New Slate

I have nothing acting related on my agenda in the New Year save that four week audition technique class I signed up for at the last minute.  Usually this totally freaks me out, but right now I'm enjoying the breath of fresh air.  I'm organizing my life, making up for lost time with the family and friends whose phone calls I ignored and holiday parties I missed while doing the two shows, and catching up on all the books I've been meaning to read ("Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas" and "The Lovely Bones" here I come!).  I've relinquished my job as Literary Manager at my theatre company and am contemplating changing my membership status to "on hiatus."  Yep, I'm de-cluttering and re-focusing.

I'm not big on resolutions, but my overall goal this year is to forsake "keeping busy" in exchange for the pursuit of greater career challenges nestled in unfamiliar territories.  For better or worse, I'm moving out of my comfort zone come January 2nd.  It's time to sail forward and I'm hoping for sunny skies and good fishing. 

And now a public service announcement from your mother:  Have a wonderful New Years and be safe.  Whatever you do, don't drink and drive and tip your cabbie well! 

Hello, 2008.  May you bring many blessings to all of us. 

--Stacey Jackson 

Comments

[JimTodd]

"the Lovely bones" was the most enraging book I've ever read. I only got through half of it.

It's told in the voice of a 14 year old girl. Pages, pages, pages, chapters, chapters, chapters of it really, really, really start to grate.

I finally gave up and put the piece of shit down.

WORST BOOK I'VE EVER READ.

That girl DESERVED to be murdered! She was SO FREAKING IRRITATING!!!

[Stacey Jackson]

I take it you won't be rushing to see Peter Jackson's film version?

[susan]

I enjoyed "The Lovely Bones" mostly, except for the end. After reading it, if you like Alice Sehbold's writing and have any interest in biographical novels, check out "Lucky" - the true story of her rape while at college and the ensuing emotional and legal struggels she faced. The experience, I'm sure, was the impotace for her writing "Bones". A bit of warning though - it's not necessarily an uplifting story. It can be pretty raw and painful but, in my opinion, I think it's an important piece.

Haven't heard of the "Frog Pajamas". I'll have to look that one up. Sounds interesting...

[Justine]

I liked "The Lovely Bones" (and yes "Lucky" was very interesting too)

also liked Ali Smith's "Hotel World." I associate it with the Lovely Bones because both books feature dead narrators (this is not really a spoiler, since you learn that right away, when the book starts). But I found Hotel World especially interesting and it's not as well known, so I've been trying to recommend it to others.

Happy New Year!