Book Nook Cafe discussion

You Might Remember Me: The Life and Times of Phil Hartman
Mike Thomas
This is a well-written biography of the fabulous and funny Phil Hartman, comedian and actor. Author, Mike Thomas does a great job of chronicling the life and career of Hartman and the tragic outcome of his life.
Books About Film and Television

Julie wrote: "
You Might Remember Me: The Life and Times of Phil Hartman
Mike Thomas
This is a well-w..."

"But Hartman's seemingly charmed life was cut tragically short when he was fatally shot by his troubled third wife, Brynn, who turned a gun on herself several hours later. "

That's sad. I'm not familiar with him.

Julie wrote: "
You Might Remember Me: The Life and Times of Phil Hartman
Mike Thomas
This is a well-w..."

Oddly, i was just thinking of Hartman today, Julie. I couldn’t recall which of the two did the killing. Sad story, thanks for the comments.

madrano wrote: "Julie wrote: "
You Might Remember Me: The Life and Times of Phil Hartman
Mike Thomas
Th..."
He was so funny and talented!

True.

An Assembly Such as This
Pamela Aidan
3/5 stars
This is the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy, the love interest of Elizabeth Bennett from the novel Pride and Prejudice. In this book, the author covers Darcy's storyline including his family and friends. He does meet Elizabeth, at a party but she is hardly in this as the emphasis is on Darcy. Very interesting. Aidan has written four books in this series so it will be interesting to see where she goes with this storyline. Books by Pamela Aidan

Julie wrote: Books by Pamela Aidan.."

You are doing very well on your challenge, Julie !

Julie wrote: "
An Assembly Such as This
Pamela Aidan
3/5 stars
This is the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy, the love interest of Elizabeth Benne..."

As a note to those working on the 100 Challenge, this book would be a fine option for prompt #57-A Novel related to Classics, such as a character from Moby Dick with his/her own story/book.

Sounds as though this series tailored for Big Time Fans of Jane Austen fans. Thanks for telling us about these.

How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived
Leslie Jordan
4/5 stars
Leslie Jordan writes about his life and his career on TV, Instagram and films. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his life. A fast read, you'll get a kick out of this book! Books Off My Of My Reading List

Julie wrote: "
How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived
[author:Leslie Jordan|45..."

I didn't know him until he passed away. Everyone seemed to have very nice things to say about him.

We'll Always Have Casablanca: The Legend and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Film
Noah Isenberg
4/5 stars
This is the wonderfully interesting book about the film Casablanca. Isenberg discusses the origins of the film, the actors, parodies of the movie and discussions about a sequel. Definitely, for Casablanca fans! Books About Film and Television

That sounds like a great gift idea for Casablanca fans.

Julie wrote: "We'll Always Have Casablanca: The Legend and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Film
Noah Isenberg 4/5 stars"

Excellent, I enjoyed that book too. Going back a few decades, I would recommend Round Up the Usual Suspects: The Making of Casablanca--Bogart, Bergman, and World War II as another great book on a favorite film.

James wrote: "Julie wrote: "We'll Always Have Casablanca: The Legend and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Film
Noah Isenberg 4/5 stars"

Excellent, I enjoyed that book too. G..."

Thanks for the recommendation!

The Final Solution: A Story of Detection
Michael Chabon
3/5 stars
In England, post WWII, Linus, a nine-year-old mute from Nazi Germany, whose only companion is a parrot meets a former detective. The parrot is very verbal and recites a string of German numbers. Not knowing what it means the detective looks into this very puzzling mystery to solve. Books Off Of My Reading List

Julie, if you haven't read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay I would put it on your TBR.

I resisted reading it because I had zero interest in comic books. The book turned out to be so much more than that. It turned out to be a top read for me.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie, if you haven't read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay I would put it on your TBR. "

Julie, I'll second that -- it is truly one of my favorite books of the past twenty-five years.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie, if you haven't read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay I would put it on your TBR.

I resisted reading it because I had zero interest in comic books...."

Thanks for the recommendation!

I wish I remembered it better. It's been a long time since I read it. I'm going to look it up now and read a summary. Thanks.

Duty and Desire
Pamela Aidan
3.5/5 stars
This is the second book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy Series. The story surrounds Darcy and there is only a little mention of Elizabeth Bennet. In this book Darcy takes off to see an Oxford classmate. However, at this reunion, Darcy meets Lady Sylvanie who is up to no good and there is a sinister plot involving the slaying of a pig and a kidnapping of a local child. This book is a little darker than I expected. Books By Pamela Aidan

Well done on another prompt, Julie !

Thanks for the review. I enjoyed your summary of the story.
Michele

Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
Jonathan Eig
5/5 stars
What a wonderful book about the life of baseball star Lou Gehrig. I highly recommend this for anyone to read. I also had read Eig's book The Birth of the Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched a Revolution and loved that book. Looking forward to reading more of his books. Books Off My Reading List

A five star read ! Very nice. I'm not familiar with the author. I'll check him out.

