So I think we've gotten to know each other well enough that I can now share my ever increasing dislike of the Jason myth and yes, anything connected with it.
So what is the Jason myth?
Jason is a 'hero' in Greek myth who sailed to the 'end' of the world to find the golden fleece - with a bunch of other heroes...
"Oh, but that doesn't sound to bad", you say
Well here's the thing Jason doesn't do very much for himself - and he's not even all that remarkable. The only thing that may classify hims as a hero is that he was trained by Cheiron (the centaur who trained a bunch of big named heroes from myth)... but you see all he does is gather a bunch of men for a journey, tell them to come sailing with him on a giant ship (the Argonaut) and then he sits back and lets these men (some of them are big names too, heck Heracles is aboard the ship) do all the work with their strengths, wits and powers.
And when Jason finally gets to the ends of the 'Earth' aka. Colchis his patron goddess makes Medea (the princess of those lands) fall in love with him.
She helps him every step of the way and she tells him what to do, and even hands him the golden fleece.
When they return to Jason's country, Medea is the one who kills Jason's opponents to the throne, Medea is the one who ensures his standing... and she ends up with nothing.
Jason later gives her the Greek equivalent of a divorce, abandons the kids and shacks up with someone younger... Medea becomes vindictive, spiteful and full of wrath - kills their children and runs off somewhere better.
Jason just wanders around after that till he is killed by the prow of his own boat.
Oh yah...
He's a 'hero' - I can see it.
Sorry Cheiron maybe this is one guy you shouldn't put in the yearbook.
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Books... I would not read again.
Hello all,
WASSUP!
So remember when I posted my previous blog and I said I would make another one... about books I would not read again - ever.
Well that's happening... right now.
But first, A DISCLAIMER.
These are my personal opinions and I am in no way, shape or form saying that I hate these books. Merely they were not to my liking.
Some of us like Gory Murder Mysteries, Teenage Books filled with Angsty-Angst-Angst and Non-Fiction Books where literally everyone dies.
I am not one of these people.
More often than not you will find me with a book with Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult/Coming of Age Themes than anything else. My tastes are eclectic - like my music choices - but there are some books I just don't like.
It's sad but true.
So here are some books that I can see the genius in ... but I would never, ever, ever read them again voluntarily (by forced I mean for a class).
The Godfather - Mario Puzo
The Genius:
Mario Puzo's The Godfather, is considered a Pop-Cult Classic and I can see the appeal for other people. It tells a story of everyday "Joe's" trying to make their lives better for themselves, their family and their friends; because the government sure isn't. This makes the story appeal to the same sort of people who exist outside of the book - fighting for the same things. Granted the Corleone Family does become the Mob in doing so, but hey it's still a certain degree of honorable.Puzo wrote this book to identify with his Italian roots and instead it identified with a whole generation because of it's easy vocabulary and subsequent movies.
Why I'll never read it again:
There were times I read it and I just had to put it down because I could not find anything good, no moral standing at all for many of the characters - at times this was just too much for me. Yes, I realize that some characters and some people are like this and that they have no redeeming qualities but it was because his characters were so life-like and capable of doing such horrible things that made me cringe. I read my books to get out of my own head and to 'travel' somewhere else - I do not want to be 'traveling' to a place of pedophilia, favors and betrayal.
I finished it because I had to for an assignment, but there were times that it was a close call.
Although I will admit that the book got easier to read as it went along - less heinous acts and more just murder.
Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
The Genius:
Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men, is now commonplace in most high school classrooms across Canada. Steinbeck concentrates on the relationship between two men - both migrant ranch workers looking for work during the Great Depression. One man is the intelligent skinny guy (George), and the other the brawny one with no brains (his name is Lennie, today he would probably have been diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation). It tells the story of how two men can get by during a time of little else, and showcases the problems with color (racism) and misunderstandings.
Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I think this book hit a bit to close to home. My brother has special needs, because of this he is frequently misunderstood and I shudder to think what would have happened to him during this time period - much like Lennie ( the "dumb" one).
