I just finished reading Veronica Roth's Insurgent, the second book in her trilogy. You've probably heard a lot of buzz around the first book, Divergent, because it is currently being filmed. I enjoyed the first book a lot, even though I've just about had my share of dystopian novels. This series is different, because it is really intelligent. The second novel may actually be stronger than the first, which is not typical of many trilogies in general. The female character is tough, yet allows herself to be be vulnerable. The relationship she forms with fellow Dauntless faction member Four (Tobias) is not your typical gooey teen romance, thank God!
I'm also reading Wither (by Laura DeStafano) and while the premise is interesting (females in this futuristic world don't live past the age of 20, and are therefore forced into "marriages" with the goal of producing more children while a cure is being found, thereby ensuring the continuance of a dying population), the writing is sophomoric. This doesn't mean it isn't an entertaining novel; my opinion is that Roth's books are more intelligent and multilayered. Part of my bias may lie in the fact that I'm listening to Wither on my iPod and the narrator is somewhat annoying. Don't get me wrong - people seem to LOVE this series, but I'm on the fence and unsure whether or not I'll read books 2 & 3. Someone on GoodReads called it "The Handmaid's Tale" for kids - Ha! Ha!
Two films we enjoyed the past week:
1. Primer (2004). Wow. I'll watch just about anything that involves time travel. This movie isn't afraid to use a lot of engineering jargon without bothering to simplify anything for the audience. Four (later two) techno geeks spend hours each week trying to come up with a sure-fire moneymaker that will lift them out of their dead end engineering jobs, and eventually wind up inventing a sort of time machine that allows them to visit the immediate (24 hours) past. They figure out how to work the stock market based on this extra wedge of time, but other problems ensue. Totally confusing and yet compelling. I can't wait to watch director Shane Carruth's 2013 Upstream Color, which got tremendous reviews, and seems to be just as strange. You have to be patient to get into the groove of Primer, but I think it is worth it. I found this on Netflix. Sci fi.
2. Sweet Land (2005). Inge is a German mail-order bride who shows up in 1920s Minnesota, ready to marry the man she's been corresponding with. Only problem is that the people in this new tiny town filled with transplanted Norwegians are still skittish towards Germans because of the recent war. Her new husband-to-be is about the most awkward suitor one could imagine - cringe worthy at times. The cinematography is stunning, and the story is compelling. and both sad and heartwarming. I found myself thinking about it several times after I'd viewed it. Stars Elizabeth Reaser (she plays Esme in the wretched Twilight movies, as well as a bunch of TV work) and Tim Guinee, who does an exemplary job with his performance as Olaf. Suitable for viewing by all ages, but probably appreciated more by those who have earned a few rings in their inner tree. Historical drama/romance. I checked this out from the public library.
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