Earth's Children 6: The Land of Painted Caves

Earth's Children 6: The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Really, this book is way too long. Much longer than it needs to be. There are summaries of pretty much every key event and group Ayla and Jondalar met on their Journey through all of the previous books. Many ceremonies, roots, or ways of doing things in general are expanded on to a scientific level, often including modern uses and knowledge that the characters would not be aware of. It adds a significant amount of unnecessary length to the book that sometimes make it feel as if you're slowly wading through it instead of enjoying a story.

The last half of the book especially feels like a revisit of The Mammoth Hunters. It revisits a lot of the betrayal, jealousy, avoidance, and self-punishment from the third book. Apparently nothing was learned after all. Despite all of these events and Ayla getting her "calling," there are other loose ends remaining. We get a revisit from the Mamutoi, which could account for some of the overlap with their book, but not to the level of parallels evident at the Summer Meeting. That doesn't factor in Madroman and Brukeval still being loose ends that appear to be in a key position to cause trouble in the region. Supposedly, things with Laramar are settled after that meeting, but we see none of how that ultimately plans out with knowing how both Laramar and Tremida take advantage of things and end up being generally unwanted by everyone. Their children have ultimately been in Ayla and the Cave's care for the most part since the beginning though, so it doesn't feel as if that would have as much impact as their parent's demands and dispositions.

Overall, it felt like a lot of repeat and not much advancement or a real end. I am glad that it appears this is meant to be the end of the series however, as even after all these years, I'm not sure I would want to pick it back up for another addition.

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Earth's Children 5: The Shelters of Stone

Earth's Children 5: The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I know I read this book when it first came out, but despite usually having a good memory for things I've read, my memory of this book is unusually vague. Of course everyone ends up being awed and inspired by Ayla, accepting her "strange" ideas and making unheard of accommodations for her and her suggestions. Some genuinely do make sense as just being a good person, but others are so far outside their established customs that it's odd how easily they are accepted and changed. Not everything is perfect as there are a handful of people Ayla makes "enemies," but they are largely glossed over and ignored, only making minor appearances to try and cause problems during meetings.

Overall, things go very smoothly for Ayla once they reach the Zelandonii. Once again, she appears to be forced into a position as both healer/spiritual guide, which is not surprising given the pattern of these books and her raising with Creb and Iza.

There is never any concern over forgetting events of the previous books. While some details of interactions with specific individuals is lost, the overall story is recapped several times over throughout the book.

As with other books in the series, there are often references to modern knowledge and science beyond what is known or needed by the characters in the actual story. Rather annoying in all actuality and completely unnecessary. Yes, the author did her research. Bravo. Beyond what the character actual knows however, any other "facts" aren't needed and just serve to bog down the story.

I'm determined to finish this series all the way through as I recall never having actually picked up the last book when it was released years later. Unlikely to want to come back to it after that. It just lacks the overall draw that my favorite series have where they really get you invested in the characters and what happens to them.

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Earth's Children 4: The Plains of Passage

Earth's Children 4: The Plains of Passage by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Another re-read from my high school days. There is a lot packed into this books as Jondalar and Ayla leave the Mamutoi behind and travel to his homeland. They meet with several groups of people, relearn just how strange they appear while traveling on horseback, nearly get separated several times for various reasons, and still have to cross the glacier at a very dangerous time in the year. Several close calls and angry outbursts later, Ayla now has to hope that his people will warm up to her just as others along their Journey did. This book felt way too long and likely could have been shortened considerably just by taking out the long winded explanations of everything. It's like the author has to prove that she did her research, which is completely unnecessary to telling the story from these character's points of view.

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Earth's Children 3: The Mammoth Hunters

Earth's Chlidren 3: The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Ayla and Jondalar go to visit the Mammoth Hunters, leading to Ayla learning even more about the "Others" and too many misunderstandings to count. This lack of communication and trust ultimately causes a lot of unnecessary pain for these two and nearly splits them permanently. Ranec annoys me more than a little with his blatant perusal despite the evidence from the very beginning that these two were together. The long scientific explanations are also more frequent in this book when stopping with the the simple explanation of how Ayla uses something would be sufficient without the science background. We don't need modern proof of her intelligence or the author's. So far these books end on very ambiguous notes where there is a large good mixed with bad in the end. Makes it difficult to tell how you should feel at the end when it's so obvious the characters are still torn themselves.

