I haven't seen the Ghibli film either because of the importance of that novel. May all my bacon burn, I guess. (And I usually LIKE Ghibli. LOVE, in the case of Spirited Away.)

(The picture that started this post -- and whatta picture! -- is reminding me that soon I will need to consult with some boys. "And how do you -- really? I mean okay -- but beards? Uh-huh -- it's for a book."