I'm going to be very up front about the fact that I struggled with this topic. I read a lot of popular literature, so it was hard for me to think of authors who I think need more attention or aren't well known. I could only come up with 7 for today, sorry guys!
1. Celia Rivenbark- This is a bit of a nod to my home state, North Carolina, of which Celia is a native. But, this Bond Girl would like her regardless. She writes about living in the South, and about being Southern, so if you're from the South, she's hilarious because you can relate to what she writes about, and if you're not from the South, then you'll laugh at what a bunch of "redneck hicks" we are. It's a win-win.
2. Ian Fleming- Ok, before you brush this off as Bond Girl promoting Bond, think about it. Have you ever actually read a Bond novel, or have you just watched the movies (which are awesome.) Fleming's works have created a film empire, and they're really really amazing, but I think that most people don't realize that the novels are based on books. Take if from a Bond Girl THEY ROCK!
3. Federico García Lorca - He's super talented, but I don't think a lot of English speakers are into his poems. I'm a Spanish/Psych double major, so I've done a lot of reading in Spanish, and he's one of my favorite Spanish poets. He was also a playwright, and La casa de Bernarda Alba is amazing if you're into drama. I think English speakers stick to more mainstream Spanish poetry like Pablo Neruda (who is amazingly talented and awesome), and I feel like you guys are missing out!!
4. Samuel Beckett- I feel like most of us have made it through "Waiting for Godot" at some point during our literary careers, but I think that's all most people read of Beckett. I just read "Krapp's Last Tape" in my Drama class, and it was one of the best plays It's a one act play so it's a quick read, but the things that Beckett accomplishes with only one character in one act are amazing. I wasn't a huge fan of "Waiting for Godot," so to read Beckett and enjoy it was a nice change.
5. Susan Cooper- The Dark is Rising sequence was a huge part of my childhood, and I feel like Cooper isn't mentioned along with the names of kid's literature greats. The books are wicked interesting and captivating, even now as an almost adult.
6. Mark Mills- I don't know if he's a bigger deal in the UK, but I'm surprised Mills isn't hugely popular in the US. I've only read "The Savage Garden," but I loved it, and I want to read "Amagansett" when I have a chance.
7. Mal Peet- I've only read "Keeper" and "Tamar" of his works, but I've read them multiple times, and they are just as captivating each time. He's so talented, and his books are really fascinating. "Keeper" has a football (and by football I mean soccer) theme, and "Tamar" focuses on World War II Holland.
Next week I'll hopefully make it back up to the full 10.
Until then,
xoxo
Vesper
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Bond Girl Gets Ambitious
Bond Girl gets ambitious, as I go for my second post in 10 minutes. I'm going to do a bit of reviewing of the things I've been reading lately. It's been mostly for class, so don't get too excited, it's not going to be super fun.
La casa de Bernarda Alba- I read this in my Spanish literature class, in the original Spanish version, but I'm sure it's available in English. It was a good read, a bit suspenseful, and ultimately very sad. It takes an intimate look at one dysfunctional family, and how fear of public opinion tears them apart. Lorca was a talented writer, and Bernarda Alba is one of the stars in his crown.
Bergdorf Blondes- This was a quick, light read. And, although, there were points during the plot when the narrator was so self absorbed and oblivious that I could literally feel my IQ dropping, it was a good Spring Break book to read while I was more or less tipsy.
