Bee Season: A Novel (2000)

by Myla Goldberg



In Myla Goldberg's outstanding first novel, a family is shaken apart by a small but unexpected shift in the prospects of one of its members. When 9-year-old Eliza Naumann, an otherwise indifferent student, takes first prize in her school spelling bee, it is as if rays of light have begun to emanate from her head. Teachers regard her with a new fondness; the studious girls begin to save a place for her at lunch. Even Eliza can sense herself changing. She had "often felt that her outsides were too dull for her insides, that deep within her there was something better than what everyone else could see."

Eliza's father, Saul, a scholar and cantor, had long since given up expecting sparks of brilliance on her part. While her brother, Aaron, had taken pride in reciting his Bar Mitzvah prayers from memory, she had typically preferred television reruns to homework or reading. This belated evidence of a miraculous talent encourages Saul to reassess his daughter. And after she wins the statewide bee, he begins tutoring her for the national competition, devoting to Eliza the hours he once spent with Aaron. His daughter flowers under his care, eventually coming to look at life "in alphabetical terms." "Consonants are the camels of language," she realizes, "proudly carrying their lingual loads...

Vowels, however, are a different species, the fish that flash and glisten in the watery depths. Vowels are elastic and inconstant, fickle and unfaithful.... Before the bee, Eliza had been a consonant, slow and unsurprising. With her bee success, she has entered vowelhood."

When Saul sees the state of transcendence that she effortlessly achieves in competition, he encourages his daughter to explore the mystical states that have eluded him--the influx of God-knowledge (shefa) described by the Kabbalist Abraham Abulafia. Although Saul has little idea what he has set in motion, "even the sound of Abulafia's name sets off music in her head. A-bu-la-fi-a. It's magic, the open sesame that unblocked the path to her father and then to language itself."

Meanwhile, stunned by his father's defection, Aaron begins a troubling religious quest. Eliza's brainy, compulsive mother is also unmoored by her success. The spelling champion's newfound gift for concentration reminds Miriam of herself as a girl, and she feels a pang for not having seen her daughter more clearly before. But Eliza's clumsy response to Miriam's overtures convinces her mother that she has no real ties to her daughter. This final disappointment precipitates her departure into a stunning secret life. The reader is left wondering what would have happened if the Naumanns' spiritual thirsts had not been set in restless motion. A poignant and exceptionally well crafted tale, Bee Season has a slow beginning but a tour-de-force conclusion.

(this is Brett's pick)

Exodus (1977)

by Bob Marley and the Wailers



What motivated Bob Marley to write some of his best lyrics, with strong spiritual content, messages of biblical condemnation for the wicked and biting criticism of the system and it's defenders? A complete album, some of his best work ever, and in contrast to earlier albums where there were always a few redone songs from his ska and rocksteady days, Exodus was mostly all new songs. Here you have an excellent mix - strong roots reggae rhythms on 'Natural Mystic' a Rasta grounation chant 'Heathen', a lighter dance tune 'Jammin', melodies such as 'One Love' and 'Three Little Birds' and two tracks that show Bob could have sung R&B, soul, love songs namely 'Waiting in Vain' and 'Turn your lights down low'. The title track was unique. Never before had there been a reggae song sounding like it, (funky world beat) nor had a reggae song ever been so long - over 7 minutes, most were short, to the point 3-4 minute jobs. The album built on what had been achieved with the previous album - penetration of the US market, but significantly here 'Exodus' was the first Wailer tune to get extensive airplay on African-American radio. What was the creative force behind all of this? We know that ganja and scripture reading was the fuel for some of Bob's words of wisdom but this album (specifically the first 4 tracks) were forged in direct response to one specific incident that happened to him in late 1976.

