Summer Pastimes
V got her learner's permit today. Please pray for us and for all those on the Eastern Seaboard.
In other news, it's Summer, and I have been busy reading.
The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nighttime: I really enjoyed this book. Read it in a day, but no pressure. It is told from the point of view of an Autistic boy, or at least he's in the Autistic spectrum somewhere. Since I run across as-yet-to-be-diagnosed kids like him all the time, it was enlightening. Preschool teachers are often the first to recognize when a child's behavior deviates from the norm. We point the parents in the right direction and hope they follow through. Usually the child stays in my classroom. It is a challenge to reach these children, to figure out how they think so we can help them maneuver through childhood. This book was eye opening. It is also well written. When reading the part where the boy is agitated and panicky, I became agitated as well. Bravo.
Saint Maybe: Not so great but it's Summer. You gotta read something.
We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: An anthology of essays about being a Southern woman. As I am a Southern woman I should have loved it. It wasn't bad. Some parts were funny, but I had trouble with the first essay about how to be white trash. I related to most of the book though I didn't understand why a NC girl would be calling everybody 'Hon'. I don't hear that much outside of Baltimore. I didn't laugh out loud as much as I'd expected. David Sedaris is better.
The Hindi-Bindi Club: Now this book I loved! Three moms who immigrated to the US from India in the 60's and their three grown, American-born daughters. Culture clash + generation gap + recipes = a wonderful book.
I also saw a movie or Two.
Evening: Not so great. Sorry. It left me with the feeling it could have been so moving and inspirational but just missed. I don't see the Oscar buzz except for Hugh Dancy who played 'Buddy'. He was FANTASTIC. A character you want to scoop up and save but you know beyond a shadow that he's completely lost. It was worth it to see this performance.
The Last Mimzy: This was a good kid's movie. A said it was 'scary and sad' though. I enjoyed it despite the plot holes inherent in a time travel movie.
Stranger Then Fiction: I really liked this movie. Will Farrell was superb, and I normally avoid him if I can. Emma Thompson, whom I never avoid, annoyed me a good bit. Huh. It was just that kind of movie I guess. You must see it. But better than Stranger Then Fiction the movie, is Stranger Than Fiction the soundtrack. Click here for a sample. Fabulous, fabulous music. Those of you with me on your Christmas list take note.
In other news, it's Summer, and I have been busy reading.
The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nighttime: I really enjoyed this book. Read it in a day, but no pressure. It is told from the point of view of an Autistic boy, or at least he's in the Autistic spectrum somewhere. Since I run across as-yet-to-be-diagnosed kids like him all the time, it was enlightening. Preschool teachers are often the first to recognize when a child's behavior deviates from the norm. We point the parents in the right direction and hope they follow through. Usually the child stays in my classroom. It is a challenge to reach these children, to figure out how they think so we can help them maneuver through childhood. This book was eye opening. It is also well written. When reading the part where the boy is agitated and panicky, I became agitated as well. Bravo.
Saint Maybe: Not so great but it's Summer. You gotta read something.
We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: An anthology of essays about being a Southern woman. As I am a Southern woman I should have loved it. It wasn't bad. Some parts were funny, but I had trouble with the first essay about how to be white trash. I related to most of the book though I didn't understand why a NC girl would be calling everybody 'Hon'. I don't hear that much outside of Baltimore. I didn't laugh out loud as much as I'd expected. David Sedaris is better.
The Hindi-Bindi Club: Now this book I loved! Three moms who immigrated to the US from India in the 60's and their three grown, American-born daughters. Culture clash + generation gap + recipes = a wonderful book.
I also saw a movie or Two.
Evening: Not so great. Sorry. It left me with the feeling it could have been so moving and inspirational but just missed. I don't see the Oscar buzz except for Hugh Dancy who played 'Buddy'. He was FANTASTIC. A character you want to scoop up and save but you know beyond a shadow that he's completely lost. It was worth it to see this performance.
The Last Mimzy: This was a good kid's movie. A said it was 'scary and sad' though. I enjoyed it despite the plot holes inherent in a time travel movie.
Stranger Then Fiction: I really liked this movie. Will Farrell was superb, and I normally avoid him if I can. Emma Thompson, whom I never avoid, annoyed me a good bit. Huh. It was just that kind of movie I guess. You must see it. But better than Stranger Then Fiction the movie, is Stranger Than Fiction the soundtrack. Click here for a sample. Fabulous, fabulous music. Those of you with me on your Christmas list take note.