Anna Karenina

by Leo Tolstoy

** [2/5]

I read this book my freshman year in college. At the time I found it very upsetting, which may have been Tolstoy's intent. I recently watched the 2012 movie adaptation and I wish I liked the story more. The videography was wonderfully done and I liked the way the director used the "stage" to tie the scenes together. But as visually stunning as the movie is I still dislike the horror of this story. When I read the book I felt the inevitable conclusion was obvious with 2/3 of the book remaining. Then it became a waiting game filled with the madness of Anna. Painful read for me, but I never liked dark themes.

Game of Thrones

by George. R. R. Martin

*** [3/5]

I read this book because I had heard so much about this series. I admit I was pleasantly surprised by the pace and complexity of the characters. The books follow the members of one family during a change in power in a fictional fantasy kingdom much like medieval Britain, plus magic. I liked the story and the complexity of the plot line.

When I watched one episode of the HBO show I was shocked by how smutty the video version was compared to the relatively light treatment in the books. I stopped watching the show and the books are still fun.