Book (Tailored for Trouble) and Movie (Enchanted) Club’s Review for December 2016
December’s 2016 Book and Movie Review Theme: Romance
Book/Movie Club Set Up:
Each member of our group (women ages 24-48) draws a month and a genre/theme. Whosever month it is, gets to choose a book and movie in their category. (They do not have to be one in the same.)
The group has approximately 3 weeks to read the book and then we get together to eat, discuss the book, and then watch the movie.
Quick Book Summary (from Amazon)
Tailored for Trouble by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (August 2016): Taylor Reed is no stranger to selfish, uncaring CEOs. She was fired by one, which is why she has created her own executive training program—helping heartless bosses become more human. So Taylor shocks even herself when she agrees to coach Bennett Wade, the cutthroat exec who got her unceremoniously canned.
Quick Movie Summary (from IMDB)
Enchanted (2007) Directed by Kevin Lima and written by Bill Kelly (He also wrote “Blast from the Past”): The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Susan Sarandon
The Itinerary:
We met at my house this month. Everyone brought either book related or Christmas themed snacks, so we ended up with mulled wine wassail and a regular wassail, croissant pizzas, cucumber sandwiches, lots of cookies, popcorn, and peanuts, champagne and wine. We also had a secret Santa book and bookmark exchanged – (I was so excited to get Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. )
Thoughts about the Book:
Well, it was my pick this month … *clears throat*
No one liked the book. The author did not bother to add the plot promised in the synopsis. The writing was awkward and the story-line was unbelievable and cheesy. Here are some of the group’s comments:
“I didn’t realize it was so easy to get published.”
“Maybe this book was supposed to be a joke.”
“I laughed … but more like Ha!”
“This was like a bad knock-off of Fifty Shades.”
“I couldn’t finish it.”
“No character transformation/arc.”
“What was up with the cookies?”
“Her inner dialogue was annoying.”
“Why didn’t the author just make the book in 1st person?”
“I hated this book.”
Thoughts about the Movie:
Everyone had already watched the movie before, and we all pretty much liked it. We thought it was sweet, romantic, and funny. We laughed a lot and enjoyed all the different fairy tale (Disney) references that I didn’t pay much attention to the first go around.
Girly Discussion:
The sex scenes in Tailored for Trouble were gag inducing and were compared (unfavorably) to Fifty Shades.
Interesting Discoveries:
Enchanted has tons of fairy tale references (Giselle’s Character is based on a lot of different Disney Princesses but mostly Snow White) and cameos from Disney’s fairy tale movies, such as: Judy Kuhn the singing voice of Pocahontas, Jodi Benson who was the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Idina Menzel who later sang the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning song “Let It Go” in Frozen.
You can find a list of Disney references here.
We noticed how Giselle’s wardrobe became progressively modern and when someone looked it up, it pointed out how Robert’s clothes became more fitting a fairy tale prince.
We also discovered that one of the women in our group knows all of the names of the actresses/singers who played Disney’s fairy tale princesses – crazy.
The Group’s Average ratings (out of 5):
Book:
OK, I’m just going to give the actual ratings from each of us:
F for effort, 0, .25, .25,-1.00, 0 – I’m pretty sure that adds up to an empty cup.
Movie:
4 cups of wassail
The bottom line:
I checked Amazon before making my book choice and Tailored for Trouble had overwhelmingly positive reviews – which I really don’t understand, seeing as 6 out 6 of us – different ages and book preferences – didn’t care for it. I say skip the book.
Enchanted is fun for a lot of audiences: Disney fans, fairy tale fans, romantic comedy fans – If you haven’t already watched the movie, watch it. And if you have, watch it a second time to catch all the fun references.
Next month’s Book and Movie Theme:
Australia and we will be reading The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana
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Fairy Tale Inspired poem: Sonnet to Old Man Winter
Sonnet to Old Man Winter
by Dorlana Vann
I wrote this in 2011 – my first (and last) attempt at a sonnet. My inspiration for this poem was the Russian fairy tale Morozko (Old Man Winter).
You’re a vision in white; lightly sun kissed.
Your touch can be soft and your rhythm slow.
You take my breath away with your crispness.
Your name echoes with the breeze, Morozko.
I met you in the bitter woods that day.
Your trick question I answered with the truth.
Please tell me, what was I suppose to say?
To blatantly lie would have been uncouth.
Your mood changes from slightly cool to harsh.
Your nature is biting; naturally cruel.
Your icy winds went straight through my cold heart.
You gave me chilling death, my sister jewels.
Respect Old Man Winter, father would say.
I’ll pay my respects…in the month of May.
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Book (Wonder) and Movie (Home Alone) Club’s Review
November’s 2016 Book and Movie Review Theme: Children
Book/Movie Club Set Up:
Each member of our group (women ages 23-48) draws a month and a genre/theme. Whosever month it is, gets to choose a book and movie in their category. (They do not have to be one in the same.)
