Howdy, Strangers!
My first order of business is to apologize for my brief absence in the blog world. This past week I got hit with a horrible sinus infection on top of working 3 doubles (yeah, I'm a masochist at times!). By Friday I got a Z-Pak but I ended up spending the whole weekend in bed! So I just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts and also to anyone who has tried emailing me that I haven't gotten back to yet. I'm working on it!
Second, since I was incapacitated this weekend, I wasn't able to fully celebrate Father's Day. So I just wanted to wish my dad a Happy Belated Father's Day. I couldn't have asked for a better dad! You RAWWWK!
Okay, now to the new releases this week! Compared to the last few weeks, the book selections look slim. As they say, sometimes less it more, right? In Adult books, I never heard of Z.A. Recht's zombie series, The Morningstar Strain. Now with the final installment, Survivors, hitting bookshelves tomorrow, and summer only days away, I'm going to have to add this series to my TPR pile. In Young Adult, I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of Courtney Summer's This is Not a Test thanks to LibraryThing.com, so hopefully I will have a review up by next week to share my thoughts. I'm also interested in Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. It sounds unique and intriguing, so I'll have to give it a shot at some point!
In Movies, folks that like their comedies with stories centered around crazy party antics will be happy for the release of Project X. I personally am looking forward to checking out Big Miracle, which is based on a true story starring Drew Barrymore.
Movies that are being released in blu-ray/dvd combo packs this week are: Big Miracle, Project X, Seeking Justice, and Wanderlust.
Lastly, in TV Series, the raunchy, hilarious show Wilfred Season 1 comes out on blu-ray & dvd. Season 2 premieres on the FX channel on June 28th at 10pm (eastern time).
Enjoy!
BOOKS (June 19th)
ADULT
Existence
by: David Brin
Bestselling
, award-winning futurist David Brin returns to globe-spanning, high concept SF with Existence.Gerald Livingston is an orbital garbage collector. For a hundred years, people have been abandoning things in space, and someone has to clean it up. But there’s something spinning a little bit higher than he expects, something that isn’t on the decades’ old orbital maps. An hour after he grabs it and brings it in, rumors fill Earth’s infomesh about an “alien artifact.”
Thrown into the maelstrom of worldwide shared experience, the Artifact is a game-changer. A message in a bottle; an alien capsule that wants to communicate. The world reacts as humans always do: with fear and hope and selfishness and love and violence. And insatiable curiosity.
Fallen Angel
by: Eden Bradley
Was she
heaven-sent…or more heartbreak waiting to happen?Haunted by a military mission that ended in personal tragedy, Declan Byrne still bears a soldier’s scars. As a park ranger on the secluded Mendocino coast, he guards his heart while standing ready for anything. Anything except a beautiful, ethereal woman with a mysterious past, falling from the cliffs to the rocks below.
Angel, as Declan decides to call her, has no memory of what happened. But as her body heals, disturbing dreams emerge. In Declan’s protective care, Angel feels safe to act on the undeniable passion between them, without the threats from old, unnameable demons. And, in time, she senses Declan needs her as desperately as she needs him. But when her past returns with a vengeance, Declan must decide just how much he’s willing to risk in order to keep the woman he loves safe.
Survivors (Morningstar Strain, #3)
by: Z.A. Recht
The long-aw
aited finale of Z.A. Recht’s “action-packed zombie extravaganza” (Ryan C. Thomas) that began with the acclaimed novels Plague of the Dead and Thunder and Ashes. . . . THE MORNINGSTAR STRAIN WAS THE END OF THE WORLD. In the wake of the zombie apocalypse, two separate bands of survivors journey across a decimated America, each with the desperate goal of finding the cure for the virulent plague that threatens the existence of humankind—or what’s left of it. Now it’s up to these inheritors of the future to outlive their waking nightmare, any way they can. BUT FOR THESE SURVIVORS, IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING. One group includes a brilliant virologist; for the other, an immune soldier proves invaluable. Battling infected and marauding raiders at every turn, the teams soon uncover the devious plans of Sawyer, an agent of the Chairman of the Reunited States of America, who believes that Dr. Anna Demilio already has the cure, and he will stop at nothing to find her. Now, with the salvation of the world and their own souls on the line, how far will the survivors go to emerge victorious?YOUNG ADULT
Burn Mark
by: Laura Powell
Glory is fr
om a family of witches and lives beyond the law. She is desperate to develop her powers and become a witch herself. Lucas is the son of the Chief Prosecutor for the Inquisition—the witches’ mortal enemy—and his privileged life is very different to the forbidden world that he lives alongside.And then on the same day, it hits them both. Glory and Lucas develop the Fae—the mark of the witch. In one fell stroke, their lives are inextricably bound together, whether they like it or not ...
