Book Watch

Oh my god, the twelfth (and supposedly last) book in A Series of Unfortunate Events is coming out October 18! Interestingly, they’ve not yet revealed the title or the cover of the book in the official website (http://www.lemonysnicket.com); they just call it “The Nameless Novel.” But there’s an online game wherein registered participants (no joining fee), upon answering the questions correctly, will be rewarded with a piece of a puzzle. Completing the puzzle will reveal the cover of book 12. All of this is very much in line with the nature of the books, so what a creative and synergistic way to generate interest among the series’ fans.

Last Monday I also bought the DVD of the movie A Series of Unfortunate Events starring Jim Carrey. I know many people were put off by his portrayal of the villain Count Olaf, but I think the greater weakness of the film is that the creators were unable to translate into filmic language the wicked wit and smart (sometimes smarmy) sensibilities of the books.

I’m still hoping that the movie version of another popular children’s literature, the Artemis Fowl series, will eventually be produced. The dissolution of Miramax has placed that project on turnaround, but hopefully someone will pick up that possible franchise in the near future.