Krapp's Last Tape- This was brilliant. I read it for my Drama class, and was seriously impressed by Beckett's skill. From my Goodreads review, This play focuses on an old man, who on his birthday listens to a tape he had made on a previous birthday, in this case his 39th birthday. I've read a lot of drama this semester for different classes, but this is one of the best plays I've ever read. It's fascinating to read the scene, with only one character present, and Beckett's talent really shines through. If you're not a fan of Beckett or of drama in general, I can understand that this might seem confusing, or you may not like it, but if you've read a lot of drama, you should definitely pick this up. It's a one act play, but Beckett manages to completely captivate and amaze you in that short time. It's truly a masterpiece.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- I had to reward myself for all of the reading I've been doing in class. So, I decided to go with the standby classic, Harry Potter. I love Harry Potter, no matter how often I read these stories. They're just as "magical" every time (Bond Girl makes band pun.) But, in reality, I'll never grow tired of these books, and they will always be just as captivating as they were when I read them for the first time as a child. As a college student, these books make me remember the childlike fear I had for Harry, and also the faith that if anyone could fix the problems of the world it would be Harry. I find myself feeling sentimental as the last movie is set for release, because I feel a bit like I'm finally letting go of my childhood. I was 6 when the first book was released in 1997, and I can still remember my Mom reading it to me before bedtime. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I grew up with Harry, and fought my own, (more trivial) battles alongside his fight to defeat Voldemort (and as a Bond Girl, you know I'm all about defeating evil!) If you haven't read Harry Potter, you haven't lived.
La casa de Bernarda Alba- I read this in my Spanish literature class, in the original Spanish version, but I'm sure it's available in English. It was a good read, a bit suspenseful, and ultimately very sad. It takes an intimate look at one dysfunctional family, and how fear of public opinion tears them apart. Lorca was a talented writer, and Bernarda Alba is one of the stars in his crown.
Bergdorf Blondes- This was a quick, light read. And, although, there were points during the plot when the narrator was so self absorbed and oblivious that I could literally feel my IQ dropping, it was a good Spring Break book to read while I was more or less tipsy.
Krapp's Last Tape- This was brilliant. I read it for my Drama class, and was seriously impressed by Beckett's skill. From my Goodreads review, This play focuses on an old man, who on his birthday listens to a tape he had made on a previous birthday, in this case his 39th birthday. I've read a lot of drama this semester for different classes, but this is one of the best plays I've ever read. It's fascinating to read the scene, with only one character present, and Beckett's talent really shines through. If you're not a fan of Beckett or of drama in general, I can understand that this might seem confusing, or you may not like it, but if you've read a lot of drama, you should definitely pick this up. It's a one act play, but Beckett manages to completely captivate and amaze you in that short time. It's truly a masterpiece.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- I had to reward myself for all of the reading I've been doing in class. So, I decided to go with the standby classic, Harry Potter. I love Harry Potter, no matter how often I read these stories. They're just as "magical" every time (Bond Girl makes band pun.) But, in reality, I'll never grow tired of these books, and they will always be just as captivating as they were when I read them for the first time as a child. As a college student, these books make me remember the childlike fear I had for Harry, and also the faith that if anyone could fix the problems of the world it would be Harry. I find myself feeling sentimental as the last movie is set for release, because I feel a bit like I'm finally letting go of my childhood. I was 6 when the first book was released in 1997, and I can still remember my Mom reading it to me before bedtime. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I grew up with Harry, and fought my own, (more trivial) battles alongside his fight to defeat Voldemort (and as a Bond Girl, you know I'm all about defeating evil!) If you haven't read Harry Potter, you haven't lived.
Bond Girl Fails at Blogging
This Bond Girl has got to get better at blogging. It's just that I've never done this before, and I'm having trouble not being lazy.
On the home front, Carolina lost out of the NCAA yesterday, and it sucked. I underestimated the level of disappointment that I would feel upon our departure. Plus, my bracket is shot to hell, I didn't pick any of the teams that are in the Final Four, and I had a really terrible showing this year. There's no excuse for the level of suckage that I put forth.
Baseball starts on Thursday, and this Bond Girl is a Yankees fan (duh, they serve justice like it's their job. They're out there protecting the world from the evil of the Red Sox winning the World Series.) I'm glad that Derek is back for another year (he's my favorite), and I'm hoping that our pitching won't destroy us this season, but it's looking a bit doubtful. It's been incredibly odd to watch the Yanks play with palm trees blowing in the background, and I'm longing for the comforting sights of New York.
