Trailerpallooza

I'm pretty sure I'm abusing my 'pallooza' priveleges here, since the application in this instance is festival of two. Whatever, my post my title. Anyhoo, at first it was kind of a thrill to see the books we read popping up on the big screen, now it's becoming a little routine. Briefly reviewing our book list, 11 of our picks are either already movies or are making their way in that direction. (In case you're wondering, movie potential isn't a criteria in a book pick, we just apparently have keen senses in this regard.) 

Imagine my surprise when during the previews for Footloose the following trailer popped up. (Sidebar: While Footloose has no novel base that I am aware of, I'm still gonna give this movie a shout out.  Guess it's no surprise that my love of YA literature would also lead to a love of YA film. And while Ren 2.0 is no Kevin Bacon he does have this adorable Boston accent that goes a long way in upping his charm. So if you're inclined, go see this movie, then download the soundtrack and dance around your kitchen like a maniac. Your kids will think you're crazy but you'll feel better, promise)

If I'm being honest this pick (One for the Money), by Amber the first, was not my favorite. As book heroines go Stephanie Plum just didn't do it for me, but apparently this opinion does not hold the majority vote since Ms Evanovich is currently on installment 18. At the end of my book was a break down of the following 11, and that brief preview was enough to satisfy any curiosity I had. I don't know if I'll make the effort to see this one in theaters, but if I got an invite I probably wouldn't turn it down.

If you read Caisse's review here or the book itself maybe you find yourself in the same position as me. While the story and characters were compelling the story went down roads that I really don't want a visual for. I still find the trailer interesting because I'm always interested in casting (which in this case seems pretty spot on). I also find the music and mood pretty consistent with the tone of the book. In this case the trailer is pretty much a curiosity for me because I have a feeling the trailer is all I will see. 

Any thoughts on either of these movies?

May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

When someone asks me for book recommendations I have a couple go-to's and Hunger Games tops my list. In fact, my copy recently went out on another road trip. I have yet to come across someone immune to it's power. If you have for one reason or another not yet read this series, why not?

Regarding the movie, I have put all grumbling and complaining about casting behind me. This trailer turned my insides to jello and March 23rd can't come fast enough!

What book are you quick to suggest when someone asks?

We're Famous!

So the title may be slightly misleading since, in fact, we are as far from famous as humanly possible, but I needed a catchy title to get you all interested in my announcement.  We've been reviewed!!!!!  From my overzealous use of exclamation points, I hope you can tell how absolutely thrilled I am about this.  This calls for a round of fist pumps (come on, everybody!). 

OK, settling down, here's the sitch:  Laura Godfrey, Associate Director of Bookclub-in-a-Box, e-mailed me in response to an e-mail I sent her a few months ago about writing about our book club on her website http://www.bookclubinabox.com/.  She sent back what I thought at the time was a polite brush off that turned out to be, in all actuality, a legitimate interest for the future.  Then, just a few weeks ago, I got an e-mail saying she wanted to feature the Book Babes as her Book Club Spotlight.  Imagine my ecstaticism (I can make up words...shut up) to see it in web print today!  Laura also tweeted about her post, so does that mean we have an official hashtag?  Sorry, I don't know about all this newfangled technology but I'm willing to throw a fist pump up for it.  I know she has a Facebook presence, too, so we might be on there as well.  Check out our review and the rest of Laura's site at the Bookclub-in-a-Box website and tell us what you think.  Our 14 followers can say they knew us before we hit it big... 
  

Crystal

Bucket List--One Gal's Interpretation

Hearing that someone has a bucket list conjures up images of AARP membership cards (not sure if those even exist) and old Tommy Lee Jones movies.  Wasn't there a movie about a bucket list he starred in?  If not, then I can't really explain the connection, but it works in my mind.  Moving on. 

 I've been thinking about my reading bucket list lately, pondering on books that I've always intended to read but never gotten around to yet.  My top 5 include:

1.  War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
2.  Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
3.  On The Road by Jack Kerouac
4.  A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
5.  The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

What books are on your bucket list?  And are my picks worthy...if not, why not?

On a separate bucket list project, I REALLY REALLY want to ride a mechanical bull.  Anyone know of a book they can recommend that would make an outing to ride one legit?

Anyone else have weird bucket list items that they want to tie to a book?  Or is it just me?

Crystal

True Grit

This is our first book from the Western genre. Thankfully none of the book babes have seen the movie either, so none of us knew what to expect. I think we were all surprised!

For those who are as clueless to this book/movie as we were, here is a brief description:

Mattie Ross, at the wise age of 14, demands retribution for her fathers death. The murderer has slunk away, so she takes the law in her own hands by partnering up with "Rooster", a gruff, old, dirty, drunk Marshal. Along the way the pair meet up with an arrogant Texas Ranger. Along the highly entertaining way they learn to appreciate and support each other. They discover who has 'true grit'. 

 

I loved the way this novel was written. It wasn't flowery or overly descriptive yet you got a clear picture of the characters and their strong personalities. The conversations were sharp and to the point. I laughed out loud at the humorous trio. 

For book club we watched the modern version of True Grit. But personally, my favorite part was that I gave us all outlaw names!!  Can you guess who's who?

Cowchip Kitty

Nikki "Big Guns"

One Eye Eliza 

Dirty Marie

Lead Pusher Lenore 

Crusty Ginger