Nodame Cantabile (Anime Series)

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance, Slice of Life, Josei
Episodes: 23

Sequel: Nodame Cantabile Paris-Hen
Type: TV Series

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Synopsis

Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist; not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Chiaki from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan. During his 4th year at Japan's top music university, Chiaki happens to meet Noda Megumi; or as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Chiaki hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe at the kind of music she plays. To Chiaki's dismay, Nodame moves into the apartment next to his and finds out that she is head over heels in love with him. Nodame Cantabile tells the story of Chiaki and Nodame, as they not only learn to deal with each other, but learn lessons from one another as they strive for the top of the musical world. (Animefreak.tv)

Review

There is a misconception concerning anime, or at least among the population that is not familiar with the anime industry. That is, before I started watching, I assumed all series were like Pokemon and Sailor Moon - magical, fantastical and appealing towards a very young age demographic. That is not the case with many series, though. Authors also give insight in an industry or sport or world that is so in-depth that it draws the viewers in. For example, after watching this, I've been listening to classical music non-stop and even cleaned my saxophone. Isn't that the fascinating thing about entertainment, though? Having such an impact to change a viewer/reader's daily pattern, make them think of something that would not otherwise come to mind?

Nodame Cantabile is about music students at the university level, trying to perform their best and find the paths that will lead to their futures, wherever that may be. It's hard not to fall head over heels for Chiaki; he is a genius at the piano and violin, and has an ear and style for conducting. Nodame is goofy and lovable and just as talented in her own right. There was a whole lot less romance that I was expecting but the series gave me an insatiable longing for music. This is definitely worth watching. Both main characters go through many trials, complementing each other throughout, although in ways viewers might not always expect.

Rating:  5/5

 

 

Warm Bodies, by Isaac Marion

• Pub. Date: April 2011 

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group 

• Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

R is a young man with an existential crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. His ability to connect with the outside world is limited to a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing.
After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and stragely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His choice to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.
Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies explores what happens when the cold heart of a zombie is tempted by the warmth of human love. 



Review

The cover looks interesting enough, but what made me check this out at the library was the phrase 'zombie love' plastered on the front review. All the monsters of our past have slowly been given sympathetic twists and eventually made into love interests (werewolves, vampires, ogres, faeries...you get the idea). So why not zombies? Sure, they're rotting corpses with no brain function beyond the animal instinct to live, but can you really hold that against them?? Hmmm? Being dead does tend to hamper relationships. I have to say, though, I think the author successfully made zombies lovable (at least in his special scenario). In fact, I really liked R. He has style, and apparently rots slower than most of his friends. Seriously. Although I half-joking, I really enjoyed this book, way more than I expected. The topic itself sounded like a flop from the beginning, but this is probably the best book I've read all summer. There's also a bunch of symbolism thrown in about the 'disease' of being a zombie and relating that to the condition of the heart. It's not all stated in words, but the idea is expressed.

I recommend this book for anyone looking for something different. It's also really short (or at least goes down fast) with a load of movement and action.

The art of story takes many forms

You might be thinking I'm taking time away from reading...and you'd be somewhat right. I'm still reading, but my medium has changed. Sometimes I go through spells that consist of different entertainment sources, like video games, manga/manwha, movies, anime, etc. I was thinking last night about how most of my friends consider me a nerd for different reasons....and my choice of entertainment is only one of many. Here are some others:

1. I READ.
Apparently the average college student (at least at my university) can go through four years of higher education without checking out ONE book from the university library for personal use. Cringe.

2. I actually buy books, double-stack my bookshelves because, frankly, I've run out of wall space and I have a cat. This does not, I repeat, DOES NOT!!!, make me a crazy cat lady. Normal people buy books. Normal college students have small apartments with limited walls (and windows. And hot water.)  Normal people have pets, like say a cat. 

3. I play video games in league with teenage boys. I talk way less smack, and currently don't have internet to play XBOX Live, but I can go hours on end without getting bored. I like all types of games but lean more toward shooters, strategy and action-adventure. I also prefer stealth over force.

4. I'm an engineer.
I don't think that really needs much explanation....

My point starting out was, since I enjoy many forms of entertainment, all of which circle around stories ( the basis for books, movies, games, whatever). Since that is the case, I feel it's only right that I present these other mediums because some of the stories outside of binding are just as compelling and worth sharing. Although I don't watch many movies, I do go occasionally, and if I think it's good enough, I'll also read the book (if I haven't already). Anyway, this is just a heads up for the minor changes coming.

Catching Fire (Hunger Games Series #2), by Suzanne Collins

• Pub. Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
• Pages: 400

• Series: Hunger Games Series , #2 

 

Rating: 5/5

 

Synopsis

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Review
So, before the binding was shut on Hunger Games, I had already bought Catching Fire and started flipping furiously through it on my Nook.
By the way, holy mother! Two people can't win the Hunger Games - it's just not done! Golf clap and approving nod to Collins. THIS was the only way to surprise the readers. And what of Gale? At the beginning of the previous book, we all knew they were destined to be together forever and then the story of Peeta unfolded and we were torn because dangitall, he's lovable, too.

So now, both Katniss and Peeta have lived through the Hunger Games to enjoy a life of wealth and fame....but it doesn't work out that way at all. Who would have guessed that the Capitol throw both of them back into a deadly game of survival!!! Many twists in this second installment and it becomes clear near the end where this is leading: rebellion is not a rumor whispered, but an undeniable force that is coming. Can't wait to see where Katniss is taken in Mockingjay.

Waiting

For several reasons, I have decided to stay through the summer and graduate in August. The pros: cheap rent, finished research, no-pressure packing, potential journal submissions and time for reading. Cons: Still currently jobless and waiting impatiently for Prince Employment to come along, ahem, hint-hint...