The Almost Moon

I enjoyed this book, in a sinister way. That a woman could be so deranged as to kill her own mother...I couldn't decide whether to admire her or despise her. For one, she honestly believed she was doing her mother and herself a favour by terminating her one remaining parent. However, she seems mentally disturbed.

In the end, I decided that Helen was suffering from the afflictions that her parents suffered. Mental illness had taken over her and she was no longer rational. I didn't feel sorry for her, however. She was responsible for her own actions, regardless of her health.

In an era where mental illness (depression, anxiety, phobias) is rife, why does Sebold have to feed on society's misunderstandings and stigmata of the mentally ill? This novel just adds to the problems surrounding the understanding of mental illness. Not everybody who suffers ill health makes drastic choices, like suicide and murder! Why couldn't Helen be redeemed in the end - for I don't think she is.

What I like about the novel is the building of suspense. However, the anti-climax in the final third of the book is disappointing. I expected greater things to happen, but Helen just proves herself a bad person: a bad daughter and a bad mother.

Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I read this book without the grain of salt that it needs. Perhaps I misunderstood the ending, for it is ambiguous. But overall, I dislike Helen and I dislike the message that this novel presents about mental health.

I also think that there is too much in this novel. Sebold attempts to tackle different relationships as well as the underlying theme of murder and betrayal. Sebold presents many relationships: husband, daughter 1 and daughter 2 (for both relationships are vastly different), friend, mother and father. I felt that none of these relationships was given enough detail, except, perhaps, that between Helen and her friend Natalie. Helen betrays Natalie, and Natalie flees, which, IMO is slightly overexaggerated.

Anyway, here are some questions about the novel:

• Does Helen suffer from a mental illness? Or is her behaviour a result of issues that arose as she grew up with her parents and their illnesses?



• Did Clare deserve to die? Did Helen do her a favour by ending her life the way she did?



• Can you forgive, or understand Helen's motives for murdering her mother?



• What are some of the main problems that Helen encountered as she grew up in her parents' home?



• Is Helen a bad mother? Give examples. Also, what do her daughters think of her?



• What is the relevance of Helen's relationship with her ex-husband?



• What is the significance of Helen's career as a nude model? Is her job symbolic of anything (ie stripping and shedding of herself?)



• If you were Natalie, how would you react to Helen's behaviour? Eg Helen having sex with Hamish; Helen killing her mother.



• Did you enjoy the novel? What did you think of the ending (eg what happens, is Helen redeemed, justified or punished?)

The Almost Moon

I am really enjoying this novel by Alice Sebold. I find it intriguing that life could get so difficult that Helen would want to murder her mother Clair. That she had imagined doing so throughout her childhood is an insane prospect to me.

Sebold is good at gradually building up the information for the reader; rather than exposing all the facts at the outset, she hints and suggests things so the reader can make their own judgements and ideas, before exposing the truths.

One aspect of the novel I am currently finding intriguing is the profession of Helen. She was overweight in her childhood but she is slim now, and she poses nude for art classes. Her utter exposure is described as shedding herself of the hold her mother has on her and being raw and exposed and free.

I am also interested in the relationship Helen has with her father, as I feel that this is the main relationship that has affected her - rather than her relationship with her mother. I find the unravelling of details about this relationship captivating.

Helen seems bereft of emotion. She doesn't seem to care about anything with passion. Perhaps her mother has stripped that from her, as caring for her mother seems like all she ever did. Helen doesn't even appear to care for her daughters the way a mother should; perhaps she learned this from her own mother. She doesn't even seem to care when she murders her mother!

Perhaps this will all be a dream, and when Helen wakes up, she will wake up next to her mother to find her very much alive, and then they will both appreciate eachother more. That would be a lame, but happy, ending

Ladder 49

I really like John Travolta and Jaquin Pheonix. Together, they have great onscreen charisma. They work well together, and I think that it is because of this that I enjoyed this movie.

The ten years of Jack's (Pheonix) development as a firefighter is followed in 'Ladder 49.' Told in a 'backflash' mode, we learn about how Jack began as a firefighter, and at the end we learn how his career ends. I became engrossed in Jack's story, preferring the focus on the relationships he built with people rather than his heroics. I would have enjoyed more development in the relationship between Jack and his boss (Travolta). When we first meet Travolta's character, he seems quite eccentric, but that characterisation doesn't follow through in the film, and I am still wondering why. I enjoyed the development of the relationships with his workmates, as well as Linda, his wife.

