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.

DVD Roundup: "All About Steve" and "A Perfect Getaway"

Happy New Year! Hoping everyone enjoyed the holidays :)

Over the past few days, was able to squeeze in two movies in between visits with family and friends: "All About Steve" and "A Perfect Getaway".

"All About Steve" features a very good cast - Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper and Thomas Haden Church - but doesn't live up to what you'd normally expect of any of these talented actors. There were plenty of laughs, thanks to Bullock's comedic timing and presence, however the story doesn't really work as a whole. No need to bump this one to the top of the queue. Or even add it, unless you're a big fan of Sandra Bullock. I am a big fan of hers so I wasn't as disappointed by this somewhat unremarkable romantic comedy.

"A Perfect Getaway", however, was a very pleasant surprise. An action thriller set in Hawaii, this tells the story of Cliff (Steve Zahn) and Cydney (Milla Jovovich), newlyweds on honeymoon who are setting out on a long hike to the beach. Not all is bliss in the honeymoon capital as they soon find out that another couple on their honeymoon has been murdered. They learn this as they are already on the remote trail and have met some questionable people. I won't say more other than to add this to your list if you like a good scare, especially when it's not one that was easy to figure out--I didn't know who the culprits were until the reveal.

Quick, fun read: "The Divorce Party" - Laura Dave

This story is one that unfolds over the course of one day and is told to us from two female character's perspectives: Gwyn Huntington is the said host of the divorce party as she and her husband, Thomas, are divorcing after thirty-five years. They are a wealthy couple who lives in Montauk and have two adult children, Nate and Georgia. Through Gwyn's voice, we hear what she is going through as she plans a fete that is both celebrating the success and demise of her long marriage...one whose ending is not of her choosing. As one reads Gwyn's narrative, you're intrigued as you get the feeling that something else may be brewing...

The other voice through which we hear the events of this fateful day is Maggie, who is soon to be Gwyn's daughter-in-law as she is engaged to Nate. While Gwyn is at an ending, thirty-year old Maggie is only beginning her life with Nate...which had seemed very simple and uncomplicated. Until they make the four-hour journey from their home in Brooklyn and somehow get swept up in some of the family issues playing out, causing Maggie to question some of the things that she had felt were solid in her relationship with Nate.

The author uses the two voices well and alternates the use of each every chapter. Additionally, her lyrical descriptions of Montauk make this beautiful place a character in of itself as it functions as much more than just a backdrop or setting.

This was one I read in two days and was disappointed to have finished it since it was such a good read. I'm happy to report that Ms. Dave is at work on her third novel - set in Big Sur, California - and has a first novel "London is the Best City in America" that you can be sure I will be reading soon!

For all you book-to-movie fans: Jennifer Aniston's new film production company, Echo Films (which she owns with Kristin Hahn, has already purchased the movie rights for "The Divorce Party". In my opinion, Patricia Clarkson would make a fantastic choice for Gwyn!

Robert Downey, Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr. is one of the best actors of his generation. And yet, he's almost blown it on numerous occasions--he has been given more second chances than most people get - even by Hollywood standards. This, of course, must be attributed to his immense talent...who hasn't wanted to see him make a comeback when his chips, in the past, have been down? And, comeback kid he's been over the past few years with brilliant performances in blockbuster successes like "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder".

Here's hoping we continue to see more great work from him for many, many years - he's such an interesting actor that his performance alone can make a mediocre film watchable.

Take a look here at his highs and lows over the years.

Good Day to "The Merry Gentleman"

Ah, I shipped this one back to Netflix, sight unseen, having never even taken the disc out of its sleeve after having it for several weeks. I had wanted to see it but I just hadn't been in the mood lately for what looked like it would be a slowmoving drama with content that might even be a little depressing. Oh, well.

On its way will be one for Sean - maybe "District 9" or "Inglorious Basterds". If it's the latter, I'll certainly tune in and will report back if it's one you should check out.

The Movies: A Decade in Review

Hello readers,

Sorry posts have been few and far between this month! Like everyone else, it's been a busy month with the holidays swiftly approaching. You should begin to see more again next week.

