Frankie reads 2012

[Kylie]

I think you're thinking it through too much. Just watch it, woman! If you don't like the first episode, you don't have to watch the rest.

[frankie]

I think you're thinking it through too much. Just watch it, woman! If you don't like the first episode, you don't have to watch the rest.

 

I know I don't have to watch it if I don't like it, duh! But I'm contemplating watching it and I wanted some advice. And maybe a little info from fans about what exactly makes the show so great. I don't see why I can't broach the subject on here

[frankie]

Postmortem

by Patricia Cornwell

 

From Book Depository: A serial killer is on the loose in Richmond, Virginia. Three women have died, brutalised and strangled in their own bedroom. There is no pattern: the killer appears to strike at random - but always early on Saturday mornings. So when Dr Kay Scarpetta, chief medical officer, is awakened at 2.33 am, she knows the news is bad: there is a fourth victim. And she fears now for those that will follow unless she can dig up new forensic evidence to aid the police. But not everyone is pleased to see a woman in this powerful job. Someone may even want to ruin her career and reputation ...

 

Thoughts: This starts a re-read marathon of the Kay Scarpetta series for me. I read some of these novels at the turn of the millennium and I liked them. However, back then I never realised that I would've benefited from reading the books in order. I think Scarpetta was my first experience with serialized crime novels and I went about it the wrong way: randomly. Since then I've collected all the novels in English, up to the first 13 or so (?) and I plan on reading all of them in chronological order within a year's time or so.

 

When I started writing this review, I was at a loss: I had no memories of the plot, eventhough this is one of the books I have read before. That doesn't bode well for Cornwell, does it. I had to think for a while and then it all came back for me. In itself, the storyline is pretty good, and the whodunnit part was creative, but it didn't really grip me at any given point. And it wasn't because I remembered the storyline from my previous reading; it was so many years ago that I only had a vague idea who was the murderer, but nothing else rang any bells for me.

 

What was more revealing on the second reading is that I don't think I like Scarpetta that much. She's of Italian origin and mocks her sister for never having mastered the art of cooking. As if everyone of any traditional foody culture had to know how to cook. I guess it annoyed me because I was very bad at cooking until a few years ago when I started giving it all an effort. I always sympathize with women who can't cook and who are thought less of for that. Damn them gender roles!

 

What's more, Scarpetta smokes. Eventhough she's a [insert medical title I've forgotten by now]. And she feverously defends smoking. I have no problem with that, it's her life, but when she gets irritated by not being able to smoke inside someone else's office, inside a building, it's a bit too much. Then again, this book was released in 1990, so maybe in those days it was okay to smoke in offices? Although I have a difficult time believing that. But it's intesting nevertheless. I can't imagine a place in Finland where you could smoke inside, even in the 1990s. Except for the bars, but they've been smoke-free since two thousand and something (and some of them have these small specific room where you can go in and smoke).

 

Haha, the book must not have been very good if my review turns into a lecture on smoking policies

 

Anyways. After having read novels by the likes of Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter and Jeffery Deaver, Cornwell doesn't do much for me. But I want to keep reading anyways, because there is a certain recurring storyline in Scarpetta's personal life that I want to find out about.

 

3/5

[Chrissy]

A few years ago now I read all of my Scarpetta, in order, one after the other. Once I was done I gave them to my sister-in-law, along with all my James Patterson novels. I had loved her writing, and complained bitterly when I thought she (and her books) went loopy, but the final reading of them just closed the door on her as an author I seek out.

 

Enjoy your re read of them, the early ones especially are fairly good reads. Oh, and the smoking? Yep, they would have smoked everywhere!

[frankie]

A few years ago now I read all of my Scarpetta, in order, one after the other. Once I was done I gave them to my sister-in-law, along with all my James Patterson novels. I had loved her writing, and complained bitterly when I thought she (and her books) went loopy, but the final reading of them just closed the door on her as an author I seek out.

 

I think this pretty much sums up how it's gonna go for me, too. Although I might not send your sister-in-law the books, seeing as she already has them But I already know that I'm not going to keep the books once I've finished them. Someone might ask why I want to keep on reading them if they're not that good, but it's because of that one storyline that I want to read through.

 

 

It's the one where Scarpetta has his own (?) stalker. I can't remember his name but when I see it on the pages I think I'll recognise it. I don't remember how many books he comes up in, but at least a few. And I have this feeling that he manage to get away at least once. I think Scarpetta first met him on an unrelated (or it was thought to be unrelated business, at least?) business and didn't at the time think anything of him and it wasn't until later that she realised he was the perp.

 

 

 

Enjoy your re read of them, the early ones especially are fairly good reads. Oh, and the smoking? Yep, they would have smoked everywhere!

