In My Mailbox #3

Since I have not posted about my new books in a while, I thought maybe I should post about a selection of them - all these books I'm excited to read and can't wait to review. Coming soon to the blog near you!

Tony Parsons is an author I always liked and I've read most of his novels (Man and Boy is exceptional!). Starting Over (what you see in the picture is a Serbian translation) sounds fantastic and I was so glad when someone got me this. Don't you love it when people nail the presents they get you?

The second book you see in the picture is the ARC of Elise Blackwell's upcoming book, An Unfinished Score. I was proud to receive an ARC from such an acclaimed author. I am in the process of reading it and I love it! Review coming very soon.

Then, we have Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, another review copy. This one I'm gonna review soon as well, since it's been a while since I received it. I don't want the author to think I forgot about her!


Richard Ellmann's biography of the one and only Oscar Wilde was a present from a very dear friend. It is one of those books you simply cannot wait to sink your teeth in, but keep waiting for the perfect moment. I do not want to rush this book, instead I want to read it at a slow pace when I have less obligations.

Finally, here we have Without you: A Memoir of Love, Loss and the Musical RENT. Any good friend of mine knows of my love for the musical RENT, and here is a memoir by Anthony Rapp, one of the original Broadway actors. This is another one I cannot wait to read.

What's in your mailbox?

Book to Movie Review: New Moon

If you remember my review on the Twilight saga's second installment, New Moon, then you may expect how I felt before seeing this movie. I expected a disaster, of course, but some small part of me actually hoped that it was either Robert Pattinson or Catherine Hardwicke, who added much needed depth to the first movie adaptation, would save this one.

Unfortunately, Robbie is gone for the majority of the movie, and the movie itself is directed by probably my most loathed director, Chris Weitz. Mr. Weitz is responsible for his adaptation of Philip Pullman's epic book Northern Lights (aka The Golden Compass in America), the result of which was a complete travesty. Here, he manages to not only disregard the fact that the paper thin story of New Moon could be improved greatly on screen, but he completely runs the film into the ground.

As for the (non-existent) plot: Edward is no longer the cool, smart vamp-boy he was in the first installment - rather, he is an immature wuss. After he leaves Bella with a ridiculous excuse (and after we see she is stupid enough to buy it), Bella gets friendly with the young, steroid-popping Native American. His name is Jacob and he is a werewolf. He also supplies Bella with means of getting into situations of mortal danger, 'cause that's when visions of Edward start happening. Nothing much happens for a really long time, until Bella finally goes to Italy (?!), gets to meet a far superior actress in the form of Dakota Fanning and kinda save Edward's life (what happened there is still a bit unclear to me). That's it, folks.

Let's get done with the good points already, so I can keep on trashing this film as much as it deserves. Robert Pattinson really is a good actor. Ashley Greene (who plays Alice) is really kinda cool. OK, I'm done.

When it comes to the bad stuff, special effects are really substandard. It's hard to believe that New Moon came out in 2009. The visions Bella has of Edward are best described as holograms and the werewolves are probably the worst CGI creatures I have seen lately. After finally getting an appropriate idea of what a werewolf should look like in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it's sad to see we're back at the start.

I am sure people who loved the book will love this film, but seriously, it might be damaging to one's IQ. Hardwicke's version of Twilight was all about subtlety, sneaking up on the viewer and tapping into his long-forgotten ideas of innocence and romance. Here, no reference is uttered less than three times, so the silly audience can get it (Romeo & Juliet, anyone?). Unlike Twilight, New Moon taps into a viewer's love for cineplexes. I'm actually surprised it's not in 3D.

RATING: 2/5

Review: Rage - Gay Crusader

I don't have much reading experience when it comes to graphic novels, so I was excited to read this one as part of my LGBT Reading Challenge. This month's mini challenge is to read a graphic novel containing GLBT themes, so I picked Rage - Gay Crusader.

Rage is a spin off comic book from the hit TV show Queer as Folk. Its plot alludes to some first season plot points and the characters are drawn based on their TV counterparts. The comic book actually plays an important part in the show, so it was fun to actually get to read it.

Rage is a superhero, living with his faithful sidekick in the city of Gayopolis (one of the many campy details featured in the book). His good looks often help him solve problems on the streets, which is not surprising, since he is based on the actor Gale Harold, who plays the show's protagonist. There is not much to the story, really - he saves a teen from a brutal gay bashing and then beds him. However, the imagery was simply beautiful. Black and white, detailed, nostalgic of the show.

