Body Image and Interview with Valerie Frankel

In my minimal downtime today, I managed to come across this interview with the author of Thin is the new Happy. I was stuck by how honest and forthcoming the author was.

Most of the women I know have struggled or are struggling with issues surrounding body image. They range on a sliding scale of intensity: sever eating disorders, obsessive dieting, and emotional eating. Body issues seem to be like bad habits, everybody’s got ‘em.

And this book isn’t another Oprah inspired “love your body” message. If loving your body was simple, we would have figured it out by now. Our relationships with our bodies is complicated and really strange, and Mrs. Frankel seems to explore the complexity in a honest/brave way.

I’m putting this book on my radar, and looking out for more from Valerie Frankel.

Check out the interview here.
http://jezebel.com/5074409/body-image-beauty-mags-and-the-biggest-loser-an-interview-with-valerie-frankel

 

I’m back…for the moment

I know I’ve fallen off the planet. I know, just when I was getting around to a post I’d have to make plans for another summer wedding. And I discovered the real beauty of summer hours: a drink in the afternoon feels so civilized.  But I’m getting back in the game (mostly warming the bench, but I’ve got my jersey on).

Here is what I was reading while I traveled to weddings or drank away my afternoon:

Twilight – Vampires, teen hormones, and a wild chase across the country… all the ingredients of a summer blockbuster. Sarah, our female lead, is perfectly annoying in her teenage insecurities. Other than flunking gym she’s pretty, smart, social, part of a loving family, and has a boyfriend who is crazy about her. The real trouble is that she’s emotionally immature and boring. It’s a good thing her boyfriend is a vampire otherwise the author might have to come up with some real conflict. So what keeps this book going: lust.  It’s page after page of teens almost touching, almost kissing.

Privilege and Scandal: The Remarkable Life of Herriet Spincer sister of Georgina – Okay, so it turns out the only difference been celebrities today and upper class of the late 19th century is technology.  Harriet had to write long letters, occasionally with code names, Britney and Lindsay can text, email, call, and the paparazzi + celebrity media machine will keep us all informed.  Other than that they both have serious money problems, love affairs, medial issues, and frequent emotional breakdowns.

Hack: How I stopped worrying about what to do with my life and started driving a yellow cab – I’m totally OVER blog books.  I’m not quite sure why I picked this one up. I don’t like to read blogs when I’m looking for a book, and I don’t read a book when what I want is a blog.  It’s the difference between writing a diary vs. writing an essay.  You can go on an on in your journal circling around the same ideas and never draw any conclusions…just musing.  But when you’re writing for your 9th grade English teacher or some swank magazine you’ve go to make some conclusions. That’s all. No more blog books for me.

Crazy in Alabama – Awesome! This book is it’s own genre: Southern Gothic slapstick magical realism. The two interweaving story lines take place in the early sixties.  The main line covers race riots in a small town in Alabama the second one follows Lucile who murders her husband, travels to Hollywood, and launches an acting career. It’s been made in to a movie and I’ve been told it’s crap.  Read the book.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation – M.T. Anderson at his finest.  Historical YA set during the American Revolution the plot is twisted and strange and moving.  It’s dark and wonderful and disturbing. It’s the kind of thing we should be teaching to our kids and getting their brains working!

Devil May Care – Okay, so Random House sent out copies of the new James Bond movie and I read it. It was EXACTLY what you think it is.  It’s macho, misogynistic, the dialogue expository, and the prose cheesy fluff. So if you want to read it make sure you’ve turned off your brain and your martini is within easy reach.

I’m going to try my darndist to get back to this on a regular basis, but I’m leaving for China in 6 days.  I’ll try to post and keep you updated as I travel around with Fred’s family…but I have NO idea what the internet is like over on that side of the world.

 

I’m gonna stop counting these book reviews….

Ok.

So, I’m not great about this regular posting business.  But i’m trying.  I am.

In any case, here’s a great book you might wanna take a look at.

