couple of Sunday book recs

[janie_tangerine]

I had read the fist of these during the Barcelona trip and the second, the last three days. And since I want to vary my entries' content.. ;) Of course they couldn't be more different from each other.

So Sad To Fall in Battle by Kumiko Kakehashi: It's an account of the life of the Japanese General who was in charge during the battle of Iwo Jima based on the letters he had sent from the front. Yeah, the one which Clint Eastwood based his Iwo Jima Japanese movie on. Now I guess I should just read Flags of our Fathers, too, but this one was an excellent book. I usually read fiction unless it's something for university and it was good to read some non-fiction for once. This one was, as I said, really excellent. The research work behind it was massive (the author talked also to the general's family) and it was really interesting to learn more about that battle from sort of the enemy's perspective. What I liked most about it was that it actually isn't about the battle, is about who fought it. The letters from the soldiers were really heartbreaking in some cases and I guess it was the author's target, but in the end I really felt an extreme admiration for General Kuribayashi. From the book he comes across as a man with a high sense of duty, who was conscious that the war was already lost, considerate of his soldiers and who didn't have problems in not following the protocol. His and his soldiers' stories are excellently intertwined with the battle's story and there is no judgment for either side. There's a chapter about one encouter that Americans and Japanese survivors had at Iwo Jima in one anniversary of the battle which really makes you ache. It's not every day that you get a fair account of the other side of the fence.

And since I had seen it before reading this one, I'll say that the Clint Eastwood adaptation was one of the best ever. That movie completely had me. I should re-watch it *sighs*. Flags Of Our Fathers too, actually.

Slam by Nick Hornby: well, that was a completely change of mood. Not at High Fidelity and A Long Way Down's levels of uttermost brilliancy but awesome nonetheless. I mean, he knows he writes light stuff and he does it like no one else. This one was so funny at times, I laughed every three lines. The plot isn't anything too pretentious, actually not much happens even if it isn't much short, but the premise is hilarious and the way it's carried out stands on its feet. It's from the POV of a sixteen year old and the best thing about it is that it sounds like that, not like a forty-year old that tries to sound sixteen. Everything it's downright hilarious but some bits ring really true, as usually happens in Hornby anyways. Definitely a good and extremely fun read.

Oh, and the Italian translations for the S3 Lost episodes are downright hilarious. What the hell does Flashes Before Your Eyes have to do with Dejà Vu? Because that's how they translated it. I don't think I'd have ever given it a minute of my attention had I watched it dubbed/in the Italian version first.

That said, I'll be back on the Hume and women thing. He wasn't even sexist. How do I love Hume? The real one, the real one.

Comments

[elliotsmelliot.livejournal.com]

I think I will read both books. I love Hornby. So Sad To Fall in Battle also sounds really good. I've read Flags of Our Father which was an interesting look at the real and ideal. I haven't seen either movie yet.

I did watch Amadeus last night which at many points reminded me of your Desmond/Mozart story. I must go back and re-read it with the soundtrack!

[janie-tangerine.livejournal.com]

You're up for a good read with either! Hornby was insanely funny as usual while I guess Flags is the only part of the quadrangle missing with me right now, I'll get to it sooner or later. Movies speaking, I prefer the Japanese one by the slightest but they're both terrific.

Amadeus is a wonderful movie! It made me insanely happy when watching it ;) let me know how does it sound like with the proper background!

[mrslinus17.livejournal.com]

i'm adding them both to my to-read list, although it might take me years to actually read them, lol.

[janie-tangerine.livejournal.com]

Let's not talk about mine! ;)

[alemyrddin.livejournal.com]

I usually love Hornby's books - even if A Long Way Down is actually one of my least favourites - and I've been wanting to buy Slam for a while now. I think I'm gonnay buy it next week. :)

[janie-tangerine.livejournal.com]

I loved A Long Way Down... though I may be biased because JJ there is my ideal date. No more and no less ;) Slam is great and thankfully now it's in economic edition, so go for it ;)

[bitterbird.livejournal.com]

oh both books sound awesome Ill def have to check em out thanks hon

[janie-tangerine.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, hope you like them when you do!

[waine.livejournal.com]

Janie,

I am glad you fun in Bararlona, and the pics you had were amazing. I just really am itching for some new Desmond/Sayid fanfic from you, and a seriios beautiful one, like the one where hes watching desy sleep, and the one where they eat limabeans. Maybe a fic about Sayid leaving Desy on the boat? Maybe also include their povs, and Ben asking Sayid to kill Penny. I am sure whatever you write wil be great, it always is, esp the boone stories, and Normaly I can't stand Boone. I was excepting a long goodbye, not just a stay on the bearing yeah? I think Sayid was gonna hug Desy, and beg him to go, but the capt was making him go then. I also don't think they will see each again, cause the boat will not ressuce them, and Desy is not one of the o6. I also think theres not enough food and drink aborad to survice for more then a few weeks, and when Keamy finds out, Desy will die. I just have that feeling. let me know you feelings.