ph: Louise Smit
Saturday, February 15, 2014
First Lines: Diane Johnson - Persian Nights
"They're talking about you," said Abbas Mowlavi, noticing Chloe Fowler's glance behind him along the road, where the shrouded women peered at her, the whites of their eyes gleaming balefully out of the shadows of their veils.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Almost Famous (2000)
A high-school boy is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies it on their concert tour.
Brillantly realized and almost heart-warming recreation of a classic age of rockmusic; a plethora of excellent performances enhance the experience.
Halliwell**: "Semi-autobriographical account of the director's start as a writer for Rolling Stone: he recreates the past with affection and wry amusement, but overdoses on blandness."
Maltin***1/2: "Crowe won an Oscar for writing this appealing autobriographical story...Newcomer Fugit is perfect as the boy, McDormand a delight as his overprotective mother, Hudson adorable as the band follower who wins him over, and Crudup right on target as a charismatic musician. Layered with telling details; this one's from the heart."
Thursday, February 13, 2014
First Lines: Donald Barthelme - Paradise
After the women had gone Simon began dreaming with new intensity.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
New Stuff: Joyce Carol Oates
Embarrassingly, I have so far never ready any of her books, but I certainly like her tweets.
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Tuesday, February 11, 2014
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First Lines: Peter Taylor - A Summons to Memphis
The courtship and remarriage of an old widower is always made more difficult when middle-aged children are involved -- especially when there are unmarried daughters.