Fiction
Coldest Mile by Tom Piccirilli. Sequel to Piccirilli's brilliant novel Cold Spot. Chase left the criminal life when he married his cop wife. When his wife was murdered Chase called on his lifetime crook grandfather, Jonah, to help him out. Sociopathic Jonah helped Chase out on condition of payment, meanwhile Chase found out his soul-less grandfather had a pregnant girlfriend. Now, Chase plans to rescue the child from Jonah by making a score as a driver with dysfunctional crime family.
Shatter by Michael Robotham. Psychologist Joe O'Loughlin is trying to save a nude, suicidal woman from jumping into a gorge. Instead of listening to Joe the woman listens to the unknown voice on her cell phone and jumps. Joe is distraught until the woman's daughter convinces him she never would have jumped. Who convinced her to jump? Joe tries to find out.
Sea of Poppies by Amitay Ghosh. Pirates! A mix of Western and Indian sailors man a pirate ship into China's Opium Wars.
Pursuit by Karen Robards. Young lawyer Jessica gets sent by a senior law partner to meet the First Lady as a personal lawyer. When Jessica and the First Lady are in a horrific car crash only Jessica survives. Jessica cannot remember what happened but Secret Service Agent Mark thinks she is hiding something.
Large Print
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer.
NonFiction
100 Bullets by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. "A provocative tale that's one part hard-boiled crime story, one part paranoid espionage thriller, all served in a highball with a Vertigo twist - shaken, not stirred!"
The Unforgiving Minute: a soldier's education by Craig M. Mullaney. Army Captain Mullaney went to West Point, Ranger School, and was a Rhodes Scholar. Combat in Afghanistan and the death of his men show how the seemingly disparate sides, Army vs. scholar, fit together and his Oxford history proves amazingly relevant.
I'm Sorry You Feel That Way: the astonishing but true story of a daughter, sister, slut, wife, mother, and friend to man and dog by Diana Joseph. Humorous tales of life including her retired auto body shop owning father, her NRA supporting son, her common-law-husband professor, and her weird dog.
Joseph teaches creative writing at Mankota State (or whatever it is called now). I wonder if she knows that Anthony Neil Smith guy. He teaches the same thing at a state school in southwestern Minnesota.
AudioBooks
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell. 13 CDs at 16 hours. Cornwell continues to document the history of Englishmen killing Frenchmen.
A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny. Armand Gamache investigates a murder at a Quebec resort.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tommy Lee Jones as Dave Robicheaux
DVD
In the Electric Mist starring Tommy Lee Jones, John Goodman. Deputy Sheriff dave Robicheaux investigates some murders while dealing with a visiting film crew and a New Orleans gangster visiting town.
What can I say? The book, In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead by James Lee Burke, is quite good. Tommy Lee Jones is probably good casting. John Goodman is always good, although I imagine the book's fleet-footed character would have to change a bit for the movie. I usually do not get uptight about when a film based on a novel changes things around. I reckon the film makers have to do that to keep the story flowing and cap it at two hours or less.
Bill Crider watched this but I did not read his comments; I did not want his observations to color my own viewing.
Kid Movies
Escape to Witch Mountain starring [interchangeable Disney kids] and Eddie Albert. A new DVD release of the original flick to coincide with remake's release.
Wizards of Waverly Place starring [interchangeable Disney kids].
Ella Enchanted starring Anne Hathaway. A replacement for a lost or broken copy.
In the Electric Mist starring Tommy Lee Jones, John Goodman. Deputy Sheriff dave Robicheaux investigates some murders while dealing with a visiting film crew and a New Orleans gangster visiting town.
What can I say? The book, In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead by James Lee Burke, is quite good. Tommy Lee Jones is probably good casting. John Goodman is always good, although I imagine the book's fleet-footed character would have to change a bit for the movie. I usually do not get uptight about when a film based on a novel changes things around. I reckon the film makers have to do that to keep the story flowing and cap it at two hours or less.
Bill Crider watched this but I did not read his comments; I did not want his observations to color my own viewing.
Kid Movies
Escape to Witch Mountain starring [interchangeable Disney kids] and Eddie Albert. A new DVD release of the original flick to coincide with remake's release.
Wizards of Waverly Place starring [interchangeable Disney kids].
Ella Enchanted starring Anne Hathaway. A replacement for a lost or broken copy.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Glenn's CD Plus Four More
Music CDs
Middle Cyclone by Neko Case. Snap judgment from album cover: Redhead sings songs while roaming the wastelands on a muscle car and getting into swordfights.
No Line on the Horizon by U2. Snap judgment from album art: U2 tries for another Joshua Tree but instead poses on some mud at low tide instead of the desert.
Orange Blossoms by JJ Grey and Mofro. Album art judgment: Blue-eyed soul with a Florida swamp vibe.
