I've survived the first week of class at a new school and still I find time for my weekly posts. Go figure! I have learned some interesting things this week including the fact that I am the only person in my Intro to Lit class to read Deathly Hallows and I am one of the few in the basic writing class to keep a blog. And on that note...
Book: Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities
Alexandra Robbins - who also gave the world the quarterlife crisis - followed four sorority girls for a year and tells their story in this book. Whether you are male or female, sorority alumnae or not, this book is a must! Yes, it will exploit some of the stereotypes that we all know and love: "Delta, Delta, Delta, can I help ya, help ya, help ya?" But it also presents an interesting look at the good and bad truths to being a member of an elite sisterhood. Never having been a sorority sister, I could still picture the scenarios as they played out during my undergrad years. While this book does not make me wish I pledged, it certainly gives me a deeper understanding of my students who do.
Movie: The Fountain
I need to start out by saying that this movie is not for the faint of heart. The director, Darren Aronofsky, may be one of the most interesting film directors today. The film is a challenge as viewers must negotiate three different story lines of the past, present, and future lives of both Hugh Jackman (who shows his acting chops here) and Rachel Weisz (who deserves all Oscars she may receive). I had to call my friend MG after watching just to talk about it. There will be as many interpretations as there are viewers. Once you rent it, call me so I can hear what you think Aronofsky is saying. This is one of the best reader response films I have seen lately, if not ever.
Television: Eureka
The reaction I may get here is, "Isn't that the silly show on Sci-Fi?" Yep. But just because it's on the Sci-Fi network does not mean you should avoid it. Entertainment Weekly calls the show a cross between Pickett Fences and The X-Files. I agree. It's kooky and mysterious and just plain fun. Set in Eureka, a town built by the government to foster brilliant people and their research, the show follows Sheriff Jack Carter - the only average Joe in town - as he tracks down the latest technological snafu that may just end the world as we know it. In addition, the show makes fun of itself by constantly recognizing that the same old scenarios keep occurring. If you're looking for something to watch on Tuesdays at 9, check it out. (And speaking of Pickett Fences, when are they going to rerun that one?)
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2 comments:
Heather, if you still have the book on sororities, I'd love to borrow it. I'd like to read it but my friend Patti would also like to take a look. Her daughter just pledged at Alabama. Talk to you soon!!
I am very curious about The Fountain. Its so rare that Hollywood produces a brilliant failure, or at least a film that takes a chance at being something different. That said, I am still waiting for Netflix to deliver Brown Bunny.
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