The Title Fight - Kindle versus Sony

At this point, I'm sure you think I'm on Amazon's payroll. But honestly, as an avid reader, I had a keen interest in E-readers prior to my Kindle Mother's Day gift, and I know you have an interest as well. I feel compelled to be your conduit for information!

So my husband sits down this evening and starts to read his July Consumer Reports. He announces they have pitted the Kindle against the Sony, and the Kindle won. Do we trust every word CR says? Not necessarily, but it is a good place to start. Here is my boiled down version of their report:

Kindle 2: $359
Sony PRS-700BC: $349

Convenience - The Sony requires installation of software on your PC, in order to download. It takes about a hour to set this up. Kindle is wireless via Sprint's 3G network, and you are up and running in 5 minutes.

Screen - Both are the same size (6 inches), both frugal with power. Type and images are more crisp and accurate on the Kindle, and pages turn a little more quickly. The Sony does have a night-light, where the Kindle does not.

Navigation - Sony has the slight advantage here via the touch screen, versus Kindle's joystick.

Portability - Both weigh about 10 oz. Kindle is a bit thinner.

Availability of titles - This is a toss-up. Kindle has 270,000 titles, far more than Sony, at an average price of a few dollars less than Sony. Amazon also offers a free first chapter or intro for every title. Sony offers this only on a limited number of titles. However, Sony offers access to 500,000 free public-domain titles. (I might add that you can easily access most public-domain titles on other free sites and upload them to your Kindle.)

Versatility - The Sony is solely for reading books, but the Kindle offers an audio option as well. The Kindle also offers feeds to select blogs, newspapers and magazines for a small fee.

Bottom Line - The Kindle is easier to use and very versatile because of the wireless feature. The Kindle DX will have a larger 9.7 inch screen, and will be the same resolution as the smaller version (it will cost $489 when released this summer). If the touch screen and the night light is your hill to die on, then the Sony is worth considering.

Every Man Dies Alone - Hans Fallada

"Mother! The Fuhrer has murdered my son. Mother! The Fuhrer will murder your sons, too. He will not stop til he has brought sorrow to every home in the world. Pass this card on. So that many people read it! Don't give to the Winter Relief Fund! Work as slowly as you can! Put sand in the machines! Every stroke of work not done will shorten the war!"

This was the first postcard written by Otto and Anna Quangel, then left in a stairwell of a Berlin business. The first of hundreds. Having just lost their only son in the war, this working class couple decides they must do something to protect their decency and integrity. They must not blindly obey the criminals that are in charge. So they methodically create these postcards and leave them all over the city, in hopes of convincing others to join the fight. A termite revolution, if you will.

Does it work? At the end of the day, most of the postcards dropped were turned into the Gestapo with a hot-potato fear. It surely didn't have the affect the Quangels were hoping for. But in a perfect example of The Butterfly Effect, many devastating results occured. The deaths of at least seven souls, most innocent. Ruination of a successful career. The arrest, interrogation, torture and imprisonment of many. A runaway child. A mother's abandonment of a family. In an era of the predatory, guilt-by-association witch hunt, many do not survive the downfall of the Quangels.

The proud, ethical inspector Escherich keeps a wall-sized map in his office, littered with a red flag for every postcard found. Finding and arresting the "hobgoblin" planting these postcards becomes his mission in life. But when he finally does, he finds himself faced with some pretty humbling realizations. He has participated in the humiliation and the degradation of a decent man, and he questions who, indeed, is the real criminal. He is disgusted to provide "fresh prey" for the authorities. He understands that the only man truly converted by Quangel has sentenced him to death. He has sealed Quangel's fate.

This story, which by the way, is loosely based on a true story, starts out as an interesting tale of intersecting lives. Lives of those not convinced of Hitler's motives. Lives of lazy deadbeats who are always on the take. Lives of those just trying to survive. There are moments of humor - some of the personalities are priceless, and you chuckle. Then an innocent old woman, terrorized by a Hitler Youth punk, jumps out the window to her death. Zero to 60 in a few pages, then back again. The prose is rigid and unembellished, but about two-thirds the way through the book, uses its power to pull you into a dark, murky hole. The last hundred pages made my heart race, made me nautious and almost, I dare say, weepish. However, if you know me, you will know that this is a true sign of a masterpiece. I'm not moved easily in this way. It got to me.

The story of the author bears mentioning, and it is as dysfunctional as any fictional tale. Rudolph Ditzen struggled with his sexuality in his teens, and to protect the reputations of their families, staged a duel with his friend, intending to kill each other. Rudolph's bullet hit its mark; his friend's did not. Ditzen was committed to a sanatorium and was later released. He changed his name to Hans Fallada and moved to Berlin, where he began his literary career. He found some success, but most of his work came under scrutiny of the Third Reich, and his craft and spirit were beaten down by authorities. He became addicted to alcohol and various drugs, and was in and out of asylums. A fellow author and friend brought him the case file of Otto and Elise Hampel, a couple that was incarcerated for a three-year propaganda campaign against the Nazis. From their story, Fallada created the Quangels, and wrote this story in 24 days. He died of a morphine overdose before it was published. Fallada's personal demons and struggles are subtly woven into this story, and leaves you with a feeling of deep regret for his pain.

