Month: July 2009

Fave Film #10 – When Harry Met Sally

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Cover Image1989

Cast – Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby

Directed by Rob Reiner

Can a man and woman ever truly be friends or will the sex thing always get in the way?  When recent college graduates drive from Chicago to New York together they despise each other.  When they meet a few years later they are both in happy relationships.  Fast forward a few more years and they run into each other again, both in need of a friend.  They become close and appreciate the friendship and avoid ruining it with sex, mostly.

Why I love it- I thought Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan had such great chemistry and the dialogue was spot on, only more funny.  I liked seeing them get over their initial judgements of each other and see each other as friends.  And it really did make me laugh out loud.  A lot.  The days of the week underpants, Surry with a Fringe on top, and the wagon wheel coffee table are a few that come to mind.

My husband watched it with me last night and he said that it remindind him of a long Seinfeld episode.  Since we both love Seinfeld, this is a good thing.  I hadn’t really thought of the movie like that before…witty New York singles involved in trivial day to day life.  But the comparison is one I like.

Oh, and the sweet old couples telling their stories between scences?  Actors!  I loved thinking of them as older married couples.

And for the record, I do think men and women can be friends.  I had a best friend in college and after who I loved dearly (still do) and somehow we managed not to let sex get in the way 🙂 

This is not my favorite clip from the movie, but it is the most recognizable.  So, if people are around you may want to turn down the volume a little.

My complete list here.

The Cold Moon, by Jeffery Deaver

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The Cold Moon (Lincoln Rhyme Series #7) by Deaver Deaver: CD Audiobook CoverFinished audio on 6-30-09, rating 4/5, mystery, pub. 2006

This is book 7 in the Lincoln Rhyme series.  Find list here.

“How long did it take them to die?”

first line of book

Lincoln Rhyme, the civilian paraplegic forensic specialist who works closely with the New York City Police Department, is called in to find the Watchmaker.  This killer and his accomplice are killing victims in the most horrific ways…letting them dangle from a ledge, struggling for respite, having the Watchmaker cut off their arms , is just one example.

Amelia Sachs, on her first case as lead detective on a homicide, is trying to prove a suicide is not what it seems.  And as she get s closer to the truth and old personal truth comes out of nowhere to shock her into questioning her life as a policewoman.

Lincoln is not happy that Amelia is running two investigations, feeling that his is getting the short end of her attention.  He relies more on Officer Pulaski and Detective Sellitto and a visiting expert.  This is the introduction of Kathryn Dance, a kinesics expert with the California Bureau of Investigation.  She can do with body language what Lincoln Rhyme does with trace evidence and the two form an unlikely alliance.  Kathryn Dance is first found in this book, but now has two books in her own series.  I’ve already bought the first one.

The Watchmaker and the suicude case finally come together in a surprising way, but nothing is what it seems.

This series is consistently good.  The twists and turns, the shocking reveals, and the perfectly villainous villains are all executed perfectly.  Deaver is a master at these thrillers.  Perfect for murder mystery fans, police procedural fans, and gritty mystery loves who love to try an outsmart the bad guys.  Good luck!

I listened to this on my car ride to DC and was entertained the whole way.  There were a few times I had to go back because I missed something important, so I might recommend reading the book.  But the audio was read by the wonderful actor Joe Mantegna and he does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

Free Books for July

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Leave a comment, tell me which book you want and I’ll get the book to you for FREE either by mail or personally if I’ll see you soon.  The first one to request each book wins.  Once you’ve ‘won’ the book I can get your shipping address if I need it.  Also, you can come back and get a free book every month if you want. These have all been read a few times, unless stated otherwise.

free july 09

 

1. Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler – B&N review here.  for Hilarie

2. It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – B&N review here.  for Kaye

3. Educating Esme by Esme Raj Codell – I reviewed it here.  for Violet

4. The 5th Horseman by James Patterson – I reviewed it here.  for Sassy Brit

And don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway of  a brand new copy of The Triumph of Deborah here.  I’ll be drawing a winner on July 10th.

As always, happy reading!

My Friendly trip to the DC area

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I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life.  I miss the ones who move away and miss the ones I left.  I was excited to travel back to the DC area to spend time with old friends.  I got to see family…

patti june 09

I also spent time with a friend I’ve had since the 2nd grade, but hadn’t seen in ten years!

britt june 09

And then friends I made after college when I moved to Arlingon, Virginia.  We worked at B.Dalton together.

 kate june 09 - 2carrie june 09

 I was also able to spend some time with Mark, a college friend and Arlington roommate!  So, my trip was great.  I loved seeing everyone’s expanded family.  And I discovered that 3 year olds are a lot of fun.  (although the second little guy doesn’t turn 3 til next month!)  My friends make great Moms 🙂

I’m not sure it’s completely accurate to call it a DC trip since they moved out in all directions!  I went to Falls Church, Occaquan, Takoma Park, and even down south a ways to Beaverdam.  I was happy to visit Mark at work because it meant I spent some time on the Mall!  Happy I made the trip and happy to be home 🙂

Everything Austen Challenge

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everythingausten1I’ve decided to join my fourth reading challenge this year (and, no, I have not finished my first three – yet)  I have never read an Austen novel, which I find embarrassing, so this challenge will help me get busy.  Here are my 6 goals to finish in the next 6 months…

1. Listen to Sense & Sensibility on cd (started today!)

2. Watch a Sense & Sensibilty movie

3. Read Pride & Prejudice

4. Read or listen to Mansfield Park (loved the movie!)

5. Read the Jane Austen Book Club

6. Watch one movie based on her books.  I’ll have to look around to decide which one.

I’m really looking forward to this.  Why not join me if you haven’t already?  Visit Stephanie’s Written Word to sign up.