02/16/10
If you pay any attention to movies at all, you know that "Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief" is playing in theaters right now. When my younger daughter saw the previews at the movie theater late last year, she decided she wanted to read the book before the movie came out. She liked it so much that she
gave her father a copy for Christmas. He read it and passed it on to me and I just finished reading it today. If I hadn't needed sleep, I would have finished it much sooner! If you like the Harry Potter books, you'll probably also like the Percy Jackson series.
I went on-line to my library to place a hold on the second book in the series this evening and discovered I was something like 182nd in line for 19 holdable copies. Maybe it is time for us to purchase a copy of the second book, too!
My daughter and her husband went to see the movie last weekend and she was a little disappointed. She did say it was good but didn't think there was an urgency for us to rush out to see it at the theater.
My research uncovered the fact that the author, Rick Riordan, also writes mysteries, the Tres Navarre series, which has won the top three awards in the mystery genre so I'm going to pick up the first book in that series soon and start reading them, too. I'll let you know what I think.
pazt
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Carl Hiaasen
02/16/10
If you've never read a book by Carl Hiaasen, I'd highly recommend you give one a try. I've found them to be laugh out loud funny at times and filled with "characters" like none I've ever "met" before. Hiaasen also manages to get in some political or environmental statements in a humorous way.
"Skinny Dip" was recommended to me when I was looking for a book to lead a discussion on at my book club group last summer. I was recuperating from eye surgery and just wanted something light and fun to read. My spouse and I both thoroughly enjoyed this book -- so much so that he asked for more Hiaasen books for his birthday. He read "Strip Tease" -- the one the Demi Moore movie is based on -- but didn't find it as good as "Skinny Dip." Since I haven't yet read it, I won't voice an opinion until I have.
At his recommendation I recently read "Stormy Weather" and found it as entertaining as "Skinny Dip." Carl Hiassen's books rarely share the same characters so that's an advantage for me because I can read them in any order.
I'll keep you posted as I read more Hiaasen in the future.
pazt
If you've never read a book by Carl Hiaasen, I'd highly recommend you give one a try. I've found them to be laugh out loud funny at times and filled with "characters" like none I've ever "met" before. Hiaasen also manages to get in some political or environmental statements in a humorous way.
"Skinny Dip" was recommended to me when I was looking for a book to lead a discussion on at my book club group last summer. I was recuperating from eye surgery and just wanted something light and fun to read. My spouse and I both thoroughly enjoyed this book -- so much so that he asked for more Hiaasen books for his birthday. He read "Strip Tease" -- the one the Demi Moore movie is based on -- but didn't find it as good as "Skinny Dip." Since I haven't yet read it, I won't voice an opinion until I have.
At his recommendation I recently read "Stormy Weather" and found it as entertaining as "Skinny Dip." Carl Hiassen's books rarely share the same characters so that's an advantage for me because I can read them in any order.
I'll keep you posted as I read more Hiaasen in the future.
pazt
The Kiss Murder
02/16/10
Last month I decided to read a new author after I picked up "The Kiss Murder" by Mehmet Murat Somer at the library. It's billed as "A Turkish Delight Mystery" and takes the reader into the life of a drag queen who is the heroine of this book. Although the story was entertaining, I had a hard time following the ins and outs of the world our heroine lives in so that sometimes made my reading a little challenging. I don't expect to pick up a book by this author again because there are so many books out there still to be savored by authors I've read before and genuinely enjoy.
pazt
Last month I decided to read a new author after I picked up "The Kiss Murder" by Mehmet Murat Somer at the library. It's billed as "A Turkish Delight Mystery" and takes the reader into the life of a drag queen who is the heroine of this book. Although the story was entertaining, I had a hard time following the ins and outs of the world our heroine lives in so that sometimes made my reading a little challenging. I don't expect to pick up a book by this author again because there are so many books out there still to be savored by authors I've read before and genuinely enjoy.
pazt
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Campion Mysteries on BBC Video
03/30/10
I was able to locate the complete first season of Campion at one of our local libraries so this is the end of these mysteries for our date nights. "The Case of the Late Pig" is part of the first series as well as "Look To The Lady," "Police At The Funeral," and "Death Of A Ghost." Campion appears to have aristocratic breeding that allows him to mix well with society while trying to solve cases.
In "Look To The Lady" he finds himself mixed up in witchcraft as well as murder while trying to keep an international ring of thieves from destroying a prominent British family.
In "Police At The Funeral" Campion is called to an English country home to solve a bizarre murder at the urging of an old school friend who handles the family's legal affairs and is engaged to one of the younger members of the family. While Campion is staying with his friend, another murder occurs at the family's home and the matriarch of the family insists Campion move into the house to solve the murder and keep the rest of the family safe.
