#Camino book review

[briefbookreviewsuk]

Brief Book Review - Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

A Brief Book Review of Camino Ghosts by John Grisham.

Released as a hardback by Hodder & Stoughton in the United Kingdom on 28th May 2024.

A Brief Book Review of Camino Ghosts by John Grisham.

Lovely Jackson claims to be the last inhabitant and sole owner of The Dark Isle , an uninhabited island off the Florida coast. A real estate company in Miami wants to build hotels,golf courses and a casino on The Dark Isle and thus a legal battle ensues. Can Lovely and her allies , author Mercer , pro bono lawyer Steven and bookshop owner Bruce save The Dark Isle and it's heritage from the ruthless developers ? A great summer read from the master of the legal thriller !

Check out my review :

[aminocamino]

Day 11 - Rest Day Navarette

We had breakfast at the local cafe which is situated on the corner of our road.

We had enjoyed a drink there yesterday when we arrived and had bumped into Nathan, Abi and their 8 month old son Fred. Yup they were doing the whole Camino. It was no easy task as they needed to carry everything for the baby and they needed rooms rather than a shared dorm. They must have been carrying some weight!

Carrie caught up on family chat - timing with Australia is difficult on the move so a rest day is a great time to catch up with family. I explored the rest of town which took very little time. Its such a small town. There are steps at the side of the church which go up to a hill at the back of the town where a castle once stood. Views were amazing right across to the mountains.

I then had a coffee and booked accommodation for Najera the following day. We have a room at the Albergue Nido Ciguena and its had very good reviews.

I was very fortunate to find a lady doing reflexology and she has given me arnica cream to take away for my muscular aches and pains. Started off abit odd - she asked me if I wanted some broth to relax me. I declined but am wondering now what was in it!

My toenails are wrecked as are Carries. One of my toenails is very very messy and I won’t go into details. Yuck….

Lunch was cheese, bread and a juicy tomato we had purchased in a local shop. We ate it on the sun terrace and its been a glorious day.

It was Carrie’s turn to explore while I rejigged our schedule. It takes forever but getting there. At some point we will have to think about booking the rest of the accommodation.

Finally this is Bruno. He is adorable and I so want to take him away in my rucksack. ❤️

[janjmoz]

Granada - day 2

Happy St George day, the day in Spain for giving books and roses. I have to admit we had completely forgotten but we got a lovely message from Marjolein this morning.

Before I launch into our day I should preface by saying this is about our 5th time in Granada. It is a city we love and are quite familiar with so we’re not doing the tourist must dos. However if you’re ever in this part of Spain I would highly recommend a visit.

We indulged Jose with another churros breakfast, well we’re on holiday. A bit later we headed out for a very welcome massage. Jose found a Thai massage place that had great reviews. It was a lovely mix of relaxing, stretching and remedial massage - perfect. When we walked out I was almost walking normally.

We then headed to a cafe I had spied on the way that did gluten free cakes. We both indulged in a slice of cheesecake with a peanut butter and chocolate topping (not Nigella but still very nice).

After that we went for a bit of a walk, did a bit of shopping and then found somewhere for lunch. Lunch was delicious- it’s a good thing we head back to L’Escala tomorrow, at this rate I’ll have regained the weight I lost on the Camino.

After lunch we headed back to our apartment for a shower to wash off the massage oil and a bit of a chill before heading out again for our last wander and drink in Granada. We’ve had some great vermut while we’ve been here.

Back to the apartment to pack and then chill with nibbles and a bottle of wine in front of the tv. It won’t be a late night as we have an early start in the morning. The holiday is definitely coming to a close 🥲

[finishinglinepress]

FLP POETRY BOOK OF THE DAY: householes by Natalie Parker-Lawrence

On SALE now! Pre-order Price Guarantee: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/householes-by-natalie-parker-lawrence/

Natalie Parker-Lawrence, teacher, writer, and editor, received her MA in Linguistics (Dialect and Literacy) from the University of Memphis and her MFA in Creative Writing (Creative Nonfiction/Playwriting) from the University of New Orleans. Now a Training Instructor/Research Assistant for the Caregiver Center at the Lt. Col. Weathers VA Medical Center in Memphis, she was an instructor in the Communication department at the University of Memphis for eight years and taught AP English Literature, AP World History, Theatre, and French in Memphis-area high schools for forty years. Parker-Lawrence’s essays/poems/fiction have appeared in Slice of Life Magazine, The Barefoot Review, Stone Highway Review, The Literary Bohemian, Knee-Jerk Magazine, Prime Number Magazine, Tata Nacho, Orion Magazine, Wildflower Magazine, Memphis Magazine, Persephone Magazine, Edible Memphis, Southern Indiana Review, Unlikely Stories, Alimentum, The Ecotone Exchange, The Palimpsest Journal, The Commercial Appeal, World History Bulletin, and The Pinch. Her nine plays have been produced in Tennessee, Illinois, New York, and Florida. She lives in midtown Memphis with her husband and two shelter dogs, Koba and Yashimaru, but welcomes visits from her daughter, five stepsons (three active US military), and their families. #poetry #haiku #hybrid #caregivers

PRAISE FOR householes by Natalie Parker-Lawrence

“Try picking drops of the ocean with tweezers. Try expressing your grief, rage, fear, love within the tiny, out-of-breath, syllable-stingy form of haiku. Natalie Parker-Lawrence’s poems, concocted from the rushing, halting words of women caregivers of veterans, honor the essence. An image, a sound, a memory, a nightmare: capture it: in so few words.”

