Here’s to a new and improved 2012 blog! Cheers!

I’m more confident about my writing even though the same issues keep cropping up (show, don’t tell; abrupt tense changes; subpar endings) but the fact that I’m aware of my weaknesses means I’m on the right track. The focus is to remedy those weaknesses and tighten my strengths in my work.

A few words of advice to the newcomers applying:

Applying to obtain your MFA is daunting. MFA programs are competitive and extremely hard to get into (I would know; I applied to seven schools the first time around and was rejected by all of them). If this is something your heart desires and is super passionate about, don’t waste time dillydallying. Shoot for your dreams! There will be frustrating days. There will be days where you will doubt every word you write. But if this is what you want, you’ll love every moment.

The great thing about the GRE is you only have to take it once. The worst thing about the GRE is having to take it for those schools who want it. The best thing about the GRE is even after you take it, there are a large group of universities that don’t even need it. Research the schools you want and gauge whether your choices – if more schools want the scores than not, take it. If only one school wants it and the others don’t, opt out. It’s not that deep at the end of the day.

Use what you got. You have ties to a writer or instructor? Send your work and then ask for a rec. Just had a writing workshop? Ask the instructor for a rec! However, if there wasn’t friendly chemistry and you didn’t respect how the instructor facilitated the class, then seek elsewhere. Be creative as well. Think about those old professors or instructors from high school or college you trusted. Send them your work and go from there. It never hurts to ask at the end of the day. If no one comes to mind, take a writing workshop or join a writing meetup group and go from there.

Do not be afraid to reach out to your fellow writers/potential reading audience. Some of these writers can be trusted people you took a workshop with or a friend who reads actively. For example, I’m part of a book club and when we discuss stories, we not only talk about the content but also the writing as well. In short, preferrably show your work to someone who reads often, not a friend who’s a casual reader.

In short, be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly of this process. Seth Abramson’s MFA book is an amazing resource through all this. It should be your MFA bible. Good luck!

I was so impressed with the writing styles and imagination my colleagues/classmates possessed, my writing became subpar to me.

As I put the finishing touches on my story to be workshopped, I wasn’t nervous, I was in the zone. I revised and edited as much as I could; at 2 am on Friday night, I sent out my piece.

The Tuesday before class, as I re-read and commented on my classmates’ stories, the anxiety and doubt set in once again. “Who am I really kidding here? I should just give up this hobby for good. It’s not real.” Self-loathing and swirling in my own pit of self-pity, I gave myself some credit. “Okay, let’s read the piece and see if it’s really as awful as I think it is.” I exhaled. Slowly, I scanned the typed words on the white computer sheets and read the story from page one to page fifteen. The story had holes and there were places that could be expanded but it wasn’t an awful story.

My faith in my writing was restored. The shift was so extreme I wonder if hormonal changes during that time of the month were churning here. I wrote out all my worries and misgivings about this “hobby” of mine and felt much better soon after.

The next day, my story was workshopped. Not only was I able to identify my writing weaknesses, but my strengths were highlighted and showcased to me in my classmates’ comments. I was redeemed once again. I wasn’t a failure in my writing community, I was actually a success!

My classmates’ comments filled me with joy, inspiration, and energy to improve the story I wrote and motivated me to make sure I took the same care with their work as they did with mine.

My writing world was no longer in disarray; everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.

Published by: Darte Publishing LLC (2006)

A young artist asked a group of established artists “Is it possible to maintain one’s integrity and freedom of thought and still participate in the art world?” and this pocket sized books contains written responses from these writers. The book contains letters from Jo Baer, John Bladessari, Cai Guo-Qiang, Yoko Ono, Yvonne Rainer, Adrian Piper, William Pope. L and many more.

Not being familiar with 85% of these artists, I couldn’t gauge the level of their popularity. Their messages about art were consistent across the board – as an artist, just Do. At least this is the message that I culled from the small book.

As a writer, I was able to relate to the advice and support these artists provided to the “young artist.” At the end of the day, all artists must create, love what they do, put aside the monetary success, and express themselves the only way they know how to in their medium. I think every artist should own this and read it as their own support group. In the vein that Writing Down the Bones and Bird by Bird are compassionate to the budding and accomplished writer, Letters to a Young Artist provide the same sentiment to aspiring and accomplished artists everywhere. To have an idea of what some of the letters are like, read Yoko Ono’s letter here.

