Book Five: Austenland

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I don't 'do' fan fiction especially that which would try in vain to continue the stories laid forth by one Jane Austen. Insipid and trite, I find them offensive to anyone with intelligence.  Shannon Hale's Austenland creates a modern-day single, thirty-something, career woman who is in desperate need of a Mr. Darcy.  To wit, she arrives at Pemberly Park for three weeks of immersion therapy courtesy of a generous benefactor.  What ensues is predictable to the reader.  Regardless, I was bewitched and managed to make myself late for work because I need to finish the book.  Kudos to Hale for walking the fine line between pandering and homage and creating a land I actually want to visit.  Much like these literary pilgrimages.

Book Four: The Wes Anderson Collection

I hesitate to include 'picture books' in my 52 reads in 52 weeks.  Truth be told, The Wes Anderson Collection is hardly that. 

For the obsessives of Anderson's work, this tome is hardly just 'pictures'.  The book reads like an exhaustive interview.  This reader get the feeling our interviewer (Matt Zoller Seitz) really struggles to get anything of merit from Anderson.  In retrospect, one gets the impression that Anderson feels his works stand on their own merit, what more can he say?

And Anderson's right... his canon of work stands alone.  This collection is a great compliment and for fans, the mix of storyboards, stills, illustrations and influences is fascinating.  For me the highlight of this comprehensive book, is a look into Anderson's influences.  Wells, Hitchcock, Truffant... The author makes me want to go back and view The French Connection and Two English Girls and rewatch The Royal Tenenbaums. Unlike other directors, Anderson's homages are intentional but subtle.  Take a hint, Quentin Tarantino.

Even the well-versed Anderson fan will find something new here.  Can you imagine Royal Tenenbaum played by anyone other than Gene Hackman?!  It almost happened.

The Wes Anderson Collection leads up right up to last summer's gem Moonrise Kingdom.  It's difficult to explain what makes Anderson's films so different yet so comfortable.  While I can't see the average film fan getting their money's worth from this volume.  Cinephiles and Anderson geeks will certainly enjoy this new look at old favorites.

Book Three: How to Train Your Dragon

"Hey, kuku.  Read this."

"...Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, the Hope and Heir to the Tribe of Hairy Hooligans, wiped his nose miserable on his sleeve.  He sank a little deeper into the snow..."

That is how I came to my most recent book.  There is something special about a book recommendation from a child.  I can remember discovering Harry Potter thanks to my co-worker's young son.  I discovered Skippy Jon Jones thanks to Evy.  My sweet Mia has recommended several titles to me now (Amber Brown is Green With Envy, The Warrior series) to which I never hesitate to read.  Her most recent recommendation is book three in my 52 reads in 52 weeks.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell is book one of a children's series that chronicles a young Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his quest to train his dragon.  In order to join his tribe, Hiccup must pass the Dragon Initiation Program along with nine other boys.  What proceeds is a thrilling adventure that includes a dangerous foray into the Dragon Nursery and withstanding the jeers of other boys names as eloquently as Hiccup..  Interspersed among the chapters are great little pencil drawings of Hiccup and his fellow Vikings

The author has created a lovely world of fantasy for young readers.  Kid pleasing characters, goofy drawings and short chapters are perfect imagination drivers.  Amid all the nonsense, Cowell has created Hiccup, a boy with the heart of nobility and individuality that leaves you wanting to read more. 

Book Two: The Power of Habit

Continuing the unexpected theme of January, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is the perfect companion to last week's book.  As the subtitle indicates, the author explores the why behind what we do in life and business.

In the first chapter, the reader discovers the three keys that brain uses to develop a habit--good or bad--in order to increase efficiencies.  Cue, Routine, and Reward are the result.  The author balances the science using new examples in each chapter to concrete 'The Habit Loop.'  Michael Phelps, Starbucks' CEO Howard Schultz, Pastor Rick Warren, coach Tony Dungy, all use the habit loop to success.   In a slightly creepier angle--Target has made a science of discovering what their 'guests' need and have taken it right to the bank.  Of particular interest to this reader, is Duhigg's examination of Paul O'Neill and his role as chairman of Alcoa.  O'Neill's work at Alcoa led to his appointment as Secretary of the Treasury for President Bush.  That role was sadly cut short thanks to disagreements with the administration.  Which is unfortunate if you consider what O'Neill accomplished for a declining steel corporation.

 
Regardless of your political leanings, this book is a game-changer for those seeking to understand why they engage in behaviors they know are unhealthy.  Whether it's smoking or overeating, gambling or biting your nails, this book will arm you with the knowledge to re-engineer your behavior.  As Duhigg states 'Habits are not your destiny'.  Anyone willing to put forth the effort will find hope in knowing that you are not your habits.

Quartet (2012)

Residents of a Beecham House, a home for retired musicians, plan their performances for their annual celebration of Verdi's birthday.  A trio of retired opera singers (Billy Connelly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins) conspire to get their estranged fourth member (Maggie Smith) to join them. 

