Book-to-Movie Review: Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

I recently read Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and I quite enjoyed it. I actually wanted to read it because of the movie that came out late last year by the same name. I normally am not a book-to-movie snob - I think most are adequately done especially considering time constraints. In this case...well...all I can say is that I enjoyed reading the book.

The movie fell extremely flat for me. If you read my review on the book, you'll remember that I mentioned that I watched the original version and I adored it. I am a little confused as to why Hollywood thought that they should remake the film. LEAVE THE CLASSICS ALONE!!! The original Orient Express was great as it was - there was no need to remake it, with a star-studded cast at that. I think that I (and perhaps others) got sidetracked by the fact that acting greats like Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and Judi Dench were in the movie, that I neglected to even ask if it was worth my time to watch. There was so much celebrity in the movie that it overshadowed the essence of the Orient Express (for example, the unadmirable Hercule Poirot portrayed by Kenneth Branagh).

There is word that they plan on making additional Poirot adapted movies, like Death on the Nile. If it is going to be anything like the Orient, I'll pass.

Until we read again...

Review: Love Letters to the Dead

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira has been on my to-read list for quite some time now. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it at any of my local libraries, so I ended up buying it from Audible...I wish I just saved my credit.

It's not that I didn't like Love Letters, but I didn't love it. I didn't have any feelings towards it actually. It was just something that I wanted to read and then it was something that I started and needed to finish. The premise was actually very intriguing, but for some reason, I was not drawn to it beyond that.

The main character, Laurel, is given an English assignment to write a letter to a dead person. We soon learn that this is a difficult assignment because her sister, May, has recently died. She writes to Kurt Cobain, Judy Garland, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Janis Joplin and others as she tells her story. She talks to the dead like one might talk to a therapist. She details her days at school, her love life, how her and her family has been coping with her sister's death, and ultimately what led to her sister's death. This sounds like a great story, right? Well...I think that I just don't have an affinity for young adult fiction because it fell flat for me. I found myself dozing off and irritated at many times. It was frustrating for me that it took so long for the readers to learn what happened to May. Laurel's character was frustrating. The side stories were frustrating. I'm not sure that there was depth to any facet of this book - specifically the characters. I honestly have no other words to write except that this book was a complete let down.

Until we read again...

Review: The Bright Hour

I started this book as I was waiting nervously to give blood. I have the universal blood type so I strongly feel that it is my duty to donate blood - but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was nervous every time and wishing that I was doing anything else. Without a doubt, even reading the first few pages put things in perspective.

Nina Riggs was dying of breast cancer when she wrote The Bright Hour. She talked about how it was for her to progress through the disease (doctor's appointments, talking to her young children, consulting with a lawyer for her will, and even the struggles of having sex with her husband while possible) as well as her experience dealing with her mom's progression and ultimate demise from the same cancer. It was definitely a sobering read. I finished this book feeling reinvigorated about life.

As I say that, I also struggle with that thought. For the most part, my family lives to at least their mid-90's. I expect nothing less for myself. How is it that some people don't have the same fortune? Nina Riggs died when she was at the ripe age of 39. I am only 10 years away from that age. I can't imagine saying that my mid-life occurred when I was 19. I hadn't even started to live life at 19. With that being said, towards the end of her life, she seemed to be reconciled with the fact that it was inevitable that she was going to die from breast cancer and that there was nothing that she could do. She had a sense of humor that only those with a limited time on this earth could have. She appreciated the little moments in life that far too often many of us take for granted - like feeling the breeze in our hair. Furthermore, she lived her last days on her terms unapologetically.

If I was to die early, I would hope that I had a legacy to pass on like Riggs. Although she is not physically here with us anymore, she does live on through her book. You can feel the presence of her life through her words. I didn't personally know her, but I felt close to her as I read her dying words. Reading her book was the bright hour in my day as I refocused on what life is truly about.

Until we read again...

Total Money Makeover

I mentioned in my last post that The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey was one of my top read books in 2017. It really revolutionized the way that I think and operate with money.

For example, I racked up a lot of credit card debt in a span of 3 years - for no other reason than I could. 3 years later and I'm looking around trying to figure out what I have to show for it. No financial stability, that's for sure. So, as you can imagine, it was mind-blowing to learn that I can get out of it and that I too can "live like no one else" one day soon.

