Kris Corner

November 27, 2006

Contact Information

Hi everyone - I am currently developing a new photolog to place my more recent photographs in a manner that is easily browsable and with options for purchasing prints. If you would like to contact me in the meantime, please email me at kristen.johnson “at” american.edu.

Posted by Kristen at 09:38 AM

Recent Entries

Contact Information
Barrister's Ball
no scanner
Anonymous Lawyer
Urgent Immigration Matter HR-10
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My photos & the wonders of the Internet

Current Reads

'Tis
by Frank McCourt
Thoughts: This book is the sequel to Angela's Ashes, which i read a few months back. Even though I can't say it surpassed Angela's Ashes, it did keep my attention through an excellent writing style and interesting storytelling. I particularly loved McCourt's views on teaching. The only unfortunate thing was that I felt slightly angered towards him as he tells of the various troubles he would get into and the way he reacted to certain situations. It was a little different than reading about him as a child - which had the element of childlike innocence. This was a much more grown-up McCourt, though it was interesting to see how he integrated himself into American culture and society as he built his life after immigrating at age 19.

Kojin (The Wayfarer)
by Natsume Soseki
Thoughts: My friend Mike and I have been trying to switch off Japanese literature books to save a little money. Wayfarer was written by the famous Japanese novelist, Soseki, who also wrote Botchan and I am a Cat (I have yet to read Botchan. Although the book was interesting because I actually knew where all the places were and it seemed to have an interesting plot, eventually it came around to hardly having a plot at all and consisting more of hidden philosophical banter which often put me to sleep while commuting from Kyoto to Osaka. When I finally finished it, I wasn't too enthused at the ending and thought it could have gone much further, but perhaps I am failing to appreciate some special Japanese writing style. It was an interesting read, nothingm ore, nothing less.

Norwegian Wood
by Haruki Murakami
Thoughts: This was another one of my attempts to read some Japanese literature, albeit more modern than Soseki's works. I've heard raging reviews of this work - some who even claim it is the best Japanese literature ever written. The link I have to the book reviews shows some of the enthusiasm. Maybe I am just not into ultra-modern writing, but I thought the book had many flaws. First, every character in the book sounded like the other. It was as if each character was the same person with a different name. And they were all these super unique, insightful characters who sat around either contemplating the world or sex or doing entirely crazy things that wouldn't be done by those who maintain their mental sanity. But, I suppose if you like to read about crazy people, sex, Japanese institutions for the depressed, sex, and more sex, then read this book.

Clicks

Photo Archive
CraigsirK
Xian
Aimz the Ravioli
Craig "the Flash Master" J

Japan Clicks

Kanji Dictionary
Rikai**This is a MUST for reading Japanese homepages**
mediatinker (the other Kristen in Japan)
hunkabutta