The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien

I have been wanting to read this book about the Vietnam War for some time, and have actually checked out and returned to the library at least two times. This week, I finally had the opportunity to sit down and read The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.

O'Brien originally from Worthington, MN has written multiple books on his experiences in Vietnam, this book however is his most celebrated, being nominated for both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award in 1990.

The Things They Carried tells of O'Brien's experiences while in Vietnam, it really is a cathartic journey though key moments of his journey. The title reflects on the items soldiers bring to war and the significance those items have to the men and their survival. The first chapter of the book details the things they carried, after you get a feel for who these men, rather boys, are O'Brien begins his story.

The book gives such an accurate, graphic at times, depiction and lets you feel that you are really there in a foxhole waiting and waiting. Honestly, my only other exposure to the Vietnam War has been through movies (Born on the 4th of July, Platoon), however with this book I was able to visualize what it was like to be there. O'Brien explains his feelings in the simplest of terms and you truly see what a struggle it was for him and his fellow soldiers.

I have done a bit of research since finishing the book on who O'Brien is (a Creative Writing professor) and the impact this book has had since published 17 years ago. I found that the book is often taught in high school/college classes either in its entirety or chapters. At first I felt this was a bit too graphic/gritty, but after giving it thought I feel it is perfect for people this age, because O'Brien was in fact closer to their age when he went to war. I remember reading All Quiet On the Western Front and The Red Badge of Courage, so it really is no different.

I know the Vietnam War may not be the most uplifting topic, but it is part of our history. I appreciated this book for what it is - a comprehensive glimpse into a complex moment of this man's life.

4.5 out of 5

Driving Lessons

Watched a little independent film last night called Driving Lessons. It has Laura Linney, Julie Walters, and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) from Harry Potter.

I really love Julie Walters, she is especially good in this role. However, I found it a little unsettling that she and Rupert Grint were cast together again, she plays his mother Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films.

This film has some very funny moments, Ben (Grint) is a suppressed 17 year old living with his minister father and zealot mother (Linney). His mother suggests Ben should find a job, so he begins working for washed up soap star Evie Walton (Walters). Evie is the best part of the movie, she drinks like a fish and swears like a sailor, but is rather broken and alone. The duo (Ben and Evie) go on an adventure and ultimately become friends.

Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this unless you too are a Julie Walters fan. By the way she is going to be in the screen adaptation of Mamma Mia! with Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan - rather odd cast if you ask me, but I will go see it because Colin is in it.



2 out of 5

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

Earlier this year I put myself on the wait list for Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen based upon a review I saw somewhere or another. So, one day I went to pick up my library holds and there it was, I read the first few pages and couldn't imagine how I would be able to read a book about a circus. Circuses really aren't my thing, so I put it down and returned it when it was due. Never really gave it a second thought.

Until recently.

My aunt selected the book for our book club this month, so I picked it up at Target and planned to read it on our vacation. I started reading it on the way up to Bay Lake, couldn't put it down and finished it by Friday. Let me just say, I loved it, completely loved it.

It is a very strange little tale of a vet to be Jacob Jankowski and how his life takes an unexpected turn on the eve of graduating from Cornell. He begins a wild journey after he literally goes off to join the circus. The characters are all broken, tragic, freakish really, but that is what makes this book so good.

I won't spill anymore of the story, but just trust me - read it.

5 out of 5

The Bourne Ultimatum

Susan had told me it was good. She was right! Afterward I realized that as much as I love Matt Damon, this movie is about the clever, clever writing and the filming. They have a solid script that is actually believable (doesn't happen often with action flicks) and the filming/editing is so edge-of-your-seat tight that it's wonderful to watch. And actually I think Matt Damon has about 100 words of script. His character is not a big talker, which is as it should be!

I read an interview in EW with Matt where he talked about this fact. They had filmed scenes with a lot of dialogue and in the end it just seemed wrong. So they edited it down to looks and action and it just works!

Movie reviews for the family

If you're like me, you're often wondering whether or not it's ok to take your children to a movie. It's hard to find out what's in a movie before you go see it. (Susan, remember when you, Nancy and I took 5 year old Allie to see Kate and Leopold?? Oops)

I found this Christian website that gives solid movie reviews and tells you just how much sex and violence is in a movie so you know if it's ok to take the kiddies!!

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/index.cfm

So, I've been doing a little bit of reading, watching and listening lately...

Shelly was giving me grief that I haven't posted anything so here it goes...

I don't know about the rest of you but I read in phases. Over the past few months I have gone through the:

• "Non-fiction I need to learn something while I read phase",
• then I revisited "Historical Scottish romance phase with all male protagonists donned kilts and said "aye" way too much",
• this was followed by the "autobiographies of dysfunctional pop icons who are lucky to still be alive" phase and
• lately I am in the "I'll take Potpourri for $800 Alex" (nod to the Jeopardy geek I am) phase.

So I guess what I am trying to tell you is that a crap shoot of books, movies, music and just general stuff is coming your way once I get off my butt and begin writing...