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Earth's Children 2: The Valley of Horses

Earth's Children 2: The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was originally the first book if the series that I picked up to read in high school, largely because of the title (horses have always been a big draw for me). While there are horses in the story, the book is not theirs. The first part of the book is slow as Ayla learns to survive with the help of her animal friends. The point of view is split as we meet the brothers Jondalar and Thonolan, following them on their journey simultaneously. Things pick up a bit, and get more graphic, as Ayla and Jondalar learn together.

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Earth's Children 1: The Clan of the Cave Bear

Earth's Children 1: The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I first read this book in high school after picking up The Valley of Horses and discovering this was the prequel. Even back then, I did not like this book. It's only true value to me was in setting the stage for Ayla and understanding more of her references. Ayla is one of the Others (homo sapiens) raised by Clan (neanderthals) after an earthquake kills her family and drives both her and the Clan from their homes.

A large part of my problem with this book is Broud. He is hateful, proud, derogatory and abusive beyond measure. The other is this mindset that males must always be right and women must obey and please them at all costs.

There are sometimes large passages of descriptions bordering on scientific about why Clan is the way they are and how they survive with these long memories but are incapable of much, if any, change. While they help set the stage, they detract from the overall story and often feel like bogged down the overall reading experience.

I'm not sure why I had the urge to re-read this series after so many years, but thought it best to start from the beginning. Sadly, can't say that I enjoyed this book any more than I did the first time. I almost skipped it and sometimes wondered why I wasn't doing so. Guess my memory wasn't so faulty this time.

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Munich

Munich (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


As a movie, this feels chaotic and disjointed. As a documentary, this would make more sense as it is about very controversial events starting with Black September. This can't be classified as such though, as it's fictionalized and attempted to somewhat sensationalize events. Not knowing the story previously, I got a little bit of a crash course from my husband before we watched. Overall it's horrifying and sad. Not the best combination for an enjoyable film.

Vikings

Vikings (2013)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This series is supposed to follow the story of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family of Vikings. We only saw the first two episodes randomly on Hulu, but I can't say I was impressed. Overall it felt very drawn out and stilted while also being rather bloody. The last part wasn't all too surprising since it is a historical series about Vikings, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant to see. A rather startling contrast between the feel of the series and the violence it entails. Can't say it's one I'll be wanting to follow.

300

300 (2006)

My rating: 2 of 5


Not my favorite type of movie, but interesting. A bit of history mixed with some fantasy and a lot of war. For the low-tech weapons and little armor used, there is a lot of blood and gore. Very dramatic, this tale is largely narrated as the actual sounds from the film are more muted in the background.

When the ambitious King Xerxes of Persia invades Greece with his huge army to extend his vast slave empire, the brave Ling Leonidas brings his personal body guard army composed of three hundred warriors to defend the passage of Thermopylae, the only way by land to reach Greece. Using courage and the great battle skill of his men, he defends Thermopylae until a treacherous Greek citizen tells King Xerxes a secret goat passage leading to the back of Leonidas's army. Meanwhile, his wife Queen Gorgo of Sparta tries to convince the council to send the Spartan army to fight against the Persians.

- listal

Legacy

Legacy (1993)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a very sentimental piece about the Mormon pioneers and the trek to Zion. Filmed on location, it was interesting to have seen these places myself when on a family trip one summer during High School. It was especially interesting to learn that the mudslide scene, one of the most emotional and well known in the film, was not actually scripted, but in fact was a result of the actors staying in character when bad weather and a realistic accident on screen resulted in a real life struggle to save the wagon and passengers just as would have happened on the trail back then.