In the meantime, here's a great slide show review (with commentary) of this decade at the movies. There will be some you'll shake your head at - how could THAT be included?! - and others you'll find list-worthy. Still others that you may want to add to your list of ones to add to your Netflix queue, rent at your local Blockbuster or even borrow from your local library (***If you haven't been to your local library lately, do yourself a favor and GO!! Most branches now have terrific AV collections, many branches get 'new release' films the same day they go to Blockbuster. And, it's free!) particularly with the kind of winter we may have in store--good moviewatching and reading weather :)

So, catch up on the decade that was known as the 'aught's' and take a look back at some of the best films, directors and other trends that happened onscreen in the 00's (can you believe the decade is almost over?!?) and click here

Any favorites jump out at you? Or, any listworthy films/actors/directors that didn't make the cut?

For me, one film that the reviewer trashed is "A Perfect Storm" with George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg - whereas I absolutely loved it!! Popcorn movie with great cast, good story and a lot of heart - what could be better??

Opening this Friday: "Up in the Air"

I haven't written that much lately about current offerings at the movies and that's been for a reason - there hasn't been too much to get excited about, which is unusual for the fall when studios typically roll out their best in hopes of snagging a contender for Oscar season.

That looks like it will change this weekend with the opening of "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney and Vera Farmiga which is directed by Jason Reitman, who directed both "Juno" (absolutely loved!!) and "Thank You For Not Smoking" (really liked). Not to mention what sounds like an amazing soundtrack - it's playing in the background right now on my Mac. Click here to check it out.

If you like your romance & comedy just a little bit offbeat, this film may be for you. Viewing the movie's website while having the soundtrack on in the background, I couldn't help but be reminded of "Garden State". Except in this case, it's for the slightly older set not just the Gen Y hipsters.

I'm hoping I'll be able to see it sometime in the next week, will report back with what I hope will be a glowing review!

Readers' Choice: What are you watching & reading?

C'mon...I know you're out there and I'd love to hear from you!

Let us know what books or tomes you're reading, especially if they are page-turners!!

As for what you're watching - have you seen any movies lately, at the theatre or on DVD? What about on TV - any new favorites now that the fall season is under way?

Drop a quick note in the comments section so we know what's on your radar right now. Thanks!!

"The Answer Man" doesn't have all the answers. Nor does the movie.

I'm an unabashed rom-com fan. There - it's out there :)

For me, it's not that I think life is perfect or that I have unrealistic romantic expectations - it's simply that I like the stories in all their cheesy glory. It's a foregone conclusion that you will almost always have a happy ending...and that this 'sail into the sunset' usually can be called only a few minutes into the movie...sometimes even just from watching the trailer! They are known for being predictable, sometimes to a fault. People generally don't watch these for a sense of mystery or to determine 'whodunnit' (there are plenty of movies for that and I'll be sure to recommend any good ones since I love a good thriller or an involved and intricate mystery) - women tune in to romantic comedies because it's like comfort food on film--you can be reasonably assured you'll like it and it's an escape from the demands of real life, even if only for ninety minutes.

"The Answer Man", however, falls short....particularly in the first half-hour (which is where you want to hook your viewer not have their hand hovering above the 'Eject' button!): the tone is choppy and uneven and the movie struggles to find its groove. For those that hang in there - as I did - there are some sweet moments (one that comes to mind is between supporting actor Lou Taylor Pucci , a young man just out of rehab, and his on-screen alcoholic father) as well as some genuinely funny ones. Just not enough for me to strongly recommend this movie. As I've noted in an earlier post, Jeff Daniels is a fine actor and his talents aren't truly showcased in this vehicle. Lauren Graham's character - a single mom who has recently embarked upon a new career as a chiropractor - is a bit too saccharine and the chemistry between her & Daniels seems a stretch.

For those of you who enjoy knowing where the movie was shot, this was filmed in Philadelphia and the city itself makes for a great character in this otherwise mostly forgettable film.

On The Tube: "Modern Family" and "The Good Wife"

Do you need a good laugh? Add "Modern Family" to your lineup and you'll laugh throughout the show!

I think its one that fans of the late, great "Arrested Development" will like. Sean, after he watched, noted a similar style to "The Office", a show which we both love.

And, don't worry if you're behind - just jump in, I promise you won't be disappointed! (Generally you can do this with comedies whereas a show like "Flashforward" or "Lost" you do need to start from the beginning...that is, if the beginning is even the beginning - they like to keep you guessing!)

