For a blog that's supposed to be mostly about books, I haven't been talking about them much lately. I've been reading for school, of course, and re-reading a lot of favorite children's/young adult books because it's winter and I always want comforting reads in winter. So I've revisited Jo's Boys and Eight Cousins and Emily of New Moon and the aforementioned Dark is Rising series.

Over the weekend I read an advance reading copy of the new Sarah Dessen book, the truth about forever. It was marvelous. I love all of Dessen's books but I think this one is my very favorite yet. She writes about teenagers in a very adult way - the things she writes remind me both of how I used to feel and how I feel now without being condescending or childish in any way. Her voice is really great, really true, honest. I recommend every one of her books without reservation.

Over the weekend I finally watched the DVD of the London revival of Oklahoma that starred Hugh Jackman as Curly.

Oklahoma is hardly the cheeriest show in the world - I'd forgotten just how dark it is, and it's hard for even the happiest of songs to alleviate all that darkness. The dream ballet is downright terrifying. The show is also quite long, and I'm not sure that anyone really needs a five minute version of The Farmer and the Cowman. There was much fast forwarding through the dance sequences.

The cast was amazing, though. Really, really top-notch. And Hugh was not only unbelievably hot as always, he was also marvelous in the role. His performance made the show. I may have to buy the DVD for that alone.