Jackie: The Adventures of a Little Boy Trying to Grow Up

Jackie: The Adventures of a Little Boy Trying to Grow Up is written by John Tammela and is an autobiography of his childhood as told from the point of view of the boy and an omnipotent narrator.

I have to agree with the sentiment that this is not a fitting cover for the book. Although “Jackie” looks sad on the cover, this book is anything but a sad story. This is instead a look inside the atmosphere of growing up in Niagara Falls, Canada in the 30s and 40s.

Jackie’s family immigrated to Canada from Finland prior to the start of World War II. Jackie’s childhood is reminiscent of the freedom that children used to know growing up. I had many moments that took me back to “A Christmas Story” and I could definitely see Jackie’s adventures with his friends and family being turned into a similar style movie.

Jackie’s live within the book ranges from toddler to fifth grade. During this time his adventures span from school stories, to shenanigans with his siblings, and even overcoming the fears of a small boy.

There are a few “experiences” within the story that will remind you of the growing up in Now & Then, or even Stand By Me which is completely realistic for a real little boy who is growing up into a young man. These are tastefully done and innocently real.

Although the font and the chapter length in the book is reminiscent of a middle grade novel, I found this book to be suitable for all age groups. If you have ever grown up or if you are just now growing up, I am sure that you can find something to relate to within John Tammela’s story of adolescence.

I give this book 4/5 stars. The beginning starts off a little slow and the ending wraps up in a detached way that is not seen in the rest of the book. Otherwise I thought it was well done and I loved the hand drawn maps and associated drawings that brought life to the stories told within the book. Quite the exciting childhood, makes me wish I could allow my son some of the same freedoms that can’t be found in current urban living. If you are interested in child biography, Canada, childhood, growing up, humor, imagination, etc, then this is a great book for you.  Also I have been told by the author that there is a second book in the works, so watch for that to come out in the near future!

*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Wolverine Review

Last night I had the opportunity to make it out to see Wolverine.  As a fan of the X-Men movies from the very beginning, I can honestly say that they have done a superb job with both Wolverine installments.  Although it is helpful to have seen previous movies before watching The Wolverine, I would say that the number one movie that you must watch before this one is X-Men Last Stand.  There any many Jean Grey references and if you have not yet seen this movie, you may feel at a loss as to why this is such a big deal for Logan.  The time period of this movie is after the X-Men last stand, with Logan hiding out in Canada. 

In case you know nothing about the X-Men it is based upon the Marvel Comics.  Wolverine is played by Hugh Jackman and he is a mutant who can heal himself (which also greatly decreases the rate at which he ages), very keen senses and also has adamantium (an insanely strong medal) throughout his
body with 3 retractable claws in each hand to slash and fight with. 

In this movie, Logan (Wolverine) is having constant bad dreams, usually about Jean Grey, but also one about Japan and the bombing at Nagasaki and a samurai soldier that he rescued.  He ends up being summoned by this same samurai soldier on his death bed and ends up in the middle of a corrupt Japanese political game.  The man Yashida offers to provide Logan with a way to end his eternal life and finish out a normal life and die at the end.  This movie also features Viper as a villain. 

I rate movies based on movie theater worthy, DVD worthy, or Netflix worthy.  This movie was definitely movie theater worthy.  There were some great cinematography, and it does not bore with a great story line.  I recommend staying through the end of the credits as you will get some insight into what is in store next for the X-Men.  X-Men movies are notorious for leaving clues about future projects at the end of the credits, and this one does not fail to answer some speculative questions, as well as leave you thirsty for more X-Men.   I will definitely buy this movie when it comes out!

Here is the Trailer, I used the International one and I do not have any rights to this video , it is used for entertainment purposes only. 

*I do not recommend looking into the wikipedia on this movie before you watch it.  It is filled with spoilers.