Avert Your Eyes

Today I was at Meijer on a grocery trip when I noticed that at the checkout counter, on the magazine rack the Cosmopolitan Magazine was flipped backwards. I looked around me and saw that this theme persisted in every checkout counter throughout the store. I quickly adjusted the rack in my aisle so that a scantily clad Lady Gaga was visible to everyone.  I felt a compulsion to fix all the magazine racks in the store. I’m regretting that I didn’t.   

I can’t say for sure I know why the magazines were flipped over. Was it one angry person on a mission, going from aisle to aisle making sure no one else was offended or was the store management behind it? Some people called in and complained, maybe? No matter what, I’m sure that it was because someone, somewhere felt that the overt sexuality portrayed on the cover was not appropriate for consumers and needed to be covered up. 

I don’t like Lady Gaga. I don’t like Cosmopolitan. I also think that a magazine cover with the word “sex” on three times isn’t appropriate for young children.   I don’t think that I have the right, nor would I want the right, to keep it out of the hands of those that are interested in its contents. I also feel as if sexual content of  this nature is prevalent in our society and that parents should engage in open dialogue with their children regarding their own beliefs on such matters. 

Maybe I need a little more time to mull this over before I can adequately articulate my feelings on this issue. Right now all I can think to write is that this type of suppression frightens me deeply. 

Eat, Pray,Love

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia

by Elizabeth Gilbert                                       

Penguin Books, 2006

ISBN: 978-0-14-3038412 (pbk.)

 

Elizabeth Gilbert is recovering from a messy divorce when she begins a spiritual journey to rediscover herself. This discovery takes place when Elizabeth lands a book deal that sends her around the world. Her journey begins in Italy where she learns to speak Italian, eat delicious food, and luxuriate in the Italian culture. In India she learns about discipline and spiritual strength, and in Bali she finally discovers not just the love of a man but also love for herself.

This story will be well liked by those that really want to escape to a world where the stresses of real life dissolve into an easeful journey as Gilbert learns some life lessons. Gilbert’s voice is a mixture of a quirky, modern, business woman and a yoga loving spiritualist making some parts of the story reflective and others witty and entertaining.

While parts of this book were enjoyable, for instance Gilbert quoting Lilly Tomlin for insight, there were things that kept me from fully enjoying it. Firstly, I’d love to say that Gilbert’s story is a harrowing one and that she overcame great obstacles and ended up better in the end. It’s just that I don’t really know that. Gilbert begins the story by explaining to the readers the darkness and depression she felt after her divorce with her husband, but she avoids discussing with readers the messy bits. As Gilbert herself explains, “The chronicle of our marriage’s failure will remain untold here.” What this leaves readers with is a blah story. Yes, I said blah. I have no doubt that the real story is exciting and full of conflict and passion but the story that Gilbert tells in this book seems watered down.

Although this book wasn’t for me, I do understand that sometimes people just want to hear a happy story. This book accomplishes that and more. There are beautiful and relaxing destinations, spiritual insights, and even some funny moments. If you are interested in a real life feel good story pick this one up. If you are cynical I recommend you avoid it.

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones

by Alice Sebold                                 

Boston, MA. : Little, Brown 2002.

288 pages.

ISBN: 9780316666343

On a quiet winter night in 1973, a young 14 year old, Susie Salmon is both raped and murdered by an unassuming neighbor. Susie narrates this story from heaven as her family and friends deal with the grief and horror of her tragic death. Susie also watches her murderer as she searches to come to terms with their fateful meeting.  She watches as those she loves grow older, graduate and move on while she is stuck, never changing in her heaven.  She still longs for Ray Singh, her first kiss and envies her sister, Lindsey as she goes through life’s milestones.  This novel is both heartbreaking and suspenseful as Susie describes her own death with shocking and disturbing detail while her murderer roams free.  Susie’s narration is moving, and the multi-layered storyline is compelling.  Towards the latter half, the novel becomes less engaging as Susie’s and her family begin to move on and recover from her death.  The suspense that moves the first part along quickly seems to taper off towards the ending.  Although the change is apparent, the novel is still engaging and an excellent read for those who are interested in psychological fiction.

Girl with a Pearl Earring Review

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Author: Chevalier, Tracy

Publisher: Plume

Price (paperback): $14

ISBN#: 0-452-28215-2 (pbk.)

Girl with a Pearl Earring is an engrossing work of historical fiction based on the mysterious painting by the famous artist, Vermeer. The story takes place in Holland in the year 1664 and is told through the eyes of a reserved and inquisitive young woman named Griet. When she is hired by Vermeer as a maid she is quickly drawn into a world of color and quiet seduction. Griet, who seems to have a natural artistic eye, finds herself fascinated by Vermeer’s talent and passion. Although married, Vermeer is attracted to Griet's innocent curiosity. As she becomes the inspiration for one of Vermeer’s paintings trouble erupts in the household and Griet is torn between her duty to her family and her adoration of Vermeer. This book superbly details 1600’s Holland and readers are lured in by engaging and mysterious characters and the subtle, yet intense romance between Griet and Vermeer. Griet’s strength and intensity throughout the novel is enticing. Many readers will lavish in the author’s attention to detail and delicately complex storytelling which are much like Vermeer’s own paintings. While this book’s appeal will most likely reach many different types of readers, it will be particularly intriguing for those readers interested in the peculiar and beautiful artwork of Vermeer.

Reading is sexy

I just had to post a link to this website.  I figured there would be others who would enjoy these shirts, buttons or bags. Not only are the messages cool but they are also way too cute.  Click here to browse the website.