All posts by Carl V. Anderson

Science Fiction, Short Stories

Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse ~ed. John Joseph Adams

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Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse ~edited by John Joseph Adams

–published 2008
–327 pages, Night Shade Books
–4.5/5 stars

As 2008 began I found myself not only craving science fiction but craving it in the short story format. I have always been a fan of the short story but a review of my reading lists for the past couple of years finds short stories sorely underrepresented. My determination to remedy that had me on the lookout for new collections and the fabulous Daniel Kvasznicza cover image on Wastelands was quick to catch my eye. I enjoy post-apocalyptic stories but did not recall reading many in the short story format and that intrigued me as well.

Editor John Joseph Adams’ collection of 22 stories, representing a wide-variety of post-apocalyptic scenarios from some of the field’s most prolific authors, is a must-have volume for fans of the this subgenre of science fiction. What makes Wastelands great, however, is that it contains the type and caliber of stories that should appeal to those who are simply fans of the format and are unsure of their feelings about post-apocalyptic literature.

Although I gave the anthology itself a rating based on the 5 star system I adopted this year with my reviews, I am going to give each individual story a grade as I feel that it gives me a slightly wider range within which to rate my impressions. And now, on to the stories:

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3 books, 2 films, and a pizza place

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“And when short February’s done…”

Wow! Is it March already? In my ongoing quest to review every book I read this year I have found myself behind. And so what you have above is the results of my efforts to catch up with all my reviews through February. And I have done so! If you click on any of the above images it will take you directly to the review for that book or film. I realize this is overload but I tried to keep the reviews more brief than normal in the hopes that you will still read and comment. Allow me to thank you right now!

If you continue on after the jump on this post, you can read my summary of February, a send off for The Sci-Fi Experience, and a hint of Once Upon a Time II which is less than three weeks away!

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Film

Penelope

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With little or no effort one can successfully argue the fact that the romantic comedy is a predictable, formulaic genre of film. The rehashing of ages old fairy stories with one-dimensional characters has been done over and over again and will continue to be done. Is it any wonder that the critics are merciless in the reviewing of these films? Take the latest offering, Penelope, for example. With its Ugly Duckling theme and the fact that the film itself has reportedly been delayed for two years, not to mention that it is being released during the month where film dreams go to die, February, it wouldn’t be surprising to be able to uphold Penelope as an example of all that is wrong with this genre of film.

What is truly surprising, however, is that Penelope defies the odds and instead represents just what is and can be right about romantic comedies.

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Film

The Other Boleyn Girl

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I am an unapologetic fan of the period piece film and generally enjoy them regardless of the opinions offered by the critics. With its release in February and the fact that it was bound to be a depressing film (after all, anyone with a cursory knowledge of history knows just how Anne Boleyn meets her end), I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit worried that my 18 bucks (movie for two) was essentially being thrown away.

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Young Adult

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

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–published 2007
–544 pages, Scholastic Press
–4/5 stars

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a book that could not escape notice as people began to share their year end round-up posts at the close of 2007. It seemed that many people had read this book and as one they praised it as a marvelous young-adult tale. That interest from other bloggers peaked my interest. The book’s synopsis then ensured that it would not be long before I picked this book up and read it for myself:

Orphan, Clock Keeper, and Thief, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together…in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

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