Book Review: Black Ships

Paperback Writer here...again. :) Yes, I'm just ripping through many books. But it's in my nature okay? Okay.

So, I belong to this website called Library Thing where I can list all the books I have in my library...kind of like Good Reads. (I'm Ceecee on one and Paperback Writer on the other. If you feel like joining me, let me know.

Anyway, one of the very cool features of Library Thing is the opportunity to get advanced copies of books. And finally, finally, I got my hands on a book. I don't remember requesting this book, but what the hey. A free book is a free book. And I'm keeping my end of the bargain up by actually reviewing it.

So, on to the book. The book is Black Ships by Jo Graham. It's a take on the Aeneid told from the viewpoints of an oracle named Gull. She is the daughter of a slave taken from Troy who can see - accurately - the future. One day, she sees nine black ships and knows that she will joining them and thus altering her life forever. It is their journey from Greece to Italy with detours in Egypt.

I throughly enjoyed this book and I hope it does well. I actually hope that Jo Graham will write more books like this...but then again, this is coming from the self-professed mythology junkie. :)

Five out of five stars.

Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale

Paperback Writer here again with another book review. And I promise, I'm going to write a real review, not just these half reviews, I've been doing. Deal? Deal.

Anyway, last Thursday while Loki was performing I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite activities: namely wander around a bookstore in search of something new to read. I had several books in my hand when I came upon The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Now, I've seen this particular book time and time again, but the cover just did nothing for me. This time though, I decided to actually the blurb on the back.

It still didn't entice me to actually pick it and carry it around with me while I wandered the store, but I did take a picture of it on my cellphone. It's my favorite way of remembering books that I might want to read at a later time...just not right now. But after picking a few chick lit books, I decided I wanted something more weighty. And I wasn't in the mood for chick lit. (Though, really, am I ever? There's nothing wrong with chick lit, but I'm just not a chick lit type of girl.)

I thought about The Thirteenth Tale downstairs and decided to swap the books for that one downstairs. But I wanted to make sure that this book was a book that I was going to read. I read the first page, not bad. I decided to keep going. And that's when I ran into these lines:

"...I never read without making sure I am in a secure position...I was so seduced by the descriptions of underwater life that I unconsciously relaxed my muscles. Instead of being held buoyant by the water that so vividly surrounded me in my mind, I plummeted to the ground and knocked myself out. I can still feel the scar under my fringe now. Reading can be dangerous..."

Tell me, how does a bibliophile not resist a book that tells you that reading can be dangerous? That was Thursday night, I finished the book last night before I went to bed. A rather rare thing for me, which suggests that I gave up some things that I said I was going to do in favor for finishing the book.

That being said, Paperback Writer, what is the book about? It's about a reclusive writer who knows that she is approaching the end of her days and has decided to tell her life story. Her true life story. She chooses a quiet, bookish woman to write it. And in the process the reader comes to understand that the writer and the biographer have a lot more in common than they think. It is very gothic in nature - something I never really identified with or against - and it's just well written. A lot of mystery, ghosts, secrets and family.

I highly recommend this book. In fact, if you want, I can loan you my copy. Just as long as you give it back to me.

Five out of five stars.

Book Review: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Paperback Writer here...again. :)

I just finished Brandon Sanderson's book Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. And I have to say, I haven't enjoyed a book like this since....Harry Potter. Okay, okay, is that really saying a lot? Well, perhaps. :)

Anyway, like Harry Potter, Alcatraz Smedry (yes, Alcatraz Smedry) is an orphan...an orphan who seems to possess special skills. His Talent is breaking things. No, seriously. That's his talent. And on his 13th birthday he receives a special package from his long absent father. The present? Sand.

Wait! Don't go. I'm not that crazy.

Really. :)

Just go with it, okay?

Obviously, this book is geared toward the younger set. But I throughly enjoyed it as well. And perhaps, that's because I'm really a big kid at heart. Throughout the entire book, Alcatraz consistently breaks the "fourth wall" by talking to his readers and reminding them that he "is not a nice person." He repeats this many times leading one to believe that maybe he is a nice person.

At the root of the story is Alcatraz trying to retrieve his inheritance from librarians, which goes without saying that all librarians are evil in this book. They want to take over all the world (Free Kingdoms and Hushlands respectively). With what? The help of Alcatraz's special sand.