Goodnight Oslo by Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3. Cover art snap judgment: Robyn Hitchcock should move to Austin, he's already kept himself weird.
Modernity Killed Every Night by The Wolfmen. Snap judgement from album artwork: Marco Pirroni chubbed out on ale and chips.
Middle Cyclone by Neko Case. Snap judgment from album cover: Redhead sings songs while roaming the wastelands on a muscle car and getting into swordfights.
No Line on the Horizon by U2. Snap judgment from album art: U2 tries for another Joshua Tree but instead poses on some mud at low tide instead of the desert.
Orange Blossoms by JJ Grey and Mofro. Album art judgment: Blue-eyed soul with a Florida swamp vibe.
Goodnight Oslo by Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3. Cover art snap judgment: Robyn Hitchcock should move to Austin, he's already kept himself weird.
Modernity Killed Every Night by The Wolfmen. Snap judgement from album artwork: Marco Pirroni chubbed out on ale and chips.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Four Flicks
DVD
Milk starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, that guy from Alias. Biopic of San Francisco politician.
This is supposed to be a real good flick, I've enjoyed Van Sant's previous movies, Milk seems like he was a good dude, but this movie just doesn't not sound very interesting to me. Watch the preview.
Six String Samurai starring [guy in Buddy Holly glasses]. Kung-Fu dude fights his way through post-apacolyptic Nevada on his way to Las Vegas to become the next king or rock and roll.
I got suckered in by Bill Crider's blog. Again. But, can you blame me? Look at the preview.
Transporter 3 starring Jason Statham and crashing cars. Frank Martin is hired to drive a new passenger. "The stakes are bigger, the enemy is deadlier, and the action has never been hotter."
Watch the preview or catch one of the umpteen television commercials selling the DVD.
Madagascar: escape 2 Africa starring [animated animals]. Watch the preview.
Milk starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, that guy from Alias. Biopic of San Francisco politician.
This is supposed to be a real good flick, I've enjoyed Van Sant's previous movies, Milk seems like he was a good dude, but this movie just doesn't not sound very interesting to me. Watch the preview.
Six String Samurai starring [guy in Buddy Holly glasses]. Kung-Fu dude fights his way through post-apacolyptic Nevada on his way to Las Vegas to become the next king or rock and roll.
I got suckered in by Bill Crider's blog. Again. But, can you blame me? Look at the preview.
Transporter 3 starring Jason Statham and crashing cars. Frank Martin is hired to drive a new passenger. "The stakes are bigger, the enemy is deadlier, and the action has never been hotter."
Watch the preview or catch one of the umpteen television commercials selling the DVD.
Madagascar: escape 2 Africa starring [animated animals]. Watch the preview.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
ZOMBIES! and Three Thrillers (including Barry Eisler)
ZOMBIES!
Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry. Baltimore cop turned Joe Ledger has been assigned to a counter terrorist task force. Ledger is assigned to the Department of Military Science to stop terrorists from releasing a bio-weapon against the U.S. A bio-weapon that turns people into ZOMBIES!
Cover blurbs by Joe R. Lansdale and Victor Gischler.
Fiction
The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer. Former undercover CIA agent Milo is now working as a manager at the CIA's New York location. When an assassin is arrested his story attracts questions about Milo's colleague and Milo's old cases. Milo goes back undercover to uncover some undercover shenanigans.
Fault Line by Barry Eisler. Silicon Valley attorney Alex has a software inventor client whose invention could promote Alex from mid-level lawyer goon to law firm parterner - or more. When the inventor is found dead Alex is suspicious. When Alex's patent office pal is killed Alex is worried. When someone sneaks into ALex's house at 3 AM and tries to kill him Alex is terrified. Enter Alex's estranged older brother, Ben. Ben has been in Army special forces for years and his specialty as an assassin puts him in perfect position to help his brother. If they can stand each other.
I read an advice copy of this novel and it is excellent.
Corsair by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul. Boat sinks. People look for it. Intrigue and adventure ensue.
Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry. Baltimore cop turned Joe Ledger has been assigned to a counter terrorist task force. Ledger is assigned to the Department of Military Science to stop terrorists from releasing a bio-weapon against the U.S. A bio-weapon that turns people into ZOMBIES!
Cover blurbs by Joe R. Lansdale and Victor Gischler.
Fiction
The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer. Former undercover CIA agent Milo is now working as a manager at the CIA's New York location. When an assassin is arrested his story attracts questions about Milo's colleague and Milo's old cases. Milo goes back undercover to uncover some undercover shenanigans.
Fault Line by Barry Eisler. Silicon Valley attorney Alex has a software inventor client whose invention could promote Alex from mid-level lawyer goon to law firm parterner - or more. When the inventor is found dead Alex is suspicious. When Alex's patent office pal is killed Alex is worried. When someone sneaks into ALex's house at 3 AM and tries to kill him Alex is terrified. Enter Alex's estranged older brother, Ben. Ben has been in Army special forces for years and his specialty as an assassin puts him in perfect position to help his brother. If they can stand each other.
