Thursday, January 31, 2013

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden and the Movie Adaptation Directed by Rob Marshall

I bought this book about 3 years ago and never got around to reading it…until now!  I probably wouldn’t have read it for another 3 years if I hadn’t selected it for my book and movie club selection this month though. However, I’m really glad I finally read this book, it was a great read and taught me a lot about geishas (since I knew absolutely nothing beforehand) and it even taught me about myself by making me reflect on decisions I’ve made and decisions I’m making now or will be making in the near future.

"We lead our lives like water flowing down a hill, going more or less in one direction until we splash into something that forces us to find a new course."


Memoirs of a Geisha
Title: Memoirs of a Geisha
Author: Arthur Golden
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.5
Review of book:
A beautifully written book, full of topics and sentences that make the reader stop and think for a while. I felt I was able to learn a lot about what exactly a geisha was (not a prostitute) and some of the different aspects of the culture around and during the time of WWII. It was a very interesting and thought provoking read, but, for me, not an all-consuming "can't put it down book".
The story follows the life of a little girl from a poor fishing village into her ultimate transformation into one of the greatest geisha of all time and then her life after quitting the role of a geisha. Along the way she faces many difficult choices, unfair predicaments, and some pretty nasty characters. Her life is far from easy and her choices will make or break her in the tough life of becoming (and staying) a respected geisha. And can she be a geisha, while still remaining true to herself?
Overall, this was a great book; it teaches many lessons about life and history while not being overly depressing (I didn't even cry!). It made me think about the choices I'm making in my life, so I think it's a worthwhile read.


Movie in comparison with book:

Title: Memoirs of a Geisha
Director: Rob Marshall
Rating Based on Book: 3.5
Rating Independent of Book: 4

The movie was beautiful too, although different from the book in a number of ways.  For me, the overall feel of the characters, including the main character Sayuri, was not the same.  She didn’t have the same charm, vulnerability, sarcastic humor, and intelligence that I perceived throughout the book. Some of the other characters who felt different included;  Sayuri’s sister has a little more depth, the Chairman has more involvement throughout the movie, Mameha was definitely more motherly and understanding than I pictured (I had imagined more of a sister, who is rather harsh).  Mr. Taneka, Sayuri’s mother, Granny, the General, and several other characters are also virtually non-existent in the movie, whereas they had a rather large part in the book.  However, Hatsumomo was pretty spot on. Some of her actions were changed (one of them is quite a shocker!), but the feel of her character I thought stayed true to the book.
Despite the characters not having the same feel as in the book, the tale of Sayuri’s growth into a geisha remains as tragic and moving as the written version. Some scenes are also notably different, but I didn’t feel that they detracted from the overall effect.  However, if I hadn’t read the book first, I don’t think I would have understood this movie very well. The beginning is quite abrupt and offers little explanation, and Mameha’s appearance has no apparent reason at all.
I did enjoy seeing the descriptions of the kimonos, instruments, the style of dance, and the types of architecture described in the book in the movie. I could only picture so much of what was described without the visual aide of the movie. Some of the scenes are breathtaking, with beautiful costumes, make-up, and dancing.

Overall, the movie was pretty good in comparison to the book, not perfect, but not bad.  The book was one I won’t likely forget, and the movie was stunningly beautiful on its own.  A great combination.


Ever by Gail Caron Levine

Ever
Title: Ever
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Genre: Junior Fiction
Rating: 3
 
This book was okay. I think if I was younger I would have enjoyed it more, but as it is Gail Carson Levine has several other great books I would recommend before this one. (Ella Enchanted, Fairest, Two Sisters of Bamarre)
I enjoyed the mythology aspect of the book, however, it was a bit confusing (even as an adult). I kept trying to make some correlation between Christianity and the one omniscient god in the story and I couldn't make it pan out.
Cutting that out, the story was okay. Romance, adventure, action, and suspense. The plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and wanting to see how the book will end. It's certainly a quick read with not a whole lot of thinking involved (except to keep everyone's name straight throughout the book). The romance did seem to happen a bit too quickly and the heroine didn't really seem to care about her family (although they were planning on sacrificing her, so I guess she had a fairly good reason). Overall, it was just okay, but I'm not upset I read it.

Friday, January 25, 2013

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr


A Cast of Stones (The Staff and the Sword, #1)
Title: A Cast of Stones
Author: Patrick Carr
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: 3.5

 I received this book as part of the LibraryThing early reviewer's program. I was a bit hesitant when I picked it put, because I have a fear of sci-fi sometimes because some of them are just way to hard to follow...not this book though! I was pleasantly surprised! This was a very good read! Once I started getting into the story it was really hard to put down.

Errol, the main character, had a rough upbringing and took to drinking to blur away his problems. However, his fate will not let him wallow in his misery for long. Errol must find the courage to break away from his drinking problem, and learn to become a man, a fighter, and ...something else. Can he take on a much larger role and become a key figure in helping the kingdom rise fight the aprroaching evil? As Errol attempts to change his past he meets many interesting people along the way ( I want more Merodach!), but who can he trust? Everyone seems to have an ulterior motive.