[Jan -June 2007] Books & movies

Books I read some time ago:
The robber bride by Margaret Atwood.
Longitude by Dava Sobel (just finished)

Movies (DVD) we watched some time ago:
Evening
The night listener (Husband watched it and didn't like it)
No reservation (nothing special)
Potters (enjoyable)

Movies (DVD) we watched recently:
The Jane Austen Book Club
I am Legend (I only watched parts of it. Good but very bleak Husband says)

The robber bride by Margaret Atwood
This is my first book of Margaret Atwood. I enjoyed it. The story is about a woman called Zenia, her relationships with 3 female friends, who all had bad encounters with her and wished her dead at one time or another. The story is divided into three parts. The first part or a prologue was set at a cafe, where Zenia was seen by the 3 friends who attended her funeral a few years before (This part was outlined at the back cover, so I'm not giving the plot away). I was curious to find out what happened, and why everyone hated her. The second part was broken into different sections, where the stories of how each friend knew Zenia 20 years ago were told. This part was the longest and the most interesting. The story then jumped back to the present, the cafe scene to conclude. Margaret Atwood is a very competent writer. I rather she doesn't play with words so much. If I have to pick anything, the ending is a little weak. I'm interested to read more of Atwood's books.

Longitude by Dava Sobel
A very well-written book. The author writes beautifully and she makes a dull history lesson appears quite interesting. It did take me some time to read this book I have to admit, history being one of my worst subjects in school. Many of the facts and people mentioned in the book also sounded interesting. It will be good to read it in depth and go over the parts I don't get later. It'll also be a fun book to read with Lara when she's a little older. It really touched me to read about people devoting their whole lives to a single cause (for example, observing the movements of the moon for 40 years) that they believe in. It's sad to read about how human weakness (or conflict of interests) sometimes make us go backwards (we are our own worst enemies sometimes!). This is a very uplifting book. It makes me realise how small and insignificant we are in the whole scheme of things but every little effort makes a difference.

I didn't enjoy "Evening" the movie. I think the director is trying too hard and over complicate the story. Clair Danes was good but Toni Collette's character is totally unconvincing. Not recommended.
"The Jane Austen Book Club" is great. A definite chick movie but even Husband enjoyed it. I realised I have actually read the book (about 3-4 years ago) half an hour into the movie. The book didn't make any impact (otherwise I would remember I read it), the movie did though. All parts are well-acted and I love the chemistry between Jocelyn (Maria Bello) and Grigg (Hugh Dancy-looks super cute in the movie!). I will be buying the dvd to keep with my other favorite chick movies:)