I am going to take this moment to mock. Because it just needs to be done.
A while ago, I put Cloud Atlas (by David Mitchell) on hold at my library. They'd been talking about the movie at work, and someone said the book was good, so I figured I'd check it out. It finally came in this week, and since my current transportation situation is a bit complicated, I wanted to see if it was worth bus ride to pick it up. So, I went to the library's catalog record and looked for the summary, to see if it really did sound worth reading. This is what I got:
"Now a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant, and directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer A postmodern visionary who is also a master of styles of genres, David Mitchell combines flat-out adventure, a Nabokovian lore of puzzles, a keen eye for character, and a taste for mind-bending philosophical and scientific speculation in the tradition of Umberto Eco and Philip K. Dick. The result is brilliantly original fiction that reveals how disparate people connect, how their fates intertwine, and how their souls drift across time like clouds across the sky." Cloud Atlas summary, aadl.org.
This is not a summary. This is a collection of reviews. Reading this, I had NO idea what the book was about. And I don't care who is in the movie--I'm looking at the book, which (shocking) doesn't have any movie stars in it.
So, then I went to the world's favorite site, Wikipedia. There is a reason people use Wikipedia, as I am going to show you.
"Cloud Atlas consists of six nested stories that take the reader from the remote South Pacific in the nineteenth century to a distant, post-apocalyptic future. Each tale is revealed to be a story that is read (or observed) by the main character in the next. The first five stories are interrupted at a key moment. After the sixth story, the other five stories are returned to and closed, in reverse chronological order, and each ends with the main character reading or observing the chronologically previous work in the chain. Eventually, readers end where they started, with Adam Ewing in the nineteenth century South Pacific." Cloud Atlas, wikipedia.org.
Now, I realize that Wikipedia goes on and gives a lot more info, probably with spoilers. But at least I can get an idea of the book from their entry. And, yes, it was enough to intrigue me. (Maybe not enough to get me to the library, but the book IS on my to-read list.)
Admittedly, book summaries are not a major issue. They aren't even a major issue for me. Don't make my list of pet peeves at all (which doesn't really exist, because I'd rather not waste my time creating lists of things that bother me). But, a good summary is pretty helpful in filtering through all of the possible literature out there. Mostly, though, this was just one of those things that made me laugh, and was mockable in a harmless sort of way, so I thought I'd share.
Showing posts with label just for fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label just for fun. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Monday, November 26, 2012
Black Fridayish
Okay, I know. It's not black. Or Friday for that matter. But you know how some people can find amazing bargains on clothes and shoes? Or there's that legendary grocery shopper who can get $400 worth of groceries for say, $50? I'm not either of those people. My shopping talent is books. So, in honor of all those ridiculous black Friday shenanigans, today's post is going to cover some of my favorite ways of acquiring books.
1) As a gift. Plus side? Free. Down side? Not everyone knows my taste in books, so there is the long shot chance I'll get a book I will never read. It's never happened yet (unless you count the copy of The Host my roommate randomly gave me, because she had two copies, that I never read, mostly on principle, because I boycott Stephanie Meyer. On principle. My own principles, you do not have to follow suit or agree). One of the beauty about books is that they are generally one-size-fits-so-many.
2) Amazon. This is a great way to buy books, because you can get them used. Now, having Amazon prime can be a bonus, but I have often found that I can still get a lot of books in very good condition cheaper even after paying for shipping, so Prime is not essential. The other nice thing about amazon is it sets a good baseline price. It's almost guaranteed (generally speaking) that you can find a used copy for $4.00, so you know that for most books, if you find it for less than that, it's a good deal. Another plus is that you can often find great deals on kindle versions, which only require the software, not an actual kindle. So, if there is a book I like, but don't necessarily love enough to want a hard copy, but still don't mind owning a copy, this is a good alternative.
3) The library. How did this not make number two, you ask? Because I was thinking about owning, not borrowing. However, the library works for both ends. The library is a great way to give books test runs. I often find books that I enjoy, but don't necessarily want to own. Which makes the library an ideal way to access those books. The downside is that access depends on your library having the book, and the book being checked in. But other than that--awesome!
