Looking For Alaska by John Green

     Looking for Alaska by John Green is absolutely fantastic and splendid! If you've read the book, you might remember that a girl named Alaska would leap into those words (absolutely, splendid and fantastic). The depth to which Green goes into conveying the personality and spirit of each character in this book is wonderful to explore and makes it easy to conjure an image, then bring to life the story in your mind. Because of the well-developed characters and their respective spirits, you're sure to keep this book close to heart and soul.

     Because this "coming-of-age" story is split into two parts, "Before" and "After", around a central event, I cannot easily describe much of the book's wonder without spoiling what is sure to be a new favorite of prospective readers.

     Miles "Pudge" Halter is in search of the "Great Perhaps". Upon moving into Culver Creek, a boarding school, he is sure his chances of finding the Great Perhaps are more likely because of the friends he makes almost immediately. Life at the Creek is exciting, unpredictable and fun. He embarks on adventures rather frequently with his roommate "The Colonel" and their mutual friends Alaska and Takumi.

     Alaska is moody, fun, intelligent and broken. At times, Miles is unsure what Alaska's most recent issue with the world is, but he grows accustomed to her mood swings and finds himself head over heels for her anyway. Though Alaska is dating a guy named Jake, Miles can't stop the feelings he has for Alaska but keeps them safely tucked away for the sake of their friendship.

Author John Green

     Miles has found acceptance, love and adventure at the Creek and it seems things couldn't get any better on his journey to the Great Perhaps. Life has a way, however, of throwing a wrench in the motor of a smooth-running machine at times. Suddenly things are moving (and stumbling) at the speed of life and you, the reader, are along for the ride. Miles and his friends find themselves in a world turned topsy-turvy and gray where tough questions are left unanswered.

     You're certain to find yourself enveloped in the setting, the characters and the storyline. I would encourage you to read this novel to discover what exactly happens at the Creek that thrusts Miles & Co. into some of life's biggest issues no one can really expect or prepare for, especially at their age.

     You can find Looking For Alaska at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.

A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young

     Ideas are a new combination of old elements. We use our minds with existing resources to create something new, hopefully unique and perfect for our needs. James Webb Young (1886-1973) wrote this very short guide which could really be more of an essay. In one sit-down reading session, you'll learn more about the following five steps of the creative process that is idea-production.

1.      Gather. Specifically, gather raw materials. This would include information about your program/business/product in combination with your vernacular, experiences and knowledge. Looking to freshen your raw material supply? Take a look through the dictionary and see words as images and "short stories" as Webb puts it. A word, an experience, a memory won't necessarily make logical sense with your purpose just yet. A useful suggestion of Webb's is to write each piece of information (anything that comes to mind) on a 3x5 index card for the next step.
2.      Examine. Work the materials over in your mind. Imagine each piece of raw material as a jigsaw piece and turn it around and around with other pieces. How can two (or three or four) ideas fit together? Maybe they don't, but consider every angle of each idea and  perhaps a tangent will lead you to a new piece of raw material to consider.
3.      Incubation. After you've exhausted your mind in exploring all the possible combinations and maybe-cohesive materials, leave it be and let your unconscious mind take over. Keep your brain stimulated with music, film, exercise or even sleep. When you're finished, hopefully you'll be near step four.



Author James Webb Young

4.      Eureka! If you haven't already had an unexpected Eureka! moment, take a look again at what you left in step 3. Do you see it in a new way or do things appear differently than before? Are there new possibilities or things you hadn't considered during step 2? This is the step where you find your idea. It's rough around the edges but it's there and time to put up to the jury for criticism and collaboration. 
5.      Fine-tuning. Work with your partners (or by yourself) to see how your idea needs shaping and further development to exactly fit the needs and purposes of your original task.

     This simple five-step process can be successful if you're persistent and passionate about producing ideas and creative thinking. As with all things practice and experience bring progress and eventual success.

     You can find A Technique for Producing Ideas at your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle or as a paperback.

Five, Six, Seven, NATE! by Tim Federle

     Tim Federle follows Better Nate Than Ever with another awe-inspiring story from the heart. Nate's journey in New York continues and takes turns so exciting and sharp you had best wear your seat belt.

