The Complete Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault

     These fairy tales, seem to also be steered toward adult readers. Perrault took tales that he had heard and re-visioned them and made them his own. Some tales could be child friendly, some like Blue Beard, are not quite so. Good tales none-the-less.
     This edition I had included his morals at the end of the story. Had story background and author information included. Enjoyed the illustrations and the extra information. Only eleven tales, so makes a quick read if you want one.

Argo

     I will admit I have an interest in history so I tend to be drawn to historical based films. Even if Argo wasn't historically based, I would have been to this film. A pretty good casting job. Since this is based on an actual incident, the story has to captivating and the people in the story have to be real. I have seen at least one film that fell short of this, that was based on a real story.
     Argo is well done. This story grabs you and doesn't let go. The screenplay was well done, making the real incident come back to life, you care for the people involved and I love the tid bits of humor now and again that releases some of that built of tension of the story. The screen writer obviously paid attention to Shakespeare. Comic relief has a place. Worth paying the money to go see.  
    

The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

     Unlike The Brothers Grimm's Fairy Tales, Hans Christian Andersen wrote all his own stories. However, these, like Grimm, were intended for adult audiences, not children. Andersen is better known for tales like Thumbelina, The Emperor's New Suit, The Snow Queen, and The Little Mermaid, to name a few. Don't except happily ever after, a lot of these tales are sad. While others are happy, sad, like the character dies but goes to heaven to be reunited with love ones, type thing.
     Though few of these tales are Fairy Tales in the modern definition, they are an enjoyable read. A lot of tales teach morals, have Christian connections, some are just fun and others can run a little on the serious side. Bare in mind, if you are familiar with Disney's The Little Mermaid, the original is similar in some ways but very different from the child friendlier version.
     Unlike Grimm, these tales are children friendly. Though some tales would be better for older children than younger.   

Kitty Steals the Show Addition

I don't know why I waited to comment on this, but it has begun to bother. I seem to be a stickler for facts. There is a conversation in the book that alludes to the myth of the founding of Rome and Kitty says she's familiar with it, and for a brief moment thinks she could have a baby of her own.
     Here's the problem : Romulus and Remus were not the off spring of the she wolf.

A King is overthrown by his brother and he forces his niece to become a Vestal Virgin and serve in the temple so she will not have children for the Uncle is afraid of being over thrown. The Princess is visited by Mars or Aries, in Greek, and conceives two twin boys, Romulus and Remus. The children are taken away and left in a trough to drown in the river. They survive and are adopted by a she-wolf who suckles them. That is the start of this myth of the Founding of Rome.

Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

If you haven't read the fist book in this series, Kitty and the Midnight Hour, then you need to start there first. This series needs to be read in order.

     I like having the change of Kitty outside of The United States. As all the other books in this series, the story moves well, any new characters are interesting, a good story with a great mix of old enemies, new and old friends, and plenty of trouble for Kitty, Ben, and Cormac to get into to. A tale that bites hold of the reader and never lets go.

Atlas Shrug Part Two

This is the second part of the three part film based on Ayn Rand's book, Atlas Shrug. If you have not seen the first part you will be completely lost. Most of the cast was replaced, which caused a brief moment of finding out who was who, but after that the film ran well. Changing the cast didn't interrupt the story at all. I'll admit I have never been interested in reading the book, which by the way is a whopping thousand plus paged book, which is split in three parts, like the film.
     Like Frankenstein, which has become more relevant with the changes in science. Atlas Shrug, has found its relevant place in history. What is a bit creepy about this film, is how you could see our near future possibility of this becoming true to some extent. Whomever thought this was the time to release this film, was a smart person. Its scary to think that America could be heading this way. I suggest anyone who cares about the future of America to check this film out. I realize its not one of those crowd grabbing films  but it really is a must see for audiences old enough to get Rand's message. The film is a well done adaptation that moves smoothly and keeps you interested.

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong

     This is the last book in the Otherworld Series. If you have not read the series from the beginning, I strongly suggest it. Keep in mind this is not a typical written series. Books focus on different characters who are supernatural, and characters do cross into other stories from time to time. The series start with Elena, the werewolf, narrating her story.
     For those who have kept up with her series, I suggest refreshing your memory with the last book. At times, I had an issue with what was being mentioned and it took a minute to go, oh yeah, now I remember. You may want to refresh with Waking the Witch too, since the last three books are a trilogy.
     I was a bit disappointed with how the bad guy went down, I wanted a bit more. But this book is the usual Armstrong. Grabs you into the world of werewolves, magic, demons, angels, ghosts, and the like and casts it spell well. Never a dull moment. A story that is weaved well, and an honest ending for a series. The bonus and extension to the story from Elena's view was a wonderful edition, and it was nice to get more of a glimpse of  Clay's and Elena's kids.
     In 2014, there is suppose to another story collection from the Otherworld, and Armstrong as said that there might be longer tales in the future. I will still miss this series, but all things come to an end eventually.