Libraries can also be a fantastic way to buy books. Again, this is somewhat dependent on the library, but if you get lucky, library book sales can be a gold mine, literarily speaking. (Yes, I made that word up, and you know exactly what I mean, ergo, according to the Elise Reynolds' rules of vocabulary, it is a real word). I have found some incredible steals at the library. Once, I picked up 19 books and a DVD for $20. But, like all bargain shopping, you have to be consistent to get good deals on books you might specifically be looking for. But, you are bound to find a nice fifty cent copy of a book that you wouldn't mind owning, even if it's not on your wishlist.
4) Half.com is another place I like to check. I use them as a comparison for amazon. And while I tend to buy through amazon, I definitely like to keep tabs on half.com. Sometimes,, with newer books, you can find better deals through them. And sometimes the shipping fee is lower.
5) Used Bookstores. Used Book Bookstores? Hmmmm. Anyway, this is a good way to buy books. Like I said, I tend to use Amazon as my baseline, and if I can find it for less at a used book bookstore (it's the books that are used, not the bookstore...) then it's a deal. And I feel good about supporting a small business. Which it seems used book Bookstores generally are. A win all around.
So, there you have it. Some acquisition strategies for book nerds. Tried and true--I replaced the four missing boxes of books (courtesy USPS--a story for another day) using these methods. And, if you have other suggestions for book acquisition, please let me know. My budget (hypothetical though it might be at present) will thank you.
2) Amazon. This is a great way to buy books, because you can get them used. Now, having Amazon prime can be a bonus, but I have often found that I can still get a lot of books in very good condition cheaper even after paying for shipping, so Prime is not essential. The other nice thing about amazon is it sets a good baseline price. It's almost guaranteed (generally speaking) that you can find a used copy for $4.00, so you know that for most books, if you find it for less than that, it's a good deal. Another plus is that you can often find great deals on kindle versions, which only require the software, not an actual kindle. So, if there is a book I like, but don't necessarily love enough to want a hard copy, but still don't mind owning a copy, this is a good alternative.
3) The library. How did this not make number two, you ask? Because I was thinking about owning, not borrowing. However, the library works for both ends. The library is a great way to give books test runs. I often find books that I enjoy, but don't necessarily want to own. Which makes the library an ideal way to access those books. The downside is that access depends on your library having the book, and the book being checked in. But other than that--awesome!
Libraries can also be a fantastic way to buy books. Again, this is somewhat dependent on the library, but if you get lucky, library book sales can be a gold mine, literarily speaking. (Yes, I made that word up, and you know exactly what I mean, ergo, according to the Elise Reynolds' rules of vocabulary, it is a real word). I have found some incredible steals at the library. Once, I picked up 19 books and a DVD for $20. But, like all bargain shopping, you have to be consistent to get good deals on books you might specifically be looking for. But, you are bound to find a nice fifty cent copy of a book that you wouldn't mind owning, even if it's not on your wishlist.
4) Half.com is another place I like to check. I use them as a comparison for amazon. And while I tend to buy through amazon, I definitely like to keep tabs on half.com. Sometimes,, with newer books, you can find better deals through them. And sometimes the shipping fee is lower.
5) Used Bookstores. Used Book Bookstores? Hmmmm. Anyway, this is a good way to buy books. Like I said, I tend to use Amazon as my baseline, and if I can find it for less at a used book bookstore (it's the books that are used, not the bookstore...) then it's a deal. And I feel good about supporting a small business. Which it seems used book Bookstores generally are. A win all around.
