BOOK REVIEW: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

 

On a hot week in August, young Winnie Foster decides to run away from her rigid, sheltered life in the small town of Treegap. On the same day, a woman named Mae Tuck sets out to meet her sons, and a stranger comes to town. All seem very innocuous, but they are all intrinsically linked by a wood next to the Foster home, and the mysterious spring in the center of it. The meeting of these people will have effects that will reverberate through time, and maybe even decide the destiny of everyone on Earth.

This is a book for young adults that takes place in the 19^th century. The Tucks are one of the most unique families ever to grace the pages of literature. They and their experiences will be remembered as long as books exist, and perhaps even longer. For they are the first ones that truly asked, What would it be like to live forever? And they are perhaps the first ones that truly come up with an answer.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Thing Below

 

Produced in 2004, this horror movie has alternate titles that include It Waits Below and Sea Ghost. It surrounds a top secret government drilling platform that has found and brought to the surface a meteorite that holds an alien lifeform. The creature goes on a killing spree, and it is up to the crew of a supply ship that arrives shortly afterward to figure out how to kill it.

This one stars Billy Warlock, mainly known for his work on daytime soap operas, and Catherine Lough Haggquist, who has had numerous roles in television movies. It tends to be a little confusing to watch, mainly due to the fact that the alien seems to have some unusual psychic powers, and the action is relatively predictable. There is strong language, lots of violence, and some nudity. But a good vehicle for the monster movie fan.

BOOK REVIEW: The Koran by Anonymous

 

This is the sacred scriptures of the Islam religion, supposedly penned by that religion’s prophet, Muhammad. Written sometime in the 7^th century, it is claimed by Muslims to be a series of divine revelations given to the prophet by the angel Gabriel. It has become the root book of belief for all sects of that faith.

Upon studying this text, it becomes clear that its interpretations are at the heart of the violence and oppression that has predominated in the Middle East and elsewhere. It clearly states that “men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other,” and “as for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart, and beat them” (Women 4:34). This is clearly what makes many men believe they have a right to commit domestic violence. There are also the admonitions, “take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends,” (The Table 5:53) and “those that make war against God and His apostle (Muhammad) and spread disorder in the land shall be slain or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides,” (The Table 5:31).  Also, “make war on them until idolatry shall cease and God’s religion (Islam) shall reign supreme” (The Spoils 8:36). Thus the justification of the continuing wars against those of other faiths by the various sects of the Muslim religion.

For myself, personally, I found the God described in this book to be somewhat arbitrary and capricious. Over and over it is stated that “Your Lord knows you best. He will show you mercy if He will, and punish you if He pleases” (The Night Journey 17:52). In other words, a person may spend their lifetime praying and doing good deeds, and nowhere are they given the assurance that the God they pray to loves them enough to allow them into Paradise. All in all, not a very happy thought. Give me a God who loves me, wants the best for me, and promises an eternity in a place of beauty and peace.

MOVIE REVIEW: Odd Thomas

Anton Yelchin plays a young man named Odd Thomas, who can see dead people. He can also see things he calls bodachs, evil beings that feed off death and despair. When he sees dozens of bodachs gathered around a man in the diner where he works, he comes to believe that something extraordinarily bad is going to happen to the town he lives in. With the help of the chief of police and the girl he loves, who both know about his abilities, he sets out to fend off the disaster.

This is a film based on a novel by the author Dean Koontz. It also features the talent of a young actor whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 27 in a freak accident. It is full of mystery, surprises, and supernatural happenings from the first minute right up until the last. Not recommended for very young children due to the violence, scary scenes, and some strong language, but definitely worth the time.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Old Christmas by Washington Irving

 

This short story is a treatise on the old traditions of England, where the author was invited to spend the holidays by a college friend. Full of delightful descriptions of an old country manor and its somewhat eccentric occupants, this paints a wonderfully moving portrait of Christmas as it was meant to be. Short enough to read in one sitting, but with chapters that can help stretch out the experience, this is one of Irving’s classics that continues to enchant new audiences.

MOVIE REVIEW: Bent

 

When a drug bust goes sour, a good cop takes the fall and ends up behind bars. Upon his release, he commits himself to finding out if he was betrayed by his partner or someone else. Along the way, he discovers that the case that he had been investigating has ties far beyond the drug trade.

Starring Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy in the new Star Trek films), this is a thriller with shades of the old police dramas that used to be all the rage in the 80s. Full of action, suspense, and a few good twists and turns along the way, it will definitely keep you guessing. 

BOOK REVIEW: Salem's Lot by Stephen King

 

A widowed author comes back to his hometown to find inspiration for his next book. While there, he discovers that the old, haunted house on the hill overlooking the town has been bought by a stranger, and the town's residents are falling prey to an insidious evil.

This is a vampire tale that was written before vampires became rock stars with teenage girls hanging off their coattails. The vampires in this are soulless, and often mindless, monsters. And the people who choose to pit themselves against these demons do so against their will. One of his classics, this is a must read for any King fan.