5 Things Friday- November

One

What I’m Reading

A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold. This book is written by the mother of Dylan Klebold, one of the shooters at Columbine. It’s not just a memoir; it also integrates information on mental health and the thought process of kids who commit this kind of violence. She tries to make sense of the tragedy and talks about the subtle signs of Dylan’s mental state that she missed.

One of the things that really struck me about this book is that while she never tries to minimize the tragedy other families experienced that day, she reframes Dylan’s death as a suicide. Sue Klebold is an advocate for suicide awareness, treatment, and prevention. This is a fantastic book that anyone with children (or who knows people with children) should read. All proceeds from the book go to mental health research and charitable organizations.

Two

What I’m Writing

I’m starting work on my next book, a YA horror about a world where Death has been kidnapped.

Three

What I Read This Week

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, by Claire North. It took me a long time to get through it because it wasn’t what I thought it would be. Honestly, it was a decent book, but not great. There were parts of it I really liked, but overall, it sounded better than it was.

I also read Almost Interesting, by David Spade, on audiobook. That was a fast read and a lot of fun.

Four

When I Wasn’t Reading

I binge watched Stranger Things at night (so good!). During the day, I know I was busy, but I honestly don’t remember what I was doing. Writing? Cleaning? I know I mowed the lawn, but that’s about all.

Five

Favorite Picture of the Week

Did you read or watch anything particularly good this week?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Grown Ups 2

by The TV Guy

UnknownThe sequel of all sequels, this is the one that if you have not seen it yet, you are likely the last American left. If you did not see the original, well shame on you! This iconic film will stand the test of time like no other before it.

The mega list of master thespians in this film boggles the mind.

Sandler, James, Rock and Spade return with the summers blockbuster hit…

Grown Ups 2…not so much

This was the standard mediocre fare that Adam Sandler brings to the viewing public. The jokes are slap stick crossed with kicks in the nuts and standard underdog gets his revenge.

Did I laugh?

I did, I like many men of my age group I still laugh at pre-pubescent jokes about bodily functions.

So if you have an extra 8 bucks and an hour and half you just need to kill then go ahead. Otherwise save your money and watch in its infinite re-runs on basic cable for the next 25 years.