–Margaret Edson, author of Wit and winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

“Natalie Parker-Lawrence’s book of hybrid haiku, householes, strikes a delightful balance between delicacy and power. The poet also walks the tightrope between the personal and the universal, and she does so in such a way that the reader follows anxiously along, breathless and captivated. At turns gentle, at times brutal, but always poignant, Parker-Lawrence has the gift of the simple line that says much. I hope this book portends the start of a long career of verse.”

–Corey Mesler, author of Cock-a-Hoop, and Take the Longing from my Tongue

“In short, impactful verse, Natalie Parker-Lawrence, shares the poignant and often gritty stories of Veteran Caregivers from around the country. The traditional haiku form evokes feelings about the natural world using a structure of stanzas and syllables. As if by necessity, Parker-Lawrence departs from the traditional haiku to share first-hand, vivid and heart-breaking accounts of those who’ve survived war and those entangled in its aftermath. Their explosive, shattering and gut-wrenching experiences refuse to be confined by poetic tradition and structure. No one touched by war remains whole. This collection has transformative power, taking us from despair to hope, if only in the knowledge that we are not alone.”

–Virginia Bryan is a retired attorney, arts advocate and free-lance writer. Her work appears in Distinctly Montana, Montana Magazine, Native Peoples and Yellowstone Valley Woman.

“householes stitches the weightless Haiku to the gravity of all that proceeds war with thread borrowed from the women yoked in the collateral damage of the military-industrial complex.”

–C. (Christine) W. Lockhart, PhD: LT, USCG (retired), Disabled Veteran & Caregiver, author of Blanket of Stars: Thru-Hiking the Camino de Santiago and Walking with Buddha: Pilgrimage on the Shikoku 88-Temple Trail

“In householes, Natalie Parker-Lawrence, uses the hybrid haiku form, inspired by the haiku poems Richard Wright produced in the last year of his life, and characterized by rhythmic economy, precision, and surprise. The poems are conversational, snatches of things the women said about their disturbing experiences, selected, arranged, and performed with a spring or turn at the end. The result is the poems linger with authentic power and speak of lives worth knowing.”

–Marcia Aldrich, author of Companion to an Unknown Story

“These poems are portals into the lives and harsh realities (the pills and whiskey and broken bodies) faced by female caregivers. The voices are raw and intimate, and made all the more real by flashes of startling tenderness. In this stunning debut collection, Natalie Parker-Lawrence’s miracle is her ability to conjure entire worlds with a handful of words.”

–Sonja Livingston, author of Ghostbread and The Virgin of Prince Street

“Deeply moving… often tender, painful, sometimes sassy and occasionally funny. Always raw and wise and honest. Some of it felt vaguely familiar. Much of it evoked sorrow and compassion for the lives represented to highlight the deeper challenges, emotions, of the Caregiver/Veteran experience. In many ways it felt very different from my own experiences. Ours, it appears, was a kinder, gentler journey. His PTSD manifested itself in quieter, more subtle ways. As did his dementia. There were definitely moments, increasing as he moved closer to crossing over, when he’d wake confused…still in a dream state…awaiting deployment orders from a Sergeant or some higher up. Often he’d see a young boy running thru a room (his younger self? I could only speculate). Because, the experiences captured felt, for the most part, darker, more painful than what I experienced with dad (with a couple of exceptions …ie, Ringo? … I wondered if the Vet had been a musician… loved that they’d called each other “Brother”)

–Chris Ciccarello, daughter and Caregiver of WWII Veteran

Please share/please repost #flpauthor #preorder #AwesomeCoverArt #poetry #read #poetrybook #poems

[prevnews]

What Happened to Shirley MacLaine? The Journey of a Hollywood Legend

Shirley MacLaine, a renowned actress and one of Hollywood's most iconic figures, has had a fascinating life and career spanning over seven decades. Known for her captivating performances, candid personality, and unconventional beliefs, MacLaine's journey has seen her transition from a young Broadway dancer to an Oscar-winning actress and an outspoken advocate of spiritual exploration. Let's take a detailed look at her life, career highlights, and where she is today.

Early Life and Entry into Showbiz

Shirley MacLaine was born Shirley MacLean Beaty on April 24, 1934, in Richmond, Virginia. Raised in a creative family—her mother was a drama teacher and her father a professor—MacLaine showed an early passion for performing arts. Initially, she pursued ballet, but at the age of 16, she realized her future lay elsewhere due to her height and a recurring ankle injury. At the age of 20, MacLaine made her Broadway debut as a chorus girl in The Pajama Game. In a stroke of luck, she stepped in for the lead actress and caught the attention of film producer Hal B. Wallis, leading to a Hollywood contract. This marked the beginning of a lifelong career in film.