So, there you have it. Some acquisition strategies for book nerds. Tried and true--I replaced the four missing boxes of books (courtesy USPS--a story for another day) using these methods. And, if you have other suggestions for book acquisition, please let me know. My budget (hypothetical though it might be at present) will thank you.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Reading
As part of my job, I have been looking into Facebook and researching what it is. Which probably requires some explanation. No, I did not just crawl out of a cave, nor do I work in a cave. I work in an archive and my job is to save records of ALL types. Including digital ones, such as web pages. And social media. But, before I can save records, I have to know what the record is. So, what is Facebook? What can you strip away and still have Facebook? The ads? The banner? The background? Comments? Timelines? ???? That is what I'm researching, so I've been doing a lot of reading about social media and such and have found some really interesting articles. I've also been evaluating the extent of one of our web archive collections, to see how in depth our capture goes. Do we have all the pages, do they display the way we want them to, etc.
All my research and evaluating has cause me to think about the way the internet has changed how we read.
?????
When you pick up a book, you read a page. Then you turn it and read the next one. And the next. And the next. The pages aren't linked. You can skip around, but there is a limit to where you can actually go. Now, expand that to a library. You read a book. It refers to another book. You get that book. You read that book. Then you connect to another one. But there are still physical boundaries.
One of the things I love AND hate about the internet is that it is so non-linear. I read something on the internet. I click a link. Now I'm on a completely different site. I click another link. Another article, from another completely different site. It's messy. It's confusing. It's a giant maze, and there's no way to follow my trail back to the beginning. Of course, that can be said of the library experience, but it seems more possible to go back to the books I used two weeks later than to follow my internet trail two weeks later. When I search on the internet, I know I have to leave breadcrumbs somehow. (Yes, Hansel. Make a crumb of that link. And Gretel, email me that crumb). I mean, it's the internet. It's huge. Uncharted territory. Easy to get lost in. Sounds scary, right?
But there is something beautiful about the non-linear search. It's called serendipity, my friend. That beautiful "happy accident", where, through no planning of our own, we start at point A and end up at Number 929.* You know what I'm talking about. You sit down to find out the cost of new shoes and the next thing you know, you've learned that squirrels have tails specially constructed to protect them from the elements. It's like a conversation! (Oh, come on. You know you've had conversations like that). And maybe learning about squirrels isn't the most world changing discovery. But that same serendipity leads us to learn things that change the world.
So, to celebrate serendipitous discovery, I'm going to share with you an article I came across (which also talks about a book that I now want to read, so yes, it is relevant, even if it's a stretch) through serendipitous discovery. Enjoy!
*Archives do provide serendipitous experiences. Because an archive contains documents, not necessarily connected to one another, there is more of a non-linear approach to using archives. Archival collections aren't like books, where to understand Chapter 15, you probably need to have read chapters 1-14. A researcher in an archive can read documents from one folder, but skip other folders--or even documents--entirely. And, archival collections are only described at a very general, high level. Not every paper is mentioned in the catalog entry, or finding aid. So, the researcher has lots of opportunities to make their own discoveries. Go archives!
All my research and evaluating has cause me to think about the way the internet has changed how we read.
?????
When you pick up a book, you read a page. Then you turn it and read the next one. And the next. And the next. The pages aren't linked. You can skip around, but there is a limit to where you can actually go. Now, expand that to a library. You read a book. It refers to another book. You get that book. You read that book. Then you connect to another one. But there are still physical boundaries.
One of the things I love AND hate about the internet is that it is so non-linear. I read something on the internet. I click a link. Now I'm on a completely different site. I click another link. Another article, from another completely different site. It's messy. It's confusing. It's a giant maze, and there's no way to follow my trail back to the beginning. Of course, that can be said of the library experience, but it seems more possible to go back to the books I used two weeks later than to follow my internet trail two weeks later. When I search on the internet, I know I have to leave breadcrumbs somehow. (Yes, Hansel. Make a crumb of that link. And Gretel, email me that crumb). I mean, it's the internet. It's huge. Uncharted territory. Easy to get lost in. Sounds scary, right?