 

The smoking baffles me! It's all changed so much over the years.

[chesilbeach]

I know you asked Janet, but I'm going to jump in anyway. I haven't seen Peep Show, so I don't know what he's like as an actor but I like David Mitchell because he's intelligent as well as funny. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) is a fantastic actor, as is Martin Freeman (Watson), and both of whom are mostly known as film actors nowadays, so a good pedigree of acting skills to start then. Next, the series is written by Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and the writing is very good. What they've done in the contemporary setting is make use of the idiosyncrasies of the Sherlock character, and make him incredibly intelligent, but an outsider to society because of it. They use Watson as the emotional heart of the partnership, allowing the viewer into the story. Then they get extremely good directors and designers to make a slick, modern programme which looks fantastic. So when you come to watch it, you'll get a talented actor, portraying a quick, clever, unique character, delivering sharp dialogue, in a beautifully shot drama - that is what draws the attention to him, and I think why people may gush.

 

Well, that's my feelings on it anyway!

Edited July 20, 2012 by chesilbeach

[Chrissy]

Beautifully put Chesil!

[Janet]

I was actually hoping you'd see my post, because I have a specific question, specifically for you. You and I like David Mitchell, right. A lot. Well, I'm not sure how it was for you, but for me, I initially thought he looked a bit ... unusual, and not my type. Then I totally fell in love with his character on Peep Show and then I started hearing all these great things about the real Mitchell.

 

With Sherlock, I can't see the attraction in the leading man, and yet I know a lot of women are gushing over him. Do you think it might be the same thing as with David Mitchell?

 

Sorry, I don't mean to sound superficial, but I had to ask because a part of the appeal of the series is the main character and the actor who plays him and I've personally not seen what the hype is about.

I see Claire has answered and what she said sums it up perfectly for me. I can't really add to what she's said, except to say that we think Sherlock is a breath of fresh and all of us enjoy watching it (although Luke didn't watch the second series, but only because he'd rather be out with his friends than inside watching TV). I do have a bit of a crush on Benedict Cumberbatch, especially in this, as his character is just so... unique.

[poppyshake]

With Sherlock, I can't see the attraction in the leading man, and yet I know a lot of women are gushing over him. Do you think it might be the same thing as with David Mitchell?

Sorry, I don't mean to sound superficial, but I had to ask because a part of the appeal of the series is the main character and the actor who plays him and I've personally not seen what the hype is about.

Yep I think it's along similar lines, it's not the Colin Firth effect (just stand there Colin .. and let me look at you ) .. although again there is something more appealing about Colin once you've seen him in action .. except in Shakespeare in Love .. he was horrid in that .. I still would've though .. shame he wouldn't (share cake I mean ) with Benedict it's more about his extraordinary acting .. he really is superb and I think you most definitely would like Sherlock frankie but even if you don't it's worth giving it a go to see.

[Karsa Orlong]

You wouldn't be the first one not to like Sherlock anyway - VF's already been there done that I think it flatters to deceive, a little, but it's fun

[Peacefield]

Peace is your name really Marcia? OMG who knew?

 

That's me! Although I think you might be one of the last to know, LOL

 

I will make a point to look for and watch Love Actually, Frankie .

 

I haven't seen Sherlock either but I'm interested! Frankie, can I ask why you didn't like True Blood?

[frankie]

I know you asked Janet, but I'm going to jump in anyway. I haven't seen Peep Show, so I don't know what he's like as an actor but I like David Mitchell because he's intelligent as well as funny. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) is a fantastic actor, as is Martin Freeman (Watson), and both of whom are mostly known as film actors nowadays, so a good pedigree of acting skills to start then. Next, the series is written by Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and the writing is very good. What they've done in the contemporary setting is make use of the idiosyncrasies of the Sherlock character, and make him incredibly intelligent, but an outsider to society because of it. They use Watson as the emotional heart of the partnership, allowing the viewer into the story. Then they get extremely good directors and designers to make a slick, modern programme which looks fantastic. So when you come to watch it, you'll get a talented actor, portraying a quick, clever, unique character, delivering sharp dialogue, in a beautifully shot drama - that is what draws the attention to him, and I think why people may gush.

 

Well, that's my feelings on it anyway!

 

By the looks of it, those are some other people's feelings, too, and you've managed to make a great review of the show =D Honest, you could write TV show reviews, and not just book ones

 

If you like David Mitchell, and well, if you like great British TV shows, I'd definitely recommend watching Peep Show. It's lovely to see DM looking straight at you You'll understand what I mean by that if you watch the show

 

One thing that worried me about watching Sherlock and which I forgot to mention is that I don't like Martin Freeman. I used to be a huge fan back in the day, when I loved watching The Office, UK version, but then I watched the US version and was sold, and started to not like the UK version that much, and go off Freeman, because his US equivalent is so much dishier and nicer and funnier and everything I'll get back to this point later in my post.