The Rise to Stardom

MacLaine’s film debut came in 1955 with Alfred Hitchcock's dark comedy The Trouble with Harry. Her charm and unique acting style quickly earned her recognition, leading to a string of successful roles in the late 1950s and 1960s. She starred in films such as Some Came Running (1958), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, and The Apartment (1960), a critically acclaimed romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, MacLaine continued to impress audiences with her versatility. Her roles ranged from comedies, such as Irma la Douce (1963), to dramas, like The Children's Hour (1961), demonstrating her ability to tackle a variety of characters. Her magnetic screen presence and talent made her one of the most beloved actresses of her time.

The Academy Award Win and Spiritual Awakening

After multiple Oscar nominations, MacLaine finally won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1983 for her role in Terms of Endearment. Her performance as Aurora Greenway, a strong-willed and complex mother, was widely acclaimed and marked a high point in her acting career. The film also solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most accomplished actresses. However, MacLaine's interests extended beyond acting. She became known for her deep interest in spirituality, metaphysics, and the concept of reincarnation. She wrote extensively about these topics, beginning with her 1983 memoir Out on a Limb, which detailed her experiences with past-life regressions, meditation, and spiritual exploration. Her open discussions about these unconventional beliefs generated both curiosity and controversy.

Later Career and a Resilient Legacy

MacLaine continued to work steadily in film and television into the 1990s and 2000s. Her roles during this period included Steel Magnolias (1989), Postcards from the Edge (1990), and Bewitched (2005). While some of her later films received mixed reviews, her presence on screen remained compelling. In addition to acting, MacLaine authored several books that combined autobiography with spiritual insights, including Dancing in the Light (1985) and The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit (2000). In recent years, MacLaine has been less active in acting, though she occasionally takes on projects that interest her. Notable appearances include her role in Downton Abbey (2012-2013) as Martha Levinson, a spirited American mother, and The Little Mermaid (2018), where she played a grandmother.

Health and Personal Life

At 90 years old, Shirley MacLaine remains a resilient figure. While she has slowed down professionally, she occasionally appears in interviews and public events. Her health has become a more private matter in recent years, and like many stars of her generation, she largely avoids the limelight. MacLaine continues to practice and advocate for spiritual exploration, which has been a significant aspect of her life. She maintains a close connection with her family, including her younger brother, Warren Beatty, who is also a well-known actor and filmmaker.

Where is Shirley MacLaine Now?

In her later years, MacLaine has chosen to focus more on her personal interests and less on her career. She resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place known for its artistic and spiritual community, which aligns with her own lifestyle. Here, she enjoys a quieter life, surrounded by nature and the spiritual energy that she finds meaningful. While Shirley MacLaine may not be as present in Hollywood as she once was, her impact on the film industry and popular culture is undeniable. Her films continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal, and her books on spirituality inspire readers worldwide. Even in retirement, she occasionally makes select public appearances, sharing her wisdom, humor, and experiences with her enduring fan base.

Shirley MacLaine's Legacy: An Eccentric Icon

Shirley MacLaine's career reflects not just her acting talents but also her willingness to challenge norms and explore unconventional beliefs. Her openness about spiritual experiences and past lives invited criticism and fascination alike, yet she never wavered from her path. This authenticity is what has endeared her to many, making her an eccentric icon who embraced both her craft and personal journey with equal passion. Her films, such as The Apartment and Terms of Endearment, remain classics that continue to touch audiences. Beyond her professional success, her courage to speak openly about spirituality and personal growth has left a mark that transcends her film career.

Conclusion

So, what happened to Shirley MacLaine? While the pace of her acting career has slowed, her legacy as a Hollywood legend endures. She continues to inspire with her audacious approach to life, both on and off the screen. Now living a quieter life away from Hollywood's hustle, she remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of one's truth. Shirley MacLaine's journey serves as a reminder that life is not just about what we achieve, but also about how we choose to experience it. Read the full article

[mhkeiger]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo - Hardcover.

[storizenmagazine]

#BookReview: “Camino Ghosts” is a captivating story that blends legal drama, historical fiction, and environmental activism.

[lauriewoodward]

Camino Ghosts: A Review

This is a well-written book about a writer, Mercer Mann, seeking her next project who meets the descendent of former escaped slaves that inhabited a barrier island off the Florida coast. As she learns about the 80 year old Lovely’s past and recent forray into self-published authorship, Mercer becomes intrigued with writing her own account of the African-American’s heritage. While the writing was…

[readingtrend]

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

Find the #1 NYT Bestseller Camino Ghosts by John Grisham from your local library. Click Check on Amazon to read book reviews on Amazon. Click Google Preview to read chapters from Google Books if available. Click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, follow Change Local Library to reset it. Camino Ghosts by: John GrishamRelease…

[europeas20]

Unmissable Galicia Holidays in Spain: Top Activities and Best Hotel Deals

#DiscoverGalicia #GaliciaAdventures #ExploreGalicia #GaliciaNature #VisitGalicia Galicia, located in the northwest corner of Spain, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect holiday destination. Whether you’re seeking picturesque coastal scenery, lush green landscapes, or charming medieval towns, Galicia has something for every traveler.

