85 of 1001 Albums: Moby Grape's Self Titled

  I was very disappointed that there was not more of Moby Grape's music to listen to. There were only bits, and pieces of their music available on Spotify. I think I was listening to this music at the perfect time. There was something comforting, and relatable about it, which was a relief considering I saw the cover and thought I might be getting another dose of the 60s rock I had been. I thought it was also cool that this is one of the few bands that had all the members contribute equally to the album in some form, which made this interesting blend of blues and folk I hadn't heard before.
  I can still hear how this band would have influenced bands after it. They had a 70s rock sound to them, which was obviously before it's time. They may not be a band I return to to listen to over again, but they weren't bad, and I can see how they rippled effected music.

84 of 1001 Albums: Merle Haggard's I'm a Lonesome Fugitive

  I have no idea why, but whenever I'm given country music to listen to I'm always relieved by it. I think the first thing I noticed about Merle Haggard is that he wasn't dressed in the bright costume like suits that most country artists wore in the 60s. He actually looks like he is trying to be James Dean. Perhaps, bright suits wouldn't have matched the theme of the album, which is to be a fugitive.
  There wasn't anything particularly catchy about this album though. It's for easy listening if you need it, but nothing stands out. In a way all the songs sound similar with the same use of the instruments over.  Haggard does well by keeping to his theme of singing about being a fugitive though. He sings about everything from being a lonely fugitive to asking his love for forgiveness. I did read that most of his songs are based on real life experiences, so that is quite interesting.

Book Review: Melody Carlson's River's Call

  Anna Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters.
  There, Lauren begins to appreciate the person her mother is becoming--and she loves the river. However, romantic interests throw a wrench into the works and Lauren, jealous and angry, returns to her grandmother yet again.
   But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis--one that puts the entire family at risk.
  I've been a fan of Melody Carlson since I discovered the Diary of  a Teenage Girl series in high school. I can't think of a book of hers since then that I've disliked, so I was looking forward to reading River's Call, which is a new book apart of her River Inn series.
  The first thing I liked about this book is that though it's a part of a series it is a stand alone well. I had not read the other book in the series, and didn't even know there was another book till I had began reading. It interests me from beginning without feeling like the characters were missing something, and it filled in any back information needed well.
  Another thing that Carlson is always good at is creating real characters. If these characters had been written by anyone else they would not have kept me reading like they do in this book. She knows how to keep readers turning the page. She mingles all these real situations in a 60s backdrop, and it appears very realistic.
  As usual I enjoy another book from Carlson. You can tell why she's made her name in the Christian fiction industry since she is one of the few able to combine faith, and story to make us all interested, and hoping for the best for the characters.

This book was provided by Glass Road Publications in exchange for a review. 

83 of 1001 Albums: Love's Forever Changes

  Today was another album from Love, and I'm wondering what was even the purpose of giving me the other album to listen to. This one was enough to prove whether someone will like or dislike Love without adding that one on. Actually, I think it was a bad misrepresentation of their potential. This album sounded much better, and I thought the variety in sound between each song was really surprising.
  Though this album fits in well with most of the other 60s music of the time, the use of instruments makes it stand out. I love that the band included brass in some of the songs. We also get fast paced songs, and slower songs sort of switching up all the seriousness, and fun on the album. I'm still not sure I will be listening to Love in the future again, but I am curious to if my interest in their music will continue to grow, or have peaked with this one listening of the album.

Wednesday Movie Night: Eat Pray Love (2010)

  Julia Roberts stars in this adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir about coping with a depressing divorce. After deciding to reshape her life, Liz (Roberts) travels the world in search of direction. She heads to Italy, India and Bali, indulging in delicious cuisine while seeking the true meaning of self-love, family, friendship and forgiveness. Along the way, she meets a bevy of characters and, possibly, her true love.
  Recently, I finished reading Eat Pray Love, so the next step seemed to be to watch the movie. I hadn't heard anything good about the movie though, and when I went to check out the book at the library, the librarian even told me the book was good, but the movie was awful.  Regardless, I wanted to watch to see what it was all about. 
  First, I think Julia Roberts was bad casting. For some reason Roberts just isn't relatable in any role, or at least not to me. While reading the book, Gilbert annoys me at times, but for the most I found her journey to be very relatable, and have some learning value, but in the movie Gilbert's journey doesn't shine the same. She just comes off as a rich woman touring through the world to indulge herself.  We can't quite reach the sympathy for Gilbert in the movie that we are able to find for her in the book.  Also, while reading the book I guess I forgot these would be tourist destinations in other countries she visited meaning they would be largely populated by people who were not actual citizens of the country.  I think she lost being exposed to some of the culture in these countries by not hanging out with more people who were citizens of those countries. 
  The movie also cuts out a huge portion of some of the most interesting things that took place in the book, like Wayan and Tutti's story. Once arriving in Bali it was like the movie turned into a complete romance, and though she does find Felipe in Bali, he did not become her only focus while there.  I think because they cut out some of the things involving Wayan we don't see how Gilbert was able to extend her concern, and kindness to the extent she did in the book. We are left with a character much colder, and only concerned about her love life.  Though, she was reluctant about love she didn't appear to abuse Felipe's love as she did in the movie. Plus, the Julia Roberts' voice over for Gilbert's thoughts was just awful. She sounded like she was reading the book directly while trying to speak her thoughts. 
  I know people say movies, and books should be judged separately, but I don't agree especially when someone's life is being portrayed. If you choose to portray a story that has already been told you have the duty of honoring that story. I think some things could have been edited out, and moved around to give greater emphasis on other things needed.  The movie does have beautiful scenery though, and it's shot really well.  This movie had really amazing potential, but it's very difficult to make a story about an independent woman. There is a very fine line between uptightness, and gracefulness that is difficult to get right when telling her story. You can check out the movie at Amazon. 