I read an advice copy of this novel and it is excellent.
Corsair by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul. Boat sinks. People look for it. Intrigue and adventure ensue.
Monday, March 09, 2009
What to Read 21 "Leather Maiden" and "Child 44"
Two thrillers to read: Leather Maiden by Joe R. Lansdale and Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
The Usual Authors and Four DVDs
DVD
Body of Lies starring Angry Australian and Leonardo DiCaprio. Spy thriller with on the ground CIA agent being guided by his handler back in the U.S.
Choke starring Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston. Another bizarre tale by Chuck Palahniuk. Sex addict Victor cons restaurants by choking during dinner an deals with his "dying, delusional mother."
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice starring Noah Wyle, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin. The Librarian, Flynn, is sent to recover the Judas Chalice, is saved by good-looking French woman, gets ambushed by someone else, Flynn's life is in danger, the world is threatened, blah, blah, blah.
The Changeling starring Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich. Single mom in 1928 Los Angeles has son go missing. Police show up with different kid, say mom is crazy and stick her in an asylum. I think. That's what I remember hearing anyway.
Fortunately Jolie does not look like usual in this picture. Meaning she is not all skanky looking.
Fiction
Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke. The typical mystery with recipes.
Dead Silence by Randy Wayne White. Doc Ford is in New York when his girlfriend, a Senator, drives up and is almost abducted. Instead a fourteen year old in town on a prize vacation is snatched. Ford looks for him.
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult. Latest from Picoult. Judging from the cover I am guessing that some kid falls through ice and drowns.
Large Print
Promises in Death by J.D. Robb.
Night and Day by Robert B. Parker.
Body of Lies starring Angry Australian and Leonardo DiCaprio. Spy thriller with on the ground CIA agent being guided by his handler back in the U.S.
Choke starring Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston. Another bizarre tale by Chuck Palahniuk. Sex addict Victor cons restaurants by choking during dinner an deals with his "dying, delusional mother."
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice starring Noah Wyle, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin. The Librarian, Flynn, is sent to recover the Judas Chalice, is saved by good-looking French woman, gets ambushed by someone else, Flynn's life is in danger, the world is threatened, blah, blah, blah.
The Changeling starring Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich. Single mom in 1928 Los Angeles has son go missing. Police show up with different kid, say mom is crazy and stick her in an asylum. I think. That's what I remember hearing anyway.
Fortunately Jolie does not look like usual in this picture. Meaning she is not all skanky looking.
Fiction
Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke. The typical mystery with recipes.
Dead Silence by Randy Wayne White. Doc Ford is in New York when his girlfriend, a Senator, drives up and is almost abducted. Instead a fourteen year old in town on a prize vacation is snatched. Ford looks for him.
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult. Latest from Picoult. Judging from the cover I am guessing that some kid falls through ice and drowns.
Large Print
Promises in Death by J.D. Robb.
Night and Day by Robert B. Parker.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Books: Donations, an Englishman in L.A., Large Print
Fiction
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer. What if you did a deed so magnificent you would be remembered for years? Something that would put you the level of LIndbergh, Armstrong, Lewis and Clark? What if you completed the task but had no way to prove it?
Love Mercy by Earlene Fowler. What an awful cover.
Star Bright by Catherine Anderson. Paperback romance.
Turning Point by Peter Turnbull. "A Hennessey and Yellich Mystery". Rural English policeman Hennessey is aging and he needs to accept it train his young team better. But, his experience becomes most vaulable when two murders, committed twenty years apart, are connected.
NonFiction
Death by Leisure: a cautionary tale by Chris Ayres. English journalist gets assigned to Los Angeles and decides to live the big life. He takes advantage of easy credit and, "those idiots you keep hearing about? The ones who brought down the economy by maxing out on easy cash?...Yes, that was Ayres."
Blue Ribbon Quilts by Linda Causee and Rita Weiss.
Arranging Flowers: how to create beautiful bouquets in every season by Martha Stewart.
Large Print
The Second Opinion by Michael Palmer. Thriller with doctors in Africa and Boston.
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy.
The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker.
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer. What if you did a deed so magnificent you would be remembered for years? Something that would put you the level of LIndbergh, Armstrong, Lewis and Clark? What if you completed the task but had no way to prove it?
Love Mercy by Earlene Fowler. What an awful cover.
Star Bright by Catherine Anderson. Paperback romance.
Turning Point by Peter Turnbull. "A Hennessey and Yellich Mystery". Rural English policeman Hennessey is aging and he needs to accept it train his young team better. But, his experience becomes most vaulable when two murders, committed twenty years apart, are connected.
