Wednesday Roundup: Gotta love books that mess with your head

My hiatus from video games continues, which means I've been doing a lot of reading. So, without further ado, here is what I've been devouring over the last couple of weeks:

Books

I'd heard a lot about this book and had it on my to-read list for a while, so I was happy when it became the selection for my book club as it finally propelled the book to the front of my list. My mind was absolutely blown by it.

I love books with unreliable narrators, so Gone Girl drew me in right from the first pages. I didn't trust Nick and was openly suspicious of a lot of what he did, but there was something about Amy's disappearance that just didn't sit right with me, so the last half of the book made me gasp out loud.

Since I only heard some vague things about the book based on the buzz, I had no idea about the plot twists, and it's something I wouldn't want to spoil for anyone else. Instead, I'll just stop at saying this book ended in a way that was so unexpected and so messed up that I kind of stared in disbelief at the last words. If you like psychological suspense, this is the book for you.

I try to spend quality time on my elliptical at least five days a week, and I read while I'm going to town on it. My elliptical is in my basement, and this is an important detail because of the setting of this book. My basement is finished, so that helps cut down on the creep factor of it but, if you're like me and have ever lived in a house with an unfinished basement, you know how creepy they can be. Don't read this book in your basement.

This is a work of YA Gothic horror that revolves around a group of teenagers and one young girl who are trapped in the "Dollhouse", a creepy underground prison. The setting of the book is so ominous. It dragged me right down into it. Allyn sets her scenes so vividly I could see them in my head.

While I like the characters in this book--particularly Sophronia, who intrigued me--I was more drawn into the plot and the setting. Though there is a definite ending to this book, it still leaves some big questions unanswered, setting up the sequel perfectly. I'm sure it comes as no surprise when I say I'm now trucking away on the elliptical in my basement while creeping myself out with Paper Dolls, the second book in the series.

I've come to realize that I'm more a fan of sci-fi than I thought. While I love Star Wars, Star Trek the Next Generation, and games like Mass Effect, I don't typically like to read space operas. Instead, I tend more toward dystopic fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction, or sci-fi that explores things like alternate universes or advanced technology. I found False Memory so satisfying because it contains a lot of the high tech, plot-driven themes that I love.

From start to finish, this book is pretty much non-stop action. Centering on a group of teenagers who seem to have been raised to become some sort of weapon, the story is still very human. There are a lot of action scenes, but they all felt feasible to me and none of the characters has that annoying habit of seeming so uber that they can't be touched. In fact, at times I was surprised by how difficult the characters had it--and that was a good thing.

The other big plus of this book for me was Miranda, the lead character. I love YA fiction that features strong, pro-active female characters, and that was Miranda to a T. She's capable but still vulnerable, and I really felt for her as she struggled to make sense of who she was and what was happening to her. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in the series. 

Television

My hubby and I are still working our way through Bones on Netflix, and last night we watched the season six finale.

I give Bones huge props for handling characters downfalls in a way that is heartbreaking and compelling. The second to last episode of season six made me cry in a way I haven't cried since the subplot surrounding Zach. The characters on Bones are really quirky and sometimes downright annoying, but the writers do such a great job of making them human beings with whom the viewer can relate, that it's hard not to be affected by some of the great tragic events that happen in the series.

However, I wasn't all that thrilled about the season finale cliffhanger. That one just felt too cliché for me, and I wonder how it'll affect season seven, as well as how it's affecting season eight.

Movies

On Monday, I enjoyed a fabulously lazy movie day with my kiddos. The features included Up and Ratatouille, two movies I haven't watched in quite some time.

Up does something that I think is amazing, with a skill that I envy: in the space of a few minutes, the opening montage tells a compelling, heartbreaking story with barely any spoken words. We see the young Mr. Fredericksen meeting his wife as a child, then the music begins and we get to see what their life together was like. I find this opening sequence so touching because it perfectly portrays the everyday joys and tragedies of life. When the Fredericksens find out they can't have children, it's heart-wrenching. When they have to constantly delay their trip to Paradise Falls because life gets in the way, it's so moving. And, when Ellie Fredericksen dies, you love the couple and their life together so much that it makes you weep. This is a textbook example of how to do a love story and do it well.

