Book Chatter

Last weekend I was flipping channels and saw that You’ve Got Mail (1998) was about to come on. I didn’t have time to watch it so I recorded it for later. Last night I had a chance to sit down to watch it. I’ve seen it before. It’s a remake of The Shop Around The Corner and stars Meg Ryan (love her) and Tom Hanks (love him). Here’s a blurb from Netflix:

Book superstore magnate Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and independent book shop owner Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet — both blissfully unaware that he’s trying to put her out of business. Soon, however, director Nora Ephron’s Golden Globe-nominated romantic comedy puts romance on the ropes — and forces two people to make tough decisions about life, love and livelihood.

The independent bookstore that is run by the main character, Kathleen Kelly is my idea of the perfect children’s bookstore. The story is peppered with sweet memories of her childhood and the history behind the store. It’s just such a sweet romantic comedy. It also stars Greg Kinnear and Parker Posey. Roger Ebert gave it four stars.

If you have time this weekend rent it, make yourself a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy it!

This one looks good!

What was the last book you bought?

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (I caved!)

Name a book you have read MORE than once.

I’ve read a lot of books more than once. A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mockingbird are just a couple in a long list of re-reads.

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?

Yes. I would have to say that after reading A Separate Peace, I was more in tune with human nature and all of the flaws that go with it. It is a book that has stayed with me.

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews.

I’ll be the first to admit that cover design plays a huge role in my book selection process. Especially when I vi st the bookstore. The covers that stand out are the ones that I pick up and flip through. If the book jacket summary grabs me, then it usually ends up coming home with me.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Fiction, but I am appreciating non-fiction more and more each day.

What’s more important in a novel – beautiful writing or a gripping plot?

I would have to say plot first…then beautiful writing. If there is no plot then all the beautiful writing in the world is not going to keep me from getting ticked off at the plot.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book).

I am going way back here but Nancy Drew, to this day, is the most loved in my eyes. Those books got me through a lot of tough summers. If I had to name someone from a recent read, I would say Matilda from Mister Pip.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?

I’m using the term nightstand loosely here, but I am currently reading Tethered, In the Woods and Infidel. On my actual nightstand is an L.L. Bean catalog.

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?

The Meaning of Night: A Confession, by Michael Cox. You can read my review here. I loved it!

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?

If a book is not working for me I usually give up before the half way mark but there were two that I can remember where I waited a bit longer to toss them. One was The Life of Pi and the other was The Historian.

Chatting with friends about books and life…