One of Galicia’s most famous attractions is the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route culminating at the stunning Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from all over the world, not only for its spiritual significance but also for its architectural splendor. Walking the Camino offers a unique opportunity to explore Galicia’s diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to serene forests and rolling hills.

Galicia’s coastline, known as the Rías Baixas, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and pristine beaches. The region's unique rías, or coastal inlets, provide sheltered waters perfect for swimming, sailing, and other water sports. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa de Rodas on the Cíes Islands, often considered one of the best beaches in the world, and Playa de Carnota, famous for its vast stretches of white sand and clear waters.

The region’s capital, Santiago de Compostela, is a must-visit with its historic old town, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings, enjoy tapas in a traditional Galician tavern, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don't miss the chance to try Galicia’s culinary specialties, such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), empanada, and the famous Albariño wine from the local vineyards.

For nature enthusiasts, Galicia offers numerous natural parks and hiking trails. The Fragas do Eume Natural Park, with its dense Atlantic forest, and the Serra da Capelada, home to some of the highest cliffs in Europe, are perfect for those who love outdoor adventures. The region’s varied terrain also makes it an ideal destination for cycling and bird watching.

Galicia is steeped in history and tradition, evident in its many festivals and celebrations. The Festival of St. James, held in Santiago de Compostela, is one of the most important cultural events in Spain, featuring parades, music, and fireworks. Additionally, the Rapa das Bestas in Sabucedo, where wild horses are rounded up and groomed, showcases the region’s unique cultural heritage.

A holiday in Galicia promises a blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and cultural richness. From the spiritual journey of the Camino de Santiago to the stunning beaches and vibrant local festivals, Galicia offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. Discover this hidden gem in Spain and create lasting memories in one of Europe’s most enchanting regions.

Travel Resources Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million reported accommodation listings, including over 6.6 million homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel guidance platform. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, and book experiences. Klook is a booking platform on which travelers can book hotels, cars, tours and activities, tickets to attractions, and shows at great prices. Hotellook is a service that helps you find and compare prices on hotels around the world, provided by a leading reservation system. Today, Hotellook.com offered to put together information on more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries. Hostelworld the global hostel-focused online booking platform, inspires passionate travelers to see the world, meet new people, and come back with extraordinary stories to tell. Hostelworld has more than 13 million reviews across over 17,000 hostels in more than 179 countries, making the brand the leading online hub for social travel. WeGoTrip is an online service for booking audio excursions and tours on 35+ countries on different languages (mostly english). Travelers can take audio excursions created by professional tour guides and local experts. Go City Multi-attraction passes for the top tourist destinations worldwide for up to 65% off the initial cost. Tiqets’ innovative technology ensures that travelers can book tickets on their phone at the last minute, receive their tickets directly in a digital form, and show their mobile phones in place of physical tickets to museums, places of interest, and attractions. Offers available passes in Europe and the US.

You can find the best car rental prices at QEEQ.COM. QEEQ.COM serves road trip travellers from different countries by working with car rental companies all over the world. Rail Europe is the leading distributor of European rail products. The company provides access to an extensive array of rail products from over 50 European train companies.  Intui.Travel is a platform for booking transfers in 175 countries from the best local transport companies. Read the full article

[el3ctraaa]

hiii question, what are the obscures books you read?

here's all the books I have rated 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads with less than 1,000 reviews!!

Alice the Sausage by Sophie Jabes

Ovid at Fifteen by Christopher Bursk

Talk to me Like the Rain and Let me Listen by Tennessee Williams

Mina by Kim Sagwa

Once Upon a Prime by Sarah Hart

Camino Real by Tennessee Williams

thanks for the ask!!!

[zachfrailey]

Yeti Crossroads 27L Backpack Review | Maybe the Best Bag I Ever Owned

[updated May 5, 2024]

I'm a big Yeti fan. I use their drinkware daily, tote their coolers and Camino carry-all bags to the grocery store, beach and back, and even have a couple Loadout 5 gallon buckets that I use for all sorts of tasks around the house and yard. So when it came time for a new backpack for every day carry and travel, I had to throw the Crossroads into consideration. Eventually I pulled the trigger and ordered the Yeti Crossroads 27L in Camp Green.

As a longtime carrier of a super lightweight Patagonia Black Hole 25L backpack, I wanted something a little tougher and durable for my travels. Before pulling the trigger, I researched a lot of bags, and when the Yeti Crossroads became a finalist I was unable to find many good side by side comparisons of the pack next to the bags I already own. So hopefully this review from a Patagonia (and PeakDesign) carrier can help someone out who was in the same boat as I was.

Yeti Crossroads 27L vs. Patagonia Black Hole 25L

First up, we'll look at the side-by-side comparison of the Yeti Crossroads 27L and the Patagonia Black Hole 25L backpacks. It's tough to compare these two bags that are so different. The Patagonia Black Hole is designed to be as thin and light as possible- and I love it for that. However, I was finding my electronics (namely my Macbook) to be getting beat up inside the bag when traveling. Lightweight it is, built to take a beating it is not. This was my main reason for the bag change. The Yeti pack is built like a tank, but with that protection you sacrifice weight. But for me, it's a sacrifice I am willing to make.

