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.