Time span is confusing in this film, as backflashes do create a bit of confusion at times. There are no subtitles to tell us how many years have passed, but this is not a negative issue, as it makes the viewer think about what they are watching.

I thought the actors played their roles realistically, as I imagine that firefighters who work so close to eachother have moments of joy and disappointment to share. I thought the moments of grief were played very well; I had tears on several occasions throughout the viewing.

The settings of fire were very realistic. Sound effects were used generously to give the impression of hot fire. Makeup was used effectively to show burned skin.

This film forces us to think about the people who give of themselves so they can save others. Jack's motif of 'saving people' is a reminder that his goal is to save people at the expense of himself. I had trouble coming to terms with the fact that he was also sacrificing his family to save other people.

At the end of the film I found myself wondering why people put themselves in danger to save the lives of others. And it is in thinking that that I have even more respect for the men and women who would put themselves forward in order to save me; I am for ever grateful.

***1/2

Butterfly Effect

I have seen this one several times, but each time I find it a chilling viewing. From the ghastly letterbox bombing to the harrowing final 'umbilical' scene, I love the idea that the things we do can impact so greatly on others. Sure, it's all a fantasy... or is it?

When did he have the best life? Was he right to 'play God' to try to fix other people's lives? This film makes me contemplate the times in my life that I have considered to be crossroads, and how, by choosing a different path, I could've had a different life. For example, if I had broken up with Monte that day, many many years ago, where would I be now? Maybe not right here! And if I had got my belly button pierced when my friend took me to the 'salon' would I have been alluring enough to get pregnant with Georgia? What if I didn't get pregnant when I did? What child would I have?

Woa! Go on a tangent why don't ya!?

The Butterfly Effect suggests that any choice you make can impact on the lives an futures of other people. In the film, Ashton Kutcher plays a pleasant lad who gets confused regularly. We learn that these 'blackouts' are moments when his self is crossing himself in moments of time; he comes back to his past to try to fix things. Athough he fixes the problem at hand, usually, through his time interference, he actually creates a problem much worse - even waking one day to find he has no arms!

Kutcher is a convincing lead, although not much is really required to be convincing. No problems are really solved, as proved by the ending. Or, at least, he doesn't solve his problems, rather, he excapes from them!

The settings are interesting because, depending on the past that he is altered, the setting will be slightly different. Similarly with characterisation. For example, if the heroine is a dropkick who commits suicide in one 'life,' then when her past has been altered, she becomes a prom queen sophomore. Nonetheless, the same character is also a prostitute among other characters throughout the film. Thus the actors who play supporting roles are required to extend their talents more than Kutcher alone.

The idea of the film is interesting, and I have already waffled on about my interest in the issue. The film is chilling at times, and I would also like to investigate other aspects of the issue, for example, beginning with children who were basically 'good' and 'normal,' for a start.

I recommend this film but it is not everybody's 'cuppa tea.' ***

The Almost Moon

Seriously, I have no time to read! We sometimes don't even have light to read by! But I am reading 'The Almost Moon' by Alice Sebold as part of an external partaking of my parent group reading group. I think they have all read it now, but I shall plod along.

The plot: a woman kills her mother. We know this from the outset. Why she does it, we find out through reading the text. I think there must be something in this for everybody, as we all have the odd flaw in the relationships we have with our own mothers (don't we?). I think this mother was particularly hard on her daughter and might possibly have murdered her husband. I'm not sure, having read only a few chapters so far!

Style: easy to read and LOL hilarious at times (true - maybe I am just a sicko).

Setting: in a house. I think this enclosed setting adds to the haunting nature of the whole thing.

I think I recommend this book. Will let you know when I am finished!

Paycheck

In desperation to write another review I am resorting to a movie we saw on TV over the weekend.

Alas, I have little time to review novels etc with all the business of packing and preparing to move to Tasmania (in 39 days!).

This film, starring Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman (great onscreen chemistry) is a futuristic film, delving into the idea of what happens if we could see our future. Ben's character says something along the idea that when we see our future, we make it happen. If we see a war, we fight to avoid it. Thought provoking eh?

