Showing posts with label Humor/Novelty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humor/Novelty. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Short and Sweet: 8 by Michael Mullin


And to the point! Sometimes it is nice to read a short story or a novella, but it is not aways fair to compare them to longer stories with more time for plot and character development.
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Genre: Short Story, Humor
Order Online: Amazon.com
Author Info: Goodreads | Facebook
Rating: 3 stars
Won this one in a book giveaway on Books & Other Creative Adventures.

In A Nutshell:
I did not know what to expect when I won a copy of this short story--the concept did not initially draw me in.  But I am glad I sat down and read it.  I found the story to be one that will stick with me much longer than I expect--and for all the right reasons.  It is well written and overall a lot of fun to read. 

Review:
When I first started reading 8, I was drawn in by the almost lyrical, slightly rhyming, sing-songy verse.  I almost started reading it to my daughter because it seemed so nice an innocent--but I quickly realized this short story was not written for kids (and I only mean that as an observation and not as a criticism).  

8 is the story of the previously unknown dwarf from Snow White. Creepy is locked in the basement by the other dwarfs for being--well just a little too creepy. When Snow White arrives, the other dwarfs still do not let him out or even introduce him to her.  But despite his captivity--he plays a critical role in helping Snow White get to her happily ever after.

After reading this short story I do not think I will look at the story of Snow White (and the seven--um I mean eight--dwarfs) the same way again.  I feel like the next time I sit down with my daughter to watch the Disney version of the movie--I am going to be scouring the floorboards looking for signs of Creepy peeking up between the cracks.  

Recommendations:
I have not sat down and watched Snow White in a long time--but now I feel the need to reunite with a classic:


But I am also looking for more suggestions for short stories that you have read and liked!

Monday, July 4, 2011

In Honor of Independence Day














Some trivia questions with a focus on US history:
1) What notable achievement of Thomas Jefferson's life did he not mention on his tombstone?
2) "The New Colossus," Emma Lazarus' famous poem about immigrants is on what famous statue?
3) Illustrator James Montgomery Flagg gave America what patriotic symbol? (Hint: U.S.)
4) What crusty WWII general's hobby was writing poetry?
5) What great American Event was celebrated at the 1926 World's Fair in Philadelphia?

I will be back tomorrow evening with the answers.  All of these questions come from:



Genre: Trivia, Humor/Novelty
Order Online: Amazon.com
Author Info:  Amazon.com 
Rating: 4 Stars

In A Nutshell:
I originally planned to swap this book but after I started reading through the trivia questions, I do not want to part with it.  There are some questions that are just fun or funny.  There are some questions that are more serious and historic.  Overall, this book is a lot of fun to read and even better to read with a group of friends or family.