Laydown Lowdown

Happy April !  Easter is almost here.  Perhaps you'll find some of today's new releases in your basket on Sunday?

Mystery fans will have a full basket to look forward to.  New releases today include the 15th Regan Reilly novel, "Gypped," by Carol Higgins Clark and "Limpopo Academy of the Private Detection," the 13th "Ladies Detective Agency," novel by Alexander McCall Smith.  "Beastly Things," the 21st "Guido Brunetti," novel by Donna Leon, "Dorchester Terrace" by Anne Perry, "Miss Julia to the Rescue," by Ann B. Ross, and "Harbor Nocturne," by Joseph Wambaugh are also available today.

Bunny hop over to Romance and you'll find the latest by Amanda Ashley, "A Darker Dream," as well as "Eternal Craving," by Nina Bangs, "The Wolf Who Loved Me," by Lydia Dare, and "Enraptured," by Elizabeth Naughton.

Shake your tail over to Sci-Fi and you'll discover "Plague Town," by Dana Fredsti, "The Star Wars Essential Guide to Warfare," by Jason Fry and "Nocturnal," by Scott Sigler."

Twitch your whiskers and head on over to YA to find "Radiate," by Marley Gibson, "Grave Mercy," by Robin LaFevers, "I Hunt Killers," by Barry Lyga, and "Immortal City," by Scott Spear.
 

Finally, one of the hottest (both literally and figuratively) new releases today is a book that has already gotten tremendous publicity and was previously published as an e-book and then in print by a small publisher to wild success.  This erotic novel, geared for women, reportedly flew off the shelves in its initial printing.  Now, "Fifty Shades of Grey," by E.L. James, the first in a trilogy gets a wide release today by Knopf Publishing.  Look for a review and more on this novel next Thursday.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this weeks Laydown Lowdown !  Happy Easter and Happy Passover to those who celebrate. 

As always, remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.  Just because our blog is online, it doesn't mean your shopping has to be. 

Happy with the Hunger Games

Planning on going to the movies this weekend?  Perhaps you haven't seen "The Hunger Games" yet or maybe you enjoyed it so much you're planing on seeing it again.  Read on for our review but be warned, SPOILERS AHEAD !!!

For those living underground who may not have heard much about "The Hunger Games," the film is based of the best-selling series of the same name by Suzanne Collins.  It's set in a dystopian future where teenagers living under a totalitarian regime are selected by their government to participate in "The Hunger Games," a televised battle to death.  This battle is designed as a penance to the citizens for a decades old rebellion against the government.

Once again, anyone not looking to read SPOILERS, click away now.  You've been warned.  Now, on with the reviews, "Happy Hunger Games."

Albert: "I think the costumes and lighting were amazing. The audience could really see the huge disparities between the districts and The Capitol. I think if someone did not read the book he or she would be confused by parts of the movie."

Stanley Tucci, as Cesar Flickerman

Eileen:  "I set my expectations for this movie much lower than they should have been. In spite of time limits they managed to get much more of the story in than i expected. The casting was great. My favorites were Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman)and Amandla Stenburg (Rue). Exactly how I pictured them when reading the books. My biggest surprise came from Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), I did not expect much from him as I am used to him being the bratty teen-aged kid without much depth. But he really picked up Peeta's emotions from the book and completely convinced me that he was indeed Peeta Mellark. I could go on forever about aspects of this movie but I wont. Costumes and music get a 9 out of 10 in my book. photography was a disappointing 7 out of 10. Overall the movie was much more than i expected, however, if you want to get the most out of it, go read the books :) "

Jess B.  "Honestly, I loved it. I was so afraid when I heard they were turning it into a movie that they would destroy it like everything else they touch. But I was quite satisfied. I cried through the entire movie and nearly took my boyfriends hand off when I knew what was coming next and he who never read the book had no idea. There are a few things I wish they had kept in the movie like Octavia, Venia, and Flavius. But other then that 95 out of 100 :D"

Rachel: " I thought the movie was the best book adaptation I've seen. Yes, even better than Harry potter. I thought the movie captured the tone of the book so well and I loved the subtleties, like when the tail of Prim's shirt was hanging out during the reaping. Even though they changed some things, I felt that the authenticity of the book was preserved. I can't wait to go see it again."