Yeti Crossroads 27L vs. PeakDesign 30L

Next, we'll look at the side-by-side of the Yeti Crossroads 27L and the PeakDesign 30L backpack. The PeakDesign has a very specific use for me, and that is to haul around my photography gear. I don't load it out every day with my photo kit, and on those days I am just carry my Macbook, hard drives and work supplies around, it's just overkill. Even loaded for an everyday carry, the shape of the bag kills my shoulders. One of the big negatives of the Yeti pack I was seeing in reviews was the strap design, but I have had not near the shoulder fatigue as I have carrying the PeakDesign pack. Don't get me wrong, the PeakDesign bag is phenomenal for what it is built for- photography- and I will continue to use it as such. But it will no longer double as an everyday carry.

Everyday Carry

I have a fairly minimal every day carry, and like to keep it all contained to cubes. This all fits beautifully into my Yeti pack, with room to spare. In the main compartment of the bag, my Fuji X100V packs into the Patagonia cube with some batteries, a PeakDesign Tech Pouch holds cords, my mouse and other random computer accessories and a hard case carries my external hard drive. The bag's front pocket carries my Thule pouch (with meds, pens and Field Notes book, and the top zipper contains my Beats Studio Pro headphones in case. A well-padded and suspended laptop zipper area fits my Macbook Pro 16" with ease.

Interior

An almost clamshell opening makes loading and unloading the pack a breeze. And a quick access space in the top of the bag for air travel is something I can't live without. This Yeti 27L pack has some great volume up there, along with a tethered strap for keys.

Interior Bottle Pocket

With its own zipper opening in the side of the bag, there is an internal water bottle pouch. I was very skeptical of this at first, but after a couple days of carry I now love it. No more does my bottle get stuck on things of fall out of my bag if it tips over. This is a 16 oz Yeti bottle, which fits great when the bag is loaded up with my other gear.

Back Padding and Straps

The only big negative I saw again and again in reviews was the strap padding of this pack. After wearing this for a few weeks I can say it is a non issue for me. The straps are light and thin and do not cause any fatigue to my shoulders. I could see it maybe being an issue with the larger pack fully loaded out, but to me these are perfect. The back of the bag is comfortable as well, with the same lightweight padding as the straps. My favorite feature of the back is the luggage passthrough and I can't wait to put it to use on my next air travel.

As you can tell, I am a big fan of this bag after just a few weeks of EDC. At first I had a little sticker shock at the $230 price tag, but after viewing a lot of other bags with similar features, this bag is priced in line with the class.

I plan to continue to use my Patagonia Black Hole bag for things like hiking, biking and strenuous activity and the PeakDesign for photography assignments, but I have found my new Every Day Carry.

With the toughness of the material this bag is built with, I no longer worry about the security of my laptop and electronic inside. Built like a tank with a good looking profile, I can see the Yeti Crossroads 27L lasting a lifetime.

[5/4/2024 UPDATE]

I recently returned from an international trip and carried this bag on as a personal item and thought the experience of flight, foreign travel and customs deserved it's own little blurb in this review. Considering one of the main original reasons I purchased this bag was for travel, I am pleased to say it was an absolute breeze to tote through airports, shuttles and flights.

The 27L Crossroads bag provided plenty of space for all of my essentials that I didn't want to leave my side during the trip- medicine bag, sunglasses, Beats Studio Pro headphones, passports, water bottle, camera, chargers/batteries/etc. I actually found the internal water bottle pockets extremely user friendly on the plane and in TSA. Normall, I have a bottle bouncing around, getting caught on the seat or tray. Storing the bottle inside give this bag a sleek and comfortable profile that travels smoothly. The luggage passthrough on the back of the bag was tremendous. I loved throwing the bag over my luggage to roll through the airport (that may be normal for some readers, but I have never had a backpack with this feature before and it was a main selling point for me). A common concern about the Crossroads backpacks is the light padding on the straps, but I had zero issue with comfort when this bag was loaded down for the return trip. To help compress the load, I used the compression straps for this trip. For my every day carry, I remove them for ease of access on the sides. I used this backpack for everything while on the trip- it went to the pool, beach and excursions in the Mexican countryside, performing each task admirably and with room to spare. At the start of one day I even had a compliment on it in the elevator. I feel confident now saying that this is the best backpack I have ever owned.

Review stats:

Looks- 9.5/10

Toughness- 9.75/10

Price point- 7/10

Interior layout- 9/10

Laptop sleeve- 10/10

Everyday carriable- 9.25/10

[New update] Airline score- 9.5/10

Overall- 9.25/10

[thaislovescoffee]

My review of the movie Me Before You

Watch Me Before You Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke), an unstable and creative girl, resides in a small town in the English countryside. She lives aimlessly and bounces from job to job to help her family make ends meet. However, a new job will test her usual cheerfulness. At the local castle, she cares for and accompanies Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker who was left paralyzed after an accident.

It is one of my favorite films as the actors embodied their characters very well. The spirit of Lou the girl who wants to find her way and her place in the world is very well portrayed and retains the personality given to her in the book by author Jojo Mojes. Which left me wanting them to make a saga completing the 3 books and thus give a better closure to this girl who never stops dreaming and romanticizing her life despite the problems. My rating is a 9 out of 10 jjj even though I am not an art critic.