The group has approximately 3 weeks to read the book and then we get together to eat, discuss the book, and then watch the movie.
Quick Book Summary (from Amazon): Wonder by R. J. Palacio (2012): August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.
Quick Movie Summary (from IMDB): Home Alone 1990: An 8-year old troublemaker must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.
The Itinerary:
We met at Laura’s apartment for a slumber party! We ordered pizza and also had some of our childhood favs: brownies, brownie cookies, chips and dip, candy, and juice boxes. And some of our current favorites: beer and wine. We sat on the floor in our jammies to discuss the book and then watch the movie.
Thoughts about the Book:
Pros: Everyone really enjoyed the book. Some of us shared that there were a few tears shed during the reading. We liked the switching of different points of view. The author did a great job of making you feel strongly one way or another about all the characters. We all liked Auggie, but there were other standout characters, especially Via and Justin. And no one liked Julian of course, but Miranda was another character who the group thought was unlikable and had questionable motives.
Cons: I got distracted a few times by the out-of-date references: Clint Eastwood, Sound of Music, The little Rascals, Close Encounters etc. I think today’s 10-year-old (even in 2012) would use a little more current entertainment references. The book was slow at times – there were a lot of every day conversations.
Thoughts about the Movie:
We had a blast watching the movie. I mean, it was Home Alone, what’s not to love – but the fun might’ve also been due to a group of women sitting around eating kid food and drinking adult beverages.
We thought the movie would benefit from pop-ups explaining certain fun trivia, which some of us added during the movie, e.g., John Candy ad-libbed all his lines, the gangster movie that Kevin watches isn’t a real movie, and Home Alone was inspired by a scene from the movie Uncle Buck.
We also played “Dead or Not Dead,” guessing which booby traps the crooks endured would have actually killed them in real life.
Girly Discussion:
We thought the family mistreated the little guy in Home Alone.
Interesting Discoveries:
Wonder will be made into a movie starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay.
Even the reviews for Wonder will make you cry.
The Group’s Average ratings (out of 5):
Book: 4 juice boxes
Movie: 4 juice boxes
The bottom line:
Wonder is perfect for all ages. It is touching, humorous at times, and has subtle lessons about the importance of acceptance, friendship, and family. Read it!
Home Alone is a Christmas comedy classic – but you gotta watch it with fun friends who don’t mind talk and laughter during a movie.
Next month’s Book and Movie Theme: Romance – We are reading Tailored for Trouble by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff – Movie TBA
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana
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Paperback Giveaway plus Amazon eBook Freebie
Hi Friends,
I wanted to let you know about two promotions I’m having right now. I’m giving away one paperback copy of The Trouble with Snowmen. And Silverweed: a supernatural fairy tale eBook is free on Amazon.
The Trouble with Snowmen’s paperback giveaway is being hosted by GoodReads. If you are already on GoodReads it is super easy to enter. If you are not familiar with GoodReads and like to read, you should really check it out. (This is open to US, GB, and, CA) Giveaway Ends November 29, 2016.
Enter Giveaway
A Romantic Comedy all about heart-breakers (snowmen), fun shenanigans, fashion, séances, downtown Houston, urban cowgirls, and some of that kissy-kissy stuff.
Snowmen drift into your life like they were sent from above. The relationship is great, rolls right along, and builds. Everything seems perfect … until a little heat is introduced. Then they melt, leaving only their hat, their scarf, something to remind their victims of what they’d lost.
Urban cowgirl Haley Monroe is told that the fabulously hot guy who just dumped her was a snowman. Her friend Maximilian convinces her that the only way she’ll ever stop being played by snowmen is to become one.
Snowmen is also available for Kindle – the eBook is only $2.99 – As well as book 2 The Trouble with Scarecrows.
Silverweed: a supernatural fairy tale eBook is free on Amazon today thru Monday, November 21, 2016.
Silverweed is not a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The YA novel was inspired by my short story, Silverweed Muffins, which was inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. I used some of the same background and plot lines as the short story, but when I drafted my novel, I added a theme – a theme that I interpreted from the fairy tale. And to me, Little Red Riding Hood is all about fear, the message being, “Don’t talk to strangers,” and “Don’t stray from the path.” So Silverweed’s theme ended up being: The real monster is fear.
I also added a little fun (as well as discipline) when I decided to use lines from Little Red Riding Hood as my chapter titles and chapter inspirations. And when you read the chapter titles in order, they actually a condensed version of the Grimm Brother’s Little Red Riding Hood. I also used them to kind of guide me through the book.
Superstition Background:
The superstition references in Silverweed are a combination of my grandfather’s stories and a cool little superstitions dictionary, Dictionary of Superstitions by David Pickering.
Around the same time my mom was reminiscing (2006), I was writing the rough draft of the short story, and all of these memories set the entire mood for “Silverweed Muffins” which eventually became Silverweed the novel.
