"Running With the Demon" and "A Knight of the Word" established characters that I cared for and hoped to read more about. While it was sad that my wish was met in the final installment of the series, I did like this book best out of the three. I got to see what became of many of the characters mentioned in "Running". Certainly, not all the endings were happy. This is something I've always loved about Terry Brooks writing: as in real life, the good guys don't always come out on top. Nonetheless, I was still very content with how things played out.

There were some loose ends, and ends that I wished had been otherwise, even though they worked well with the story. Overall, I found this to be a satisfying read.

The first page of the novel caught my attention. I found myself with a vivid image of the character introduced.

While strong descriptions can grab the attention, continuing along this vein gets monotonous. I feel as if I thumbed through way too much detail. Being concise would have gone a long way to helping me enjoy the story.

I felt rather numb by the time I got to the ending. I'm satisfied with how things ended. I just found all the previous verbosity took away my caring for the characters.

Of course, people that love reading lengthy descriptions might totally dig this. For me, I prefer things to get to the point.

C.S. Lewis originally captivated me with his "Chronicles of Narnia". I didn't learn of his Christianity until later - which has no bearing on my personal, spiritual choices. I just want to point out that he wove some of his theories into the "Chronicles" without being at all preachy or overbearing. It is a great series.

"Mere Christianity" steps outside of that fictional setting. The first half of the book is Lewis' persuasion on the possibility of an existence of God. He lays his points politely and respectfully. This is his demeanor throughout the book's entirety. I feel he makes great points and explanations, all while taking his reader into consideration.

I don't think this is the type of book that will convert a die-hard atheist. I believe that it gives thoughtful answers (that are much better than "It's in the Bible, that's why!" or, worse, "Because that's what God wants!") If the reader isn't swayed, at the very least, I think they can walk away, content with a mutual agreement to disagree.

I wasn't as riveted as I was with this book's predecessor: "The Fabulous Girl's Guide to Decorum". Then again, the situations in "Code Red" aren'tcurrently as relevent to my life. "Decorum" is a great guide for the woman just starting out in the real world. "Code Red" takes into consideration the Fabulous Girl that's better established. I did notice, however, that while the situations may have been of a slightly differen caliber, the advice was a rehash from the "Guide to Decorum".

Overall, I'd say get the first book. Everything is covered in that.

The synopsis on the back cover was intriguing. The ideas introduced within the movie were interesting. The follow through was non-existent.

I was left with so many questions. I still don't understand what significance - if any - was held by some of the characters. Indeed, most of the players seemed very undeveloped. Was the antagonist really evil, neutral, anything? There were so many fascinating concepts and challenges put forth. None were resolved. Worst, the end of the movie snuck upon me. I was left feeling very unfulfilled.

I don't think this one is worth seeing even as a dollar rental.

The plot is standard enough: a girl has a dream that her parents don't support. "Bend It Like Beckham" adds a bit of a twist by throwing in cultural inhibitions. There is, after all, a difference between rebelling against one's parents, and potentially turning your back against one's cultural heritage.

This movie manages to pull off all of the struggles inherent in that. There is humour that those of the portrayed ethnicity will relate to. These jokes, however, aren't so deeply enmeshed that the rest of the audience is lost. The film is, in turns, light hearted and thoughtful.

All in all, I think this was a great mix of thought-provoking and fun.