On the home front, Carolina lost out of the NCAA yesterday, and it sucked. I underestimated the level of disappointment that I would feel upon our departure. Plus, my bracket is shot to hell, I didn't pick any of the teams that are in the Final Four, and I had a really terrible showing this year. There's no excuse for the level of suckage that I put forth.
Baseball starts on Thursday, and this Bond Girl is a Yankees fan (duh, they serve justice like it's their job. They're out there protecting the world from the evil of the Red Sox winning the World Series.) I'm glad that Derek is back for another year (he's my favorite), and I'm hoping that our pitching won't destroy us this season, but it's looking a bit doubtful. It's been incredibly odd to watch the Yanks play with palm trees blowing in the background, and I'm longing for the comforting sights of New York.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Would Want As Family Members
1. Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series- Let's go ahead and acknowledge that Harry Potter will probably make his way onto every list I do, because Harry Potter was my childhood. But, I'd love to have Harry as a brother. It would have been me and Harry against the world, serving justice and defeating Voldemort.
2. Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale- James Bond will probably be on every list as well, this is Bond Girl Blogs, after all. Yes, I know that Vesper is an unusual choice, if you've read the book or seen the movie, you know there's a plot twist at the end, but I'd love for her to be my older sister. She's so chic and beautiful, and she completely holds her own with Bond. She's one of my literary heroines, deadly and fragile all at once.
3. Oskar Schell from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- When I have kids, I want them to be just like Oskar. He's incredibly curious, he's intelligent, and he's a bit of an oddball. He's honestly the most lovable child character I've ever read, and I would definitely create scavenger hunts for him to follow, and play the tambourine with him when he had on his heavy boots.
4. Vicky Austin from A Ring of Endless Light- I don't have any sisters, but I think if I did I'd want them to be just like Vicky. She's creative and a bit of a tortured soul, but she's the sister you could tell anything. She's so empathetic, and I'd want her around for sure.
5. Reverend Eaton aka Vicky Austin's Grandfather also from A Ring of Endless Light- I'm a bit obsessed with the Austin family. I'd honestly love to be related to all of them, but I really love Vicky's Grandfather. In ARoEL he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but even as his life nears its end, he doles out incredible wisdom to Vicky and her other family members. He's the grandfather that you would know when something was bothering you, and know exactly how to make it better. Plus, he has a sick library that I'd love to check out.
6. Sam Halpern aka Dad from Shit My Dad Says- Sam Halpern is a character. He's a source of nonstop humor and wit, and at the same time, when it comes down to it, he instills meaningful life lessons in his sons. I'd love for Sam to be my dad. Yes, he'd drive me completely up the wall, but his never ending advice is also a sign of his deep love for his children.
7. Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series- I'd want Percy to be my annoying, hyperactive, ADD kid brother. He's well meaning, but terribly unlucky at times, and he's a genuine guy who always stands up for his friends. I'd like to sit by the ocean with him, and eat blue chocolate chip cookies and drink blue Cherry Coke. He'd be such a pain to keep out of trouble, but at the end of the day I wouldn't trade him for anybody.
8. John Keating from the Dead Poets Society- I think I'd like to have John as my uncle. He would be the one crazy uncle that every family has, that all the kids love and secretly wish was their own dad. Every family occasion would be accompanied by standing on the chairs at the dining room table when he came in and greeting him as "O Captain, My Captain." What would be cooler than that? Plus he genuinely cares about learning and would give you the best books to read.
9. Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice- Jane would be the sister that would always have something nice to say. Her closet would be your closet. If you needed help she would be there. She'd basically be the most sympathetic big sister in history. She would cuddle you when you needed it, but I think she'd also give you a kick in the pants when you really deserved it.
10. Cecelia Tallis from Atonement- Cecelia would be the poshest big sister ever. She'd be so glamorous, and while I think she would probably be a bit patronizing at times, she'd also be the one who would give you advice on how to dress, how to find a boy, and how to be an independent woman. She's so cool, and I want that cool factor. She and Vesper would have gotten on famously, I think.