English Passengers.
By Matthew Kneale

I’m not usually a fan of first person narrative.  I think it’s over done and all too often the narrator isn’t insightful or interesting enough to carry me through a whole story. Just a personal preference.  But, English Passengers pretty much blew all that away.  It’s narrated by 20 different characters, each voice unique each character adding shades of meaning to the story.  Color me impressed. Which it should considering it was short listed for the Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin award, and won the 2000 Whitbread Book Award. Really, quite a nice find in the Random House give away pile.
Basic plot:
A crew of Manx-men set off on a simple smuggling mission, to carry brandy and tobacco to England and make some quick easy money. (I had no idea, but Manx was the language spoken on the Isle of Man. It’s a descendent of Old Irish and a dead relative of Irish and Scottish Gaelic.) They get stopped by the English customs and hauled into port.  The customs agents, unable to locate the cleverly stored goods hold the ship in port because of some nonsense fees. To get out of port the Captain agrees to carter their vessel to a small English expedition on their way to Austria.  The expedition includes a vicar who believes he will discover the Garden of Eden on the island of Tasmania, a respected doctor who is writing is masterpiece on the races of Man that will create a scientific foundation for racism and slavery.  This story plays out against the early history of Tasmania and Australia, including some flightily real descriptions of the prison camps and the mass genocide and relocation of the Aboriginal people.

The book is rich with details, and Matthew Kneale has done an incredible job crafting the voices of the different narrators (did I mention there are 20 of them!)  The Manx-Captain of the smuggling vessel is one of my favorite narrative voices.  His voice is rich with bits of Manx vocabulary and his story-telling style filled with sly humor.  And how doesn’t like a narrator with a health sense of irony and humor?  I’d also include the Vicar, who you can almost hear how shrill his voice must carry out across his flock of faithful.  His blind faith mixes perfectly with his own selfishness and greed.  Kneale highlight’s the Vicar’s hypocrisy through the vicar’s own voice, and as you read the Vicar’s account you see him progress from fervently faithful to full on fanatic.
I won’t say it’s been my favorite book of all time, but I’ll recommend it to anyone who enjoys good fiction.  It’s a great high seas adventure with more of a brain than your average adventure story.  Rich detail and lively first person narrators make the longish text easier to read.  I plan on keeping an eye out for other work by Kneale.

 

Superpowers…why bother.

Superpowers.
by David J. Schwartz….

Admittedly, I’m NOT the audience for this book. I’m sure there are plenty of folks out there who would enjoy this….maybe…but then again there are people who eat kool-aid pickles. (That’s right, they store pickles in kool-aid. I’m all about salty sweet combos, but that seems absurd)

Here it is:

Five sophomores in college mysteriously acquire superpowers (flight, super speed, super strength, invisibility, and mind reading). Being college sophomores they are emotionally stupid and have a relativity naive world view…just the kind of people you want to write about AND give superpowers to.

Ok. Ok. So I could have called it from the plot line that this book wasn’t going to be any good. But occasionally like to wallow in pop culture candy fluff reading, and occasionally I’ll find something worth passing on. Not this.

1. Bad pot. (see above)
2. Weak characters, but then I’ve never ever come across a writer who could write about college sophomores and make them interesting, compelling, or entertaining. Ever. Dawson’s Creek does not count.
3. All little too self-aware…. Oh boy could I go on about the faux author/report who has a few chapters of his own to make comments about the story he’s telling. An author’s note or end note would have been sufficient.
4. Did I mention it’s a 9/11 book?
5. Dialogue includes a boy who’s locked himself in his apartment while his ex-lover/friend is pounding on the door to come in. “You don’t love me.” If you can find a 20 year old straight good look male who would utter those words to a horny sexy ex…let me know.

What’s sad about this is that I’m sure David Schwartz is a great guy. I’m sure he’s got other great pieces and projects. I’ll bet he’s a great guy have a beer with….I’m sure he’d understand how crazy kool-aid pickles are.

 

look me in the eye (Review #20!)

