Elements of Style - Stunk and White

A very useful little book. I think that's the way it's described on the back cover, and I'd agree. Although very rigid in its prescriptions, especially on word use, it's always good to know what's the correct way to do things. I will probably reference this book often.

The Man with the Golden Arm - Nelson Algren

All I have to say is 'Wow'. Often when I read things that were revolutionary in the past, I'm not so impressed with them in the present. But Frankie Machine and the punk, even Sophie to some extent, manage to transcend time barriers. The issues of loneliness, independence, feeling trapped by society, and clinging need are all universal. The women are very underdeveloped (take both Sophie - who's just an external manifestation of the ties of tradition, and Molly - who's a stepped on redeamer character if I've ever seen one), but each plays their role well. Frankie's murder/manslaughter of Louie is so needless, but at the same time the center of the novel. I don't necessarily like the message - "the only way out is through suicide or insanity" - but Algren does an amazing job of capturing the hopelessness of some people in poor circumstances. Definitely worth the read if you can get through the first 40 pages.

Eats, shoots and leaves

This book on punctuation is really quite humerous, as well as informative. Of course, my own use of punctuation is very poor, but I can sympathize with those who are sticklers. The British perspective, which I didn't previously realize was so different from the American perspective, also added a new a spin to proper grammar. I certainly didn't know that every grammatical "rule" was so open to interpretation or debate. Definitely worth the read whether you're a serious writer or someone who merely dabbles, like myself.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - Dee Brown

This was an easy to read book that would play off well as fiction. Yes, it's from the viewpoint of the Native Americans, and was probably revolutionary at the time it was published (1970). But today I think the Native American genocide is historically accepted and so I had to read the book from the perspective of a history. In that context, there are 2 major faults. 1) There is very little historical or sociological context about the United States society these actions were taken in. Not only is there no objective perspective of the "white man" but there's no discussion of socio-economic or historic forces driving the actions of the representatives of the US govt. It's hard to learn anything about events being presented in a vacuum. 2) Even if I agree that a one-sided history was needed to balance the numerous biased histories from the other side, there was still very little context from the Native American perspective. It's basically a summary of events based on big leaders, with minimal cultural or sociological context of the Native American societies being examined. This is less new insight than it is a horror novel - written to disturb and anger rather than educate and examine. Recommendation - there are probably better books that cover these topics that may better help educate, and hopefully therefore prevent future such occurances.

La Boheme - Puccini

So went to Lyric's second opera offering last night. Didn't like it as well as the first. For one, there was no overture - one of my favourite parts (must be the classical music fan in me). Second, the soprano wasn't my style - a bit shrill - and she overwhelmed the tenors. But the story was good and I enjoyed the show. As always, Lyric's sets are amazing, although again La Boheme fell short of La Traviata. Still waiting to be Wowed though.

Baby 411

Yes, I'm reading the baby "literature" now. Not very inspiring, but I thought this might be a useful guide. Scares you have to death about all the different things that can go wrong with the kid. It's set up to make you "feel better" but really doesn't. Sort of like "the Girlfriend's Guide" which spends so much time telling you not to worry about your weight gain that you get obsessively worried about your weight gain. I just have to stop pre-emptively worrying (after all the preg is going much better than expected) and hope things will be OK. Anyway - the review. I like Baby 411 - it says a bunch of things that people don't tell you. And, for a clueless Mother-to-be like myself, that's exactly what I need.

La Traviata - Verdi

Went to the Lyric last night for the first opera of the season. Pretty decent performance. We had to sit in the first balcony, so some of the sound was muted but each of the singers had a strong voice. Of course the music was pleasant, and the sets were very well done. Something about it prevented me from really being drawn into the performance - didn't even want to cry. Maybe the plot was just too predictable - although I give it some credit. At least Violetta had an illness (presumably TB) before the breakup rather than just getting ill from heartbreak. Also, her "sacrifice" was noble. The lack of a true villain, or even an unsympathetic protagonist, both made the story more believable and more flat. At the end, it all just seemed unnecessary rather than tragic. Recommendation - worth it, but not something for the memory books.

Sox and the City - Roeper

A book by a fan for a fan. This book was actually lent to my husband - the tantamount Sox fan - by his father (who remembers everything described in it). I read it so it wouldn't sit on the shelf untouched. I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. There are few books about baseball that either don't romanticize the game (or talk about the Red Sox and Yankees). Roeper manages to tie together stats, history, and personal stories in a somewhat humerous way that actually works. Most importantly, though, I think he really accurately captures the essence of being a White Sox fan in the Cubs' city (especially now with them in the playoffs). He sounds like my husband, my Father-in-law, the guy down the street. Whether you're South Side or South Loop and you want to understand the Sox fan in your life - this is the book for you.

Cymbeline - Chicago Shakes

This was an incredible production. I have to give the Shakespeare Theatre here kudos - no matter what the play - their interpretation and production are excellent. For a little known Shakespeare - this comedy was incredible. Bawdy, saucy, funny - tragic in all the right ways. The acting was all very convincing - really brings out the text. The whole theatre was laughing the entire time. I was actually a little scared going into this play b/c it's one of the few I hadn't read first (I only have Pericles and Anthony and Cleopatra left). Didn't even know if it was a tragedy or a comedy - which definitely left an edge. Recommendation - don't miss it!