Until next Tuesday,
xoxo
Vesper
2. Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale- James Bond will probably be on every list as well, this is Bond Girl Blogs, after all. Yes, I know that Vesper is an unusual choice, if you've read the book or seen the movie, you know there's a plot twist at the end, but I'd love for her to be my older sister. She's so chic and beautiful, and she completely holds her own with Bond. She's one of my literary heroines, deadly and fragile all at once.
3. Oskar Schell from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- When I have kids, I want them to be just like Oskar. He's incredibly curious, he's intelligent, and he's a bit of an oddball. He's honestly the most lovable child character I've ever read, and I would definitely create scavenger hunts for him to follow, and play the tambourine with him when he had on his heavy boots.
4. Vicky Austin from A Ring of Endless Light- I don't have any sisters, but I think if I did I'd want them to be just like Vicky. She's creative and a bit of a tortured soul, but she's the sister you could tell anything. She's so empathetic, and I'd want her around for sure.
5. Reverend Eaton aka Vicky Austin's Grandfather also from A Ring of Endless Light- I'm a bit obsessed with the Austin family. I'd honestly love to be related to all of them, but I really love Vicky's Grandfather. In ARoEL he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but even as his life nears its end, he doles out incredible wisdom to Vicky and her other family members. He's the grandfather that you would know when something was bothering you, and know exactly how to make it better. Plus, he has a sick library that I'd love to check out.
6. Sam Halpern aka Dad from Shit My Dad Says- Sam Halpern is a character. He's a source of nonstop humor and wit, and at the same time, when it comes down to it, he instills meaningful life lessons in his sons. I'd love for Sam to be my dad. Yes, he'd drive me completely up the wall, but his never ending advice is also a sign of his deep love for his children.
7. Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series- I'd want Percy to be my annoying, hyperactive, ADD kid brother. He's well meaning, but terribly unlucky at times, and he's a genuine guy who always stands up for his friends. I'd like to sit by the ocean with him, and eat blue chocolate chip cookies and drink blue Cherry Coke. He'd be such a pain to keep out of trouble, but at the end of the day I wouldn't trade him for anybody.
8. John Keating from the Dead Poets Society- I think I'd like to have John as my uncle. He would be the one crazy uncle that every family has, that all the kids love and secretly wish was their own dad. Every family occasion would be accompanied by standing on the chairs at the dining room table when he came in and greeting him as "O Captain, My Captain." What would be cooler than that? Plus he genuinely cares about learning and would give you the best books to read.
9. Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice- Jane would be the sister that would always have something nice to say. Her closet would be your closet. If you needed help she would be there. She'd basically be the most sympathetic big sister in history. She would cuddle you when you needed it, but I think she'd also give you a kick in the pants when you really deserved it.
10. Cecelia Tallis from Atonement- Cecelia would be the poshest big sister ever. She'd be so glamorous, and while I think she would probably be a bit patronizing at times, she'd also be the one who would give you advice on how to dress, how to find a boy, and how to be an independent woman. She's so cool, and I want that cool factor. She and Vesper would have gotten on famously, I think.
Until next Tuesday,
xoxo
Vesper
Bond Girl Blogs Picks the NCAA Tournament
March Madness is upon us! This Bond Girl is an avid sports fan when she isn't busy saving the world from evil, or canoodling with her leading man. And so, I give you the first annual BGB NCAA picks.
I've filled out two brackets, one "dream" bracket with the ideal outcome that will probably never happen, but who doesn't fill out a bracket with their college winning the tourney?? In my real bracket I've picked Kansas to win it all. I have Duke vs. Carolina in my Final Four, which would basically mean the cities of Chapel Hill and Durham would explode. Tobacco Road would be lined with hecklers (of course in my dream bracket I have UNC winning this, but in reality we'll probably concede to Dook). My only real hopes for this edition of March Madness is that Carolina doesn't lose out before the Elite Eight, the ACC as a whole has a strong showing (especially after Virginia Tech got shafted), and that Dook (aka Duke for those who are new to the UNC-Dook rivalry) doesn't win it all. Durham would be even more unbearable than usual if Dook won two years in a row.