But there is something beautiful about the non-linear search. It's called serendipity, my friend. That beautiful "happy accident", where, through no planning of our own, we start at point A and end up at Number 929.* You know what I'm talking about. You sit down to find out the cost of new shoes and the next thing you know, you've learned that squirrels have tails specially constructed to protect them from the elements. It's like a conversation! (Oh, come on. You know you've had conversations like that). And maybe learning about squirrels isn't the most world changing discovery. But that same serendipity leads us to learn things that change the world.
So, to celebrate serendipitous discovery, I'm going to share with you an article I came across (which also talks about a book that I now want to read, so yes, it is relevant, even if it's a stretch) through serendipitous discovery. Enjoy!
*Archives do provide serendipitous experiences. Because an archive contains documents, not necessarily connected to one another, there is more of a non-linear approach to using archives. Archival collections aren't like books, where to understand Chapter 15, you probably need to have read chapters 1-14. A researcher in an archive can read documents from one folder, but skip other folders--or even documents--entirely. And, archival collections are only described at a very general, high level. Not every paper is mentioned in the catalog entry, or finding aid. So, the researcher has lots of opportunities to make their own discoveries. Go archives!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Literary Cuisine
Two weeks ago, I was opining about ebooks vs. printed books. Well, it just so happens that this letter appeared in my Google reader, and Harper Lee, who is obviously a more talented writer than me, expresses mutual sentiments about the printed page and reading in general much better than I do. So, read and enjoy.
Other news in my reading realm: I'm a little bit excited because I have an ebook in the Apple iBookstore. It's not really all that amazing or anything. I got an offer through Blurb to upload an ebook for free, so I did. And then they gave me the option to send it to Apple, and I figured, what the heck, and what do you know, they approved it and put it in their store. And I do want to be published someday, so I guess this is a first step. But I want to be published by a publisher.
I know that self-publishing can turn out some decent stuff, but I also know that there is value to having editors. Don't get me wrong--I've read some stuff that has gotten through a publishing house and wondered what on earth the editors were thinking. Still, there is something to be said for having professional editors. And somehow it feels more legitimate. Besides, I can't illustrate worth a darn, so that throws a kink into self-publishing. But we live in this technology age where the masses have a lot more say in things, and sometimes, that's not a good thing, because some people really like the fast food equivalent of literature. McDonald's is popular, but not necessarily good quality.
At the same time, think about some of the classics. Why on earth are they classic? And some of the literature put out by the big publishers--I get that escargot is a delicacy, but that doesn't mean it's not disgusting. (I can't say I know from experience, never having eaten it, but it seems like there is some fine cuisine that is an acquired taste, and if you have to acquire the taste for it, it makes you wonder what you are doing to your taste buds in the process).
Anyway, whatever your literary tastes are, don't be afraid to try something new. And I hope that someday, I write something that is at least of the nice, sit-down and dine quality.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Kicking it old school
When I was a kid, I loved the library. We went on a field trip every year to the library, at least for most of grade school. Our library had these really cool murals, and this cool kids area with giant arches for the entrances. I remember browsing the shelves, and being part of a train on the tour of the library. I also remember the card catalogs and learning how to use them. One of my brothers would go in and check out every Dr. Seuss book on the shelf, or every Bill Peet book. Within a week, we'd usually read everything we'd checked out. I remember the yellow library card, the fish tank, and how exciting it was to go through the underpass on our way there (maybe that's really why we went to the library almost weekly during the summer--to go through the underpass!). I loved that library.
Sometime during my teenage years, our town built a new library. This one had a lot more open space for reading and studying, and of course had lots of computers. Gone was the card catalog. Gone were the murals and the cool arches. The books were all still there, but somehow it wasn't the same.
I have seen lots of other libraries since then. The local library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my master's, the library in Madison, Wisconsin, the local library where I did my master's. Let me tell you, the local library where I did my graduate degree? Tough to beat. Beatable, I'm sure, but it's a good library. Five branches, pretty fantastic programming, lots of resources. I imagine they have to be good, seeing as the university here offers a library science degree. I look at libraries with a little more discrimination now, and I realize how meager my hometown library is in comparison (seriously, their movie and audiobook collection could use some expansion, but that's just my snobbish opinion, and I do acknowledge that they probably know what their patrons need and want).
