K is for Kiss the Girls

About the Book

Kiss the Girls is a novel wirten by James Patterson. Published in 1995 it is the second novel to star his main character Alex Cross, an African-American psychologist and policeman (Wiki). This psychological thriller brings to live "Washington Police Detective, Alex Cross" as he travels to North Carolina in an attempt to find his missing niece. Upon his arrival he is informed by the FBI and DEA that "eight to ten women are missing, all from different states, and all have received notes from someone calling himself Casanova. Around the same time, Casanova abducts another woman, Dr. Kate McTiernan and makes her part of his harem of young, attractive, and exceptional women" (Wiki).

About the Movie

Morgan Freeman stars as the Forensic Psychologist Alex Cross who has been tasked with finding Casanova, the individual who has women captive. Also includes the talented Ashely Judd as Dr. Kate McTiernan who has escaped Casanova's clutches. She teams together with Alex Cross to bring down a madman. Kiss the Girls was released in 1997 by Paramount Pictures and was directed by Gary Fleder. Its a mystery thriller that will have you holding your breath until the very end. 

J is for Jane Eyre

About the Book

Jane Eyre was written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847 and was originally titled Jane Eyre: An Autobiography. According to Wiki, the novel revolutionized the art of fiction. The author has been called the first historian of the private consciousness. The novel contains a strong sense of morality, social criticism, and ahead of its time. The main protagonist Jane faces exploration of the different classes in society, sexuality, religion, and proto-feminism.

About the Movie

Starring Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre, Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax, and Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester. The first rendition of the classic novel that I watched contained Orson Welles (Jane Eyre, 1943) and loved it. The 2011 release by Focus Features shows the trials and tribulations of orphaned Jane Eyre, her struggle against her relatives to boarding home, to her freedom within her occupations. I love watching the love bloom between the strong morale Jane and the ridged Mr. Rochester. I love this story and how there is more to Mr. Rochester and he is such a mystery, which only pulls Jane in further. 

I is for IT

About the Book

I've never read the book and don't plan on it! After watching the movie when I was younger, I think I have forever been changed - against clowns. I can now say that I suffer from Coulrophobia (fear of clowns). No, I shouldn't say that I'd never read Stephen King's novel IT, I just don't know if I want to keep torchering myself with images of Pennywise, the demonic clown character from the novel. 

IT was published in 1986, it is a horror novel that won the British Fantasy Award in 1987, and Publishers Weekly listed the novel as the best-selling book in the U.S. in 1986.

About the Movie

The 1990 made for TV series follows a group of children from a small town that had been terrorized by a demonic being; Pennywise the deceptive clown. The kids refer to themselves as "The Loser Club" and 30 years later have to return home as they are called back to fight the same being again (IT, IMDb). Pennywise (Tim Curry) manipulates his victims by using their own fears against them, when they were children, and again as they are adults. Some say that the first half of the movie is much better than the second hale (I agree). I have also heard that the book ends much better than the mini-series - than again, when have we ever heard of a movie or an adaption being better than the book? If you like horror, then this is right up your alley. If you don't like horror - look (rather run) the other way!

Links

Stephen King Official Site

H is for Harry Potter

About the Books

I remember the very first time that I even heard of Harry Potter, it was before I was married, before I had my son, while I was still working full-time at a school that I love. A co-worker of mine actually introduced me to the book and it seemed like everyone was reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Then, after the trauma with my son's birth and my own, I sought refuge and escape within the realms of Harry Potter. I was so blessed that I have wonderful parents that went out and bought every book that they could, I believe at the time it was up to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Then, it was waiting in line at book stores to obtain the newest releases; all well worth it! 

The Harry Potter saga follows a young Harry as he learns about the wizarding world that he is destined for. He's an orphan living with his horrid Aunt and Uncle, then one day a miracle, owls deliver his invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Through the course of the series Hogwarts becomes Harry's home and he learns his legacy is to fight what is threatening his home, family, and friends. It is an epic journey through the corners of our imaginations.

About the Movies

One of the worst things (for me) is when characters change within a series. Luckily for us, all of the main characters remained (for one exception) the same through out the movies franchise; not only that but we got to see the actors grow and mature as well, which was an added bonus. The movies pretty much stayed true to the books. They're full of adventure, comedy, drama, and wizardry magic. Starring Daniel Radcliffe as the hero, Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger the smart one, and Rupert Grint as the loyal best friend Ronald Weasley. Including a legendary cast, this movie saga spans seven books and eight movies in total. To try to name a favorite is like choosing which of your children you prefer the best, it's just not going to happen. I love this series because of the imagination, the action, and the heart. If you haven't seen any of the movies or read the books - where have you been?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry otter and Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Links

J. K. Rowling Official Site

G is for Great Expectations

About the Book

Great Expectations, written by the iconic Charles Dickens. Originally in a chronicle publication; who knew he was a blogger! The publications course ran from 1860 - 1861, then it was published in three volumes. It is a coming of age story that follows Pip, from very humble beginnings, to the man he becomes. The novel depicts the relationship between society and man. It includes a wonderful cast of great characters and plot twists. I love this story because it helps us to understand that life isn't a fairy tale. We might expect a certain outcome for our life, but usually it turns out totally different.

