Book Review: Rhett Butlers People

If you are a fan of Gone with the Wind, one of the longest and legendary books that has existed for so many years. You will realize how timeless the story is, especially being of an older story set during the Civil War. The movie adaption is also a landmark in history, and there is a sequel to the book and the movie. The movie was not so great, but the book it was based on was decent, despite being a less satisfying experience. Another book came out called Rhett Butler's People, and I expected it'd be a decent read. Nope.

I don't know who authorized this book, but they made a huge mistake. I know it's about Rhett Butler more than anyone else, but unlike Scarlett which is the sequel to Gone with the Wind, this midquel is shameless. It doesn't pay homage like it should, heck it even has chapters without Rhett Butler at all. I read exactly 9 chapters, and I hated it.

So if your a fan of Gone with the Wind, I do recommend Scarlett but tell you to avoid Rhett Butler's people because it is not the same style as the other two. The author strikes me as unsuited to capture the scope of Gone with the Wind. Maybe someone else might like it, but it seems the Gone with the Wind knockoffs will get worse as they make more to "print" money off of Margaret Mitchell's hard work.

I give it a 2 out of 5

Impressions on Beastly

On ET I finally had a look at some pics and sets for Beastly, and I have to say I felt a little embarassed. Pink text and focus on the women in the movie isn't exactly helping me be proud of the fact I read this book, it felt too feminine. And I have to say the book is not.

Basically its a story about a privileged teen getting what he deserves by changing his physical form to something people will fear. This teen, Kyle Kingsbury, must find a women who could love him as the beast he is and kiss him to remove the spell in just two years. Note: this is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, not the Disney version but the original 1940's french film I have seen a scant amount of.

In THIS VIDEO I had a peek at the creature design, and it appealed to me because I could not see how such a thing could work. But once again, it is looking too feminine to the point that it looks like it was "inspired" by the twilight craze. It wasn't, its a pretty nice book you can't put down, the book has very interesting characters with my favorite being Will Fratalli. I really liked him as a character and have heard lots of excitement over Neil Patrick Harris portraying him, I am not too familiar with him but he seems to be a good actor to have in a movie.

But Jeez, Vanessa "sellout" Hudgens and an Olson twin who has to portray a middle aged woman, a witch and and ugly girl. How is this going to work?

I recommend the book, and I hope the movie turns out well.

Book Review: The House of the Scorpion

Yes, book reading is a volunteer effort. Some don't want to, some do. But there are books that work on many levels to speak to the reader while pushing points across. House of the Scorpion is one of those books.

House of the Scorpion is written by Nancy Farmer, and is about a boy who is treated differently for what he is: a clone. Matteo Alacran becomes the subject for debates about clones and their equality when compared to humans. It also explores the need for immortality through unethical means and even explores elements of how the United States and Mexico have progressed in the future from a SCI-FI perspective. 

I've read this book soo much its that good. It's interesting how Farmer develops Matt's life as a child with obvious religious questions regarding a clone. Matt is religious, but we've never had the circumstance of whether a clone is welcomed in the house of god. The relationship between Matt and El' Patron, the man who he is a clone of is heartwarming in how kind he seems. And yet, El' Patron is loved out of fear by everyone around him, highlighting the idea that money drives people to swallow pride and is constantly remarked for his powerful legacy he created.

This is a book people must read, because I cannot tell you everything or else there is nothing worth learning on your own. But I highly recommend reading it, its a wonderful story. 

I give it a 4 out of 5