Granted, I now have a much better understanding of libraries, both from a patron's perspective and a professional's perspective, and technology has advanced and a lot has changed over the years, there is one thing that my first library had that hasn't changed much in any library I've been to. I don't know how to explain it, but there is a kind of magic about the library. Something about walking in and seeing all those books and feeling at home. I just hope that my hypothetical kids feel that same thrill someday. Because that is really what a library is about.
Sometime during my teenage years, our town built a new library. This one had a lot more open space for reading and studying, and of course had lots of computers. Gone was the card catalog. Gone were the murals and the cool arches. The books were all still there, but somehow it wasn't the same.
I have seen lots of other libraries since then. The local library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my master's, the library in Madison, Wisconsin, the local library where I did my master's. Let me tell you, the local library where I did my graduate degree? Tough to beat. Beatable, I'm sure, but it's a good library. Five branches, pretty fantastic programming, lots of resources. I imagine they have to be good, seeing as the university here offers a library science degree. I look at libraries with a little more discrimination now, and I realize how meager my hometown library is in comparison (seriously, their movie and audiobook collection could use some expansion, but that's just my snobbish opinion, and I do acknowledge that they probably know what their patrons need and want).
Granted, I now have a much better understanding of libraries, both from a patron's perspective and a professional's perspective, and technology has advanced and a lot has changed over the years, there is one thing that my first library had that hasn't changed much in any library I've been to. I don't know how to explain it, but there is a kind of magic about the library. Something about walking in and seeing all those books and feeling at home. I just hope that my hypothetical kids feel that same thrill someday. Because that is really what a library is about.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Bookshelves
When I was a kid, the library was a staple. We had books at my house, but my memory (which may be less than a completely factual recall , it should be noted) tells me that the majority of them were textbooks from my parents college days, religious books, which as a child were less than stimulating (though they are highly appreciated by me now), or other rather adult tomes that were of little or no interest to a young mind that craved fiction.
The result of that is that I am a book collector. For example, I am stocking up on books from the library right now, while I have access. I highly doubt I'll finish them all, but I am going to try. Admittedly, some of them are less than scholarly. I read a fair amount of young adult fiction. (There are reasons for this--1) I consider this research. 2) I have to have good recommendations for my nieces and nephews). But I do try.
Anyway, I have tried over the years to make my bookshelves of interest to folks of all ages, so that, should I someday have children of my own, they will be able to find something on the shelf to dig into. And I try to have books so that as they get older, there will still be something on the shelf for them. Because books are beautiful things and one of the best things to share.
The result of that is that I am a book collector. For example, I am stocking up on books from the library right now, while I have access. I highly doubt I'll finish them all, but I am going to try. Admittedly, some of them are less than scholarly. I read a fair amount of young adult fiction. (There are reasons for this--1) I consider this research. 2) I have to have good recommendations for my nieces and nephews). But I do try.
Anyway, I have tried over the years to make my bookshelves of interest to folks of all ages, so that, should I someday have children of my own, they will be able to find something on the shelf to dig into. And I try to have books so that as they get older, there will still be something on the shelf for them. Because books are beautiful things and one of the best things to share.
Friday, August 3, 2012
It makes you think
One of the great things about reading is that it gets you thinking about a lot of things. So, here are some things books have got me thinking about this week:
1) Historical accuracy. How do we know an author is portraying an accurate representation of a time period and not imposing current values on a past era?
2) Love. What is love, really, and what does it mean to love? How does one balance oneself and love?
3)Truth and honesty. Why would anyone want to live a life where they can't tell what is real and what isn't? Isn't it hard enough to understand reality without adding complications?
4) Being okay with oneself. How do we like ourselves when the people close to us don't seem to? How do we resist the pressure from others and see ourselves as we really are?
5) Suspension of belief. At what point does an author cross the line and expect us to believe more than is possible?