Here are a few links:
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana
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Fairy Tale Inspired Poem: Bashful
Bashful
by
Dorlana Vann
When I saw her stretched across the tidy beds,
Love’s potent sword struck my heart before I knew
Who this lovely stranger was or one word said.
But I remained silent, as I always do.
With one bite, she fell ill on that dreadful day.
In a glass coffin, it hurt to see her lay.
I longed to kiss her ruby lips, but froze.
Joy but regret: the prince woke her and betrothed.
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Discovery Green: Places from “The Trouble with Snowmen”
One of the Downtown Houston, Texas locations mentioned in my romantic comedy, The Trouble with Snowmen, is Discovery Green. This urban park has over 11 acres with a stage, a playground, shaded seating areas, gardens, and plenty of room for festivals.
Last weekend, we (I went with my husband and son) attended the Egyptian Festival. They had camel rides, food, a show, and tented shopping, charity, and community booths.
I found a little treasure: a unique hand-carved cano
pic jar to add to my Egyptian collectibles.
Later, we sat on the lawn and watched the show for a few minutes, and then walked through the Wortham Foundation Gardens to The Listening Vessels. You sit on the little bench in the stone sculptures and another person sits in the other one that is directly across and 70 feet away. Y’all talk, and you can hear the other person’s voice all around you. It’s really cool.
If you live in Houston, or plan to visit, this is a great family outing, even if there isn’t a festival going on.
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana
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Book (The Silent Sister) and Movie (The Girl on the Train) Club’s Review
October 2016 Book and Movie Review Theme: Thriller
Book/Movie Club Set Up:
Each member of our group (women ages 23-48) draws a month and a genre/theme, and they get to choose a book and movie in their category. (They do not have to be one in the same.)
The group has approximately 3 weeks to read the book and then we get together to eat, discuss the book, and then watch the movie.
Quick Book Summary: The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
(From Amazon – condensed) Riley has spent her life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide. Now, over twenty years later, she finds evidence that Lisa is alive.
Quick Movie Summary: The Girl on the Train – Screenplay: Erin Cressida Wilson (Based on the novel by: Paula Hawkins)
(From IMDB) A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.
The Itinerary:
We met at our local Bar Louie for fruity martinis, appetizers (Bruschetta Pomodoro, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Tempura Shrimp, Hummus Platter, & Roasted Vegetable Flatbread), and to discuss the book. An hourish later, we headed to the movies. After the show, we settled on the patio of Baker St. Pub & Grill to discuss the movie (and maybe to have another drink.)
Thoughts about the Book:
My thoughts: At first, I thought I was going to really love the book. The first half read smoothly, and I was anxious to get to promised secrets – but it fell flat. There was no suspense, and the few secrets that were finally revealed, after endless backstory, were boring. I did finish the book but skimmed a lot of pages. I didn’t believe most of the characters, except for Danny. Everyone was selfish and there was no redemption to be had. I also don’t understand why the blurb gives away most of the book? Why? My personal rating 2.5 martinis.
The Group’s thoughts: No one really cared much for the book, except that it was an easy read, but at least everyone (except one) actually finished the entire book. The characters were flat, no real surprises (very predictable), and the ending pretty much sucked.
Thoughts about the Movie:
My thoughts: It was a little slow and depressing at times. But the character’s stories and their development was worth the leisure rhythm. I ended up really enjoying the movie, and personally gave it 4 martinis.
The Group’s thoughts: Everyone loved the movie: Interesting well-developed characters, the plot was full of surprises, and, Whoa! What an ending. Those who read the book prior said it stayed really close to the same story line. We all thought that Emily Blunt did an outstanding job.
The Girly Discussions:
Some of the group thought that that Haley Bennett (Megan) looks a lot like Jennifer Lawrence (I don’t agree).
Some of us thought Edgar Ramírez (Dr. Kamal Abdic) was the hottest guy in the movie (I agree).
There was talk and laughs about the sex scenes in the movie (Some discussions at book club, stay at book club 🙂
Interesting Discoveries:
We weren’t the only ones who thought that the book was lacking: “The Silent Sister, by the perhaps slightly overstimulated Diane Chamberlain, has a lot going on for 350 pages, most of which is detail masquerading as substance.” The following review (according to the majority of the group) was spot on: http://readspoilers.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-silent-sister-rating-execrable.html
The Group’s Average Ratings (rounded up):
Book: 3 martinis (2.7)
Movie: 4 martinis (4.4)
The bottom line:
Even though we thought we were going to read a thriller, The Silent Sister was more family saga, I guess. But even so, I really think that Part II could have been omitted and I wouldn’t have missed a thing.
The movie is a psychological, well plotted and paced thriller – so, if that is your thing, you’ve got see it.
Skip the book – Go see the Movie.
Next month’s Book and Movie Theme: Children’s. We are reading the book: Wonder by R. J. Palacio Movie TBA.
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana
Dorlana Vann - Author 