Chick lit author recommendation

If you're looking for a new chick lit author who spins a good tale, definitely check out Emilly Giffin who has written several books, most of which I've really enjoyed.

And, if you're new to her work, be sure to start with "Something Borrowed" as her next book, "Something Blue" builds upon things that occur in the first novel.

The reason I'm giving this quick plug is because I saw a tweet from Giffin today giving fans a sneak peek at the movie poster for "Something Borrowed", which will star Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin and John Krasinski. Included below is info on the release but...only click-through if you've already read both books to avoid spoilers. As is typical for film adaptions, it sounds like there has been some editing (perhaps even merging the two books into one film?) however I'm looking forward to it nonetheless and, having read and liked the books, think the casting, overall, is spot-on. My only change may have been subbing Rachel McAdams for Goodwin's role.

http://www.ivillage.com/exclusive-first-look-kate-hudsons-something-borrowed-movie-poster/1-a-319142

Porter's Picks is back!!

After a year(-ish) hiatus, Porter's Picks is back and will be posting more frequently than once a year. Much more. Particularly with this awful winter we're having here in the Northeast, what better way to spend a snowy day or weekend than with a good flick or a good book? Please feel free to pass the word onto your friends! (Pretty please?)

I'll start with a quick update on what I've been reading. And, equally important, HOW I've been reading new picks...that's right I'm a recent convert to an e-reader thanks to a great Christmas present from my wonderful husband: the Nook. As a book-lover, I was initially (a year or two ago) aghast at the thought of reading a book on an electronic reading device. How could you curl up with a Kindle or a Nook? Wouldn't you miss the feel of turning an actual page - as opposed to tapping a screen to 'turn' (or swiping the screen)? Survey says - yes, you can curl up with a Nook because you are, in fact, curling up with a good book...just packaged differently. As for the tactile difference - I'm surprised at how quickly I've adapted to my Nook and how much I love it. Sure, there are still small glitches - sometimes it can take a few taps before the page actually turns - but that's the case with any newer technology and I'm sure these kinks will be worked out over time in future releases. Part of the reason why I changed my thinking is that it seems the e-reader is the future of reading: I recently read in a tweet posted by Publishers Weekly (case in point!) that the bookstore as we know it will be gone in ten years. Gasp!! So, for me, it became evident that I should ideally adapt now rather than have the change forced upon me in the near future. What surprised me was how easy and seamless the transition was. I have not yet mastered all of the features yet - i.e. how to 'lend' books to any Nook friends - but that's okay...I'll get there. For now, I'm really enjoying the ability to buy new content, anywhere & anytime, whenever I finish a new book.

And yes, I'm still reading (and giving) actual books and will continue to do so in tandem with whatever I'm reading on the Nook. For me, the Nook isn't entirely replacing reading traditional books but is a fantastic supplement and one I highly recommend if you're someone who is an avid reader...particularly people who have longer commutes or travel a lot--there's nothing worse than finishing a book and realizing you still have a few hours on a plane with only the in-flight magazine as reading material.

Now that you know HOW I've been reading...here are two of the books I've read in January, along with a very brief review or recommendation (more to follow later this week):

"Local Knowledge" - Liza Gyllenhaal

Written by a first-time author, this novel wasn't entirely what I expected when I started it...and that's a compliment. The story is told primarily in the voice of a middle-aged woman named Maddie who has recently embarked upon a new career as a real estate agent in an area about two hours north of Manhattan which has recently become the new 'It' area for New Yorkers seeking a second home but wanting a very different alternative to the Hamptons. Maddie seems perfectly suited to this niche as she is able to capitalize on her 'local knowledge', having grown up in this area and is currently raising her family in this town. This new venture may also provide a nice complement to her husband's profession--Paul is a homebuilder within their community. However, what isn't in the job description is how selling to these downstaters will change ways in which Maddie views her town, her family...even herself as she is captivated by their allure. In the telling of this story, the author weaves in subplots that don't feel forced in addition to alternating between the current point of view and stories from the past. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and have heard that Gyllenhaal is at work on a second novel.

"The Island" - Elin Hilderbrand

I'll start by saying that I really like books told in different narrators/voices; provided, of course, that it's done well. In Hilderbrand's case, this is almost always a given as she is a master at character development and each of her characters are drawn in a great detail.

I'll add that in the six or seven books I've read by this author, there was only one I found wanting - "Nantucket Nights". The rest I've either loved or tremendously liked and "The Island" was no exception.

Set in Hilderbrand's real-life home of Nantucket, this is the tale of two sets of sisters and about the various bonds (mother/daughters; aunt/nieces; sister/sister) and the difficulties each is grappling with over the course of one July. They all re-converge upon a family summer home that has been boarded up for more than ten years, in hopes that this summer retreat will provide answers or healing. The family home is set on a small island that is actually off the coast of Nantucket so these four women will really be immersed in spending 'quality time' with each other, whether they like it or not. I won't tell you the specific issues/struggles in the interest of not wanting to inadvertently spoil a plot point; what I will tell you is that if you like what I'll call "smart beach reading", this is for you. Hilderbrand's ability to convey a sense of place is incredible; just opening one of her books can make you feel like you've been transported to Nantucket or parts of the Cape. (or, if you've never been, you'll want to make Nantucket your next summer getaway!)

This one was a page-turner and, if you discover you like Hilderbrand's writing, you'll be happy to know that she typically writes a book each year, typically released every summer so there's no reason your beach bag will be without a new adventure set in Nantucket. For 2011, her new title, "Silver Girl", is set for a summer release.

