The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

When I learned that the movie was based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story I knew I'd read it in the near future. It was incredibly short, but, like all FSF work I've come by thus far, well done. For being so short it still drew me into the story; I was somehow able to get to know the characters. I could feel their emotion.

One of the main reasons I love this story is because it's a story which revolves around time, but it's not about time travel like most other time stories. What would it be like to see a newborn which had the mind, skin and eyesight of an old man but the size of an infant? What would you tell people? And how would you react as that old man met your own age as he continued growing younger? Could one call it growing? Or would it be wilting? It's fascinating to think about.

I've not yet seen the movie, but look forward to it.

Official Movie Website
Wikipedia Article

Amanda

Breakfast of Champions

I wasn't all that impressed with this book, my first Vonnegut novel. I didn't really know what to expect, and that my be a good thing. The story had no meaningful point as far as I could tell. I think that was Vonnegut's intention, though. I think maybe having no point was his point.

I did enjoy the little drawings; they were entertaining.

I also liked how the two men's lives were explained separately and then woven together towards the end. Another really interesting factor of the story was that the author was also a character - as the author. I couldn't tell if the author = Vonnegut or not, but I kind of think they were one in the same.

Oh! It was hilarious how Kilgore's stories were only published in pornography, haha. Vonnegut has a peculiar sense of humor.

At the book club discussion of this book I learned that some of the characters in this book are also present in some of Vonnegut's other books. I thought that was pretty cool. I've never heard of having characters span books by the same author outside of obvious series, i.e., "The Lord of the Rings" or "Harry Potter."

Anyway, I would rate this book a 2/5 stars. *Shrug.

IMDB Article
Wikipedia Article

Amanda

The Hobbit

A lot of people know who Frodo Baggins is. What a lot of people don't know there's an entire story about Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit whom Frodo considered his uncle. "The Hobbit" is a fantastic story of Bilbo's adventures before those of "The Lord of the Rings" begins. I didn't realize "The Hobbit" was intended as a children's book, though it read quickly and easily as such. In the respect of the intended audience it is much like that of the "Harry Potter" series, enjoyed by all ages.

"The Hobbit" was instantly a favorite. I loved the magic, the languages, the imagery, the journey... It's a story I will surely share with my children.

My favorite chapter was "Riddles in the Dark" where Bilbo plays word games with Gollum.

A movie of "The Hobbit" is being developed! I am excited to see it in theaters! IMDB Article

Wikipedia Article

Amanda

The Alchemist

When I first saw this book in the store I wondered what story could be told about chemistry and mountains. When I first heard a passage of the book in a dear friends wedding I added the novel to my reading list. Lucky for me, it wound up being the November 2009 book for my book club; we had wonderful, intimate discussion that evening at Stardust.

Here are a few reasons why I love "The Alchemist:"

1. It read like a fairy tale, transporting me to childhood with breaths of magic, nostalgia and enlightenment.
2. The story is simple and powerful.
3. The protagonist is transformed.
4. I think everyone would benefit from reading it.
5. The allegories are clever and well done.

I'm upset with myself for waiting so long to write this review, but "better late than never," right? Bottom line: you should read "The Alchemist" if you haven't already.

Wikipedia Article

Amanda

New Tunes

Tonight I had some Best Buy money burning a whole in my pocket. I corrected this problem and bought the following CDs:


a fine frenzy







the flaming lips







goldfrapp

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bennett for the Christmas present. It had been a long time since I'd strolled the store looking for a few CDs; it was fun to browse them. I was in need of some new music, so this was perfect.

-Amanda