Ben's character, whose name presently escapes my foggy mind, works for three years to engineer a machine that sees the future. After this, his memory is erased by some sci-fi invention. The film is unusual in that as viewers we do not see what he makes; we have to work that out.

I love a mystery. Whilst working, Ben's character sends himself a package, so he would receive it in the future. He decided not to accept his paycheque, in return for these items. He eventually works out that he must have sent these items to himself for a good reason. The mystery evolves as he has to decide what each item means, as he has to use it in a certain way so he can find out what he invented, and what he must do to it.

The film ends well and I love the fluent structure of this one. I enjoyed and believed each character's performance. The film tackles themes such as love, jilted friendships, betrayal, money, corruption and lust for power. It also makes us question the values we may hold in the future.

A very enjoyable viewing. ****

The Pact - Jodi Picoult

Wow

This book is enchantingly addictive. It is about a gripping yet debilitating suicidal depression, experienced by a wealthy, educated, creative, successful, beautiful and loved teenager. I think this is an important topic, especially in a time where depression, especially in teenagers, is just reaching the surface of things to talk about.

Written ten years ago, this book explores the issues why Emily is depressed - nobody noticed. How could she want to die when her life is blossoming before her? She is a talented painter. She has a wonderful boyfriend and wealthy parents. Maybe that is not the secret to true happiness...

Yet as we read through this chilling tale devoted to the goings-on of a teenager's mind, we discover the reasons why Emily wanted to die.

"The Pact" is about Emily, a suicidal girl, who talks her loving boyfriend, Chris, into being there as she ends her life. Chris is then accused of murdering Emily. A rivetting court case ensues. I sat, clenching my book and my teeth, waiting to read the final verdict - I got so desperate, I skipped to the end of the page!

If you want to read a page-turner that is about love, lust, sex (so much sex is in this book!), suicide, teenagers, depression, legal mumbo-jumbo - this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Better than "Nineteen Minutes."

****1/2

PS Now that I know Picoult's formula, maybe I should try my hand at some teen-inspired topical thrillers.

Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

I thought this novel tackled an important issue, but I didn't like the narrative style -the way the point of view shifted so often. I like the twist at the end, but I thought it was predictable. I felt Josie's pain when she mourned Matt, and I sypathised for Peter's mother. I was torn between wanting to support Peter, and wanting to punish him. It depended on whose POV I was privvy to. I guess Picoult is showing us that there are always two sides to each story.

The topic itself is scary. I am a teacher, so this opened my eyes to a few things about schools and individual students, and I appreciate this from the novel.

I always like reading court scenes, and Picoult is great with that, as we know. I think she must be commended on her raw, realistic portrayal of character, and the way she peels the layers of a story and in so doing, she helps us recognise our own shortcomings.

Where do your values lie?

***

Questions for Babel

Here are some questions for the film 'Babel:'

1. What is your favourite 'story' and why?


2. How are the characters' lives/stories related in the plot?


3. What evidence do we find that Susan has experienced a miscarriage or similar tragedy?


4. Are children capable of evil, or are they just unaware of consequences? If they behave evil, what has made them that way? (eg would the young lad still be evil if a gun was not placed in his care? [that is, IF he is actually evil])


5. Several different cultures are explored in this film. How do they differ? How are they similar? Can you find one thing that is similar to all cultures? (hint: children)


6. How far are the settings integral to the plot (think of the setting as a character)?


7. How is love represented in different forms in this film?


8. Is Brad Pitt more or less of a hunk in this film? ;) Seriously though, what makes Richard a good husband?

In the Woods - Tana French

I finished the novel and actually said, "what the?" as I shut it. I actually looked through the back of the book to see if I was missing the last page! I'm struggling to add to my previous review, and I am struggling to think of discussion questions for this book. But I'll give it a go:

1. In what ways do you admire Adam/Rob? What are the strengths of his character? (eg I thought him a hunk at first [until I learned more about his personality!]
2. How far is the setting of the woods integral to the plot? (eg could it have been as effective a story if it were set at the beach?)
3. What does the rain represent in the novel? We see it a lot - what purpose does it serve? Foreshadowing, tragedy, that something is about to be solved, that Rob is in trouble etc?
4. Does Rob treat Cassie poorly, or does she take advantage of him?
5. Do you think that a male and female can ever be 'just good friends?'
6. What is it that really drives Rob mad? The woods, lack of sleep, unsolved mysteries, memories, lust for Cassie, his past etc?
7. What is the pendant/charm that is found at the end, and what purpose does its placement/existence serve?
8. Are you satisfied with the ending? Why? Why not?

