TV Land

Wintertime means more television because when it is cold, I want to curl up with a blanket in front of a fire. Throw in that winter means more intense days at school, and disappearing into a good show can make a rough day a bit less dramatic. So greetings from TV Land - here's what I'm into lately.....

Next Iron Chef: Redemption

I know the Food Network doesn't captivate some of you the way it captivates me, but I loved this season of the Next Iron Chef. Maybe it's because I know more of the chefs or because I'm getting more adventurous in the kitchen. I watched this show every week - more so than even Grey's (which you know I love - hello, Owen and Cristina?!?). If you have even a vague inclination towards the culinary world, check this one out. 

Homeland

I love Claire Danes - from My So-Called Life to now, she has been fantastic. I love her style and the way that she can melt into her characters in a way that you forget what other roles she's had. Homeland is no different. Playing a bi-polar CIA agent, Danes manages to make you believe in terrorist threats, real or contrived. Managing to be both brilliant and vulnerable simultaneously, I found myself holding my breath during the show unable anticipate whether Danes' character Carrie was on the right track of an American prisoner of war who she believed had been turned into an agent for a terrorist. All that said, this show has a high "sketch factor" and should not be viewed anywhere near kiddies. Still, I cannot wait to track down season two.

Downton Abbey

You knew I couldn't resist a shameless plug for Masterpiece's most recent season of Downton Abbey. Even with its melodramatic flares, I find myself drawn into these characters once again. Only three episodes in, I can't tell where exactly we're headed, but I love that Sybil is at home, that Mary and Matthew finally are together, and that there is the possibility that Bates and Anna might find their way back to each other. 

Like I said, wintertime means a bit more television, but when there options as good as this, I may be staying in a bit more than I should come warmer weather. Happy watching!

Gone Girl

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hesitated to review this book because I was so blown away by it. Even now, six weeks later, I can’t tell you if I loved it or if I hated it. Either way, I was compelled forward, almost against my will, to finish it. Flynn creates loathsome characters, but they are so vivid that you almost feel that you are sitting there listening to them speak. Her characters’ voices are distinctive, clever, and alarming in a way that I have not experienced before.  Perhaps the topic of a broken marriages, manipulation, murder, and betrayal are not for me, but I am glad to know for myself what the hype is about Gone Girl.

Like I said, I’m not sure if I loved it or hated it, but the writing is masterful. This book, however, is not for the faint of heart. The characters are vulgar, profane, and absolutely hateful. The plot twists, while occasionally genius, are disturbing, so it’s totally your call if you have the stomach for it.

Ps. The detail of Amy’s parents basing a whole book series on her was fantastic. Loved it.

white out

You know you haven't posted much when non-regular blog readers start putting in requests for posts. I'm getting there. Be on the lookout for a few post-dated December ones that will get "published" - the list of what's to come includes reviews of Gone Girl, All Quiet, Romeo & Juliet, Iron Chef Redemption, Les Miserables and a few randoms like the half-marathons, Stanley Tucci, disillusionment, fear of conversation, old magazines (cleaning), Tahoe, holidays, Homeland, toffee perfection, airy jeans, project, separation anxiety, etc., etc....soon(ish)...I promise.

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another year, another reading of Romeo & Juliet – this year, I was struck by how wise Benvolio is, how misguided Romeo and Juliet are in thinking they must have love or die, and how unromantic this story actually is. I loved teaching this play to a new batch of freshmen and hearing their incredulity over things that happen throughout the story. If you’ve never read it, it’s a must read – so much of our understanding of love and loss comes from Shakespeare’s portrayal of them both.

ps. I did not use the No Fear version this year with my classes and liked it infinitely better.

Night

Night by Elie Wiesel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elie Wiesel lives his philosophy that it is our duty not to remain silent while injustice still exists. Teaching Night is my way of speaking out – of showing a new set of teenagers the potential mankind has for great kindness and exceptional hatred – and that ultimately it’s up to them to decide whether they will speak out on behalf others and whether they will remember the lessons that history has already taught us. I love this book and Elie’s voice. It’s haunting and authentic. If you haven’t read this book, I have three copies – come borrow one today....

To Tide You Over

I compulsively check two blogs every day. It seems nine out of the ten times I check there is not a new update, which just means that these two women are busy being fabulous. It occurred to me that I am equally guilty, not of being fabulous, but of not updating, and so to tide my couple regular readers, here's a picture of my favorite boy in the whole world. He's on his way to New York and has no idea that he's so well travelled at only eight months. I miss him and his little laugh and can't wait to squeeze his chubby cheeks next time I see him. Hope your December has been merry and bright so far. Happy Christmas!!

All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It would be unfair if I said every word of every page of Remarque’s classic book, but I did finally wade through this tragic tale of boys sent to write at the front during World War I. My students responded better to the plot and characters than I expected, and I was deeply moved by Remarque’s message. I still don’t think it’s the best choice for sophomores in high school in 2012, but I learned a lot and more than anything, I now want to teach a semester or year based on war literature.