That's Not All Folks!
Mel Blanc
5/5 stars
What a wonderful book about Mel Blanc! He writes about his time voicing cartoon characters Bugs Bunny and many others, also his life on radio, films and on television! He also talks about his wife and son and also how show business affected his life. Highly recommended! Books About Film and Television

Looks interesting!

Julie wrote: "
That's Not All Folks!
Mel Blanc
5/5 stars
What a wonderful book about Mel Blanc! He writes about his time voicing cartoon cha..."

Cute title. I'm glad it was a winner for you, Julie.

The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II
Denise Kiernan
4/5 stars
Interesting story about the women who left their homes to come to Oak Ridge, Tennesse in the Appalachian Mountains to help with the winning of the World War II effort. The women did not know at the time what they were doing at this secretive site till the end of the war. Well written! Extraordinary Women

Julie wrote: "
[book:The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II|15..."

Sounds very interesting. I need to check that one out.

Young Master Darcy: A Lesson in Honour
Pamela Aidan
4/5 stars
Pamela Aidan explores the life of Master Darcy as a teen in 1797. His mother is ill and he is struggling with her illness as the Christmas season begins and he has to return to Pemberly and the expectations of his family. Books by Pamela Aidan

I'm not familiar with the author, Julie. I'm glad it was a 4 star for you.

I'm not familiar with that author, either, but also am happy you liked it, Julie.

These Three Remain
Pamela Aidan
4/5 stars
I do love the original book and the movie of Pride and Prejudice and was so happy to find this four-book series. The books encompassed Fitzwilliam Darcy as the lead character and which tells his side of the story. Highly recommended! Books by Pamela Aidan

I'm happy you found a good series, Julie. It sounds like one Pride and Prejudice fans would enjoy.

We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy
Caseen Gaines
4/5 stars
Wonderful book about the Back To The Future Trilogy. Gaines writes a thorough synopsis of the movies and what has been going on with the films and actors, and how the movies impacted on the public and fans. Books About Film and Television

Julie wrote: "
We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy
[author:Caseen Gaines|471514..."

I've seen that movie in whole and snippets an untold number of times.

Bones: An Alex Delaware Novel
Jonathan Kellerman
4/5 stars
When several murdered prostitutes and a young pianist are found in L.A.'s Bird Marsh preserve, Detective Milo Sturgis contacts his friend and colleague - psychologist Alex Delaware to help him on the case.
Books Off My Reading List

Julie wrote: "
Bones: An Alex Delaware Novel
Jonathan Kellerman
4/5 stars
When several murdered prostitutes and a young pianist ar..."


I used to buy this series in hardcover as soon as they came out. I haven't read one in a long time. Good writing !

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Bones: An Alex Delaware Novel
Jonathan Kellerman
4/5 stars
When several murdered prostitutes and a yo..."
I needed a book to read and was at the library and decided to pick up his book. I haven't read him or his wife's books in a while. Too many books to little time to read!

I tried one of his wife's book years ago. I didn't care for it.

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
Mary Roach
4/5 stars
I have read several books by Mary Roach who writes about non-fiction subjects and she is never boring. This book talks about all things surrounding the science of sex. Very interesting!
Science

Someone else on this board recently mentioned, Mary Roach and I mentioned that many hear really enjoy her books.

Julie wrote: "
[book:The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II|15..."

Julie, i liked reading your comments of books you've read on your List. This is the one which really sounds up my alley. Thank you for sharing about it.

Fortune and Glory
Janet Evanovich
3/5 stars
Stephanie is back! However, her grandmother's new husband, Jimmy Roselli died on their wedding night and leaving a hidden fortune. Stephanie and her grandmother are now searching for the money along with his several others and Gabriela Rose, a soldier of fortune. Will they find it before anyone else does?

This is not on my reading challenge but I needed something to read while waiting for my books to come into the library and this series is a fast read!

I agree, the series individual books are fast reading. And often funny.

I hope you don't have to wait long for your next challenge book, though.

Thanks for the update, i pause reading Stephanie's adventures at #13 or so.

Julie wrote: "Stephanie is back! However, her grandmother's new husband, Jimmy Roselli died on their wedding night and leaving a hidden fortune.."

Grandma got married !?!?

I think I stopped reading the series around book 5 or 8 or so. I read them pre-GoodReads so I don't know. Yes, they are fun quick reads. However, they became too repetitive for me. Since I haven't read one in ages, I probably would enjoy reading one.

John Hughes: A Life in Film: The Genius Behind Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone, and more
Kirk Honeycutt
4/5 stars
Kirk Honeycutt recaps and discusses the films of John Hughes. This book does also talk about his life but not in an in-depth way. I enjoyed it. Books About Film and Television

Hughes really touched people of all ages with those films in the '80s & '90s. And most are still fondly remembered. Thanks for the title, Julie.

I love those movies. I must have seen Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club and Home Alone a zillion times.

I ordered a couple of his movies to re-watch!