82 of 1001 Albums: Love's DeCapo

  When I saw this band's name was Love, and I knew it was released in the 60s I made the assumption that it would be unenjoyable, but it wasn't too bad. Something about the music was more lively than other bands in this genre. The problem is that I only listened to two songs from this album because I couldn't find it anywhere.

  From the two songs I heard though they were very similar, and didn't catch me enough to really care if I heard more of the album. I have to listen to them again tomorrow, so I'm sure whatever sounds I missed on this one I will find on the other. 

81 of 1001 Albums: Loretta Lynn's Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'

  I was very much looking forward to listening to Loretta Lynn today. First because it is very different than what I have been listening to of recent, and because it's another female vocal! There hasn't been much country on this list though, and if you're someone who doesn't enjoy country then it's probably had one too many on the list for you. Personally, I find early country to be enjoyable to listen to including Loretta Lynn. 

  Overall, this was a nice break to listen to amongst the other 60s music I've had so far. I find Lynn to have some very empowering words for women, and I'm sure guys could enjoy this too.  There is something also oddly over dramatic about country in the 60s. 

Monday Musings: Where I Belong

  It is unknown where life will take me, or where I will end up living. I could end up in the city, or in the country. There is no way of knowing at the moment. I know where I'm at now, and though others can blast it for all it's lacking, it's a nice place to be if this where I'm supposed to be right now.  It may not have the most to offer regarding nightlife, or cuisine, but it's where I feel at home at.
  I live in a place with lots of agriculture, and the nearest Wal-Mart is a thirty minute drive.  It's very rural. I often get asked what there is to do in my town? If I want to set up a date here I usually dread trying to make it sound even a little appealing to set up a first meeting at. Recently, I've been rethinking how I how I approach this question I get asked though, and instead of saying "not much", or something else that sounds too negative, I want to try to highlight what it is I do enjoy about being here.
  First off, I don't think I've seen a more beautiful of the stars than I have here.  I'm sure everyone else could list better places, but without all the city lights, there is a huge open view to gaze at the stars. Another thing is the nature. You see the oddest animals all the time, and regardless of odd they might be it's peaceful to go outside and sit. Also, there are some of the best views from atop hills here where you can see out to the nearest city, it's pretty amazing.
  These are just a few things, but they are huge things to me. I do desire to perhaps live in the city for a time, or somewhere with a tad more variety of things to do, but if I can go nowhere else now then this is where I would want to be. I never hope I have to leave too far from here because even if I did get my wish to live a little bit more nearer to a city I would miss what the place I live in now has to offer.

80 of 1001 Albums: Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow

  When you see an album called Surrealistic Pillow then you know you're about to return to the usual sounds of the 60s after your one little break with Sinatra. It wasn't terrible though, and I was actually familiar with one of the songs on the album called, 'Somebody To Love'.  Also, the female vocal was a welcome relief to hear since it seems the majority of the artist of recent have been male vocals. 

  Other than these two staple things this album is quite generic to the time. It was more enjoyable than the other offerings recently given to me like Cream, or Frank Zappa in this genre, but it didn't turn me into a fan of the genre. I can tell we are beginning to shape the style of rock into things we will hear more in the 70s though, so I enjoy hearing how the times are changing in music even though it's still only 1967. My only wish is that Jefferson Airplane would have titled their album something other than 'Surrealistic Pillow'. It doesn't single them out amongst the others in this time. 

79 of 1001 Albums: Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim

   I never thought I would be so relieved to see Frank Sinatra again, but also accompanied by Anotonio Carlos Jobim. I have missed the 50s more than I thought I would. I think I have a huge dose of the 60s, and though there are some great bands the majority of it has sounded too much alike. Sinatra though sticks to what he knows best in this team up though, and it works for me because I missed it somewhat. 

  I don't think I'll be anything more than a casual listener of Sinatra, but there is something magical about his music. It makes you imagine so many stories when you listen to it, and that is something I miss when I listen to these songs. He also always sings about liking a woman, but somehow strugglingly to gain her attention, or be someone who can maintain someone's attention. I find the fact he sings about this very intriguing. Jobim also provides interesting vocals to this album, and mixes it up from some of the old Sinatra we are used to hearing. Also, I think his music would be wonderful music to relax to with someone. It's got a romantic feel to it. 

78 of 1001 Albums: Cream's Desraeli Gears

  I saw the album cover, and I knew I would be listening to the same sort of stuff I hadn't been enjoying again today.  The positive is that I can now identify a band, and name the song of a popular song I hear quite often on television still. That was one of the hopeful goals of this challenge. The music isn't bad though, but not particularly what I would want to listen to either. 

  I think the first thing that I noticed that I found interesting was the name, Cream. It reminded me of Cake, or something. It's appealing, and simple, and perhaps since it is a form of food it draws you in more. I probably won't listen to Cream again though. I'm just into the popular hippy music of the 60s. It sounds very similar, and doesn't catch me. 

