an uneasy truce but one that allows for peace and cooperation.

Seraphina is our heroine. We learn she is half human and half dragon. She is the one who will bring them all together in the wake of treason, assassinations, and the undoing of the treaty.

I loved Hartman's writing. She brings a sense of wonder to this world. The romance isn't heavy-handed. The plot moves along nicely. I really cared about the people, the dragons, and the world. I really haven't read such an engrossing YA fantasy novel since the Harry Potter series.

I really have nothing bad to say. I guess I didn't like the ending as much as I was hoping but that's just being nit-picky.

This is a beautiful and engaging fantasy series and all should read!

*I really like the U.S cover better. Adds to the mystery of the world. I don't like seeing the characters on the cover. Kind of ruins it for me.

U.K. cover

The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters

I received this from the publisher Quirk Books.

Wow. What a fantastic plot. Scientists have discovered a ginormous asteroid and it's on its way here, to Earth. We only have six months til all hell breaks out. People are going to die and the rest will probably slowly die from freezing temps, starvation, and civil society breaking down. It's the apocalypse with a due date.

Well, instead of waiting for the actual impact to destroy society, most decide to give up early. Governments are breaking down, people are committing suicide, martial law, high prices, drugs, etc. There are a few holdouts like Det. Hank Palace.

He takes a scene to clean up what looks like another suicide, but something doesn't feel right. He sets out to discover what really happened to this guy. Most see it as a waste of time since we're all going to die anyway.

I liked it. Winters does paint a grim picture of humanity; I'd like to think we stave off anarchy a bit longer...but he really asks some big questions about life and what ifs. What are people willing to do to save their families and friends?

It was a bit slow at first but I think he wanted to build his world and his writing portrayed that.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next installment.

Tricked by Kevin Hearne

Source taken from Fantasy Book Critic's website


Tricked is the fourth book in the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne. The first three delivered and this one does not disappoint. If you haven't read his first book Hounded do so! These books combine humor, action, and mythology--a fantastic urban fantasy series. This book tackles Navajo mythology and folklore. I love learning about the different cultures and their gods. Fascinating stuff.

He also has an Irish wolfhound Oberon. They are telepathically linked and their conversations are priceless.

The tricked part of the title refers to the main character Atticus owing the trickster god Coyote a huge favor. Mayhem ensues, of course.

We also learn more about Atticus's history. Always a bonus. And we meet a few more gods and goddesses...Loki's daughter Hel!

This series is one of my favorites. Highly recommended. My only complaint would be that this one didn't flow as well as the first three. I felt the plot was a bit weak but it's a minor complaint. Overall, it's a hoot!

PS. Click on above link for my previous review of the the first three in the series :)

Ran out of Space

After two blogs and three years my google picture account has exceeded its limit....I am now deciding whether or not to continue with Blogger or move on. I should figure this out soon and keep on blogging in the near future hopefully here, but definitely somewhere. I love Blogger. It's easy for a simple mind like me, but I have no desire to pay a monthly fee. Thus the dilemma... Give me time. I'll figure something out soon.

Happy Independence Day!

England, you know you are glad to be rid of us uncultured crazies!

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Image

This is the last book in the Parasol Protectorate series. It makes me a little sad. I've loved watching Alexia and Lord Maccon duke it out in wits over the course of the previous books. Alexia is a hoot and a strong match for her Alpha Wolf husband.

We find out a bit more about Alexia's preternatural state and who her father was. They travel to Egypt and there are muggings, kidnappings, and crazy old vampires out to kill everyone. It's fun and funny, and even a bit tender in spots.

The first half was a bit slow but overall the ending made up for it. It ends well and that makes me happy. And they lived happilish everish after.

I have happy news that Gail Carriger is continuing her series but in a new direction with Lady and Lord Maccon's child Prudence.  Looks like we'll expect the first book in Fall of 2013 or early 2014. Yeah! More Parasol Protectorate fun!!!!!