NonFiction
Death by Leisure: a cautionary tale by Chris Ayres. English journalist gets assigned to Los Angeles and decides to live the big life. He takes advantage of easy credit and, "those idiots you keep hearing about? The ones who brought down the economy by maxing out on easy cash?...Yes, that was Ayres."
Blue Ribbon Quilts by Linda Causee and Rita Weiss.
Arranging Flowers: how to create beautiful bouquets in every season by Martha Stewart.
Large Print
The Second Opinion by Michael Palmer. Thriller with doctors in Africa and Boston.
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy.
The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Seven CDs Including a Gal I Heard on Radio Australia
Music CDs
Awkward Annie by Kate Rusby. I was listening to an archived episode of The Music Show on the ABC website a while ago and heard the title track to this album. It was a good song and I figured some of you Library nerds might like it. So, I ordered it. It's folkish.
Theater of the Mind by Ludacris. Rapper guy raps. I do not know anything about this guy but I'll bet he has been a motion picture or two. Big name rap guys are always getting cast in the movies.
Rentacrowd by The Len Price 3. Greatness from Great Britain. Music with an early sixties, British Invasion vibe. See their website to listen to some songs.
The Len Price 3 are frequently heard on Little Steven's Underground Garage. Does their popularity on that show have anything to do with being signed to Little Steven's record label?
I, Flathead: the songs of Kash Buk and the Klowns by Ry Cooder. Cooder is been around for quite a while and most likely known for the Buena Vista Social Club album of a few years ago.
His last few albums have been built on themes. My Name is Buddy was written from the perspective of a cat during the Depression. Chavez Ravine was about the barrio in Los Angeles demolished in the 1950s to build Dodger Stadium. I, Flathead is about...something. Look it up yourself, I'm busy.
Already Free by The Derek Trucks Band. I think this guy had a profile in the Madison newspaper. He is married to Susan Tedeschi who is a good singer and whose albums are available here at Lake Mills and elsewhere in the system. Trucks has been a professional musician since his mid-teens and his band plays soul.
Hey Ma by James. We received this CD quite a while ago but it got waylaid on the cataloging cart. Here it is.
The Empyrean by John Frusciante. Frusciante was a rock guitar prodigy who played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers then started using heroin and ended up a strung-out junkie on the streets of Hollywood. Frusciante then cleaned up and started playing again. I ran across a - post-strung-out-junkie - solo tune of his a few years ago and thought it was great. Hopefully this is good too.
Awkward Annie by Kate Rusby. I was listening to an archived episode of The Music Show on the ABC website a while ago and heard the title track to this album. It was a good song and I figured some of you Library nerds might like it. So, I ordered it. It's folkish.
Theater of the Mind by Ludacris. Rapper guy raps. I do not know anything about this guy but I'll bet he has been a motion picture or two. Big name rap guys are always getting cast in the movies.
Rentacrowd by The Len Price 3. Greatness from Great Britain. Music with an early sixties, British Invasion vibe. See their website to listen to some songs.
The Len Price 3 are frequently heard on Little Steven's Underground Garage. Does their popularity on that show have anything to do with being signed to Little Steven's record label?
I, Flathead: the songs of Kash Buk and the Klowns by Ry Cooder. Cooder is been around for quite a while and most likely known for the Buena Vista Social Club album of a few years ago.
His last few albums have been built on themes. My Name is Buddy was written from the perspective of a cat during the Depression. Chavez Ravine was about the barrio in Los Angeles demolished in the 1950s to build Dodger Stadium. I, Flathead is about...something. Look it up yourself, I'm busy.
Already Free by The Derek Trucks Band. I think this guy had a profile in the Madison newspaper. He is married to Susan Tedeschi who is a good singer and whose albums are available here at Lake Mills and elsewhere in the system. Trucks has been a professional musician since his mid-teens and his band plays soul.
Hey Ma by James. We received this CD quite a while ago but it got waylaid on the cataloging cart. Here it is.
The Empyrean by John Frusciante. Frusciante was a rock guitar prodigy who played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers then started using heroin and ended up a strung-out junkie on the streets of Hollywood. Frusciante then cleaned up and started playing again. I ran across a - post-strung-out-junkie - solo tune of his a few years ago and thought it was great. Hopefully this is good too.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Bill Crider Edition: Sheriff Dan Rhodes and Paris Hilton
Fiction
Murder in Four Parts by Bill Crider. Sheriff Dan Rhodes of Blacklin County, TX is fairly easy going. He has to be to put up with the local idiots and blowhards. Now Rhodes has another murder investigation complicated by a rogue alligator, a dog food thief, and barbershop quartets.
Night and Day by Robert B. Parker. Another Jesse Stone novel. Police Chief Stone investigates accusations against the local middle school principal and tries to catch a voyeur who has turned into an aggressive home invader.
