January 10th, 2009 - 12:18 am
» gathered: wool
I’ve been meaning to write, for a long time now. I write all the time in my head, at all the wrong times: the shower, the car, the grocery store. I even started, last month, a 2008 music recap, even though I completely fell off the new-music bandwagon the last half of the year (and spent the whole of December listening to old holiday tunes).
I dragged my laptop into my bedroom tonight, intending to jot some quick thoughts before turning in at a totally reasonable hour (I have to work in the morning), only to discover: internet? internet!? So here I am, hours (hours?!) later, having wasted I don’t even want to tell you how much of that trying to find a Greek word I’m not even sure exists for those Homeric scenes of warriors arming for battle. I know when I read Iliad in college Dr. Thompson shared all sorts of fascinating terms with us, the words for things like a warrior’s rage, and when they get a long death scene, and I loved all that and wrote it all down and have now forgotten, utterly. Forgotten even which characters get the big arming scenes. Hector? Agamemnon? Achilles must.
There is, incidentally, a most excellent arming scene in one of the Lord of the Rings movies, and it’s one of my favorite scenes in the whole trilogy — at Helm’s Deep, when they think they’re making their last stand, the king (whose name I can’t remember now — ah, Theoden, right?) is getting suited up for battle, all buckling and fatal determination, and the light is coming in that huge hall door and he has that great little speech about the days going down — and anyway, watching that part I always think of that word I can’t remember any more, and how important this is, this suiting up for battle, and how Peter Jackson or someone (or Tolkien maybe) must have known their Greek mythology.
Which is all to say that there are times when, in the handicapped stall of the bathroom at my office, going through all the work of suiting up for the barn, most especially slipping on the half-chaps and zipping them up, I feel like that. Buckling on the armor of this chosen life. Well-greaved.
And some days are good, and I see we’re progressing and am happy, truly, all zen and rainbows and puppies. And there are days like going into battle, a little. Back into a long, grueling war of attrition. And those days are mostly why I don’t write any more.
So, for 2009, I resolve: less battle, more puppies.
And: more book reviews. Heartily recommended, the book I would thrust upon you immediately if you were here in the room: The Road. Not recommended at all, something that has been the bane of my commute for the last two weeks because by the time I decided yes, I really don’t like it, I was too far into the audiobook to quit: The Virgin Suicides.
And: goodnight.
Sarah said: January 12th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
If you’re willing to give Eugenides a second shot, you might consider Middlesex. It sat on my shelf for a while (don’t know why, I think the description on the back wasn’t enthralling enough) until one day I took it down and read the first chapter. And the next. And the next. And the next. It’s been several years now, but I still recommend it to people and consider it a favorite. The writing is excellent. Really excellent, actually.
Also super, super good? Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. The two aren’t remotely related, but I read them back-to-back and always think of one when I mention the other. Robbins’ prose is gorgeous. Some of the best I’ve seen.
While I’m on the subject of books, I’ll also point out Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Awesome book. No, scratch that. Incredible, incredible book. I read it over and over and never tire of it. My copy is underlined and crumpled from bath water and dog-eared to hell and back — so you know I must love it. :)
Anyway, just FYI. Hope you’re well!
[P.S.: DID YOU PLAY BIOSHOCK YET????]
rachel! said: January 12th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I actually think I have Middlesex at home — I know it’s on my to-read list, though I can’t remember who originally recommended it (maybe you?). Have you read The Virgin Suicides? I just could not get into it — I hated the narrator. Slimy and obsessive, and not in a good way, and just — I found it really hard to believe. I kept rolling my eyes. Maybe it’s a teenage boy mindset I just totally don’t get?
Anyway — I just requested Jitterbug Perfume from the library. And I listened to the Cloud Atlas audiobook a couple years ago (I think I got it based on your rec, actually) and loved it. My favorite narrator was the future one, the fabricant. I really should pick up a physical copy to re-read sometime.
Have you read The Road? It is SO GOOD. SO SO GOOD.
And we did play Bioshock! Sadly we didn’t finish it before Bryce went back — we’d just gotten to the Ryan Industries level. I’m going to borrow it again next time we do a visit — I think in February. You were right: it’s such a gorgeous game, and I *love* the story. Did you hear they’re making a film of it?
Also, I got the new Prince of Persia for Christmas and LOVE IT. It’s so pretty. Have you tried it?
Sarah said: January 12th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Let’s see:
1. I haven’t read The Virgin Suicides, but I own a copy that I bought on a whim in Wales in 2002. Have you seen the movie? I remember enjoying it when it came out, but that was years ago. Maybe it’s one of those rare the-movie-is-better-than-the-book things? I understand what you mean about narrators, though.