Mi crítica de la película Me Before You

Ver Yo antes de ti Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke), una chica inestable y creativa, reside en un pequeño pueblo de la campiña inglesa. Vive sin rumbo y rebota de un trabajo a otro para ayudar a su familia a llegar a fin de mes. Sin embargo, un nuevo trabajo pondrá a prueba su habitual alegría. En el castillo local, cuida y acompaña a Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), un joven banquero adinerado que quedó paralítico tras un accidente.

Es una de mis películas favoritas, ya que los actores encarnaron muy bien a sus personajes. El espíritu de Lou, la chica que quiere encontrar su camino y su lugar en el mundo, está muy bien retratado y conserva la personalidad que le dio en el libro el autor Jojo Mojes. Lo que me dejó con ganas de que hagan una saga completando los 3 libros y así darle un mejor cierre a esta chica que nunca deja de soñar y romantizar su vida a pesar de los problemas. Mi calificación es un 9 de 10 jjj aunque no soy critica de arte.

[parlar-per-parlar]

2023

Llibres (nous i vells) que m'ha agradat llegir aquest any

All the Pretty Horses - Cormac McCarthy (1992)

«I wanted very much to be a person of value and I had to ask myself how this could be possible if there were not something like a soul or like a spirit that is in the life of a person and which could endure any misfortune or disfigurement and yet be no less for it. If one were to be a person of value that value could not be a condition subject to hazards of fortune. It had to be a quality that could not change. No matter what. Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I’d always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it was always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals came easily.

I knew that courage came with less struggle for some than for others but I believed that anyone who desired it could have it. That the desire was the thing itself. The thing itself. I could think of nothing else of which that was true.»

El último encuentro - Sándor Márai (1942)

«Porque también existe eso, el instante: el tiempo trae y se lleva las cosas, de manera arbitraria, y no somos sólo nosotros quienes ponemos nuestras acciones y sus circunstancias en el marco del tiempo. A veces ocurre que el instante trae una posibilidad, y esa posibilidad tiene su momento exacto, y si el instante pasa, ya no puedes hacer nada de nada.»

Agua y jabón - Marta D Riezu (2021)

«Tarde o temprano llega un frío terrible.

Somos jóvenes, fuertes y nos va más o menos bien, pero en algún momento de la vida pasaremos por una crisis, que puede tomar mil formas: soledad, desazón inexplicable, enferemdad, desajuste químico, ruptura, apatía. Y llegaremos a la intemperie.

La música, el arte, las lecturas, la filosofía; con lo vivido, lo escuchado y lo reflexionado se crea un búnker mental. Pero hay que tener los deberes hechos; uno pierde a la madre y no piensa: bueno, ahora voy a ponerme a escuchar Cadena Dial, a ver si me alivia. Se trata, dice Joan Margarit, de "convertir el dolor en tristeza. El dolor no se puede gestionar; la tristeza sí."»

The Black Dahlia - James Ellroy (1988)

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/book-of-a-lifetime-the-black-dahlia-by-james-ellroy-2289429.html

Matar el nervi - Anna Pazos (2023)

«No tengo hijos ni perros ni marido y quizá es parte del problema. Es un pensamiento nuevo, cristalino, que irrumpe con una claridad cruel el día que se funde la bombilla del baño y se emboza el inodoro y no tengo nadie en quien delegar la tarea de resolverlo. Este pensamiento es como una cucaracha tóxica que se ha hecho un nido en mi oreja. Me susurra a todas horas que una vida solitaria es deprimente y antinatural, que los fuegos artificiales se acaban tarde o temprano, que el maquillaje cae y hay que tener a alguien al lado con quien emprender el largo camino hacia casa. Todo el mundo en el fondo, me asegura la cucaracha, conoce y acepta este hecho ancestral, y solo fingen creer que es posible una vida atomizada e independiente. Pero cada vez menos gente tendrá ánimo para fingir y las cosas volverán mansamente a su orden natural, y los solitarios y sobre todo las solitarias vagarán por el purgatorio marcados por el aura pestilente del fracaso.»

At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom - Amy Hempel (1990)

«I play back everything that has happened to me before this. I want to ask Big Guy if he is doing this, too. I want him to know what it clearly seems to me: that if it's true your life flashes past your eyes before you die, then it is also the truth that your life rushes forth when you are ready to start to truly be alive.»

Berta Isla - Javier Marías (2017)

https://elpais.com/cultura/2017/12/15/babelia/1513344132_636848.html

«Frente a esa idea de la novela como una forma de conocimiento, yo la veo como una forma de reconocimiento», me dijo Marías una vez, en el curso de una conversación sobre Tu rostro mañana. «Con esos autores que ven, que se atreven a mirar las cosas como son, uno a menudo tiene una fuerte sensación de verdad precisamente porque reconoce lo que dicen. Uno dice: ‘Sí, esto es así, es verdad’. Y no te están haciendo una revelación, no estás accediendo a un conocimiento nuevo. Estás viendo algo que sabías pero que no sabías que sabías.»

[mhkeiger]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Clap When You Land Hardcover by Elizabeth Acevedo.