Book Review: Homer Hickam's Crater

   A mining colony on the moon. A teen sent on a deadly mission. And a secret bigger than two worlds.
   It’s the 22nd Century. A tough, pioneering people mine the moon for Helium-3 to produce energy for a desperate, war-torn Earth.
  Sixteen-year-old Crater Trueblood loves his job as a Helium-3 miner. But when he saves a fellow miner, his life changes forever. Impressed by his heroism, the owner of the mine orders Crater to undertake a dangerous mission. Crater doubts himself, but has no choice. He must go.
  With the help of Maria, the mine owner’s frustrating but gorgeous granddaughter, and his gillie—a sentient and sometimes insubordinate clump of slime mold cells—Crater must fight both human and subhuman enemies. He’ll battle his way across a thousand miles of deadly lunar terrain and face genetically altered super warriors in his quest to recover an astonishing object that will alter the lives of everyone on the moon.

  I haven't read October Sky, but I did watch the movie soon after it's release, and I really enjoyed it.  When I had the opportunity to read, and review a new series he is working on I had to read it to see if I enjoyed his writing. This book sticks to the fascination with space that October Sky did, it goes in a bit more of a sci-fi direction, that features young adults.

  If you've been paying attention to pop culture lately then you know dystopian stories have become very popular. This story isn't exactly dystopian since the new society that Crater lives on the moon in isn't dreary, but it's very archaic compared to the democracy that America was on before people went to live on the moon.  The people's society is a mix of the wild west, and the Greek times.  We have the Colonel, who basically runs his city, watching over the races on the moon, and you also have an out of control society where bandits will stroll through their town. It makes for an interesting setting. 

  Crater is an interesting character, but most the characters lack any dimension. It's the setting on the moon that makes up for this, and you are just interested in what is possible for people. I think over time this series has the potential to build the connection to the characters though, but I think this is a good start to get the young adults it's targeted to interested. 

  Overall, the book is interesting. I think it might could use a few more things like romance, since girls are more likely to pick up books. This may get teen guys to read to. The cover is appealing, and the book features no cheesy content. You can check it out at Amazon. 

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review. 

77 of 1001 Albums: Country Joe And The Fish's Electric Music For The Mind And Body

  I saw the name of this band, and I tried to force the thought away that I wouldn't enjoy this album once again. I figured that it would be different this time, and I would hear something completely different. That wasn't the case though. While the sound was slightly different, and had some interesting effects, it was still the same old unenjoyable stuff. I'm sure this continues to fall under the psychedelic music that became huge, but I think there is too much of this music on the list. I'm just not finding anything catchy about it.
  Country Joe goes along with the typical sound I see featured in this genre. He has a light voice, and it's a bit off. Then you throw in a few other oddities, like a random organ that sounds like it's making the song a bad horror movie in 'Porpoise Mouth'. Yes, you read that song title right! I'm still in the same year, 1967. I slowly edging toward the end, but I believe I have another before I'm even close to the 70s. I'm just ready for this music to start disappearing from the list. Woodstock was a very interesting festival, but I don't think I would have enjoyed a huge selection of the music there.

Book Review: Ruth Reid's Brush of Angel's Wings

  Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.
  The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.
  As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.
   Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

  I still think trying to imitate the Amish accent in fiction is a bad idea. Words like "gut" for "good", and "deinke" for "thank you" don't look good on paper. If anything the use of the words should be reserved for the dialogue, and removed from the narrative. 

  The story takes a pretty typical path from the start though. Rachel is past the age of marrying that girls usually are asked in the Amish society. This sets up Rachel to have something about her to identify her as different because honestly it isn't like Amish have many other quirky attributes to make them stand out in society. The biggest thing that can make you an oddity with the Amish is probably being someone in their twenties, and unmarried. 

  As you can imagine there needs to be conflict, and you can't write a whole book about the crops going bad before it's time to harvest, or about your buggy falling apart, though these books usually have a buggy incident. So what do you do? You bring a non-Amish person into the mix. These two of course butt heads, and she hates him because she is supposed to be trying to condition herself to hate the idea of being with one since no one asked her to marry him. He finds her mean nature toward him cute though, and perhaps it finally annoys him to the point where he gives up, but then she realizes he is what she wanted, and well you know the rest. 

  It doesn't take reading the whole book to know these things. I can't hate on the authors for enjoying to write what they write, but I have no idea how these people haven't realized this story has already been told, or why keep people buying the same Amish stories. The historical fictions at least have slight variety. You can check out the book at Amazon. 

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review. 

76 of 1001 Albums: Captain Beefheard and His Magic Band's Safe As Milk

   No, no, no, and no. As soon as I saw the name of this band I already knew I wasn't going to enjoy this. You're probably thinking that is why I didn't like it because I already told myself I wouldn't. There is nothing enjoyable about listening to a guy who sounds like he needs to clear his throat at points during the album. The slower tunes were good though, but I felt the vocals were the weakest part. The music would sound really nice, and then someone would start singing. 

  I know I like bands with questionable good vocals, but there was something about this that just didn't jive with me. It's just making me more anxious to get to the 70s the more I get into this music, and it doesn't end or even feature any other style of music. 

