Sestina.

Don't know why but ever since I heard of the sestina style, I always wanted to try it. I'm afraid I butchered it horribly. And though I attempted to give it some sense of rhythm, I'm afraid it didn't quite work out. Oh well, at least nothing is over 9 syllables. ^^ Oh, if you don't know what a sestina is, check out here before reading.
( Nayami's pathetic attempt at a sestina )

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

OK, first half of this book made me want to sleep. I think I only paid more attention to the second half because I knew it would be over soon and I was excited. Anyway, this is the point when the book started to really get into its characters, particularly the relationship between the priests Valliant and Latour. The author shows us how they first met at the Seminary, which I found interesting because up to this point I thought that Latour was the younger one. Their relationship actually starts to get touching, detailing how Latour convinced Valliant to disregard his father's wishes and run away with him to the priesthood in Paris. Just running away to Paris is such a romantic idea on its own. ^^

The place that this book excels is in the power of the relationship between Latour and Valliant. It isn't overt or frequent and I think this adds to its power. The subtlety is what gives it its strength. Latour is always taking care of Valliant whenever his impetuous nature and religious fervor force his frail body too far. Valliant also cooks for them. Awww. They even have matching cloaks. It's lame but when you read this in conjunction with the paragraph discussing their final separation, it is truly sweet.

Their separation was probably the best part of the book. We get tender scenes of Latour musing over his regret of Valliant leaving although he wants him to do what's best for the church. Then, we see Valliant realizing how lonely Latour will be without him since Latour is terribly inept at making companions despite his more pleasing nature. Valliant even cries when he's writing a letter to someone about his departure. I most liked how they used their pet mules' relationship as an allusion for their feelings. You really can't get more touching than this: "But if you take Contento, I will ask you to take Angelica as well. They have a great affection for each other; why separate them indefinitely? One could not explain to them. They have worked long together." Again, the subtlety really brings this moment home. Not to mention how when Latour is dying, he can only think of the day he convinced Valliant to run away with him. Most notable since he is a priest and should be looking forward to meeting with his lord.

The other thing I did enjoy about the book was its myriad of cultures from various Native Americans, to French, to Americans, and to Mexicans. Each was given their own perspective on the situation with the priests, though most was seen through Latour's eyes. Being a historical novel, this did a decent job with bringing the time to life for me. The most poignant part had to be when cowboy Carson, previously shown as a moral figure, ends up herding Native Americans across the land and killing those who will not budge. This is seen in the character of Manuelito who acknowledges that Carson is Latour's friend but tells him that Carson will never take him alive.

All in all, once you get past the first 150 pages of boring description and introspection, this isn't that terrible a book. But for those who don't usually have that much patient, I would consider another author.

SPIKE!

Last night was premiere night. ^^ Happy Nayami.

Smallville:
Lex and his other self were a nice touch. I know I should have figured out early on when Lewis talked about killing his father that he was just a figment of Lex's fevered mind. Clark was dull as usual. But I did like his whole secret with Chloe and his decision to call himself Kal. The family stuff was lame, no surprise there. Lana was being a bitch but I actually agreed with her for once. The whole glowing chest scar thing annoyed me too. And I should have known that Lex's wife was a bitch. I'm surprised though. I could have sworn she was working with Lionel. The failure of Lex with women cements my belief that he should just stick with Clark and call it a day. I did like how Jonathan pushed Clark out the window. ^^

Angel:
I knew they were going to do this but I was still pissed. The episode did a FINE job of touching on almost every controversial topic possible: gray area between good and bad, endangering children, biological warfare, and sadomasochism. Not too sure how I feel about that yet. But though Angel's disposal of his one captain was icky, it was pretty kick-ass as was his line about mercy. I liked most of his lines in this because they were just so delivered. "I have no problem spanking men." *dies* Fred is cool in her authoratative position. I'm also glad they gave Gunn a purpose again. He even got some of his coolness back, a little. Wes barely did anything. He seemed so lifeless the whole episode. The true color of the episode was through Harmony and Angel. Harmony always makes me laugh. The ritual sacrifce line was great too! As was Harmony's line about fanfic. XD I thought most of the jokes in this episode were truly funny for once. And Eve is lame. I don't like her at all. She's no Lilah. ;_; And I don't care how lame it was for Spike to come back through the Medallion, it still made me happy and bounce around saying "Spikables" for a good hour. I can't wait for next ep.
Spike telling someone about Angel: I'm his date. *dies again*

I'm also thinking about checking out this new spin on Tarzan. Too bad they are putting it on Sunday. Ugh, bad choice.

Withdrawal

Someone needs to recommend new series that are coming out. I no longer have any to dl. My life has no meaning. I miss Loki and Get Backers. *sobs*