Wolf Creek (R)

Amanda recommended this film to me (as well as Perfume). She painted a picture for me: the backpaker murders. She warned me that this film was so scary my back would probably ache with the sheer suspense of it all. The bloke at my local video store warned me that it would scare the pants off me. The image of a bloodstained brunette on the front cover worried me, so I was quite nervous as I got ready to watch it.

In my opinion, it is not that scary. It is really sad though, what happened to the girls. The graffic scenes are disturbing but the level of violence is not too terrible ... in my opinion. I find it harder to fathom that anybody could be so cruel. It scares me that this dude is still out there. We have so much faith that our national protection will actually protect us. That somebody could hunt down a person is really quite awful.

I will watch this film again, because there are hints throughout that can help us understand the story better. Krissy's laughter really annoyed me. I liked Liz. I thought that Ben was ok - cute but annoying in some ways. That he survives (this is based on true events) is a miracle.

Recommended viewing for those who are not easily freaked ***

Perfume

I really like this film. I love the raw setting. The opening scenes were vile and raw and my eyes were glued to the screen in the manner of looking at roadkill ("Oh gross, I can't look" [but look anyway]). I liked the plot and the making of perfume: I thought this interesting and well researched. I thought it sad that the young women were killed and dumped in their vulnerability, but as far as murder stories go, I though this was a good one.

Until the really strange final scenes filled the screen. My mouth agape, I couldn't quite work out what the heck was happening. How bizarre. That the scent of the women could render an evil man an angel; unfathomable.

The protagonist is weird and I thought him unlikeable. He has no soul and no scent, and he appears in the dark in many scenes, slowly appearing as if he were a ghost. His sillhouette enters our vision before his face does - eerie!

And the wonderfully rich colours: opulent emerald, ravishing red - the girls' hair flying in the wind, wonderful rich colours and tumbling curls. The pukey greys and sloshing sounds in the opening scenes is foul but brilliant: slashes on the screen of gutting animals and the raw brutality that is the fishmarket.

Overall I rate this film average (see it because it's different) **

In the Woods - Tana French

Giving up on Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" (too annoyingly multi-POV [point-of-view]), I have begun my FIRST EVER crime novel, "In the Woods." This is an intriguing story. Unfortumately, however, I am finding the same problem with any crime novel I've tried to read: it's written badly. There are far too many broken, interrupted clauses that I forget what the sentence is about. Please, write simple sentences; use punctuation properly!

Anyway, I will persevere, because this is a book we're doing for our mum's group reading circle (I like the term 'circle' because it sounds much more D&M).

I reckon the protagonist and narrator, Adam/Robert is a hunk! I don't know why. He just is. A bit annoying, but sexy. And I am hopeful of a romance between him and Cassie, his force partner. I really like the story; I really like the setting; and I like the characters. The whole murdered child thing is completely off, but I like the mystery of the children who go missing in the woods etc.

So, I'm, like*, up to page 100, so don't give anything away. It's quite depressing that I'm only 1/5 the way through. I'll write a better review when I'm finished...

* Sorry, I've caught this terrible bug from my students, where, like, you write how you speak? Except I don't even speak like that? I've just, like, caught the way they write?

UGH!

De Ja Vu

I watched "de Ja Vu" last night and thoroughly enjoyed it! Denzel Washington played Doug, a very gentle and caring fonrensic investigator. Val Kilmer was in it too, as was a very beautiful woman - I think her name is Erika something.

The story goes that there is an attack on a ferry and lots of people are killed. Doug is sent to investigate. Through some interesting technology he and his team learn that they can change the past. I can't go into any more detail than that.

The film features lots of neutral tones except for Claire, who wears pretty colours. The scenes are fluid and blend to tell the story in an understandable way. The dialogue is clear and Denzel's silky voice is just a pleasure to hear.