Book Review: Vicki Hinze's Not This Time

 Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara's husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect. 
  Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn't know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn't fall in love with him, but she can't resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

I have no idea why, but I usually expect bad fiction when I get some of these books. The first chapter almost had me proven wrong, but then it went in the direction I thought it would, and became bland, and cheesy. 
The thing about this book is that it's not even entertaining cheesy, like Twilight was for me. The characters are very one dimensional, and the dialogue is not good. One of the guys is Cajun, and we have to be informed of this every time he speaks by his use of "Sar", which is highly annoying. If a men kept calling me that I would be skeptical of him. Instead the woman is having to resist being charmed by it. If you are someone who has been hurt by men you would not easily swoon at the use of words like that. 
I also can tell this book is from a series. Some series' are good about making the books be able to stand on their own, but I could tell there was something missing about this book that could only be filled if I had read prior ones. 
This book isn't terrible, but it didn't keep my interest either. I had to force myself through it, and it wouldn't be something I would seek out to read. It's not a good action/thriller novel. You can check it out at Amazon. 


This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for a review. 

75 of 1001 Albums: Buffalo Springfield's Buffalo Springfield Again

  For some reason I kept reading Buffalo Springfield as Bruce Springsteen. It was the combination of B and S. Anyways, it's back to the 60s typical grind. I don't even think I could tell you a song on this album, and as most the things I've had to listen to in this decade I wasn't a huge fan. It has the nice Woodstock sound, and if that your thing you will love it.
  It seems like they would have gotten lost in the mound of other bands that sounded like this at the time, but they somehow got popular. Neil Young has stuck around though, but this doesn't make me very interested in his beginnings.

74 of 1001 Albums: Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You

   I was very relieved to find that I would be listening to Aretha Franklin today. It's not like I'm particularly interested in her music, but there is something relaxing, and empowering about it. Also, I'm sure there are great reasons to like The Yardbirds, and they are famous for those reasons, but it's nice coming across an artist that I have heard of, but never took time to listen to.
   As stated, her music is really empowering for women regardless of whether you enjoy the sound or not. It isn't overtly feminist either. It's just about respecting women. At times the songs can be a little long though. That isn't many of the songs, but when you have a few songs to work through it can feel like the album is taking forever. Overall, this was a relief from the normal 60s music.

73 of 1001 Albums: The Yardbirds' Self Titled

Perhaps, one of the most difficult albums to find so far, and I'm not even sure it goes under this name anymore, or if the list just listed it wrong. It seems to be found under Roger The Engineer. Anyways, I didn't have a problem with the album, and I really enjoyed their song 'Farewell'. I didn't find any other that caught my attention besides that one though.
I don't really know how to describe The Yardbirds though. They sounded good, but they aren't someone I would normally listen to, and sort of blend with other 60s music. I'm actually enjoying more of the jazz scene in the 60s than the majority of the rock scene. There is a lot of good folk in the 60s though.

72 of 1001 Albums: The Rolling Stones' Aftermath

  I feel like The Rolling Stones is being shoved down my throat. This is like the third album I'm listening to from them, and my feelings about them are not changing. I don't enjoy their music. Probably the only song from the album that caught my attention was 'Doncha Bother Me'. It sounded unique, and used a variety of instruments that stood out to me.
  I think if The Rolling Stones can be credited with anything it's that they at least didn't sound like most the music of the 60s. Where the other sounds of Donovan, or Frank Zappa might start to blend, The Rolling Stones stay pretty true to the sounds of being pure rock n' roll regardless of whether you enjoy their music or not.

71 of 1001 Albums: The Monks' Black Monk Time

   So again this list is not giving me anything I'm jiving with. I'm just honestly tired of this type of music. I feel like the early 60s, and the 50s at least had enough varying sound to know why it was staple for it's time even if I didn't enjoy it, but the 50th band that seems to sound like The Beatles is just getting old.  I actually couldn't even really get through this whole album because it didn't interest me enough to.
   Was there anything that stood out for me to mention on this album? Not really. It sort of sounded like a mix between The Sonics, and The Beatles, but I would have preferred them to sound more like The Sonics. Overall, I just wasn't too into this. To not this is probably one of the most modern album covers I've seen.

70 of 1001 Albums: The Kinks' Face to Face

   Today we have The Kinks, and if you should also know we are still working through 1966. There are a lot of bands they picked in this year. Anyways, The Kinks sound vaguely like The Beatles except maybe mixed with a 50s vibe at times.  The album started off really good, and I was enjoying their hits like 'Dandy', but then something happened and I began to zone out.
  As I began listening to what I thought was the last half of the album I noticed it just didn't interest me as much. It sounded the same, and I began zoning out. I may check out the first few songs that I liked on the album, but there was nothing that stood out to me near the end. Overall, it wasn't too bad, but I wish it had been consistently good till the end.

69 of 1001 Albums: The Byrds' Fifth Dimension

   I don't think I'll ever be a fan of The Byrds. I was hoping this album would change my mind about them since Tambourine Man didn't convince me they were my style of music. Instead I dreaded listening to them immediately after I realized this album would be no different. I actually listened to this album about an hour before going to bed, which was a terrible idea.

   I was already on the verge of needing sleep, and the sound of this album for someone reason further induces the feeling of sleep. I found myself battling away fatigue even more. Maybe it's the light singing voices, or steady guitar. Whatever it was I could not stay aware while listening to it. I hope tomorrow offers some more interesting music, because The Byrds just are cutting it for me. 

