Before Midnight was coming out, and I had never seen Before Sunrise (1995) or Before Sunset (2004), not that I hadn’t had plenty of time. I quickly got Before Sunrise from Netflix and watched it right away. A completely charming, lovely movie about nice and interesting Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke), meeting on [...]
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The Mighty Kymm’s Deep Cuts: Iron Man III
Hooray, the summer movie season has begun! “But Mighty Kymm,” I hear you cry, “It is not summer, it is the beginning of May, and it just totally snowed in Wisconsin!” This may be true, but it’s 93° here in LA, and also we are sick of the post-Oscars doldrums, and also we are ready [...]
The Mighty Kymm’s Deep Cuts: The Big Wedding
I was really looking forward to this movie, though there were a couple of red flags, like the fact that it’s an English-language remake of a French comedy, which often does not translate well, and it’s a comedy with Robert DeNiro in it, which often seems to be watching him pick up a paycheck for [...]
The Mighty Kymm’s Deep Cuts: The Place Beyond the Pines
Editor’s Note: This marks the first movie review from The Mighty Kymm (aka Kymm Zuckert). Look for more from Kymm on alternating Thursday afternoons, or maybe you’ll meet her at the movies. I had such a huge Easter dinner that, as I was driving to the screening, I thought, “If this movie doesn’t grab me [...]
Maximum Ride: Fang
Well, well, well… young love blossoms, gets interesting, and just when you think it will all work out ½ of the partnership runs away. If you know anything about the Maximum Ride series, you will be wondering who. If you know nothing- I recommend you start at the beginning with book one. Seriously, in this [...]
ATG Review: Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook, up for four Golden Globes and now numerous Academy Awards, is the story of a man with bipolar disorder and his struggle to re-enter society after a stay in a mental hospital. Pat Solitano, our hero in the film, is played by Bradley Cooper. Other big names in this movie are Robert [...]
ATG Review: Magical Journey, An Apprenticeship in Contentment
I wonder if there is some new calling or purpose awaiting me in the next phase of life that might begin to compare with the joys and challenges of balancing work and motherhood and family. I wonder if the best days are behind me, and whether I can find a new sense of meaning and [...]
Keep Calm and Keep Reading: Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, by Susan Elia MacNeal
KPO. As Mr. Churchill (Winston, that is) reminds Maggie Hope – his brilliant young secretary and the heroine of Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal - KPO is more than just the British way. It’s absolutely necessary for the welfare of the nation. For the uninitiated, KPO is Brit speak for Keep Plodding On, a sentiment similar to [...]
The Great Pizza Contest
Book By Riley Roam Silly, silly, silly! My son and I actually laughed out loud reading this one. With character names such as, “Lynn Gweeny” and “Al Fredo,” what do you expect? The best news is that my son was NOT in the mood to read. He was giving me his usual grump- and then, [...]
All’s Quiet
Autumn is my favorite season, with its cool, clear days and its landscape of vibrant colors. But it’s also time for drawing inward, for pulling all your inner resources together, storing energy and warmth for the cold hard days ahead. I am a quiet person, best suited to being home with my family, my dogs, my [...]
Tributary – An Epic Novel of One Woman’s Journey in the Wild, Wild, West
Clair Martin, the strong hearted protagonist of Tributary, embodies the true spirit of the American West – the thirst for identity, the determination to forge an honest life, the fierce loyalty to people and ideals she believes in. She is a woman on a quest, and it drives her away from the rigid confines of [...]
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Novel By Annabel Pitcher Do you ever find yourself rooting for a character in a story even when they are breaking the rules? Do you enjoy the innocence and honesty of children? Yes. You’ll devour this one then. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is Annabel Pitcher’s debut novel. Let’s welcome her with open arms. She [...]
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning
Max and her flock are at it again; saving the world- this time from big corporations that are contributing to global warming. Actually, the whole series has been leading to this point, but in this book, the arguments against global warming take shape and are presented without hesitation. Yes. This book becomes a platform for [...]
Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This book is the first in a trilogy and all three books were given to me by Suzanne Collins, but not that Suzanne Collins. They were given by a dear friend. She recommended them to me as a ‘page turner’ set of books and my edition is printed by Scholastic Children’s books. I have to say I think they are unsuitable as children’s books and would prefer readers to be in their late teens or older.
Maximum Ride Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
I love the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. Really, I do. I know it was written for the young guys and gals, but I enjoy the books. If you run a young adult book club or want to read with your child, I recommend the whole series. I’ll admit, I was late to the [...]
Film Review: Brave
Brave is the story of an unusual Scottish princess, who has three suitors vying for her hand in marriage, but she is not interested. She wants to remain single and explore the surrounding forest with her loyal horse, Angus. Princess Merida has a love of archery, encouraged by her father, King Fergus, who gave her a bow for her birthday when she was a small child. It was on that day that the family first encountered Mordu, a giant black bear, who caused Fergus to lose his leg. King Fergus swears to get his revenge on Mordu.
My Summer of Reading Historically
Whenever I was asked to identify my favorite subject in school, I found it hard to decide between English or History. So it’s no surprise that I love historical novels, and this summer I’ve been gorging myself on a feast of wonderful new books in that genre. The Sandcastle Girls, Chris Bohjalian’s novel about the [...]
Walking the Walk
No one could ever accuse me of being athletic. I’m clumsy and uncoordinated and not terribly strong. But I haven’t been living under a rock – I know how important it is to exercise this body of mine, especially now that’s it past the half-way mark in terms of life expectancy. Gotta move it or [...]
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Cover Girl Stephenie Meyer: An Interview (Part One) with Deb Smouse
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Live Alone and Like It The Classic Guide for the Single Woman
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My Plan to Thrive while I Deal with Grief this Holiday Season
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Life, Love and Lesson Plans by Wynn Godbold
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Under the Bed by Jody Keisner
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The Mighty Kymm’s Deep Cuts: Before Midnight
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Happier & Healthier Living: Sandwich Generation
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The Gypsy Girl’s Guide to Atlanta, GA
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Habitation: Ditching Drama as a Lifestyle
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Man on Monday: Brian Plautz of Chroma
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Penny Luker: Thanks Jodie I couldn't agree more. We need more ...
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Jody: Thanks Penny. I enjoyed reading this. A lot. W...
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Margaret: Really great read, Jody. Our relationships with w...
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Elizabeth Rago: Thanks, Roxanne. I am so happy I am on my side now...
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