     In Five, Six, Seven, NATE!, Nate Foster (my new superhero) is an understudy to the role of E.T. in Broadway's production of E.T.: The Musical. Nate must deal with a wide variety of creative staff, some old and some new, including a director who can't remember Nate's name and a choreographer fueled by junk food and poor fashion. At times it seems no matter how bright Nate shines, the staff only sees a sparkle and then other times when Nate would rather not be noticed, he's seen by all.

     In a rather interesting series of events Nate befriends Asella, a fellow understudy with 25 years' experience, who it would seem never carried much of a liking for children until Nate. With his best friend Libby's support from afar and the local support of Asella and his aunt Heidi, Nate is armed with all tools needed to navigate the business of show business in this gripping sequel.

Author Tim Federle

     I couldn't put this book down. A note from a secret admirer, the uncertainty of the production's future, tension with the leading role of Elliot, Jordan Rylance, who is also originally from the Pittsburgh area as well and incidental miracles will entrust your hands to the covers until you've finished the story, welcomed it into your heart, and shelved the book among your favorites.

     I finished this book in less than 24 hours and found myself filled to the brim with tears of joy throughout the final four chapters. I, as well as I'm sure many others, relate to the main character Nate and can't help but find myself going through so many emotions as if for the first time again with Nate. Euphoria, fear, worry, hopelessness, shame, hope, confusion, excitement, uncertainty and my favorite: love.

     Five, Six, Seven, NATE! will keep you on the edge of your futon and grinning from ear to ear by the end. Pre-Order Federle's newest book (to be released January 28th, 2014) in hardcover or for your Amazon Kindle.

X-Men: Destiny Game Review and Juggernaut Smash-Up Tip

PS3 Cover Art for X-Men: Destiny

     I'm a man of many interests. Games just happen to be one of those I haven't blogged about previously. I never start a game, however, without the full intention of completing it to 100%, having unlocked all trophies/achievements. My most recent game, X-Men: Destiny, was a surprisingly fun game I wanted to share with my readers.

     X-Men: Destiny takes place after the simultaneous deaths from battle between X-Men leader Charles Xavier and the futuristic war weapon Bastion. The mutants are divided into two factions, the Brotherhood and the X-Men. While the Brotherhood seeks a future where mutants, or Homo Superiors, reign over the inferior human race, X-Men seek a plane of equality and harmony between mutants and humans. A mutant war ensues and you must help bring the instigator to their demise.

     Throughout the game, you make destiny-altering choices by choosing to side with the X-Men or the Brotherhood in mission objectives. In order to unlock all trophies and achievements, you will have to go back into missions after you've completed them and make the opposite choice to unlock it. I recommend doing this once you've completed the game. For example, if on the first play-through you choose to join Cyclops and the X-Men at the end of Mission 6: Priorities, go back in to the particular mission and play it again but choosing to join the Brotherhood at the end.

     Completing the game on X-treme difficulty will, of course, unlock the two lesser trophies/achievements regarding difficulty. I played with Adrian (Shadow Matter) and Aimee (Energy Projection) and liked Energy Projection with Aimee best. I was able to completely power up everything and though some X-Gene Setups are generally powerful, I found there wasn't a universal "beat-all" setup. Each boss presents different challenges and you'll need to adjust your X-Gene setup to best battle each particular boss. On the easier difficulties, this isn't as important, but on X-Treme, I found it came right down to the setup and your reflexes.

Adrian in the Juggernaut suit
followed by the Juggernaut himself.

     My biggest struggle was in activating Challenge 14, the Juggernaut Smash-Up. I read many different reviews and tips and walk-throughs all telling me different things but were incorrect, causing me to do an entire second play-through when in reality I would have only had to re-do a few missions. Of course some of you may prefer an entire new playthrough to jumping around missions. Here are the facts about Challenge 14, the Juggernaut Smash-Up:

     Your faction doesn't matter BUT at the end of Mission 5 after battling Hodge, Nightcrawler will ask if you'd rather see Mystique or Cyclops and you MUST choose Mystique (Brotherhood faction) in order to be able to unlock Challenge 14: Juggernaut Smash-Up. After meeting up with Caliban, then Northstar, you'll meet up with Juggernaut. In the dialogue choices, be sure to select Juggernaut Smash-Up and you'll be set to complete the challenge. If you fail, no worries - finish the mission and you can go back in via the start menu to complete the challenge at a later time.

