The Mummy 3 is shaping up! WOO! I'm still skeptical about the plot, but I really, really hope both Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz come back. They were what I loved so much about the first two - I think I'd be disappointed if they weren't in the next one. Brendan's shown interest, at least! *crosses fingers for Rachel, too - not that she's exactly desperate for film roles these days* In honor of that article, I'm listening to my Mummy Returns soundtrack.

Not too much going on at the zoo! It's been pretty quiet. Just going through my usual routine and such. Although I did get to help with a harbor seal training session yesterday, and got to touch Louise! *bounces around*

And as it's now February, here's the book reviews update for January! As always, current month's books and all-time faves can be found on the Book Recs link on my sidebar.

I know, I know - it's only three books this month. I'm slacking. But hey, with how much I'm working at the moment, I'm allowed. :P

1/22/07
Phantom of the Opera - Gaston Leroux
A wonderful book! It seemed to start off rather slowly, but the back half of the book was very suspenseful - kidnappings, torture, romance, heartbreak, it had it all! I haven't seen the musical (I know! I'm a bad person) so I really can't comment on how the two compare. I love the mythology that was built up around the Opera building itself, too. It just seemed to fantastic! But it's really all there - the subterranean lake, the levels of cellars... it really made me want to go to Paris and see it!

1/15/07
Swimming With Orca - Ingrid Visser
A very refreshing read for all the orca fans out there! It was so wonderful to read a book written by a published scientist who isn't afraid to broach the more emotional topics surrounding orcas. She speaks frankly about her own work, and like any scientist worth their salt, admits to any strengths or weaknesses. But the scientific side is also balanced by a much more emotional story of her interactions with the whales. She has some wonderful stories of meeting killer whales on their own turf (surf?) that are very heartwarming.

1/4/07
Eragon - Christopher Paolini
If you're looking for something for no purpose other than entertainment, this is a good one. It has an engaging plot, although it is very predictable at times. It was a fantasy that kept me hooked. I will say this, though: it's very hard to read without thinking "...is there anything here that isn't ripped off?" If you took the world of Lord of the Rings, mashed it with Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, and added the plot of Star Wars, you'd have Eragon. It almost gave off the impression of being a glorified (and, you know, published) Mary Sue fanfic. But as I said, it's entertaining. If you're just looking for something fun, this one's fantastic. Just don't think too much about it, or it may leave a bad taste in your mouth.