I was saying to Liz earlier this week that nonfiction sometimes feels like a chore...but sometimes I am in the mood to read it. I have to recommend Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose. At first I was afraid it would be somewhat stuffy, but I'm learning all about these books I never heard of! Case in point: The Marquise of O-- by Heinrich von Kleist. Though Kleist tragically died young, his stories sound lively, racy and full of plot twists. The author of the book taught writing at a university in Utah and assigned the story to her students. She was holding her breath to see how the wholesome Mormons would react. (Of course, I kept thinking of Big Love.) It turns out they loved it! Now I want to read it.

And finally, I'm having brunch and seeing a movie with T this weekend. I suggested 3 movies and she's up for any of them. The Ten, Becoming Jane and No Reservations. Any recommendations?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I kind of want to see Becoming Jane, but I just don't see myself convincing the husband to go with me. So, if you see that, I can live vicariously.
12:06 PM
Bearette said…
Huh! Maybe I'll do that.
12:35 PM
Bearette said…
It does seem like a movie where there would be no men in the theater.
12:36 PM
Anonymous said…
come chat with me when you have time- I want to talk w/ you about the Berg novel!

(!!!!)
1:03 PM
blackcrag said…
No Reservations, hands down!

It stars Catharine Zeta Jones, it involves cooking, it Catharine Zeta Jones, it's a romance, and it stars Catharine Zeta Jones!

What more could you ask for?
2:56 AM
This suzy said…
I'm really curious what the book (The Marquise of O) is like and what it's about. I've heard of The Story of O (though I've never read it) and I'm kind of curious if they're related somehow. Please keep us posted! :)
7:26 PM
Bearette said…
Suzy - i will! i'm planning to take it out of the library as soon as a spot opens up on my hold list :)
10:13 PM
Bearette said…
Oh, and from what I know of the plot -- a girl is pregnant but she doesn't know who the father is, and has no memory of the act.
10:20 PM
Caro said…
How say, I don't know what any of them are about.
12:39 AM
Elsa said…
I can't help you out with a movie (other than I loved The Bourne Ultimatum - but that wasn't on your list).
12:22 PM
Bearette said…
Elsa - we're going to try to see that tonight!
3:35 PM
Bearette said…
E - I thought I should mention I'm having trouble loading your blog...youtube seems to be holding it up? Just wanted to let you know :)
3:36 PM
Elsa said…
Thanks for letting me know about the blog. I might have too many postings on the one page. I'll change that to a more managable and downloadable number! Thanks again and have fun at Bourne.
10:50 PM
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