     Overall, I'd rate this game 4/5 stars. While I sometimes found the loading time between missions a bit long and the dialogue and "story moments" a bit drawn out, that paled in comparison to the pleasure from bosses, fights and X-Gene fun. I enjoyed this game on X-Treme difficulty and appreciate its many characters introduced and maintained throughout the storyline. I wouldn't mind picking this title back up again in the future for a nostalgic run through the mutant war one more time.

     I won't publicly spoil more of the storyline and characters introduced in the game, but feel free to send a message, leave a comment or add me on PSN (PlayStation Network) to ask questions, seek advice or just expand your gamer network. See you in gameland!

Albert Nobbs Starring Glenn Close

     My husband and I just finished watching 'Albert Nobbs' starring Glenn Close and based upon the novella by George Moore. To be able to say "my husband and I" after watching a film such as this carries with it a personal impact I couldn't possibly describe to you. We are truly blessed to be a part of the 21st century.

     The story of Albert Nobbs is touching and is sure to engage your heart throughout the film. Albert Nobbs, a woman acting as a man to get by in the 19th century, works in a hotel as a waiter and is challenged to conceal his gender secret constantly. After a significant event, Albert knows he must follow his heart, work for his dreams and find love. He doesn't forget his secret - in fact, he still debates on when would be the appropriate time to let his love interest know the truth.

Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs

     Without revealing much more of the story, I leave you to consider a world without gender, sexual desire or physical appearances. Perhaps you're left with souls co-existing, able to acquaint themselves with one another based on the great mystery of love itself and all it entails? I often wonder how great it would be to live in a world where love took precedence over physical appearance and sexual desire. Perhaps it would be better? Perhaps not. I do know, however, that my heart sympathizes with the main character of this must-see film and I wish for my readers to watch for themselves the story of Albert Nobbs.

And should you be inclined to check out George Moore's novella, it's a one-sitting quick read which goes through the very same experiences and provides perspective to the origin of the film and the story from which it blossomed.

The Terminal Man: Sir Alfred Mehran

Sir Alfred and belongings at Charles de Gaulle.

I recently finished The Terminal Man, an autobiography by Sir Alfred Mehran also known as Mehran Karimi Nasseri. In case you're not familiar with the name, Alfred is perhaps the most famous homeless man in history. He lived in Terminal One of Charles De Gaulle airport for approximately sixteen years, starting in 1988.

The autobiography itself was unique in the way that language was used. Alfred has a nack for using repetition for emphasis and for explaining some things in more detail than would otherwise be required.

Of all the homeless people I have met in my lifetime, it was encouraging to read this autobiography. For once, someone wasn't asking for money. In fact, on multiple occasions, people offered to send him money to help but he refused - he wasn't taking money from anyone. Food, on the other hand, was the only exception. Food and paper, that is. He kept a journal every day for his stay at Charles de Gaulle in France. The autobiography hardly contains a fraction of those entries.

Learning the background of this man and how he came to be stuck in the airport is a story you yourself should discover. Though this isn't as fast-paced as you might like, read it with respect remembering that the author lived sixteen years on a bench and then brought this perspective to you. You'll be as fascinated as I was to learn how Alfred's home went from nothing to becoming a bench at an airport.

It is my understanding that Steven Spielberg has never officially announced that The Terminal was based on Alfred's life but he did, in fact, pay Alfred $300,000 for rights to Alfred's life story prior to production of The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Therefore, it is my opinion after having read the autobiography and having seen the film that The Terminal is based on the situation of Sir Alfred Mehran.

If you've seen the movie and want to learn more about where the idea came from, read this book. You're sure to finish the last page with a new perspective on government, life and appreciation for the simple things.

Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins: My First Graphic Novel

Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins is, as you might have guessed, the graphic novel that inspired the Dreamworks film by the same name starring Tom Hanks and Tyler Hoechlin. It tells the tale of Michael O'Sullivan, a family man who works for mafia-involved Mr. Looney. Michael is known as the archangel of death to people near and far or "the angel" for short. When one of Michael's two sons, Michael O'Sullivan Jr. witnesses his father and Looney's son Connor kill a group of men, Connor tells his father, Mr. Looney who gives a sealed envelope containing Michael's death-sentence to be delivered to his would-be murderer in exchange for forgiveness of all debts.  Looney had allegedly only ordered the death of Michael that night but Connor, on his own initiative visits the O'Sullivan home in the night killing all who were home which were his wife and youngest son. Luckily Michael O'Sullivan Jr. wasn't home yet but he unfortunately walked in to find his mother and brother dead. This is just the beginning.