Bob, Rita and the bands manager were at Bob's yard two nights before the 'Smile Jamaica' concert scheduled for December 5. The concert, featuring the Wailers, was to be held at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. It was conceived by Bob himself as a means of getting peoples minds off politics, which was the all consuming force in the Island at that time, with a general election coming up on December 16. Gunmen burst into the Marley house firing shots, all three were hit, Bob's manager five times, a shot grazed Bob's chest and hit his arm and Rita had one graze her skull. Who did it and for what reason was never known as the gunmen were not identified nor caught. Politics was suspected. Although the Wailers were not supporters of party politics they could hardly be called apolitical as their criticisms of the system, inequality, injustices and oppression had always been central to their message. It's just that it was the strongest in the previous album. If that is what it was all about, rather than be subdued, Bob was stirred up and 'Exodus' was his creative response fueled by righteous rastafari anger. Bob himself says so in a line from 'Jammin' - 'No bullet can stop us now'. All in all an album of excellent musical expression.

(this is Justin's pick)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Directed by Frank Darabont



Every so often in everyone's life, they walk out of a movie where you don't sit through it and think to yourself how you might have done it all differently had you been the director. I have a couple of movies like that, and "The Shawshank Redemption" is one of them. I still remember clearly walking out of the theater in 1994 and thinking that I've just seen one of the best movies that I'll ever have the pleasure of sitting through. A movie so elegant and emotional that is perfect in its way of storytelling. A movie that is about how hope can never die. The movie earned several Academy Award nominations that were certainly well-deserved, but it left theaters all too quickly. Over the years though, it has gained a strong cult following.

The movie stars Tim Robbins in one of his very best performances as Andrew Dufresne, a quiet man who is convicted of the murder of his wife and is sent to Shawshank prison. It's there he meets "Red", a convict played by Morgan Freeman who gets things from the outside for a price. He first sees Andy as he's lead into the prison and predicts that he won't last long inside the prison walls. Over time though, he's suprised that the young man is able to survive and soon, the two become friends with respect for each other. Andy is not a man who "fights the system". He spends his days in his own quiet world, a courage that the other prisoners don't quite understand at first. Robbins has built this character in a way that we the performance is not showy, but subtle. The result is that we want to know more and when we do begin to understand his ways, that only makes us want him to succeed that much more. I won't go into much more in the way of detail about the movie; if you haven't seen it, I don't want to ruin any of the enjoyment of the movie; if you have, I'm sure you already have your feelings about the movie. This is a movie that's not depressing; it has a lot of life to it and I think that when they look back at the 90's, they will see that this is one of the best pictures that was released during this time.

(this was Michelle's pick)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2004)

by Mark Haddon



Mark Haddon has written a moving novel about love and bravery through the eyes of a British autistic boy. Christopher discovers his neighbor's poodle dead, impaled by a pitchfork, and, because he adores puzzles, he sets out to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington . But Christopher is autistic, a boy who doesn't like to be touched and cannot decipher emotions beyond the tools his teacher has taught him, and so the task requires the huge effort of testing rules and facing his own fears. A literalist by neurology, he deconstructs life into a set of mathematical equations and physical laws. This unique perspective makes him a good detective on one level, where clues and logic rule, but it also fails him on another, higher one because he cannot understand the magnitude of what he uncovers.
That Haddon was able to write a book from Christopher's point of view with all his quirks and still make him lovable is extraordinary. By necessity, the writing is simple and unadorned, but the language of details elevates it from the mundane. The insertion of mathematical puzzles and drawings add to the reader's understanding of how Christopher's mind works. Haddon's real skill is an understatement that allows the reader to comprehend what is going on even if Christopher cannot. Although Christopher cannot grasp subtlety and nuances, the reader can, and that's where the true force of this exceptional novel lies.

This short, easy to read book can be completed in a couple of sittings, although its impact will last much longer.

Keep It Together (2003)

by Guster



I have been with Guster since Lost and Gone Forever, and Keep It Together surpasses their superb earlier work. I am proud to say that EVERY SIGNLE person I have introduced this CD to-- I usually start with the catchy "Careful," has loved them.

This is the CD where Guster break out of their "those three guys with the bongo drummer" mold and launch into superb pop rock-- one of my friends who I convinced to go with me to one of their shows described their sound as kind of "Toad the Wet Sprocket with happier lyrics." But I think they stand on their own as one of the most unique, tuneful, and underappreciated (except by their fans-- count me as one!)/underestimated bands out there.

