Since the beginning of the year this is what I’ve been reading.
When You Eat at the Refrigerator, Pull up a Chair by Geneen Roth : I found this author in Good Housekeeping magazine. She is a regular columnist for them now. My plan is to read more of her books as they become available at the library. Many of her insights were eye-opening, light bulb type moments for me. I found myself wondering how she knew exactly what I was thinking.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson: This book came up at Amazon under one of those “if you liked this, you may like this”. It was very entertaining both about his travels and adventures and also very insightful as to the way people in the areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan live. I feel like a more informed person having read the book.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The author was on Oprah and I realized while watching the show that apparently I was one of the only people left on the planet who hadn’t read this book. Since then I’ve discovered that I’m not. I gave the book to several of my friends for Christmas and I currently have my copy out on loan. Ms. Gilbert has a very entertaining style of writing. It’s cliche to say “I laughed, I cried”, but really, I did!
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb: My mother-in-law left this book here after her last visit. She said that it was very good and that I would enjoy it. She was right! It took me a probably a third of the way into it to really get into it, but it’s an enjoyable story. I didn’t find it as funny as one of the critics from People magazine (quoted on the back cover) but I also would recommend it to others.
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich: Pure brain candy!!! One of my dear sweet friends is to blame for getting me hooked on this series last year. I’m eagerly anticipating #14 in the series, however this “between the numbers” book was released first. The between the numbers books are glorified short stories in my opinion. Good none-the-less, but almost not worth publishing into a real book. It was enough to tie me over until the next “real” release. One of these days I truly hope Ms. Evanovich is given an offer she can’t refuse to bring these fantastic characters to screen, big or little, it would be a treat for us all.
Next in the pile:
- The Pilot’s Wife
- a few of Sheldon Siegel’s books
- whatever I can get by Geneen Roth from the library
One of the things I do while watching the Oscars is to write down the titles of films that look good, interesting or that win several awards. This way I can add them to our Netflix queue and JD can ask me (as he always does) "How did you find this (OBSURE/BORING) movie?!"
Here they are, in no particular order:
- Juno
- Atonement
- Michael Clayton
- The Savages
- Charlie Wilson’s War
- Enchanted (to screen to see if E would be allowed to watch it)
- Away From Her
- American Gangster
- August Rush
- No Country For Old Men
- There Will Be Blood
- 3:10 to Yuma
- Once
- The Diving Bell and Butterfly
- No End in Sight
- Operation Homecoming
- Sicko
- Taxi to the Dark Side
- War Dance
- Lars and the Real Girl
- The Valley of Ella
- Freeheld
And just so you know, we have over 200 DVDs in our Netflix queue. Too much media, so little time.
Last night was Hollywood’s big night. That was the plan anyway. As it turned out it was a very foreign affair. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, in fact it kept the speeches short! If my memory serves me correctly the Cohen brothers were the only Americans receive statues in any of the major categories.
To give you a bit of history the Oscars are to me what the Super Bowl is to most others. In the years before TiVo and when it aired on a weeknight I was known to tape it and swear those around me to secrecy until I had viewed the tapes. One year I had to put it off for a week because it was one of those crazy weeks where I just didn’t have the three plus hours to sit and watch it all. We returned from Mexico one year on the very night that the Oscars were airing. I hadn’t seen our daughter in a week, my mother and grandmother were visiting and all I was concerned about was that someone had remembered to TiVo the Oscars!
This year was probably the year that I knew the least about any of the nominees. Usually I at least fill out the "my picks" form available online just to see how my guesses line up with the actual awards. In past years I’ve seen at least one or two of the nominated films and have read all about the nominations. This year? Zilch, nada. Quite frankly Juno is the only nominated movie that even piqued my interest. I agreed with Jon Stewart , "If you look at these films it appears as though Hollywood needs a hug."
So, my observations of the evening:
- What’s up with actors/actresses (Katherine Heigl) stating that they aren’t good at this?! You read lines for a living. Is presenting really that difficult? I don’t understand.
- It was great to see Owen Wilson doing what one does as a young, healthy actor in Hollywood.
- Tilda Swinton who won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her part in Michael Clayton wins the award for "most surprised". She could not have hidden it if she tried.
- Worst hair goes to Marketa Irglova (the sweetest recipient who won for Best Song) and Cameron Diaz. I’m sorry girls, but if you are going to the Oscars you spend some money and have your hair done! If CD paid someone then they need to be fired. A ponytail with long bangs does not a red carpet hairdo make.
I’m no CoJo, Regis or Joan Rivers, I’m just a girl who loves the Oscars.
Posted by: Jenn | 02-29-2008 | 08:02 PM