Book Review: Lis Wiehl's Eyes of Justice

   The Triple Threat Club has solved intense murder mysteries before…but this time it’s personal.
   Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole fight for justice every day—Cassidy as a crime reporter, Nicole as an FBI agent, and Allison as a federal prosecutor. Together they’re a Triple Threat to be reckoned with.
   But when a ruthless murderer kills one of their number—and the authorities seem intent on keeping them out of the investigation of the crime—their desire for justice goes into overdrive. They find an unexpected ally in a quirky private investigator named Ophelia whose methods confound the wise.
   Yet just when it seems police have the killer in custody and justice is within sight, he somehow strikes again. Not knowing whom to trust, the team engage in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the killer. Nothing can be taken at face value…and nothing will ever be the same.
   A riveting Triple Threat mystery that will leave readers shocked and satisfied.

    I'm glad I got the opportunity to read Heart of Ice before this novel in the series. I think it helped me form a connection you only get when reading more than one book in a series. As the synopsis says though this book will leave you shocked, but only if you have read the prior books. If I was someone just picking this one up for the first time it wouldn't have had the shock factor it did. 

   I have no idea how much research the author's does on crime investigations before writing, but after having read reading other novels like the Temperance Bree series, there is something that doesn't seem realistic about it. Whenever you read the series about Temperance, which is what the show Bones is based on, you can tell the author knows what she is talking about. You feel like you are learning things about forensic investigations. Whenever I read the novels by Wiehl's I fee like she trying to piece together information she's read somewhere along going off what seems right for the scenario causing it to not feel so real. Actually, upon research I discovered that Wiehl works for Fox News. This probably explains why her knowledge about actual forensic investigation seemed a little force. You can tell when someone has lived the job they are writing about, and they've just put together knowledge they had to read about.

   There are also several facts about the story that are repeated several times.  For example the fact that she knew her ex-boyfriend was violent is constantly referred to. You only have to say something once for the reader to put someone on the radar as a suspect, and you never want to over mention it to either try to make it obvious, or force it on someone. Otherwise, the story does keep you reading, and I enjoyed it more than the last one, Heart of Ice.

   If you're into a good crime-thriller then I would recommend this. I wouldn't say it's the best of the genre I've read, but it is interesting. You can check it out at Amazon. 

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review. 

Wednesday Movie Night: My Week With Marilyn (2011)

   While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.
   While Marilyn Monroe provided some good quotes for future use, I've never been a fanatic fan. I'm sort of indifferent to her persona, but this movie could change that perception toward her. So my basis for wanting to view this movie wasn't based on being a Monroe fan. I was actually more interested in seeing Michelle Williams portray her. 
   If you didn't think Williams could act before this movie then you will after. I've seen her in a couple of other movies, and she has a range I rarely see in actors. I think she was robbed of not winning the Oscar for her performance in this. Anyone who has seen her in other works knows the depth of her acting. She brings out the complexity, and issues we all associate with Monroe having.  I actually found Monroe to be more relatable than I expected. She is like an overdramatized version of the abandonment, and longing for love we all feel at times in life. Sadly, her trying to find love, and avoid further abandonment ate away at her. I remember Megan Fox making a statement to the extent of saying that Monroe was "negative, disturbed, and bipolar." Regardless, of whether Monroe was bipolar someone needs to inform Fox it's a legitimate disorder to not be frowned upon. Besides that if Fox did any research on Monroe she would see she was rooted in some deeply miserable upbringings. Not that that's an excuse to go wild, but considering she probably went through more than Fox could understand it's seem in-compassionate to make the claims she did. 
   As for the other parts of the movie, when Williams is not on screen it loses it's magic. There wasn't anything terrible about the other actors the movie was just dull without her. You're basically watching for the next Monroe appearance. There are lots of beautiful scenes though, and it captures the tragedy, and successfulness of Monroe's career perfectly. 
   If you're a Monroe fan it might be something you want to check out, or if you just like Oscar movies.  It lulls a little too much for other people who aren't usual fans of these types of movies. In the meantime someone needs to inform Fox to be careful of how she uses the word 'bipolar'. You can check out the movie at Amazon. 

68 of 1001 Albums: The Beatles' Revolver

   So if you haven't found a love of The Beatles yet then this list will force it on you till you agree with them, or just torture you with their albums if you never come to agreement. As we get into the mid-60s though The Beatles sound is having to evolve. The poppy tunes we got when they first started are trying to veer more into the psychedelic rock tunes coming along. Though The Beatles haven't been the worst thing to listen to they haven't caught my attention either. This album seems to be a step up from the prior ones I was listening to though. There was something more identifiable about the songs.
  One of my favorites from this album was 'Eleanor Rigby'. I've never heard it mentioned before along with the other dozens of Beatles' songs that people will refer to. I could see how it would slip under the radar, but it's quite unique in sound and lyrics. There is also the more popular songs like 'Yellow Submarine' to contend with on this album. If you're a Beatles fan then you already probably love this album, but if you aren't already like me then this might help you get started in that direction. Plus, the cover art is one of my favorites I've seen so far.