Keep it Together starts out with "Diane," which builds up and showcases singers Adam and Ryan's unbelievable vocal harmonies. This continues throughout the CD-- every song here is superb! "Ramona" is one of my favorites, with everyone pitching in for some Beach Boys-esque heartfelt harmonizing for a genuinely touching song.

Playing along with them on the CD, and touring with them as well, is the talented Joe Pisapia, who rounds out their sound and from what I have heard is now a permanent member of the band. Despite what many may see as a band that is no longer who they were, I see this as a band who is willing to evolve, experiment and grow, and it pays off.

If you like MUSIC at all, you will not be disappointed with Keep It Together. This is a catchy, toe tapping, sing-along CD that I had in extremely heavy rotation for two years straight.

And if you get a chance to see Guster live, GO!!!! They are great and will make you a huge fan if you are not already. I cannot recommend this CD more highly, which is why it is on my desert island list.

Altered States (1980)

Directed by Ken Russell



If there is such a thing as genetic memory, than all the phases of human evolution must lie somewhere in our genetic code. What if there was a way we could tap into that stream of information through consciousness? What would we see? What would we learn? Professor Eddie Jessup (William Hurt in his debut role) is intrigued by the data being produced by the use of isolation tanks to induce altered states of consciousness, and decides to undergo the experience himself. What he discovers at first is the ability to relive with total clarity experiences of his childhood. As he continues these experiments, his visions become more acute and filled with religious illusions. Years go by and Jessup has become sedated with the trappings of academia, leaving him unfulfilled and longing for the good old days of experimentation and wonder. He visits a tribe of Mexican Indians that use a hallucinatory drug to evokes a common experience in all users and has the trip of his life! What might he learn inside an isolation tank while being under the influence of this drug? Would he be able to peel away the layers of evolutionary time back to early man and beyond? Perhaps even back to the first thought? His scientific curiosity will not let him resist this challenge. With Ken Russell's visuals and the incredible musical effects of John Corigliano, this film can be absolutely exhilarating.

Into The Wild (1996)

by Jon Krakauer



This book follows Chris McCandless, who gave up a life of certain material life to exit society and live a rugged life of travel and wilderness. As he went along, he left a profound impact on all of those whom he came into contact with. Eventually he died in the Alaskan wilderness, alone and starving. This book leaves a profound emotional impact, especially when you remember that this was a real person, not entirely different from all of us at the outset.

http://www.amazon.com/Into-Wild-Jon-Krakauer/dp/0307387178/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271129864&sr=8-1#noop

http://product.half.ebay.com/Into-the-Wild_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ59091100

Who's Next (1971)

by The Who



The Who played half time at the Super Bowl this year. It was not their best performance. In fact, they have a reputation as being one of the best live shows in the history of Rock and Roll. Overshadowed in the 1960's by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, this album represents The Who's moment on top of the music world. The album features a few songs that we have all heard before, most notably Behind Blue Eyes and Baba O'Riley, but the work is consciously album oriented. Also, we get a few bonus tracks on the cd that weren't on the original vinyl.

http://www.amazon.com/Whos-Next-Who/dp/B000002OX7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1271129113&sr=8-1

http://product.half.ebay.com/Whos-Next-Bonus-Tracks-Remaster_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ3155364

Hoop Dreams (1994)

Directed by Steve James



Hoop Dreams is a documentary that follows two Chicago high school basketball players, Arthur Agee and William Gates, as they chase their dreams. For five years, the film follows two inner-city kids as they overcome the obstacles laid by their families and environment. A mix of basketball action and scathing social commentary, this film's snub in the 1994 Oscars forced a reform of the nomination process for documentaries.

http://www.amazon.com/Hoop-Dreams-Criterion-Collection/dp/B0007WFYBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1271127569&sr=8-1

http://product.half.ebay.com/Hoop-Dreams_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ45550768

Gordon

By the Barenaked Ladies. This is Brad Inman's favorite album, ever. More info to come.