In short, an inspiring nugget that reassures every artist why they are doing the work in the first place; they hear it from those who have been there and know what to expect in their future.

Joseph Gridgely says it best: “It’s the stuff that has nothing to do with art that has everything to do with art.”

Publisher: Dell Publishing (1952)

From Wikipedia:

“The novel follows Doctor Paul Proteus, an engineer at the Ilium Works. The novel takes place in an America of the future where machines run everything and do everything, making people almost afterthoughts. Specialization is the norm, and all of the wealthy upper-class people have doctorate level degrees, with eight years of schooling for everyone; consequently it creates a society of well-educated thinkers and not doers. Paul seems to be on his way up the ladder of success in this techno-utopia – a perfect wife, a fast-track position at Ilium Works and a shot at a major promotion. But he is plagued with doubts about what modern life has become. Through a strange series of events, Dr. Proteus joins a revolutionary organization called the Ghost Shirt Society and even becomes its leader, at least in name. These Ghost Shirts, their name taken from the Native American Ghost Dance, succeed in destroying much of Ilium’s mechanized infrastructure. Yet, they realize the lack of hope in their mission, and at the end it becomes clear that their goal was to give man hope instead of revolutionize society.”

Player Piano is the first book I’ve read by the renowned Kurt Vonnegut and I really wish it wasn’t. This story took me five months to read and the book is a mere 296 pages for frak’s sake. The ebbing and flowing of the narrative didn’t work; it made the story too boring at times to care. The relevant social commentary about man versus the machine, was effective however, the exposition was slow-moving and dull. I’ve read my share of dystopic stories including social commentary that manage to make the story entertaining; Vonnegut fails in this respect in this small book that’s packed with potent material. It’s unfortunate this was my first Vonnegut novel; I hear better things about his other works. I hope I’m not disappointed again.

Would I suggest this book? Most people who have noticed me reading a Vonnegut novel have not read this one particular story. If you are a Vonnegut fan, you won’t miss it. As your first Vonnegut book, pass.

I stumbled upon Andy’s blog post on Fandango Groovers Movie Blog that invites fellow bloggers to choose their favorite movie for all the years they have been alive on the planet. Without further adieu, I will include my 29 favorite pictures (with a few runner ups mentioned).

1982: Blade Runner

As the most potent picture that is still relevant today, I have to give Ridley Scott props for this futuristic thriller starring Harrison Ford and the very young Sean Young (what happened to her career?) for a great picture based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Honorable mention: E.T.

Who doesn’t know the phrase, “ET, phone home?” One of Spielberg’s best.

1983: A Christmas Story

I have mad love for Peter Billingsley (who plays the lead, Ralphie) in this movie. Every Christmas, I must watch this movie. How can I live without this picture? My favorite scene (there are so many) is Randy’s ridiculous coat. Before he leaves for school he says, “I can’t put my arms down!”; this line (as I write this), makes me laugh every time. Every time! Such a classic.

Honorable mention: The Big Chill

Definitely before my time but the performances were stellar; the staging of the picture resembling a play worked well and the themes are still relevant today.

1984: A Nightmare on Elm Street

My favorite horror movie of all time with one of the best movie villains ever, Freddy Krueger. He used to haunt my nightmares; he chased me and never caught me. At times, I even defeated him! Seriously though, I watch this at least once a year; it’s that good. Oh the dialogue. My favorite is uttered by then young Johnny Depp – “Morality sucks,”  while hearing the first victim’s moans of pleasure with her boyfriend coming from the bedroom. This movie never gets old!

Honorable mentions: Ghostbusters
Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis,  Ernie Hudson, and Slimer. Need I say more?

Breakin’

If you haven’t seen Hollywood’s take on break dancing in the eighties, go see this now! A staple in the Heredia household (my brother used to break dance), we watched this every time the film was on HBO. Good times.

1985: The Legend of Billie Jean

Three words: “Fair is Fair!” Familiarize yourself with this awesomely bad and absurdly amazing picture with Christian Slater (his first movie), Helen Slater, and the very young and future voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith. Pure eighties cheesy joy.

Honorable mention: The Breakfast Club

The reason why Ally Sheedy’s character shows up to detention is reason enough for me! And of course, the perfect Judd Nelson as John Bender.

