Book Chat - 7/14/2022

We are on a driving trip. I’ve read some really good books so far.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

In the early 1920s, wealthy Osage Indians were being murdered. It finally took a new crop of federal investigators to solve the crimes. This group was the birth of what we now know as the FBI. Very good nonfiction book.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Written in an interview/documentary style, the novel is about a rock-n-roll band that acquired a female lead singer. She is highly reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. It is very good.

Seven Days of Friday by Alex A. King

Greek American Vivi’s (shirt for Paraskevi) marriage has fallen apart. Between her mother’s meddling and her teenager’s sullen attitude, it’s time for a change. She up and moves to her parents’ village in Greece. It’s a beach read, but most enjoyable. Maybe, because I could relate to a lot of it.

Saving Sandcastles by Meredith Summers

A pastry baker in a small seaside town feels threatened by the bread store opening across the street. She and her two best friends help each other navigate their issues. Another beach read and it’s cute.

Adulting by Liz Talley

This rom-com is about a drugged out actress who was sent to rehab yet again. The producer of her next film needs to insure her, but in order to do that, the rehab will have to stick. It was cute.

Here’s one I read a while back:

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

A photographer is asked to photograph a wedding at an historic estate. She has memories of visiting the property with her mother when she was very young. Soon she discovers family secrets that tie to the present. It was good.

MK out.

Book Chat - 7/7/2022

 Last week, I finished my 24th novel this year. My goal was to read 24 over the whole year. These days, under committing is so much less stressful; so, I’m gonna roll with that. I’m quite behind in sharing them here, but I hope to catch up over the next few weeks.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

I loved this book - the characters are wonderful. It’s a bit science fictionish - one of the main characters is an octopus who has special abilities. Again, I loved it.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

This novel is set in Korea, from during the time of Japanese occupation to the present. The main characters are two women from different backgrounds who had become closer than sisters. Of course, it’s not all ribbons and bows given the time period and political upheaval, plus secrets tear the young women apart. It was very good.

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

A teenaged boy sets out to seek revenge for the brutal attack on his mother. It was good!

That’s it for now.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 7/4/2022

It’s not good film season yet but some movies worth seeing are being released.

Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas Star in Official Competition, one of the artsiest films I’ve watched in a while. It's in Spanish with English subtitles. A wealthy man wants to leave something behind to always be remembered. He hires an avant-garde filmmaker (Cruz) to direct a movie that he will produce. Banderas plays one of the actors she casts in the film. The acting and the characters were very good. The story didn’t come together as well as it could have. It was, however, entertaining.

Recently Binged:

The First Lady - Showtime/Hulu

Happy Firework’s Day!!!

MK out.

Book Chat - 6/23/2022

I’ve read a few more books than I’m mentioning today. It’s been a bookish few months.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom 

After a boat explosion, nine people end up on a lifeboat. They pull a tenth person on board who claims to be God, but is he? 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A woman is convinced that her husband is trying to murder her and enlists her cousin to investigate. 

The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chan

Lots of family drama and great characters drive this story of a domineering father with three sons, each trying to prove their mettle against family tradition, prejudice and culture identity.

The Divorce Party by Laura Dave

A longtime married couple who appear to be  divorcing amicably are planning a party to mark the occasion. Their son is bringing his fiancée home to meet his parents for the first time. Secrets find their ways into the light of day for both couples. It’s lighter than I’m making it sound. It was an entertaining, quick read - perfect for walking on the treadmill. 

The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black

This book is set in my beloved hometown, The G (aka Galveston, Texas). A photographer who has suffered a tragedy is asked to return to her hometown to curate an exhibit. Many secrets and mysteries are revealed. I enjoyed it, but I’m a bit prejudiced.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine 

A woman who feels invisible but yearns for a fairytale life goes after it and the man who can provide it. That’s all I will say because this book is so delicious - I don’t want to give away any juicy details. I hear it’s going to be made into a movie, as I can’t wait!

MK out.

Movie Monday - 6/13/2022

Oh, yeah - movies.

In Cry Macho, Clint Eastwood stars as a broken down former rodeo star. He is tasked to go to Mexico and bring his former boss’s son back to the US. Dwight Yokum also stars. It was good.

Charming the Hearts of Men is set in the Civil Rights era and is based on true events. A socialite returns home for her father’s funeral. After finding out that the estate amounts to nothing, she sets out to find a job. She soon realizes the discrimination women face in all aspects of life. Kelsey Grammar, Anna Friel and Sean Aston star in this film. It was cute.

Recently finished watching/Binged:

Star Trek: Picard - Paramount+

Gaslit - Starz 

MK out.

Movie Monday - 5/23/2022

I haven’t been watching many movies lately. I haven’t had the headspace to devote 2 hours of my life in one sitting. Not that my schedule is filled with anything pressing. It’s seems that my screen time is taken up with streaming various series. I did watch two films recently.

A Secret Love is a documentary of a same sex couple facing health challenges in their later years. 

Carrie Pilby is an older film starring Bel Powley and Nathan Lane. Carrie (Powley) is a socially awkward prodigy who is rather stuck. Her therapist (Lane) assigns her 5 tasks to get her on the road to a happier life. It was really cute.

Good Binges and Series:

Anatomy of a Scandal - Netflix

The Way Down Part 2 - HBOMax

Call the Midwife Season 11 - PBS Passport

Outlander Season 6 - Starz

Julia - HBOMax

Inventing Anna - Netflix

MK out.

A Good Day

 I will never tire of this view.

MK out.