"S." by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst

     The book Ship of Theseus is written by the mysterious V. M. Straka who was a part of a secret group called S., but who is Straka and what does the puzzling S mean? That is something that Eric, an expelled grad student at Pronghorn University, is trying to figure out. He feels that the last book that Straka ever wrote, Ship of Theseus, is the answer to figuring out Straka's real identity. When he accidentally leaves his copy of the book, which he had written his thoughts in, at the library an unsuspecting under-grad student named Jen finds it and leaves a message for Eric. This starts a relationship between the two that will irrevocably change their futures. As they unravel the author's past they are thrown into a dangerous world of conspiracy and secret societies. In a race against ambitious and dangerous persons they may have stumbled onto something bigger than either of them can handle.

     Written by Doug Dorst and envisioned by J.J. Abrams this book takes you on wild and intriguing ride through a familiar, but strange world. You can read the fantastical journey of a man known only as S. and his struggle to find who he his and what his purpose is, and yet at the same time you can read Eric and Jen's story and their realizations about the people in Straka's life and their own lives. With cool inserts such as notes, postcards, pictures, and even a map on a university napkin it immerses you in the story to make you feel like your prying into a private conversation.

      This is a story within a story, and both are masterfully executed to where each seems seamless with each other. My only problem with the book was the ending. The entire book was alluding to a major turning point, and just when you think it's going to reach that final climax it dies down with a whimper. Also, the end left so many question unanswered.... It was like Lost all over again! Other than that, the book was amazing, and overall I feel like this is what both Doug Dorst and J.J. Abrams wanted for the end. I don't think they wanted an excitement filled and adventurous ending where everyone is saved, and the hero rides off into the sunset. I think they, instead, wanted something that would portray the humanity of the protagonist, and that we're all not so different. We all want to be loved and to love even if our circumstances and society tell us different.

     I would definitely recommend this book, and don't be too disappointed with the end. Take it for what it is, and that is a story about love and loss. I would give this book a 8 out 10! I hope J.J. and Doug team up again for another book! Make sure you follow me on Twitter and share this with all your peeps! Be looking for my next blog next Sunday! Have a blessed week!

Peace,
Jake

"Blue Jasmine"

     Jasmine, a rich, New York socialite, has no end of heartache when her life is turned upside down, and she is left homeless. Traveling to San Francisco to live with her sister, Ginger, Jasmine begins to breakdown as she realizes all that she lost. As she spirals in fits of depression and anxiety, she builds this facade around her life which bespeaks of the life she once had, but will never have again. Just when she thinks she is getting her life back her facade of a life she never lived comes crashing down. This proves to be to much for her to take, and Jasmine descends into madness.

     Directed by Woody Allen this film stars Cate Blanchett as Jasmine, Alec Baldwin as Hal, and Sally Hawkins as Ginger. This was a really great film, very different, but still great. You shouldn't expect anything less from the combined talent of Woody Allen and Cate Blanchett.

     Cate Blanchett's performance was amazing and totally believable. She has to be my favorite actress to date. She always embodies the characters she plays. From Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings Series to Daisy Fuller in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button she brings a powerful and heartfelt performance to the role. This film is no exception. She takes you for a journey into Jasmines descent into madness and despair. She portrays a woman who is desperately in need of help, but who is too prideful to accept or even to look for the help she needs.

     Sally Hawkins and Alec Baldwin do an amazing job building the story with Jasmine. They acted really well together so everything felt really believable and real. Woody Allen, once again, delivers a great movie with very unique filming and a different aspect of storytelling that you don't see too often in film, at least not in he films I watch. Cate Blanchett won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for this movie. It also gained two more nominations for Sally Hawkins as Best Supporting Actress and Woody Allen for Original Screenplay. Cate also picked up a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA for her leading role.

I would give this film an 8 out of 10 mostly because of Cate's performance and the interesting story brought to life by Woody Allen! Make sure you follow me on Twitter! If you could share this with your friends and share the link on you twitter or Facebook too that would be amazing!

Peace,
Jake