I just don't enjoy how anyone was treated in this story at all. The relationships found within are infuriating in their need to belittle the other person - the book just irked me.
And I'm about to be shot for this one...
The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins
The Genius:
These books tell a dystopian, post-apocalyptic story of a world be suppressed by their government, often to the point of starvation. Pushing those people in the poorest part of the world to poach, beg and steal what they can to eat. In order to keep the people in line and to 'provide' incentive to survive and stay under government control are the Hunger Games - be the last one standing and you can have it all - including the nightmares. But, not everything works out like it should.
Suzanne Collins works a beautiful piece of work, it makes you feel things with all of your heart and you therefore become attached to that world and the characters within it. If, an author can make you cry for a character or laugh with one - I think they're doing their job.
Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I thought the books were a-mazing. But they also scarred me for life...
I could not read anything else for weeks. I was devastated.
My own Mother asked me why I was reading the books if I was crying my eyes out the whole time - I used two whole boxes of kleenex on the final book alone.
I couldn't even start the last book without giving myself a break in between the second one and the finally - but I had to find out what happened to that world. I was hooked and I couldn't stop - it was like an addiction. I needed to know what happened to my favourite characters- and in the end they died.
Devastated.
I escaped to a world that should have known from the beginning that what it was doing was horribly wrong and they should have attempted to fix it. This is not Rome and those kids should not have been gladiators or civil prisoners for the lions.
It was a horrible juxtaposition.
That being said I'll probably still see the movie version - just to torture myself some more... and probably be put off movies for a month.
Oh well
Till next time,
-Ari
WASSUP!
So remember when I posted my previous blog and I said I would make another one... about books I would not read again - ever.
Well that's happening... right now.
But first, A DISCLAIMER.
These are my personal opinions and I am in no way, shape or form saying that I hate these books. Merely they were not to my liking.
Some of us like Gory Murder Mysteries, Teenage Books filled with Angsty-Angst-Angst and Non-Fiction Books where literally everyone dies.
I am not one of these people.
More often than not you will find me with a book with Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult/Coming of Age Themes than anything else. My tastes are eclectic - like my music choices - but there are some books I just don't like.
It's sad but true.
So here are some books that I can see the genius in ... but I would never, ever, ever read them again voluntarily (by forced I mean for a class).
The Godfather - Mario Puzo
 |
| The Godfather - Mario Puzo |
Mario Puzo's The Godfather, is considered a Pop-Cult Classic and I can see the appeal for other people. It tells a story of everyday "Joe's" trying to make their lives better for themselves, their family and their friends; because the government sure isn't. This makes the story appeal to the same sort of people who exist outside of the book - fighting for the same things. Granted the Corleone Family does become the Mob in doing so, but hey it's still a certain degree of honorable.Puzo wrote this book to identify with his Italian roots and instead it identified with a whole generation because of it's easy vocabulary and subsequent movies.
Why I'll never read it again:
There were times I read it and I just had to put it down because I could not find anything good, no moral standing at all for many of the characters - at times this was just too much for me. Yes, I realize that some characters and some people are like this and that they have no redeeming qualities but it was because his characters were so life-like and capable of doing such horrible things that made me cringe. I read my books to get out of my own head and to 'travel' somewhere else - I do not want to be 'traveling' to a place of pedophilia, favors and betrayal.
I finished it because I had to for an assignment, but there were times that it was a close call.
Although I will admit that the book got easier to read as it went along - less heinous acts and more just murder.
Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
| Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck |
Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men, is now commonplace in most high school classrooms across Canada. Steinbeck concentrates on the relationship between two men - both migrant ranch workers looking for work during the Great Depression. One man is the intelligent skinny guy (George), and the other the brawny one with no brains (his name is Lennie, today he would probably have been diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation). It tells the story of how two men can get by during a time of little else, and showcases the problems with color (racism) and misunderstandings.
Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I think this book hit a bit to close to home. My brother has special needs, because of this he is frequently misunderstood and I shudder to think what would have happened to him during this time period - much like Lennie ( the "dumb" one).
I just don't enjoy how anyone was treated in this story at all. The relationships found within are infuriating in their need to belittle the other person - the book just irked me.
And I'm about to be shot for this one...
The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins
| The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins |
These books tell a dystopian, post-apocalyptic story of a world be suppressed by their government, often to the point of starvation. Pushing those people in the poorest part of the world to poach, beg and steal what they can to eat. In order to keep the people in line and to 'provide' incentive to survive and stay under government control are the Hunger Games - be the last one standing and you can have it all - including the nightmares. But, not everything works out like it should.
Suzanne Collins works a beautiful piece of work, it makes you feel things with all of your heart and you therefore become attached to that world and the characters within it. If, an author can make you cry for a character or laugh with one - I think they're doing their job.
Why I'll Never Read It Again:
I thought the books were a-mazing. But they also scarred me for life...
I could not read anything else for weeks. I was devastated.
My own Mother asked me why I was reading the books if I was crying my eyes out the whole time - I used two whole boxes of kleenex on the final book alone.
I couldn't even start the last book without giving myself a break in between the second one and the finally - but I had to find out what happened to that world. I was hooked and I couldn't stop - it was like an addiction. I needed to know what happened to my favourite characters- and in the end they died.
Devastated.
I escaped to a world that should have known from the beginning that what it was doing was horribly wrong and they should have attempted to fix it. This is not Rome and those kids should not have been gladiators or civil prisoners for the lions.
It was a horrible juxtaposition.
That being said I'll probably still see the movie version - just to torture myself some more... and probably be put off movies for a month.
Oh well
Till next time,
-Ari
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Popular Culture
Oh the joys of spring courses. That moment when you're almost done your degree and to ensure that you last year isn't to hard you take a few courses... and usually those courses are introductions to other fields or perhaps they're just dull. But, I, apparently lucked out. Currently I am taking a course called Religion in Pop. Culture and I think the title says it all.
Taught by one of my favourite Professors this course is like all of his other courses one in which you must think and by think, I mean by looking at all the sides and critically.
Think outside the box!
Religious influences are in popular culture left, right and centre. And certainly in things you wouldn't expect.
Similar Power Structures
Delineation of Spaces
Ritualistic Behaviours
All things you wouldn't expect to find in a book - are suddenly there.
And it's brilliant.
Taught by one of my favourite Professors this course is like all of his other courses one in which you must think and by think, I mean by looking at all the sides and critically.
Think outside the box!
Religious influences are in popular culture left, right and centre. And certainly in things you wouldn't expect.
Similar Power Structures
Delineation of Spaces
Ritualistic Behaviours
All things you wouldn't expect to find in a book - are suddenly there.
And it's brilliant.
Looking for a good book?
Hello my fellow readers...
however few you may be :D
Remember in my original post where I mentioned I love all things books.
I wasn't lying. I adore them. So much so that I recently had to make my self some more book shelves.
As I was rearranging them I realized that now seems like as good a time as any to talk to you about some of my favourites and as they're so "Splintered" (ah ah see what I did there... well you will) or should I say eccentric this will be a two part-er.
Now I more of a favourite author gal myself. When I find a fantastic author I stick to them like crazy-glue. No seriously I do. These are the books I read when I'm sad, or need a moment to myself - they're the artists that create my comfort-food... books.
Things like the Nightseer, by Laurell K. Hamilton, which I've already mentioned as a book I read in order to relax, makes it to the short list. I'm fairly certain I own all of her Anita Blake and Merry Gentry Series' books (more on that in another post - I promise). Other authors like Garth Nix, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Tamora Pierce and Rick Riordan also make this list. As do my two "new" favourite authors: A.G. Howard and Deborah Harkness.
So what's so appealing you ask?
Well... it's the way these authors create an entirely different (or not so different) world. It's the way they tell a story that transports you to a new place, so that you can escape your own tedious one for just a moment, just a second, and breathe in the new sites and sounds. All of this in the comfort of your own bedroom. Their characters remind you of yourself and go through the same kinds of problems (and by problems I mean - anxiety or dementia, coming out to your parents or being different) giving you the courage to at least look at your own problems.
They set you free.
And teach you a little something about your self in the process.
Which is why we love them so much.
So what exactly do I read: Well let's take a jaunt, and let me break it down for you.
(Since I've already looked at Laurell K Hamilton and Garth Nix - Nightseer and Sabriel being my favourites from these two- in a previous post I'll leave those two out to talk about another time.)
Atwater-Rhodes wrote this book when she was 15... you saw that right 15 and it is brilliant. I remember reading it when I was 17 for the first time and thinking "Wow, I wish I was this brilliant." The book itself is not very long, has large print and is obviously written to the Young Adult Audience. All while managing to be about an dark-haired, fair-skinned outcast of a girl and what I like to call, the "asshole" with redeeming qualities, who just so happens to be a vampire.
(No he does not sparkle, yes he drinks blood, and yes he's broody).
The book is an easy read and takes you to something a bit more primitive - where blood is the coin you pay in and we (the reader) are just along for the ride.
And this book is by far the best in this series - so check - it - out!
Percy Jackson - how was this series not made earlier. This series and the following sequel series are genius modern adaptations of Greek and Roman myths. They're so brilliant that I felt like ate through the book in no time. The large print and funny chapter titles... make it that much easier to read. This series and the subsequent one, tell the stories or quests of half-bloods or demi-gods. Add to that the gods in all their forms and ancient monsters and you have all the ingredients for a Homeric Epic, without the Hymns and for a younger audience.
By far my personal favourite series by Tamora Pierce, the Immortals Series tells the tale of Dane a girl with Wild Magic - who doesn't know that she has it (she just thinks she's a bit crazy). On her travels she meets new people, falls in love and discovers who her dead parents really were. The books are essentially one book split into four- smaller books for lighter reading and are good for those rainy days - to read to yourself or kiddie.
The debut novel by A.G. Howard is a modern adaptation ... or continuation if you will of Alice in Wonderland. A bit slow to get into (at least for me - slow for me is in the second/third chapter) but keep at it because it gets soooo much better. In fact it gets fantastic. The heroine of this story is a descendent of Miss Alice and her family is cursed. They can talk to insects - and that's what has landed their family in the looney bin or to commit suicide. Until ... a strange, curious insect appears, and it leads back into Alice's dream or nightmare.
Classified forYoung Adult audience- but who cares, some of the best books are in that section to begin with and it was very easy for me to finish reading within two/three days. I just could not put it down.
And I am waiting, ever patiently for the next one. January you are cold but I want that book so bad!
Words cannot describe how much I adore this and Shadow of the Night. Both books transport you to the world of a witch- a very special one in fact. A witch who doesn't wish to be a part of the Supernatural world, and would much rather be a Doctorate in the History of Alchemy. Until a college and fellow member of the Supernatural walks in and steals her library work space... and he just so happens to be a Vampire.
In a world of Daemons, Vampires and Witches the number one objective is to stay hidden from the Humans. But Vampires are starting to die, Daemons are getting a little more crazy and the Witches... there are less and less. The book teaches you about History, while looking at how we're made, adding in the dynamics of being Christian and a Vampire, a Witch without using magic. Ultimately trying to discover how we got here and how we're to evolve.
You can definitely tell how well researched the book is and imagine how wonderful a Prof. Deborah Harkness makes - the words just leap off the page and you don't want to put the books down.
I cannot wait to read the conclusion to these two novels.
That's all for this one folks.
Till the next time
(The next one will be on some books I would not read again...)
Ta ta
-Ari
however few you may be :D
Remember in my original post where I mentioned I love all things books.
I wasn't lying. I adore them. So much so that I recently had to make my self some more book shelves.
As I was rearranging them I realized that now seems like as good a time as any to talk to you about some of my favourites and as they're so "Splintered" (ah ah see what I did there... well you will) or should I say eccentric this will be a two part-er.
Now I more of a favourite author gal myself. When I find a fantastic author I stick to them like crazy-glue. No seriously I do. These are the books I read when I'm sad, or need a moment to myself - they're the artists that create my comfort-food... books.
Things like the Nightseer, by Laurell K. Hamilton, which I've already mentioned as a book I read in order to relax, makes it to the short list. I'm fairly certain I own all of her Anita Blake and Merry Gentry Series' books (more on that in another post - I promise). Other authors like Garth Nix, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Tamora Pierce and Rick Riordan also make this list. As do my two "new" favourite authors: A.G. Howard and Deborah Harkness.
So what's so appealing you ask?
Well... it's the way these authors create an entirely different (or not so different) world. It's the way they tell a story that transports you to a new place, so that you can escape your own tedious one for just a moment, just a second, and breathe in the new sites and sounds. All of this in the comfort of your own bedroom. Their characters remind you of yourself and go through the same kinds of problems (and by problems I mean - anxiety or dementia, coming out to your parents or being different) giving you the courage to at least look at your own problems.
They set you free.
And teach you a little something about your self in the process.
Which is why we love them so much.
So what exactly do I read: Well let's take a jaunt, and let me break it down for you.
(Since I've already looked at Laurell K Hamilton and Garth Nix - Nightseer and Sabriel being my favourites from these two- in a previous post I'll leave those two out to talk about another time.)
 | |
| Demon in My View - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes |
(No he does not sparkle, yes he drinks blood, and yes he's broody).
The book is an easy read and takes you to something a bit more primitive - where blood is the coin you pay in and we (the reader) are just along for the ride.
And this book is by far the best in this series - so check - it - out!
 | |
| Percy Jackson (The Olympians Series) - Rick Riordan |
Percy Jackson - how was this series not made earlier. This series and the following sequel series are genius modern adaptations of Greek and Roman myths. They're so brilliant that I felt like ate through the book in no time. The large print and funny chapter titles... make it that much easier to read. This series and the subsequent one, tell the stories or quests of half-bloods or demi-gods. Add to that the gods in all their forms and ancient monsters and you have all the ingredients for a Homeric Epic, without the Hymns and for a younger audience.
 |
| The Immortals Series - Tamora Pierce |
By far my personal favourite series by Tamora Pierce, the Immortals Series tells the tale of Dane a girl with Wild Magic - who doesn't know that she has it (she just thinks she's a bit crazy). On her travels she meets new people, falls in love and discovers who her dead parents really were. The books are essentially one book split into four- smaller books for lighter reading and are good for those rainy days - to read to yourself or kiddie.
 |
| Splintered - A.G Howard |
The debut novel by A.G. Howard is a modern adaptation ... or continuation if you will of Alice in Wonderland. A bit slow to get into (at least for me - slow for me is in the second/third chapter) but keep at it because it gets soooo much better. In fact it gets fantastic. The heroine of this story is a descendent of Miss Alice and her family is cursed. They can talk to insects - and that's what has landed their family in the looney bin or to commit suicide. Until ... a strange, curious insect appears, and it leads back into Alice's dream or nightmare.
Classified forYoung Adult audience- but who cares, some of the best books are in that section to begin with and it was very easy for me to finish reading within two/three days. I just could not put it down.
And I am waiting, ever patiently for the next one. January you are cold but I want that book so bad!
 |
| All Soul's Trilogy - Deborah Harkness |
In a world of Daemons, Vampires and Witches the number one objective is to stay hidden from the Humans. But Vampires are starting to die, Daemons are getting a little more crazy and the Witches... there are less and less. The book teaches you about History, while looking at how we're made, adding in the dynamics of being Christian and a Vampire, a Witch without using magic. Ultimately trying to discover how we got here and how we're to evolve.
You can definitely tell how well researched the book is and imagine how wonderful a Prof. Deborah Harkness makes - the words just leap off the page and you don't want to put the books down.
I cannot wait to read the conclusion to these two novels.
That's all for this one folks.
Till the next time
(The next one will be on some books I would not read again...)
Ta ta
-Ari
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