"Death Of A Ghost" finds Campion mixing with art lovers at the posh estate of a friend. However, shortly into the evening a murder occurs and Campion is on the case again.
03/15/2010
I found "Campion The Complete Second Season" and it turns out it is also the second and final season of the Campion mysteries -- what a disappointment! It consists of four DVD's/mysteries: "Sweet Danger," "Dancers in Mourning," "Flowers for the Judge," and "Mystery Mile." Each is different in its own way and a fun way to spend an evening trying to solve the mystery. The first two are 107 minutes long and the last two are 108 minutes long so each is just right for our Friday night "date night." Check your local library to see if they have copies.
02/11/2010
If you're a fan of the BBC mystery series, you've probably seen Margery Allingham's sleuth, Albert Campion,brought to life (played by Peter Davison of All Creatures Great and Small as well as Doctor Who fame). Brian Glover plays Campion's loyal but slightly irreverant manservant in this mystery series set in the 1930's.
My spouse and I watched "The Case of the Late Pig" last week while we were on holiday and it's a fun murder mystery with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end as to who were the "good" guys and who were the evildoers. Even with all the mysteries to solve, there's a little romance thrown in to make the story even more interesting. I'm off to look for the whole season series so I can see how the romances sort out in addition to trying to solve additional mysteries.
pazt
I was able to locate the complete first season of Campion at one of our local libraries so this is the end of these mysteries for our date nights. "The Case of the Late Pig" is part of the first series as well as "Look To The Lady," "Police At The Funeral," and "Death Of A Ghost." Campion appears to have aristocratic breeding that allows him to mix well with society while trying to solve cases.
In "Look To The Lady" he finds himself mixed up in witchcraft as well as murder while trying to keep an international ring of thieves from destroying a prominent British family.
In "Police At The Funeral" Campion is called to an English country home to solve a bizarre murder at the urging of an old school friend who handles the family's legal affairs and is engaged to one of the younger members of the family. While Campion is staying with his friend, another murder occurs at the family's home and the matriarch of the family insists Campion move into the house to solve the murder and keep the rest of the family safe.
"Death Of A Ghost" finds Campion mixing with art lovers at the posh estate of a friend. However, shortly into the evening a murder occurs and Campion is on the case again.
03/15/2010
I found "Campion The Complete Second Season" and it turns out it is also the second and final season of the Campion mysteries -- what a disappointment! It consists of four DVD's/mysteries: "Sweet Danger," "Dancers in Mourning," "Flowers for the Judge," and "Mystery Mile." Each is different in its own way and a fun way to spend an evening trying to solve the mystery. The first two are 107 minutes long and the last two are 108 minutes long so each is just right for our Friday night "date night." Check your local library to see if they have copies.
02/11/2010
If you're a fan of the BBC mystery series, you've probably seen Margery Allingham's sleuth, Albert Campion,brought to life (played by Peter Davison of All Creatures Great and Small as well as Doctor Who fame). Brian Glover plays Campion's loyal but slightly irreverant manservant in this mystery series set in the 1930's.
My spouse and I watched "The Case of the Late Pig" last week while we were on holiday and it's a fun murder mystery with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end as to who were the "good" guys and who were the evildoers. Even with all the mysteries to solve, there's a little romance thrown in to make the story even more interesting. I'm off to look for the whole season series so I can see how the romances sort out in addition to trying to solve additional mysteries.
pazt
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Unlikely Disciple
This month the book club I am part of chose to read and discuss "The Unlikely Disciple - A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University" by Kevin Roose. Since I was going to be out of town and would miss the book club discussion, I took the book with me to read over my holiday. I was surprised at how much I liked this book and how reluctant I was to take a break from it. It is usually only mysteries that keep me so engrossed. My husband, on the other hand, had no interest in reading the book since he'd grown up in a fairly conservative Baptist home and church where he was always questioning the belief system. As I read the book and shared portions with him, we had some interesting discussions, though.
Kevin, a student at ultra-liberal Brown University, decided he wanted to do a semester away but he didn't choose to do the traditional semester abroad. Despite the reservations of his parents and extended family, he chose to spend a semester studying at Liberty University, a conservative Baptist school in Lynchburg, VA, known as the "Bible Boot Camp" for young evangelicals -- the idea of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell.
Kevin makes every effort to genuinely experience Liberty and immerses himself in campus life passing himself off as an evangelical. He develops friendships with other students, participates in extra curricular activities, dates, struggles with the course work, and has the last one-on-one interview with Jerry Falwell before his death. Kevin's insights and struggles as well as what he learns about the school are thoughtfully presented. As I read the book, I had to keep reminding myself that Kevin was only 19 when he attended this school because I found his maturity and insights amazing for one his age. I'm not sure I had any deep thoughts at 19!
