inkheart

Never heard anything about the book/movie until I saw a preview at a movie theater. I was intrigued. The idea of being able to bring characters to life out of a book is something I've dreamed of since I started reading. And I even wanted to become the characters. But after reading the book I'm not really impressed with the author's adaptation of this idea. Maybe if I was 10 or so I would have enjoyed the story more, but it didn't capture me.

One of the things that bothered me was that the book was written in the third person omniscient narrative. But most of the story was only presented through the eyes of Meggie (the 12 year old heroine), and at random moments we would get a glimpse into another character. I found this to be disruptive. It helped explain why the characters behaved in a certain manner, but overall I think it distracted more than it added to the story.

The plot itself was repetitive. If I could compare it to anything it would be Kim Bauer's behavior in seasons 1 and 2 of 24. She made terrible decisions that landed her in even more trouble. It was hard to sympathize with her as a character because she did things that no sane person would do. This book felt the same: repetitive events that landed the heroes in trouble. The villains weren't very crafty and didn't need to be when their prey walked right into their hands.

However, I did read it quickly and it fit the mood for what I'm needing right now: light stories, comical with happy endings. Like Chuck: a little action, a little adventure, a little romance and overall entertaining, which explains why Doug and I are five weeks behind in our 24 watching.