I kind of wanted to do a legitimate review of The Da Vinci Code because it was such a riveting read, but it's also a profoundly controversial one. I don't want to offend anyone, so I'll just touch on why I was so engrossed by it. The books I get most attached to make a point of developing characters and fostering all kinds of relationships between them. This did nothing like that. The only character that was developed at all was Leigh Teabing, and even that was only to heighten the intensity of a later plot twist. The only semblance of characters interacting in a way that wasn't directly necessary for the progression of the plot was a kiss between the two protagonists in the last chapter of the book. It's completely unprecedented. Readers may suspect this is coming because that's precisely what happened between Robert Langdon and Vittoria in Angels and Demons, which was Dan Brown's first Langdon-narrated novel. Nothing ever came of that from the first book to this one, and Langdon often reflects on being used to life as a bachelor. There's exactly one moment, when Langdon smells Sophie's perfume, that he appears to take any notice of her as a person. This lack of human development is something plenty of good books can have, but it's not something I've found in any of my favorite reads before. I guess I'm just shocked that a book with virtually no characterization or human element could hold my attention so strongly.
That aside, The Da Vinci Code is an eye-opening read because it's so rooted in facts and history. After finishing, I did a lot of reading into the Gnostic Gospels, the Merovingian dynasty, and the real Priory of Sion. There are varying amounts of historical evidence for all of these, which was intriguing to learn of. Despite conspiracy theories and pseudo-historical claims, I really recommend this book. Just go in with an open mind and be prepared to sort out your own thoughts afterwards.
Gosh, that took longer than I imagined it was going to for not even being a full review.
Now onto more mundane and happy topics!
Happy Birthday to my beautiful and beloved (and thoroughly missed) Shannon! Nineteen and Crazy indeed!
Saturday was also Sydney's Sweet Sixteen. I've been to precisely 13 formal Sweet Sixteens with ball-gown-and-tiara-wielding birthday girls. Generally, these are preppy occasions. I've seen dresses in red, orange, gold, green, aqua, teal, purple, fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink, and white. Girls usually walk in to pop songs like "Gotta Feelin'," "When I Grow Up," or "Party," or equally peppy songs related to the party's theme, like "Supermodel," (Fashion) or "Ever Ever After," (Disney Princesses). I hadn't been to a single party where the birthday girl didn't do a full or partial updo accompanied by curling iron curls.
I really have to commend Sydney on throwing a definitively Sydney party. Very few girls could pull off wearing black at their own parties, entering with a complete Thriller dance number, and requesting songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Sell Out." Her hair was pulled back just enough that she wouldn't get sweaty on the dance floor, and it was her customary straight, dark red. I'm just very impressed by how atypically she designed her red, black, and gold Masquerade-themed party. I'm really proud of her. I remember the days when our parents would go out to dinner and leave Chelsea, Sydney, Deels, Eric and me at one of our houses and we'd be ridiculous and crazy together for hours at a time. Remember that time we heard Jake (their dog) running up and down the stairs, and we though he was a burglar? It was super S's to the rescue that day, armed with brooms and rakes against a cocker spaniel. Seeing Sydney all grown up and lady-like made me feel nostalgic, but also proud that our families have been so involved with each other for over a decade. That connection is really special, and I'm beyond honored that we were called up for a candle.
Basically, Sydney, I loved the unique quality of your party and I'm honored to have been a part of it. I love you guys a lot and I can't wait until Woodloch 2012!
On an even more mundane note, I today was lovely. We saw The Avengers which was stunning to watch, even if it didn't have the most clever or original plot. I say "stunning" because the graphics were unreal. If you plan on seeing it, it's worth spending the money to see it on the big screen. Also, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans are wonderful to look at. A side note would be that I do agree with Andy: some of the dialogue was painful to listen to. Some though, usually any involving Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr., for those living under a rock), were witty enough. I then did like 10 minutes of Zumba to let off steam and then helped my sister with her Trig homework. I'm so proud of myself for recalling enough math to actually be helpful! Who knew?
In other news, I've lost 10 pounds on my all-liquids diet, and have reduced my Advil intake from 90 milliliters a day to 50. I'm allowed to sleep in my own bed again, and no more decongestants either! I still can't drive, speak properly, or eat regularly, but we're getting there. My next check-up is Thursday, which means that with any luck, I can progress to soft foods. Having pastina on my birthday would make my life much more pleasurable at this point in time.
I'm having video issues with my beautiful Boston friends, so I'm finishing this blog instead of hanging out with them in Google Plus for a few minutes to give my lazy computer a break. It should be good now, or so I hope. Until next time, my darlings.
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