Wrapped up in "Lost"

There may not be any new reviews for a bit as I'm racing against the clock (ha ha) to watch Season 5 of "Lost" in time for the season 6 premiere on February 2nd. Which really has become something of a television event--the White House has agreed to not pre-empt the show with the 'State of the Union' address. Now that is powerful television!

As fans everywhere have noted - this show is addictive. Very addictive. Even after not watching any "Lost" for a few months, it only took about twenty minutes into the first episode of Season 5 before I was re-pulled in to the lore of the island: will the Oceanic 6 return to the island? if so - how will this happen? when will this happen? And, so on ;)

For those of you readers who are also "Lost" fans - who's your favorite islander...Jack...Kate...Sawyer...Sun? And, why?

Sandra Bullock

Once the Globes are over - check out this article on Sandra Bullock:

Like the author mentions, she is someone who has always seemed very likable - both onscreen and off. It's nice to see the progression of her career and her recent successes...looks like she is someone who will continue to have staying power.

"Up in the Air": A Gem of a Movie

"Up in the Air" may be one of the most timely films we've seen in quite some time--Ryan (played beautifully by the great George Clooney) is a professional corporate downsizer so, as our nation's unemployment numbers soar, so, too do Ryan's opportunities--he is on the road more than 300 days/year, zipping from Tulsa to Wichita to Detroit all to deliver the news no one wants to hear: we're going to have to let you go.

As many of you know, I am one of the unemployed...one of the many in that number that hovers above 10% and director Jason Reitman truly captures the sadness, anger, and disbelief that are only a few of the feelings experienced when you've been let go. As you watch, you'll notice that the reactions of those being 'let go' seem particularly authentic and that was achieved by Reitman employing some of the unemployed across the country to let them say their piece, rather than using professional actors for these segments (they were encouraged to react as they did when they were let go OR to react as they wish that they had). Needless to say, some of these people may really articulate what you - or I - am feeling as they've gone through it.

Do you take your favorite unemployed person to see this movie? Debatable. I will say - it did hit home for me and provoked a reaction that was cathartic, prompting me to speak about it afterwards, something I rarely do...usually preferring to avoid the elephant in the room.

The story itself is great as we see Ryan's character develop due to two people who come into his life: one is the young upstart, Natalie, a Cornell grad who wants to completely revamp the way they do things and (gasp!) fire people remotely via a T1 line. Ryan is aghast at this change, not so much because he's so committed to providing people with a person-to-person firing but, it will compromise his lifestyle of being on the road. Or, up in the air, as it were. He is further irritated when his boss (Jason Bateman) forces Ryan to take Natalie under his wing. The second is a love interest, Alex, who seems to be a female version of himself - she is also someone who wants an arrangement with no strings attached and so the two are content plotting their future trysts by comparing their flight & layover schedules.

Vera Farmiga plays Alex and she is quickly becoming one of the finest actresses of our generation. The role of Natalie is played by Anna Kendrick, someone who has only been acting a few years and yet holds her own against Clooney & Farmiga and truly captures the naivete of being young and thinking you can change the system overnight. Also features short but good performances by J.K. Simmons, Jason Bateman and Zach Galifianakis and Melanie Lynsky.

This is a tender, thought-provoking movie that will stay with you and one that you may find yourself discussing afterwards.

It's finished, capsice?

In other words - I'm finally done reading "The Gold Coast", Nelson DeMille's entertaining depiction of the old money of Long Island's uber-elite Gold Coast meeting a slice of Brooklyn, Mafia-style...a meeting which forever transformed two families. And...I loved it.

Nelson DeMille is a gifted writer - one of my favorites - who not only has a good ear for dialogue but is also able to fully transport you to a specific time, space & place. He creates a main character, John Sutter, so strong that his story warranted a sequel, "The Gate House", which was published in October, 2008. You can be sure I will be returning to the adventures of Sutter, his family and acquaintances in the near future.

The only thing I'd advise when taking on a longer Nelson DeMille title is that you must have patience. I have, on numerous occasions, polished off a book in a week, a few days, even a day; I have never found this the case with a DeMille title. His works are typically lengthy so it does seem an investment to spend a month or two (or longer!) in the fictional world that springs to life in his pages. Trust me - the investment IS worth it.

Nothing complicated about how much people are LOVING "It's Complicated"!

"It's Complicated" starring a trifecta of acting genius - Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin - is a hit! There are many moments when you'll find yourself - and the rest of the audience - laughing aloud as these characters navigate the ups and downs of love for those on a second go-round.

Jane and Jake had been married for twenty years. Until their divorce ten years ago when Jake left Jane for a much younger woman. Jane spent the intervening years rebounding from this and rebuilding her life and is finally in a place where she's happy with her situation and is doing things she's always wanted - like finally adding on to her house. Enter romance from an unexpected place--when she and Jake are in Manhattan for their son's college graduation, sparks fly and Jane is simultaneously aghast and pleased to find herself having an affair. With her ex-husband. In the meantime, it becomes clear that Jane's architect (Steve Martin) is interested in more than just Jane's blueprints.

I won't divulge more since you should see for yourself!! This is one that has a broad appeal - my husband and I loved it, as did my mother-in-law and her friend. In addition to the three actors I've already mentioned, John Krasinski (of NBC's "The Office") holds his own with these greats and offers strong comedic support.