There is not really much to say about this, but I am sure this mini graphic novel will be enjoyed even by people who never watched the show (shame on you!). All in all, it is a fun little graphic novel that doesn't take itself too seriously. Recommended.

This book counts toward my GLBT challenge.

Review: Desperate Housewives - Behind Closed Doors

Back in 2004, one show came out of nowhere, only to become the most talked about thing on television, almost singlehandedly putting the ABC network back on the radar. The hit show was Desperate Housewives, which is now still going strong, currently in its six season.

Behind Closed Doors is a companion coffee-table book to the first season of the show. It takes a look back on the conception of this cult phenomenon, the five actresses whose careers were salvaged by their roles as housewives and finally, the many characters, plots and every minor detail imaginable, as long as it deals with the lives of Bree, Lynette, Susan and Gabby.

The first thing that pops off the page is how impeccably the book is designed. There are plenty of high quality pictures both from the show and from behind the scenes, the treasure throve of information this book provides is organized clearly and aesthetically - it's really a book to put on your favorite coffee table. The best part is probably the styles of each housewives - how they're dressed for the show, why they're dressed like that and finally, how the wardrobe reflects the characters. There is also a very interesting and detailed insight into each episode of the first season.

Obviously, this book will be bought exclusively by the people who already love the show. However, it can also be useful to anyone who is has come late to the party that is Desperate Housewives. I highly recommend this book.

RATING: 5/5

Sing Me to Sleep Giveaway Winners

Again, it's been a while. I feel like a very, very bad blogger. My immune system is really fighting to get better and again, I've been sick... So I am sorry to everyone who was anticipating the results of the Sing Me to Sleep giveaway!

So, here's the winner! Congratulations to Kelly Amanda!

And of course, do not forget to visit the author's site!

Review: Sticks and Stones by Jamie Craig

When I posted the teaser for the romance novel Sticks and Stones, I mentioned that it was my first romance ever. This is not exactly true - a couple of weeks ago I tried reading another one. Unfortunately, it was bad beyond belief. It was the first time I quit reading a book without feeling the least bit guilty. In fact, it was a huge relief. Therefore, it should come as no surprise I approached Sticks and Stones with caution. I was in for another surprise when I realized this was not only a perfectly enjoyable read, but also one I would have no trouble recommending to other romance lovers.

The name Jamie Craig found on the cover of the novel is in fact a pseudonym acclaimed romance writers Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza use when writing together. Sticks and Stones is set in the golden age of Hollywood musical theater, subtly evoking the era of manly tap dancers and dreamy singers. Paul Dunham is both. MGM's biggest star, he is furious to find out the British newcomer Jack Wells is set to be his co-star in the upcoming musical blockbuster. On the other hand, Jack is thrilled to have an opportunity to dance next to a man he has not only respected throughout his career, but who he has always had a crush on as well. Many conflicts and problems come their way, but it is not long before Paul admits to himself that maybe his being prejudiced towards Jack was a defense mechanism - and that maybe he should simply give in.

The reason why Sticks and Stones works is because it actually has a good plot, believable characters and an obviously well-researched setting. Although the frank depictions of sex in the book make Candace Bushnell look like a schoolgirl, it is the many tribulations Jack and Paul face that really rings a special bell. The constant bickering, unwillingness to admit one's emotions and many misunderstandings are all contributing factors to making these characters seem worth believing in. Yes, it is an erotic romance, but if you took away the steamy scenes, you would still be left with a gripping, fun read.

There are a of couple things in Sticks and Stones that do not really work, such as the characters of Paul's manager Marty, his wife Lilah and finally Don, Paul's one night stand - all potentially interesting characters (especially Lilah) that are unfortunately used merely as plot devices. However, this is a small bone to pick. All in all, this is a satisfying, interesting, often arousing romance that takes extra steps to make sure everything (even the sex!) helps tell the story of these two men and their hectic relationship. It stays clear of the pulp fiction category, and for this, it should be given a chance.

RATING: 4/5

This review counts toward the GLBT challenge and the Romance Week 2010 challenge.

Teaser Tuesday #5

Teaser Tuesdays are hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here are her instructions:
Grab your current read, turn it to a random page and share two teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Sticks and Stones by Jamie Craig. This is my first full on romance ever (and a gay one at that!) and it's not half bad. Look for the review one of these days. This book will also contribute to the two challenges you see on the right, the LGBT challenge and the Valentine's Day one.

Paul shoved Jack away with enough force to send him stumbling back to the wall. “Since you don’t understand when you’re not wanted, Philip will help you find your way off my property.” He sincerely doubted Philip was a Boy Scout, ready to lead the way with his trusty compass.