1986: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Two things: the awesome contraption to convey existence in his bedroom and other than Matthew Broderick’s adorable cuteness, his rendition of the famous Beatles cover, “Twist and Shout.” Okay, just Broderick’s lipsynching to this song had me rocking my hips like it was the 1960s. One more thing: “Bueller…Bueller…Bueller…” Ben Stein’s voice = greatness.

Honorable mention: Stand By Me

Ben E. King’s song, “Stand By Me” is perfect for this picture. Salient feature? Young River Phoenix playing the sensitive but tough Chris Chamber to Wil Wheaton’s vulnerable Gordie Lachance. Let’s not forget, cute adolescent Jerry O’Connell and eighties staple, Corey Feldman. Seriously, this guy was in every other movie this decade! Memorable cameos include John Cusack and Kiefer Sutherland.

1987: The Princess Bride

A few of my favorite quotes:
“This is true love. Do you think this happens every day?”
“Is this a kissing book?”
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
“Inconceivable!”
“You know how much I love watching you work, but I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it; I’m swamped.”
I could go on but I have a list to complete! If you haven’t watched Rob Reiner’s take on true love, watch the movie already! If these quotes don’t entice you enough, watch for Fred Savage’s film debut, the late Peter Falk, Robin Wright’s film debut, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant, Wallace Shawn, and Carol Kane. And that’s the whole cast I was able to recite from memory! One of my favorites.

Honorable mention: Adventures in Babysitting

Pre-Date Night, the story begins innocently enough: Elisabeth Shue is Chris Parker, the girl who sings, “Then He Kissed Me,” at the beginning of the movie, only to find out, her date cancelled on her. Off to babysitting she goes and when her best friend is lost at a bus station, the shenanigans ensue. Apart from Shue, the most memorable faces include Anthony Rapp (Rent) and Keith Coogan (Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead). A fun little picture that has you snickering the whole time.

1988: Big

Oh, how can you not enjoy Tom Hanks when he was in perpetually every random comedy picture in the eighties? Some were good, some were okay, and some were pitch perfect, like this one! Who doesn’t love that big piano scene at FAO Schwartz?

Honorable mention: Die Hard

Yippe Ai Ay Kay Ah Mofos! (You know the rest!) An action picture with a story, star power, love, camaraderie, loyalty, and explosions! Still standing the test of time, this is one of John McTiernan’s best pictures he’s ever made.

1989: Heathers

There are too many great quotes (my favorites have profanity) that I enjoy so much in this movie. One of my favorite Winona Ryder pictures by far (and Christian Slater), this dark comedy about teenage suicide (don’t do it!) will always please my irreverent sensibilities.

Honorable mentions: The Little Mermaid, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, When Harry Met Sally, Do the Right Thing, Batman, Look Who’s Talking. There were too many I couldn’t mention from this year. I thoroughly enjoy all these pictures! They each have something wonderful about them.

1990: Home Alone

For my viewing pleasure, I had to watch this movie when it was on the premium cable channels growing up. Cute little Macaulay Culkin pre-emancipation was extremely watchable and adorably precocious in this silly picture about a kid outsmarting a pair of thieves. Memorable performances go to the pair – Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci along with Catherine O’Hara’s “Kevin!” shout. Never gets old!

Honorable mentions: Ghost, Cry Baby, Edward Scissorhands, Pump Up the Volume. What can I say? I got a thing for Johnny Depp and Christian Slater. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore’s chemistry was also memorable. “Ditto.” Pre-The Notebook hotness.

1991: Drop Dead Fred

Phoebe Cates plays Lizzie in this picture about how imaginary friends can save you when you’re feeling blue. My brother took me to see this in theaters which is why it holds a special place in my heart. The movie isn’t necessarily very good but nostalgia contains the joy and laughter I shared with my brother while watching this. Frivolous and preposterous, this movie always had you guessing but Rik Mayall (Fred) always made me laugh. Even as an adult, I laughed during this movie. Well-known faces include Carrie Fisher, a young Bridget Fonda (“No panties! No panties!”), Ron Eldard, and of Animal House fame, Tim Matheson.

