Top Ten Books I Read In 2012

 

1. Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. An instant favourite – I’m talking top ten books of all time. I loved Silvey’s style, the authentic characters and the intriguing story.

2. On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. It’s Melina Freaking Marchetta. Nobody does beautiful, heartfelt and realistic character-driven stories like she does. This is probably my favourite of her contemporary books.

3. Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver. This was a magical little book about grief and friendship and love. And magic, of course.

4. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. A unique contemporary novel featuring a bunch of broken and messed-up characters who burrow under your skin and take up residence in your heart.

5. Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters. The compelling biography of an “ex-homeless,  ex-junkie psychopath", it's the type of book that stays with you long after you've finished it,

6. Fury by Shirley Marr. A darkly funny mystery featuring a smart and spunky heroine, I was hooked from the first line.

7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Yes, I only read this for the first time this year. And of course it was brilliant.

8. The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta. Another Marchetta, I know. I went on a bit of a MM-binge earlier in the year, and it was probably my best reading period of the last 12 months. So much gorgeous writing.

9. Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth. This rich retelling of Rapunzel weaves together the stories of three powerful women: the "real" Rapunzel, the witch who entrapped her, and the woman who wrote down her story.

10. Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. This was the scariest book I've ever read. While I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed it, it had some powerful (and creepy) imagery, a haunting story and beautiful writing.

What were your fave books of the year?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The Movie Was Amazeballs: To Kill A Mockingbird

I finally watched To Kill a Mockingbird. Wow. I wasn't going to post about it because, just wow. It's perfect, and I don't know if there's much more I can say about it. But I'll try.

I was surprised, to start with, at the opening credits - usually with old movies you assume they'll have those basic flash-card titles that go on forever. Not this one (I guess it's not that old, hey?) - the opening credits, showcasing what we later find out to be Jem's box of treasures from Boo, sets the nostalgic, innocent tone wonderfully and instantly pulls you in.

The story remained remarkably faithful to the book. There were a few changes, naturally, with numerous minor plots edited out. I missed Mrs Dubose's storyline in particular, but I understand why hers and others' stories were missing - what enriches the book would have bogged down the movie. As it is, we're left with a very powerful telling of the two major plots - the court case and Boo. There wasn't a lot added to the film, with the bulk of the scenes coming straight from the book, but what was added, I liked. The early introduction of Mr Cunningham, and his interaction with Scout, for example, made the later mob scene even more effective. I also appreciated the way the trial was introduced pretty quickly, and we got to see more of Atticus' perspective.

But the most outstanding thing about To Kill a Mockingbird was, of course, the cast. OK, Gregory Peck was too young to be Atticus, technically - but with his performance, it didn't really matter. He was Atticus - dignified, wise, kind, intelligent and loving. The kids were also brilliant in their roles - exactly how I pictured Jem and Scout. Robert Duvall's young apperance as Boo Radley was short but memorable, and Tom Robinson was tragically compelling. Bob Ewell was skin-crawlingly creepy; my only small gripe (and this is probably going to sound petty) was that his teeth seemed too white and straight for someone as rough and poor as Bob.

All in all, I loved this movie. I'm just sad I waited so long to watch it! But it's OK, I know I'll be rewatching it for years to come.

Rating: 5/5

Related
Review: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Review: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Don't ask me how I got to my age without having read or watched To Kill a Mockingbird. I guess it's coz I didn't study it at school like so many seem to do, and I never felt particularly compelled to pick it up in my free time. I finally read it last week, as it was suggested reading for my writing course, and I'm so glad I was forced to make the time for it - because it was awesome, natch.

I have to admit, it was kinda slow going at first, as Tom Robinson, the black man Atticus Finch is assigned to defend in court, is completely absent from the first quarter of the book, and I was impatient for what I perceived to be the main plot to begin. Little did I know everything that was happening would become important down the track - and the way it all came together was masterful.

I adored Lee's whimsical way of storytelling. While the book deals with some pretty heavy issues, the use of the young Scout as narrator gives it such a sense of warmth, humour and hope. I think Scout is one of my favourite characters ever. The way she saw the world, together with her innocence, her stubbornness and her strength, made her a remarkable – and, importantly, believable – kid. I also adored her family - especially her relationships with her father, Atticus, and her big brother, Jem. The supporting cast of neighbours and friends were also wonderful, and even the antagonists were superbly and realistically drawn. Bob Ewell gave me goosebumps, he was so icky. The one character I wanted to know more about was Boo Radley, though of course this would have completely undermined his place in the plot as a mysterious, almost mythical creature. He was just such a fascinating character - as they all are, really.

I wasn't expecting to love To Kill a Mockingbird, but I did. I can see now why it's so popular. It's pretty amazeballs.

Rating: 4/5