This weekend, I read 'Geography Club', by Brent Hartinger and I am thoroughly impressed! I have also compiled a list of my current ten favorite songs from the last ten years, but not necessarily songs that are from the last ten years, just ones that I've heard for the first time in the last ten years. Does that make any sense? Also, I took some pictures this morning of our first snowfall.
Geography Club, by Brent Hartinger, is a book I suggested my local library order, after having seen the reviews on B&N's website. With all the great reviews and the constant buzz surrounding this book from over six years ago, I thought it odd that my library did not have it. I mentioned it to the YA librarian and explained that it is a book about a gay character and she ordered it. She also pointed out some of the other GLBT books within their collection, all of Alex Sanchez's, thank goodness, among many other meaningful picks.
I picked up the book yesterday and had no expectations about its relevancy to being a young gay male, instead I was actually looking for inspiration and perspective for a book I am writing myself. What I ended up finding is a well-written, easy to understand (gay or straight, young or old, male or female) bildungsroman novel that can apply to anyone. As long as you can handle the description of a guy kissing another guy, you will not be able to put this book down. Russ, the protagonist, inadvertently discovers that being a good person is difficult, no matter your sexual orientation. He delves into many social aspects of a young person's life: romance, friendships, sports, school, cliques, pizza; and the trials and tribulations that occur to keep them all going, while maintaining some dignity. Russel loses plenty of dignity in this book, but he makes gains that give him a clean slate to make things right. Not only does he find a way to make a difference in the adverse lives around him, he finally does something good for himself.
This book really hit me in several places (heart, mind, gut, and ,ahem, groin.) and I wish I had been able to read it when I was sixteen, it definitely gave me the perspective I was seeking, and then some. Despite the lack of including parents in this book, I truly recommend the book to the parents of gay children and to any adult and young adult who knows any gay person, AKA, I recommend the book to everyone.
Okay, the top ten favorite songs (in no particular order):
1. A Day in the Life - The Beatles
2. Transatlanticism - Death Cab for Cutie
3. MGMT - Time to Pretend
4. Matt and Kim - Lessons Learned
5. We Will Become Silhouettes - The Postal Service
6. Mariella - Kate Nash
7. All I Need - Radiohead
8. For My Lady - The Moody Blues
9. Fans - Kings of Leon
10. Heartbeats - The Knife or Heartbeats - Jose Gonzalez
Sadly, I grew up listening to Van Halen and Bon Jovi, so my exposure to the Beatles did not come until later in my teenhood, but when it did, I vehemently formed an obsession and have been a fan since. 'A Day in the Life' is an amazing song and perfectly presents the struggle forming between John and Paul. No song has ever been more brilliantly written.
Death Cab for Cutie is my favorite contemporary band. While many think they are boring or sappy, I find their songs clever and soothing. Often times, I find my mood affected by their music in a positive way, even when i wasn't seeking consoling.
MGMT has exploded onto the music seen with just a couple hit songs, but those few songs have made a big impact. Time to Pretend has been played over and over on my CD player and in my head for well over a thousand times.
Matt and Kim are a fun and fantastic duo. Lessons learned is a song that can be played over and over again, without losing its luster. The music video is definitely worth checking out too.
The Postal Service, Ben Gibbard of DC4C and friend, produced an album that took the musical world by surprise. Their original songs have been covered many times, and Iron and Wine's prolific version of 'Such Great Heights' is what lead me to discover TPS. Ever since, I have listened to their album, Give Up, more than any other album and it remained in my CD player for eighteen consecutive months. Nerdy, yes, but I loved it. the only reason I took it out is because a few songs no longer played, for they were worn out and I replaced the album soon after.
Kate Nash, a sprite British pop star, has made waves in the US too. Her album 'Made of Bricks' is filled with super bouncy songs, written with not quite so bouncy lyrics. I especially like the way Kate overcomes what could be a lull in a song, by becoming innovative with her voice. Breathy and sharp are not usually sought after adjectives in the music world, but Kate manipulates her voice and the song to create songs both soothing and uplifting.
'All I Need', by Radiohead is the best song to listen to when you are not sure what kind of mood you are in. It is like a gateway drug; by the end of the first try, your mind is ready to try so much more.
I have been listening The Moody Blues since I was little and 'For My Lady' is one of the groups least abstract songs, but I enjoy it the most. The fusion between 70's dark pop and French inspired melody gives us a fun song, that is not too fun to be The Moody Blues. If you like this song, try "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)", next.
"Fans", by Kings of Leon is the perfect song between the old Southern rock and the new music KOL is known for. I love rolling through the beach, with the beat of this song going up against whatever the latest Lil Wayne song is, I win most times.
The Knife duo is weird. Jose Gonzalez is smooth. Performing the same song, the different artists manage to create two songs I adore, that happen to share the same lyrics and beat. The Heartbeats version is quick, sharp, and edgy. Jose's is slow, acoustic, and soothing. Both deserve a place on my list.
Winter is here! Winter is here. Winter is here :(