I enjoy Ratatouille for other reasons. While I like Rémy and the story of his struggle for acceptance with his family, and I think using a rat is a good way of symbolically showing what a struggle it can be to do the thing you love when society is set up in such a way that the doors are barred to you, what I really enjoy about that movie is the food. Every time I see it, I want to go to Paris and eat at a fancy restaurant. Since I'm going to Paris this summer, I just might get that chance! If you love food and/or cooking, I don't see how Ratatouille can't tap into that passion you feel for the subject.

However, I can't sum that movie up without pointing out something else I love about it: the subtle feminist message. I love Colette's direct talk about how difficult it is for a woman to break into the world of fine cuisine, and that she addresses the hard work and struggle she's faced to get where she's at. One of the things I really like about Pixar movies is how they tackle some pretty complicated themes in a very straight-forward, non-preachy way.

So there are my pop culture highlights for the week. Any good books or video games you'd like to recommend? I'm particularly interested in good RPGs or strategy games.

Wednesday Roundup: Bookworms unite!

It's time for the Wednesday roundup, where I discuss the pop culture I'm currently obsessing over.

Now that the holidays are over and things are settling into their normal routine, I'm taking a bit of a breather before plunging back into writing next week. This means I've spent tons of time reading and very little time behind my computer. So no music or video game comments this week. This time around, it's strictly books, books, a movie, and a bit of TV.

Books

I was really on the fence about reading this book. I've read a lot of praise for it, but I also know some people felt like the book's message was kind of heavy handed. I'm glad I ultimately decided to read it, because I loved it.

I didn't find the message too heavy handed because I felt it was simply part of Katsa's character, and I understood where Katsa was coming from and what it was about her psychology that made her feel the way she did. Still, I can see why some people don't take to her. I thought she was a pretty unconventional character who could be very abrasive at times.

I'm not a huge reader of fantasy, but this book drew me into the world, probably because it was mostly about Katsa and her relationships with others. I love Po and thought he was a wonderful love interest--I'm not going to deny that I developed a pretty mad crush on him myself.

I'm not yet done with this book--around 60% through it. I picked it up immediately after Graceling, but I don't like it as much as Graceling, though I think it's starting to get better. As unlikable as she could be at times, I liked Katsa a lot more than I like Fire. I get Fire's dilemma, but she feels kind of whiny to me at times.

I also don't like the setting of this one as much. The monsters are kind of interesting, but I feel like they take up too much page time. I liked that Graceling focused more on people, and I like this book better when it does as well.

I don't like Archer very much at all. I'm not impressed with a love interest who blames the female main character for his own shortcomings.

Movies

I went to see Les Misérables with my husband over the weekend, and I loved it. I've seen the stage show several times, so it probably goes without saying that I'm a fan. While I did really like the movie, it loses a little something when you see it on a flat screen versus being performed on a stage. Still, it made me cry buckets. I haven't felt that many emotions at a movie in ages. I thought Anne Hathaway was the best Fantine I've ever seen--it was like I could just feel her every emotion when she was singing I Dreamed a Dream. And though Hugh Jackman's voice was not quite as powerful as Valjean's should be, he was amazing in that role. My husband said he didn't even recognize him at first. Russel Crowe was also good though, again, his singing was a little weak. In general, the whole cast was wonderful, and I liked the technique of having the actors actually sing as they were performing a scene, though it admittedly did make it hard to hear some of the lyrics at times. If you haven't seen it yet, go, but be sure to bring a LOT of tissue with you.

TV

I'm now on season five of Bones, and I'm a little uneasy with Temperence at times. She seems to be coming off as more obnoxious than she has in a while, as if her edges suddenly became as sharp as they were in season one. It makes me a little wary of her character. I got really nervous when Wendell lost his scholarship because I was convinced for most of the episode that Temperence wasn't going to do anything about it. I still like her, but she's a little much at times. I also like Booth, and it's interesting to see some different facets of his character.  I like what they're doing with Arastoo--and boy did he look nice in that suit in Booth's dream episode! I sometimes miss Zack, but I think that Sweets was a nice addition. He's adorable, but it frustrates me how rudely Booth and Brennan brush him off--and he's always right!

So that's my roundup for the week. I'm bummed because two of my favorite TV shows--Fringe and Leverage--are no more, so I'm going to be looking for some good, new TV shows to watch. I like high-concept shows and I'm hoping there might be some good mid-season options.