I believe this book has insights for liberals and conservatives alike so I'd encourage anyone to read it.
Check out Kevin's web site at http://www.kevinroose.com/
I'd love to hear what you think about his book if you do read it!
pazt
Kevin, a student at ultra-liberal Brown University, decided he wanted to do a semester away but he didn't choose to do the traditional semester abroad. Despite the reservations of his parents and extended family, he chose to spend a semester studying at Liberty University, a conservative Baptist school in Lynchburg, VA, known as the "Bible Boot Camp" for young evangelicals -- the idea of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell.
Kevin makes every effort to genuinely experience Liberty and immerses himself in campus life passing himself off as an evangelical. He develops friendships with other students, participates in extra curricular activities, dates, struggles with the course work, and has the last one-on-one interview with Jerry Falwell before his death. Kevin's insights and struggles as well as what he learns about the school are thoughtfully presented. As I read the book, I had to keep reminding myself that Kevin was only 19 when he attended this school because I found his maturity and insights amazing for one his age. I'm not sure I had any deep thoughts at 19!
I believe this book has insights for liberals and conservatives alike so I'd encourage anyone to read it.
Check out Kevin's web site at http://www.kevinroose.com/
I'd love to hear what you think about his book if you do read it!
pazt
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Librarian
March 15, 2010
My spouse and I watched the last of "The Librarian" movie series in February and we're both disappointed it's come to an end. We hope there's another one in the works! This last one is "The Librarian Curse of the Judas Chalice" and joining the cast this time as the female lead is Stana Katic. If she looks familiar, it's because she plays Detective Kate Becket on ABC's "Castle." For those of you who are enjoying the latest interest in all things vampire, this movie has one! Another fun movie!
02/01/10
Here we are already at the beginning of a new month -- Where did January go?!
For the holidays my spouse and I gave ourselves a membership to the 24 Hour Fitness just down the street so we can walk on the treadmill no matter what the weather is like outside -- a big plus in rainy Washington state.
What makes the walking bearable for me is plugging in ear plugs so I can listen and watch the TV screen in front of me while I walk. Since we usually only walk 30-40 minutes, however, I'm either catching the end of a show, the middle of a show or the beginning without knowing how it ends.
Last month I saw the end of one of "The Librarian" movies with Noah Wyle and found it to be so much fun that I've had to check them out. So far I've watched the first two DVD's in this movie series. They're action, romance, and spoof/comedy all rolled into one with some terrific acting. In addition to Noah Wyle (of ER fame) playing the lead, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, and Olympia Dukakis have recurring support roles.
The first one is "The Librarian - Quest for the Spear" -- a TNT original movie.
The second one is "The Librarian - Return to King Solomon's Mines" from the producer of "Independence Day." Noah's co-star on this one is Gabrielle Anwar and her role in the movie is reminiscent of the type of character she plays on the TV series, "Burn Notice."
If you're looking for pure escapism mixed in with fun and adventure, I highly recommend both these movies. Now I'm off to find the third one!
pazt
My spouse and I watched the last of "The Librarian" movie series in February and we're both disappointed it's come to an end. We hope there's another one in the works! This last one is "The Librarian Curse of the Judas Chalice" and joining the cast this time as the female lead is Stana Katic. If she looks familiar, it's because she plays Detective Kate Becket on ABC's "Castle." For those of you who are enjoying the latest interest in all things vampire, this movie has one! Another fun movie!
02/01/10
Here we are already at the beginning of a new month -- Where did January go?!
For the holidays my spouse and I gave ourselves a membership to the 24 Hour Fitness just down the street so we can walk on the treadmill no matter what the weather is like outside -- a big plus in rainy Washington state.
What makes the walking bearable for me is plugging in ear plugs so I can listen and watch the TV screen in front of me while I walk. Since we usually only walk 30-40 minutes, however, I'm either catching the end of a show, the middle of a show or the beginning without knowing how it ends.
Last month I saw the end of one of "The Librarian" movies with Noah Wyle and found it to be so much fun that I've had to check them out. So far I've watched the first two DVD's in this movie series. They're action, romance, and spoof/comedy all rolled into one with some terrific acting. In addition to Noah Wyle (of ER fame) playing the lead, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, and Olympia Dukakis have recurring support roles.
The first one is "The Librarian - Quest for the Spear" -- a TNT original movie.
The second one is "The Librarian - Return to King Solomon's Mines" from the producer of "Independence Day." Noah's co-star on this one is Gabrielle Anwar and her role in the movie is reminiscent of the type of character she plays on the TV series, "Burn Notice."
If you're looking for pure escapism mixed in with fun and adventure, I highly recommend both these movies. Now I'm off to find the third one!
pazt
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