Something Like Normal
by: Trish Doller
When T
ravis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.Tell the Wolves I'm Home
by: Carol Rifka Brunt
In this
striking literary debut, Carol Rifka Brunt unfolds a moving story of love, grief, and renewal as two lonely people become the unlikeliest of friends and find that sometimes you don’t know you’ve lost someone until you’ve found them.1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.
At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.
This is Not a Test
by: Courtney Summers
It’s the
end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self.To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live.
But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside.
When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?
MOVIES & TV SERIES (June 19th)
MOVIES
Big Miracle
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Starring
: Drew Barrymore, John KrasinskiInspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.
Exit Humanity
Directed by: John Geddes
Starrin
g: Mark Gibson, Jordan HayesIn the aftermath of the Civil War an unexplained outbreak of the walking dead claims the life of Edward Young's wife while his son disappears. This sets him off on a harrowing journey into the plagued countryside. Facing off challenges not just from the ferocious undead but also from the living, will Edward find an exit to the grotesque caricature of what humanity has become? The War might be over but the fight has just begun.
Jeff Who Lives At Home
Directed by: Jay Duplass
Starring:
Jason Segel, Ed HelmsOn his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of comedic and unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life...and if he's lucky, pick up the wood glue as well.
My Afternoons With Margueritte
Directed by: Jean Becker
Starring
: Gerard Depardieu, Gisele CasadesusMy Afternoons with Margueritte is the story of life's random encounters. In a small French town, Germain, a nearly illiterate man in his 50's and considered to be the village idiot by his friends at the local bistro, takes a walk to the park one day and happens to sit beside Marguerite, a little old lady who is reading excerpts from her novel aloud. She's articulate, highly intelligent and frail. Between Germain and Margueritte, there are 40 years and 200 pounds difference. Germain is lured by Margueritte's passion for life and the magic of literature from which he has always felt excluded. As Margueritte broadens his mind via reading excerpts from her novel, Germain realizes that he is more of an intellectual than he has ever allowed himself to be. Afternoons spent reading aloud on their favorite bench transform their lives and start them both on a new journey -- to literacy and respect for Germain, and to the deepest friendship for Margueritte.
Project X
Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh
Starring
: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper3 high school seniors throw a birthday party to make a name for themselves. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control as word of the party spreads. Project X is an out-of-control comedy that follows a group of buds who set out to throw the most epic 17th birthday party ever. The film documents a high school party that gets completely out of control, shot from the perspective of the digital cameras that the kids have with them.
Seeking Justice
Directed by: Roger Donaldson
Starring: N
icolas Cage, January Hones, Guy PearceThis action-packed thriller stars Nicolas Cage as Will Gerard, a happily married family man whose quiet life is turned upside-down when his wife, Laura (January Jones), is brutally attacked one night while leaving work.
At the hospital, waiting for news about his wife’s condition, Will is approached by Simon, (Guy Pearce) who proposes an intriguing offer: Simon will arrange to have a complete stranger exact vengeance on Laura’s attacker, in exchange for a favor from Will in the near future. Distraught and grief-stricken, Will consents to the deal, unwittingly pulling himself into a dangerous underground vigilante operation. While continuing to protect his wife from the truth, he quickly discovers that his quest for justice could lead to frightening and deadly consequences.
Directed by Roger Donaldson (The Bank Job, The Recruit), with story by Robert Tannen and Todd Hickey and screenplay by Robert Tannen, Seeking Justice also stars Harold Perrineau (ABC’s “Lost,” upcoming Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story) and Jennifer Carpenter (Showtime’s “Dexter,” Quarantine).
Snow on tha BluffDirected by: Damon Russell
Starring:
Curtis SnowSnow on tha Bluff is the story of, Atlanta robbery boy and crack dealer, Curtis Snow, who steals a camera from some college kids in a dope deal and begins documenting his life. At first, it's business as usual for Curt. He robs dope boys, he runs from the cops, and he sells drugs, all while trying to provide for his baby momma and 2-year-old son. But when one of the drug dealers he ripped off comes back for revenge, things in Curt's life spirals out of control.