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark

Rebecca:" For me they completely nailed the tone of the books in the movie. Are there things I wish they had included? There always are, but overall this movie was a fantastic adaptation. I love the fact that Collins was so involved and I think it really showed in the integrity of the film. I too loved the little details - even really small things like showing Peeta breaking every twig as they walk through the woods. Every casting choice that I was hesitant on before melted away. Each part was played amazingly well. I especially loved seeing into the gamemaker's room and the scenes with President Snow. It added a nice depth to the world that we don't really see in the books since everything is from Katniss' perspective. I was so excited to go to the midnight release and I loved it so much that I'm planning on seeing it again today!"

As for me, I was really impressed.  I agree with Rachel that this was the BEST adaptation of a novel into a film that I have ever seen.  I think the fact that the author, Suzanne Collins, also worked on the screenplay was what kept the film so true to the source material.  

Banks (l) as Trinket and Lawrence (r) as Katniss

I also agree with Eileen that the casting was perfection.  I didn't read the novels until a few months before the movie was released but all while reading, I could picture Jennifer Lawrence playing Katniss.  Lawrence, who was nominated for an Oscar for her work in "Winter's Bone," had Katniss' tenacity down pat.   Also, Elizabeth Banks, best known as the beautiful girlfriend to JD on "Scrubs," or Jack on "30 Rock," was unrecognizably wonderful as Effie Trinket. 

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch

I also could not have selected a better actor to portray Haymitch than Woody Harrelson.  I loved that this film included some scenes not depicted in the novel.  I've read some criticism that Harrelson's Haymitch wasn't "drunk" enough.  When I read the novels, it's clear that Haymitch is a drunk but when necessary he could pull himself together to accomplish the task at hand and to me this was made quite clear in the film during the scenes where he manipulates Seneca Crane and helps Katniss get items necessary for her survival.  It was also clearly early on in the film that he really likes to drink.  I also have to note, I found him to be much more attractive than I pictured when reading the books. Harrelson also added a little snark and swagger to Haymitch that I loved.  I seriously wanted to drink some scotch with him.


I found the cinematography and artistic direction incredible.  I loved the stark contrast between the bleakness of the districts and the outward beauty of The Capitol.  At times during the scenes of The Games, it seemed the camera was shaky or they used a handheld.  To me that just added to the gritty realness of this film.  It was as if you were watching this unfold before you on some horrific TV reality show or documentary which is exactly what the citizens in the districts were forced to watch !  I also loved the subtle commentary both the books and the film make of reality television.  What is entertainment for some may actually be exploitative.   

The costumes, as Albert noted were amazing especially those worn by the citizens of The Capitol.  Beautiful outsides but not beautiful insides.  Albert also mentioned that people who hadn't read the book may be slightly confused by some parts of the film.  I went to see the movie with my mom who hadn't read the books and knew very little about the concept.  After the film she had a just a few questions about how much control The Capitol had over its citizens but she told me it was the best movie she had seen in a long time and she really wants to read the books.  My mom is not a reader so for her to want to read something, she must've really enjoyed it.

So, it seems like we all agree that "The Hunger Games," certainly lived up to its hype.  It's an excellent film that does the novel justice.  However, if you haven't read the books, please do, it will certainly add to your appreciation.  

Finally here is one more "review," that I would make Cesar Flickerman chuckle, Alan said "I didn't read it, and haven't seen it, but I do enjoy games, and am frequently hungry, so it must be pretty good."
 
I'm seeing this movie again this weekend and I can't wait. This movie is well worth the $10.50 or more that your local theater may be charging.  

Laydown Lowdown

If Borders was still in existence, I know Rebecca T., Charles and I would've had a long night tonight.  There are tons of new releases out tomorrow.  How nice it would be to see the full carts of books ready to be set out for sale.  I'm a little melancholy tonight.  My only consolation is the cold turn the weather has taken makes my cat super snuggly.  Anyways, on with the Laydown Lowdown!