For those of you who are interested in the German resistance to the Nazis, I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Just plan on reading some Stephanie Plum or David Sedaris afterwards.

5 out of 5 stars

Wordless Wednesday

Alaska, at 2am, taken from the balcony of my cabin.

Monday Movie Meme - Watching Movies

This week's Monday Movie Meme from the Bumbles is about how you watch movies. Do you rent, do you buy, do you plunk down a thousand dollars and watch it on the big screen or do you watch at home? Drive-ins? Netflix? Blockbuster? Here is what we do at the Nawrot house:

Netflix - We are avid fans of Netflix, and have been members for four years. We are on the 3-at-a-time plan, which may be a bit indulgent, but I like having a nice pile of movies waiting to be viewed. Some are mommy/daddy movies, and some are appropriate for the kids. We like to have a family movie night on Friday nights. I have also been known to watch a Netflix "Watch Instantly" movie on my computer. Also, another cool option is to view instantly on my son's TV upstairs - it streams through his XBox.

Movie Theater - I'll just lay down my cards here on this one. If we go to the theater, it's most likely to see a kids movie. (I can count on one hand how many adult movies my husband and I have seen at the theater in the last five years.) Luckily, our kids are old enough to view most PG-13 movies, as long as the sexual content is at a minimum and plot will keep them interested. They don't scare easily. Sometimes we'll see a new feature (like last night - Star Trek!), sometimes we go to dollar theaters. We rack up some serious movies in the summer.

TV - Once in a blue moon we will happen upon a good movie on the idiot box. This is something that happens primarily to me. I can't flip by certain movies when they are on, I am compelled to watch them, even if it is the 32nd time I've seen it, and even if the movie is half over. An Officer and a Gentleman, Shawshank Redemption, Baby Boom, When Harry Met Sally...they stop me in my tracks.

Hotel/Drive-In - OK I've only had this experience once in my life, but it was so cool, I have to mention it. A couple of years ago, my daughter and I went to Colorado for a wedding, and stayed in a hotel that faced a drive-in. Each room had a big picture window, speakers that you could turn on or off, and easy chairs, so at night you could watch what was showing from the comfort of your room with your carryout pizza and beer. We need more of these around! We don't have drive-ins where we live, so this was a treat.

Restaurant theater - We have one theater in town that shows one movie at a time, and is generally a smaller, indie movie. You know, the really good ones that are reviewed in EW but you never see heads or tails of. But the fun part is that they have a full menu, as well as wine and beer, and you sit at tables when you watch the movie. We've only been to this theater a handful of times (most movies are rated R), but my dream is that one day I can buy an annual membership and see everything they show from my reserved table!

How do you enjoy your movies? Do you have any unique viewing experiences?

Books of My Youth - a Tribute to the '80s

My husband and I were invited to a 40th birthday party last night. The theme was the '80s, and we were all required to dress up accordingly. After I had assured my other half that no, I didn't have "that crap" still shoved in the back of the closet, I did a little shopping at Goodwill and decided on the Flashdance look...a ripped up grey sweatshirt, legwarmers that were actually detached sweater arms, alot of makeup, a headband, and poofy hair. No pictures - Jennifer Beale I am not. But this inspired contemplation on that wacky decade of my youth, specifically my favorite books. So while you all were reading your Steinbeck, Jane Austen, and other cultured literature, here is how I was spending my time. I even took care to find the exact cover I owned!

Flowers in the Attic Series by V.C. Andrews - I'm not sure what the attraction was...nooky with your brother? Ewww. But all of my friends read every last book in this series.

Forever by Judy Blume - Now, we ALL know what the attraction was on this one. This book started the generational trend of giving your private parts names, after all. I think there was one book that was passed around to all of my friends, read at night under the covers with a flashlight and hidden in the underwear drawer. The lingering question in my mind is...did my mother know I was reading this?

The Promise by Danielle Steele - This book, and everything written by this author, is a big skeleton in my closet. In hindsight, The Promise was probably the best of her books, but still. The characters are obnoxious and whiny, the plots completely predictable, but I bought into them hook, line and sinker.

Whispers by Dean Koontz - My mom had this book on her shelves, I think maybe she got it from one of those book-of-the-month clubs. I don't recall asking for permission to read it, I just did. It frightened the bejeebees out of me, gave me lifelong baggage with cockroaches, and plunged me into a two-decade love affair with this author. The truth? I still read his stuff.

The Stand by Stephen King - I don't remember the exact moment I decided I needed to read all of Stephen King's books, but The Stand was gift from a boyfriend when I was in 8th grade. (I'm actually a little shocked that I would have the patience to read a 1,000 plus page book at this age!) I read it, loved it, and blew through the rest of whatever had been published at that point in one summer. I continued to read everything written by King, even the angry-woman- book phase, until maybe 10 years ago. I think I bowed out at "The Cell".


