Here's a list of books I have completed so far this year:
(1/30) - Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Very interesting read. There are all kinds of incredibly interesting things to learn from reading this book, even for those not at all interested or learned in the school of economics. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(2/30) - Confessions by St. AugustineMany of my classmates hated this book, but I actually loved it. It's always so interesting to read the work of a man questioning himself and his beliefs to make them stronger. Rating: 4 out of 5.
(3/30) - Rule of St. Benedict
This may be very dry, sure, but it's also really interesting. The rule of monasticism is incredibly particular under St. Benedict, and that's probably why it all worked so well. Rating: 4 out of 5.
(4/30) - Life of Charlemagne by Einhard
I found this work to be boring and dense. Einhard is incredibly bias, but provides lots of valuable information about Charlemagne, but I was still very turned off by the entire story. Rating: 2 out of 5.
(5/30) - Song of Roland
Also, not too exciting. Some of the fights were really cool because of how much like Homer's Illiad they were, but the overall story is very racist and frustrating to be a reader to. Rating: 2 out of 5.
(6/30) - History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault
A very dense read, but with a lot of valuable information about sexuality in a style that is likable albeit long-winded. Rating: 4 out of 5.
(7/30) - The Letters of Abelard and Heloise (compiled by Penguin Classics)
This is probably my favorite work in the Humanities program so far. The letters between two lovers are so well written and thought out, and I feel like every one of them is written by or to me. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(8/30) - Gender Trouble by Judith Butler
This book makes Michel Foucault look like Dr. Seuss. It was incredibly hard to read and figure out meaning (and Butler says it was meant to be this way in her introduction). Rating: 3 out of 5.
(9/30) - Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach
So many actions happen in this book so quickly making it really difficult to understand every event that happens, especially with such little detail involved. That being said, the story is pretty interesting and funny. Rating: 3 out of 5.
And a list of new movies so far:
(1/20) - The Artist directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Beautiful movie. Here's a longer review than my blurb. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(2/20) - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy directed by Tomas Alfredson
Still not sure what happened in the movie. And movies should be accessible. However, the acting was solid and the action exciting, even if I didn't know motivation or plot. Rating: 3 out of 5.
(3/20) - Ip Man directed by Wilson Yip
A close second to Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this movie delivers in the ways most exciting and emotional that a kung-fu movie can. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(4/20) - Hawaii Oslo directed by Erik Poppe
This movie felt like it went on forever. The story was incredible, though. Rating: 4 out of 5.
(5/20) - In Time directed by Andrew Niccol
I was so excited to see this movie, but missed it in theatres. Guess I should have realized it wasn't in theatres for very long for a reason. This movie was incredibly disappointing, even with a story idea with so much potential. The worst part was the dialogue, which even a (semi)impressive actor like Justin Timberlake can't salvage. Rating: 1 out of 5.
(6/20) - Safe House directed by Daniel Espinosa
This movie had a generic but twisty story. It entertained me, but didn't make me think like it hoped to do. Denzel does a solid job as always. Rating: 3 out of 5.
(7/20) - Beautiful Boy directed by Shawn Ku
I definitely didn't enjoy this movie. It was just so upsetting all the way through, which was its point. Even if it achieved what it wanted, that achievement is unpleasant. Rating: 1 out of 5.
(8/20) - Kung Pow: Enter the Fist directed by Steve Oedekerk
This movie is incredible. There are so many funny parts that caused me to laugh until I hurt. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(9/20) - Troll 2 directed by Claudio Fragasso
This movie has been hailed as the worst movie of all time, and there's reason. However, it is very fun to watch and has inspired many instances of reenactments. Rating: 1 out of 5 (seriously); 4 out of 5 (for laughs).
Friends I have had interesting times with, worthy of stories:
(1/10) - Linnea
(2/10) - Renato
(3/10) - Jasmine
(4/10) - Matt
(5/10) - Jad
(6/10) - Tyler
(7/10) - Alex
(8/10) - Hannah
(9/10) - Ben
(10/10) - Maggie
New museums/galleries:
(1/10) - HIGH Museum in Atlanta - Picasso to Warhol
Mother and I went down to Atlanta, Georgia over Spring Break. We had lunch at a vegan cafe (which was delicious) then went to the Picasso to Warhol exhibit, where we got a quick private tour before perusing the works on our own. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Seeing every one of my favorite artists in one exhibit helped, too. Rating: 5 out of 5.
(2/10) - Upcountry History Museum in Greenville - Folk Art
I've actually been to the Upcountry History Museum before, and it's great. But they got a new exhibit on folk art that was really interesting. Carrie and I went, and I loved the works. I just wish it was bigger! Rating: 4 out of 5.
New cities:
(1/5) - Spartanburg, SC
In Spartanburg, I ate at Cribbs Kitchen, which was delicious. I also visited with some friends at Maggie's house, where the musical "Country Girl" saw its inception.
Well, that's it. Looks like the "friends" category was waaaaay undershot when I planned this. Oh well.
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