In other sports news, the Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night, and even during Spring Training this is not acceptable. If they don't step it up, I'm going to be on them like book Bond is on SMERSH and film Bond is on SPECTRE.
I hope you all have great luck in filling out your bracket. May you win your pools and beat your friends into oblivion (unless you picked Duke to win, in which case I hope you win nothing.)
xoxo
Vesper
I've filled out two brackets, one "dream" bracket with the ideal outcome that will probably never happen, but who doesn't fill out a bracket with their college winning the tourney?? In my real bracket I've picked Kansas to win it all. I have Duke vs. Carolina in my Final Four, which would basically mean the cities of Chapel Hill and Durham would explode. Tobacco Road would be lined with hecklers (of course in my dream bracket I have UNC winning this, but in reality we'll probably concede to Dook). My only real hopes for this edition of March Madness is that Carolina doesn't lose out before the Elite Eight, the ACC as a whole has a strong showing (especially after Virginia Tech got shafted), and that Dook (aka Duke for those who are new to the UNC-Dook rivalry) doesn't win it all. Durham would be even more unbearable than usual if Dook won two years in a row.
In other sports news, the Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night, and even during Spring Training this is not acceptable. If they don't step it up, I'm going to be on them like book Bond is on SMERSH and film Bond is on SPECTRE.
I hope you all have great luck in filling out your bracket. May you win your pools and beat your friends into oblivion (unless you picked Duke to win, in which case I hope you win nothing.)
xoxo
Vesper
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Top Ten Dynamic Duos
I've been lax about posting, but here is my first Top Ten Tuesday from The Broke and the Bookish.
Top Ten Dynamic Duos
1. Harry, Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter- I know that this is technically breaking the rules since these guys are a trio, but give me a break! You can't choose two of the three. That would be like having a Bond movie with no Bond Girl, it just can't be done!!
2. Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley The Sun Also Rises- These two are my absolute favorite couple that wasn't. I've read TSAR again and again, just because I love the complex dynamic of their relationship, the intense will they won't they, and the sympathy I have for both characters (but especially Jake, I kind of love him) never fades.
3. Holmes and Watson The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes- I couldn't make a dynamic duos list and leave off Holmes and Watson. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. I love their inability to function alone, despite the fact they are polar opposites. It was a sad day indeed when Watson left Baker Street for Mary.
4.Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy Pride and Prejudice- To quote You've Got Mail, "She was too proud... or was she too prejudiced and Mr. Darcy was too proud?" Either way, these two finally get their act together and make one of the greatest love stories of all time.
5. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler Gone With the Wind- As a girl growing up in the South,while most kids grew up with Batman and Robin, but I grew up with Scarlett and Rhett. These two and their epic love story and even more epic swear word have been a part of my life since I was born.
6. James Bond and M from the James Bond series of novels- Bond Girl Blogs couldn't have a list of dynamic duos without James Bond and the ever mysterious M. These two served justice with a vigor that is unmatched by any other dynamic duo in history (I'm looking at you Superman and Lois Lane). Not only have they made for an incredibly exciting series of books, but also for an amazingly popular and awesome movie franchise.
7. Meggie and Ralph The Thorn Birds- Feel free to shake your head and laugh, or to run over to Wikipedia to look up the Thorn Birds before you read this entry. I can justify this choice by saying that in real life I was named for Meghann Cleary, and I think that her love story with Ralph that spans her entire life is one of the most touching and well written sagas I have ever read.
8. Oskar Schell and his grandmother Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- EL&IC is my favorite novel. I love everything about this story and this unlikely dynamic duo. I think what I find so moving is the depth of love that Grandmother has for Oskar. She loves him more deeply than I have ever loved anything, and I aspire to that level of love. The story is beyond amazing, and if you have a lazy afternoon, you should definitely pick it up!
