movie thoughts: The Hate U Give (2018)

Finally watched this. I read the book when it first came out and it was just such a fantastic book. I was worried that translating it to film wouldn't work but the movie manages to be a faithful adaptation in most respects - a few scenes are removed or take place "off camera" due to length - but the important bits are there.

What really struck me was my reaction to *seeing* this story rather than just reading it. The book is told from Starr's point of view, first person, and she spends a lot of time feeling confused, angry, and lost and so, as a reader, I also felt that way. But watching the movie and seeing her face (the amazing Amandla Stenburg)as she worked through each emotion, I was hit hardest with the true sadness of the whole situation. When you saw her fighting the tears, visibly shaking, and then just crying. Or watching the determination in her face grow as she makes a decision.

And I think watching the movie made me think about some of my own unconscious biases. In my head, the cop looked one way when everything happened, but on film, they cast a young guy and he acted a little nervous/jump about the whole thing. Even little things, like all the tattoos Starr's father has, I probably didn't imagine those every time he appeared while reading, but you can't miss them in the movie. And, of course, the reality of the protest scenes...I think when I was reading the book, a part of me wanted to see things as right/wrong but that's not reality and I think the movie did a good job of not picking sides but just showing the situation, what it triggers within a community, and how that can erupt into violence even when people want a peaceful protest.

A very good companion to the book and I would urge everyone to read the book and watch the movie. And then have some conversations.

too many blogs problems - my end of the year lists!

I did make a bunch of end-of-the-year posts in December to wrap up the year. But I was so excited about my paid Wordpress "public" blog, that I forgot to post them here!!!! **facepalm**

I mean, most of the stuff you've heard me babble about in other posts one by one, but sometimes it is nice to have them all in one place.

And I made such pretty graphics too!!!

Not sure I can copy+paste all the code without making a mess, so I'm just going to be annoying and link you to the Wordpress posts. But I shall include the pretty graphics because hotlinking those is easy.

Next time I will post in ALL THE PLACES! My apologies actual online friends!

My 2018 Movies


My favorite books of 2018


My favorite video games of 2018


Though if you want to subscribe to my Wordpress blog...I wouldn't be upset. I even splurged and paid so I could use my ULR www.orangerful.com - so easy to remember when you're bored and need something to read! :D

OFF TO GET MY NEW PHONE!!!!!!

operation upgrade complete!

Got my early birthday present today and I now am the proud owner of an iPhone XR. I asked what colors they had (black, silver, blue, red) and Sylvia has the blue one so I got the red one. I didn't realize it was (RED) the fundraiser thing. I don't think it cost any extra though. Everything seemed to transfer over, except my photos, but I knew that wouldn't happen because I don't pay for iCloud storage. They are all on Flickr and Google though so they are not lost. But it was kind of weird to open up my photo app and see NOTHING.

BUT, my new #firstworldproblem - the company that made the case for my previous iPhones (EYN) is no longer making the cases!! It was a wallet case but it had some heft to it so my phone always felt protected.

I've been browsing Amazon and Etsy all night trying to decide what case to get. Sylvia had a back-up case from Christmas (Tim had ordered her a case but it didn't arrive in time so he got her a cheap one to pass the time and keep the investment safe) so my phone isn't nekkid. It's actually a decent case, clear so you can see the red color. So now I'm thinking I want to be able to see that red so do I want another wallet case? It's hard to find *clear* wallet cases. I did find some things you can attach to the back of the iPhone case to hold cards.

Blah, I dunno, I just love having the case because if I don't need my purse for an outing, I can just put the phone in my pocket and know I have my ID and a credit card. This is especially helpful for conventions and also when I decide to take a walk and get lunch.

Deep thoughts, I know. Bear with my guys!

I should get to bed. :P Hope your Sunday was as exciting as mine!