2. Yay for Jitterbug Perfume! I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s wacky and wonderful in a very Tom Robbins way. And the prose is really beautiful.
3. It’s highly likely I recommended Cloud Atlas to you. I’m (belatedly) glad you enjoyed it. :)
4. I haven’t read (and hadn’t heard of, until you mentioned it) The Road, but I did a quick search on it and it sounds awesome. I’m making a note to either purchase it or check it out from the library.
4a. Speaking of post-apocalyptic things . . . FALLOUT 3 WAS AWESOME. I’ve since tried Oblivion and find it much more difficult to manage. But Fallout? SO GOOD. If you’re looking for a new game to try, you should consider checking it out.
5. I’m so happy you liked Bioshock! I wouldn’t mind lending you my copy if you’d like to borrow it. I’d be going nuts if I had to pause mid-story. And yes, a movie and two more games! Bioshock: Sea of Dreams (the second game) is coming out later this year.
6. Hugh rented the new Prince of Persia game a while back and I watched him play a bit of it. It did look very pretty! I’ll have to rent it at some point and play it myself. We just got internet at the apartment and my plan is to download Braid ASAP. So maybe after that. :)
bryce said: January 12th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
My illiteracy precludes me from all this book jibber-jabber, but yay Bioshock. I am anxious to finish it. “Static Discharge” is the only way I didn’t get us killed constantly, and also provided me with perverse pleasure as I would run up to the bad guys and let them hit me and then cackle when touching me killed them. Mwahaha!
rachel! said: January 13th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
1. I haven’t seen the Virgin Suicides movie. Does it center more around the girls, or around the narrator? I was expecting the book to be about the Lisbon girls and it wasn’t really, not at all. It was about the narrators’ creepy, unrealistic obsession with them.
4a. I’ve heard good things about Fallout, and it is definitely on my list — though currently Fable 2 is higher. And both of them are pretty far down, since I’ve fallen in love with Oblivion since I made it out of that first dungeon scene. I’ve put it temporarily on hold for Prince of Persia, but I think it will be enough to keep me occupied until prices on the other two come way down.
5. It’s sad to pause Bioshock mid-story, but I couldn’t play it without Bryce — it wouldn’t be the same. (And I am a very cautious player; it would take me *years* if I were managing the controls.) I also wouldn’t get to snicker over the Static Discharge because I don’t think I’d just sit there while someone was running at me with hooks or an axe or whatever.
6. YES GET BRAID. It and Prince of Persia actually remind me of each other a little, in that they’re non-punitive: you never die. Love it. You should definitely get Braid first, though.
Beth said: January 13th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hello!
I understand about the Virgin Suicides. I listened to it on audiobook last March, and I had a really hard time getting interested in the book. Honestly though, I think I just found the Narrator’s voice completely bland, so maybe I might have enjoyed just reading the book.
I second the thought on reading Middlesex. That is what I would like to see more of. The entire story is completely addicting. Once you begin, you won’t be able to stop!
Also Braid and Bioshock are both awesome! I’d also recommend Portal, if you haven’t played it. The puzzles are really intersting and it has a great sense of humor.
-Beth
P.S. If you are looking for another good audiobook, check out “Wicked Lovely” by Melissa Marr. Alyssa Bresnahan narrates and I adore her! I’m listening to it right now and it’s great!
Sarah said: January 14th, 2009 at 11:51 am
1. While the Lisbon girls are the focus of the movie, they aren’t . . . well, they aren’t. They’re dissected and spied on and the obvious center of the film, but by and large, they’re unknowable — and therein lies the boys’ fascination. I haven’t read the book, like I said, so I can’t really compare the two. Maybe reading instead of listening would make a difference (as Beth noted, above)? Or maybe not. ;-)
4a. Fallout 3 is amazing. I’ve had trouble getting into Oblivion post-Fallout, even though they run on the same engine. I find the management system in Fallout less tricky (no magic vs. weapons, no gathering and mixing ingredients for potions, clearer buttons). And leveling up isn’t so tedious. Two friends of mine had to stick rubberbands around their controllers and leave the game running for hours in sneak mode to level up. In any case, I’m sure I’ll fall in love with Oblivion once I get into it. I do love fantasy games. I’ve also had trouble getting into Fable 2, but I think that’s because I watched Hugh play it quite a bit.
Have you heard of The Bard’s Tale? It’s a top-down game, which took some getting used to, but the main character is voiced by Cary Elwes (Westley from The Princess Bride) and it’s smarmy and smart and really fun. I’m playing it on a PS2, but it’s available for Xbox. Not sure if it’s backwards compatible, though . . .
And I second Beth’s comment re: Portal. Awesome game.
5. Totally understand waiting for Bryce. Some things absolutely cannot be played/watched in the absence of one particular person.
