The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (2005)
I tried to read it, I wanted to enjoy it, but I couldn't do it. The bookmark is still on page 46, I felt as though I was wasting time if I read further, so I stopped.

Pia, have you read this Swedish book? Just wondering, as you are the only reader of this blog!

Do you give up on books? I always feel guilty, as I know the author has made a lot of effort, and often others have enjoyed the read. Sometimes I persevere if I have bought the book, and have less guilt at not finishing library books, as they are free to borrow.

Shanghai Girls - Lisa See

Shanghai Girls - Lisa See (2009)
There is something so nice about being the first one to read a book, whether it is newly bought or new at the library, I don't mind. I had waited I think 5 months on the reserve list for Lisa Sees new book.

Starting int 1937, it tells the story of Pearl and May Chin, sisters in Shanghai who are living a good life, modeling and socialising at all of the popular spots. It then follows them through the Japanese invasion of China and their eventual arrival in the US.

I have read Lisa Sees two previous novels, which were awesome, Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. On Gold Mountain was more of a family history about her Chinese family that had emigrated to the US, and I see echoes of these stories in Shangai Girls. Not as compelling as her historical novels, it was still interesting and compelling and I enjoy her flowing style of writing. 3/5

Still Alice - Lisa Genova

Still Alice - Lisa Genova (2009)
Alice is a fifty year old university lecturer at Harvard. Over a short period of time she realizes that she is becoming increasingly forgetful and misplacing objects. Realising this may not be simple old age forgetfulness, she is diagnosed with early onset dementia - Alzeimers.

Told from her point of view, this novel reaches in and tells us how the patient feels. The despair and hurt as family and friends learn to cope with the new Alice.

A great read, very moving and sensitive. 4/5

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister - Gregory Maguire

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister - Gregory Maguire (2000)
Standing in Borders, waiting for a friend on a rainy day, I picked up this book and read the first page. Should I buy it, I was keen to read it but it was $30 that could pay for my lunch. So, instead I reserved it from the library and was able to pick it up within two days.

I enjoyed this grown up tale of Cinderella very much. Taking away the fairytale elements and placing the story in 17th centuary Holland in the midst of Tulip fever, I was entranced by the fate of Iris, Ruth and their mother who upon arriving penniless and homeless seek to place themselves in a home.

3/5 for this very grown up fairy tale, without any fairies.

Wuthering Heights - DVD

Wuthering Heights - Dvd (1998)

Out on the wiley, windy moors
We roll and fall in green.
You had a temper like my jealousy:
Too hot, too greedy.

How could you leave me,
When I needed to possess you?
I hated you. I loved you, too.
Bad dreams in the night.
They told me I was going to lose the fight,
Leave behind my wuthering, wutheringWuthering heights.

Heathcliff, its me--cathy.
Come home. Im so cold!
Let me in-a-your window.

Oh my gosh I love that song, still - after all these years. The dvd - mmm not so much. I got that they were acting the jealousy, obsession and revenge bits ok, but the love. I didn't really feel it. Matthew McFadyen would have been so much better as Heathcliff, maybe it is time for a remake.

3/5, and I might have to get another copy of the book.

Easy Virtue

Easy Virtue (2009)
A cold winters afternoon is a perfect time to consider a movie, and as it was my friends choice I went to see this one with no idea of what it was about. Based on a Noel Coward play, the prodigal son returns from his trip abroad with a new wife, and an American one at that. Mother and sisters don't take too kindly to her, but all the boys swoon. Romps, horse riding and witty banter aplenty.

Except, I didn't buy it. Kirsten Scott Thomas was perfect as the cranky mother, but I felt everyone else was playing dress ups. Poor Colin Firth looked a bit constipated and bored by it all, Jessica Biel looked lovely but overacted a tad.

So sorry chaps, I can only give you a lowly 2/5.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Dvd

Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Dvd (2008)
Well I did snigger at a few scenes, but really I am too old for this manboy stuff. Comedies that try to act like dramas never really work, and although I loved Jason Segel in Freaks and Geeks, and admire that he hasn't buffed up for the role, I can't help thinking whenever I saw him that his socks must stink. I did admire his singing and hopefully what was his own piano playing in the movie.

Russell Brand was great as an advert for rock star STDs and the hotel scenery was gorg. I guess it is designed to be a great date night movie for 20somethings, as the boys would enjoy it even if it is really a romantic comedy.

2/5 for my dateless Friday night on the couch, what am I saying. Me and the cat enjoyed our night in!

Isle of Tears - Deborah Challinor

Isle of Tears - Deborah Challinor (2009)
I am not a huge fan of New Zealand authors. A lot seem to be too busy trying to show their literary skills and the story gets lost in a flurry of flowery sentiment, and over wordy sentences.

Deborah Challinor, is great though and I think her stories would be popular anywhere they were read. In this book Isla is a teenager, when her parents are murdered leaving her and her siblings orphaned. Finding shelter with local Maori, they soon make new lives for themselves. I particularly like the contrast between their Scottish background and their new Maori culture.

I think it will have to be 3/5 for this book , a perfect winter nights read. I did enjoy it, but I found that some chapters and issues in the book seemed a bit rushed, essential storylines sometimes seemed underdeveloped and would warrant only a page or so. Like there were a couple of chapters on staying in Auckland, but only a few pages about the escape, then an even shorter description of the journey south.

Blindsided - Richard M. Cohen

Blindsided - Richard M. Cohen (2005)
Richard M. Cohen was a journalist when troubled by worrying symptoms, discovered that he had Multiple Sclerosis. Dealing with it and its limitations, his work and family life form the basis of this memoir.

Later in his life he then has to deal with colon cancer and the joy of stomas and bags.

2/5 - I usually like a real life medical memoir, but wasn't in the mood for this one.

Cranford - dvd

Cranford - dvd (2007)
Well it was a very cold and windy long weekend here. So it was perfect timing that the library reserve of Cranford was ready for pickup on Friday.

I have to start by giving it a 5/5, as I enjoyed it so much. It was nice to watch something so witty, entertaining and thoughtful at the same time. If only a modern movie could provide such entertainment. Maybe it is something about seeing boys strutting about in their fantastic outfits and high boots.

Ahhhh the costumes were pretty fabulous too.