I read this book as a companion to my UCB Improv class (it was on their recommended reading list), and it made for an excellent companion, indeed. I don't know how great it would be as an "improv for dummies" type of thing, though. I think you need to have a bit of a handle on what's going on to understand hte concepts discussed herein, but it makes for a great refresher/reinforcer for class, and I picked up some decent tips along the way.
A lot of reviews of this book like to focus on the "self-congratulatory" tone, or "name-dropping" done by the authors. But I have to say that this was a book published 15 years ago, that was trying to take a marginalized artform and elevate it to pop. So if you have to say Chris Farley and George Wendt's names on every page to do it, then go for it. This was pre-internet, pre-UCB, and I think it's helpful for someone reading this to discover improv to know that mastering this skill can actually take you places. So fuck all the biters. Know what I'm sayin'? I think that's all I have to say on the subject. Other than "keep an eye out for some 15-year-old photos of Matt Besser and Ian Roberts that'll blow yer mind." ]]>
by Terry Jones
well, try not to let it happen again ]]>
Oh, I'd be lying if I didn't get a little misty-eyed reading this coming-of-age, afternoon read. I can't remember why now, but - oh wait! - I just remembered. Anyway, it's definitely worth the couple hours it'll take to whip through it, though it's a little sloppy at points. I liked it. It was my first time reading an Alexie novel, and it made me say, "I'd read that dude again." So I think that's all positive. A believable protagonist and time travel are about all I can ask for in a book. ]]>
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Yeah, I never read it before last week. Here's why: It was written in 1993. It's an Orwellian book meant for 11 year-olds, and I was 11 when it was published. Weird that East Longmeadow High School wasn't on the cutting edge of literature in education. Anyway, I just read it for my book club, since none of us had. It was good, and good for kids to read, and provided plenty of discussion points (as dystopian futures often do). Sex, politics, authority, all things tucked neatly within Plato's Allegory of the Cave. So it was good - I've said that. But I thought that the end was rushed, and I think that Farenheit 451 is a better book on similar themes,and is still readable enough for the kiddos, though I'm glad this book exists and has won awards. ]]>
I liked this book a lot. I'm trying to get more honest with my ratings-systems, but will most likely sneak back later and make this 4 stars instead of 3, but for now, we'll stick with 3. Here's why:
It's been described as "Harry Potter for adults," and I find that a very apt description. The characters are extremely real, the magic is awesome, the world is cool, and the premise is also very believable. My only problem was that it was a little short for the vastness of what was created here. There's an extremely complex history, and some great supporting characters that don't get flushed out. I also don't think (but am too lazy to verify) whether Grossman actually paid much attention to his own details. The magical world and the real world both exist on separate timelines, described as being... i dunno... 4-6 months apart. But I think it varies greatly, between each jump there and back. Anyway, it seems nitpicky, but it really took me out of it at points (there are also larger things relating to the way he describes magic being performed in this world - which I'd love to discuss with anyone who's read it - that also don't quite add up). However, there are some great chilling moments, and and this is certainly a unique enough book to be recommended quite highly if you're looking to read something current. I realize now that I have a heretofore-unrealized pet peeve, which could be categorized as "mishandling of punk culture and other youth-oriented/timely subjects." Grossman did an amazing job in this book, where he easily could've not only harassed this new pet of mine, but tortured it too. Thanks for not doing that, Lev. You look like Brian K Vaughn.
Sincerely,
Joshua
post script - As Meghan warned me, DO NOT READ THE DUST JACKET TO THIS NOVEL PRIOR TO READING THE NOVEL ITSELF!!! It gives away about 3/4 of extremely interesting plot. Save it til the end, and laugh and what fools these publishers be. ]]>
Josh
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 212 |
| correct: | 153 (72.2%) |
| skipped: | 11 |
| best streak: | 13 |
| questions added: | 0 |
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