Oh, go on. You know you're intrigued.

The only fault that I have with this book? That I finished it within a day. It's only 300 pages. ;)

Anyway, this obviously is going to have a sequel...perhaps more than one. But, we'll see where it goes. I've a pretty credible source telling me that Sanderson has been tapped to write the last Robert Jordan Wheel of Time book.

Nine out of ten stars.

Movie Review: Cloverfield

Paperback Writer here.

Loki and I went to see Cloverfield this weekend. It took me this long to try and put down a review...

And I think it might be difficult for me to write a proper review without giving away some of the details.

But I'll try.

First, don't go in with any expectations. You'll probably have a better time that way.

Second, if you get motion sickness this movie is not for you. Seriously.

Third, this isn't a Hollywood movie. Meaning?

Well...

(Don't say I didn't warn you)

It doesn't have an "ending" per se. Oh, it ends all right. Abruptly. And not prettily for anyone. The ending is not satisfying at all. And yes, there were a couple of boos from the audience (which was sold out, by the way), but there was still an even greater number that was blown away by it. Loki included. He said that he hasn't been that scared by a movie in a long time. In fact, after we got home, the both of us didn't get to bed until very early the next morning. Loki was just hopped up on adrenaline and I was up filling in all the details that weren't explained in the movie.

Now, keep in mind that despite the abrupt ending and the very shaky camera work (it's all filmed from the viewpoint of one camera...a hand held camera) that this isn't really a movie about monsters (though it is really terrifying when you see the monsters) it's more a movie about how people react in survival situations. Loki tells me that it is much like how Night of the Living Dead is about survival against zombies.

I can see what he means.

He tells me that there are a lot of mixed opinions regarding this movie: how it is an allegory about 9-11; that it plays on their fears about it; that it's not a movie for people over 30. I don't know. I guess it could be an allegory about 9-11. But I didn't see it that way. Would I go back and see it? No. But that doesn't mean that I didn't dislike the movie.

*sigh*

I guess I'm about as mixed up as all those other reviews floating around on Rotten Tomatoes.

:)

Anyway, things to remember when going in: hand held camera work, people that you don't know who star in a movie, very stressful and the most important thing to remember? Have no expectations. Keep an open mind.

And that's all I'm going to say about it.

Eight out of ten stars.

Movie Review: I am Legend

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I went to see I am Legend with Jami's favorite actor, Will Smith, based on the original book by Richard Matheson. I enjoyed the movie (even though I spent 2/3 of it watching it through my fingers) and it sticks to the basic plot of the original novel.

Now, now, now. If you read the book, you know that this isn't entirely true, okay? The book was written in the 50's, so naturally, the movie has been updated, okay?

A virus has been created that supposedly cures a tragic disease...but what happens is that these people who have been saved...begin to mutate. If you've seen the trailers then you know what these creatures resemble. If not, then...use your imagination.

Anyway, which is where we pick up with Robert Neville (Smith), a military medical doctor trying to find a cure. He spends most of the movie with his trusty dog, Sam. And of course, things start to go wrong. Very, very wrong. The cuts between the year 2009, the year where this miracle drug has been discovered to Neville's current year, 2012. The world is a wasteland with abandoned cars, crops growing in Central Park and lions roaming Times Square.

Last 1/3 of the movie though, is where it deviates from the book. I won't go into too much detail, it sort of feels...forced. It's a good movie, but I would've liked to see how people began their transformation.

I'll give it a three out of four stars.

PS - Animals die...and I didn't like it. It made me very sad. Just saying.

Movie Review: Shoot 'Em Up

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I saw Shoot 'Em Up. And let me tell you this movie was completely and utterly implausible. But that didn't stop us from enjoying the movie thoroughly. Remember to turn your brain off before the movie starts.

Anyway, this movie is about a man, Smith played by Clive Owen, (you never get to know his real name) who is protecting a newborn baby after his mother gets shot by the bad guys. Why? Don't worry about the why people. That's just tacked on! Enjoy the guns blazing, the innovative ways Smith gets out of a jam and the carrots.

Yes, I said the carrots.

It seems our man Smith loves to eat carrots. He even grows them. In his old, rundown place. The villain, played by Paul Giamatti calls him Bugs Bunny. And I don't blame him. The first scene sees Smith eating a full carrot...dipped in coffee. A pregnant woman comes by followed by a car filled with assassins. The first assassin passes Smith, gives him the once over and then keeps following the woman.

