Refreshing Change!

After reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by the evil Amy Chua, I was thrilled to dig into Alice Ozma's The Reading Promise.

Here's what the back of the book will tell you: When Alice was in 4th grade, she and her father, an elementary school librarian, made a promise to read aloud together for 100 consecutive nights. Upon reaching their goal they celebrated with pancakes, but it was clear that neither one wanted to let go of what had become their reading ritual.

I won't go into detail about how revolting I found Amy Chua and her totalitarian control of her children's lives , or how her back peddling on TV talk shows, and her transparent justification on her website are all too insincere. Besides being a crazy coot of a mom, she's a crappy writer, but, boy did she stir up a great evening for our discussion group. For that I am grateful. Her book inspired us to talk about discipline, being average, the plight of education, abortion, selfishness, wisdom, choice....on and on we went - from 5:30 to almost 10:00.

Of course, we began with Valerie's fashion report, detailing who wore what at the Oscars, and a brief sharing of movies that we had seen since last month. but, the majority of the night was filled with discussion on topics generated from the book by the evil Amy Chua.

In contrast, I read the wistful, gentle book you see at the top of this page. Smiles and happiness rise from every page, as Alice tells the story of reading, sharing and growing with her dad through books. The story is warm and sincere, and invites comparison to the aforementioned memoir, but...read them both. You be the judge. Would you rather have lived in the the Ozma home, or the Chua facility?

I also cruised through Angel by Elizabeth Taylor...no, not that Elizabeth Taylor. The movie "Mrs. Palfry at the Claremont" is based on one of her novels. She's not easy to read...rather dry, in fact, but her stories have an infectious charm. The melodramatic Angel spend her days spinning outrageous stories of a life she never lived, turning them into tawdry novels that are spoken of in hushed tones throughout drawing rooms in the early 1900's. All too soon, Angel's life takes a dramatic turn, and she finds herself a captive in a scenario not unlike one of her novels. Angel's dreams came true, dreams that carried with them hidden secrets. Unlike her fictional heroines, Angel could not turn the page and find respite from the agony. A bit over the top, but a fun soap-opera like diversion just the same.

Oh...FYI...there's a sequel to A Dog's Purpose called A Dog's Journey. I will not be reading it. If you follow this blog, you know why.

The Family Fang is beign made into a movie. Can't wait! I doubt that it will have wide appeal, but, theatre folk are sure to embrace it.

What am I reading? A wedding In Haiti by Julia Alverez.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll try to get back to writing once a week!

With the Academy Awards fresh in my mind, I started thinking about the books to movies that I have loved and hated over the years. Of course, The Help won big last night, and I won't argue the deservedness of the honors. This is one of those cases where I enjoyed the movie more than the book, although I have some issues with both. I am in the minority when it comes to my criticsm, and that's OK. That makes for great discussion.

For me, the glaring flaw in both the book and the movie was the lightness with which this very serious subject was treated. Granted, attention was given to the harsh realities, but the one dimensional characters did a disservice to the overall effect.

But, I ranted about all that in the past, so on to Eat, Pray, Love -yet another book I didn't enjoy as much as others. In fact, I disliked it so much that when the movie came out, I wasn't tempted for a single moment to waltz myself to the theatre. What a mistake that was. Finally catching it on TV this weekend made me sad that, among other things, I missed out on seeing the lush scenery on the big screen.

The story took on a new life in the movie version. In her memoir, Elizabeth Gilbert comes across as a rich woman who just isn't willing to accept the goodness that surrounds her. She cries, she whimpers, she orders God to give her immediate answers, and then runs away to cleanse her mind, settle her soul, and find herself.

Gilbert comes across as far more sympathetic in the film. The reasons for her dissatisfaction still aren't clear, but the journey seems far less indulgent, and more purposeful. Out of place, out of touch, and out of her comfort zone, Gilbert is forced to go beyond what she wants and mpve on to discover what she needs to thrive as she navigates through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Her discoveries are painful, surprising, and motivating.

If I dig deep into my days as a Philosophy minor in college... (yes, it's a useless minor, and only earned me the right to wear a toga, strike a silly pose with index finger thoughtfully pointing upward as I proclaim "I think.") ...I think it was Socrates who said "An unexamined life is not worth living." The exact wording depends on what translation of Socrates' works you get your hands on, and the translation can influence how the quote is interpreted.

Anyway, Gilbert got herself into some serious life examining, which made me wonder if everyone does that in some way at some time. I figure, at the very least, we need to know what we like, who we like, and what we stand for. If we haven't thought about those things, then many of the decisions we make will be in the hands of others.