6. Braid is at the top of my list. SO MANY GAMES TO PLAY. My dad called the other day and asked if I still read at all, and I was like, “I have to go, I’m being attacked by wolves and I need to switch weapons!” . . . or maybe I lied and said yes. ;-)
bryce said: January 14th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I had forgotten about The Bard’s Tale until recently. The humor (specifically the songs) in that game was fantastic. Every one in a while, I still get “It’s Bad Luck To Be You” stuck in my head. I should get that for xbox.
rachel! said: January 14th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Bryce and I played Portal — last time I was in Cali, which was, what, November? Anyway, *loved* it. Which reminds me that I need to add “Still Alive” to my 2008 song wrap-up, which I still need to finish…
Bryce, one of us should get The Bard’s Tale for when we’re done with Bioshock! Who needs to ever get off the couch again?
Beth, did you ever find out more about Daniel’s STDs in Fable 2?
And I’ve added Wicked Lovely to my library queue! I just started listening to Bill Bryson’s The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid yesterday — I love Bill Bryson. He wrote A Short History of Nearly Everything, which is SO GOOD.
Also, Sarah, 4a: Have you gotten a horse yet in Oblivion? Maybe it’s just me, but the horse is probably a bigger part of my enjoyment of that game than it should be. I also have the strategy guide, which I’m constantly consulting. The maps make everything so much easier.
bryce said: January 15th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I’ll definitely look for The Bard’s Tale next time I’m at Gamestop or Rasputin!
I haven’t even started my 2008 song list. I need to do that before I forget… Still Alive is an excellent choice.
Beth, I hope Daniel’s flaccid horns are doing better.
Beth said: January 15th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Haha! Daniel’s flaccid horns are great, thanks! As far as we’ve been able to find out, STD’s have no downside in Fable 2. I actually just read a post from a guy with over a hundred!
But honestly, the best part about Fable 2 is that you can buy a Chicken Suit and walk around in it. Daniel just found it a little while ago, and all we have been doing is laughing at the humongous chicken slaughtering bandits and flirting with the ladies. Hilarious!
Sarah said: January 16th, 2009 at 11:09 am
[Third time trying this . . . I think my computer is eating messages?]
I think you’ll enjoy Bard’s Tale. You get a puppy! FIGHTING PUPPY! He’s tiny and his tail wags and he follows you around and brings you gifts and is just unnecessarily cute.
I’d forgotten about the horse in Oblivion!! Horses are pretty much the only reason I kept playing Assassin’s Creed (beautiful graphics, but the quests are tedious and the ending was AWFUL). I rode around a lot in that game and ran people over at full gallop. You might want to rent that just for the horses, honestly. And while we’re on the subject, I should note here that I get made fun of all the time now for asking if the games I’m looking at have horses in them (“Oooo, does this game have horses??” “. . . no. AND STOP ASKING ME THAT.” “But I like horse games.” “. . . *sigh* I know.”). Seriously, the horses were awesome!
Beth said: January 16th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Shadow of Collossus is a GREAT horse game. Also, just an awesome game for Playstation 2 I think. The horse in that game was basically like “hero’s best friend.”
I think there might be a sequel in the works. At least I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Stephie said: January 16th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Oh! Shadow of the Colossus IS such a wonderful horse game! And, really pretty in general. I think there’s kind of a steep learning curve to it…all that perfectly-timed climbing and jumping. Mostly I just like the horse. :)
Sarah said: January 16th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
So I went to Barnes & Nobles Wednesday after you recommended The Road. Found a simple black copy of it next to the movie tie-in copies, brought it to the register to pay. Had a short conversation with the boy behind the counter, who said he’d read it in four days when usually it took him months and month to finish books. Thought of it when I went upstairs, but went to bed instead of tackling it. Took it to work the next day, opened it on my afternoon break. Read five minutes. Ten. Thirty. An hour. Hour and a half. Rushed home and read it on the couch. Ate quickly and slipped into the bath with it. Got out, got dressed, and read until I was exhausted. Stuck it into my purse this morning, wistfully set it aside to do actual work. And just now finished it.
Two things:
1. Thank you. Thank you. I loved this book. I haven’t devoured literature like that in quite some time. It was sparse and horrifying and dug itself under my skin.
2. If you liked this, you’ll really, really like Fallout. I kept wanting to play it while I was reading. I know I sound like a broken record, but truly — it’s an amazing apocalyptic game.
rachel! said: January 20th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Horse gamessss.
And yay! I am so so glad you liked The Road. I had the same experience — I just couldn’t put it down, and I could just feel the whole world shifting around me while I read it. Especially since it’s winter here, and everything is white and grey; I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks.