Tag Archives: review

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Review: “a Smile in One Eye…”

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a Smile in One Eye, a Tear in the Other -by Ralph Webster

  • DougInNC book review

This work contains life. Author Ralph Webster puts the reader in the conversation of his father sharing day to day existence in Germany during the rise of Hitler. It is about making-do and the makings of history, about minutiae as well as major moments.

  • (a day in the life) “Certain events are remembered for a lifetime. … Father’s fiftieth birthday in 1931 was one of those times.”

  • (a historical turning point) “… the events of 1933 sowed the seeds that fundamentally changed our future.”

Hear the history and learn from it. By the 1930s one’s world was not contained by borders, perhaps something World War I delivered in an unkind way. Germany was not just connected to Europe, but now to America, Palestine, and even China. Fleeing did not mean simply crossing one border, making one excursion, or finishing one move. Continue reading Book Review: “a Smile in One Eye…” →

Rant and Rave, Stage

Waitress -Musical by Sara Bareilles

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Why see it:

  • Tender story
  • More engaging live than on film

Waitress delivers a wonderful story. It is dramatic, touching, clever, original, and surprising. It transitions well from film to live action. But why, oh why, is this a musical? Nothing is enhanced by mixing tunes into this good drama.

Dare I be critical? What would the creative team say? Perhaps one would answer via song, or Sara-nade me:

  • “Say what you wanna say
  • And let the words fall out
  • Honestly I wanna see you be brave.”

Continue reading Waitress -Musical by Sara Bareilles →

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Report: “Children of Italy”

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Children of Italy -by Christine Simolke

  • DougInNC book report
  • “More than a Review”

Draw me in. Set scenes with senses. Make me want more. Finish the story. This book does all that in wonderful fashion.

Christine Simolke’s “Children of Italy” is about being where you belong, and the journey taken by heart, mind, and body to get there.

The Falconi endeavor crosses an ocean to find their place in America. Family is foremost, with enthusiastic children, coming-of-age women, and adults who look to establish a proper home. Continue reading Book Report: “Children of Italy” →

Movie, Movie Comments 2018, Rant and Rave

Black Panther

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You got me. Experience would say that a modern superhero movie is unlikely to hold my interest. Nor is science fiction adept at providing me with intrigue like it does most moviegoers. Yet, “Panther” held my attention and had topics to ponder.

I’ll say it: “I, uh, uh, … LIKED IT!” Action scenes were prevalent, but not the whole show. Costumes were sharp. Good versus evil was only part of the premise, while the premises included real-world and computer-graphics worlds. Characters had … character!

The actress and role that stole every scene for me was Letitia Wright as sister Shuri. I wanted to give her a “best supporting” award on the spot for her portrayal, her humor, her foreshadowing, her importance to the plot, and becoming a name to remember.

Rant and Rave, Stage

The Color Purple -Musical

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Why see it:

  • Ten Tony nominations in 2005
  • A revival on Broadway a decade later
  • Multiple national tours
  • A blockbuster!

But for me The Color Purple was from the Blockbuster era, meaning this touring show had VHS-like shortcomings and there are now better options. Still, I’m pleased to have seen the landmark musical and know the story, despite critiques you’ll read here.

Continue reading The Color Purple -Musical →

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Review: “What Does Love Sound Like?”

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What Does Love Sound Like? -by Padgett Gerler

  • DougInNC book Review

The pace at which this book progresses is as perfect as any I have read. It is imaginative but does not wander. Upon wading in, there is a flow like waves on the ocean as segments of the story well up to capture your full interest. When one element passes, an equally interesting aspect is there to take its place.

When will the movie be made?
Continue reading Book Review: “What Does Love Sound Like?” →

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Review: “To Any Soldier”

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To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters– by Kathryn Quigg, G.C. Hendricks

  • DougInNC book Review

My review begins in the book-of-letters style for “To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters.”
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author Kathryn Watson Quigg,
Brilliant! Your letters communicate the sprouting of a flower, the search for understanding, and the striving mind of youth.
Fondly,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author G. C. Hendricks,
Equally brilliant! Your letters remained focused, cut like a scalpel, and expose vulnerabilities below a hardened surface.
Faithfully,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Continue reading Book Review: “To Any Soldier” →