There is no doubt that Parker is a great writer. But, why not wait for a movie version with Tom Selleck? Those have been dang good as well. We have all or most of those movies here at the Library on DVD. Either way, you win.
One Day at a Time by Danielle Steel. Does Steel use ghostwriters?
Promises in Death by J.D. Robb. Eve Dallas investigates a a fellow New York policewoman's murder.
NonFiction
Six Degrees of Paris Hilton: inside the sex tapes, scandals, and shakedowns of the new Hollywood by Mark Ebner. From the cover: The shocking true tale of Darnell Riley, a well-mannered middle-class kid from Los Angeles who reinvented himself as a stone-cold gangster in the boxing gyms and bruising streets of Sotuh Central, before serving seven years for a double homicide at fifteen. Released at age twenty-three, he infiltrated a far more decadent crowd whose privileged lifestyle is familiar to most only in weekly magazines. During his six-year stab at Hollywood, Darnell ran with it It girls and bully boys: He befriended Paris Hilton; was associated with multiple sex tapes; held Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis at gunpoint and humiliated him on camera; dated models; ran numbers; trafficked in drugs; carried out contract beatings; and 'possibly' staged a daring series of home-invasion robberies, many of which were attributed to the infamous Bel-Air Burglar.
The Wicked Wit of the West by Irving Brecher and Hank Rosenfeld. Brecher wrote TWO Marx Brothers films, wrote for Milton Berle, "punched up The Wizard of Oz", created The Life of Riley, wrote Bye Bye Birdie, gave Jackie Gleason his first tv series.
Brecher says, "I don't like to quote myself but unfortunately everybody I know who should be quoting me is dead."
Murder in Four Parts by Bill Crider. Sheriff Dan Rhodes of Blacklin County, TX is fairly easy going. He has to be to put up with the local idiots and blowhards. Now Rhodes has another murder investigation complicated by a rogue alligator, a dog food thief, and barbershop quartets.
Night and Day by Robert B. Parker. Another Jesse Stone novel. Police Chief Stone investigates accusations against the local middle school principal and tries to catch a voyeur who has turned into an aggressive home invader.
There is no doubt that Parker is a great writer. But, why not wait for a movie version with Tom Selleck? Those have been dang good as well. We have all or most of those movies here at the Library on DVD. Either way, you win.
One Day at a Time by Danielle Steel. Does Steel use ghostwriters?
Promises in Death by J.D. Robb. Eve Dallas investigates a a fellow New York policewoman's murder.
NonFiction
Six Degrees of Paris Hilton: inside the sex tapes, scandals, and shakedowns of the new Hollywood by Mark Ebner. From the cover: The shocking true tale of Darnell Riley, a well-mannered middle-class kid from Los Angeles who reinvented himself as a stone-cold gangster in the boxing gyms and bruising streets of Sotuh Central, before serving seven years for a double homicide at fifteen. Released at age twenty-three, he infiltrated a far more decadent crowd whose privileged lifestyle is familiar to most only in weekly magazines. During his six-year stab at Hollywood, Darnell ran with it It girls and bully boys: He befriended Paris Hilton; was associated with multiple sex tapes; held Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis at gunpoint and humiliated him on camera; dated models; ran numbers; trafficked in drugs; carried out contract beatings; and 'possibly' staged a daring series of home-invasion robberies, many of which were attributed to the infamous Bel-Air Burglar.
The Wicked Wit of the West by Irving Brecher and Hank Rosenfeld. Brecher wrote TWO Marx Brothers films, wrote for Milton Berle, "punched up The Wizard of Oz", created The Life of Riley, wrote Bye Bye Birdie, gave Jackie Gleason his first tv series.
Brecher says, "I don't like to quote myself but unfortunately everybody I know who should be quoting me is dead."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What to Read 20, Interview With Emily Maguire
Emily Maguire is the author of Taming the Beast. Ms. Maguire's other work has not yet been published in the U.S. but the UK and Australian editions are available online.
This has been edited to fit YouTube's ten minute time limit.
This has been edited to fit YouTube's ten minute time limit.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Three Mysteries and One Greeley
Fiction
Irish Weed by Andrew M. Greeley.
Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow. "A Kate Shugak novel."
Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear. "A Maisie Dobbs novel."
Death of a Witch by M.C. Beaton. "A Hamish Macbeth mystery."
Irish Weed by Andrew M. Greeley.
Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow. "A Kate Shugak novel."
Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear. "A Maisie Dobbs novel."
Death of a Witch by M.C. Beaton. "A Hamish Macbeth mystery."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Four Films
DVD
Frozen River starring Some Lady Who Got An Oscar Nomination. Poor single mom in rural New York State works with single Mohawk mom in Ontario to run illegal immigrants over from Canada.
