The Depth of Otori Shigeru

For those who want to know more about Otori Shigeru, this is the book. As a prequel to the Otori books, it is as beautiful as all the rest and gives a character that is dearly loved more flesh and bone. Prequels are often not very well received and seem to never measure up to the original. This book is an exception. It is an outstanding tale of love and loss. It takes the reader to a world were fictional characters we really care about struggle with all manner of trouble. It is at once beautiful and tragic. It is a tale of beauty and deep feeling. I respect these characters like old friends and find myself clamoring for more. Yet, the book is so satisfying that when you finally put it down; it feels like a wonderful meal. However, the longing is still there.

Brilliant Brilliance

Somehow, Hearn, has finished the trilogy part of this wonderful story without missing a beat or disappointing the reader. So many "trilogies" fall short in later books. This one maintains the highest quality all the way to the end. The poetic quality of the writing will satisfy the most discerning critic, and the story is top notch. This series is likely one of the most enjoyable I have found in recent years. The world is so well developed that it feels completely real. The plot ends in an impressive display of prose that leaves you breathless. The characters are so richly developed that I feel like I know them personally and consider them friends. Once again the only criticism that I have is the slight references to homosexual behavior. It is handled with respect and without vulgarity, yet it seems completely out of place. Discerning parents may want to have a discussion about such issues with their children prior to letting them read the series. The series, as a whole, has several sexual references all of which are handled in a reasonable and respectful manner.

Grass For His Pillow

The second installment of the Otori clan story is no less satisfying than the first book. While I do prefer the first book, GRASS takes us deeper into the rich world Hearn has created. The language is wondrous and full of the same beauty that the first book had. These are quality pieces of literature. My preference for the first book is simply based on my bias for Takeo as a character. The second book, while furthering the story, delves more into the life of Kaede. I enjoy her as a character, but not as much at Takeo. The book is beautifully written and wondrous to experience. It does contain a few homosexual references that I did not expect. If I had a criticism it would be that the homosexual references seem out of place and pointless to the story. However, it is done in a tasteful and respectful manner. It just doesn't make sense to me and seems forced. Discerning parents may want to discuss this issue with their children before allowing them to read the series.

Unexpected Prose

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1) by Lian Hearn is likely one of the best books I have read in recent memory. I can't begin to touch the power of what these pages contain. The story is excellent and full of intrigue. The characters are human beyond belief. They have the sorrows and the joys we all have. The Oriental culture is captured perfectly in a very respectful manner. The fantasy elements are believable and in no way have an absurd feeling. The reader is able to believe the events taking place on the page. These issues are great strengths of the book; however, the greatest trait of the novel is its prose. The descriptions in this story are so rich that they have to be described as almost poetic. Quite honesty, it is some of the most beautiful writing I have experienced in a long time. It is majestic in scope with a simple delivery. The achingly gorgeous writing is almost to the point of art. This book is a rare find and should be read by anyone who enjoys a good story, but it should be savored by those who love literature. This is one of the most stunning books that I have read in the last 20 years. It takes a lot to unseat a book in my top five list. This book has done just that. It sits on a throne of its own as a shining example of what fine literature can be. I am still reeling from the story and most of all the power of the prose. There is not one wasted word, nor is there a single description that does not take the reader's breath away. I will be reading this entire series and anything else I can get my hands on by Lian Hearn. I look forward to being spirited away to that ancient land full of fantasy, but mostly I just want the words of the works to wash over me renewing my faith that writing of this caliber still indeed exists.

