Summer Reading = Fun!!!

The Summer Reading Program (June 1-August 31) is just around the corner! Hard to believe, I know, but the start of it is almost here!

I could do what I've done other summers and talk about how it's important for kids and teens to read in their time off from school. Summer reading prevents the so-called "summer slide," helping kids improve their vocabulary and thinking abilities as well as retain things they learned over the school year. But I'm not going to talk about that.

I could talk about all the cool prizes we have for kids, teens, and adults. There are jump ropes, noisy putty, coins, badges, highlighters, watercolors, microphones, spaghetti yo-yos (I really like those!), journals, cups, and phone stands. Of course, there are other things like bags, because you can never have too many book bags. But I'm not going to talk about that.

I could talk about the exciting activities we have in the library during summer reading. There are art experiments, break-out boxes, STEAM programs, and finding where Mango (the summer reading mascot) is hiding in the library each week. But I'm not going to talk about that.

What I AM going to talk about is having FUN reading, because that's really the heart of summer reading. Whether you're a kid, teen, or adult, just READ. It can (and should) be ANYTHING you want to read. Fiction or fantasy, mystery or manga, it makes no difference as long as it's FUN to you. Read if you have somewhere to go, read if you have nowhere to go. Read stories about people, places, and things. 

So, do the Summer Reading Program for the fun of it (and maybe that spaghetti yo-yo).

Wishing you good readings this summer from the perch.

Taking On the Remakes

Many well-loved classic movies are being remade these days. I understand that making movies has always been expensive, and nowadays it's more expensive than ever. It makes sense that, due to costs, movie executives are less willing to make movies from scratch and want to invest in something familiar to audiences, something they hope will be a sure hit. However, as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Not all movie remakes have been as well received as the original versions. Fame was so loved and popular it became a hit TV show in the '80s, but the 2009 remake lacked the grittiness and heart of the original. I may be biased having grown up with The Karate Kid, but I (and apparently others) had trouble seeing anyone but Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita in those now iconic roles. Sure, the effects in the original Ghostbusters aren't up to today's standards, but it's those cheesy effects along with those actors that make it so fun. And don't even get me started on Dirty Dancing and Footloose.

To be fair, there are remakes that are just as good if not better than their original versions. Disney has done a great job in remaking both The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, updating cherished movies to a new generation of audiences without alienating the older generation. Poseidon, the remake of The Poseidon Adventure doesn't disappoint in its intensity or star power. A Star is Born and True Grit are also notable remakes.

It's all fine if a movie remake is done well, but I would hate to think that unique movies like the first Star Wars, Back to the Future, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding may not be made today because of the financial risks involved. Sometimes, the risks may just pay off.

What are your favorite/least favorite remakes? Share with us!

Wishing you happy movie watching from the perch.