I enjoyed the plot and the film was gripping and intriguing. Some of the sci fi parts were over the top - or so I thought until I realised that there are no limits with fantasy and sci fi. Don't get the wrong idea about this film though - it is actually reasonably realistic, not way-out like a lot of films from that genre are.

I really enjoyed this film. *****

Babel

I would not say that this film is terribly enjoyable, but I will say that this film is gripping, well structured and harrowing.

It is the story of a gun, and its impact on the lives of several people from different countries. Its impace left people raw; viewers see the characters at their most vulnerable. Pain and suffering in its many forms is a major theme of this text - portrayed through simple camera techniques. The stories of the different characters are tied in so well, despite the differing time frames.

The settings are vivid and complement the overal atmosphere of the scene. The bright lights in Tokyo contrast with Chieko's grief. The arid desolateness of Morocco contrast with the blood that stains Susan and Richard's clothing. The red dress that Amelia wears to the wedding stands out in all its absurdity in the desert. The tourist bus contrasts to the mud brick houses of Morocco.

Speech is fast paced and at times furious. The different languages contrast and thus the label Babel is suitable to this film; how people of different cultures are related through one incident.

The moral questions are paramount in this film. Firstly, the issue of guns and who should use them and be allowed to have them. The issue of incest is one that I find awkward and terrifying. Other questions, such as how could a busload of tourists leave one of their company to die - are people so terrified and selfish in times of fear, that they would let others suffer instead? What does that say of the human race?

Do I recommend this film? Most certainly. Be prepared for a contrast of colours, languages, cultures and values.

*****

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

It is so cold; my hands are barely able to move!

I am teaching this book to my year 8s. I have just finished reading it and I love it!

Stargirl is about a girl, Stargirl, who is different to the mainstream (annoying) teenager. She sings happy birthday to people; she wears long skirts and no makeup. I think she is lovely. However, she is not admired by the schoolkids. Until she becomes a cheerleader, and she becomes popular. When SG is popular it is like the kids' eyes have opened and they are born again (and other cliches). They become nice to eachother! But then they think she does something wrong - she barracks for the other basketball team too, and the entire school shuns her!

Leo, the narrator, has a thing with Stargirl. They seem to have a very beautiful, natural, innocent love affair. But he gets shunned too, so he asks her to be normal. And she loves him so much she becomes normal.

This novel covers many themes. The publication my school has has a reading guide at the end. I have been devising some thought-provoking journal entries too. Throughout the book, there are several activities that SG does that I might get my students to do.

How to be a starperson:

• Get a jar (literal or metaphoric). Write down things that make you happy and put them in the jar. Write down things that make you unhappy and put them outside the jar. Try altering it each day.


• Observe somebody for a day. Write them a card that you think will mean a lot to them. Or get to know someone and write them a letter.


• Take photos of a friend or relative. Give them a little scrapbook to remind them of what they did (could be a long-term project for loved ones).

Reflections

1. Who are the 'star people' in your life (the people who are truly happy, "a little more in touch with our beginnings, a little more in touch with the stuff we're made of")?


2. How important is it to be liked by other people? To fit in? To belong? How would you feel if you weren't/didn't?


3. Are you a star person or a normal person? How do you know? Would you like to be a star person?


4. Archie says (41): "You'll learn more by your questions than her answers." What does he mean?


5. Stargirl seems in tune with nature. She even has an 'enchanted place.' Do you believe in enchanted places? Do you have one? Is it more a state of mind? How can it be created and what would you expect from it?


6. Would you change who you are for the person you love?


7. If you were Leo, how would you respond to Stargirl?


8. Search: find as many similes and metaphors as you can (the book is riddled with them!)

I recommend this book. Although it is written for teens, it is a quick, enjoyable read for all. 180+p. ****

I finished "Notes on a Scandal" by Zoe Heller

I finished the book. It was such a quick read. It only took me a few days. I enjoyed it. I think it is more about the character Barbara than the affair between Sheba and her student. How gross - an affair with a child. I can't fathom why or how. Maybe that is why I chose to concentrate on Barbara instead.

Barbara is insecure yet self righteous. She is old, staid and quite weird. She is obsessive, possessive and emotionally attached to her cat. She is lonely because she is not such a good friend. She is intriguing. I am not sure if she is a good person or not. I don't really like her. I sort of liked her...she's odd.

