Mary's Literary Lunch: Florida Fun

Bet you can’t say it three times fast: Randy Wayne White. Doesn’t matter. Read the books, preferably in sequence since Doc does get older and (possibly) wiser as his character develops. The setting is southwest Florida, for the most part, although Doc does get around the tropics some. Doc is a marine biologist who collects rare specimens for sale to a variety of venues, but somehow he manages to get mixed up in some serious intrigue in spite of the fact that Dinkin’s Bay is definitely more of a backwater than Gulf Shores. 

There is a lot of action in these books and a lot of great mystery as well. White does a fine job developing the story line and gives a good historical and geographical treatment of the areas he sets the tale in as well. So start with Sanibel Flats then The Heat Islands and continue on from there. You won’t be disappointed.


Think southern, dripping with magnolias, humidity, sweet honeysuckle, spanish moss, southern belles, trailer trash, well you get the idea. Just read the first page and a half of the preface and you will understand that this first novel by Paula Wall is a must read for any southerner—male or female. As you come to know the Belle family you will laugh and cry or do both at the same time depending on your mood. Whenever a customer comes in the store and can’t decide on what they want and can’t give me a clue, this is the single book I go to and I always suggest they read part of the book, just as I did above. Nearly every person buys a copy. It is really hard to resist. You just HAVE to turn the page to see what happens next.


Mary 

Mary's Literary Lunch: Talegate Time

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!?!?!? Okay, okay, I know that usually goes with the NFL/AFL, but we do have a few books for those fans as well. However, let’s get down to business. This is the SOUTH after all and college sports are king. Whether you are a war eagle or gonna’ roll tide in Alabama or cheer for one of the other great teams in the southern conferences we have some fun books to take along on your ride to the game or to read with your friends at that tail gate party.

I know I talked about cooking last time, but here it comes again: A Man, A Can, A Tailgate Plan. How much more appropriate can it get than that? Or would you like to try Munchies? Or Beer-Can Chicken? I’m getting hungry just writing about it and I just ate. Actually, I could list quite a few more titles, but you really should come in and check them out for yourself.

There are trivia books to challenge those who think they know everything about everything; there are books about the coaches; books about the players; and books about what to take to the game (as if you didn’t already know what to bring). Not to forget the little ones, we have take along books, Mad Libs, sticker books, and player statistics for them as well. So now, I ask again: are you ready? No excuses. So little time, so many choices...

Mary 

Mary's Literary Lunch: Home Cookin'

Okay. Here you are at the beach. Seafood is king—especially shrimp. Are you hungry? Want you cook? Maybe you just want to take some special recipes home with you. Or perhaps you would like to send or bring a really unusual gift home for that special friend or family member. I have just the answer! Try browsing through our extensive selection of southern cookbooks with that truly LOCAL flavor. The price range fits any budget and so does the style of cooking. You can find anything from tailgate parties to picnics; from luncheons to cocktail parties; from barbecue to fine dining; from elaborate to down home pass arounds.

Many of our local churches have collected recipes from their members and taken the time to publish them, along with anecdotes about the person, area, or recipe. There are some southern celebrities who have published as well, including Paula Deen, Pat Conroy, Bobaluie, and Lucy Buffett. The flavor ranges from Cajun to ‘white trash’ to Creole and everything in between. You can find a recipe for ‘scratch’ southern biscuits or marinated rib-eye steak. Makes your mouth water doesn’t it? Come on down and take a look through some of these offerings:

Bay Tables Calling All Cooks

Good Tidings! The Holy Grille

Crazy Sista Cooking The Barbecue Bible

Some Like It South Picnic

Paradise Ice or whatever shakes your tree.

Mary

Mary's Literary Lunch: Rick Bragg

Do you know anything about Rick Bragg? I first met him through his book about his grandfather, whom he never knew, except through stories told by family and friends. That was Ava's Man. It was not his first book, and I was grateful for that because I didn’t have to wait to read more. I immediately went on to the fascinating story about his mother, All Over but the Shoutin'. Most recently, he wrote about his father, The Prince of Frogtown. He has a new book coming out in October about the Alabama cotton mills and the people who lived and died in them. I used to do occupational health surveys in some of these mills so I understand the conditions the people worked in and will be really interested to see how he writes about it. The book is called The Most They Ever Had.

Rick Bragg won the Pulitzer Prize in 1996 and he was a reporter for the New York Times so he certainly couldn’t be a true southerner, could he? I say, most emphatically, YES! If you ever have a chance to talk with him or hear him speak you will be assured of his roots. He knows all about sweet tea and slow talking. He never seems to be in a rush. He couldn’t write these books if he rushed: nobody would talk to him!

Rick Bragg writes about the Deep South as it was during his childhood. He writes about the good and the bad, but most of all he writes with passion and clarity; humor and wit. What he writes will help you understand why things are the way they are today and what people did just to survive ‘in the old days.’ The stories about his family are stories about rural southern people, not city folks. They cared about each other and took care of each other. Are we once again at that crossroads?

In addition to these regional gems are a collection of stories, Somebody Told Me, and I Am a Soldier, Too, Jessica Lynch’s personal account of her capture and rescue in Iraq.


Mary

Fred's Film Findings

Hello everyone! I will be telling you about 5 movies we have coming in on the 25th.

