Thursday, May 19, 2011

No work all play.

Today I had no responsibilities, it was rather nice. I could have done things that needed despite that, worked on my next project, or one of the projects that are in progress. Instead I relaxed some, unwound after a long stretch of frenetic business. It wasn't all sunshine and daisies, a good chunk of time was devoted to anxiety, but then I started to re-read A Game of Thrones.
Have you read this yet? If you said no, you should be ashamed of yourself.

I haven't read this book in years, and with the show currently being my favorite thing on the TV, felt it was a good time to pick it back up. Also so I can start the next book when it comes out in July with a good memory of the events prior to it. The Song of Ice and Fire book series is one of my favorite book series, it takes high fantasy by the foot and shakes it violently until all that remains is the core of it all. Instead of focusing on magical beings and impossible odds, we are instead presented with a world of political intrigue and very strong characters. Sure, the world has its magical aspects, but almost all of that is hiding in the backdrop of the world. Magic died out thousands of years ago, dragons haven't been seen for generations, and the world is enjoying a long summer. However, the motto for the Stark family is true, Winter is coming, and with it looms rumors of strange and forgotten things.

The whole world is just so incredibly realized, and when people talk their words drip with history and lore. The story is older then the events you are reading, half remembered events from the past are actively driving the present events, and when the lives of these characters are pulled apart you can feel unseen hands at work. Books rarely make their world feel as alive as this series does, or their characters as alive and vulnerable. If you are disinclined to read, the show is doing a pretty good job at these things as well, and Sean Bean demands you tune in or acquire it for viewing.
He is just thinking about how he will be killing you if you don't.

I am very impressed with just how well the show is handling the adaptation, particularly since so very much of the book isn't simple dialogue. Characters think about things a whole lot, making a switch to a visual medium tricky, but they are doing a great job. The source material means the writing is stellar, the actors are all fantastic, and the sets and costumes are beautiful. If that isn't enough to get you watching then just find a clip of Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. The man owns the role better then people own their clothes, he oozes personality and subtle cunning. Every scene he is in is just better because he is in it.
"I am awesome, aren't I?"

In other news L.A. Noir continues to be one of my favorite things, as that is what I did when I put the book back down. Also I will tell stories again soon, as opposed to musing of media, I promise. This weekend will see some incriminating stories told for your entertainment.

21 comments:

  1. I think ill have to read this book soon

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  2. I really really like all of your posts. They are very informative and creative. Keep up the great work. I will buy this book the next time I pass by my bookstore.

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  3. Didn't knew there was a book, thanks!

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  4. I am tempted to start the series, but I can't bear to have to wait for each chapter. Might pick up the book, thank you!

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  5. I might have to read this book, seems good.

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  6. I've been meaning to watch this series but I don't want to start in the middle so I guess reading the book will defiantly catch me up =)

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  7. Wow sounds like a good read. Might have to pick it up next time I go to Barnes and Noble.

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  8. Out of this whole blog, I find myself wanting to play L.A. Noire.

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  9. I couldnt get into it..the midget guy kinda pisses me off

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  10. I don't know what it si about Sean Bean. Man seems to be getting tyoecast as a villain. Good thing thats not happennign no more.

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  11. I am ashamed I didn't read that book :(

    But yeah I don't do much book reading sadly. I'll have to check it out some day.

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  12. Ive wanted to watch this show for a while now

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  13. Free time is always nice...
    I actually haven't heard of the book or show, so I'll look into it a little more.

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  14. I haven't read a book in a while, so I'll just watch the show.

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  15. Id like to pickup that book sometime now.

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  16. Interesting, I might read the book too later.

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  17. I haven't read the book, but the series is amazing so far

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