Watching the move made me wonder about where I would stop on such a pilgrimage. For sure, I would spent time in a far corner of a theatre, watching a play being directed, and seeing the slice of life unfold, change, grow, and eventually commit to being complete and not just a work in progress. I would sit in the middle of a busy mall and people watch, just because I enjoy doing that. And I would search to find colony of risk takers who relish in the joy they find in danger, be it physical, emotional, artistic, successful, or not. Seems like I should be able to do all that right here. but, I know that if I felt compelled to examine my life, I would want to do it at a higher level....in a place where the skill and talent transcend the ordinary, and where I would not be distracted by other obligations.

OK...that's enough of that for now. Honestly, I haven't' even finished that movie, and look where it has taken me so far. By the end of this evening, Elizabeth Gilbert will have completed her stay in Indonesia; that was the most compelling part of the book for me, so I can only guess what effect that portion of the movie will have on me. I better put on my red carpet toga to when I watch it.

*****What am I reading? The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom (so far, I can say that Amy Chua is evil) and The Dog Who Knew Too Much, the fourth book in Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie series. Love it!

Thanks for stopping by. It has been so long since I blogged, I had to look up my password to sign on to Blogger. Geeze Louise.

Catching Up with guest Blogger, Steve Head

Happy new year. Before talking about a wonderful film, I need to do a little housekeeping and report on my 2011 goals. Happily I did finish the second draft of my murder mystery and am taking a breather before the next assault. Unhappily, my plans to lose weight was not successful. So a resolution for 2012 is to exercise more and eat less as well as healthier.

Shortly before the holidays I was able to see Emilio Estevez’s The Way. This is a father-son film, appropriately Emilio is the son and Martin Sheen is the father. In the opening, we learn 40 year old son Emilio has died during a freak accident on the first day of his pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago from southern France and into northern Spain. This leads widower Sheen to the Pyrenees to identify and claim the remains of his son.

In a flashback we learn on the drive to the airport father does not approve of son’s dropping out of graduate school and going to Europe with an open agenda. When asked why he no longer travels and explores, father replies it is the life he has chosen. Son replies, “You do not chose a life, you live a life.” The weight of this exchange haunts the father who decides to be the legs for his son on the pilgrimage, carrying his ashes in a tin box.

Of course this decision involves obstacles, unexpected side trips, and some funny moments. To give it depth Sheen picks up three companions, each with their own reasons for making the pilgrimage. And did I mention the brilliant scenery we are treated to of the Pyrenees and Spain?

This film could easily have been a gut-wrenching moralizing test of viewer endurance, but it quite the opposite. Sheen’s convincing portrayal and Estevez’s delicate handling of the material makes this a ‘must see’ film. Like many of the books and movies I review, this film is for those able to tolerate cursing and adult themes. Happily there is no graphic violence or nudity. Although there are a few scenes that just might bring a tear or two, so bring some Kleenex.

Beware of the Dragon

Chinese new year: Dragons in literature quiz

..email me (bdenor@lsol.net) with answers. The most correct wins a grab bag full of neat stuff. Deadline...next Monday! In case of a tie, a random draw will determine the winner. I'm not kidding, there is neat stuff in the grab bag.

China celebrated its new year on Jan 23. We're entering the year of the dragon: one of the most revered years of the Chinese calendar. To celebrate, test your knowledge of literature's finest firebreathers

1. “There he lay, a vast red-golden dragon, fast asleep; thrumming came from his jaws and nostrils, and wisps of smoke, but his fires were low in slumber. Beneath him, under all his limbs and his huge coiled tail, and about him on all sides stretching away across the unseen floors, lay countless piles of precious things, gold wrought and unwrought, gems and jewels, and silver red-stained in the ruddy light.” Which dragon?

JRR Tolkien’s Smaug
Ursula Le Guin’s Orm
Robin Hobb’s Tintaglia
The dragon from Beowulf

2. Which colour are the two dragons who fight in front of Vortigern and Merlin in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s The History of the Kings of Britain?

Red and black
Black and white
Red and white
Silver and Gold

3. Who turns into a dragon in CS Lewis’s The Voyage of the Dawn Treader?

Eustace Scrubb

Reepicheep
Caspian
Lucy

4. How are dragons brought back to life in George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series?

Humans are sacrificed by the sinister Red Priest to bring dragons back to the world

Fossilised eggs hatch after lying in a funeral pyre
Life is brought to stone statues of dragons
Lizards are genetically modified to become dragons

5. “Never laugh at live dragons,” says Bilbo Baggins, wisely. But which of the following is not one of JRR Tolkien’s dragons?