Meanwhile ABC has a new hit with "The Good Wife" starring Julianna Marguiles, Josh Charles, Chris Noth, Christine Baranski, etc. I mentioned this show earlier in the blog and have been faithfully tuning in each week. Good legal show with a nice amount of characters' backstories mixed in. Here's hoping that we will see more of Chris Noth's character, Peter Florrick (the fictional Eliot Spitzer) as well as Christine Baranski's character - she's one of the senior partners at the firm where Marguiles' character, Alicia Florrick, now works following her husband's meteoric fall from grace. Archie Panjabi was an actress I was not familiar with until this show and she is terrific as the law firm's investigator...a recent storyline hinted that she may have a backstory with Peter...juicy!

If you ever liked "The Practice", this should be one you add to your viewing!

Quick book review: "Best Friends Forever"

I finished Jennifer Weiner's "Best Friends Forever" and, while it wasn't her strongest title, it was definitely enjoyable...a good one to read before bed as you're winding down for the night.

Clean Sweep

Now and again, I'll have movies out from Netflix that I've/we've wanted to see but they sit...and sit, collecting dust atop their little red envelopes. For whatever reason, nothing motivates either me or Sean to remove them from their sleeve to actually make it to the DVD player.

And so - clean sweep. All three were sent back yesterday, two never watched - "The Brothers Bloom" and "Away We Go" - and one, "The Shipping News", was half-watched--I got about forty-five minutes in one night a few weeks ago. I will say - it was shaping up to be an excellent movie between the caliber of acting talent - Judi Dench, Gordon Pinsent, Pete Posthelwaite, Kevin Spacey - however I succumbed to tiredness that one evening and...haven't returned to it since. I'll probably wind up watching it again from the beginning sometime soon, it really was a beautiful movie...just will need to wait for the mood to strike me. Same goes for "The Brothers Bloom" (starring Mark Ruffalo, who I adore, and Rachel Weisz) and "Away We Go".

On to the new: slated to arrive tomorrow are "Prison Break: The Final Break" (faithful readers will remember that Sean & I were diehard fans of this Fox show...well, until the last season which was just comical) and "The Answer Man" with Lauren Graham (of the wonderful "Gilmore Girls") and Jeff Daniels, a great actor who is not the typical Hollywood actor--he continues to live in his home state of Michigan and does a lot for the state to promote their business & economy. Daniels also gave back to his community by founding a theatre there in 1991; the Purple Rose Theatre Company named for the Woody Allen vehicle in which he starred in back in 1985, "The Purple Rose of Cairo".

While "The Answer Man" didn't fare well at theatres, it was well received at Sundance and is one I've wanted to see for a while.

So stay tuned, reviews for both of these flicks should follow shortly as they're both ones I'm excited to see at the moment.

New show: "Modern Family"

In the TV world, best new TV comedy that you may not be watching (I know I wasn't) is "Modern Family", which just started a few weeks ago and airs Wednesday nights at 9pm. Don't despair - if you have TiVo or DVR, start recording for tomorrow and then use Hulu to catch up...you've only missed three or four episodes and they're very short w/o commercials - 20 or 21 minutes/episode. I've only watched a few minutes of the pilot and, trust me, it is funny! Starring Ed O'Neill (of "Married with Children" fame or notoriety - that's your call, lol), Sofia Vergara (of the cancelled-too-early "Knights of Prosperity", a quirky comedy that only lasted a few episodes), Julie Bowen ("Ed", though here Bowen's character not as sunny with a sarcastic streak), and a few other talented cast that round out the ensemble.

Don't believe me? Click here for an article from Movieline which discusses how this show is already resonating with viewers.

It's easy for me to add this to our TV lineup as we've finally bid "Gary Unmarried" goodbye -- Jay Mohr as Gary is very funny - as is his character's brother, Mitch, played by Rob Riggle, funnyman formerly with "The Daily Show" - but I don't think there's anything really innovative that they can do with the storyline: saw the recent development brewing the moment they introduced the new character.

"Slumdog Millionaire"

For anyone who hasn't yet seen the sleeper turned blockbuster that dominated this year's Academy Awards with eight wins, it's on HBO tonight at 8pm with other showings throughout the week.

I know what you're thinking--who HASN'T seen it?? Surprise, surprise - Porter's Picks, that's who! I had heard all the accolades about the film even before it became as huge as it did...just didn't get around to it. (See the last post for how this can happen.) Needless to say, our DVR is set to record it tonight...looking forward to watching it sometime soon.