The FP
Directed by: Brandon Trost
Starring: Brandon Trost
In a dyst
opian future, a relentless turf war rages. Two rival gangs feud for control of rural wasteland Frazier Park ('The FP') in the deadly arena of competitive dance-fight video game "Beat-Beat Revelation." After hometown hero BTRO is slain on the dance platform by thug leader L Dubba E, his protégé younger brother JTRO (Jason Trost) goes into isolation, vowing never to duel again. One year later, The FP is in ruins, and JTRO must find the courage to return and restore order in a ruthless battle for revenge that can only leave one man dancing. From the producers of Paranormal Activity and featuring narration by James Remar (The Warriors), THE FP is a fury of fierce footwork, triumphant montages and neon street wear that Moviefone calls "a rare ready-made cult hit."The Jerk Theory
Directed by: Scott. S. Anderson
Starrin
g: Josh Henderson, Tom ArnoldA nice-guy teen gives himself a bad-boy makeover, and quickly becomes the talk of the school before falling for a girl who doesn't give jerks the time of day. Labeled dull by his girlfriend and dumped for a guy who will treat her wrong, Adam decides that the time for being sensitive is over. Before long he's insulting every girl who comes his way - and they just keep coming back for more! But pretty Molly has dated her fair share of thugs, and now she's
looking for a guy who will respect her. The old Adam would have been a perfect match, but Molly isn't falling for his new routine. Uncertain if his new approach is attracting the kind of girls he really wants, Adam realizes that he'll never find the right one until he drops the act, and focuses on just being himself.Wanderlust
Directed by: David Wain
Starri
ng: Jennifer Aniston, Paul RuddGeorge (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple. After George is downsized out of his job, they find themselves with only one option: to move in with George's awful brother in Atlanta. On the way there, George and Linda stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic community populated by colorful characters who embrace a different way of looking at things. Money? It can't buy happiness. Careers? Who needs them? Clothes? Only if you want them. Is Elysium the fresh start George and Linda need? Or will the change of perspective cause more problems than it solves?
TV SERIES
Franklin & Bash: Season 1
Starring:
Breckin Meyer, Mark-Paul GosselaarJared Franklin (Breckin Meyer, Robot Chicken) and Peter Bash (Mark-Paul Gosselaar, NYPD Blue) have a funny way of practicing the law. From making out with a plaintiff, to fist fighting on the courtroom steps, to chugging beers as evidence, these rogue lawyers will pull any wild stunts to win a client’s case. But their unorthodox methods get results. That’s why eccentric attorney Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell, The Artist) asks them to join his high-powered law firm. Prepare for a culture clash as Franklin & Bash teach the old legal system a few new tricks. The complete first season features guest stars Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Beau Bridges (The Descendants), Harry Hamlin (L.A. Law), Tom Arnold (Sons of Anarchy) and Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica).
Hey Dude: Season 3
Starring:
Joe Torres, David BrisbinCity-born rancher Benjamin Ernst and his herd of teenage help return to the Bar None Ranch for another summer of desert dustups and adventures. Season 3 episodes include a baseball game, ghost stories, Brad attending summer school, a wrestling match and even a possible marriage!
Louie: Season 2
Starring:
Louis C.K.Comedian Louis C.K. is back with another season of this critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated hit. Spotlighting C.K.'s signature brand of twisted observational humor, Season Two follows the everyday trials of single dad Louie as he struggles to raise his kids, advance his career, and somehow get some action in the meantime. Facing one bummer after another, Louie takes on inattentive crowds, insane relatives, and a hair-raising U.S.O. tour of Afghanistan. Featuring a stellar array of guest stars including Joan Rivers, and Chris Rock, Louie Season Two comes fully loaded with unrestrained deleted scenes and commentaries by Louis C.K.
Wildred: Season 1
Starring:
Elijah Wood, Jason GannYou'll sit up and beg for more of Wilfred, the most hilarious and daringly original new comedy on TV. Elijah Wood stars as Ryan, a down-on-his-luck lawyer who forms a unique friendship with his sexy neighbor's pet pooch "Wilfred." Everyone else sees a dog, but Ryan sees a bong-ripping, beer-chugging, foul-mouthed Australian bloke in a furry suit (played by the outrageously funny Jason Gann). By unleashing the surly, sweet and always adventurous Wilfred, Ryan may just learn to stand on his own hind legs and embrace the insanity of real life.
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