To which, Smith, responds with "Fuck...." and goes to dispatch the killer.

It's a scant one hour and 20 minutes. But it goes by quickly.

And no. This is so not for kids under 12.

Four out of five stars.

And yes, I think I've developed a deep crush on Clive Owen. ;)

Movie Review: The Simpsons

Please understand, this review being written by me - Jami, comes from someone who had loved the Simpsons since they aired as shorts during the Tracey Ullman Show. I know Millhouse's parent's first names. I know what the dowry agreement for Manjula and Apu's betrothal was. I know the episode titles. I am a Simpsons Geek and have no shame.

I loved the movie. I went in both excited and a little apprehensive, since other eagerly anticipated movies have let me down (I'm talking to you, Phantom Menace).

THE GOOD:
The movie plays like a lengthened Simpsons episode, with slightly worse language and brief full-frontal male nudity. That is not a joke. The reason the Simpsons has remained one of the funniest shows on TV is the perfect mix of low-brow, slapstick silliness and the more obscure or literary humor, and the movie echos that well.

THE BAD:
Even though all the minor players are visible and may have a line or two, most don't say a think and none are really a big part of the story.

I don't want to give away anything, so my basic point is this - however you feel about the Simpsons on your TV, I'd bet that's how you'll feel about the movie.

Thank you, Come Again!

5 stars out of 5

Movie Review: Fracture

A murder mystery where you see the crime in the first few minutes of the movie? That's exactly what this movie is. Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins with a charming brogue) murders his philandering wife early in this picture. The intrigue begins after ADA Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) who can't wait to get out of prosecuting and into the world of corporate law catches the seemingly open-and-shut case. He confessed, the cops have his gun, the security cameras show that no one else came or went from the house - so why does Crawford plead not guilty?

Not a psychological thriller, not really a whodunit, definitely not a comedy or romance, I'm not sure what to call this movie, but it certainly drew me in and kept my attention. The major question bugged me throughout and I didn't figure it out before the reveal. All the actors perform at top level, and even though it felt a little tacked on, Beachum's romance added some interest and a tiny piece of insight into the character.

The best part of this movie is that it was different from pretty much anything else I've seen. I recommend it strongly.

4 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Wild Hogs

Start this movie without great expectations and you'll be fine. The basic story is: four middle-aged guys (the suburban dad, the hen-pecked guy, the computer nerd and the newly-divorced one) who meet once a week to ride their motorcycles decide to take a cross-country trip. Hilarity ensues. Okay, well, not hilarity, but a few minor surprises and some funny moments.

Stealing the scenes he's in is the formidable John C. McGinley. You may recognize him if you are a fan of Scrubs, where he plays Dr. Cox. Though he's not in more than a total of about 10 minutes, I definitely laughed hardest when he was on-screen.

There's nothing all that exciting or new, but if you want a light comedy that won't challenge you - this is it.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Movie Review: I Think I Love My Wife

I saw this movie (out on DVD today) for three reasons: Chris Rock, Steve Buscemi and Gina Torres. Chris Rock is hilarious, and since he directed and co-wrote the movie, I had high hopes. Steve Buscemi has a talent for picking interesting stuff, plus something about him just makes me happy. Gina Torres is gorgeous and part of me hopes that if I continue to watch things with her in it I will spontaneous start to look like her. I didn't really have any expectations going in, though I recalled it didn't do well at the box office.

The movie boils down to this: Rock plays a married man, in the boring rut of his day-to-day existence and shut out from sex by his wife engages in what we'd probably have to call an "emotional affair" with an attractive woman he knew before. Some not-so-subtle racial content is mixed in, and honestly, felt to me like Rock felt he had to make some sort of comment about race more than it felt like a necessary part of the story. The story becomes how we live out the choices that we make, and that we are as much responsible for our happiness as anyone else is.

I loved the bizarre nature of Rock's character's affair, which teaches that different doesn't always mean better. I appreciated that the movie didn't make either spouse the "bad guy", instead exploring how complex marriages can be. I was totally weirded out by the ending, and that's all I'll say about that.

