Entertainment: 4/28 edition

Great thing about blogging? I find new suggestions for books, movies, TV, etc… things I either didn’t know about or previously hadn’t considered. Case in point:

Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files book series was suggested to me here on the blog, and I thought “hmm, wizard/supernatural PI of sorts working in modern day Chicago… that’s kinda cool.” Guess what? It was awesome. If you know me at all you’ll know that aside from maybe 2-3 authors, I only read woman authors. Jim is a major exception – I was HOOKED into this novel and finished it *blush* instead of working. I am anxiously now awaiting #2, and I will share my thoughts for sure. I liked the attention to detail, that Harry Dresden isn’t perfect or invincible, and the dark humor and cast of characters. I’m excited for this new-to-me series.

I have a girl crush on Toni Collette. I just ADORE her. In Her Shoes, About A Boy, Muriel’s Wedding, EMMA (a top 10 all time fave)… she’s insanely talented and I’m always awed by her work and skill. So, when season #1 of her award winning Showtime series came out on DVD I rented it. Now – I delayed a while because the idea of a TV show about a woman with DID (aka multiple personalities) did NOTHING for me. I didn’t want to watch some sob story drama or whatever… but I did want to see it because I like her so darn much.

Guess what? I love it. It breaks my heart (the social judgement, the problems with her kids) at the same time it’s warming it and making me laugh. She truly changes into each of the 4 characters (Tara + her 3 ‘alters’) and the supporting cast is great. It is funny at times, but there are some big issues being dealt with too. I give it two thumbs WAY up. Can’t wait for next season…

Finally for today, the much anticipated book The Carrie Diaries. When I first saw this in my Amazon recommends page (which I couldn’t live without!) I squealed then instantly e-mailed Amy & Kelly my Sex & the City (and book) loving girlfriends and squealed some more and couldn’t believe it’d be more than 5 months before the book would be available. How could I wait so long?!

Yeah, the book is out now. (time flies)

I adore Candace Bushnell’s way with words and story telling I had the highest hopes for a good book. I had expected a tale of young Carrie – not just “Carrie’s senior year of high school” – but once I got past my preconceived notions I was in bliss.

How can you be a feminist when you treat other women like dirt? Then you’re just a mean girl… I never told anyone about the incident at all. But it stayed with me like a beating you can push out of your mind but never quite forget.

I’m masquerading as a regular girl, but somewhere inside me there’s a star, waiting for someone to give me a chance.

Just two memorable quotes from an unforgettable book. There is so much pain, so much teen angst that rings true, and yet such a beautiful story of a girl figuring out who she is, who to trust, and what she needs to do to reach her dreams. Each word is carefully placed, and I find myself in awe of the talent and skill it takes to craft such a book. I’m putting this book on my keeper shelf. Despite the drinking & smoking, I think it’s a good read for teens as well as fans of series or YA lit in general.

Got a suggestion? Please do share! My to be read & watched pile is growing, but I’m totally ok with adding more…

6 thoughts on “Entertainment: 4/28 edition”

  1. WHAT?!?! A Carrie’s Diary OMG! And I just placed an Amazon order yesterday. Off to find another $25 to order to get my free shipping. I do have some others saved.

    Anything by Nicholas Sparks I seem to love lately. I too have a HUGE stack of books to read. I’m an addict though and won’t read back to back or I would just be sitting on the couch in a pile dirty and starving – but happily reading.

    This lady has written 2 books, one about babies/toddlers and one about teenagers. Listen to her recollection of motherhood. If you are emotional, then grab the kleenex.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0&feature=player_embedded
    Then cherish whatever stage you are in right now with your kids. I have the 2nd book and the first one is on order right now.
    Her books: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0446676934/ref=oss_product AND http://www.amazon.ca/Gift-Ordinary-Day-Mothers-Memoir/dp/0446409480/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272475065&sr=1-2

  2. Hmm, I watched the Dresden Files series on the sci-fi channel & liked it. I didn’t realize that it was a book series too. I’ll have to check those out.

  3. I can’t believe the Carrie Diaries is out already – time does indeed fly! While I’ll probably wait for the paperback (my hardcover rule is even tighter than yours), in the meantime I’ll anticipate the arrival of the new SATC movie in just a few short weeks.

  4. 1. somehow i had read united states of “tyra” instead of “tara” on the little tv guide thing, and i thought it was going to be about tyra banks, so i’ve just always avoided it. gosh, i’m a little embarrassed. haha. i will have to check it out sometime now that i know better.

    2. i picked up the carrie diaries today, and i CANNOT wait for school to be over so i can delve into it. seriously… so excited! :]

  5. you know Toni is australian!! Kewl huh!!

    I haven’t read Carries Diaries but will wait for your verdict I think. It took me a while to get into sex and the city.

    BTW love the previous LO. very cool.

    M xxx

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