There is a lot of love to go around in Romance.  Here are some of the highlights.  Best-selling authors and icons, Danielle Steel and Barbara Taylor Bradford both have new novels out today with "Betrayal" and "Letter From a Stranger," respectively.



Also available today, "A Week to Be Wicked," by Tess Dare, "At Your Pleasure," by Meredith Duran, "Perfect Storm," by Lori Foster, "Caught in the Act," by Jill Sorenson, and the latest "Black Dagger Brotherhood" tale, "Lover Reborn," by J.R. Ward.

Saunter over to Science Fiction for "Dead Reckoning," by Charlaine Harris, the 11th Sookie Stackhouse novel is released in paperback today.  This is very exciting because I bet it includes a chapter of the 12th title, "Deadlocked," which is due in hardcover May 1, 2012.  Other releases in the genre today include: "Eternity's Mark," by Maeve Greyson, "Costume Not Included," by Matthew Hughes, and the 4th "Downside Ghosts," novel, "Sacrificial Magic," by Stacia Kane.

Moving to mystery, you'll find this book.  I don't know much about the plot but the cover and title have me hooked, "No Cooperation from the Cat," by Maria Babson.  Other mystery releases today include the darker sounding, "Death in Summer," by Benjamin Black, "Blood in the Water," by Jane Haddam, "Bones of a Feather," by Carolyn Haines, "A Hard Death," by Jonathan Hayes, and "Dead by Midnight" by Carolyn G. Hart.



Yaw over to Young Adult, and you'll find the sequel to "The Goddess Test," Goddess Interrupted," by Aimee Carter,"Obsidian," by Jennifer Armentrout, "Dark Eden," by Patrick Carmman, "The Fame Game," by Lauren Conrad and "Entwined," by Heather Dixon, and"Spellcaster," which is the sequel to one of my favorite reads from last year, "Spellbound," by Cara Lynn Shultz.

Fans of "Game of Thrones," will probably enjoy the "Game of Thrones," graphic novel out today.  This graphic adaptation is based on the first novel by George R.R. Martin.  And you know you've made it in life when someone mocks you, "A Game of Groans: A Sonnet of Slush and Soot," by George R.R. Washington is available. 


And that's your Laydown Lowdown for this week !  Happy Reading.  Remember, to support your local bookstores whenever possible.  Just because our blog is online, doesn't mean your shopping has to be.

Terry Pratchett: One of Those Awesome British Writers

I don't know why, but I have a thing for male British writers. Maybe the accent comes over in the writing? Maybe it's the humor? Maybe it's the pure awesomeness of British people? Either way, Terry Pratchett has definitely become one of my favorites. I stumbled across his name through one of my blogger friends and he recommended Feet of Clay. I got it from the library and stared at it and hummed and hawed and poked it with my finger. I very rarely read adult books. I have numerous reasons for this. So. I wasn't really interested. But then I got sick and it was the only book within grabbing distance and I wasn't about to get up looking for anything, so I started reading it.

Terry Pratchett is hilarious. And for those of you, like me, don't like sexy-sexy times in books (or at least, some people don't like that all of the time) I was excited that it was clean. I could read it without freaking out and throwing the book across the room. And I laughed! And it took me awhile because I was sick and it was thick and I kept having to stop so I could moan and groan in agony, because that's what one does when one is sick, but I finished it and I wanted to read them ALL. And there's a whole lot to choose from. Next I read Eric, because it was short and looked like it was making fun of Faust, which is always exciting.

And it included time travel and bad magicians (bad meaning not very good at being a magician, not meaning necessarily evil EVIL!, though maybe yes to morally ambiguous) and they go to Hell, and Death is involved, and Death is a wonderful, wonderful character.

I'm reading the Color of Magic now, which is very interesting because it is the official first book in the Discworld series. I watched the super long movie based on it and its sequel (it had Sean Austin in it which was WEIRD), and that's always fun to see the differences therein.