Nights in Rodanthe starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Chick movie with single dude Gere and divorced mom Lane hooking up at some resort.
Miracle at St. Anna starring Derek Luke. Black soldiers in World War II.
Please tell me, why don't some people learn when to shut up? Talk, talk, talk, talk. I'm trying to get work done and do not have the time to chat all afternoon.
W. starring Josh Brolin and others. Looks like Thandie Newton plays Condaleeza Rice - there must be a 20 or 30 year age difference there. Richard Dreyfuss as Darth Vader - that could be real good. I'm guessing James Cromwell is George, Sr. - I can see that too. Scott Glenn as Rumsfeld - that could be a stretch.
Frozen River starring Some Lady Who Got An Oscar Nomination. Poor single mom in rural New York State works with single Mohawk mom in Ontario to run illegal immigrants over from Canada.
Nights in Rodanthe starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Chick movie with single dude Gere and divorced mom Lane hooking up at some resort.
Miracle at St. Anna starring Derek Luke. Black soldiers in World War II.
Please tell me, why don't some people learn when to shut up? Talk, talk, talk, talk. I'm trying to get work done and do not have the time to chat all afternoon.
W. starring Josh Brolin and others. Looks like Thandie Newton plays Condaleeza Rice - there must be a 20 or 30 year age difference there. Richard Dreyfuss as Darth Vader - that could be real good. I'm guessing James Cromwell is George, Sr. - I can see that too. Scott Glenn as Rumsfeld - that could be a stretch.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Travel Books, Bad Dog, Another One of Those Dang Vampire Paperbacks
Fiction
Blood Blade: Skinners volume 1 by Marcus Pelegrimas. "There is a world you don't know about, inhabited by supernatural creatures of darkness - vampires, werewolves, and all manner of savage, impossible beasts...But for centuries a special breed of hunter has kept the monsters at bay...These guardians are called SKINNERS."
I blame Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv series for all this vampire novel nonsense.
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock. According to the cover Blackstock is the #1 bestselling suspense author. According to the back cover she likes black turtlenecks.
Luke's Story: the Jesus chronicles by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Follows Luke from life as slave to work as physician. His friendship with Paul and Luke's conversion to Christianity.
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy. "With the insight, humor, and compassion we have come to expect from her, Maeve Binchy tells a story of family, friends, patients, and staff who are part of a heart clinic in a community caught between the old and new Ireland."
I heard that Ireland is getting into dire economic straits after having had such a huge economic boon over the past few years.
Deadly Departures by Ted Allbeury. Max buys and sells yachts along the Italian Riviera. Max fought there with local partisans and knows the violence that lies shiny exterior. "Hair raising suspense, brutal violence, steamy sex, high-octane action." according to Booklist.
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky. One sister has a heart attack and the other has to take charge and make tough decisions.
NonFiction
Training the Hard to Train Dog: effective training techniques for working with shy, controlling, and stubborn dogs by Peggy Swager.
Let's Go Europe: 2009 by [some editor]. The back of the book mentions "ice climbing and glacier walking in the majestic Swiss Alps". My brother took a trip doing exactly that. You know what I did? I went to Kansas and saw a camel's hump.
Las Vegas: 2009 by Fodor's.
Let's Go Britain: 2009 by [book editors]. Stop listening to Morrissey and the Len Price 3 in your basement and take a trip there.
Chicago: 2009 by Fodor's. Don't get mugged.
California: 2009 by Fodor's.
Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009.
San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country Restaurants and Hotels: 2009. 390 restaurants with 55 new entries and 55 with meals under $25.
New York City Restaurants and Hotels: 2009. 560 restaurants with 80 new entries and 75 restaurants with meals under $25.
Las Vegas Restaurants and Hotels 2009. 140 new restaurants with 20 new entries and strip clubs with lap dances under $25.
Blood Blade: Skinners volume 1 by Marcus Pelegrimas. "There is a world you don't know about, inhabited by supernatural creatures of darkness - vampires, werewolves, and all manner of savage, impossible beasts...But for centuries a special breed of hunter has kept the monsters at bay...These guardians are called SKINNERS."
I blame Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv series for all this vampire novel nonsense.
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock. According to the cover Blackstock is the #1 bestselling suspense author. According to the back cover she likes black turtlenecks.
Luke's Story: the Jesus chronicles by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Follows Luke from life as slave to work as physician. His friendship with Paul and Luke's conversion to Christianity.
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy. "With the insight, humor, and compassion we have come to expect from her, Maeve Binchy tells a story of family, friends, patients, and staff who are part of a heart clinic in a community caught between the old and new Ireland."
I heard that Ireland is getting into dire economic straits after having had such a huge economic boon over the past few years.