So if I would not have been buried in trashy paperback novels, and been reading something that contributed to the betterment of young minds, would I have turned out differently? Not sure, but I certainly did have fun! So what were you reading back then?

Kindle Update!

As you may have read earlier this week, I finished my first book on my Kindle, The Help. I can't imagine a better book to break in my new toy. Although I spewed out umpteen wonderful attributes about my Kindle when I first received it, now I can give you some actual feedback.

Perhaps because my Kindle is new and fun to mess with, and yes, The Help was a phenomenal book, but I read it lightning fast. I can sometimes be intimidated by a book's size, and get off to a slow start knowing it is going to take me forever. This is out of mind with the Kindle. There are no page numbers per se, just a "percentage read" notation at the bottom. No bad covers, no annoying blurbs on the back. You just dive in without baggage weighing you down. You then become so engrossed in reading that you almost try to turn a page. It is the size of a book, and honestly, you forget that it's not. Even better, there are no pages flipping around so you don't lose your place. You can bookmark wherever you stop.

You can adjust the size of the font for those of us that have some challenges with books with tiny words. I would enlarge the font even more when I was blow-drying my hair and was farther away from the book. (Don't laugh - I multi task!)

I was able to easily mark passages that were compelling, as well as make notes, then refer back to them later. This is something I usually do in a journal, which is fine, but this way, everything is in one place.

Another thing I love...well, its kind of silly and superficial, but when the Kindle goes on snooze, it shows very cool pictures of famous authors. Like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allen Poe, John Milton, Lewis Carroll and Jane Austen. I know I'm not the only one who revels in these types of things!

With the help of Molly from My Cozy Booknook I found two websites where you can download hundreds of free books. They all seem to be classics that are old enough to qualify for public domain. I've already downloaded Great Expectations, Little Women, Anna Karenina, The Woman in White, and Jane Eyre. The web navigation is a bit cumbersome...not something you would want to sit and toy with for long, but easy enough to use for the downloads.

I have also signed up for subscriptions to daily blogs that are updated automatically each time there is a post. I am still in a 14-day trial period, but after that they are $1 a month each. I haven't decided if I will keep them or not, but its fun to play. The three blogs are The Book Stacks, DailyMe Literati, and Write Anyway. There are 4,458 blogs to choose from, ranging from Sports, Travel, Arts & Entertainment, Humor & Satire, and more. Through the web navigator, you could actually pull up just about any blog you wanted, but they aren't formatted for the Kindle, and it is difficult to view properly.

So far, any downsides? It doesn't light up. I'm not sure why this is. I would think it would be an easy feature to add, but what do I know? The only time I need a light is when I'm reading at night while hubby is sleeping, which tends to annoy him anyway. I can live with it, or attach a booklamp to it. Its not a hill to die on. As I said before, the web navigation is tedious, but this was not the purpose for which I wanted the Kindle. If I need to buzz around online, I will do it on a computer.

I know there are many more things about this wonderful device that I have yet to discover. I will continue to put it through its paces. I will need to concentrate on finishing some books on the printed page before I leave on my travels, but by mid-summer I should have more to report!

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray - Ann Martin

This book came into our family unexpectedly. It is required reading for all third-graders in my kids' school, and has been for years. While my son was home sick with me Thursday and Friday, we decided to read it together. The story is told from the perspective of a stray dog, from its puppy years to old age. How precious is that? How can I not read this?

Squirrel starts out her life in a farm shed with Mother, Bone (her brother) and a variety of mice and cats. Life is good...Mother teaches Squirrel and Bone how to hunt, forage for garbage and to stay hidden from humans. But when Mother disappears, presumed dead, Bone and Squirrel decide to venture off. There begins a difficult life of constant hunger and a struggle to hunt and find garbage to eat. It is a battle against the elements. Of cold nights sleeping in woods, fighting off other stray dogs. Then there are the humans...some are kind, and leave out food for Squirrel, but others are cruel, selfish and irresponsible. Some want to capture Squirrel and take her to an animal shelter. Only at the end of Squirrel's life is she rescued by a loving, gentle old lady and finds the safe, warm home that she's always wanted.

Being a dog lover, I enjoyed the experience of reading about a dog's life from the perspective of the dog. While the prose was awkward at times, and a bit repetitive, overall it was an entertaining but heartbreaking story. The one predominant message in the book is responsible pet ownership. Impatience with "dogisms" (having indoor accidents, barking, digging through garbage), physical cruelty, and neglect made me angry at individuals who think it is cool to have an animal, but don't hold up their end of the bargain. When you adopt a pet, they are yours for life, not just until you get bored with them or they are inconvenient. I'll get off my soapbox now!

I'm impressed that our school has established this book as a third grade requirement, as the official age range is grades 3 through 5. My son was able to read it easily, but I suspect a slower reader is going to struggle a bit with it. There are scenes of cruelty and death, and a few mentions of bodily functions, but nothing inappropriate for this age range. My takeaway? It reaffirmed the notion that I am over my grieving period and I need another dog!

4 out of 5 stars