A Scarecrow’s Bible
Author: Martin Hyatt
Review By: Leon Velasco
Rating: One Thumb Up, One Thumb Down
I had read this book and somehow would get lost in text. In some parts I would read 2-3 times just to make sure I had read it right to get it to connect with the next topic matter. A small book but if you get side tracked, you’re lost. With that in mind, it took me a little longer than normal to read 201 pages. Unless you’re a very avid and focused reader then I’d say go for broke; but if not, try a different one.
In a house trailer in rural Mississippi, Gary, a married Vietnam veteran, addicted to drugs, haunted by memories of the past, is on the brink of collapse. Just when he thinks the dream of another life is over, the unspeakable happens. He falls in love with a frail, ghostly younger man who reminds him of youth, beauty, and the possibility of a life beyond the prison he has created for himself. A Scarecrow’s Bible is about what happens when love occurs at the most unexpected moment. It is the story of how working-class men and women in a small town adapt to changes that somehow seem impossible. It is a novel of hope and transformation that challenges our ideas about diversity and social change, breaking your heart all the way.
“The writing is so skillful it’s hard to believe that this is a debut. If this is a gay novel, it’s unlike any other I’ve ever read.” – Edmund White, author of A Boy’s Own Story
“The characters in A Scarecrow’s Bible are the kind of people novelists too often discard as insignificant and unworthy of our Notice. In Martin Hyatt’s compassionate hands they come fully to life in all their haunting despair.” – Jaime Manrique, author of Latin Moon in Manhattan
She’s THE Man
Everybody has a secret…
Director: Andy Fickman
Rated PG-13
Starring: Amanda Bynes – Channing Tatum
Review By: Leon Velasco
Rating: 2 thumbs way up
I just wanted to put a little change in movie selection. Why not cross dressing teenagers? I have seen the 80’s version and this one; both are out to make a point to the female capabilities. This is quite funnier than 80’s version. Amanda Bynes (Penny Pingleton of Hairspray) could be the future “Lucille Ball” if she sticks with comedy. She made this character come to life and made it her own. Channing Tatum is HOT as ever, many topless scenes. (Excuse me while I clean the drool off my chin.)
Amanda Bynes proves that girls can do anything guys can do in She’s The Man. The laughs are non-stop when Viola (Bynes), disguised as her twin brother Sebastian (James Kirk), joins the high school boy’s soccer team and helps win the big game while unexpectedly falling for Duke (Channing Tatum), the hot star forward. Viola discovers that dealing with high school politics and twisted love triangles is a major challenge when you’re a guy who’s really a girl!
Duke wants Olivia who likes Sebastian- who is really Viola whose brother is dating Monique- so she hates Olivia- who is with Duke to make Sebastian jealous- who is really Viola who is crushing on Duke- who thinks she’s a guy.
“Mean Girls gets a classic twist”—Bill Bregoli, Westwood One