A big premise behind The TMM is that "cash is king". You only spend what you have in cash - beyond that and you are out of luck. If you don't have it in cash, then you cannot make that purchase. Initially, it was a culture shock to only use cash. I mean...it goes without saying that I don't touch my credit cards (they are locked safely and soundly away); but, I don't even use my debit card - cold hard cash only. The idea is that there is a greater appreciation of the value of your dollar when you spend cash and I can honestly attest to that sentiment. I double think just about every purchase I make when I use cash, because once it's gone...it's gone.

Since I've read this book last November, I've established my emergency fund (baby step 1) and I've paid off my car and three credit cards. I have 5 credit cards left and a student loan (baby step 2) - but I'm excited for the day that I can scream "1...2...3...I'M DEBT FREE!!!!"

For those that are struggling with any debt or are looking for ways to maximize your wealth, I strongly encourage you to grab this book TODAY! It's a simple read but the wealth of knowledge that you leave with will have you feeling like a millionaire in the making. For those that have read it, what were your thoughts? Have you been through The Total Money Makeover? Are you "weird" and how has your life changed from it? Leave a comment - I'm all ears!

Until we read again...

Top 10 Read Books of 2017

Since I did a terrible job of updating on my books read last year, here is a list of my top favorite read in 2017...

1. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

This book deals with race in a way that I would have never imagined. An African-American nurse helps tend to a newborn baby born to a Caucasian couple who are proud to be White Supremacists. They request that the nurse not tend to the baby due to their personal beliefs. The nurse ends up providing medical care to the newborn who needs immediate medical attention and unfortunately the baby dies. The events that follow are frustrating, devastating, and humbling. This is the first book that I've read by Picoult, but her grasp of human emotions and complex situations were enough for me to add her to one of my top 10 authors. My Sister's Keeper is my next planned read by her before her new novel comes out this fall.

2. The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian

Can you imagine a thriller based on sleepwalking? I, for one, couldn't. A mother and wife who is afflicted with sleepwalking has disappeared. Without giving much away, her family is left behind to figure out what happened to her - is she alive? Where did she go? Is foul play suspected? Little does the reader know, but the answer may be right in front of everybody's eyes.

3. The Shack by William P. Young

Unfortunately, I didn't hear about The Shack until I saw the movie trailer for it last year but some things are better late than never. This book is a CLASSIC! The main character, Mackenzie, is dealing with something that no parent should have to face. Dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, he ends up on a spiritual journey that forever changed his life - and mine.

4. The Eli's Cheesecake Cookbook by Maureen Schulman

I am a huge fan of cookbooks. And yes...I read them from start to finish. This book had great recipes and I made several successful cheesecakes. The original with the shortbread crust is my go-to when I have a taste for cheesecake. My favorite part of the book? The science behind making the coveted desserts.

5. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I have been a huge fan of Liane Moriarty since reading The Husband's Secret. I wanted to watch the HBO limited series (never got through it, btw) so I needed to read this. Of course, like all of Moriarty's books that I've read, I loved it. She has a way of developing events and characters in a time of their own - not sooner than the reader needs to know and not a second later - that lends to an impeccable story to the very last page of the book. This novel was no different.

6. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

This is a new classic. Trevor Noah wrote such an eye-opening memoir that I was sad it ended. I learned, I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat...I went through just about every emotion while listening to this book. Yes. I said listen. Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook. You will not be disappointed by Noah's narration.

7. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn

It took me a while to get into this novel, but once I got into it, there was no turning back. Revolving around the unfortunate realities of Jamaican life, it follows two daughters who ultimately seek more for themselves - whether it's true love, self-acceptance, education, or wealth. This was such a heart-wrenching novel - prepare to be shocked, sad, angry, and hopeful for the two ladies.

8. Black Privilege by Charlamagne tha God

I've heard of Charlamagne before but I didn't really know who he was before reading (or listening) to his book. I was glad that I went with a recommendation to read it because I was humbled by his story. He truly worked his way up to being one of the best radio personalities in America and his lessons along the way are priceless.

9. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

I have debt - a considerable amount of debt too, so I read this book as a means to help me get back on track. Boy, did it! I probably read this book within a day - it's not a difficult read. Ramsey does a great job at explaining things in a sense that non-financial people like myself can understand. I haven't looked back financially since I've read this book. It has been a game-changer for me.