 

Yep I think it's along similar lines, it's not the Colin Firth effect (just stand there Colin .. and let me look at you) .. although again there is something more appealing about Colin once you've seen him in action .. except in Shakespeare in Love .. he was horrid in that .. I still would've though.. shame he wouldn't (share cake I mean) with Benedict it's more about his extraordinary acting .. he really is superb and I think you most definitely would like Sherlock frankie but even if you don't it's worth giving it a go to see.

 

Oh, I agree about Shakespeare in Love, dear lord, it gave him a bad name, oh, well it didn't, but it gave him an ugly demeanour =D I also think that he's not at his best in Valmont, but I suspect that is because he plays a wicked character in that one as well. All the rest is all good =D

 

Anyhow, back to Sherlock!

 

Thanks also to Janet and poppyshake for their input on the subject! Now, confession time! You guys sold me and I decided I needed to watch the first episode. And when it was getting closer and closer to 21.15, I found that I was getting quite eager to watch it, something I didn't expect at all.

 

Oh dear lord you guys... what can I say? Where can I start? I loved it!

 

- I think this show is actually going to make me like Martin Freeman again!!

 

- Benedict Cumberbatch

 

- The dialogue! Oh, the dialogue!

 

- Poor Molly, Sherlock being totally oblivious to her asking him out for a coffee. And the lipstick he commented on, making Molly all self-conscious about it and making her remove it, and then saying he'd rather liked it because it made Molly's lips look bigger. Her head was spinning!

 

- Did I already mention Benedict Cumberbatch?

 

- I loved how Watson kept on admiring Sherlock, being totally different from other people who'd grown suspicious of him and who were maybe afraid of his stabbing truths. And the way they giggled together. *swoon!*

 

However. I was really annoyed before the show started, because the announcer told us that they would show the first three episodes from season 1 before showing the all new episodes from season 2. I was like, wtf man, I've finally decided to give it a go and you tell me you will only show the first three episodes?! I ranted about this on FB to a friend, and then she told me the horrible truth: there are only 3 episodes per season =( And then I found out that the episode was 1,5 hours long, not the usual 40-60 minutes. No wonder the episode seemed full packed! Hehe. But sigh! Nobody told me there was so few episodes to enjoy. Sniff!

 

I will make a point to look for and watch Love Actually, Frankie.

 

Goody! I'm pretty darn sure you'll love it. And if you don't, there might be something really wrong with you

 

I haven't seen Sherlock either but I'm interested! Frankie, can I ask why you didn't like True Blood?

 

I don't even know for sure! I really wanted to like it. And some parts of it I did. I think it was a little too rough for me. I mean, I love the books, I don't mind the roughness in them, but watching all the raunchy stuff on TV was a bit too much, although I'm usually no prude. Also, eventhough I've never had anything against Anna Paquin, I just didn't like her in this one. To me her accent sounded off, and she just wasn't believable. Although I'm quite sure I'm no expert on American accents, FGS, LOL.

[Kylie]

I'm sooo glad you enjoyed it.

[Janet]

- Benedict Cumberbatch

- Did I already mention Benedict Cumberbatch?

 

I knew it. I KNEW it!

 

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, frankie.

[vodkafan]

[sigh] some people are so easily pleased by a pretty face

 

 

 

- Did I already mention Benedict Cumberbatch?

 

 

[frankie]

I'm sooo glad you enjoyed it.

 

Me, too!

 

I knew it. I KNEW it!

 

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, frankie.

 

As am I!

 

So many pleasant Saturday night ahead of me!

 

some people are so easily pleased by a pretty face

 

Hey man, I resent that. Had you read all my posts, you would know that I didn't think Benedict Cumberbatch was at all pretty before I watched the show. His talent and the character he portrays made me swoon over him.

 

And I would think you know me better than to seriously assume that I'm one to judge a person by his looks only.

[Karsa Orlong]

Molly's so sweet with him and he doesn't bat an eyelid. Poor Molly

Edited July 22, 2012 by Karsa Orlong

[vodkafan]

sure just joshing with you. Don't take me so seriously Frankie x

[frankie]

Molly

 

Oh, so she is a recurring character? Yes! I was hoping I'd see more of her.

[~Andrea~]

Oh dear lord you guys... what can I say? Where can I start? I loved it!

 

Yaaaay!!!!

 

So glad you tried it and loved it

[frankie]

All librarians and library enthusiasts, gather round, I have a dilemma!

 

I'm going to be applying for a position at the local library soon. It will be a part of my studies at the library, we have a voluntary 'course', practical work training, or something of the sort.