This isn't one I plan to buy, but I didn't feel that it wasted my time, either. I think it's a decent cautionary tale to married couples about getting caught up in "life" so much that you forget to live.

I'd have to give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5 - it would have been three without the odd ending.

Movie Review: Superbad

What can I say about this movie except it is so very, very wrong and you will laugh until you hurt?

Brought to you by the fine folks who created 40-Year-Old Virgin, Superbad is a sort of throw back to the 80's teen sex movies, but with less nudity, an actual plot and some serious heart. The language is as blue as you can imagine and much of the story involves nerdy high school seniors discussing sex in rather crass ways. The boys get a once-in-a-high-school career opportunity to be the heroes at a party full of cool kids by bringing the booze to the party of the class hottie.

Twists of fate set two of the boys on the run in a desperate attempt to find alcohol and get to the party while the third goes on an insane adventure with a couple of rogue cops.

We saw this will fellow reviewer PW, and I hope she'll add her two cents to this as well. I felt it made Apatow's previous films look like practice.

FIVE STARS out of five!

Movie Review: Transformers

Tonight was opening night of the new Transformers movie, and I was there. As I explained on my blog, I didn't have any background or expectations walking into the movie. I was a blank slate, fueled only by my love of the summer blockbuster. And, in honesty, my love for Josh Duhamel.

In case you, like me, were otherwise engaged in the 1980's, a brief background. The Transformers was a widely popular cartoon series about the struggle between two factions of an advanced alien race, one good, and one bad. The good ones protected humans and human life, and the bad ones killed everything and everyone. The good ones were lead by Optimus Prime and the bad ones by Megatron. And that's all I got, folks, so I hope I got it right.

I'm sure the movie differs from the cartoon series, but I can't comment on that. What I can tell you is how the movie works as a stand-alone vehicle, and the answer is, quite well.

The first action sequence is as good a military action sequence as I've seen in a long time. It doesn't have the visual impact of fellow new release Live Free and Die Hard, but it is engaging and exciting and both tense and fun to watch.

The storyline unfolds perfectly for the uninitiated, without too obvious a visit from everyone's friend, the Exposition Fairy. The main human character, played by Shia LeBeouf, is funny and modern and not too earnest as to be unbelievable. The other supporting characters play out well, stereotypes but likable enough that you root for them even as you know they will survive.

The typical positive message of every alien attack movie released near American Independence Day is solidly represented. The heroes of this movie are undoubtedly the good aliens and GM trucks and cars, but also, without a doubt, the United States Air Force. It's so upbeat a portrayal and the characters are so oozing courage and resilience that it could have been a paid recruitment spot. In fact, my cynical little heart is torn between believing this to be the case, or throwing my girlish screams behind what's sure to be the current hot military force. Forget the ARMY branded girlie tee's, I need to get some USAF shirts, pronto.

In all seriousness, the movie is a solid, fun summer blockbuster. Go with your geek buddies and bring along the clueless girl-friends, too. You'll all enjoy it, and the clueless, like me, will even get to laugh a bit at the silly earnestness of Optimus Prime and Megatron, as they vow to battle to the death. But remember, when you leave the theater, keep the ladies away from any airmen on leave.

I give this movie a solid 4 out of 5 stars, for one of this summer's fun blockbusters, and the cleanest action movie I've seen in years.

Happy Independence Day!

Movie Review: Snakes on a Plane

Whoo - did I have a great time with this one! The plot for this one - stay with me now - there is this plane and on the plane - there are snakes. Many, many really angry, venomous snakes. Still with me? Good. Oh sure, there's about 5 minutes of set up at the beginning (so you know WHY the snakes are on the plane) and an occasional cut to the people on the ground hearing about the snakes on the plane, but really, it's all about the snakes. It's the best example of a popcorn action movie I can find for you - it's got a few good "AHH!" moments, some very mild humor and every single action-danger movie cliche you could possibly want. It's not a good movie in the sense that there is a plot, any believablity or characters that are well-developed and you care about. The snakes' victims don't slide gently in to that good night, they foam, bloat, bleed and ooze in horrific fashion. There is nudity for absolutely no reason than to have some nudity.

If you want art, surprise-twist endings, touching moments, or outstanding performances, go elsewhere. If you want to sit down with a giant bowl of popcorn and giggle at the complete and utter silliness of people and plane parts being eating by snakes (sometimes even from the snake's point of view!!) then get this one.