Look me in the Eye
By John Elder Robison

When I first stared learning to write fiction, I was totally enamored with the topic of “voice.” The subject never came up in any of my high school classes nor did I come across in any of my reading. But, in my freshman workshop class all you had to do was comment on the author’s voice, and every one would perk up in their seats. This was going to be a discussion for “real” writers. Things like plot and character were left by the wayside. We wanted to be a part of the crowd; we wanted our own voices. After a few to many workshops started with helpful critiques of plot and pace dissolved in to wishy-washy voice conversations, I moved on to other things. And even now I like to avoid any mention of an author’s voice.
….but…
I’m still a believer. I still think that all readers connect with the written word in ways that can be illusive and frustrating in their indescribability. So – here we go, voice. I’ve got to say that the voice in this book…well, it’s kinda strange (I don’t have a better adjective for you, sorry). It’s removed from the text and the memoir reads more like a textbook, even though the subject is incredibly personal. That’s not to say it isn’t well written. John Elder Robison has a great feel for a story, and his imagination has created a few memorable metaphors. But to read the memoir of a great prankster (and there are some seriously genius pranks in there) and not be laughing out loud…is well….odd. I could understand how he’s funny, but he’s not funny. Even in tender moments in the story, the author isn’t there.
However off-putting the voice, the book is a fascinating look into the world of someone with Asperger’s syndrome. He’s given awesome descriptions of how his mind works, and how he developed coping skills from going through life undiagnosed. (He wasn’t diagnosed until the age of 40 when he had a kid+wife). His description of naming things, and how he learned to relate to others in casual conversation opened my eyes to a skill that I thought everyone possessed to some degree. John…he’s got zip. No clue how to start and glide through everyday conversation. Here’s an excerpt (a bit on the long side):

I’m a very logical guy. Psychologists say that’s an Aspergian trait. This can lead to trouble in common social situations, because ordinary conversation doesn’t always proceed logically. In an effort to improve my own interpersonal skills, I have studied computer programs that engage in conversation with people. The best programs follow logical pathways to arrive at suitable responses. The results, however, don’t always sound natural, and I am not sure that I do much better than the machines. ….
I don’t ask about “the wife” because when my friend walks up to me I’m interested in talking to him, and the condition or status of his wife does not enter my mind. More specifically, his appearance does not give me reason to wonder about his wife’s well being. If he’s a good friend, I assume (probably correctly) that any major change in his wife or son’s status would precipitate some kind of notification to me and his other friends. So why ask?
As to the weight…if he looks bigger I’d say, “You seem fatter than the last time I saw you.” I’ve learned by life experience that people get fatter for any number of reason, most of which are benign. I am aware that people may not like having their deficiencies – increased bulk, for instance – pointed out. But my mouth may spit out, “You look fatter!” before my brain concludes, It would be rude to say he looks fatter!

This book is well-organized, straight forward, fascinating, and deserves all the attention it can get. Just don’t be thrown by the strangeness. His work can be just as moving, if you step away from the page.

 

Gold Mountain…book review #19

On Gold Mountain.
By Lisa See

Quick Plot:
Fong See, the family patriarch, immigrated to the United States just after the completion of the railroad around 1870. The fourth son in a family of five, his name means fourth son of Fong, well those immigration officials didn’t get it, and so his family name became See. He had two wives in the US, one a white woman, and two in China. And if I were going to hinge my story around a central character I don’t think you could make up someone better than Fong See.

Why Not:
It’s really long. And there’s lots of names and characters…..easy to get lost
Why:
Great history of Chinatown in L.A. Well crafted history of an immigrant family….good family gossip!

 

This is for Ballard and Krista: Post 18

I didn’t think anyone was reading this.  But I totally got called out by my friends….so this is for Ballard and Krista

Take this!
Post #18…..

Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR.
By Neal Thompson.

First off, I’m not a NASCAR fan.  I don’t watch races, I’ve always been turned off by the ads plastered over the cars, drivers, pit crews, stands, tracks, and billboards.  If it’s got a surface area it’s got a corporate sponsor.  Plus, I don’t get a trill out of cars or driving fast.

Not my thing.

But I’m always interested in a good history, especially one that promises to include stories about moonshiners.  Perhaps I was just feeling a little homesick, and looking for anything that might remind me of the south, in all it’s shades of delinquency.