9. The Narrator and Tyler Durden Fight Club- There's only so much I can say about this pairing, in my mind the most unusual of the dynamic duos, in case you haven't read the book or seen the movie. If you haven't, you need to do so ASAP. If you have, I think you would agree that this pair makes for a pretty amazing story.
10. Vito and Michael Corleone The Godfather- Last, but definitely not least on this list is Vito and Michael Corleone. I'll be honest, I've never seen the movie version of The Godfather, but I definitely love the book. Vito and Michael have such an interesting power dynamic, and I think to watch it shift as Vito readies himself to hand the power over to his youngest and most beloved son is incredible. One of my favorite scenes from any novel I've ever read is the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* Vito dies in the garden in the garden with Michael there with him. I cry every time, because Vito loves him so much, and yet Michael is so reluctant.
That's the end of my first Top Ten Tuesday. I promise I'll post again before next week!!
xoxo
Vesper
Top Ten Dynamic Duos
1. Harry, Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter- I know that this is technically breaking the rules since these guys are a trio, but give me a break! You can't choose two of the three. That would be like having a Bond movie with no Bond Girl, it just can't be done!!
2. Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley The Sun Also Rises- These two are my absolute favorite couple that wasn't. I've read TSAR again and again, just because I love the complex dynamic of their relationship, the intense will they won't they, and the sympathy I have for both characters (but especially Jake, I kind of love him) never fades.
3. Holmes and Watson The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes- I couldn't make a dynamic duos list and leave off Holmes and Watson. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. I love their inability to function alone, despite the fact they are polar opposites. It was a sad day indeed when Watson left Baker Street for Mary.
4.Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy Pride and Prejudice- To quote You've Got Mail, "She was too proud... or was she too prejudiced and Mr. Darcy was too proud?" Either way, these two finally get their act together and make one of the greatest love stories of all time.
5. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler Gone With the Wind- As a girl growing up in the South,while most kids grew up with Batman and Robin, but I grew up with Scarlett and Rhett. These two and their epic love story and even more epic swear word have been a part of my life since I was born.
6. James Bond and M from the James Bond series of novels- Bond Girl Blogs couldn't have a list of dynamic duos without James Bond and the ever mysterious M. These two served justice with a vigor that is unmatched by any other dynamic duo in history (I'm looking at you Superman and Lois Lane). Not only have they made for an incredibly exciting series of books, but also for an amazingly popular and awesome movie franchise.
7. Meggie and Ralph The Thorn Birds- Feel free to shake your head and laugh, or to run over to Wikipedia to look up the Thorn Birds before you read this entry. I can justify this choice by saying that in real life I was named for Meghann Cleary, and I think that her love story with Ralph that spans her entire life is one of the most touching and well written sagas I have ever read.
8. Oskar Schell and his grandmother Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- EL&IC is my favorite novel. I love everything about this story and this unlikely dynamic duo. I think what I find so moving is the depth of love that Grandmother has for Oskar. She loves him more deeply than I have ever loved anything, and I aspire to that level of love. The story is beyond amazing, and if you have a lazy afternoon, you should definitely pick it up!
9. The Narrator and Tyler Durden Fight Club- There's only so much I can say about this pairing, in my mind the most unusual of the dynamic duos, in case you haven't read the book or seen the movie. If you haven't, you need to do so ASAP. If you have, I think you would agree that this pair makes for a pretty amazing story.
10. Vito and Michael Corleone The Godfather- Last, but definitely not least on this list is Vito and Michael Corleone. I'll be honest, I've never seen the movie version of The Godfather, but I definitely love the book. Vito and Michael have such an interesting power dynamic, and I think to watch it shift as Vito readies himself to hand the power over to his youngest and most beloved son is incredible. One of my favorite scenes from any novel I've ever read is the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* Vito dies in the garden in the garden with Michael there with him. I cry every time, because Vito loves him so much, and yet Michael is so reluctant.
That's the end of my first Top Ten Tuesday. I promise I'll post again before next week!!
xoxo
Vesper
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