fourth of july

I really thought I would not be able to bring myself back to reading again. I have been busy, very busy, that is, with watching movies (old and new ones) that the thought (or even an attempt) of spending a few hours or even minutes with books (reading) had already seemed almost impossible. But since it felt like I have already watched all the movies there are worthy to be watched, and that I've been reading this Independence Day, on and off, by Richard Ford, for months now (which I realized wasn't a good sign), I decided, finally, last night, to give it another try (just finished reading it this morning). And I believe I have made the right decision.

I admired how Richard Ford depicted American life through the struggle of one of the most unforgettable characters in American Fiction, Frank Bascombe. I have learned to love and respect Frank (and also Ford) since his sportswriting days (read The Sportswriter by the same author, which is the prequel of Independence Day). I think I, in more ways than one, can relate with Frank's character. And I think this is the reason why I love the book and the character. For one to be able to really know Frank though, and to realize how good a writer Ford is, one needs to read both novels mentioned above. Independence Day is now one of my favorite books and Richard Ford, one of my favorite writers.

The book, Independence Day, won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1996.

Ford, and his talent for writing, will make you realize how good writing and a writer can become. I think I love him na.

movie and a book

Have seen Eastern Promises yesterday. The movie promises us simplicity, brilliance, beauty and intelligence. Something I can't really say my all-time favorite, but would certainly recommend to someone, instead of recommending those I consider my favorites. Weird. It is worth your P110, that is if you watch it in SM North Edsa, which is not a good idea.

Just finished reading Strange Pilgrims by the master himself, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and damn it (excuse me), he really is deserving of that Nobel. Consists of 12 wonderful stories, this book proves Mr. Marquez to be a master of writing.

Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone has gone a long way as far as filmmaking is concerned. As thrilling and haunting as its predecessor Mystic River, if not better, this movie definitely deserves a two thumbs-up, or whatever form of recognition you can give it. Based on the novel of Dennis Lehane, this movie has already proven itself to be one of this year's bests.

Realization/observation(s) while/after watching Gone:

1. Dennis Lehane is a fucking good writer.
2. Ben Affleck is better off as a director, more than anything else.
3. He doesn't look like his brother, Casey Affleck, who acted very well in the film.
4. You can actually smell Oscars while watching it (let's wait and see).
5. That I want, someday, to become a director and make films that will awe, and at the same time, break the audience's heart.

Great story + great acting + how Affleck ended the movie = must see.

the good and bad

Arrgg.. I haven't gotten myself any sleep since yesterday morning. For this reason, I feel very sleepy right now. I hate it. I hate it because I have to be a blabber at work (you know, call center life), and I am not really that kind, plus I'm really sleepy. I can't wait to go home and just enjoy the comfort of lying down and not think of anything. How lovely it must be.

The reason why I wasn't able to sleep last night was because of my new schedule at work. My shift was moved from 2am to 10:45pm. It isn't really that bad, but I think I'm already used to sleep a little late most nights. And it would certainly take days or weeks for me to be able to adjust with this new change.

On a lighter note, I was able to finish reading two novels last night. Michael Cunningham's The Hours (1998) and Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels (1974). So in a way, I'm still thankful to have not been able to sleep the whole day yesterday.

I have been reading The Killer Angels for months already; I had it since October. I had never read a novel about civil war before, thus I'm not a fan of the genre. The first part was somewhat boring. But how Shaara gave life to the characters in this book made it a good one. The story didn't just concentrate about the war and all the bloody fight stuff, but also with the people who got caught in it- their 'human' qualities. Cunningham's The Hours, on the other hand, is haunting. I have always admired this author, especially after reading his Flesh and Blood (which is very good as well). In The Hours, he interpreted emotions in a way it seems almost real you can actually feel them rather than just being able to read (see) them in print. And this makes the book and the author stand out.

Both novels won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, by the way.

And I still want to sleep though.

brokenhearted

I'm still not feeling well. Still brokenhearted from watching Brokeback Mountain yesterday. I even had a hard time getting myself to sleep last night. I also got a copy of the book yesterday. Just like the movie, the book just broke my heart (which should be the case since the movie is based on it, duh). I hope i'll get over it soon.

But honestly, i kind of like the feeling. I mean, what i'm feeling right now.

random thoughts

My shift for today has just ended. It's a bit suprising that I am still able to think. I'm still at the office though. No, I'm not here for overtime. I'm here for this, my blog. Yeah! I'm in the mood to write. I like this.

I'm currently thinking of what to eat. I think I'll go for malingsilog, one of my favorites.

I have to finish reading the books I have been reading since when, last week? I'm reading two books now. Alternately. Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham and Beloved by Toni Morrison, which were written years ago. So it's safe to say that I'm doing some catching up with literature. These books, by the way, are great.

I'm about to leave.

Okay, I'm leaving.

And by the way, Pacquio just won over barrera. I think I can consider this good news.