Glarung Smaug Ancalagon Erkenbrand

6. What is the point of the dragons in Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series?

They are the only source of fuel for the stranded explorers
They protect the planet from a deadly threat which falls from the skies
Battling and killing a dragon is the ultimate test in young Perneses' journey to manhood
They guard the settlers’ treasures

7. Which author created a world in which dragons begin life as sea serpents?

Robin Hobb
Terry Goodkind
Robert Jordan
Ursula Le Guin

8. Who dreamed up Norwegian Ridgeback and Hungarian Horntailed dragons?

Terry Pratchett
JRR Tolkien
JK Rowling
Cornelia Funke

9. What is the name of the dragon in Christopher Paolini’s bestselling young adult series?

Eragon
Saphira
Icefyre

What am I reading? Obedience by Jacqueline Yallop. I'm only on page 2...so this info is coming from the back cover

"A once bustling convent in the south of France is closing, leaving behind three elderly nuns. Forced, for the first time, to confront the community that she betrayed decades ago, sister Bernard relives her past.

At thirty, sister Bernard can hear the voice of God. when you young Nazi soldier asks her to meet secretly, she agrees. And so begins the horrifying and passionate love affair that will deafen the heavens and define her life, tempting her into duplicity. Obedience is a powerful exploration of one woman's struggle to reconcile her aching need to be loved with her fear of god's wrath."

I'll let you know...cheesy, predictable, or provocative.

There’s trouble lurking around every bend, down every path, and in every nook and cranny of the palace. Unless audience members attending UW-Manitowoc’s production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” are willing to help, poor Snow White is destined to spend her life in the forest with “the noisy birds, and lots of icky things.” According to producer, Kathy Palmer, this version of the classic fairy tale relies heavily on audience participation to keep the story moving.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be presented at

UW-Manitowoc

Thursday, Jan, 26...7:00

With the exception of the dwarfs, three actors take on all the roles needed for the show, often making quick costume and character changes in front of the audience.

Cathi Burish, Riverview Kindergarten Center Principal, plays the evil Queen determined to be the most beautiful woman in the land, promising to “slime” anyone attempting to help Snow White. She transforms herself into a gypsy trinket seller, and an aged apple peddler. Burish has performed in Heart-A-Rama, and numerous other local theatre and music productions.

As the narrator, Keith Shaw sets up the story line for the audience, and leads the children through creative activities as part of the story. With his help, they awaken Snow White who falls asleep and rattles the windows with her snoring, and warn Snow White of impending dangers. Keith morphs into the mirror’s reflection, and the huntsman who must do the Queen’s bidding or else. When an Italian Prince rides in on his trusty steed to insure a happily-ever-after ending, that’s Keith as well.

Keith Shaw, seasoned theatre veteran, is back on the boards after a successful career as principal of Lincoln High School. Shaw is best known for his recurring role as Eddie in the Historic Forst Inn’s popular musical “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up.” His skills as a quick costume change artist were honed in “Greater Tuna,” in which he was challenged to play nine different characters, each with a distinct look and persona.

Corrie Skubal, Riverview School family liaison educator, plays the title role of Snow White. Skubal’s Snow White is a bit funky, with a colorful wardrobe, and a spirit to match. “It’s Snow White’s good heart that makes everyone want to protect her,” commented Skubal. In fact, the entire audience must help hide Snow White when the Queen learns that she is safe and happy living in the forest. Skubal has performed with Masquers, and Heart-A-Rama where, coincidentally, she played Snowy in a twisted re-telling of the familiar tale.

The story would not be complete without the other title characters – seven dwarfs. Keith Shaw plays the lead dwarf, and the remaining six will be chosen at random from the audience. The six will be on stage for nearly half of the show, and interact with all three characters.

According to Palmer, “The non-traditional staging and whimsical approach to the story, and characters freshens up this favorite fairy tale.” Palmer has produced numerous children’s plays and musicals, earning her audience favorite recognition for her quirky portrayals in several of those productions.

“In a show like this, I like to keep things simple”, explained Bev Denor, director. “The simplicity keeps kids focused on the story, and also shows them how easy it is to create pieces for their own backyard productions.”

Madeline Hansen is student director. Maddie has been on hand to help with several shows produced through the Continuing Education Department at UW-Manitowoc. She performed in that group’s all-student musical, ‘Really Rosie” and has participated in theatre at Lincoln High School under the direction of Bill Hansen.

