Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

Just finished Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. The book was very different then what I had expected I guess that’s what I get for just hearing “yeah it’s good” from others but not actually taking the time to simply read the back cover. Although when it was all said and done my friends were right and I did enjoy it. Lovely Bones wasn’t the typical book I usually read. In fact when I picked it up I though we’d be following the forensics of the case; anything to do with bones really. Anything but a quick reference in one of the last chapters that lasted a sentence, maybe two.

The story is about Susie a fourteen year old struggling to let go of her family while in heaver after being horribly murdered a short distance from home. Susie spends many years in her heaven watching her family and keeping track of their developments.

Lovely Bones, is much more about dealing with the loss of a loved one and coping with grief that solving a murder. And although it was written as fiction I think there are many things we can learn from the Salmon’s story about them struggles and our own. I’ll also admit that had I not read most of this book on a business trip I’m sure I would have cried. I was often moved by parts but didn’t want my roommate to think I was some crazy chick.

It isn’t a fit for every reader so just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to dive right in. Overall it is a good book and if you think it might be your thing then give Sebold a shot to win over you book shelf.


“Nothing is ever certain”

Bee Movie - Review

I am weeks behind in my bloggings but work has me working what feels like 50 hours a week and the trips to Wisconsin. Anyway, a few weekends ago we went to see Bee Movie. The movie is about a Bee, Barry, who leaves the hive after finding out he will spend the rest of his days making honey. On his journey through New York City he befriends a florist named Vanessa. In time he learns about the human exploitation of bees in order to make honey and decides to sue humans. The rest of the movie is the subsequent legal battle and after actions. Overall I really enjoyed the movie, yeah it’s a little corny but I think it portrayed the environmental aspect in a subtle way throughout the movie. Unlike Happy Feet which threw it all in there during the last oh, three minutes.
I was also really happy with the fact I didn’t hear/see any sexual innuendos, swearing or other “adult” content that you see in many big movies starting comedians such as Shrek and The Grinch. Don’t get me wrong I love both those movies and own them but my children won’t be watching them any time soon. Especially considering I don’t have children; but when I do these movies won’t be on their shelf. If it is true that what our children watch can influence their behavior maybe this one will get more of our future generations thinking about our planet. And that’s never a bad thing.

It defiantly didn’t hurt the movie that Jerry Seinfeld was in it considering we can’t get enough of him in our house.

“Everyone knows you sting someone, you die. You don't waste it on a squirrel. He was such a hothead.”

Tales from the Boom-Boom Room

Tales from the Boom-Boom Room by Susan Antilla has a good story behind it but the writing has to be the driest I’ve ever read. The story follows the lives of five woman during their time working in the financial district and the subsequent legal battles fought by them and many other woman. The issue wasn’t something about sexual harassment they faced every day on the job but their right to a jury trial for such claims. At the time all traders signed an agreement forcing them to binding arbitration. After 302 pages you learn the woman still have to go through arbitration but there’s a chance of one day getting a jury trial. Well I suppose one company’s employees gained the right but that was a foot note in the book. Of course it wasn’t until 200 pages in that the real legal battle even begins so I guess you take what you can get.

When I started reading the book I expected it to be based in the 70’s but to my amazement most of the events took place in the late 90’s and are still being dealt with by many women, on the job front and legally.

As I said in the end the women did have quite a battle but I’m not sure if the story needed a full 300+ pages to be fully told. If you are looking for a good legal read and aren’t concerned with the subject I’d suggest the “Buffalo Creek Disaster” by Gerald Stern. Much more interesting.

Overall:
C-
Recommended For:
Anyone who REALLY enjoys a true law book regardless of dry writing and weak endings