About the Movie

The first movie depiction that I watched starred Ethan Hawke in 1998 with Gwenyth Paltrow; I wasn't impressed. I have tried to watch a couple other adaptions since then as well to no avail. Recently, I have found a version that I think finally gives Dickens the props he deserves within his classic novel. BBC aired Great Expectations in 2011, and thank goodness that they did. Then again, I haven't watched an adaption by BBC that I haven't loved. The mini series showcases the different characters and gives you a better insight into their psychosomatic tendencies. I really enjoyed watching this! It's full of great actors such as Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham, Ray Winstone as the terrifying but endearing Magwich, and Douglas Booth as Pip (who is also in the just released Noah).

F is for Fried Green Tomatoes

About the Book

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is a 1987 novel by Fannie Flagg. The book spent 36 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List with acclaimed reviews. Also, the "Whistle Stop Cafe" was based on another Alabama establishment, Irondale Cafe, which is near the author's birthplace. According to Wikipedia it is still in operation and is also known for it's fried green tomatoes. Flagg has been noted to be an exceptional author that brought the mischief of the bold and enthusiastic Idgie Threadgoode to life and smothered with southern charms. It was noted that Huck Finn and Idgie Threadgoode would make a formidable pair. This story will stay with you as you experience loss, family, and friendships that you won't soon forget. 

About the Movie

One of my absolute favorite movies is Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) starring the legendary Kathy Bates as Evelyn, who is a frustrated housewife trying to deal with the empty nest syndrome after her son has left for college, and reconnecting with her husband. As fate would have it, Evelyn meets the charismatic Ninnie Threadgood (Jessica Tandy). Ninnie tells Evelyn about past events that helps Evelyn deal with her life and they form a wonderful friendship. On a personal note, this movie was a crutch (in a way) for me during my separation and divorce. Luckily for me, at the time, one of the premium cable channels had this in their programming loop, so I would watch and re-watch as much as I could and it would help me escape. This movie holds a very special place in my heart. If you haven't seen it - watch it!

Links

Author Fannie Flagg Official Website

Fried Green Tomatoes IMDb.com

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Wiki

E is for Emma

April A to Z Challenge - Day 5

Whew! We made it through the first week of the April A to Z Challenge. To end the first week off with a sensational note, the classic: Emma.

About the Book

Beloved author Jane Austen stated about her protagonist, Emma Woodhouse as "handsome, clever, and rich" (Wikemedia Foundation, Inc., 2014). Of course for 1815, when the novel was originally published, handsome referred to women as well as men in how they looked. For Emma today, she would be considered pretty or beautiful. Emma is about how Miss Woodhouse tries to play matchmaker and really makes a mess of things, but it all seems to work out in the end.

About the Movie

Emma (1996) stars Gwyneth Paltrow as the privileged Miss Woodhouse. This gem also has the talents of Toni Collette and Alan Cumming, just to name a few. Gwyneth brings to life the character of Emma through her attempts to find love for her friends. Relationships are tried and tested as a result. While she may have lost, many of her attempts, the one match that everyone saw coming besides Miss Woodhouse, gives you that sense of fairy tale endings that feels like a warm hung inside. Emma might seem like a spoiled brat, but she has a heart of gold. I love how it shows how she matures and also develops her love interest as well and how well they compliment one another.

Links

IMDb.com Emma 

Emma (novel) Wikipedia

D is for Devil Wears Prada, The

April A to Z Challenge - Day 4

About the Book

Lauren Weisberger is the best selling chic lit author behind the book The Devil Wears Prada. Released in 2003 by Broadway Books, the sequel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devils Return was released ten years later, in 2013. The original, The Devil Wears Prada book spent six months on the bestsellers list. 

About the Movie

The movie, starring Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, a young woman looking to break out in New York in journalism. She hits a snag however when she is hired as a personal assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding and highly sought after New York editor. The Devil is portrayed by the iconic Meryl Streep who you love, and love to loath at times in this adaption of the bestselling book. I loved this movie because it is a journey through self development. Andy is head strong and doesn't want to be changed by the industry, yet the industry is what is helping her to get ahead and reach personal goals, that she didn't even know she had.

Links

Wikipedia The Devil Wears Prada

IMDb.com The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Author Lauren Weisberger Official Site

C is for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

A to Z Challenge - Day 3

About the Book

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an admired and beloved children's book that has been read worldwide. Written by British author Roald Dahl in 1964, Charlie's adventures has captivated many young readers and Mr. Dahl opened the door of the imagination for many, many years to come. Charlie's adventures in the chocolate factory are a result of a well sought after golden ticket, that gives him exclusive entry into the escentric factory of chocolatier Willy Wonka.