Honorable Mentions: The Addams Family, Terminator 2, Hook, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, My Girl, My Own Private Idaho. To my credit, I was still in elementary school when I was watching these family pictures which is why I have such fondness for them. As for Gus Van Sant’s picture, I watched as an adult; I would not have appreciated this movie as a child.

1992: A League of Their Own

“There’s no crying in baseball! There’s no crying! No crying” bellows Jimmy Dugan embodied by Tom Hanks’ burly physique. Every time I watch this movie I think, “Aww, this is when Geena Davis was still relevant.” I mean no disrespect to her by this comment because I have watched a numerous amount of movies she’s starred in and I say that because I miss her! Her acting range in this picture was off the charts. The same can be said for Lori Petty. I absolutely loved Petty as the younger sister, Kit. Albeit Madonna’s poor excuse for a performance (I love her music but it doesn’t mean I can’t see the flaws in the other areas of her life), I will always enjoy this movie (and the song, “This Used to be My Playground” sang by Madonna) whenever the movie is on a network.

Honorable mentions: Aladdin, Home Alone 2, Death Becomes Her, Like Water for Chocolate. Can you tell which ones I watched as a kid and the ones as an adult?

1993: True Romance

To name a few of the now known actors in this movie only skims the surface – Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, the late Dennis Hopper, Bronson Pinchot, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, James Gandolfini, and there’s more! Penned by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, this film provides the grittiness and the great QT dialogue, making it a pleasure for all the senses. That sex scene in the phone booth? H.O.T.

Honorable mentions: Jurassic Park, Mrs. Doubtfire, Untamed Heart. I told you I loved Christian Slater. Dinosaurs and Robin Williams making a fool of himself ruled me at the time.

1994: Serial Mom

Kathleen Turner made me squirm and laugh with glee as she killed off people over the most asinine matters: not rewinding videotapes, white shoes after labor day, and other random issues deemed inappropriate by her character.  This is one of my preferred selections of the many John Waters pictures. Another movie that doesn’t age. Definitely not for everyone.

Honorable mentions: Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction, My Father the Hero. This was the year that Tom Hanks blew the world away with his unforgettable performance as dim-witted Forrest, Hollywood paid attention to Quentin Tarantino, and Katherine Heigl had her first starring role in a movie. Ahh, when times were simple.

1995: Clueless

Every time I watch this now (I pop this in about three to four times a year maybe? The number of times I watch this each year has increased, I must say), I think about the late Brittany Murphy who wanted to know how “do you know if you’re doing it sporadically?” I look at Stacey Dash’s youth (she was much older than the other actors during filming), young Alicia Silverstone, Donald Faison, sexy deep voiced Jeremy Sisto, Wallace Shawn, and Breckin Meyer. At the time, I didn’t comprehend the references, but now I understand and I always laugh at the same quotes, phrases, or situations. Not to mention I can quote the movie verbatim. I absolutely adore this movie to pieces. My scratched DVD proves my fondness for this movie.

Honorable mentions: Toy Story, Casper, Se7en, Strange Days. The beginning of Pixar’s brilliance, a cute boy named Devon Sawa captured my heart (for a second), Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman blew me away with an unexpected ending, and Kathryn Bigelow shows Hollywood that not only men can make futuristic action pictures.

1996: Scream

Wes Craven comes back (after sealing the Nightmare franchise in 1994) with the writing talents of Kevin Williamson. Definitely banking on the popular teen explosion of the WB shows and movies, this team delivered an exemplary addition to the horror genre and revitalized a genre that was DOA for awhile. Excellent performances, dialogue, and death scenes.

Honorable mention: Independence Day

Will Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman – the beginning of disaster movies – I enjoy this movie the same way I did back then. I don’t watch it all the time but when it’s on, I have a good time. Pure entertainment at its core -nothing more, nothing less.

1997: Gattaca

I’ve always had a thing for Ethan Hawke since Reality Bites so when I saw this movie, I loved the concept, the acting, and the thrill. Not to mention the production design and look of the film. I like Uma Thurman but her acting was forgettable in this movie. However, this does not deter my deep appreciation and enjoyment of this picture.

Honorable mentions: The Fifth Element, Starship Troopers, Good Will Hunting. These are the kind of action movies I miss! Oh and the triple attraction of Matt Damon’s acting, his Bawston accent (I love accents!), and his sick body.

