Summer Reading

As a high school student, these words struck fear into our hearts and translated into a daunting 8-12 book list of the classics we were to read over the summer as preparation for our honors' English class. Not an insurmountable task - had they been spread out over the 10 weeks of summer - but one that was typically crammed into the last week or two of summer...many days at the local library, running into fellow procrastinators, many nights reading into the wee hours.

As an adult - there's nothing I like better, since I'm the one choosing the books! Maybe as a result of those summers long ago, or maybe because of the high temperatures, I now generally choose lighter fare for my summer picks. A few chick lit titles, a few juicy, page-turning thrillers mixed in with a good police read or two - perfection!

Now that we've set the stage, here's an author I'd like to recommend for any ladies looking for a good beach read: Elin Hilderbrand. She's already written 5-8 books...many - if not all - are set in Nantucket/New England. I was introduced to this author last summer when I read "Barefoot" on a weekend getaway. The plot: three women arrive in Nantucket to spend the summer...two of the women are sisters (Vicki & Brenda) and the third, Melanie, is Vicki's friend from where she lives in Connecticut. Brenda is not thrilled by this third wheel addition of Melanie and each woman has baggage beyond her carry-on's that is weighing heavily on each of their minds. Their arrival to the island is not without notice, a young onlooker, Josh, who is a native of Nantucket and home from college for the summer, is immediately drawn to these thirtysomething women. Before too long, he is involved in the day-to-day fray of their lives and all of their stories begin to unfold. There is friendship, drama, romance and tears. Hilderbrand not only captures the essence of Nantucket beautifully, she truly and clearly defines each of her main characters and what they are going through.

As you can see, I quite enjoyed this book. Her most recent book is "Summer People" - which will be on MY summer reading list - and her new book, "The Castaways" is out July 7th....I suspect I will find room for that one as well.

Will keep you posted on other summer picks...

Say 'I Do' to "The Proposal"!

Saw "The Proposal" with friends earlier this week - loved it!! Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds as Margaret Tate and Andrew Paxton, the all-star cast also features Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White and Oscar Nunex ("The Office"). Andrew works for Margaret as her Executive Assistant, a thankless job as Margaret is a ruthless editor gunning for the editor-in-chief position, who will stop at nothing. Andrew has tolerated her for three long years, biding his time until he can be promoted into an editor job. The hitch? Margaret is Canadian has her visa has expired...and management at her publishing house has told her deportation is imminent. The solution? When Andrew interrupts this meeting, Margaret announces their engagement to their surprise and shock...and Andrew's. And then the games begin!

This is a romantic comedy that really delivers on both the laughs and the sweetness. While it can be predictable, you won't mind because you'll be laughing too hard. Or, watching Margaret's icy resolve thaw & melt as she becomes taken in by Andrew and his family's warm Alaskan ways.

Bullock & Reynolds are both very funny as they are both actors who have mastered physical comedy. However, the humor isn't just reserved for the leads - any scenes featuring Betty White and/or Oscar Nunez will have you in stitches.

It should be said - I really like rom-com's. However, knowing the cost of a movie ticket (a whopping $12.50 here in NYC), I try to be particular with what I choose to see at the theater. This was worth every penny and one I already know that I'll add to my DVD collection.


SEE!!!

Riding the 6 line with Travolta & Co.

First - apologies for hiatus. Have I been busy? Sure. Too busy to write? Well, no. But, I'm back so let's focus on that : )

Just saw the remake of "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3" last night with a good friend and we both agreed - great flick! We were also surprised that some critics panned it as we felt it met the criteria of a good summer movie: action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, with great actors to take you along for the ride: Denzel, Travolta, James Gandolfini (really good as NYC's fictional mayor with Giuliani-esque traits), John Turturro, Luis Guzman...to name a few. Washington is excellent, as always - has he ever phoned in a performance?? - and he and Travolta had a good working chemistry. I'm talking in broad strokes as I don't want to be the person who spoils any plot points for anyone...

I liked the way the film was shot...fast-moving images of NYC in addition to momentary halts in the action to let you know the countdown to the deadline Travolta's character, Ryder, has set. For some, this may be distracting; I found the 'real time' countdown to be something that heightened the suspense level--will NYPD be able to meet Ryder's demands in time??

I will say I'm unable to compare how this fares with the original as I've never seen the 1974 original starring Walter Matthau, however I'm now very interested in seeing it. From what I've read about this film, it obviously portrays a different NYC - one from 35 years ago - and, while the pace may be slower than the '09 remake, it is apparently no less taut of a thriller.

I'll let you know once I see this one via Netflix, looking forward to it.


SEE!