Wednesday Roundup: Spelunking my way through Skyrim

It's a new year, so I thought I might try a new feature. I always want to spend more time on the blog talking about pop culture, namely the books, TV, movies, music and video games I'm currently enjoying. So, without further ado, here's what I'm spending my free time doing:

Video game: Skyrim. I'm pretty addicted to this game. The danger of it is that I can set out to do a quest, spend hours playing, and never end up doing the quest. I both like and dislike the open-endedness of the game. I like that Skyrim has a huge world that I can explore to my heart's content, and I really love that I can create whatever blend of skills and abilities appeals to me. I'm the kind of person who will spend hours gathering plants so I can make potions--I know, total geek alert, right? But sometimes that game just feels so overwhelming that I have the sense I could play it for the next forty years and never finish it.

Music: Imagine Dragons, Night Visions. I picked this album up on a whim when Amazon had it for $1.99. I'd heard a lot of buzz about it and I was curious to see what it was all about. Turns out, it's exactly the kind of music I like. I have some pretty eclectic taste in music, and I like bands that explore various sounds, which is just what Imagine Dragons does. I'm only sorry it took me this long to discover them. I'd have gladly paid more for this album.

Book: I just finished Mind Games by Kiersten White. I thought it was an excellent psychological thriller with a really compelling relationship between the two sisters, Fia and Annie. One of my favorite adult genres is mysteries and thrillers, and I thought this book had all the elements of some of the best those types of books have to offer. When done well, I often find really gripping psychological tension to be the biggest page turner, and I definitely think White nailed it. If Goodreads is right, there will be a second book, and I'm very anxious to find out what will happen next.

Movie: The Hobbit. I love the book, but I thought the movie was just okay. I think it was too long--and I didn't feel that way about any of the Lord of the Rings movies. It just seemed like there was too much extra tacked on, and like the action sequences were longer than they needed to be. Still, I loved Martin Freeman as Bilbo--if you haven't seen him in the BBC series Sherlock, what are you waiting for?? And let it be known that I am officially declaring Thorin Oakenshield the handsomest of all dwarves.

TV: My husband and I are making our way through Bones on Netflix, and we're hooked--to the tune of watching 3-4 episodes per day. We're just now finishing up season 4. What I love most about the show--about any TV show I'm passionate about, really--are the characters. They are so quirky, and each of them is distinct. I know I'm invested in them because I find myself getting mad at some of them and having my heart broken by others. Plus, the science geek in me is very interested in shows about the behind-the-scenes parts of crime solving.

That's this week's roundup. Next week, I'll hopefully be discussing Les Misérables in the movie portion of the post as my goal is to go see it this weekend. It's one of my all-time favorite musicals, so I'm dying to see if I think Anne Hathaway is as good as I've heard.

Best and Worst of 2012

Ah, nostalgia. Like most everyone else, I like to spend some time at the end of the year reflecting on everything that's happened: what I accomplished, what I didn't get done that I wanted to get done, what events were most notable. And, of course, I love to think about the good and bad in the world of entertainment. These lists are in no particular order--they're simply the things in each category that really stood out for me. So, without further ado, here are my lists:

Best Books I Read in 2012:

1. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

This was one of those books where, the entire time I was reading it, I found myself thinking, "Wow! Now I get it!" I'm very introverted, and this book made me feel so much better about being an introvert by helping me to better recognize my own needs. I recommend it to all introverts. I also recommend it to extroverts so that you can better understand the introverts in your life.

2. Angelfall by Susan Ee

I was grabbed on the first page and captivated right up until the extremely creepy and disturbing ending. Ee's world is vividly realized. I can't wait for book two.

3. Wool by Hugh Howey

Hugh has such a talent for writing characters. The love story in this book is so touching and the conclusion utterly devastating. I highly recommend it.

4. Isolation by Dan Wells

This novella fleshed out Heron's back story, which was awesome because I love Heron. A really interesting read about a fascinating and morally complex character.

5. The No Shelter trilogy by T.S. Welti

Talk about serious psychological tension! This is a gripping story about the destructive forces of human emotions that culminated in a climax that still has me reeling.

