Reviews... and a Ghost

I think my bedroom is haunted.

I have a ceiling fan that contains four lightbulbs. For the past month, I've only had three bulbs (because the 4th one blew out and I've been too lazy to change it). I've been home most of the day and my light has been on in my room all day. I just walked back in here, and the 4th light is indeed lit. I know I didn't change that bulb and it's been dead for a month. Hmmmm...

Ok, time for reviews.

Review number 1: a book. "The Dead Secret" by Wilkie Collins. This is a Victorian thriller (actually written in Victorian England). The author was a good friend of Dickens, but I have to admit freely that his writing style is so much better. I've read many of Dickins' books, but to be honest - I can't remember the stories. This one had a good story line with a very interesting narrative style. The author writes (almost talks) to the audience, instead of at them. The descriptions and antecdotes of characters bring the characters to life and the imagery that is created is done so very eloquently. I was not bored! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a variety of literature, but not to someone who enjoys only modern novels.

Review number 2: a movie. I saw "The Libertine" yesterday. I'm hesitant to call it good, but I would be remiss if I called it bad. Let's just call it "interesting." This is NOT a movie for children, NOT a movie to see with your mom and NOT a movie to see on a first date with a random person. Johnny Depp's character is very similar to that of Geoffrey Rush's Marquis de Sade in "Quills", only less violent. The movie is all about sex in Restoration England. Some of the scenes are shocking, but it fits with the theme and Depp's character. And if anyone out there has wild, unprotected sex - this movie will make you rethink future decisions along those lines. Depp's character suffers from syphillis at the end, and let's just say the make-up was very convincing.

Now I'm reading "The Woman in White" - yes, the book based on the Broadway musical whose cast recording has yet to leave my CD player. No movies for me this weekend, I think, but Andy is coming into town and tomorrow (after a run), we're going to see the body exhibit at the museum. I'll give my review about that one probably on Sunday.