Sunday, April 22, 2018

Recent Movies and Books - Tangerine; Christine Mangan and Girl in Snow; Danya Kukafka




Our birthday sisters turned 4 and 6 this week. It's been such a joy to watch them grow. Our kindergartener even lost 2 teeth recently.

Movies







  • (2017) Thoroughbreds (odd movie)
  • (2017) Chappaquiddick - (very good)
  • (1996) Fargo (loved it)
  • (1981) Mommie Dearest (another one I loved)













  • Books


    Tangerine; Christine Mangan
    Ecco and Harper Audio - 2018

    Alice Shipley and Lucy Mason were once college roommates in Bennington, Vermont, but after an incident there, the two parted ways. Now Alice is married and living in Morocco, her marriage and life in general is anything but, blissful. She is uncomfortable in her new surroundings.  One day Lucy Mason, the fearless, gutsy friend from her past, arrives in Tangiers unannounced.  However, the visit, unbeknownst to Alice, is anything but altruistic.  

    Set in 1956, this tension filled psychological thriller reminded me in some ways of the movie, The Talented Mr. Ripley.  The character development and setting was excellent and I enjoyed how the story played out even though certain aspects seemed a bit contrived.

    Rating - 4.5/5 (audio and eGalley)

    Girl in Snow; Danya Kukafka
    Simon & Schuster - 2018

    Set in a small Colorado town where nothing much happens, a high school girl named Lucinda Hayes, who seemed to have everything going for her is found murdered.  As the investigation unfolds, so does a snapshot of three individuals connected to her in some way.  There's Cameron, a socially awkward voyeur who had a crush on Lucinda and had become somewhat of a secret stalker.  Then Jade, a classmate who both envied and despised Lucinda and finally,  Detective Russ Fletcher, the shady character who happens to be investigating the murder.

    This was a decent debut novel but, I do think it had a YA audience feel to it.  I liked the way that my opinion as to who the murder might be had changed as I read.  I do wish that the story was a bit more plot driven but, overall, the author did a good job.

    Rating - 3.5/5 stars


    30 comments:

    1. Glad you loved Tangerine! And I tried Girl in Snow, but DNF'd it...

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      1. Tangerine was a winner (not perfect) but the audio was especially good IMO.

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    2. I think both of the books sound like ones I'd like to try. I've heard a bit about Tangerine and I think it was all positive. And that is a precious, precious pictures of your littles. How cute both are in those sweet little dresses! Know you are proud of them! Have a good week, Diane!

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      1. Thanks Kay, I love my 3 little girls, their other grandmother bought those outfits for Easter - the girls picked them out LOL

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    3. I loved Chappaquiddick...and Mommie Dearest is a movie I've enjoyed over and over, and oddly enough, watched it last week again. The first time I saw it in the theater, we got the giggles at that "no wire hangers" part. It was so over the top...but not really funny, either.

      I have Tangerine, thanks to your heads-up about the bargain price...and hope to read it soon.

      Enjoy your week!

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      1. Yes, Laurel, I wasn't expecting to enjoy Chappaquiddick but, it was so well done. Mommie Dearest is a movie I made my kids watch with me when they were 9-11 wish and would say I was "mean". LOL Id hope you enjoy Tangerine as much as I did.

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    4. Your granddaughters are adorable!

      I've got to get my hands on Tangerine!

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      1. Thanks Kathy - Tangerine was cheap on Amazon earlier this week (Kindle).

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    5. Love the expression on your grandkids faces. Priceless! I've been curious about Tangerine and yours is the first review I've read.

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    6. Good reviews, but your little birthday sweeties are adorable!

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    7. I was going to give Tangerine a miss but when you mentioned Ripley, I changed my mind!

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    8. That photo is just adorable! Can't believe how fast the girls are growing up. I've been curious about Tangerine... happy to know you enjoyed it.

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      1. Thank you JoAnn, they have grown way too fast. I did like Tangerine - auto held my interest walking.

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    9. Happy Birthday to your granddaughters! They are getting so big. I can't believe my daughter is seven now. I was in her room the other day, looking around, wondering where all the years went. Tangerine sounds like something I might like. I hope you have a great week!

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      1. Thanks Wendy. With a daughter who is 7, you know how fast they grow. Wish we could slow that down a bit.

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      1. The birthday sisters are so darling! I'm seeing a lot of Tangerine these days. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a great week ahead, Diane.

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    11. The birthday girls are cute!

      I love Mommie Dearest. What a performance.

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      1. It's been years since I've watched it and WOW, yes "Mommie" was incredible LOL

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    12. I would like the setting of Morocco. I spent time in Beirut, Syria, Jordan and did not get to visit Morocco but would like to.

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      1. Wow, you have traveled to some interesting places. I think you might enjoy this book.

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    13. What a sweet photo. Isn't it just the best to watch them grow up? Chappaquiddick is one I want to see but I'll wait to stream. I haven't read a negative review.

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      1. Yes, thanks Mary. I know that you know the joy of watching our little ones blossom.

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    14. I'm really curious about Chappaquiddick. It looks very well done. Tangerine is on my TBR. The cover was the first thing that caught my eye but I love your review. The little ones are too cute! Hope you're having a great week!

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    15. I just started Tangerine - so I'm looking forward to its Ripley-ness. I also hope to catch Chappaquiddick after seeing you liked it. thanks!

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    16. What sweet girls! Such a cute picture. I love your description of Tangerine and will have to add that one to my list. Sounds like you've been enjoying lots of great movies and books!

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    17. Adorable girls! I really want to see Chappaquiddick.

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