madameblogalot

Hachiko: I saw this movie in flight home from our recent trip. I had not heard of it before and after reading the short blurb, thought I’d give it a try. This nice adaptation of a Japanese tale of a loyal dog was a HIT with me. (I saw this one listed in the U.S. as Hachi.)

The Queenn: Another movie seen in flight, this one was a little more dull for me. It is the story of Queen Elizabeth and her family and their reactions in the week after Princess Diana’s death. I dozed in and out of this one and don’t really know anything about British politics. This was more of a MISS for me.

Parenting Teens With Love & Logic: I need this book. I’ve needed it for some time. I stayed up most of one night reading the bulk of it. I like most of the premise of it and understand the ideas presented. As for some of the tactics, I realize how to implement them. I know that some of the big things we have already done. But it seems like in many areas we are really lacking. And even after reading the book, I don’t quite understand how to implement some of the “natural consequences” related to certain incidents. I mean, if in real life this situation happened and you would likely be fired, how do you translate that into your family? Overall, I like the message of the book. I am still not sure if it is a HIT or MISS with me.

Into the Woods: WEIRD! The first act was ok, probably even a HIT with me, but maybe only because I enjoyed watching kids we’ve seen over the years. The second act was a definite MISS with me. The show was pretty silly, but very weird. I would not really recommend this for young kids. And if you do go, feel free to leave at intermission! I guess overall I have to give this one a MISS.

The Box: My son saw this one in the theater last year. My husband saw it on Twilight Zone years ago and has since told the story several times in his work with teens. This movie is definitely a thought provoking sci-fi thriller. Even though I was freaked out in a few places I would call this one a HIT.

The Blessing: I read this book because it became important to my parents years ago. They began a family tradition for a child’s 18th birthday (I had already passed this milestone) which even passed to some extended family members. As my son is a few months away from his 18th birthday, I thought I’d read the book to see if it is something I want to implement as well. While I like the basic idea, I am too not much a fan of the authors. And the writing style kind of got on my nerves. And I thought some of the scriptures from the Bible were used out of context to reinforce the idea of the blessing. So while I understand the point and even got some good tips from the book I am still not sure if it is a HIT or MISS with me…

Among the Enemy: This next-to-the-last book in the Shadow Children series was definitely a HIT with me. As it is a young adult book, it is easy to read. I really think this one is a good “coming of age” story. And the thoughts it provokes as to how good and evil can coexist and can good really triumph and what if good men really do nothing and how conflicted we feel inside about all that-I really found to be insightful and a good storyline and a good way to process the way life really is/can be for us.

Among the FreeThis last book took some time to draw me in. I wasn’t sure if that is they way the main character had been left the last time I “saw” him so was a little skeptical about the way he acted in some situations. Overall though I think this story about freedom and how we perceive it and how we react to it is a good enough ending to the seven book series. I call it a HIT.