God is Whole, Not Full of Holes

God's Debris is an interesting book. I am writing this as a Christian. It is important that the reader knows this. The book states that it is not true and that even the author, Scott Adams, does not necessarily believe its contents. It is designed to be a mental exercise. I personally find it hard to fathom why anyone would write something with supposed truths that they claim to be uncertain of. The book starts with a meeting of a package delivery man with an old gentleman who begins to question him towards supposed enlightenment. I admit that the journey is fun and has some merit. However, many of the "truths" expounded upon in the book are fairly close to, if not allied with, heresy. The basic concept of the book is that the greatest power in the universe is expressed through probability. Probability is God's power and makes everything possible. The book then proceeds to endure itself to the reader by creating two very likable characters. Along the way everything from evolution to light speed is addressed. While the arguments are full of mental gymnastics the point becomes clear fairly soon. To wit: God is omnipotent, and the only thing that would challenge such a being is seeking a way to destroy Himself. Adams presents a "god" that is suicidal in a sense. The book states that God has blown Himself to bits and the universe, rocks, plants, animals, and humans are all working within all powerful probability to reassemble God. This cosmic jigsaw puzzle allows for all belief systems. In short, this seems to be another clever attempt to try and persuade the world that all beliefs are valid and ultimately lead to "god." This is where the heresy is exhibited strongest. The book views a creator that is as interested in rocks as he is humans. After all, we are all made of the same stuff. All of us are part of "god" trying to reassemble itself. This sort of gobble-d-gook philosophy is like asking unanswerable questions like "Can God make square circles?" or "Can God make a rock so big he can't pick it up?" This type of circular logic is old hat to folks that want just enough of the truth to keep themselves confused. God's debris are not floating about trying to reassemble through all beliefs and positive probability behaviors. God is the great causer. He is the causer without a cause. He is not bored, but I admit He is unchallenged. He would have no need for this sort of exercise. God is not a Taoist. God incarnate became flesh and dwelt among man. He was crucified for our sin and rose from the dead. He did so without vanity or pomp and circumstance. He did so in humility. He will return in glory. God's Debris is entertaining and a fun read; however, the reader must be careful to have a firm grip on his or her beliefs lest confusion be nurtured by this hogwash philosophy.

Bittersweet Up

UP is one of the most beautiful movies in a long time. It is a rare thing when a movie makes the viewer love the characters in the first 15-30 minutes. This movie does just that and is a triumph of emotional beauty. Of course it has its comedy and its far fetched moments. However, I sat in the theater with my wife, both of us tearing up with lumps in our throats in the first half hour of the movie. This sets the stage for a fun adventure that ends in a bittersweet triumph. The story is about life long love and the willingness to do almost anything to see your dreams through. It is also a story of recovery from grief, and it is about getting a new lease on life. See it with your wife or girlfriend.

Get Mooned

MOON is one of those rare gems of a movie that do not come along very often. Unexpected would be the word that describes the feeling I had when I first saw it. I did not expect such an excellent movie. Many films that have far larger budgets miss the mark, but MOON nails it dead on. The performances by Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey are nothing short of tremendous. The obvious nod to 2001: A SPACE ODDESSY'S HAL 9000 are very clear in the voice of the computer GERTY 3000. However, the emotional difference that GERTY gives brings originality to the film. Spacey is perfect for this role. The plot moves slowly, but is never boring. Intriguing is the best way to describe this film. It is cerebral science fiction at its best, but it does not take a genius to understand the plot or the complexity of the characters. The viewer feels for Sam and amazingly for GERTY as well. Hands down this movie is a masterpiece of writing and ingenuity. It is a MUST see for any sci-fi fan, and even folks that hate sci-fi will find it enduring and gripping. Do not miss MOON! Some cursing.

Martyrs: Not What You Think

MARTYRS is an exceptional experience for various reasons. I have no plans of getting into the plot too deeply, because ruining this movie's surprises would be tantamount to a cinema crime. What I would like to focus on are some exceptional elements. This movie delves into realms not normally touched by the horror genre. The violence is extreme and over the top, but it has a reason behind it: Albeit, a twisted and sick reason. However, it is not mindless violence without cause just for the sake of "goring" someone to death. I am not a huge fan of gore. However, this film uses it properly to convey its intended message. MARTYRS is very successful in making the audience think hard about the questions it puts forth. I find it terribly interesting that the "bad guys" seem to all come from the upper class of society and for some reason they felt distinctly Nazi-like. The film is still tumbling around in my head as I try to come to grips with its intended message. I find much ambiguity, but I also find pointed questions and fearful revelations. Another issue of note is the near absence of curse words. American horror is filled to the brim with "F-Bombs" and all other variety of offensive language. MARTYRS seems to have no use for such language. It does not need it. It is also proof that superior suspense and horror films can be made without the need for constant cursing. I found it very refreshing. There is some mild nudity, but it is not sexual in any way. The focus of the film is its stunning and shocking visuals and the message it is trying to convey. The truth is: This is not a "happy time" film experience. If you want to feel good, do not watch this film. (Watch THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE instead) If you want to be spoon fed, do not watch this film. If you want to think and test your analytical powers and your ability to pay attention to nuances, this is the film for you. NO WAY SHOULD ANY CHILD SEE THIS MOVIE!!! MANY ADULTS SHOULD NOT SEE IT EITHER. Make sure you can handle it.