Archived entries for
Slowly, I’ll Learn
In 2009, I would like to review each book that I read. Whether my personal reaction to a book is a review is up for debate.
(Last year, I tried one or two book reviews. But, I guess, each review focused on me as opposed to the book. Maybe that’s how I write book reviews. Or, maybe that’s how I read books.)
Right now, I am at the stage of my life where I like reading much better than writing. In order to make myself write, I’m not letting myself read anymore until I write the last book out of my memory.
So, here is my lame attempt at a this-isn’t-about-my-love-life book review for “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami.
This book feels more immature than Murakami’s other books. The sex parts feel too energized and awkward and seem more frequent and less significant than his later books.
But, I’m trying not to talk about sex. Or love. Even though that’s the subject of Murakami’s book.
He writes about people who die at the age of 17 and how they are forever 17. When I read that I can’t help but wonder if that also happens to people who are still alive but with whom we lose touch.
Will my college roommate forever stay 18 in my head? Will my first grade teacher always stay a Miss rather than a Mrs or a Ms? Will I always remember the first person who I fell in love with in the spring time?
The book is sad. It’s angering. It’s part of life. Murakami’s writing makes it semi-digestible and beautiful.
And I just want to get on with my next book.
Another Murakami but it seems more sci-fi. And I’m on a sci-fi nerd kick.
Lost Discussion (Spoilers in the Comments)
(Spoilers in the Comments)
Should celebrities be good public speakers?
Dan Zak at the Washington Post thinks they should. His argument is compelling.
– read. like. support. –
– read. like. support. –
[the news (remixed)] Should celebrities be good public speakers?
Dan Zak at the Washington Post thinks they should. His argument is compelling.
[casting call] February 2009
as planned, nonpretentious will have open registration (a.k.a. a casting call) for the next seven (7) days.
nonpretentious would love to hear from people who:
- write like Murakami,
- fight like Jack Bauer,
- kill crossword puzzles like Jon Stewart,
- mix optimism with cynicism,
- wish life’s soundtrack was composed by Jon Brion, or
- memorized the Saved by the Bell theme song.
unfortunately, due to some kinks that we’re working out, you will need a registration code to enter the site.
do not fear!
ask a contributor for the registration code or send an e-mail to editor@nonpretentious.com with your request.
all e-mails to the editor will receive a response.
* also, the dates of open registration are the 21st to the 28th of every month. (oops!)
** this post will be re-posted mid-week to make sure no one misses it.
Brilliant! But…never seen?
So, as you may all know, I’m a communication arts major in college.
That being said, I have “labs” just like physics, chemistry, and biology majors have labs.
These labs, however, are not boring and do not involve chemicals, pig livers, or chloroplast. Instead, we watch movies and TV shows.
So, all semester long, my film professor has been truly offending me with his film choices. Really, who wants to watch a 2 hour German film about Vampires? No. one.
I think he got the point and ultimately decided that he would mix up the repertoire and not just show us 130 minutes of boring. Alas, Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang.
If you haven’t seen this movie – STOP reading, put on your shoes, your jacket, a bra, you should probably brush your teeth too, and GO see it.
It is probably the most hilarious movie I have seen in a while. Okay, so you don’t trust me? I wouldn’t blame you! (tough_love is known to *love* Gossip Girl, The Bachelor, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.) But, I’m telling you – this is different.
It’s an absolutely fabulous movie and I need you all to see it (and if you have, I need you to love it as much as I do). If you don’t – I don’t want to hear that nonsense because you’re not a communication arts (TV/Film/Radio) major and therefore have no knowledge about what a good film is. (I mean, I just said that I love Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.)
SO, the point is – this movie is BRILLIANT. Absolutely brilliant
Oh, and because I go to a university where the Coast/Midwest war is heating up – here’s my favorite line from the movie: “I mean, it’s literally like someone took America by the East Coast and *shook* it, and all the normal girls managed to hang on.
no love but tough love.
Bonnie Hunt Must Be An Amazing Woman
After finding the website, I am now fascinated by this show.
Click on photo to enlarge.
(Fan mail from Bonnie Hunt’s website. My notes added in red.)