Part one of the book, by far my favorite, focuses on the conception of stock car racing before NASCAR was even a twinkle in anyone’s eye.  I’ll say that Thompson has done a great job putting a historical frame around the creation of the Model T, the history of  Atlanta and the  development of the moonshine country in the hills.  The book is at it’s best when Thompson is describing the early heroes of stock car racing.  He puts these good ole’ boys in the middle of great personal and dangerous rivalries between  bootleggers and revenuers.

Great stuff.  Death, love, money, booze….awesome.

Parts two and three get into the specifics of NASCAR’s creation and growth.  And this is where I started to nod off.  The story focused on new model cars, fancy mechanics, and the details of stock cars.  I missed the greater context of the history that Thompson had done such a good job of before. I started to skip around looking for a few more good stories…not much.  More boring car facts.

Ok, so my biggest problem with the book….. I loved the stories of folk heroes, rebels, carpetbaggers.  I’m all about the back stabbing greedy friends.  I’m hooked on the rivalries, double crosses, and shenanigans of part one, but Thompson is NOT a Southerner. Thompson writes from a very removed stance, like he’s presenting this history of a quaint foreign civilization.  He’s charmed by these stories of yore and entertained by the antics of southerners. He’s written a great piece of history about the south, but he’s kept himself outside of the story.  I know that his work as a journalist must inform how he writes, but I missed WHY he wanted to write it.  I wanted him to admit a love of NASCAR, or of the south, or moonshine, or something.  I wanted him to offer this piece of our history because of some insight into who we are as a nation, as spectators, consumers, people, fans.  Not a history of the south as a romanticized, separate civilization.

Overall: Solid first 100-150 pages, give or take your view on non-southerners writing about the south.  Skip the last half (unless you’re fascinated by NASCAR)

 

Steve Martin knows what he’s doing (Book Review #17)

The Pleasure of My Company
By Steve Martin.

Ok, so I’ve been watching A LOT of Steve Martin. L.A. Story – my favorite (and if I ever visit that city I want to visit the LA of Steve Martin) Three Amigos – hilarious. The Jerk – ok, but it was his first movie. Shopgirl – Lovely.

Now his novella:

I’ll just say that this might be the most tender and funny story I’ve come across. (While Wendell Berry is most certainly moving, he’s not exactly…funny.) Daniel, a somewhat brilliant code maker/breaker and programmer, is extremely isolated by his obsessive/compulsive disorder that keeps him from crossing the street, moving out of his apartment, or owning a telephone. But like everyone he’s looking for love and companionship. Steve Martin’s comic timing and Daniel’s struggle to break from his loneliness are perfectly in sync, heartbreak following comedy in harmony.

Daniel is a fine narrator for his own story. He’s aware of how his own hang-ups make him appear to others, and he’s quite eloquent when it comes to describing his disorder. But he’s also observant of others around him. Slowly and almost without effort he develops relationships, first with his neighbors and then his visiting nurse/psychiatrist. As he allows these relationships to develop on their own, he takes great leaps of courage to push beyond his boundaries. His courage and quest for connection combine in perfect heartbreak and hilarity.

Steve Martin has proven that he is indeed a man of many talents, actor, stand-up comedian, and writer. This isn’t some crappy celebrity biography, or some children’s book whim (Madonna should never do anything other than be a material girl). It’s a wonderful piece about relationships, fear, love, and logic. It helps that Steve Martin is a mighty fine writer. He’s character’s voice never wavers. He has a strong sense of the story he’s telling. He knows when to back off and not lay down the sentimental stuff to thick. He’s funny.

This book is delightful.

Fred enjoyed his new biography, Born Standing Up. Check out his website.
www.stevemartin.com

 

Book Review #16, I love Bone…

Bone Volumes 1-2
By Jeff Smith

I’ve been skipping around a lot in my reading. Jumping from here to there. I’ve also been sick over the past week, and my head just couldn’t focus for long, all the words would start to turn fuzzy. But I’m back in the pink of health and ready to tell you all about Bone, a indie comic book series that was originally released in 55 issues from 1991 to 2004. And it’s been collected by Scholastic and reissued in individual volumes.
(check out wikipedia if you want more info)

The story is a fantasy adventure who’s central character, Fone Bone is a charming, brave hero who looks a bit like a Smerf or Peanuts character. He’s instantly likeable, warm, and from the very first panel you’re routing for him. I love being swept off my feet by a character.

