Several weeks ago I finished reading Nightwatch by Sergei Lukyanenko, a Russian science fiction writer. The Russian movie by the same name, based on the book, is quite good. As is its sequel, Daywatch.
My decision to read the book after watching the movie violates one of my soft rules — read the book before watching the movie based on the book. I wonder if I had read the book first (a) if I would have seen the movie and (b) would have had a different impression of the book. Continue reading Nightwatch by Sergei Lukyanenko→
My ten year-old son read The Mysterious Benedict Society (2007) (485 pages), and liked it. He asked me to read it. So, I did. It’s a well-written children’s book that may appeal to fans of the Harry Potter series or the Lemony Snicket drivel. It’s better written than the Lemony Snicket books, not as well written as Harry Potter. Themes include teamwork, diversity, intelligence, practical problem-solving, and family. Other themes include fear, brainsweeping, and thought-control. There is some donnybrook-esque violence, so may not be appropriate or understood by children younger than 10.
Julie of the Wolves (170 pages) is a 1972 novel by Jean Craighead George and winner of the Newberry Award. It is a tale told by a 13 year-old Eskimo girl named Julie Edwards Miyax Kapugen, a coming of age story that takes place primarily on the barren tundra of the Alaskan artic. It is my ten year-old’s book club selection for Monday night. It will be interesting to see how eight boys react.
“Don’t Blink. Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t Blink. Good Luck.” Doctor Who. Season Three. Episode 10. Is this great television or what?
I just finished reading David McCullough’s Truman (1992) (1117 pages) (*****). My cousin Joe recommended Truman to me in 2006 or thereabouts after I mentioned to him how much I enjoyed McCullough’s John Adams. The reputation for folksy leadership aside, Truman was faced with unspeakable challenges as president, worked indefatibably for almost eight years, then returned to his home in Independence, Missouri in a manner reminiscent of one of his heroes, Cincinnatus. Although he left office low in public opinion, he is considered now to be one of the greatest leaders this country has ever had. Strongly recommended.
Forrest Gump (1994) meets the Lost Boys of Sudan. I was first introduced to Dave Eggers through A Heartbreaking Book of Staggering Genius (2001) (*****). Eggers apparently polarizes his audience — you either like his writing or you don’t. His are certainly not the polished letters of Somerset Maugham. In What is the What (2006) (538 pages) (****), Eggers introduces us to Valentino Achek Deng, one of the lost boys of Sudan. Deng’s exodus from the civil wars of Sudan took him to Ethiopia, Kenya, then the United States. Deng is there — or at least the voice of Deng is there — narrating to whomever will listen. About life and the proverbial box of chocolates. Only here there is deprivation, starvation, death, pathos, savagery, and ultimately bittersweet hope. Strongly recommended.
There’s a growing number of fans of Russian-Kazakh film director Timur Bekmambetov, and you can count me as one of them. There’s the superb vampire-flick Nochnoy dozor (Night Watch) (2004), which was followed by the equally superb sequel Dnevnoy dozor (Day Watch) (2006). We can hardly wait for Twilight Watch, due to be released in 2009 (although rumored to be dead in the water). (The films are based on the three volumes of Nightwatch by Kazakh writer Sergei Lukyanenko.)
In 2008 Director Bekmambetov introduced himself to a wider audience with the film Wanted, starring Scotsman James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angeline Jolie. It opened to generally favorable reviews, although at least one review seemed unnaturally focused on superstar Angelina Jolie’s mere supporting role and the question of whether James McAvoy was miscast against her. Not for children but strongly recommended on all accounts. We look forward to even bigger and better things from this creative and daring director.
Dunlop, Fuchsia, Shark’s Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China (2008). 320 pages. They say you can get to certain people through their stomachs. In Shark’s Fin, Ms. Dunlop gets to China through its food. An autobiographical memoir, it succeeds at introducing the Westerner to the culinary history and eating habits and customs of various Chinese provinces, starting in Sichuan and ending in the city of Yangzhou in the province of Jiangsu. Recommended by my friend Lew.
Written, produced, and directed by Jonathan Caouette, Tarnation (***) is a powerful autobiographical documentary. Mr. Caouette cleverly weaves music and images into a moving tapestry about his life and his mother’s lifelong struggle with mental illness.
Daniel Silva and Gabriel Allon and I have to mention John LeCarre
My Dad and others have recommended author Daniel Silva as a good read. Here are his books involving secret spy Gabriel Allon and a link to his website:
When it comes to the secret spy genre, the reigning king has been in my opinion John Le Carre. His books seem to appeal more to readers who are interested in character development, morality and ambiguity, and tragedy. For anyone interested, they should start with The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and the introduction to George Smiley.