6) How does a book become a classic?
7) Why does this book have so much filth in it? Is it possible to accomplish the same thing without the trash?
These questions, and many others, brought to you by:
Elegy for Eddie, by Jacqueline Winspear
Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale
The Trouble With May Amelia, by Jennifer L. Holm
Catch-22, by Joseph Heller (I did not finish this book. I got about halfway through, and was just not really finding it that great. So I took advantage of the fact that it was due and I couldn't renew it and dropped it off early. I wanted to read it because everyone knows the catch-22 phrase, and it seems like it should be read, but I found that knowing what a catch-22 is is sufficient).
1) Historical accuracy. How do we know an author is portraying an accurate representation of a time period and not imposing current values on a past era?
2) Love. What is love, really, and what does it mean to love? How does one balance oneself and love?
3)Truth and honesty. Why would anyone want to live a life where they can't tell what is real and what isn't? Isn't it hard enough to understand reality without adding complications?
4) Being okay with oneself. How do we like ourselves when the people close to us don't seem to? How do we resist the pressure from others and see ourselves as we really are?
5) Suspension of belief. At what point does an author cross the line and expect us to believe more than is possible?
6) How does a book become a classic?
7) Why does this book have so much filth in it? Is it possible to accomplish the same thing without the trash?
These questions, and many others, brought to you by:
Elegy for Eddie, by Jacqueline Winspear
Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale
The Trouble With May Amelia, by Jennifer L. Holm
Catch-22, by Joseph Heller (I did not finish this book. I got about halfway through, and was just not really finding it that great. So I took advantage of the fact that it was due and I couldn't renew it and dropped it off early. I wanted to read it because everyone knows the catch-22 phrase, and it seems like it should be read, but I found that knowing what a catch-22 is is sufficient).
Monday, July 16, 2012
Stories never told
Tonight, my nieces and I were trying to envision Harry Potter in 60 seconds. I'm not sure it can be done, but if anyone does manage it, let me know. I'd love to see it. Anywho [that is deliberate--a bit of colloquial Elise], we got off on this really odd tangent in which we discussed entertaining Harry Potter scenarios. For your enjoyment.
Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.
Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.
Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.
Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.
Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra
What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.
Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here. Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.
Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.
Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.
Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.
Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.
Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra
What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.
Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here. Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.
Friday, July 6, 2012
A Twist
This is an experimental post. My niece was recently "encouraged" to read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. And while she was reading, she entertained me with the chapter headings. So, I have NOT read Oliver Twist. I have no idea what it is about. (Shocking, I know, and criminal, but I have at least acquired a copy of it). But in reading through the chapter headings, we both decided it would be really funny to summarize Oliver Twist using only the chapter headings. So, here goes:
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Oliver. He had a childhood and grew up and got a job. He met some new acquaintances, but it turns out they weren't the best influences on him, which he learns the hard way. Then he met someone on his way to London, who was much better for him. Life was going pretty good, but some people were a little jealous. So they plotted, and Oliver got entangled in some not so good things, possibly including burglary. At this point, Oliver gets in with some good influences, and life is good, for a while. Then there is a new and unhappy adventure, and there are many more surprises. Death, unraveling of mysteries, marriage, the end.
So, there you have it. Oliver Twist in a nutshell. Full of plot twists, dynamic characters, and quality writing, I'm sure. If you read it before me, let me know what you think.
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Oliver. He had a childhood and grew up and got a job. He met some new acquaintances, but it turns out they weren't the best influences on him, which he learns the hard way. Then he met someone on his way to London, who was much better for him. Life was going pretty good, but some people were a little jealous. So they plotted, and Oliver got entangled in some not so good things, possibly including burglary. At this point, Oliver gets in with some good influences, and life is good, for a while. Then there is a new and unhappy adventure, and there are many more surprises. Death, unraveling of mysteries, marriage, the end.
So, there you have it. Oliver Twist in a nutshell. Full of plot twists, dynamic characters, and quality writing, I'm sure. If you read it before me, let me know what you think.
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