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gordon-Barenaked-Ladies/dp/B000002LU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1267674081&sr=8-1

half: http://product.half.ebay.com/Gordon_W0QQprZ3072376QQtgZinfo

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

This is Kurt's pick, and I promise a good description when I have less stuff to do.

Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-River-Kwai-William-Holden/dp/B00004XPPC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1267673870&sr=8-1

or half.com: http://product.half.ebay.com/The-Bridge-on-the-River-Kwai_W0QQprZ3352729QQtgZinfo

The Unlikely Disciple

By Kevin Roose. This is Matt's pick, and I promise to give it its due description when I get a little more free time.

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Disciple-Semester-Americas-University/dp/044617842X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267673455&sr=8-1

or here:http://product.half.ebay.com/The-Unlikely-Disciple_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ66200877

Louder Than Bombs

by The Smiths.

This is Jeremy's pick. This album was released in 1990, I believe, altough it contains unreleased singles and B-sides, so a lot of the songs date further back into the band's career. Someone on amazon said of it, "Like REM's first studio album Murmur, or losing my virginity, I think about LOUNDER THAN BOMBS and smile with a mix of pain, happiness and regret." Isn't that fascinating?! This album, as well as the band overall, are important in marking the transition from 1980's rock to 1990's indie rock, supposedly.

http://www.amazon.com/Louder-Than-Bombs-Smiths/dp/B000002LBH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1265004928&sr=8-1

Nueve Reinas

Fabian Bielinsky, Gaston Pauls, Leticia Bredice, Ricardo Darin.

This would be Liz's pick. It is an international film, from Argentina and from 2000. The movie is fast paced, with action and high stakes, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you surprised and guessing. It has also won a case-full of awards. Any volunteers to host a watch party next weekend or the one after?

She Comes First

By Ian Kerner.

This is Michelle's pick. The book offers a technical guide to pleasing a woman. It has been called well-written, entertaining, and effective. A number of people on amazon have discussed it as successfully reviving their sex lives. Literal pleasure reading, as it were.

http://www.amazon.com/She-Comes-First-Thinking-Pleasuring/dp/0060538260/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265003676&sr=8-1#noop

Is This It

The Strokes

This is my (Brett) pick.

I haven't listened to this album personally, but Rolling Stone put it in their ten best of the decade, so let's role with it.

Discussion on this album has mostly been about the lack of originality and the lack of hardship the band has had to overcome (so no depth to the music?) versus "It sounds good so whatever."

http://www.amazon.com/This-Strokes/dp/B00005QIPH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1262744842&sr=1-1

Half Nelson

Ryan Gosling, Jeff Lima, Shareeka Epps, and Nathan Corbett




This one is Alex's pick.

Would anyone be willing to get this through netflix and then host a watch party? We could drink too!

The comments on this one discussed the quality of the acting as well as the character's inevitable stations in life.


http://www.amazon.com/Half-Nelson-Ryan-Gosling/dp/B000KX0IOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1262744124&sr=8-1

Wind, Sand and Stars

By Antoine de Saint-Exupery.



This one is Mason's pick. Just based on the comments about the book on Amazon, as you read this book think about What makes life worth living? and What is the value of a human relationship?

http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Sand-Stars-Antoine-Saint-Exupery/dp/0156027496/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262743500&sr=8-1

The George W. Bush Book Reading Club

Attempt number two!

The inspiration: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123025595706634689.html

The plan (why this one is better): Last time I tried to set something up, it was a competition directly following the article. This time, it will be more like a typical book club. One a month, and the book is picked by whoever's turn it is on the list. You can be on the list twice at any point in time (so after your pick, you can get back on the list to pick a book). Not everyone we know likes to read, and another difference for this go round is that I want this to be a large and inclusive group, so we will also pick one film/movie per month and two albums per month. No requirements to participate, just an opportunity to keep in touch while discussing new books/movies/music or classic books/movies/music. Also, I really want to make this work because I think it will be a great supplement to facebook after we've graduated, but I do not want to be the decider, so give suggestions so that when we get started for practice in January and for real in June, it is the best it can be.