adding to the "to-be-read" list

While I think Jane Eyre is an incredible novel, I've always thought it presented an idealized and romantic version of a governess' life. And so it does, according to this book. Three of the case studies are the Wollstonecraft sisters. Yes, those Wollstonecrafts.

I think of these three books, the one by Joyce Carol Oates intrigues me the most, and I can't say I'm a fan of her writing. I always equate her stories with academics because Oates is almost always on the required reading list for lit or writing classes. So when presented with her writing, I feel like I'm conditioned to switch into analysis mode, instead of just reading for enjoyment. However, the concept in her new book is intriguing.

I've come across the original novel for The Ghost and Mrs Muir, and I'm already through a third of it this evening. Bother homework. The novel is even better than the film, and I love the film.

Speaking of films, I watched The Importance of Being Earnest from Netflix this past weekend. The Colin Firth/Rupert Everett version, that is. Hilarious! And despite the liberties they took with the play (Aunt Augusta was once a showgirl? Gwendolyn gets a tattoo on her bum? Please!), it's a great version, and the liberties are in keeping with the personality of the story, so I don't think Mr Wilde would mind. They even manage to slip in some Oscarisms that weren't ever part of a play or a story. Rupert Everett was also in An Ideal Husband with Cate Blanchett, Jeremy Northam, and Minnie Driver. He plays a similar role to his Algie part in Earnest. (Did I mention my neighborhood is called Wilde Lake? Yes, it is named after him.)

Sigh. I have 4 more chapters to go in Independence Day, and I'm procrastinating on writing this week's essay about it, which is on real estate, housing, mansions, shelter and whatnot (the main character is a real estate agent). I still find him irritating, and I'm still indifferent to the story two-thirds of the way in. It depresses me to have to keep ploughing through it. My only consolation is a chapter or two of Little Big as a reward. LB is definitely a savory book, not one you rush through.