 

 

Anyways, I was discussing my choice of vocation with a member of the uni staff, basically asking them if the position is suitable for an English major. I thought it was all cool because I know of other English majors who've gone to work at the library. However, according to uni people, 'shelving books alone' isn't something that a person with my (future) degree should be doing in the future, and thus, I'm supposed to come up with tasks I could take up at the library, that would involve the English language. I have no problem with this, but I have yet to see what the library has to say about it. I'm to go and talk to the big boss at the library and negotiate the position and that they let me use my English skills while working there.

 

Fortunately the town I live in is fairly international, considering it's location and size. We have exchange students coming over from all over the world and it's not rare at all to bump into foreigners here and there. So that is good.

 

My dilemma is: what can I do, at the library, that is fun, exciting, and serving some sort of purpose that is in the line of all that is a library? And that doesn't just get in the way of 'serious library business'. I know the staff of the library can come up with appropriate things for me to do themselves, but I'd like to be as prepared as I can be, beforehand.

 

Next to the entrance there are three small shelves, two of them are dedicated to new and topical books, and one of them is serving as a display for books with different themes. Some time ago they used to have it for displaying new or interesting foreign titles. I was thinking I could bring that concept back, and perhaps write short introductions/recommendations slips next to the books (like I've seen done in some bookshops at the Heathrow airport's bookshop and in Australia). But I don't feel that is very innovative, it's been done before (except for the intro slips). Or am I being overly ambitious? Should I be happy with that alone? I guess I'm really excited at the prospect of POSSIBLY going to work at the library.

 

I welcome any kind of suggestions you have, concerning what I could do at the library that will make me use English. And nope, just doing the lending/returning in English doesn't apparently cut it, which is not really surprising because the library has machines for both transactions.

 

 

That was back in April, and I got a lot of great ideas from you guys. Thank you!

 

I got a phone call today, saying I got the job! I'm actually going to work at the local library for two whole months. It's one of my dreams coming true

 

I sort of botched the interview, because I completely forgot to tell the person I was talking to about how my English department expects me to be using English at least sometimes during the work practise. The interview was rather short, too, the interviewer said that they do actually need trainees and pretty quickly too, but that she couldn't promise anything until she'd talked to the boss who's in charge of the finances. She seemed pleased about me having worked at the library of Nurmes back in high school and that I was also thinking about studying to become a librarian.

 

When I got the call that I got the job, I got so excited I forgot to ask about my job description, and I also forgot to tell her about the department's demands. However, she called me a half an hour later, wanting to discuss what I was actually going to do. I'll be stationed at the children's section at first, shelving books and repairing them, and working the lending desk. Later on I'll be working at the customer service desk. I'd hoped to be able to work in the adults fiction section, but actually I'm quite happy to be working with younger customers, too

 

When she was done telling me what I was going to be doing, I told her that I actually had a problem, that I'd forgotten to tell her I needed to be doing something in English, too. She reassured me that once I get to the customer service station, there'll be English speaking people there to be taken care of, especially in September when the uni starts and there will be another load of new foreign exchange students. I was relieved to hear that! I also said that I had some ideas of my own, that I could do an English novel themed display upstairs where they have their displays of new books, topical books, and specific themes. She said that they had nothing against that, quite the contrary actually. I think she sounded rather pleased that I had some ideas of my own, and she told me I could talk about them with this other person who's responsible for the different displays. And she actually said I could maybe do one for the lobby, too. I had not even considered that, because the lobby display is quite prominent and certainly bigger than the bookshelf I was thinking of initially. I felt I was already on good terms with her, because she was onboard with my ideas even before I've actually started working at the library

 

I'm so, so happy, and so excited!! I'll be starting next week.

[Janet]

I'm so pleased for you, frankie - congratulations!

[frankie]

Yaaaay!!!!

 

So glad you tried it and loved it

 

Thanks Andrea, I'm super happy too! And thanks for recommending I watch it in the first place! I have to make special arrangements so I can watch this week's episode, I'll be out of town on Saturday... I hope I remember to set it up somehow!

 

I'm so pleased for you, frankie - congratulations!

 

Thank you Janet, I'm chuffed to bits!

 

~~

 

On top of it all, I had a packet card in the mail box saying I have a packet waiting for me at the post office. It was too large to fit my mail box. I've not ordered anything, and I practically never get anything from anyone through the post, except from some member on here. So fes up, who's sent me something?!

 

I'm gonna cook me some dinner and then see if I'll go to the office. It might start raining soon so I'm not 100% I'll make it today.

[Brian.]

Congrats, sounds like you will really enjoy your time there.

[Kylie]

Woohoo! Go Frankie!!! Congratulations, you awesome person, you. You can ignore my PMs because you've answered all my questions in this thread.

 

And don't get excited, the package is not from me.