There won’t be a full (as I see it) or timely post this week because I’ve been on vacation and only just returned, which is also why there wasn’t anything posted last week. Nevertheless, I would like to check in with what I’ve been reading and watching.

What I’ve Been Reading

Nimona: Originally a webcomic series, Noelle Easton’s Nimona is a quirky fantasy story with a cartoony art style reminiscent of Adventure Time, yet it has a surprisingly darker and heartfelt story at its core. It was a wonderful read, its world blending fantasy, science, and modern technology in an interesting way. My only complaint after reading it in one sitting is I didn’t have more time to spend with the characters.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: David Sedaris’ collection of short stories felt like a modern take on Aesop’s Fables, except there isn’t a clear lesson to be learned from most of them. Each story points a mirror at the morally dubious, hypocritical, and downright crappy people in the world, simplified through personified animals. I enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend it, though it did leave me feeling bad inside.

Suspended In Dusk:  Having rediscovered the business card of this book’s publisher which lead me to purchase it, this anthology of short horror fiction looks promising, but so far hasn’t managed to wow me. While each story approached horror from an interesting angle thus far, not enough is explored in either to make them feel substantial enough. They follow familiar paths that introduce interesting tidbits, but simply end too soon. I am hopeful, however, that some gems will stand out by the time I finish this collection.

As for my next novel, it’s a toss-up between Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp. I’m sure I will read both in the coming months, it’s just a matter of deciding which to read first.

What I’ve Watched

The Jungle Book: The stellar cast attracted me to this film. I wasn’t sure how to feel going in — it being a remake — and I hadn’t seen one of Disney’s live-action retellings before, but this movie was quite thoroughly enjoyable. I watched it twice within the span of a week and enjoyed it each time.

The CG looked great and the 3D actually enhanced the film, which is too rare these days. While not as musical as the original animated film, I really appreciated the musical numbers they did include.

While I loved the entire cast, honourable mentions go to Scarlet Johansson’s portrayal of Kaa and Christopher Walken as King Louie, the latter performing the character exactly the way I hoped he would.

I’m still adjusting back to my everyday routines once more, and will be back with regularly scheduled posts next week.