TV SERIES: Mr. Bean (1990-1995)

Mr. Bean
starring Rowan Atkinson

If you haven't been introduced to the joys of "Mr. Bean," then go to YouTube and watch any (or all) of the clips of Mr. Bean episodes. You can't help laughing. And your kids will too. You gotta love anything that's funny and clean and that the whole family can watch together.
We purchased this DVD set, "The Whole Bean" which my kids love.  We also enjoyed "Mr. Bean's Holiday." By the way, don't bother with the "Mr. Bean Animated Series." It's just not that funny. You have to see Rowan Atkinson doing his stuff.

BOOK: Austenland

Austenland
by Shannon Hale

Dear "Pride and Prejudice" Fan,

Yes, you. You know who you are.  And I'm not talking about the book. 

If you love the BBC mini-series (or even if you like the 2005 film with Kiera Knightley which is utterly inferior, but for some reason people like it) and you haven't read Shannon Hale's "Austenland" then you are in for a treat. I read it in practically one sitting, which isn't a tremendous feat considering it's less than 200 pages long, and is a delightful and easy read.   I absolutely giggled my way through the book. If you are a Jane Austen fan, you won't be disappointed.... how could you not love a book that begins with a dedication reading, "For Colin Firth: You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends."

However, if you are an Austen-purist, you should probably stay away.  This book is pure silly fun.

[Shannon Hale is an excellent writer.  Her youth and young adult books are wonderful.  This was her first adult novel and the first one I read.  Since I was pleased with it I eagerly read "The Actor and the Housewife."  Ugh!  I'm not going to waste my time telling you all the things wrong with it.  It was disturbing on so many levels.]

TV SERIES: Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

Pushing Daisies (TV-PG)
starring Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Kristin Chenoweth

I was totally smitten with this show while it lasted, which, unfortunately, was only 2 seasons. It is the perfect blend of funny/quirky, sweet/romantic, with a little drama and action to boot. I also love that the creators aren't afraid to throw in cheesy musical numbers, ala "Grease" and "They Might Be Giants." No one can blame them. After all, with the hilarious and talented Kristin Chenoweth among the fabulous cast, how could they help it? Not to mention "the" Prince Charming himself, Lee Pace, and the absolutely darling Anna Friel. Add to that the eye-popping sets and "Chuck's" gorgeous wardrobe, and there is enough eye-candy to last until the next episode. Even Jay likes it.   And that's saying something.

FILM: Departures (2008)

Departures (PG-13)
in Japanese with English Subtitles

I usually enjoy foreign films and I really liked this one, called "Okuribito" ("Departures" in English).  It is rated PG-13, mostly due to thematic material. An unemployed cellist finds himself accidentally accepting a very unusual job, and learns some profound lessons through his journey. It's at times very funny, sometimes awkward, and occasionally sad, but quite good. It's very different from most American films, cinematically (I think that's a word) as well as culturally. Jay and I really enjoyed it.

I am interested to know what other people thought of it. Did you see it?

BOOK: Dive (series)

Dive (series)
by Gordon Korman
Book One:  The Discovery
Book Two:  The Deep
Book Three:  The Danger

I have enjoyed what I have read by Gordon Korman so far, including this series.  It's exciting and well-written.  The narration switches between the main characters, but it isn't distracting.  There are also flashbacks to the 1600's which add to the mystery and enhance the story about four teenagers' adventures during a summer diving internship in the Caribbean.  There are some pretty intense scenes and a bit of violence (not graphic), so I wouldn't recommend this series to younger children.

I do have one criticism.  Considering the reading level and subject matter, I'm surprised that each book is only around 150 pages (in larger type with wide margins), which makes each book appear to be geared more toward lower grades.  I suppose it was a publishing/marketing/sales strategy to make this a 3 book series when it would have made more sense to combine this into one longer novel (which would probably end of being around 300 pages with normal margins and type).  Oh well.

Age recommendation:  10 years and up

BOOK: Cody Unplugged

Cody Unplugged
by Betsy Duffey

A cute chapter book about a boy who goes away to summer camp for the first time and learns to survive without electronics, makes friends, learns a lot about himself and how to have fun without "technology," and comes to appreciate his family and the life he has.

Nothing offensive other than a few harmless summer camp pranks and a bit of mild teasing.

Age recommendation:  7-10

BOOK: The Year My Parents Ruined My Life

The Year My Parents Ruined My Life
by Martha Freeman

Actually, I didn't finish reading this book.  I got halfway through and decided it was garbage and it would be a waste of my time to finish it.  I was the second parent to review this for our school library, and the first person rejected it with a solid "no."  Now I know why.  Shall I enlighten you?

1)  It's poorly written.  It's written from a third-person limited perspective, with the narration relating to the thoughts of the 6th-grade protagonist.  However, it reads like it's actually first-person and written by a 6th grader.  It's awful.  The characters and motivations are ridiculously unbelievable. 

2)  The protagonist is a spoiled brat who cares nothing for her family or their happiness, and is only lost in thoughts of the boyfriend she leaves behind (she is only in 6th grade, for heaven sake!) when the family moves, and wishes only to sabotage everything and run away (which was does, apparently, though I didn't get that far). 

3)  Can you say "loose morals?"  The mother's normal attire is (her own daughter's description) tight mini skirts which she wears to work.  Huh?  Not to mention the kids at the elementary school regularly smoke in the bathroom and no one makes a fuss about it as if it's normal, and the main character "makes-out" with her much older boyfriend who she is worried will "cheat on her" (what does "cheating" mean to her, one wonders).  I could go on but I'm too disgusted.

It's just not appropriate for elementary school children... or any children, for that matter.  This book belongs in the trash, and certainly not in our school library.