For sheer ridiculous entertainment value - 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Love is a Mix Tape

Paperback Writer here.

Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield is a slim autobiography (?) about Sheffield's short marriage to Renee, a "hell-raising Appalachian punk-rock girl." Short only because one day in May, Renee died of a pulmonary embolism.

The book chronicles their time together one mix tape at a time. Through it, the reader (hopefully) understands the crushing saddness of losing someone you are supposed to live the rest of your life with. I especially liked the listing of songs at the beginning of each chapter.

I cannot begin to fathom a loss of this magnitude. It hurts to think about it actually.

I've been interested in the mixes people make for each other. What songs would you put on a tape for doing the dishes? For falling asleep to? For napping? What songs would you play to remind you of someone long gone?

I loved this book and of course reading it hurt. Badly. I wanted to find Rob and give him a big hug. Though, I'm pretty damn sure he would appreciate a random girl coming up to him and hugging him. (He might though, but not for the reasons I would be hugging him.)

So, I recommend reading it. And then after you read it, make a mixtape. Tell your significant other how much you love them.

I'm off to go hug Loki.

Movie Review: How to Eat Fried Worms

I read this book as a kid, and sort of vague remembered it. Basically I remembered liking it. Billy, a new kid with a weak stomach, stands up to the school bully, leading to a bet that he can eat 10 worms in one day. Halle Kate Eisenberg (the former "Pepsi Girl" is a too-tall misfit girl who befriends him. Of course, he has the obligatory obnoxious younger brother and the parents who just don't quite understand (though they mean well).

There is a definitely gross-out factor in this one, aimed at pre-adolescent boys, and if you've got a strong gag reflex, you might need to look away a few times. Subplots briefly touch on why the bully is mean and that adults face bullies, too. The message isn't deep and the jokes are cute and funny. I actually enjoyed the movie, and wouldn't mind if it's one of the ones Eddie will eventually want to do over and over. Many kids' movies seem aimed more at girls, what with all the princesses and cutesy-ness, but this is definitely one for boys.

It's not high theatre, but it'll give you a few giggles.

Three out of five stars

Movie Review: Superman Returns

Superman returns after five years in space to find Lois engaged and with a child, with a Pulitzer for her article about how the world no longer needs him. Lex Luther has gone free, but the Daily Planet is still the same busy place. That's all you need to know about this movie. That, and while it's a decent action film, it makes very little sense.

Now, I could tell you, from the wife-of-a-fan-boy perspective, all the things that are wrong with it, but assuming you're a nice normal person, I'll just say that the plot is a little confusing, the characters frequently make inexplicable decisions or statements, and there were a few places where I just said "What??"

Brandon Routh makes a fine Superman as well as Clark Kent, not an easy thing to pull off (look at all the Batman/Bruce Waynes), and Kate Bosworth is decent, and Bryan Singer admirably helms a good popcorn flick. Superman's costume is updated to be cooler, but without losing the look we all expect. Kevin Spacey is an excellent Lex. Parker Posey is great, but for some reason dresses right out of a 40's private eye movie.

I enjoyed this movie, though I sure don't plan to run out and buy a copy.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Movie Review: Mrs. Henderson Presents

Let me start by saying that for a movie recommended by my parents, this film had a shocking amount of nakedness! There were ho-has and wa-hoos all over the place . . . .

Set in pre-WWII England, Mrs. Henderson Presents is based on a true story of the recently widowed Mrs. Henderson (Judy Dench) who decides, almost on a whim, to buy, renovate and run a burlesque-type theatre. Bob Hoskins plays the surly man she hires to run the theatre once she realizes she knows nothing about such thing.

The acting is superb; the story funny and serious. I didn't know what to expect (certainly not all the nudity!!) but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I don't want to say more because the beauty of this film is how it all unfolds as classes mix and the world changes, just a little, thanks to the theatre.

I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 stars, and recommend it very strongly.

Book Review: The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

Paperback Writer here.

I saw this book while browsing through the shelves of Joseph-Beth Books over at the South Side Works. I didn't pick it up because one, it's in hard back and two, I can just pick it up from the library. I'm thinking about going back and getting it to add to the library at Douglas Manor.

I mean, come on. Look at the cover of the book! Isn't that neat? I should be so luck as to figure out how to do something like that without Photoshop.

