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April 20, 2007
READING & MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS
My husband (at his computer) pointed out that Borders was closing its Australian operation. I used to love going to Carlton to the Borders bookshop, maybe seeing a movie. It used to be a treat. I don't know what has changed. I think it started with the introduction of Gloria Jeans... for me, that is. It no longer feels romantic.
Anyway, here are some books to devour.
Ed Falco - WOLF POINT
I got this book at the Atlanta AWP, read and loved this novel. Feels like a small world when I am back in Melbourne and Falco is mentioned as the playwrighting professor of the run-amok student at Virginia Tech. I'd read short fiction by him in the Missouri Review the September before and was on the lookout for his work. The hardback books by Unbridled Press are real keepers, lovely paper format and type. Another writer has recommended from this press - SABBATH NIGHT IN THE CHURCH OF THE PIRANHA also by Falco. As well as: M. Allen Cunningham's THE GREEN AGE OF ASHER WITHEROW, Nancy Zafris' LUCKY STRIKE, the re-release of Marc Estrin's INSECT DREAMS, and the forthcoming HICK by Andrea Portes.
And a funny funny article by fellow writer Roy Kesey at the OV Blog: From A Distance - What he is missing out on by choosing to reside so far away from the living, breathing scene of Contemporary American Literature (In China for the last 4 years).
... And back to Book Recommendations:
Larry McMurty - WHEN THE LIGHT GOES
Got this one at the airport in Los Angeles, on my way home, seduced by the larger print for on-flight reading and the opening paragraph: the narrator has just got back from the Middle East. But it is wonderful reading. And I figured out why it made it to the airport bookshelves - sexual themes that are written about well.
SIMPLIFY by Tod Golberg
I bought this from the OTHER VOICES table at AWP. Gina Frangello was a super saleswoman with this book and parted me from my money, telling me that I would not regret my decision. And I didn't. This is a Wonderful Short Story Collection.
Another short story collection that I have been meaning to read is Haruki Murakami's - BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN. I got it from my local library and my husband has sunk his fangs inside. And since he does not normally read SSCs, this is a very good sign.
... And now for Films and DVDs
This week, we've seen some lovely DVDs. Fernando Leon de Aranoa's THE TIGER AND THE SNOW ( La Tigre e la Neve) - but reviews on the internet seem damning.
Last week, a friend wanted to see WILD HOGS which we saw on the big screen (cheap Tuesdays) and it turned out to be nice entertainment and funny - it is hard to turn out film that makes us laugh so any that do so, are worthy of mention. Another good comedy is PRICELESS with Audrey Tautou in a lead role (with a male lead who is NOT Gerard Depardieu -- superb acting in the THE SINGER that I enjoyed it inspite of a bored husband)
On the Monday we saw THE GOOD GERMAN at the Nova (alternative cinema)- my husband said he could have walked out anytime... but I enjoyed (sort of) the stylized drama... but I was always too-aware of the homage Soderberg was playing to classic movies... the Casablanca ending was too much.
MORE DVDs: ALL THE KINGS MEN - Good for some light entertainment.
Saw RAZZLE DAZZLE (Australian film) yesterday and was not dazzled at all. Similar theme to LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE which was wonderful.
Posted by girija at April 20, 2007 05:08 PM