About the Movie

In 2005 Tim Burton released Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through the Warner Brothers Studios. With an all star cast including Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and the young and fabulously talented gent, Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket. There was much debate over which version of the classic tale was dubbed the best, between Burton's rendition or the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. My personal opinion is that both movies give an extraordinary experience within the Dahl masterpiece. 

Links

Official Roald Dahn (Author) Website

Official Warner Brothers Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Site (UK)

B is for Breaking Dawn

April A to Z Challenge - Day 2

Author Stephenie Meyer

I wasn't included in the fandom-faze when Twilight became a best seller. I was introduced into the Twilight craze when I joined my sister and her friend when they went to watch the first movie. It was shortly after my husband and I separated and were getting divorced. I didn't have much hope in love at that point in my life. But, thank you Stephenie Meyers for rejuvenating that hope in Edward. Yes, I'm team Edward. This was a fabulous series to follow and be part of the book releases and movie release fun. 

After watching the first movie I was immediately intrigued and started reading the books. My favorite, by far, was Breaking Dawn. The fourth (and sadly, last) in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers. There is speculation (Midnight Sun) and such that there might be a continuation. That would be awesome, but as of date, have not read or heard anything to contradict Meyers claim that she will no longer be continuing the Twilight series.

Meyers holding Breaking Dawn

When I first read Breaking Dawn, I didn't have a night nurse for my son (two nights in a row) and thought it was the perfect opportunity to do a straight-through read. I was going to have to be up for the next two days and nights, so - why not. Let me just say, by the time I got to go to bed on night 3 I was hallucinating. Anyway, I'm not a fast reader, even though I try to be. I wanted to devour this book and did the best I could. I've now read Breaking Dawn at least four times. Once when it first came out, another time a few months afterward, and then twice more before each release of the Breaking Dawn movies.

Mr. & Mrs. Cullen - Wedding

The hardcover version of Breaking Dawn has over 756 pages. How in the world could you convert that many pages into one movie? The answer was simple - create two movies. Both movies, while I don't own them yet, are easily movies that I could watch over-and-over. Usually I am not a 'girly-girl', but for Breaking Dawn Part 1 I was a giggly girl for Bella and Edwards wedding. It was absolutely beautiful, having never had an actual wedding myself, my heart sank deeply watching the scenes. One of the most anticipated scenes was obviously the honeymoon, and it was done tastefully. I loved how they were faithful to the book and didn't squirm away from what Bella endured through her struggles after their return and up until the time Edward had to step in and take care of her. I remember seeing the movie for the first time in the theaters and the chills that coursed through my body when Bella's eyes opened at the end. Awesome.

Eternal Love - Edward & Bella Cullen

Nothing could prepare me for Breaking Dawn Part 2, it was highly anticipated and didn't fail to deliver. The only problem is, that you don't really want it to end. My sister and I went to the midnight premiere showing and were among the people originally shocked during the fight sequence. Luckily, we were able to breath and enjoy the rest of the movie like civilized individuals. I think the second part did a great job capturing the intimacy within the new lives of the Cullen's and those around them. The movie, along with the book, gave closure for the series and left a satisfied feeling, but also a sad one for the closing curtain of it all. My favorite part of the book - and one of my favorite scenes from the movie - was during the fight against the Volturi, when Bella was going up against Jane (hehehe). 

Links

Official Stephenie Meyer Website

Breaking Dawn (Book 4) by Stephenie Meyere on Amazon

A is for Anne of Green Gables

April A to Z Challenge - Welcome

Last year was my first year in the A to Z Challenge. I enjoyed it so much that this year I decided, like a crazy person, to sign all four of my blogs up for the challenge. A sane person would probably ween their way in, and say maybe sign two blogs up this year, three the following, and so forth. But, this gal decided to go all in. As such, coming up with themes for each blog wasn't challenging until I cam to this blog. What Shall I Blog About Today? started as my first blog after I self-published my first book. Then I wanted more organization of the different topics, hence the different blogs. This blog has developed into more of a book blog. So, I didn't want to make things easy and just write about books. I decided to write about books-to-movies. The first being...

Anne of Green Gables

The first time I was introduced to Anne of Green Gables was the local cable network MPT (Maryland Public Television's tele-thone, their showcase was Anne of Green Gables staring Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, and Richard Farnsworth. The story follows Anne, an imaginative dreamer, through her challenges of being an orphan. Until she is mistakenly taken to The Guthbert's; an elderly brother and sister duo. Anne breathes live into their sleepy existence and with Anne's energy, mischief and mayhem ensue. 

While I never have read the book - it sits in my Kindle queue awaiting it's read - I cherish the characters and would recommend this series! Written in 1908 by Lucy Maude Montgomery, who was raised in Canada's Prince Edward Island herself and drew from her personal experiences in writing Anne of Green Gables, her fictional bestselling classic.