Deadly Departures by Ted Allbeury. Max buys and sells yachts along the Italian Riviera. Max fought there with local partisans and knows the violence that lies shiny exterior. "Hair raising suspense, brutal violence, steamy sex, high-octane action." according to Booklist.
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky. One sister has a heart attack and the other has to take charge and make tough decisions.
NonFiction
Training the Hard to Train Dog: effective training techniques for working with shy, controlling, and stubborn dogs by Peggy Swager.
Let's Go Europe: 2009 by [some editor]. The back of the book mentions "ice climbing and glacier walking in the majestic Swiss Alps". My brother took a trip doing exactly that. You know what I did? I went to Kansas and saw a camel's hump.
Las Vegas: 2009 by Fodor's.
Let's Go Britain: 2009 by [book editors]. Stop listening to Morrissey and the Len Price 3 in your basement and take a trip there.
Chicago: 2009 by Fodor's. Don't get mugged.
California: 2009 by Fodor's.
Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009.
San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country Restaurants and Hotels: 2009. 390 restaurants with 55 new entries and 55 with meals under $25.
New York City Restaurants and Hotels: 2009. 560 restaurants with 80 new entries and 75 restaurants with meals under $25.
Las Vegas Restaurants and Hotels 2009. 140 new restaurants with 20 new entries and strip clubs with lap dances under $25.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February Auto Ship of Large Print
Large Print - Fiction
On the Grind by Stephen Cannell.
Fireside by Susan Wiggs.
Land of Marvels by Barry Unsworth.
Promises of Change by Joan Medlicott.
Eclipse by Richard North Patterson.
Logan by Linda Lael Miller.
A Country Called Home by Kim Barnes.
Large Print - NonFiction
Ayatollah Begs to Differ: the paradox of modern Iran by Hooman Majd.
NonFiction
Ortho's All About Wiring Basics edited by Larry Erickson.
On the Grind by Stephen Cannell.
Fireside by Susan Wiggs.
Land of Marvels by Barry Unsworth.
Promises of Change by Joan Medlicott.
Eclipse by Richard North Patterson.
Logan by Linda Lael Miller.
A Country Called Home by Kim Barnes.
Large Print - NonFiction
Ayatollah Begs to Differ: the paradox of modern Iran by Hooman Majd.
NonFiction
Ortho's All About Wiring Basics edited by Larry Erickson.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Fiction Grades Are In: Two Bs, An F, and a Pass
Fiction
Silent Man by Alex Berenson. CIA agent John Wells is driving to work in Langley when he gets attacked by a motorcycle riding assassin during a traffic jam. Wells's fiance is injured, others are killed, and Wells is burning for revenge. Wells follows the assassins trail to Russia and a plot to steal nuclear weapons.
The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker. "A Charlie Hood Novel"Charlie Hood works as a Deputy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff. Hood gets a new partner who is killed on duty and Hood is after some bad dudes.
Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein. Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper goes to a Manhattan apartment concerning an assault. The victim, a rare book conservator, refuses to cooperate and Cooper tracks the case to the super wealthy Hunt family. The Hunts are passionate book collectors and they and others are after a priceless edition of Alice in Wonderland.
The Women by T.C. Boyle. Frank Lloyd Wright and the four women through his adult life. "Each of these four women's stories plays out in a surprising, comedic and ultimately poignant manner."
Silent Man by Alex Berenson. CIA agent John Wells is driving to work in Langley when he gets attacked by a motorcycle riding assassin during a traffic jam. Wells's fiance is injured, others are killed, and Wells is burning for revenge. Wells follows the assassins trail to Russia and a plot to steal nuclear weapons.
The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker. "A Charlie Hood Novel"Charlie Hood works as a Deputy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff. Hood gets a new partner who is killed on duty and Hood is after some bad dudes.
Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein. Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper goes to a Manhattan apartment concerning an assault. The victim, a rare book conservator, refuses to cooperate and Cooper tracks the case to the super wealthy Hunt family. The Hunts are passionate book collectors and they and others are after a priceless edition of Alice in Wonderland.
The Women by T.C. Boyle. Frank Lloyd Wright and the four women through his adult life. "Each of these four women's stories plays out in a surprising, comedic and ultimately poignant manner."
Friday, February 06, 2009
Boring Things: Chick Movie and Chick Books
DVD
Secret Life of Bees starring [A bunch of girl singers] and Dakota Fanning. 14-year-old Lily moves in with her nanny and her family to get away from her father and learn more about her dead mother.
Fiction
Flame and the Shadow by Denise Rossetti. The usual: a Fire Witch, Duke of Ombra the sorcerer, kidnapping, "death of her precious daughter", desire, love, betrayal.
Would-Be Witch by Kimberly Frost. "Nothing's more embarrassing than malfunctioning magic." Tammy has not inherited her family's magical gifts so when her locket that holds the family ghost, Edie, is stolen she needs some help.