Once I was in the comic it was a delight to find that the writing is expertly timed. Each joke comes with the right visual and language that only reminds me of the work of Bill Waterston. Like a perfectly timed joke, Jeff Smith knows how to draw/write what’s funny. In between the light laughs are wonderful moments of sadness, disappointment, and fear. Bravo. Bravo.

I’m only up to the second volume of a series of nine, but so far the characters are well rendered and have developed a group dynamic that’s going to make for some good reading in the future. I don’t want to speculate to far in advance, and predict problems. So let’s just say that some of the plot developments in the second volume were vague and unexplained. I didn’t get a good sense of what was really going on, but I’ve got faith that all will be explained in the following issues. Right now I’m happy just to follow world that Jeff Smith has created.

Bone has been around for a while, and anyone in the comics world has read it…so I’m a little out of the loop…..but I finally got here. I’m in love with it. It’s funny, smart, entertaining. It’s everything that good fiction should be. And not only is he using words to tell the story he’s DRAWING the damn thing. Sorry for being so slow, but it’s truly incredible to take two mediums and combine them to tell a story. I’m impressed when writers to a good job sticking with one medium. But to draw the thing…well color me impressed.

Check out the website!

 

Book Review #15 (crime never looked so good)

The Appeal
by: John Grisham.

So you know how a few weeks ago I talked about how I rarely read genera fiction….well I just worked my way through the new John Grisham book, The Appeal. (Way to play the hypocrisy card, I know) But come on! I work at his publishing house, and they put this on in my inbox as a freebie. I didn’t go looking for it on a shelf….it was IN my inbox. It’s like giving a new pair are shoes to a puppy….those shoes will be ripped to shreds in a matter of hours. So there, I’ve read my first legal thriller. I’m a big fan of shows like Boston Legal and Law and Order. Plus I’m a sucker for films like Michael Clayton and the Pelican Brief. Right away I know I’ll probably enjoy this more than say…a historical romance (I’m sure this isn’t going to be another Golden Tulip).

How was it? Not bad. But, I still like my court-room dramas to come from film, the immediacy of TV/film seems better suited to the timing of a court room. But, the book isn’t bad. The writing is solid. Grisham keeps things simple and quick. The pace is nice, and he knows how to move a plot a long and how to slow it down to build up the suspense. All in all it’s a nice ride.

But….the characters. I don’t mind when a TV show simplifies a character, and relies on visual stereotypes and cultural myths to create “real” people. It’s all a part of Hollywood. I get it. The point is to create a character as quickly as possible and get them doing things. However, I expect more from a book, when you’re reading a book you’ve got the space on a page for characters to develop. I understand that in a thriller the goal is the same: get to the plot as quickly as possible and get people hooked. So I was a little disappointed to find that the characters in Grisham’s book were the same ones that you find in ANYTHING (movie/TV show) churned out for mass-market consumption. The evil corporate bad guys are just that…greedy, evil, sleazy, and powerful, nothing more. The good guys are poor, church going, smart, family oriented, white, kind, and generous. Nothing more. The good guys get regular exercise, are up on all current affairs, and get the recommended amount of fiber too. Jeeze… who writes a character based on general statistics and myths of the “common” man? I don’t care who you are. No one is all sweetness and light. Everyone has something dark/interesting/secret about them. They can be kind, generous, loving, and good, but they have SOMETHING that makes them worth writing about. Every character has something about them that makes them come alive from the page. Sadly, ALL of these characters were missing that something. They were missing that spark that changes the good writing to great writing. Grisham was missing that thing that makes characters worth reading and watching.

The whole thing is so purely plot driven that I’ll just get my crime drama from TNT, and skip the disappointment of a good writer that could be so much better.