Special Edition! Summer movies!

With the 4th of July weekend behind us, we are the the full swing of summer movie season. Due to high movie prices, and the cost of gas, I haven't seen ANY of the flicks I have been looking forward to! But that is about to change! Starting this weekend, I am committed to seeing at least one movie a week. Here's my list of must sees, in no particular order:

The Dark Knight-Why? Because Gigs hearts Christian Bale AND Michael Caine. And b/c Batman Begins was sooooo coool. Add in Heath Ledger as the Joker, and, you've got a surefire hit, with bittersweet results.

Hancock-Why? Independence Day, anyone? Will Smith is so cool, that even this looks watchable.

Hellboy 2-Why? Three words--Guillermo del Toro. Need two more? Pan's Labyrinth.

WALL-E-Why? Why not? Gigs has been a Pixar fan since Toy Story.

Mamma Mia!- Why? Colin Firth! Really, that is the only reason I want to see this thing. I don't like musicals or romantic comedies, so really this is like the worst possible thing for me. A romantic comedy that sings. Hawt.

So what are your must sees this summer?

DISCLAIMER: Please DO NOT share plots, spoilers, or even opinions in the comment space. I will post a review when I see each movie, and then we can discuss. You know how Gigs is about her movies....she doesn't even like to be late for the trailers!

"I want you I need you oh baby oh baby"

So I just finished this new book called First Kiss (Then Tell) , a collection of true stories about YA authors' first kisses. Gigs fav Shannon and Dean Hale recounted their first kiss with each other (though each remembers it differently). Which got Gigs thinking about her first kiss....So for this first time ever, I am going to share the highlights of that fateful night.

It was on the beach.
There was a fire and a cool summer's night breeze.
I was 21 (YES ok I kno I was a late bloomer! But don't worry, I've made up for lost time. Wait, that came out wrong.)
He was...probably 22.
It tasted like SoCo. Probably because he had been drinking SoCo.
He's still a friend, and no, I don't think he knew it was my first kiss.
About 20 people witnessed the event.

Those were the days. Ok, so which of Gigs' faithful readers is brave enough to tell their first kiss story?

No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater than central air.

It's been awhile since my last post, but we can blame it on the heat. Which, btw, I LOVE!

What else is there to do on these hot days but read? I've finished Rumors, which was really good....way better than most sequels. Sad too. But it has a great setup for the third book, Envy. I can't wait to see the dress on the cover! Gigs totally recommends picking up these book for some lazy summer reading.

Also read the new one by Mary Higgins Clark, Where Are You Now?--BLECH. How boring. Don't waste your time.

What's next? Glad you asked! Saving Juliet, Reincarnation, and The Given Day (yes, that would be the new Dennis Lehane book) What's that? It doesn't come out until September!!??!?! Yes, well I am reading what we in the industry call and ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) Stay tuned for my exclusive review! (tho, it may be awhile...this baby is intense!)

But reading is not just limited to books. I also read websites! Here are a few of my new favs:

If you were a fan of the Sweet Valley books, you MUST read The Dairi Burger. Our blogger has set out to re read all the books in the series, and post her commentaries, complete with snarky comments. Hawt. Caution: Beware of snorting laughter. This may 0r may not be appropriate Reference Desk reading.

You know all those great stories you have about working in a library? Scott Douglas posted his online. He has his own blog, and also posts on McSweeney's Internet Tendenancies. I strongly urge you to read the latter. He also just published a book, Quiet Please.

Gigs has a wedding this weekend (no, not her own) but that of Gig's DD contributer, Mr. J! Yes, ladies, he is taken! No, Gigs will not be wearing the Luxe Dress--that's for her OWN wedding!

Just when my to-read list was starting to dwindle....

Run, do not walk to your nearest Borders, Barnes and Noble, independent bookstore, or online vendor and pick up RUMORS. It's out today. Stay tuned for my review!

Also, special thanks to Sharon for sending me Chill Factor by Rachel Caine. I will try very, very hard to save it for my plane ride. No promises tho, as it looks way awesome.

Sigh

"Book of the Year", rave critics*

*ok, raves me.

I know it's a bit early to announce my fav book of the year, but I kinda already did in February. And up until yesterday, A Northern Light was by far the best thing I got my hands on. But that was then...

And now comes My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and the Boston Red Sox by Steve Kluger. This book could not have been better. T.C. and Augie are brothers--not by the same parents. And then there is Alejandra. And a deaf 6 year old named Hucky. And the Sox, Mary Poppins, Buck Weaver, Jackie O, and Judy Garland all make appearances too. I can't say more than that or I will tell you the entire plot. But it was simply put, wonderful.

Him?! Really? He's the killer?

Last night brought us some exciting season finales. Most notably, Bones. Does this mean the end Zach? Is he crazy? Oh well, at least we will have our Sweets. I tell ya, I was getting nervous there for a minute or two. And we get treated to David B. without a shirt AND in uniform! Personally, the uniform does it for me.

And I did see the season enders of Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother--and, yes there were tears. Barney and Robin?!?! really? and Ted? oookay...next year, can we please let Alyson Hannigan be the star. Please???? And can I just comment on how much I enjoyed the kiss between Leonard and Penny on The Big Bang Theory. Bravo to the writers for not dragging this romance out. Nothing turns me off like a dragged out romance. Boring!

If you have no idea what I am talking about above, I suggest you use some of your summer catching up on what could be 3 of the 5 best shows on television!*

Summer is just about here, and you know what that means!!! Less tv reviews, more book talk!

How awesome are those Red Sox? Way awesome!


*Totally my humble opinion.