[waynedoestheword]

The Tennessee Highway Death Chant

Review por Salvador Tapia.

¿Alguna vez han ido caminando por alguna calle concurrida cuando súbitamente cruzan camino con una librería?, ¿navegar en alguna página buscando una nueva Alexa o componentes para su PC cuando una sugerencia literaria salvaje aparece? ¿o simplemente han echado el ojo a algún pequeño puesto de libros en su tianguis o pulga mas cercana a su casa? Estoy 100% seguro que la respuesta a la mayoría sería un rotundo “SÍ”.

Hace un par de meses me encontraba reposando en cama, producto de un problema de salud a largo plazo, a lo cual mi compañía era House of Leaves de Danielewski (Del cuál ya he hablado previamente durante mi reseña del magnifico Alan Wake 2 y próximamente espero hacerle una reseña hecha y derecha como debe de) por lo que estaba un tanto intrigado sobre la literatura Ergódica (es un error común el pensar esta sub rama literaria es algo nuevo cuando en realidad se puede remontar a los jeroglíficos egipcios, a la antigua cultura china o, es más, sin irnos tan lejos a Cortázar con Rayuela) por lo que encontrando otros trabajos aparte de S cuya historia nace de la mente de J. J. Abrams el cual en este hogar somos fieles REPUDIANTES de su trabajo desde aquella aberración titulada Rise of Skywalker (Siendo esa historia para otro momento y en la cual me puedo pasar horas hablando del porque es una de las peores películas jamás hechas) me encontré con Scorch Atlas.

Dejando atrás el odio breve (pero necesario); escrito de la mano de Blake Butler el cuál su mayor atracción es como invita al lector a leer la obra en el orden que este desee (y no solo eso, en propias palabras de Butler este te invita a DAÑAR el libro puesto que mientras mas dañada sea la estética del mismo, más tendrá sentido la historia dentro de él). Con este nuevo dato adquirido estuve tentado para hacerme de él y a nada de hacer click en el botón de comprar cuando en una de las sugerencias, como si del primer amor adolescente se tratara, una belleza cautivo mis ojos.

No es mentira cuando digo que la portada del (Ahora sin rodeos previos) libro de Keegan Jennings Goodman es posiblemente la mas hermosa que he visto en la vida y que tenga en mis libreros. El material es de Calidad soberbia. Los grabados y textura son de Encuadernaciones premium y las hojas dentro de este cuentan con una suavidad a tal grado que si pasas las uñas encima de estas no sentirás ese ligero escalofrío que ocasiona el papel común.

PD1: A todo esto y metiendo propaganda descaradamente; los invito a que vayan a checar el catálogo de Featherproof Books en su página web que es precisamente donde fui a dar con el material del cual les hablo el día de hoy y Scorch Atlas. Fuera de que encontrarán unos libros de verdad hermosos igual lo harán con historias fuera de lo convencional que hablo enserio cuando digo valen el dinero y tiempo de uno. El solo mencionar que Devandra Banhart cuenta con un poemario dentro del catálogo creo ya es mucho decir.

¿A qué viene el que les venga a decir las maravillas estéticas respecto a un libro? Sabiendo mi gente que esto no es algo que tomaría en cuenta. La cuestión es el querer hablar de cosas positivas del hasta ahora único trabajo de Goodman considerando que este libro es otro de esos casos donde es puro Estilo sobre Sustancia.

ECCLESIA OF THE TRANS ARM.

El libro nos cuenta el loop “infinito” que viven nuestros protagonistas; El Salvaje de corazón y cabeza John Stone y la aún inocente Jenny Evenene quienes fallecieron en circunstancias desconocidas para el lector en algún momento previo al inicio de la historia. Ellos no pueden ascender, o en el peor de los casos, descender a su eterno descanso por lo que se encuentran varados en una versión del purgatorio moldeada como el Sureste Americano, específicamente una pequeña región semi rural localizada en Tennessee. Cercana al Río Jordan (de ahí el nombre por si se estaban quemando la cabeza).

Al perder la noción de cuanto tiempo llevan esperando o siquiera en que época se encuentran actualmente los protagonistas ceden a una vida “ordinaria” dentro de su purgatorio (en este caso mas un infierno) personal. Beber cerveza sin control o conducir hacia las penumbras de la noche en el Firebird Trans Arm de John el cual por alguna razón se encuentra con ellos son las actividades principales de la pareja durante el transcurso de la historia.

En el proceso del loop no se encontrarán solos puesto que el lugar esta lleno (en su mayoría) de jóvenes almas en pena que tuvieron la peor de las suertes en vida y ahora, así como nuestra pareja protagonista, no pueden encontrar el eterno descanso y parece ser se han resignado a ello o siquiera cuentan con la noción de la disfortunia que vivieron.

ASHES TO ENGINE, DUST TO DUST.

Bueno, habiendo tocado la trama, siendo que realmente di una sinopsis de esta, recalco que fuera de unos cuantos cambios en la misma no es necesario explayarme más porque, aunque el concepto como tal es el de un Loop infinito en el purgatorio de verdad que nunca llegamos a una resolución de la historia/problema en las 250 páginas que dura esta obra.