1998: Run Lola Run (Lola Rennt)

This is by far Franka Potente’s best performance ever! Where is she? I couldn’t stand her in The Bourne Identity (too meek for my tastes) and I haven’t seen her in the other pictures or television appearances in the past decade or so. When I saw this, I was blown away. Apart from the concept and storylines, she carried the whole movie. And that hair? Yes! Oh and the techno music? Perfect! I could go on. Phenomenal picture.

Honorable mentions: Babe: Pig in the City, The Wedding Singer

Who doesn’t love talking animal movies (okay some suck but not this one)? Of the many Adam Sandler movies out, the chemistry between Drew Barrymore and him were endearing to me.

1999: The Matrix

The Wachowski’s change the way action movies are done with the multi-camera filming in this futuristic action picture. Keanu’s career soared soon after and a slew of sequels were filmed. They weren’t all great but this movie still blows me away every time.

Honorable mentions: American Beauty, The Sixth Sense, Fight Club.

Kevin Spacey showcased his talent and nuanced performance, the beginning of Mr. One Trick Pony Shyamalan (this really was his Best), and the gifted David Fincher who brought Chuck Palahnuik’s novel to life with the amazing talents of Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. A great year in pictures!

2000: Miss Congeniality

I’ve seen my share of Sandra Bullock movies (While You Were Sleeping was a good one too) but this movie resonates with me much more. Maybe it’s because I can relate to her character, maybe my mood at the time, or maybe because she wasn’t afraid to look foolish while doing her job. Bullock was refreshing and so damn likable.

Honorable Mention: American Psycho. Not remembering Mr. Christian Bale from Newsies (never watched Empire of the Sun), I gawked at his sick abs and then took in the movie in all its horrific (in a good way) glory. His abs, I mean, this movie never fails to amuse me.

2001: Zoolander
“Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?”
“It’s that damn Hansel! He’s so hot right now!”
As I write this, I’m chuckling at imagining Will Ferrell’s delivery with the aforementioned quote. Directed, partly written by, and starring Ben Stiller, he gained a fan of his work. Sometimes Ben’s movie choices fall flat but this movie will perpetually be winning in my book. Seen by some as too broad or too over the top, this movie manages to elicit massive laughing or giggling from me; I don’t even need to see this with others, I laugh so hard at times. What can I say? I have a thing for goofy and off the wall comedy.

No honorable mentions this year. There were some but I watch this one the most from 2001.

2002: Spiderman

Sam Raimi lets the world know how he throws down! Not being a comic fan and vaguely familiar with the story, I saw this on the big screen with a big crew of comic book fans; the energy was electric, we oohed and aahed, and anxiously waited in our seats as Peter Parker rescued Mary Jane from the bridge. A spectacular spring/summer movie.

Honorable mention: Kung Pow: Enter the Fist

Dubbed with irreverant dialogue by Steve Oedekerk, albeit bad reviews, I laugh every time. Utterly ridiculous on all levels but I love it.

2003: School of Rock

By far, my favorite Richard Linklater film to date (well, Before Sunset and Before Sunrise are also great ones) that I can rewatch any time. Jack Black’s schtick suits this film and the kids are just great. Oh and the music? Wonderful picture.

Honorable mention: Kill Bill Volume 1

It took QT a while to shape up this revenge tale starring Uma Thurman (she’s particularly amazing in everything QT has her do). This picture reminds the movie viewing audience his first class filmmaking skills.

2004: Mean Girls

“Gretchen, stop trying to make ‘fetch’ happen,” spews Regina, played spectacularly by Rachel McAdams to a meek Gretchen (Lacey Chabert). This quote I know from memory and there are many more. Admittedly enough, I was reluctant to watch this on the big screen when I saw the trailer but when I went, I was blown away. I shake my head in pure sadness because Lindsay Lohan’s performance was rock solid and she could’ve been an celebrity known more for her acting than her antics. Oh, she could’ve been something…more.

Honorable mentions: Kill Bill Volume 2, 50 First Dates

My man, QT, brings it back with the sequel. The story, the action – love it! Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore star in this cute romantic comedy about how love functions when someone has short term memory loss which makes me gush every time. Their chemistry was spot on and Sean Astin’s buffness + lisp = priceless.

2005: Sky High

A surprisingly entertaining superhero movie starring Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston and a nice cameo from Bruce Campbell. Not a great movie by all means, but if it’s on, I’m going to watch it.