Anway, the book starts off with a quote from James Loewen from Lies My Teacher Told Me, which goes:

Many African societies divide humans into three categories: those still alive on the earth, the sasha, and the zamani. The recently departed whose time on earth overlapped with people still here are the sasha, the living-dead. They are not wholly dead, for they still live in the memories of the living, who can call them to min, create their likeness in art, and bring them to life in anecdote. When the last person to know an ancestor dies, that ancestor leaves the sasha for the zamani, the dead. As generalized ancestors, the zamani are not forgotten but revered. Many...can be recalled by name. But they are not living-dead. There is a difference.

Beautiful quote, I think.

Anyway, the book is actually about the city of the dead and about a stranded woman named Laura Byrd. The two only seem separate from each other functioning independent, until an unnamed virus is released into the living world and annihilates almost everyone in the world. The dead then end up in the city while Laura, stuck in a living limbo, tries desperately to survive.

The book is set in the present day and alludes to several current events. Laura is a scientist for Coca-Cola sent to Antartica to study the icecaps. When the virus is released, she and her two fellow scientists are relatively safe, until they cannot make contact with the outside world.

In the city of the dead, which remains unnamed and is just called "The City," has one lone newspaper run by a man named Luka. He eventually meets a blind man and a woman named Minny. Together they try to solve the mystery of the city and more importantly of the "heartbeat."

The book deals with questions of what happens in the afterlife? Is there an afterlife? It also deals with the issue of not to take your life or loved ones for granted because everything can change very dramatically.

So, go ahead. Pick it up. It's an easy read; barely 250 pages.

Movie Review: American Dreamz

I didn't really expect to like this movie much. Hugh Grant is okay, but I'm not really into him. Don't care about Mandy Moore. Don't watch American Idols. However, this clever send-up of AI with it's funny, twisty subplots entertained me and even got a few out-loud laughs.

Hugh Grant does a fine job as "Tweedy", an egomaniacal producer/host/judge with more than a hint of Simon Cowell. Mandy Moore plays the smalltown girl who wants to make it big no matter what, and does it in a way more charming than you'd expect. Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans will recognize Adam Busch in a secondary role, but at least he gets to sing. I'd have to say the best acting in the movie is done by Dennis Quaid, as the confused and broken-down President of the US.

The story is much better than just a fictionalized version of our popular game show (yes, AI is a game show, NOT reality TV, but that's a discussion for another day). There are a few deeper moments, which might even lead you to ask some important questions.

I enjoyed this one and we will probably get it on sale previously viewed, when it's cheap enough. I don't need to run out and buy it, but I definitely will watch it again.

The DVD has a ton of extras, most of which I found boring.

Three and a half out of Five Stars.

Book Review: The Stand by Stephen King

Paperback Writer here.

So, I feel like I'm the only person who has never read Stephen King's The Stand and when Loki found out that I was reading it, he got very excited and told me that he was jealous that I was reading The Stand for the first time.

I shrugged and grinned at him, not knowing what I was in for.

I already knew the basic premise of the novel from reading his On Writing; good vs evil in the aftermath of a devestating "superflu." But I did not know that a.) it clocks in at nearly 1200 pages and b.)that it would be so f'ing good. I am so jealous that I did not write this book.

Seriously.

And yes, it is comprised of multiple characters and even divided up into three books, but I cared about each and every character. I wanted to know who would live and who would die. So much so that I forced myself not to skip to the end to see who did die and if they actually defeat King's uber-villian, Randall Flagg.

I know that they just made a mini-series out of this book (and when I say "just made" I really mean in the past fifteen years. Hey, that's recent enough for me! Loki and I will have to rent it just to see if it is anything like the book.

Okay, so anyway, a big bad supervirus kills 99.99 percent of the Earth's population. The good guys are drawn to Mother Abigail in Nebraska while the bad guys are drawn to Randall Flagg in (wait for it) Las Vegas. People die (which ones? I won't tell), alliance are made and broken, communities are set up and then there is the final showdown where the hand of god comes down to...read the book. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

It's easy to read (not in it has a lot of easy words) but it's easy to fall into and I can tell you that reading 400 pages in a weekend won't phase you.

So, go on. Go get it - I recommend it in paperback and getting the complete and uncut edition.