Quartet is an exquisitely nuanced drama directed by Dustin Hoffman.  Hoffman leads the remarkable aforementioned cast plus Michael Gambon, Sheridan Smith and Andrew Sachs through a screenplay that is intelligent and respectful without being spiteful or contrite.  Connelly's Wilf keeps the film from being too serious.  Although the film drags in the middle while we work through some history between our characters, the film's climax is beautifully done and takes on added weight as the viewer will discover when the final credits roll  photos of each of the supporting cast members of retired musicians is shown beside a picture of them during their performing careers.  Needless to say, the score here is beautiful.  The production is set in the English countryside with the prerequisite window dressing.

As I see it, old age is fact.  But as Quartet so eloquently reminds us, old age is just like anything else.  It's what you make of it.  Excellent drama for young and old.  Fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) will certainly enjoy.

Good Ol' Freda (2013)

Freda Kelly?  Does the name ring a bell?  This Beatles fan didn't recognize the name, but I imagine most hardcore fans would.  In Good Ol' Freda, Freda Kelly, the official secretary of The Beatles Fan Club breaks her silence to talk about 'the lads'. 

Through a series of recollections, Freda shares her stories about John, Paul, George, and Ringo and never sensationalizes.  Crawling into her attic, she manages to find a few collectables. Freda had one of the most enviable jobs in the world.  To which Freda says "Who wants to hear the secretary's story?"  For the Beatles fan, this documentary manages to add fresh content to an exhaustive canon.  Be warned.  The Liverpudlian accent is thick and often makes her stories difficult to follow.  Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with sweet anecdotes.

As I see it, Good Ol' Freda speaks of a day when loyalty was alive and well.  I found myself almost bored with the documentary because it lacks the sensationalism that our society has come to expect.  Kudos to Freda!!  Having a front row seat to music history, Freda never betrays a confidence or allows the pandemonium to overcome her responsibilities and love for her boys.  The film is a real gem for music fans.

Book One: Change or Die

For as ominous a book title as Change or Die is, this book from Alan Deutschman is rather hopeful.  By examining the mechanics of change, the author is almost blasphemous in his progressiveness.   Further exploration finds the author breaking down change into three critical keys: Relate, Report and Reframe.  These keys allow us to make positive change permanent in our lives.

Deutschman uses several case studies to concrete his thoughts.  Of particular interest is Dr. Dean Ornish and his approach to lifestyle change with his heart patients.  Critical to Ornish's success is his ability to address the underlying issues to his patients health problems.  Poor diet, smoking, stress... yes, these are all indicators of health problems.  Ornish; however, looks closer to see the emotional (or circumstantial) distress and encourages a supportive approach that truly provides hope to the patient who truly believes that change is obtainable.

Unlike many self-help books, Change or Die cuts through the bullsh!t of so many of the 'You're broken.  Here's Why' tomes that has made self-improvement a multimillion dollar industry.  After examining the case studies, he sets the reader up for apply the three keys to their own life, personally and professionally.  Truly a fascinating read whether you want to change or not.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

Independent widow Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney) decides to leave the confines of her life in London with her mother and sister in law to live in the British seaside.  After falling in love with the haunted Gull Cottage, Lucy sets up home despite the antics of the hateful old ghost of the cottage's former owner Captain Gregg (Rex Harrison).  The two become fast friends after Lucy doesn't bend to Captain Gregg's nonsense.  Lucy soon becomes the ghostwriting of Gregg's salty autobiography after they make a deal to put up with each other.  Friendship soon develops into something more but when a live suitor (George Sanders) shows up for Lucy, both must come to terms with their feelings.

How has this precious film escaped my radar all these years?  I queued The Ghost and Mrs. Muir after my fascination with Rex Harrison began.  This critic much prefers Harrison's gruff Captain Gregg to his Henry Higgins.  As the salty sea captain, Rex plays the specter as harsh and tragic.  Tierney plays cultured society beautifully against Harrison.  The chemistry between these two is incredible.  Tierney's language dips to the edge of propriety with too much exposure to Capt. Gregg and Harrison takes pleasure in listening to the results.

Joseph L Makiewicz (All About Eve, Cleopatra) directs.  Makiewicz uses brilliant comedic and horror elements to jump start the film.  Blending the line between fantasy (Capt Gregg) and reality, Makiewicz creates a  moody but believable canvas for this great cast of characters.  The screenplay touches to the coming change in gender roles rather smartly without being obnoxious.  A perfectly scored soundtrack, courtesy of Bernard Herrmann (Citizen Kane, Vertigo) further enhances a well rounded film.

As I see it, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir recalls a time with cinema was indeed a craft worth investing in.  Every element is top-notch which creates a memorable classic worth seeing.

Back in the Saddle. Again.

In my obsession for lists, charting self-improvement, pseudo-intellectual goals and with much chagrin, I'm using an Aerosmith song lyric to kick off a new year.  And that's enough of that.

The impetus for the resurrection is simple.  It's Lifehacker's fault.  Not only have I strangely decided to hoard, er, save money in an old fashioned manner (and backwards to boot!).  I found an answer on how to track the books I read in 2014.

"Hold on to your butts." ~ Ray Arnold (Samuel L. Jackson)