67 of 1001 Albums: The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds

   The Beach Boys are always a relief to know I'll be listening to. It's not like their music is incredibly luring, but it has a catchiness to it that you can't deny. So when I found today that it would be The Beach Boys I knew regardless of whether this was worse or better than the last album I would still like it. It keeps me in touch with the 50s sound that I'm actually beginning to miss.
  As always The Beach Boys have some songs that will make you want to dance, and others that will make you wish you were in love. The sounds are good, and probably what is best is that they keep true to a consistent sound that we are familiar with them having after listening to the previous album. I'm still wondering where 'California Girls' is though?

66 of 1001 Albums: The 13th Floor Elevator's The Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators

  So yesterday I missed my first day. After a week straight of working, and trying to keep up I finally had to forget it for a day. As we get further into the years of the hippies the more bizarre the sounds become. What used to be the happier times of Donovan are now slipping to something a little darker sounding with The 13th Floor Elevator.  This isn't upbeat, colorful music. It could see tons of people taking parts in recreational activities to this music, but there is something much more somber inducing about it. 

  This music sounds a lot like the stuff that would be a prelude to what gave Jimi Hendrix his opening to become a classic in the world of 60s rock. This music is definitely more rock than the poppy mix that has been on the list. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of their music. They aren't terrible to listen to, but there isn't anything that particularly catches me about it either. The guys actually look fairly normal considering their odd music. 

67 of 1001 Albums: Simon and Garfunkel's Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

   I can't begin to describe to you how excited to discover today that I was listening to Simon and Garfunkel. My first listening of them was in (500) Days of Summer, and I ended up listening to Bookends over, and over again after I went through a rough breakup. Then I watched The Graduate, where I heard a few more songs by them. As you would know it the first song that came up when I began listening to this album was 'Scarborough Fair', which is one of the main songs used in The Graduate.
  Simon and Garfunkel are great for two things, winding down to rest, or feeling sad. There is a nostalgic feel to the music. I seriously could have dozed to this. It sounds great, but it is so peaceful. If you're sitting back taking in the music the next thing you know you are out of it. I know you could easily compare Simon and Garfunkel to other groups, but there is something about them that keeps them unique.

65 of 1001 Albums: Paul Revere and the Raiders' Midnite Ride

  For some reason I just knew. I don't know how, but from the moment I saw the quirky name I knew this wouldn't be up my ally of things I wanted to listen to today. It goes along with much of the music being found in the 60s, but I wonder what sets them apart from the other countless rock bands? How did the guys who made this list continue to pick these bands? I'm thinking someone is just biased toward a certain style because this couldn't have been the only thing in that decade.
  I didn't have a favorite song from this, and found much of it to be something I wouldn't remember five minutes after listening to it. I'm sure it would be okay to listen to if I was distracted by something else, but the music doesn't inspire me or draw me in.
  Now if you are a fan of Paul Revere and the Raiders I don't think they are a bad band. I think they qualify as good music, they just aren't stand out to me. Especially since most the music in the 60s sounds like this.
  Overall, I'm getting a mix of music the past few days, but too much of this in a row is so tiring, and it's brutal to go through with this challenge when this happens.

Book Review: Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Dress

  One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.
  Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.
   Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

   There were parts of The Wedding Dress that I liked, and parts that fell into the stereotypical fallbacks of the genre. I can't say it was the most interesting thing I've read, but there was something about it that stood out amongst the more recent Christian romance fiction I've read. 

   The flashbacks of Emily began a bit boring, but as the story gets going you become more interested in her life. The only thing I found odd was all the physical intensity for the era she was from. I'm sure people were aware of physical attraction, but I'm sure most would have felt considering how they were raised to think in the early 1900s. Especially since I'm sure women were a lot more conservative then. There are all sorts of hints this guy is ready to touch her probably in "inappropriate ways". I found it odd that the girl from the early 1900s was thinking about sex more than the woman from our time also. Maybe it was the fact she seemed for more innocent, and was fascinated more by the idea? 

  I think the story idea is also unique. I was interested in seeing how the dress traveled to where it is now with Charlotte, and the mystery was kept up well enough to keep me reading about it.  I'm sort of surprised Hauck got this published with the company she did considering it didn't have overtly strong Christian messages forced in, and dared to ride the line of physical boundaries where even making out isn't in existence. 

  Depending on how conservative you are you will either enjoy the story or not. I've read way more daring things, so I wasn't freaking out over the content. It actually won't appear that bad to anyone who isn't uptight. I think the title could have used a twist to get someone's attention more too. You can check it out at Amazon.

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review. 

65 of 1001 Albums: Nina Simone's Wild In The Wind

  All I can say is wow. Finally we are getting somewhere with the music again. At first I was a little hesitant about what I might end up listening to today. I hadn't ever heard Nina Simone's name before, and then I saw some jazz associations. Then I played the first song, and then the second, and discovered pure amazing music.
Simone's voice is so difficult to describe. It's very masculine, which makes it all the more interesting because her songs have a feminine quality to them.
  I think my favorite was 'What More Can I Say'.  I definitely will be going back over these songs again.
This is actually going to be a very short post. This week has tired me out, and I'm trying my best to stay on top of this. I did feel revitalized after this album though.

