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Mostly Martha or No Reservations?

by anonymous

Ever see the German film Mostly Martha? In the movie, Martha is a skilled, yet neurotic, chef. She has a therapist, but spends her sessions cooking for him and talking about food. Tragedy strikes when Martha’s sister dies in an accident, and she takes custody of her niece. Mario, an Italian chef, arrives to add more drama to Martha’s life. Sound vaguely familiar? No Reservations, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, has the same plot because it is based on Mostly Martha. It premieres in theaters this Friday.

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Fantastic Fiction Firsts #75

by muffy

Alright, I haven't read it yet but the critics are heaping high praise on David Blixt's debut novel The Master of Verona.

This first-time novelist+actor of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival has deep roots in the Ann Arbor Community (see the A2News interview), and will be at Borders Downtown on Wednesday, July 25th at 7 p.m. for a reading and signing.

Set in the Italian Renaissance and populated with such luminaries as Dante (Inferno) and the reimagined Montagues and Capulets, this historical is narrated by Pietro Alighieri, the 17 year-old son of Dante. Amidst the excitement of war between Padua and Verona and the drama of the Paduan court, Pietro witnesses his two best friends, Mariotto and Antonio being pushed to the edge of rekindling an ancient blood feud by their joint love of the same woman.

"Intricate plotting, well-staged scenes and colorful descriptions enhance head-spinning but lively entertainment" ~Kirkus.

"The precipitous ending, marked with dizzying revelations by the protagonists, do nothing to mar a novel of intricate plot, taut narrative, sharp period detail and beautifully realized characters." ~Publishers Weekly

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Neon Genesis Evangelion

by joy k

Shinji didn't know what to expect when his aloof father summoned him to Neo Tokyo-3 after several years of estrangement. Becoming the pilot of a giant robot named EVA01 and protecting the world from mysterious invaders, however, was probably not high on his list. Find out the rest of Shinji’s story in the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion (volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). For some it’s the mecha anime to end all mecha anime; others can’t get over the unexpected ending. If you’ve seen it, what did you think?

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New Fiction on the New York Times Best Sellers List (7/22/07)

by Mazie

The Quickie by James Patterson has nabbed the top spot this week. In an interview earlier this spring Patterson said he planned to write at least seven books this year. All have been best sellers so far. Obviously, the buying public cannot get enough of his brand of murder and mayhem.

The only other new entry is Judas Strain by James Rollins.

For a look at the rest of the List, take a peek here

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The "familiar" essay

by Maxine

Anne Fadiman's new book of essays, At Large and At Small is in the familiar vein, meaning each essay is "a confiding, inquiring, and witty reflection on a passionately considered subject." (Booklist). These essays follow the tradition of early 19th century works, not the more contemporary critical or personal essay. Fadiman, also the author of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, covers a range of topics, from ice cream and coffee to the adventures of an Arctic explorer, butterfly collecting and a personal account of a tragic whitewater rafting trip. Fadiman's language is meticulous, her insights often humorous and her concern for the larger questions of meaning and truth evident in all she writes.

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Fabulous Fiction Firsts #74 - Iranian Gems

by muffy

If you enjoyed Anita Amirrezvani’s dazzling debut novel The Blood of Flowers, don’t miss the much anticipated debut The Septembers of Shiraz* by Dalia Sofer, due out next month (holds are accepted now).

Anita Amirrezvani grew up in San Francisco with her mother while spending much time over the years with her father and his extended family in Tehran, including the summer of 1979, at the onset of the Iranian Revolution when she was about to turn 17. Blood of Flower, tells the story of a 17th century unnamed female narrator who, at 14 journeys to Isfahan to learn rug weaving, a trade dominated by men. As she blossoms into a brilliant designer, her prospect for personal happiness grows dim, in this “Dickensian tale of one woman’s struggle to live a life of her choosing”.

Dalia Sofer was born in Iran and fled with her family in 1982 at the age of 10. The Septembers of Shiraz recounts the struggles of the Amin family at the wake of the Iranian Revolution, when father Isaac, a Jewish rare-gem dealer is wrongly accused and imprisoned for being an Israeli spy. His wife Farnaz begins to question the loyalty of those around them. Young daughter Shirin takes immense risk to safeguard the rest of the family, while older son, alone in the United State deals with isolation and falls into the embrace of an unlikely family.

These two novels by first-time authors deal with the universal themes of identity, alienation and love while painting a vivid portrait of Iran, then and now. Great reads.

* = Starred Review

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Want to Be a Dancing Star?

by Mazie

Did you know there is ballroom dancing at the Pittsfield Township Community Center? You can get a great workout while aiming to be the next dancing star in your crowd.

Sue Bareis is leading workshops this summer that will help couples perfect their moves on the dance floor.

The next class is Sunday July 29 with instructions in the Bolero. Beginners are welcome to this session. However, you will need to know your way around the dance floor for the remaining summer sessions on Sundays August 12 (West Coast Swing) and August 26 (Rumba).

The workshops run from 6-8 p.m at the Center at 701 W. Ellsworth Road. The cost is $20 a couple for each session.

Call to register at 734-822-2120.

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"When I really worry about something, I don't just fool around."

by Maxine

The above quote belongs to the one and only Holden Caulfield, the anti-hero of J.D. Salinger's classic, Catcher in the Rye which was published on July 16, 1951. Salinger wrote the book over a period of ten years never thinking it was good enough for publication. In this semi-autobiographical novel, Holden is a sixteen year old troublemaker who runs away from Pencey Prep School a few days before his winter break. Caulfield became an icon of alienation to generations of teenagers. Salinger's other works including his collection of short stories are also somewhat autobiographical. His World War II experiences are reflected in one of his most famous stories, "For Esme, With Love and Squalor." His Glass family books contain characters who were precocious T.V.quiz kids who are later tormented by religious and moral questions expressed with deadpan humor.

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Movie News

by anonymous

Life is good for Sarah Jessica Parker. In June, she created and released an affordable clothing line named Bitten for retailer Steve and Barry’s. In July, it was announced that the popular television show Sex and the City would return as a film in theaters. The series follows the life of Parker’s character, columnist Carrie Bradshaw, and her three friends, played by Kim Catttrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon. There is no confirmation yet that Chris Noth will reprise his role as Mr. Big.

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New Fiction on the New York Times Best Sellers List (7/15/07)

by Mazie

Two new entries explore differences in race and culture and the mysteries we are to each other.

Peony in Love by Lisa See is a imaginative story of love and death in 17th century China with a few ghosts thrown in to heighten the mystery.

New England White by Stephen L. Carter is at first glance a more traditional modern mystery. Set on a college campus, the wife of its president investigates the death of her former lover. The author also delves into the issue of race and the social life of this country's black elite.

The other new entries are Bungalow 2 by Steel and Drop Dead Beautiful by Collins and The Double Agents by Griffin.

For a look at the rest of the List click here.