So THAT'S why I like to read!

The Ender Saga (or at least the first two books, which is all I've read so far) is the most powerfully realized representation of the reality of human interaction and motivation that I have ever read. It has reminded me of why I enjoy reading, and not just froth-prose, but actual literature. Of how the words of another can challenge one to question one's own life and motivations and interactions.I ask myself: if I could have a Speaker for the Dead at my funeral, what would he or she say? What have I done that is requires illumination and explanation and airing? Also, how can an entirely alien scenario speak so clearly to an entirely pedestrian psyche?

I had read and enjoyed an Orson Scott Card novel (The Memory of Earth) as a teenager, and I had heard or read that he was credited as one of the names in sci-fi. So when I heard that Ender's Game was being filmed I was thrilled, even though I had never actually read it. Being a dedicated nerd with aspirations to full geek-hood, I immediately sought to increase what I now know to be my woefully inadequate knowledge of the greater Orson Scott Card canon. To that end, I found a copy of Ender's Game and not exactly read it, more absorbed it. It was as revelatory to me as the first time I saw the original Star Wars trilogy, or the first time I read the Lord of the Rings. (See? Geek.)

It's an incredible work. The only problem is  that, like the Star Wars prequels (sorry George Lucas) and the LOTR movies (sorry Peter Jackson), the transition from page to screen is likely to detract from and cheapen what is truly one of the best moral tales of our time. And, as we are NOT a generation that reads, the true greatness of the book is likely to be lost  in the mediocrity of the movie. The cast gives me some hope, but I've been wrong before.

So, if you have not read the book, do so. And do it now, before the movie comes out. Because, despite being a dedicated addict of the cinematic medium, I cannot see how that book can be honestly captured visually. In fact, I would recommend that you read the series even if you have no intention of ever seeing the film. It's that good.

Horror novels, anyone?

The other day, I was wondering around what passes for a book store in the biggest shopping centre in my area, and came across something truly horrifying.

All the classic novels that millions have loved and learned from have been turned into grotesque clones of the Twilight novels that millions have lusted and yearned for.

Why does it take such blatant commercialism to sell good literature? And what does it say about the state of today’s reader that they are more likely to buy an Austen novel simply because it says “Bella and Edward” on the cover?

I am shocked. Shocked and stunned. Shocked and stunned and not a little amazed.

Raindrops on kittens and whiskers on roses

My favourite blogger has posted again after an absence of about 5 months. Thanks, Allie, for an awesome, amazing, honest blog!

Her new post is about depression, which sucks. And blows. At the same time. I was going to write a whole essay on why I’m depressed about being single and invisible, blah blah blah, but after reading Allie’s post, it just feels too shallow (especially after reading some of the 2000+ comments of people saying how they’ve been depressed, too). So, instead of writing about my silly and unimportant life, I thought I would mention a few things that make me really happy.

I love the mist. It makes me happy. Especially if I can stay indoors with hot chocolate / red wine / chocolate / books / fireplace / all of the above. Even if I can’t stay in, I love the feeling of living in a medieval forest: everything is mysterious and magical and full of possibility.

I love my job. I am extremely blessed to be doing a job that I enjoy and am good at and encompasses all my passions and talents. Of course, I could deal with getting more money, but since I m ALSO given lots of bandwidth and leeway, I think I’m coming out ahead.

I love my family. My nieces are the most incredible people ever, and whenever I visit them I am inundated with “Shell-Shell”’s and hugs and gifts. It’s too cute. And of course, their pearls of extreme wisdom and hilarity are tip-top.

I love my home. It’s not usually spotless, or well organised, or perfectly decorated; but it’s mine and it doesn't have to be spotless or organised or magazine worthy.

I love my cat. I love the way that he greets me when I come home and fights me for my yoghurt and occasionally my beetroot (I kid you not). I love the way that if I ever sit for more than 5 minutes at a time he sits with me, and always sleeps at the foot of the bed and snuggles me when it’s chilly.

I love that I’m not a stereotypical girl; that I buy the “Top Gear” magazine instead of Cosmo, that my favourite movie genre is action/sci-fi and that I will give up a spa day to watch a cricket match. But I also love that I am a girl who reads Nora Roberts from time to time (in between Lee Child and Terry Pratchett) and has almost waist-length hair and many high heels.

Suddenly, there are so many things that I could mention that make me happy and keep me going that mentioning all of them would be tedious to everyone else.

So, for those who are depressed, and especially for Allie, I made a sun:

Hope you feel better soon.