Mientras avanzamos la historia esta nos agrega información/lore en la forma de artículos de periódico local los cuales nos hablan de ciertos personajes como el trabajador de la gasolinera local Reginald Hawkins o de los mismos John y Jenny.

Bien ¿Si la trama entonces solo se repite capítulo tras capítulo que es aquello que rellena el libro a tal grado de abarcar casi 300 páginas?

Entre bucles (y siendo a mi parecer lo mejor o mas interesante de la obra de Goodman) se van contando anécdotas folclóricas de las tribus nativo americanas las cual encajan exquisitamente con la ambientación de la historia. ¿Recuerdan en Zelda: Twilight Princess como al cambiar al mundo crepuscular este contaba con un cielo hermoso, pero a la vez horroroso? Pues en THDC es algo similar.

El purgatorio, aparte de contar con un cielo anormal y de un infinito Río Jordan, cuenta con Deidades en forma de aves mitológicas sobrevolando sus montañas. Cada que te describen el como son los alrededores del lugar es de los mejores aspectos que te ofrece el libro y como dicen; Al César lo que es del César.

Respecto a las anécdotas; corrijo lo que dije al respecto. Parte del tiempo son lo mejor del libro, pero la manera de implementar o contar algunas de ellas es algo insoportable por decirlo así. Es similar a esos casos donde estamos en una reunión o fiesta ya muy entrada la noche y el alcohol cuando de la nada la persona más insoportable que puedas conocer empieza a dar sus opiniones con aires de intelectualidad, escupiendo datos que realmente no sabes si se encuentran entre lo verídico o lo que simplemente sale de su boca en ese momento y no puedes hacer nada al respecto puesto que acaparo la atención de toda alma viva presente. Incluyéndote.

Entre la más famosa de estas es aquella de la Serpiente Boca de Cobre (Coppermouth Snake) la cual es la versión en este universo de Ouroboros; la Serpiente que se come su cola de manera infinita (Sutil ¿Cierto?).

Fuera de eso otra de las cosas que rellenan el libro entre capítulos son desglosamientos de canciones Country populares aquí en el continente de la Bandera Estrellada. Desde Merle Haggard, John Stone (El músico de Nashville), Patsy Cline hasta Waylon Jennings. Como mencione, más que un desglosamiento son mas una mezcla con pensamientos propios del protagonista que algunas veces no cuadran del todo o simplemente son insufribles de leer.

Hablando de los personajes aquí no encontraras desarrollo alguno y mucho menos algún tipo de apego como lector hacia los protagonistas. John es un ser humano asqueroso que tiene bien merecido el final de sus días en este plano mientras que Jenny solamente sirve como los ojos del lector. Esta no cuenta con diálogo alguno mas que sus pensamientos internos y descripciones a lo que ella Ve. El único personaje que podría llamar interesante es el joven Nathaniel que su función en el libro es similar a la de Pascal en Pet Sematary (Otra referencia a King en mis escritos, otra moneda a mi frasco de referencias al Rey).

Flumen Ouroboros.

¿Saben? Me hubiera gustado decir mas cosas respecto a este libro, pero siendo honestos es que a pesar de sentirlo pesado por lo mencionado es realmente corto. A día de hoy (casi 2024) y como mencione al inicio de esta reseña es el único trabajo publicado de Keegan. De igual manera es muy difícil encontrar reseñas en la red que hablen de este (Siendo que únicamente encontré 2; Uno lo encontró interesante a secas y el otro simplemente lo detesto a tal grado de no terminarlo). De cierta manera me ocurrió la misma situación de los personajes y solo repetí en algunas ocasiones, con distintas palabras, el por qué no lo soporte. Obligándome a alcanzar el final esperando dar con un buen contenido, pero como John y Jenny; solo termine llendo en círculos.

Encontré muchísimo más interesante la vida pública/en redes sociales del autor la cuál esta compuesta de la vida outlaw de ensueño que me gustaría vivir; Caminatas por las montañas Ozark, trabajar el acero de manera artesanal, reparar o modificar guitarras eléctricas…

PD2: A decir verdad, me siento un poco mal hablando así del libro considerando lo que acabo de decir sobre el autor. Se nota a leguas es una persona a toda madre, pero eso no quita el hecho de que le falto al menos unas dos inspecciones a su manuscrito inicial.

Deseaba que este libro me hubiera encantado, de verdad. Tal vez fue el hecho de leerlo una vez terminada mis jornadas laborales y por ende estar cansado. Tal vez fue su narrativa e implementación de ideas que, aunque interesantes tanto en Substancia como en Estética se quedan a medio cocer.

Espero algún día volver a darle una segunda vuelta y percatarme que me equivoque al respecto y me encuentro frente a una Gema Oculta en la vida. Mientras eso ocurre, o si es que ocurre, realmente solo se los recomendaría si ustedes son fanáticos del Surrealismo, lo Sin sentido y de coleccionar libros bonitos para sus repisas. Aún así debo reconocer que este intento de mezcolanza entre Badlands, Natural Born Killers con una pizca de Bones and All y mitología/folclor Nativo americano es de reconocerse por originalidad mas no por calidad.