Chris Lochmann provided construction assistance, and Pat Smith is lighting and sound designer.

Bev Denor has directed locally for a number of groups including Heart-A-Rama, Masquers, the Historic Forst Inn, Silver Lake College, The Children’s Center of the Arts, and LaDeDa’s Three-Dollar Theatre. Along with Kevin Hansen, she co-founded the travelling improv troupe, Bad Timing. She has taught theatre at Valders High School and UW-Manitowoc in addition to directing plays through the Continuing Education Department at UW-Manitowoc including “The Taffeta's,” “ A Taffeta Christmas,” and “Honky Tonk Angels”.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. They will be available at the door the night of the show. For more information, call Kathy Palmer at 683.4702.

The Joy of Books

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Day...a day of service. After you enjoy the funky dancing books video, go out and do something nice...just because. If you don't have time today, find time tomorrow, or the next day...better yet...find time today, tomorrow, the next day.....

What you do doesn't have to be big, life-changing, or time consuming. With so many people locally facing a job crisis, often leading to financial insecurity, helping may seem futile. True, we may not be able to change their circumstances but, we never know what impact a simple gesture can have. Now, I'm not going all Oprah on you, but once in a while I receive a perfectly timed message from someone , so I can attest that a small action at the right time is very powerful.

In general, I'm a grumpy pragmatist, steering clear of the live-your-bliss acolytes. But, I do have some peeves that unnerve me because they do nothing to better the world, or those around us. First, smart, selfish people annoy me. I figure, if you have some brainpower, you ought to share it. Whether you're a scientist or an artist, sometimes we just have to give of our skills and ask nothing in return.

Second on my list are wealthy, self-absorbed people. You know them. They are the people who give and give and give...and announce it every chance they get. Their giving may be charity, but their actions are not charitable.

Then there are talented, lazy people. That's simply a very personal one because I have always searched for something I can do well, but apparently am destined to live in the land of mediocrity. Utilizing a talent is hard work, but what a WOW! it offers when those talents are shared. I know too many people who have amazing skill sets, but are highly unmotivated. Give me an ounce of that talent, will you?!

My final pet peeve is all too common, and eliminating this one on all levels would just make everyone happier. Nastiness. There are way too many people who think they can snap, belittle, gossip, and name call, but then negate it all by doing or saying something nice. Well, that doesn't work.

So, in my perfect world, these habits would not exist. If we can clear our lives of judgement, ego, selfishness, and laziness, we would be living in a service centered culture. Hmmm...I am happy to say that none of my friends fall into the pet peeve pitfalls mentioned above. They are all generous, talented, kind, happy people for whom every day is day of service.

So, thanks for getting to the bottom of this purge. Go ahead, consider that your service for the day, but I know you'll find something even more important to do!

*****What am I reading? The Hunger Games...for the second time. I am baffled by the popularity of a book about kids killing kids. Maybe my book discussion group can help me with that.

We Couldn't be Happier!

Like everyone else, I am surprised to see that 2012 has arrived. In retail, October through December are a blur, and while those months, and those sales are so important, I enjoy the rhythms of the remaining months much better.

With the growth of internet sales and e-readers, more and more people ask how we're doing. My favorite question has been "I know so many people who got Kindles. What will you do?" Well, I didn't know I was expected to do anything. I hear that someone even chastised Kindles buyers on Facebook, saying they were affecting my business. While I appreciate the shout out of support, I am hoping that post does not begin a flurry of unfounded speculation.

The fact is, we had a great 2011, and are looking forward to 2012 and many years beyond. Of course, the foundation of our stability is our customers, who for 15 years keep opening our doors, often to buy books, and sometime just to stop in to say "Hello." Either way, we are grateful, and happy to be the kind of shop where we know people's names, their kids' and pets' names, as well as preferred book genre and coffee drink.

Terri, Debbie, Matt (and always in our hearts - Jenny, Brendo, Jacque, and Emily) bring loyalty, kindness, and knowledge to work with them, and have never ever suggested that the meagre wages, and varied responsibilities of a bookstore employee just don't cut it for them. Chris keeps our computers running smoothly, and his patience has helped me overcome tons of keyboard phobia. It is hard for me to think of myself as their employer. When we first opened, my accountant and business consultant warned me against hiring friends, but that philosophy hasn't been comfortable or successful for me. Maybe I just have nicer, more reliable friends that other employers!