6. Practice Cake by Dalya Moon

A fun, fresh romantic comedy with an engaging female lead who makes an intelligent, informed choice about her love life. This is how romance ought to be done.

7. Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Assassin nuns. You really don't need me to say anything more.

8. Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

I was convinced I knew exactly who Warner was, and then Mafi went and pulled the rug out from under me. I have a great deal of admiration for the way she fleshed out a character who is much more than he appears.

9. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

There are so many parallels between this book and things happening today that it's eerie. A powerful piece of speculative fiction about the toll on society when women are subjugated.

10. Legend by Marie Lu

This book reads like the best video games have to offer: fun characters tackling impossible odds in a nonstop, action-packed thrill ride. Can I have Prodigy now, please?

Other Media (TV, video games, movies):

1.  The Hunger Games (movie)

I love the books, and I thought the movie was handled extremely well. Jennifer Lawrence makes an amazing Katniss. Is it time for Catching Fire yet?

2. Person of Interest (CBS)

Action-packed, this show really ramped up the emotional factor at times. I adore Finch and Reese, and I think Carter is one of the best female characters on television. Also, Fusco breaks my heart.

3. Bones (Fox)

My husband and I recently discovered this show and we are hooked. Though we're seasons behind, we're completely invested in the characters. They are such a quirky, unique bunch. Gormogon, you tore my heart out and stomped all over it.

4. Leverage (TNT)

I am so sad this show was just cancelled. It's a fun, modern day take on Robin Hood with a team of thieves who are wonderful characters with distinct backgrounds and personalities. I am really going to miss watching it.

5. Skyrim (video game)

Me playing this game: "Hmm, I think I'll do this quest. Oh, look, Dwemer ruins! I need to stop here first." (Five hours later) "Oh, right--I meant to do this quest." The open-endedness of this game never ceases to thrill me. I love that I can make my character the perfect hybrid of whatever skills I like, and that I can spend hours exploring the world and have a blast doing it.

6. Chronicle (movie)

This was one of those movies that really made you think--an excellent exploration of the dark side of humanity and the corrupting influence of power.

7. The Avengers (movie)

Comic book movies are always hit or miss with me, but this one was a big win. Lots of action, and yet there was still excellent character development. Can I have the sequel now, please?

8. Wreck-It Ralph (movie)

If you're like me and you grew up in the age of Atari, you'll love this movie. I had a ball picking out all the vintage games I once played. A fun romp through the history of video games.

9. 30 Rock (NBC)

I love Liz Lemon, love her. This show is hilariously weird, with a cast of some of the zaniest characters around.

10. Guild Wars 2

Inevitably, I become obsessed with an MMO for a period of months and then I fall off the wagon and never play it again. GW2 was no exception to that rule. However, it was an exception to many of the things that annoy me the most about MMOs. Some of the best features of the game were things like group events that allowed you to jump in on world boss battles if you just happened to be passing through the zone at the right time. I liked that the game doles out rewards to everyone, so there's no arguing over who gets what gear at the end of a raid. And allowing everyone to mine from the same ore vein or harvest the same blackberry bush in order to minimize the appeal of gold farming? Genius!

Biggest disappointments of 2012:

1. Mass Effect 3 (video game)

I've loved the ME series for years and have played the first two countless times. I was so excited for this game I could barely contain myself and then disaster struck: that ending! I can't even. I haven't been able to touch any of the ME games since, and I'm indifferent to the upcoming release set in the ME universe. I'm so disappointed in BioWare.

2. Revolution (NBC)

I wanted this show to be an awesome post-apocalyptic thrill ride. It wasn't. J.J. Abrams, I didn't think you could let me down like this.

3. Brave (movie)

Pixar finally releases a movie with a female lead and it was a crushing disappointment. I didn't think this was a bad movie, per se, but it didn't have anything like the charm of most Pixar movies. It started out so promising and then the disjointed plot fell apart. What would have been so bad about spending the whole movie focusing on the mother/daughter dynamic?

4. Fringe (Fox)

I was so excited that this series finale season would be set in 2036, but it might as well have been set in 2012. While I have liked some of the character-centric plots, I think the whole concept of Walter's scavenger hunt is ridiculous, and I keep waiting for them to do something other than sit around in the lab. And why doesn't anyone notice they're squatting in there? For supposedly being so uber, those Observers are not very observant, are they?