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My brother's going kill me for posting this...I'm on hiatus until 2008. Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season! See you next year!
It wouldn't be Christmas without one of my cutest polar bear decorations:
The cards have been signed, sealed, and will soon be delivered. The presents sought, bought and wrapped. The cookies baked and the candy cooling in the fridge. Things always move so fast around the holidays that I wanted to make sure I paused to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thanks to those who have been an encouragement to me this year. Be safe, be good to one another, and enjoy every moment with friends and family.
Much ado about this flick...but I mostly wanted to see it for the bears. I did read up on the controversy surrounding the movie (and also the books), so I would have a better idea what I was getting into. I have not read the books--although now I kind of want to. This is billed as a sort of mythic journey, good vs. evil. Mission accomplished.
What you get: a clear (but possibly watered down) explanation of what was going on. You can understand what Lyra's mission is, and in a basic form, what Dust, Daemon, and the Magisteryium are. You understand the danger. You get excellent animation. The bears are totally worth it! You also get a surprising heroine (as opposed to all those heroes in LOTR, HP, et al) with real smarts and strength--you empathize with her and she draws you into the story.
What you don't get. Gay angels, for starters. Don't know what that was all about, but not a-one in the film. A heaping serving of atheism--if I don't miss my mark, this is going to be a debate about free will. It was easy for me to see the film was criticizing established religion, and perhaps the Catholic church specifically. And the atmosphere of the film is slightly Nazi Germany, shown in uniforms, and the scientific experiments.
Can you take your kid? Yep. They won't 'catch' atheism from this movie. They will see a character their own age gain courage and strength as she battles to save her friend and understand her own place in the world. I give it a B+. I'd see it again just for the bears...and the voice of Sam Elliott.
For a hilarious review from the Bob & Sheri Radio Show, click HERE
Nights & Weekends
Ms. Kindall has the knack for making all of her characters memorable. And the characters in All in Good Time are no exception. I’m sure I’ll remember Jake, Charlie, Elizabeth, and the gossipy old ladies at the McElroy Rooming House for a long time to come.
Captivating and full of heart, All in Good Time will take you back to the 1940s, when morals meant something—and you’ll come away feeling good about reading a book that’s so refreshing and clean. The story pulled me in deep, as all of Ms. Kindall’s novels do, and it didn’t let go. She creates characters that you want to spend time with—and after reading it, you’ll go back to revisit from time to time.
There aren’t enough words in a thesaurus to describe how wonderful an author Marty Kindall is. I’ve never been disappointed in a single thing she’s written, and I don’t believe I ever will.
For Margaret Marr's full review, click HERE!
The Romance Studio
I have never read any of Ms. Marty Kindall's work. However, I liked her style and would definitely read her again. She has presented a fresh perspective into this devastating problem which, in 1948, had no alternate treatments. Her main characters, Elizabeth and Jake, were so likeable and had to face so many problems at their young ages that it was easy to want to see the two work out their problems.
Jake's extended (meddlesome) family were so typical and so well described that it seemed as if we were actually facing their interference ourselves. This book was very endearing and appealing to this reader that it was hard for me to stop reading. The storyline was poignant and I became emotionally involved with these people. Jake and Elizabeth had more problems which kept them apart than expected. That just made it more imperative that they work together to solve their situation.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It covered the period right after World War II and gave accurate details. Ms. Kindall covered her bases and has written a very good book which you will be glad to have read.
For Brenda Talley's full review, click HERE.