Jemsweb

I watched this movie last night, and after hearing numerous bad reports, I was prepared to be disappointed. But I thought it was fantastic! As a big fan of the books, I appreciated that the adaptation was pretty faithful, aside from toning down the religious overtones a bit. Nicole Kidman was perfect as Mrs Coulter and everything was beautifully rendered… so I heartily recommend it, but if you haven’t read the books yet, do yourself a favour and read those first because they ROCK!

Have you ever read the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman? I highly recommend them. They are the most blasphemous children’s books ever created! And the first book – Northern Lights – has been made into a movie which is coming out later in the year. Of course it’s been renamed to its American title, The Golden Compass.

The first book is set in an alternate universe where humans have their soul on the outside, an external embodiment called a daemon. And the movie website now has a quiz where you can find out your own inner daemon.

Hmm, a hare, not very glamorous but perhaps appropriate? Have your say above. Not sure about the “modest” bit!

Geez, they come around fast don’t they? Thanks Asher (I think).

You’re stuck inside Fahrenheit 451. Which book do you want to be?
Hmm, so many, but I think I would be The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman – familiarity and strangeness blended seamlessly. The bridge between childhood and maturity.

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
A zillion television characters, but I don’t suppose they count! I can’t remember any specifically from books but I’m a rather crush-prone person, so it’s likely.

The last book you bought is:
Embarrassingly, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I’ve been meaning to read it for ages, there’s something really satisfying about a gripping, unputdownable book even if it is opiate for the masses. Besides, it was on special at the Warehouse!

The last book you finished is?
Stoner McTavish by Sarah Drerer – your typical lesbian mystery book, funny characters, a good romance.

What are you currently reading?
The aforementioned The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Getting Used to Dying by Zhangng Xianliang (a more challenging read). Teaching Reading to Children With Down Syndrome – hoping to do this with Archie this year.

Five Books you would take to a deserted Island?
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien – never get sick of this one
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters – for a lesbian romp and a dose of melodrama
The complete Harry Potter series by JK Rowling – pure escapism
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare – endlessly thought provoking
The Odyssey by Homer – inspiring for one stuck on a desert island

Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?
Sidherian – more lesbian romps?
Jessie @ the Backyard – she needs another book meme
ACP – something to blog about?

That’s enough about my reading habits to last a lifetime – no more book memes!