Television Thursday: Portlandia

  So tomorrow is the season finale of Portlandia, and I'm a bit sad because I just started watching the show. I do have the whole first season to catch up on though. A comedy duo stars in this comedy show, acting out different personalities you can in Portland, Oregon. I think what makes this show great is that they feature real locations, so it adds to the realness of what they are trying to portray. I'm glad that the show lived up to my expectations of funniness.
  It's true that probably the huge vibe you will get from this show is hipster, but it doesn't only feature hipsters. You have characters from the older community to feminist groups. Some of the funniest scenes have been at the feminist bookstore in Portland.  I also really enjoyed the music festival episode. I think what makes the show so good is that I can sometimes see myself actually being in the places the characters frequent.
  If you're not a fan of over-exaggerated humor then this might not be your show though. The characters are over the top, and some of the scenarios are really out there. For example, one episode had a couple who brought home an exotic fruit that turned out to be an alien.
  I didn't discover Portlandia until it's second season, which is a disappointment, but I'm glad I did before I missed anymore. Now it's just a matter of finding those on DVD to get caught up. Actually, the collection would be worth having on DVD regardless. I love going back, and watching certain scenes over again. Plus, the show has great guest stars! I anxiously awaited which band member of The Smiths was going to appear last week.

Wednesday Movie Night: Pretty In Pink (1986)

   When Andie (Molly Ringwald), who lives with her unemployed father (Harry Dean Stanton), and Blane (Andrew McCarthy), who is rich and popular, strike up a romance, Blane meets resistance from his shallow best friend, Steff (James Spader), when he asks Andie to prom. Meanwhile, her best friend, Duckie (Jon Cryer), pines for her. This classic 1980s teen film from the master of the genre, writer-producer John Hughes, co-stars Annie Potts.
  Recently, I've been on an 80s kick. Whether it's movies or music for some reason the time has caught my attention, and I'm enjoying the 80s.  For some reason there is a great vibe of creativity you get from that era that seems to be missing from most. 
  Pretty In Pink is one of the many classic romances that came from the 80s. Obviously, from the cover we have two men, and one woman, so maybe we can figure some love triangle is happening while in high school.  If you're like me you probably didn't know James Spader, and Jon Cryer, but from anything except the modern day sitcoms, and television shows. I never liked Jon Cryer's character in Two and a Half Men, but in Pretty In Pink he is actually charming as Duckie, the guy who has a unacknowledged crush on Andie. This is made complicated by the fact she has fallen for Blane, a rich, popular guy who would normally be out of Andie's league.  The scenario is typical, but the 80s vibe make it's work. 
   I'm not sure what happened to Andrew McCarthy after this movie, but I didn't think he could act. He kept making very distracting facial distractions all throughout the movie. I did like how this movie differed from most modern movies though. Andie was an outcast, but she didn't have to change to get Blane's attention. She didn't one day show up as a cute, popular chick. Instead, she stayed true to herself, and he goes to her as she is. 
  Probably one of the best parts of this movie is the music though. Whoever picked the music for it was on a roll. We have everything from Otis Redding to the my favorite of all time, The Smiths. Along with that you have a great selection of 80s pop. 
  If you're looking for a cute romance, or you enjoy the 80s then this is recommended. I think it would be a great add to a movie collection. 

64 of 1001 Albums: The Mamas and The Papa's Self Titled

  More hippy music is here! I had heard of The Mamas and The Papas before, but I didn't recognize any songs from them. I think 'California Dreamin' was a later song, which I did have printed on one of my shirts in high school though. This didn't sound like the usual hippy music, and since I'm in a chirpy mood I think I was able to enjoy it, which may seem surprising.
  This album doesn't even exist on Amazon, so it made it a difficult find. The sound is very consistent on the album, and I didn't find anything memorable about it. I was more enthused by the appearance of the band members. They all have this quirky, but model like appearance about them.
  To some extent I wonder how much marketing went behind these things. I'm sure record companies knew this music was in, and I don't think it was coincidence these people were attractive.
  Overall, if you love The Beatles and related music then you'll love this. I want something different at this point though.

Book Review: Sally John's Heart Echoes

  In the aftermath of a massive Los Angeles earthquake, the perfect existence Teal Morgan-Adams has built begins to crumble. Teal’s daughter, Maiya, is determined to learn the identity of her biological father, despite the loving devotion of her stepdad, River Adams. But that’s a secret Teal hoped would remain buried forever. She has never shared the truth with anyone . . . not her family, not River, not even Maiya’s father. 
  As Maiya’s rebellion escalates, Teal receives tragic news from her sister and decides to take Maiya home to Cedar Pointe, Oregon, a place she’s avoided most of her adult life. But will her already-strained marriage survive the distance and the secrets she’ll be forced to face there? And can Teal erase the lies that echo in her heart?
  These types of books aren't terrible, but they are never great either. For some reason Christian characters seem really different than normal people to me. The lead character usually is the one helping all the bad people, or they've done things that are bad, but those things are way in their past. In real life we don't have bad things way in our past. Even though this isn't my favorite type of fiction, I still prefer it over non-fiction.
  The lead character, Teal, has her world uprooted after an earthquake, and discovering her fifteen year old daughter is sneaking to meet a nineteen year old boy. This older boy also has had trouble with the law. It's almost expected from the beginning that these two teens won't ever be allowed together considering the drastic age difference. I hated the predictability.  Thankfully, most of this book did revolve around a mother-daughter relationship, because that is what kept it interesting.
  The daughter goes from being rebellious with a boy who she insists she did nothing physical with to upsetting her mom by wanting to find her dad. First off, if you are sneaky enough to go sneaking off with a boy chances are you're sneaking to other private bits too. That's just usually how people work. The fact the daughter was still perceived as being "perfect" was a little of a stretch to me. Her rebelliousness was interesting though. Another strained part to me was the marriage between River, and Teal. It was way too sappy. The way the author described the man looking at his wife was very oddly worded too. For example she says his eyes feasted on her feminine curves. I don't think a guy necessarily processes that much. It's mainly look, and react. It's not a bad thing. Just how man are more likely to react upon being attracted to women.
  This isn't a bad book, and there are some moments that keep you reading. I wouldn't normally grab this book off the shelf if I came across it though. You can check out the book at Amazon.