Honorable mention: Batman Begins

Yay, the reboot of the Batman franchise by Christopher Nolan and company. Christian Bale!! But Katie Holmes? Not so much. Christian Bale! Darkness! Liam Neeson! Entertainment!

2006: Something New

I’m a big fan of Sanaa Lathan – she’s a great actress and I wish she were in more pictures. And I have a huge celebrity crush on Aussie Simon Baker. OMG, his hotness? So many sexy, sweet, and touching scenes in this movie. Something new indeed!

Honorable mention: Children of Men

No spoilers here if you have’t seen it, but there’s a poignant scene in which everyone stops in their tracks that gets you right in the heart. Phenomenal performances all around.

2007: There Will Be Blood

PTA (Paul Thomas Anderson) is what’s up! I’ve appreciated and praised every single picture he’s made (not a lot under his belt) and I want more! “I drink your milkshake!!”

Honorable mentions: Grindhouse, Across the Universe

QT does it again with Robert Rodriguez (a big fan of his work too, but not really the Spy Kids movies so much) and a star studded cast to boot. Too many to name here in this genre picture but worth it to see both directors give the audience the awesomeness we know they can provide. And the Beatles infused musical is for all non-Beatles and Beatles lovers alike; directed by the Tony award winning director, Julie Taymor (The Lion King), the movie was gorgeous, thrilling, romantic, and electric. Worth a watch. Or two or three or four times!

2008: Wall-E

“Eva!!!” Wall-E is the cute little cleaning robot left behind while all the humans live on this ship somewhere (bear with me, the details are fuzzy, I saw this when it premiered), and the humans are all extremely overweight. Social commentary much? I appreciated that and extremely enjoyed the romance between the robots. How often do you see such adorable robot love?

Honorable mention: The Dark Knight

Mad respect goes out to Heath Ledger, the one and only. He was absolutely amazingly crazy in this picture and that’s why I enjoyed it.

2009: Drag Me to Hell

Sam Raimi returns to his campy roots with this curse story gone wrong starring Justin Long and Alison Lohman. In Evil Dead II fashion, this movie is both terrifying and hilarious. The tongue in cheek moments are impeccable; Raimi needs to direct another horror picture. He’s made for this genre! A truly superb piece of horror filmmaking.

Honorable mentions: Inglorious Basterds, Zombieland, A Single Man.

I love my man QT and I have to give him mad props for changing history, casting Brad Pitt while not making him the star of the picture, and providing Eli Roth to be brutish (and hot) at the same time. A zombie picture after my heart, Jesse Eisenberg’s rules added an extra element to a genre that’s always reinventing itself. Tom Ford’s directorial debut showcasing the tremendous talent Colin Firth possesses left me speechless and moved. I want more Colin Firth movies!

2010: Easy A

Will Gluck’s homage to those teenage comedies from the eighties with a contemporary twist proved to be successful on all fronts. The performances by everyone and newcomer Emma Stone blew me away. The whole montage of her singing “Pocketful of Sunshine” was priceless (chuckling as I see the images in my head). The always perfect Stanley Tucci (more Tucci, please!) and one of my favorite new actresses, Patricia Clarkson. This movie has a high rating of rewatchability.

Honorable mentions: Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Kick-Ass, Date Night, The Social Network. A fan of Nolan’s work, I admire his work but never quite remember the picture soon after; but because of the high concept I had to mention this movie. The next two were bright action packed movies based on comic books I’ve never heard of that had me in stitches. Steve Carrell and Tina Fey = Winning. David Fincher + Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay making the story of Facebook fascinating = expert storytelling at its best.

And that’s my list! It took me forever to compile but so much fun to create! What are your favorite movies in years?

Published by: Delacorte Press (2009)

“The best day of my life happened when I was five and almost died at Disney World” – first lines from the satirical and hysterical tale of Cameron Smith, the boy who contracts mad cow disease at his employment, Buddha Burger (or so we think). After contracting this disease, he’s admitted to the hospital in where he meets an angel decked out with combat boots and hot pink hair named, Dulcie. She enrolls him to go on a quest to find Dr. X, the man who will help cure him. On this quest, Cameron is accompanied by his schoolmate, Gonzo, the Mexican dwarf, meets a gnome named Balder, and travels all around the country to find Dr. X. The end result provides Cameron with a new meaning for his life.