Miracle of the White Stallions

Miracle of the White Stallions (1963)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The history of the Spanish Riding School, specifically during World War II, leading up to it's current standing as a school for the public is told in this film. Being a horse lover and having seen the Stallions perform when they were here two years ago, this is a fascinating film for me that brings back good memories of my last birthday before getting married - another surprise that was thanks to my wonderful husband who got the tickets for us. Slower paced and more low key as this film may be, it's a lovely story with a wonderful focus that I enjoy watching time and time again.

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey (2010)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I'm enjoying this series. Mom brought it over for entertainment while back pain and vertigo have me laid out this week. Apparently she and dad pulled an all nighter to watch the series - something none of us have done since dad and I did our 24 run back in college. While I wouldn't rate the show that high, I am finding it far more enjoyable than I expected after her brief description of the series setting and theme. Starting just after the Titanic sinks and taking place England, the mind set and family dynamics are very different in this story than is common recently.

Alexander

Alexander (2004)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Angelina Jolie plays Alexander's mother in this re-make of the epic tale, Alexander The Great. I well remember being fascinated with his story in junior high, and the lengthy history project that resulted from it. There's something about history that can be enthralling at times. Olympias provides the concern, control, and insanity in the story. Alexander is surprisingly likable despite being something of a tyrant himself. Then again, that's pretty much the only role model he had for how to rule.

The Help

The Help (2011)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Watched this on my co-worker's recommendation. This was a surprisingly entertaining rendition of what life was like from the view of black maids back during the days of segregation and the civil rights movement. A time I've only heard about in history books and portrayed on film, it's interesting to see this different view point come to life. While serious and sober in it's theme, there are little bits here and there with the stories of how these women dealt with their employers and how they hold on that are bound to put a smile on your face, if not bring tears to your eyes. A very touching and enjoyable movie all in all.

Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


In a nutshell: Middle Ages battle for the Holy Land. It was a little weird identifying the blacksmith as Orlando Bloom since I've been referencing him mostly with Pirates of the Caribbean, especially with the new film coming out in just a few weeks. I want the horses. Otherwise this struck me as mostly average and a repeat of a common storyline.

King Arthur

King Arthur (2004)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A good, unique re-telling of the age old story of King Arthur and his Knights. Especially liked that Gwen was an accomplished archer rather than just being the romantic figure between Arthur and Lancelot. Got a little goofy at the beginning with the Lancelot chant as my cat, also named Lancelot, was preening and begging for attention during it. As films go, this was a good watch that I'd probably be willing to turn to again down the road.

The King's Speech

The King's Speech (2010)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Much more low key than many films these days. This one has a grip on history's reality however. Bertie always knew his brother would take the throne. Not only was he first in line, but he didn't stutter horribly any time he tried to speak. Therapy wasn't helping, so of course Bertie would be a lost cause. It's only when Lionel steps in to try his radical therapy learned during war that Bertie starts improving,, just in time for his brother to abdicate and leave him the throne. Now the public voice for his country, Bertie needs his friend more than ever to get him through the king's speech.

Old Bones the Wonder Horse

Old Bones the Wonder Horse by Mildred Mastin Pace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a cute little book Carrie told me I should read about a race horse and his perspective on life. Old Bones was never expected to amount to much, but as Exterminator he willingly and eagerly took over the track when given a chance. Anyone who likes animals and/or horses would like this cute little piece.

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World Trade Center

World Trade Center (2006)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This really brings home the horrors of what happened inside the twin towers on 9/11. The entire world was in a panic and the nation was stricken with a suddenness that no one could have predicted. From workers jumping out of the building, the shocking impact on both buildings, and the confusion in the chaos as brave fighters tried to help those they could. This will always be a tragedy, and one that should be remembered if nothing else then for the memories of those that were lost so horribly on that fateful September day.

Secretariat

Secretariat (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A must see for any horse lover. Secretariat is the story of the race horse who defied the odds to become the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, winning the last race by the greatest distance yet. As a horse race film, Seabiscuit was a better movie, but this is just as heartwarming and fun to watch.