I recommend this read. It is different and enjoyable yet irksome. ***1/2

Some questions:

1. Do you admire Barbara? What are her good qualities?
2. Sheba is beautiful and lovely. Why does she choose to have an affair with Connolly?
3. Can we justify and forgive Sheba for her love for Connolly?
4. Is Barbara's cat, Portia, a metaphor for her relationship with Sheba?
5. What do you think happens to Sheba at the end of the novel?

Notes on a Scandal - novel

I picked this novel because I want to see the film and novels are always better. I have not read very much but I am already so engrossed in the text! It is written from the point of view of Barbara, a staid old maid who teaches at St George, where Sheba, a beautiful woman comes to work. Barbara has an unhealthy obsession with Sheba. Sheba has an inappropriate relationship with a young student. The 'notes' in this book are actually Barbara's account. I love the story. I feel that I can relate to the school setting and the relationships between staff members. It is not uncommon for teachers to marry their ex-students. I know a few who have. The relationships don't last though. Not often anyway. I can relate to the descriptions of students and classes and the school as a whole.

This novel is fascinating and I hate to put it down. It is not a very easy read because Barbara uses pretentious huge long words that I don't understand. I can't be bothered reading with my dictionary on hand, although Monte (DH) says I should. I might go back and highlight the big words to get a better understanding - but the point of the big words is to show how self-important Barbara is, I reckon.

Anyway, I recommend this novel. It is great (so far). ****

Anonymous Lawyer

Well good on me for actually finishing one of our set texts! I must admit that by halfway through this novel I was bored and very tired of the protagonist and his obsession with hierarchy and self importance. However, as the character started to face certain obstacles, I admired him a bit more (only a little bit).

My question is: Does Anonymous Lawyer deserve the final outcome? My answer is yes, most certainly. But I believe there is a twist in the final pages and the end might not be as it seems...

Writing style: Being a blogger, I liked this entertaining mode of delivery for a novel. What I liked most were the date stamps and related emails, which told the real parts of the story; for example, the true ending of the volleyball tournament vs the published version. I thought this was a different and refreshing way to write a book and I enjoyed it. I liked the technical references to things like Blackberries. I could relate to the comments about how technology means we are never really away from the office!

Plot: AL, a hiring partner, seeks to become chairman of his firm and plots ways to get there. Some subplots are: bring down The Jerk, make life a misery for The Suck Up, talk his neice into joining his firm and build a better relationship with his son. Oh, and write a blog without being found out.

Character: Every good jerk deserves to be brought down by his own impudence. I half liked AL because he shows some love towards his son (not his wife and daughter though) and he admires and supports his neice. I thought his treatment of subordinates was ludicrous yet rather hilarious at the same time. I couldn't understand how he could possibly think he was actually better than anybody, but I am not in the field of law and i don't know if that is really the case. I'd hate to work in that kind of office environment with that kind of politicking going on! Sometimes I felt sorry for AL because he has to put on a show every time he talks to anybody. He has to give off the impression that he is rich, successful and professional. He probably is all of these things to an extent, however, his bedside manner is atrocious!

Themes: power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely. AL deserves his downfall. He has enough money to make it through the rest of his life.

Some questions about the novel:

• What are some examples of AL's attitude to women?
• Is working life really this difficult for women who are wives and mothers? Is there such thing as not being able to work part time? I'm thinking of Ellis Grey in 'Grey's Anatomy.' Look how she turned out.
• For what is his office/home/wife a metaphor?
• How would you feel if you were a) talking to Al, b) working for Al? c) hiring Al (ie a client)?
• Does this type of office hierarchy exist in real life? Give examples. How can we work around it/deal with it/embrace it?
• Is such office politics healthy?

Do I recommend this novel? Yes, because it is written in a different form. It is an eye-opener and my sister wants to be a lawyer so I thought she should read it. The book is based on an actual blog (see link to the left) but I think the book is better. Still, very entertaining. ***

Idea

I was wondering if you girls are interested in sharing recipes on this blog? The discussion today about vegetarian meals for Michele's mum got me thinking. We've mentioned this before. So let's come up with some dairy-free vegetarian meals for Mrs Michele.

If I move to Tassie, we can still keep this blog going.