At a whopping 480 pages (hardcover edition), this book never appeared long or tedious. Libba Bray has a magnificent grasp on the youthful voice with a nostalgic twist. There are sections that recall the nineties MTV Spring Break reality TV shows which made this reader laugh with recognition. Apart from appealing to adults, the ability to make apathetic Cameron likable was incredible. Bray’s talent was showcased straight up and down in this novel. What worked particularly well, was the banter between Gonzo and Cameron; one could hear the dialogue clearly which never sounded stilted or forced. Teenagers all across the country are speaking, thinking, acting, and feeling like this. As an adult, I was able to empathize with Cameron through his journey. This was a delightful, fun, amusing, and playful novel on all fronts. I haven’t laughed this much while reading a book since S.G. Browne’s Breathers (see my review here). Do pick this book up when possible because you will not be disappointed.

One more thing, as a reader, one will have a sense of Libba Bray’s silliness with her acknowledgements section (located at the beginning of the book) which had me chuckling out loud. It was like reading Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in my head! It was bright, colorful, witty, and very memorable as well as having heart.

I’ll end this review with a few of the last lines (no spoilers, I promise) which is how I responded upon completion of the book.

“And there’s nothing to say but wow. Wow. The same word backward and forward. And I can see why.”

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (2005)

This book chronicles the inception of the most memorable band in rock and roll history right down to its demise. The author culled information from interviews, newspaper articles, other Beatles biographies, and the 1995 Beatles Anthology, to make this story fascinating, sad, and brilliant about the four boys from Liverpool who vowed to be the “toppermost of the poppermost.” The legacy of John, Paul, George, and Ringo as The Beatles in this incarnation (details and nuances are different in other biographies) will forever immortalized as the best rock and roll band around.

I received this book as a birthday gift in April after I made my love affair with The Beatles public to friends. Never having read a biography about them before, this account revealed to me why this band influenced the many recording artists today. Completely enthralled from the first page, the biographer did a phenomenal job of keeping his readers invested in The Beatles’ tale while also making minute details interesting that would be considered otherwise. A fantastic ride into the 1960s while having the soundtrack in real time, I had a blast reading and listening to the Beatles.

This particular biography spends less time referencing the music but focuses on their personal lives beginning and ending with John. The reader weaves through the trials and tribulations of the teenagers who started in The Quarrymen to the young twenty something men in The Beatles.

For the new Beatles fan, this book will not disappoint. As for the Beatlemaniac, this addition to the collection of written biographies about the band will be old news or fill in holes to the knowledge about them.

“As the Beatles, they had been to the toppermost of the poppermost. They had encountered crowds, heard the screams, felt the love. Saw the light. In a brief and shining interval, they had lived a dream that no Liverpool lad could imagine – a magical, fabulous dream, like out of a fairy tale. An unforgettable dream.”

When they woke up, they left behind a gift to music lovers everywhere – their music.

I’ve discarded a few books that have bored me at the first chapter (honestly, if I can’t get past the first chapter, why bother reading it when I have too many other books to read?) therefore the titles have completely been deleted off my list. I’ve already started my reading list for next year but perhaps it’s too soon?

Below, a few tips to complete a reading challenge for yourself:

Ditch your MP3 player

It’s easy to tune out everyone and listen to music on your morning commute which I understand. If you want to really finish that book you’ve been reading for over a month, take a break from your music, leave the mp3 player at home and focus on your book.

My commute is fairly short (50 minutes to and from work) so I would normally listen to some tunes while crossing the Williamsburg bridge. When I committed to completing any book I was reading at the moment, those five minutes waiting on the train platform and those fifteen minutes on the train to my destination piled up which allowed me to read at least a chapter (depending how short) or a quarter of a chapter. Add those minutes up to the commute home? And I’ve read two chapters (or one, again, depending on length) in the day.

I used to listen to my iPod while reading but found myself actively paying attention to the melodies than my story. As much as I like to tune out completely, the soundtrack of screeching train brakes and automated train advisories proved to be less distracting and intrusive.

Carry the book (or e-reader) with you

You have no idea how much time flies when you wait for someone at dinner, lunch, or brunch. Not to mention, your commute to wherever you may socialize as well as work. All those times in between add up to completing the book you’ve been reading since two months ago. You’d be surprised how much quicker the book is read when the work is physically always in plain sight.

