This last week I had the pleasure, and misery, of watching Water for Elephants as a film adaptation.
In my humble opinion, Water for Elephants was terrible. Besides the cut of characters from the story, the plot was changed in subtle ways to create Marlena and Jacob (played by Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson respectively) into different character's from the novel's image.
Jacob is suppose to be a Polish, virgin, red-headed, young man who is, slightly, passive and unsure of asserting himself. As a senior at Cornell, he has never seen a naked woman and is in love with a peer of his, Catherine. In the film, Catherine is in love with him and he is planning on being in her bed the night they finish their final exams. Continuously though the film, Jacob is depicted as sexually experienced, although it is not said one way or the other. Even in the novel, one drunk night Jacob is not sure if he's still a virgin. Pattinson just smiles his way through rows of women, and acts like an expert during his, implied, sex scene. Not only does this Hollywood-ized version of Jacob, seemingly, have manhood in sex, but in aggression. Instead of having trouble asserting himself, he has trouble hiding his assertion. He acts out in the open instead of in the shadows. Mr. Macho, Pattinson, does not have a emotional reaction to putting down a horse, regret allowing his elephant to get beaten, have a relationship with any other animal besides his elephant, and take care of them when the circus falls. Jacob's only concern is his elephant and his woman, but that does not encompass his written character.
Similarly, Marlena and August's character's are not depicted to the truth of their real nature. Marlena's backstory is changed to create a softer, and more fragile, woman. In all reality, Marlena made her decision and suffered because of it. August looks like a man with anger issues, and its never said that he is diagnosed with schizophrenia. His crazy moods are explainable in the book, which makes the film version lacking. He looks crazier because no one explains his condition.
Really, all I have to say is don't judge a book by its movie.
Slightly disappointed,
Emily
To be honest, this book wasn't anything I was expecting. But hey, I don't think I was really expecting anything. I mean, I don't think that I had any idea of what I was about to read. All I knew about this book was that there was "elephants" in the title, [my favorite animal for the record], and there was some hype about it a little while ago. It is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. After some contemplating, I think it's deserving of that honor. I can't say I didn't like it, or I was disappointed.
The novel, written by Sara Gruen, was drafted during NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month::http://nanowrimo.org/] in its early beginnings. But that's just a fun fact. Following Jacob Jankowski from young adult to age 90 (or 93), the story of love, morality, the deeper questions and friendship explores the lifestyle of the 1930's circus crew. Even though the main story revolves around Jacob and Marlena, the novel really reaches out and searches answers to bigger themes. How does one live with evil? What can one really do when power is corrupted? In unfortunate circumstance, what is the best reaction? What is justifiable? Where is home?
Although Gruen introduces the climax in the very beginning, which I generally dislike, she gives no significant plot away. It actually did not play a huge role in the interpretation of the book's events. One can only wait and watch as things develop. My only criticism of the novel is that the finish felt, slightly, fanciful. To an extent, the finish is possible, but it does not seem plausible. However, someone else may feel differently.
I would also like to just say: image my surprise, and disappointment, when I found out that Robert Pattinson plays Jacob in the film. [He's suppose to have red hair for one]. I'm generally not impressed or inspired by Pattinson. The image of Edward, from Twilight, being in love with a married woman [Marlena] makes it only creepy. Does he watch her in her sleep too? I guess, I'll just have to watch it and see.
Once Again,
Emily
Since I'm only a third the way through my next book, [which I will hopefully finish tomorrow], I have the opportunity to write about something I stumbled upon this week. It is the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge [hence the title. sorry that it's not a surprise]. Being a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, it's only perfect that I should find this list. I scored a measly 40/339, but the good news is that I have quite a few of those on my reading list already.
For those who are not familiar with Gilmore Girls, it is the story of two women on a trip to find themselves. Lorelai Gilmore, beginning motherhood at 16, struggles with herself, her parents, and just life. Meanwhile her daughter, Rory, is growing up and challenged by relationships, academics, and still being a youth. The two of them are the perfect pair as they grow together.
The reason this reading list is more expansive and interesting is because Rory is a Harvard student, a young feminist, journalist, and an avid reader. This list, surprising to myself, is very encompassing to all these aspects of her character. Although television does not always remain consistent, if this list is correct, then Rory is, in fact, built upon the things she is filmed reading.
I need to re-watch all these seasons and find the books I've read. Probably, that will never actually happen, but you never know.
http://www.listchallenges.com/rory-gilmore-reading-challenge?ref=share
Hopefully this list can give you some insight on what to read next.
Emily
Here's #1: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
I can tell you already that my reaction to this book was extremely emotional. It came to a point where I was up until 3am wondering how in the world I have EVER complained about anything in my life. Set in Afghanistan from the 1970s all the way through the early 2000s, the story of Mariam and Laila walks through the crumbling of the country. War, grief, oppression, and devastation hit both of these women from every angle: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Without giving away any significant details of the plot, I will start here: both Mariam and Laila end up married to Rasheed. Through this man, it is understood what it means to be a woman in Taliban controlled Afghanistan. An attempt to run away ends up with a beating, walking the streets without a male family member [mahram] deserves a beating, speaking the truth is worth a beating, disappointing your husband is, again, a beating. Laila says at one point that "[she] never would have believed that a human body could withstand this much beating, this viciously, this regularly, and keep functioning" (287). And even though this work is fictionally based on history--one does not doubt the truth of these events. Reading the novel, I never once doubted that this happened/happens all across the Middle East.
On a personal level, I had to stop reading and just wonder: how in the world did I get so lucky? How in all the world was I blessed enough to be born in a time and place without war? Physically--it's easy enough to understand: a couple got pregnant and had a child by choice. But what are the chances? I could have, just as easily, been a bi-product of an Afghan household in the last forty years. I beg the question to powers of the universe, God, Allah, or whatever deity and ask why. How am I so lucky that I never look at a belt buckle in fear? Why I am I lucky enough to have a father that has never hit me hard enough to bruise? Why do I take for granted the physical freedom to show my face? Mariam, who is the hero in this story, is undeservingly punished throughout her life. It puts petty difficulties into perspective and brings to light great perseverance. Born so blessed, A Thousand Splendid Suns leads to a question: what can I do for the betterment of those who suffer?
Even though this story has a plethora of unfortunate events, the amount of love between Mariam and Laila is enough to make it worth it. Love touches the heart, just as much as the beatings make it ache. I highly suggest the read. Also, the title is perfect for the content. Props to Hosseini on that decision.
grateful and blessed,
Emily
Here's the first post of, hopefully, many. It's where I tell you want I plan on doing, and we all get on the same page. Maybe even literally.
My New Year's Resolution was "Be Happier". In a effort to give myself a sense of purpose and project, here I am starting a blog that I assume will be never read. But it is something to do, it will enhance my writing and diligence, and it will be another fill-in to an empty line on a resume. As I am soon approaching my undergrad graduation, my mind dwells on the lack of skill and ability that college gave me to the competitive job market. In a scurry of regret, lost opportunities and bad judgement, I have made a blog. Hey, one can hope.
In these simple beginnings, I only wish to review, talk and express [probably drastic emotions] of the literature I chose to read this upcoming year. I made the goal of 30 books [novels, religious texts, historical letters in a binding, etc.] and this is one way to keeping track. Especially since my older sister challenged me to a race. It turns out that she is also aiming for 30. I have no hope to beat her, she is an incredibly fast reader. However, I'm competitive. Book tracking here I come or, here I am.
Anyway, either to my silly self who is in a panic, or to the real people in the world--thank you for reading. I would love for suggestions on what to read, and to talk about the great works of our world.
With sincerity and silliness,
Emily