The rest of the graphic novel tells the tale of father and son on the road, running from Looney's men. Finding that Al Capone's allegiance still remains with Looney, Michael is forced to avenge the death of his family on his own with Michael O'Sullivan Jr. alongside. Michael Sr. is a noble man but his son puts it best when he says his father was no saint but he also wasn't a butcher.

Tyler Hoechlin as
Michael O'Sullivan Jr.

One of the most precious parts of the film to me was the fact that the son never had to murder. He held a gun several times and nearly killed Jude Law's character, Harlen (an assassin hired by Nitti, Capone's man, at the approval of Looney) before his father stepped in and saved his son the lifetime burden. In the graphic novel however, Michael Jr. saves his father's life by killing a man intending to do the same to Michael Sr.

Another major difference between the film and graphic novel would be the fact that Jude Law's character, Harlen, doesn't even exist in the graphic novel. I loved his character in the film and how he tracked the O'Sullivans throughout the story but sorely missed his presence and demeanor in the book.

Jude Law as Harlen, the assassin
from the film Road to Perdition

The adaptation from book to film was, aside from previously mentioned major differences, very impressive. I hadn't realized how graphic novels were similar to films until I found myself engrossed in the "rat tat tats," "bam bam blams," and the fast, thrilling story line of outstanding art and character. When reading a traditional novel, detail is the jewel - graphic novels, however, play to the imagination, the reader's interpretation of art stills and a dynamic story line.

This was my first graphic novel experience. Having previously thought graphic novels and comics were for men and women enthralled with the pleasures of their youths, I must admit how sorely mistaken I was. Graphic novels span all ages, imaginations and interests. I'm glad I took a ride on The Road to Perdition and I hope you will too.

film images property of Dreamworks and Twentieth Century Fox

Blue Lawn by William Taylor

Author, William Taylor

It happens. We live life, our hearts tell us one thing, our minds tell another. In The Blue Lawn by William Taylor, David, a near-16-year-old boy, can't help but feel funny around Theo - a boy a few years older who was held back in school. They're nothing alike. Theo likes driving fast, smoking cigarettes and being lazy. David hunts, plays rugby and likes gardens. A friendship that starts with fists flying and anger develops into something neither one of them can truly explain - but something neither one really wants to lose.

The Blue Lawn was a wonderful, touching short story (122 pages). I enjoyed every chapter. The writing style of Taylor was enjoyable and easy to follow. My heart followed David's side of the relationship through ups, downs and all-arounds. When he was

If you're looking for a short, sweet read I would encourage this. Meet Theo's grandma - a strange, but loving, gardener who drives a Porsche. Meet David's family - a little rough on the edges, but simply sweet to the core. And of course hear the heart-clutching story of David and Theo - an unforeseen friendship on a path to the unknown - waiting for but not believing in the reality that is blue lawn.
jealous, anxious or confused, I was able to relate and understand where his feelings were coming from. We all have experienced similar situations and feelings at one time or another. By the end, I just wanted to cry for multiple reasons for multiple characters.

When I Knew by Robert Trachtenberg

Comedian and Author, Eddie Sarfaty

This morning at Lawrence Public Library, I picked up a book called When I Knew, edited by Robert Trachtenberg. It's a collection of stories and paragraphs by the more well-known citizens of our society telling their individual experiences with one of life's greatest moments. When I knew I was gay.

My favorite story was by Eddie Sarfaty, stand-up comedian. It was called "Second-Guessing Grandma" and is also featured as the opener to Eddie's book, Mental: Funny in the Head. Eddie came out to his grandma and went through the oh-so-familiar trials and tribulations of family tension for over a week. When he called his grandma, she would ho-hum around responses and, as he puts it, pins dropped and crickets chirped between fragments of the attempted conversation. Read the story. It's just four pages and will warm your heart much more than my summary. Eddie's story was also adapted for film and became a ten-minute film featured at festivals and online here.

Other stories in the collection were shorter but still straight from the heart. Some were one sentence, others were pages. The very first entry by Andrew Freedman is, "1969; My father was watching the evening news. The announcer said that Judy Garland had died. I fainted. I was nine." Many of the tales are similar in humor and make the book very enjoyable to read. I read it in one sitting and would have had a hard time putting it down for any reason short of an earthquake.