Create a goal

Take the time to check in on how many books you want to read for the month or year, execute, and complete. Write it down so you can see it and take mini strides to complete, whether it’s a chapter or half of one; if the intention is there, it will be easier to follow through.

When I look at the book (or books) I’m reading, I commit to completing either a chapter a day, finishing the chapter I started at work during lunch, during my commute, or when I’m in bed. Because completing the book is on my mind all the time, I make that much of an effort to devote my time to reading about another world or someone else’s life.

Compile a “Books to Read” list

Coinciding with my “Read Books I Own” list, the book queue I created has significantly helped me accomplish my goals.

Make a list of books that sound interesting, that you’ve seen a blurb of on a talk show, mentioned in a newspaper article, a friend has mentioned, and so on and commit to reading those books. There doesn’t have to be any particular order or genre (unless you choose it that way), it’s all about the love of reading in an organized fashion.

Join or Organize a Book Club

I have to say, being part of a book club is tons of fun. Not only do you share your love of reading, you get to discuss these books with folks and read genres you may never have thought of reading unless suggested.

In my book club, we’ve read non-fiction, young adult, historical fiction, literary, horror, and books with magic realism. The variety I’ve encountered in close to two years is more than I’ve ever encountered in my reading lifetime. I’m a Stephen King fan so I read everything he’s written. Book club allows me to venture out and explore stories I’d never pick up otherwise.

If you have friends that share your love of literature, organize a book club that chooses a book once a month, then meets at a member’s home or a different locale; whatever works for the book club. I find that hosting makes the members of book club connect not only as book lovers but as friends as well. If you don’t know any book lovers, there are many book clubs on Meetup.com if you plug in your zipcode.

or (for those who like to go it alone)

Track your progress

Pay attention to how long it takes you to read books. I place a sticky on my bookmark with the date I started and space for the date of completion to be aware of my reading stealthiness. When you can gauge how long it normally takes you to finish a story, you can track how many books you will complete by the end of the year and realize that when a book is taking you over six months to finish on your list that’s 300 pages, abandon and move on to the next.

I started The Hobbit three times before I finally physically lost the book. Will I read it? Probably not. Chances are, I’m just that into it no matter how many people love it.

For those with e-readers, I don’t own one so I have no idea what that would look like.

Do What Works For You

At the end of the day, organize your reading habits however you please. These are a few ways that have allowed me to accomplish my reading goals. If not, I don’t know how many books I will have read at this point this year.

Happy Reading!

Publisher: Knopf (2008)

The book starts with a wolf that enters the town of Hesjovallen that is deserted because someone came and murdered everyone. An older man discovers a body in blood, gets in a car accident, and has a heart attack, dying in the process. Enter the investigators Vivi Sundberg that has to figure out who responsible for this Swedish massacre. Then we are introduced to judge, Birgitta Roslin from another town who learns that her grandparents were killed in that massacre. Then we are introduced to these Chinese brothers – San, Guo Si, and Wu, who have to leave their home in China because the landowner has murdered their parents and will come find them to pay a debt. As the book unravels, these three stories are intertwined in a roundabout way that makes the ending anticlimactic.

 As a book club selection, this book was a doozy. Perhaps it was the translation from the Swedish language to English, but I found this book very hard to get into and read. The English was stilted, stiff, trite, too direct, too much the way people don’t talk but should, and not fun or interesting to read. The plot started interesting enough; I thought the author would stay and thrill the reader in the way the story started. I thought this story would be more of a thriller the way it started with each different character section. But as much as each part was necessary to tell all parts of this story, this didn’t work as a whole. It was so damn awkward and blah that I found it so very hard to care. There was social commentary about the Chinese government and affairs which was clunky and bogged down the story; the direction of this tale was on pause as the characters talked about the Chinese government. I was bored to tears. I found myself scanning most of those sections to see what else would happen which was Nothing! I like fiction with current affairs integrated when it’s done well; even Dan Brown made history entertaining and I’m not too enamored with his work. If you are a fan of this author’s work, pick this up. If you are not familiar with Henning Mankell’s work, avoid this and try his other series. As a stand alone work of fiction, The Man From Beijing was weak, uninteresting, and bland.