So, if them being hilarious and British isn't enough for you, I have more reasons! You don't have to read them in order. You can just pick them up and read them willy nilly. You don't have to read them all. You can stop and start and go bananas crazy, or only read one and never again. ALSO. The world is on top of a turtle. How awesome is that? Completely awesome. You know you wish your world was on top of a turtle. Like this:

This wonderful woman created an Amigarumi Discworld.

It is beautiful.

March Book Club: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Being a little short on time this week, here's the GoodReads description of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

Care to purchase the book?
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Spoilers Ahead! While we don't give too much away, we do talk about the book as though we've read it. Take a look at what we had to say about this month's book, or you can skip straight down to the end to see which book won out for next month's read!

Claire: I loved this book so much. I felt it was so well written, some of the sentences were so expressive and emotional that it blew my breath away. I don't normally read books with male protaganists but this one caught me right away. Even with school I finished the book in three days. I was sad when it ended because I didn't want to leave the characters. I hope that there are more books to come, and it did end with a cliff hanger so there could be more (hopefully)! I am so glad that we picked this book. I loved the way the author combined the old photographs with the story. So different from anything or any story I have read. I can't say enough good stuff! Loved it!

Jenn N:  

Like Claire, I normally don't read books with male protagonists. However, I am so glad I read this book. I found Jacob to be extremely relateable. His emotions were so well written. My heart broke when his grandfather passed away. I loved the depiction of their relationship. I also appreciated that the story wasn't rushed. Jacob grieved and went through obstacles before he even began to solve his grandfather's mystery. I loved how the vintage photos perfectly fit the story and didn't seem contrived at all. This book was unique and brilliant; I can't wait to see what happens next.

Rebecca T: There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book, but I think my favorite was the home itself. I loved the idea that these people were being held in time and that Jacob could cross over into it. I love when stories play with time and do it well. The thought of being caught in the day before a horrific event is fascinating to me. The uncanniness of the story combined with the pictures made for a very intriguing read and, while it wasn't really one of my favorite books of the year, it was one I couldn't put down.

So what's for next month? We've decided to take a break from Young Adult and take my suggestion to read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! We hope you'll join us and stop by next month to see what we thought. And while you're waiting feel free to check out our Facebook or Twitter feeds or deck yourself out in some new Booksellers Without Borders swag over at our Cafe Press shop!

Baby Got Book

Well, it's not my regularly scheduled day to post, but my colleague Eileen shared this online yesterday, and I think it deserves a home here. 

I shall now take the liberty of extrapolating just a tad, and improvising some lyrics.  Wish me luck.

"I like big books and I cannot lie,

you other readers tell me why,

when a book show up, with a big, thick spine,

and I read between the lines I get..."

...

Umm, quick! Somebody throw me a line here, that we can use on this page!

Celebrating Michelle Zink's latest release

March 20th was a monumental day for a dear friend of the blog's, Michelle Zink.  Her 4th novel, A Temptation of Angels was released!  While Michelle has already had 3 novels released they were part of her Prophecy of the the Sisters trilogy.  As of right now A Temptation of Angels is a stand alone novel, and while I have yet to read it (lack of funds have prohibited me from purchasing the novel) I am sure her writing style has not changed.  Michelle has a way of captivating the reader in such a way that her books are impossible to put down.

Just so you know what exactly you are getting yourself into I am linking the synopsis from Barnes and Noble's website here.

I would love for Michelle to have a great release for this book and her publisher (Penguin) will be looking VERY closely to the sales of this book over the next couple of weeks.  So if the synopsis peaks your interest, pick up the book!

And just so you get a feel of the kind of person Michelle is I will inform you that she is even having a great contest for all her fans to enter by doing easy things like changing your profile picture on twitter and/or facebook to her book cover.  Tweeting/facebooking a link to her book from amazon or barnes & noble.  If you want details on this click here.  Grand prize an IPAD 2 (among other things).

So please support a local author who really is all about her fans.  I have been honored to meet her and become her friend. Thanks!  (And for those of you who were actually looking for my post on my family's trip to see Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Massie, that will be next month's blog)