NonFiction
Mrs. Lincoln: a life by Catherine Clinton. "Authoritative and utterly engrossing" biography of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Urban Italian: simple recipes and true stories from a life in cooking by Andrew Carmellini and Gwen Hyman.
Secret Life of Bees starring [A bunch of girl singers] and Dakota Fanning. 14-year-old Lily moves in with her nanny and her family to get away from her father and learn more about her dead mother.
Fiction
Flame and the Shadow by Denise Rossetti. The usual: a Fire Witch, Duke of Ombra the sorcerer, kidnapping, "death of her precious daughter", desire, love, betrayal.
Would-Be Witch by Kimberly Frost. "Nothing's more embarrassing than malfunctioning magic." Tammy has not inherited her family's magical gifts so when her locket that holds the family ghost, Edie, is stolen she needs some help.
NonFiction
Mrs. Lincoln: a life by Catherine Clinton. "Authoritative and utterly engrossing" biography of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Urban Italian: simple recipes and true stories from a life in cooking by Andrew Carmellini and Gwen Hyman.
Neat Things: Bruce Campbell and Bernard Cornwell
DVD
My Name is Bruce starring Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi. Guan-di, Chinese protector of the dead, is awakened in the mining town of Gold Lick. Deadbeat actor Bruce Campbell (played by Bruce Campbell) is recruited to save the town.
Fiction
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell. Fictional tale of the battle of Agincourt by Cornwell. Cornwell writes great action novels. Cornwell also loves to write about the English killing Frenchmen; so, Agincourt is a natural topic for him.
NonFiction
Guerrilla Daughter by Virginia Hansen Holmes. Virginia was just shy of her seventh birthday when Pearl Harbor was bombed. From the Spring of 1942 to September '45 she and her family lived on the run on Mindanao Island in the Philippines as her father and teenaged brothers fought the ruthless and murderous Japanese Army.
My Name is Bruce starring Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi. Guan-di, Chinese protector of the dead, is awakened in the mining town of Gold Lick. Deadbeat actor Bruce Campbell (played by Bruce Campbell) is recruited to save the town.
Fiction
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell. Fictional tale of the battle of Agincourt by Cornwell. Cornwell writes great action novels. Cornwell also loves to write about the English killing Frenchmen; so, Agincourt is a natural topic for him.
NonFiction
Guerrilla Daughter by Virginia Hansen Holmes. Virginia was just shy of her seventh birthday when Pearl Harbor was bombed. From the Spring of 1942 to September '45 she and her family lived on the run on Mindanao Island in the Philippines as her father and teenaged brothers fought the ruthless and murderous Japanese Army.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Five DVDs: Hipsters, James Brown, Appaloosa.
DVDs
Appaloosa starring Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons. Western tale adapted from the Robert B. Parker novel. Supposed to be very good.
James Brown Live at the Boston Garden, April 5, 1968 starring James Brown. Filmed the day after Martin Luther King's murder and broadcast live to Boston. Brown's performance is credited with helping prevent the violence and rioting that erupted elsewhere around the country.
James Earl Ray was a real scumbag.
Zack and Miri starring Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Katie Morgan, Traci Lords. Two broke roommates decide to film a pornographic movie as a money making venture. Hilarity ensues.
This is alternatively named Zack and Miri and Zack and Miri Make a Porno. The DVD is sold under either title. Maybe some stores would not retail the DVD if the word porno was in the title.
RocknRolla starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton. Competing London gangsters clash with would-be music moguls, an accountant, and a rocker playing dead to boost sales.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. Guy in a band gets dumped by girlfriend and ends up having to spend the night with girlfriend's best friend. Love ensues.
I do not know who Jay Baruchel is but his name is familiar and listed in the credits. I'll have to look him up.
Appaloosa starring Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons. Western tale adapted from the Robert B. Parker novel. Supposed to be very good.
James Brown Live at the Boston Garden, April 5, 1968 starring James Brown. Filmed the day after Martin Luther King's murder and broadcast live to Boston. Brown's performance is credited with helping prevent the violence and rioting that erupted elsewhere around the country.
James Earl Ray was a real scumbag.
Zack and Miri starring Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Katie Morgan, Traci Lords. Two broke roommates decide to film a pornographic movie as a money making venture. Hilarity ensues.
This is alternatively named Zack and Miri and Zack and Miri Make a Porno. The DVD is sold under either title. Maybe some stores would not retail the DVD if the word porno was in the title.
RocknRolla starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton. Competing London gangsters clash with would-be music moguls, an accountant, and a rocker playing dead to boost sales.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. Guy in a band gets dumped by girlfriend and ends up having to spend the night with girlfriend's best friend. Love ensues.
I do not know who Jay Baruchel is but his name is familiar and listed in the credits. I'll have to look him up.
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