Realistically, I understand that the publishing industry is changing. I am keeping an eye on those changes, and making subtle adjustments. Stats from professional bookselling organizations tell us that 80% of the books sold nationwide are still traditional paper copies. My guess is that percentage is higher in Manitowoc. When we first opened, 15 years ago, I learned early never to become too over-confident, or too smug. There was a gift shop next to us that had constant traffic. Traffic I envied. But, one Sunday, the owner closed its doors in the middle of the day, never to return...leaving inventory to the bank. We were sad to see it go, but it was a lesson I took to heart, and have not taken my eye off our business for a single day since then.

So, that's a sort of "State of the Store" report for you. I look forward to 2012...meeting new people, staying in touch with others, and opening boxes and boxes of books as they arrive at our back door.

*****What am I reading? I'm in swashbuckling mode...just finished The Man in the Iron Mask and decided to backtrack and read The Three Musketeers. After that, if I haven't burnt out...perhaps Kidnapped or Treasure Island.

Children Go Where I Send Thee by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Happy Holidays

We're closed on Monday, December 26, so before signing off for a few days, I'd like to share one of my favorite holiday stories with you.

A few years back, my friend Margarette, her husband, Brian, and son, Henry, came over for dinner on Christmas Eve. You've heard stories before about my grumpy dog, but on this night, GB was in amped up spirits, and picked a huge fight with Margarette. No one else seemed to trouble her, but for some reason, Margarette got on the dog's nerves, and there was no end to the harassment. Margarette, quite a dog lover, tried everything. GB refused to be held. She balked at playing fetch. She ignored my loud demands for silence. I tired in vain to catch her in order to quarantine her to a bathroom.

Finally, in desperation,. I had the bright idea to reward GB's bad behavior with a treat. Make sense, right? And even better, if Margarette gave it to her, a Christmas miracle would surely occur. GB would become a gracious companion for the night, curling up at Margarette's feet, and occasionally asking for a simple scratch behind her ears.

I chose an extra special treat. Not your run-of-the-mill biscuit, chew stick or beef jerky. Nope. this situation called for something big...the peanut butter sucker! This concoction has an inch square of peanut butter that has somehow been solidified to a solid clay-like mixture, with a chew stick stuck up the center.

"Here," I said, handing the unwrapped goodness to Margarette. "Try this." And she did. Margarette took a nice big bite while GB and the rest of us looked on puzzled and amused. Margarette is one of my most intelligent friends - actually she's over the top brilliant - so...what little hiccup happened on Christmas night that prompted her to eat dog food, I'll never know. Nevertheless, thank you Margarette. I still get a good belly laugh every time I think about you and your oh so exotic appetizer!

Stay tuned. I'll be back in 2012.

Where's the snow?

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...followed immediatly by a beautiful spring!

Trailer for Deepa Mehta's OSCAR-nominated film WATER

My book group chose to watch the movie Water for our December meeting. I use the word "chose" with a bit of guilt, since I have been pushing this film for several years now, and I think that everyone was either worn down by my constant pressure, or they decided I needed an early Christmas gift.

Because I saw it many years ago, after reading the book by the same name, I forgot it is in subtitles, something I don't care for, and something that is appreciated very little by several others in the group. But, I am hoping that the message, the intensity, and the ironic beauty of the film outweigh the incovenience of the format.

Chuyia is a young girl, about nine, when she is given in marriage. Unfortunately, her husband dies shortly after, and this bad karma, lands her in a widow's home. The house mother is slovenly, bitter, lazy, and unkind. She presides over all ashram actions, including the decision to pimp a young, beautiful widow out in order to bring in more money for the home. Chuyia believes that she will return to her parents someday , but we learn from a holy man, that child marriages are a financial matter. Getting rid of a young girl makes room in the household, and saves money on the four saris that a girl is given throughout her life.

Sounds bleak, but yuou will find Chuyia engaging and resiliant. I was amazed how much injustice a person can endure when there is support, understanding and hope. The beautiful scenery contrasts with the hollowness of the women's lives. There is much to be learned from Water.

This moving story will stick with you for a long time. It is part of a trilogy of films, the others being Fire and Earth.

Thank you for not being this shopper!

Some 24% of people who bought books online said they had looked at the book in a bookstore first and 39% of people who bought books from Amazon said they had looked at the book in a bookstore first, according to a survey conducted by Codex Group and quoted by the New York Times.

Many indie bookstores are combating this behavior by guilting customers with a sign reading "See it here. Buy it here. Keep us here."