10. The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips

This book tugged at my heart. Dealing with racism and colorism, The Darkest Child details the difficult life of Tangy Mae as one of ten children during the late 1950's. Phillips writes so eloquently and passionately that you just want to grab ahold of her characters and tell them unknowingly that it will be okay.

Has anybody read any of these 10? What did you think of them? Do you agree that these were awesome books? I'd be interested in hearing what you think!

Until we read again...

Book Nook

In my dream home, I will have a library. I have never been in a home with a library and I've always wondered why more houses don't have them? I see plenty of houses with offices, game rooms, and multiple family rooms, but none with a library.

Because I live in an apartment, space is limited. I only have as many rooms as bodies necessary...but...I still want a library! So, I did the next best thing instead - I created book nooks for myself and my son. I wanted to create spaces that were conducive to reading. For my son, that meant having a comfortable chair with books readily available for him to read at anytime. It also meant creating a focal piece that he could look at that would get him excited about reading whenever he went into his room - hence the lighted book tree.

This was actually the inspiration for my son's book nook - his school library and their book tree. We need more books at home!

For me, on the other hand, it was about creating an atmosphere more than anything. I absolutely love to read outside (it's actually one of my favorite places to read).  I needed a space near a window, preferably with a nice view. I also love to have a nice drink and candle alongside so I needed some space to accomodate for those items. Voila! My book nook is nothing spectacular or even extravagant but it is perfect for me. I can easily be transported to anywhere in the world with my candles, view, drinks, and book in hand.

My nirvana - what isn't pictured is my bench that I can sit on. 

One day when I purchase my home, I will upgrade to a full blown library, but for now, our books nooks are the perfect spaces for us!

Until we read again...

Vulgar Favors

If you know me, then you know that I am just about obsessed with everything Ryan Murphy touches. Glee. The New Normal. American Horror Story. American Crime Story. When I watched the first season of American Crime Story, which focused on the trial of O.J. Simpson, I felt like my life had changed. Considering that I was no older than 5 or 6 when the "trial of the century" occurred, I was unaware of a lot of details behind the case. When I thought of O.J., I just knew that "if the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit"...that was, until the first seasons of ACS.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ryan Murphy used Jeffrey Toobin's book "The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson" for consultation. I borrowed the book from the library and DEVOURED it. I mean, I absolutely devoured it. So, imagine my excitement when I learn that the second season is surrounding the murder of Gianni Versace! I know absolutely NOTHING about Versace except that he was the mastermind behind the fashion powerhouse AND I have another great book to read *insert side-eye roll*. Well...I still love Ryan Murphy, but...

I am disappointed that he decided to showcase a crime from a novel which relied greatly on hearsay and unsubstantiated theories. This season was based on the novel "Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History" by Maureen Orth and don't be misled by the title like I was. In no sense is this book about Versace. This book revolves around the confusing life of Cunanan. There was no substantial evidence as to why Cunanan murdered Versace - especially since Cunanan died several days later from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. As a matter of fact, Cunanan's involvement with Versace (which primarily consists of the murder) is a mere 100 pages of the 464 and much of those 100 pages talks about how Andrew was able to avoid being caught due to gross negligence of the FBI.

Perhaps because the first season of this show focused on a case in which there was so much evidence to be presented - whether you thought the evidence demonstrated Simpson's guilt or innocence - this season was thoroughly disappointing because the only evidence that has been presented is who Andrew Cunanan killed (they all died from the same gun, with the exception of Jeff Trail who was brutally bludgeoned to death). Andrew Cunanan told so many lies and left no details as to why he committed his crimes that his intent will forever be questioned. Just as Maureen Orth did in her book, Ryan Murphy took a lot of liberty in assuming what Cunanan's motives were, as well as details of specific events. With no witnesses alive to clue the public into these matters, we will never know. In my opinion, Maureen Orth did no justice to the lives lost. It would have been nice for Ryan Murphy to showcase a crime from a better book. "Vulgar Favors" read to me like a sensational piece from the National Enquirer...nothing to be taken too seriously.

With that being said, I am looking forward to the next season of American Crime Story. More importantly, I am excited to read the next book that Ryan Murphy will be consulting.

Until we read again...