This book was provided by Tyndale in exchange for a review. 

63 of 1001 Albums: John Mayall's Bluesbreakers' with Eric Clapton

  This is probably the most enjoyable 60s music I've been given to listen to in a few albums. Not that the past few were bad, but they were just becoming boring.  Also, Eric Clapton is one the guitar legends, so it was cool to finally listen in on him, and hear what made him the legend he is today.
  The album is a music of musical instrument solos, and singing songs.  It's definitely an ode to the bluesy guitar, and it's enjoyable to hear the guitar break down. I felt inspired to go get my guitar, and even get an electric to try to teach myself some of the solos I heard in this album. It was that good.
  My personal favorites were the songs that did have singing like 'What I'd Say', which sounded very familiar as the song progressed until I identified it as a classic I hear often as covers.
  In a way I am ready to be out of the 60s, but I actually still have a couple more months in this era, so I guess I better get settled in. John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers were a good listen though. I'm still trying to determine if I will listen to them again though.

Book Review: Max Lucado's Great Day Every Day

  The alarm clock rings in a new day and a chance to rejoice in it. After all: "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
    But what about those days when the traffic snarls, airports close, and friends forget? Is there any hope for the days riddled with the hang-ups and bang-ups of life?
  In Great Day Every Day Max Lucado unpacks Jesus' blueprint for dealing with such days: Saturate your day in Jesus' grace. Entrust your day to His oversight. Accept His direction. It's the only prescription to fill your day with God-given purpose.
   When you find the divine promise of each day, you can face whatever it brings. Speed bumps and speeding tickets won’t derail you. Hiccups and hard times don’t have to ruin your day. In fact those days can become great days. Whatever you face, you can have a great day every day.

  I haven't read a book from Max Lucado, but I do know he is an extremely popular Christian author. I think I've heard his name since I was kid, but I've never took the opportunity to read his book. His books have resonated with many, so I decided to find out what is the huge deal about Lucado.

  This is a very short read, which is one reason I loved it. I think there is only so long you can drag out these type of books till they become repetitive. Each chapter easily wraps up on different topics that cause us to have negative days, and how we can turn those things around. Considering I just blogged about worrying, and I'm an  easily stressed person, this book was a welcome read. I tried to truly reflect on what the author was saying about taking each day that as it comes, and to stop wanting so much. 

   As I said, the book is extremely short. The other half of it is filled with discussion topics for groups, and a series of things you can do each day to improve your days. If you like longer books then you may not like the abruptness of this one. I enjoyed it though, and I think the shortness made the chapters that were there stand out more. He has a great way of incorporating stories into chapter to liven up the point he is trying to make. 

  I'm definitely interested in reading more from Lucado after this. He knows how to realistically approach improving your life without promising that you will have all the treasures in the world. It's realistic advice for the times we live in. You can check out the book at Amazon. 

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review. 

Movie Review: Like Crazy

  American Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and British Anna (Felicity Jones) meet and fall madly in love at college in Los Angeles, but must make their relationship work long distance when Anna returns to London. With an ocean between them, their trust is tested, forcing them to confront the idea that their love may be impermanent. Or can it survive against the odds? This romantic drama won the Grand Jury Dramatic prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.
  Most of us have experienced relationships, and along with that the ups, and downs of being committed to someone else. Some of us are still recovering, while some of us are well enough now to watch Like Crazy, and not mourn our previous loses while reliving them through the most realistic scenes of a relationship you'll probably ever see. 
  Like Crazy is shot in a way that you feel you're right there with a couple. We witness the growth, and the joys of a beginning relationship, and we see the heartache when those things are clouded over by the sacrifice it takes of being with someone else. The question is whether this couple will be able to overcome this time that hits everyone eventually in a relationship?  Anton and Felicity do a great job at keeping the audience's attention through scenes that might be otherwise boring. The chemistry between them is so natural. 
  The painful moments are so real. I walked out of the theater remembering every moment in my life I felt like that. The frustration, and anxiety from the unknowable aspects of a relationship are all dealt with, and will hit home with people who have been through the same. The scenes are beautifully shot, and it seems like there was a lot of attention to the detail of colors to catch the atmosphere perfectly.
  Now there are some things that seem way too jumped into, but I won't spoil that. These things don't quite make sense to an outside viewer, but maybe to two crazy young people in love it does. 
   Overall, Like Crazy is a great movie. I really enjoyed the pacing, and how the movie kept throwing loops to keep audiences watching. You really never knew what would come next for these two, and the ending actually surprised me. You can check it out at Amazon.