The first one is DUPLICITY starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. They play two spies turned corporate operatives in the mist of a love affair. When they find themselves on either side of a corporate war, they'll put everything on the line to remain one double-cross ahead of the other.
I liked this movie even though I have seen the plot 1000 times. It's very funny and entertaining. 3 1/2 stars. Rated PG-13.

Next up is SUNSHINE CLEANING. A very funny/sometimes touching comedy from the folks who brought you LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. starring Amy Adams and Emily Blunt (LOVE HER), and Alan Arkin. A girl tries to pay for her son to attend a better school by cleaning up crime scenes to make quick cash on the advice of her married cop lover. She involves her slacker sister (add ruinous music in the background). With all the dust, grime, and tears they come to respect one another and try to make a better future for the family. 5 stars. Rated R.

This one is weird; THE INFORMERS, a movie based on the book by Brett Ellis (AMERICAN PSYCHO). Starring Billy Bob Thorton, Kim Bassinger, Winona Ryder, Mickey Rourke, Chris Isaak and Brad Renfro (RIP). I am not really sure how to explain this complex movie.. it takes place in the 80's in Hollywood and involves a group of people who sleep all day and party all night doing drugs and... (well you know). As we all know every party has to come to an end at some point. A very disturbing movie about the excess of the 80's. The acting is excellent, and it was nice to see Kim Bassinger back. I will give it 4 stars, Rated R.

Up next is FIGHTING a pretty good action film about bare knuckled street fighting starring Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard. 2 1/2 stars. PG-13 and Unrated version with more fight scenes.

ADVENTURELAND is a slacker comedy from the folks who wrote SUPERBAD. It's about a guy who is saving up for grad school and works at an amusement park full of quirky (ok, well... possibly insane) people. Quite a trip back to hometown life in 1985. VERY FUNNY! 3 stars Rated R/Unrated version with more bad taste...

Well that's it for this week. Be sure to come by and see us to rent or special order that movie you have to own!

Fred

Mary's Literary Lunch

I’ve had some response to the Miss Julia “tease” so I’m really starting to enjoy this and I hope you are, too.

Maybe it’s time for a little mystery in your lives. Now these are NOT the gory, tear ‘em up, spit ‘em out type mysteries, although I may get to those, too. But they are not romantic, love story mysteries either, guys. So you can give them a try without feeling wimpy.

There are these two sisters from Birmingham, AL: Patricia Anne and Mary Alice. One is married; one is divorced. One is chubby; one is thin. One is thoughtful; one is impulsive. Together they are unflappable and unbeatable (most of the time). The books are known as the ‘Southern Sisters Mysteries’ and were written by Anne George.

They are best read in sequence, however, that is not essential to thoroughly enjoying the fun. How these two get into so much trouble without even trying is the real mystery, but I can understand it, since my life is pretty mystifying, too. It’s kind of like Miss Julia meets Murder She Wrote, only with a southern twist. The stories are literally packed with southern culture and history along with a great murder mystery. The solution is only arrived at after much twisting and turning and some moaning and groaning from the sisters’ families.

This is a short sequence, since Anne George is deceased, but I am certain you will enjoy every minute of it. Here’s the list, in order, for your enjoyment:

Murder on a Girls’ Night Out
Murder on a Bad Hair Day
Murder Runs in the Family
Murder Makes Waves (set in Gulf Shores, AL)
Murder Gets a Life
Murder Shoots the Bull
Murder Carries a Torch
Murder Boogies with Elvis

Mary

Fred's Film Findings

Hello everyone. Here is my weekly reviews of whats new on DVD for 8-18-09:

The first film we have is THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. Wes Craven returns to the scene to remake one of the most notorious and disturbing thrillers of all time. After kidnapping and assaulting two girls, a sadistic killer and his gang find shelter from a storm at the home of one of the victims parents-two ordinary people who will go to gruesome extremes to get revenge. It's a very violent and vicious little movie, but I thought it was one of the best horror remakes I've seen. Rated R, though it also includes an unrated version with more extreme violence. Be sure to check out the original LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, which is the only film to ever make me want to take a bath after watching...

Up next we have HANNAH MONTANA THE MOVIE... I can't believe I actually talked me into watching this movie, but it was very funny and sweet. It's a great film for the whole family can enjoy together. Music and drama, fighting over shoes, and an exploding cake... Gag me with a spoon... just kidding this is great family fun. Rated G.

Be sure to come in and see us for all the latest movies. Also leave me some comments or feedback and let me know how you like the movies I recommend or hate the movies or call me an idiot (well don't call me an idiot because that's just mean).

Until next week.....

Fred

Mary's Literary Lunch

I hope you tried Jeff Abbott and enjoyed the action. If not, please don’t forget about him...

Now let’s turn to humor. Ann B. Ross is a sensation! She introduced us to Miss Julia in 1999 and ten years later she is still going strong.

All southerners will immediately recognize Miss Julia. She is a prim and proper Presbyterian southern lady whose husband recently died and left her fairly well off. She is active in the church and does a lot of ‘talking to herself’ but rarely (Miss Julia) Speaks Her Mind. She has a ‘colored’ lady who helps around the house and actually is a good friend to her, but does not live in. They interact in a way that cannot help but make you laugh.

One day, knock, knock, knock…. There is a young, voluptuous woman AND her young son at the door. She tells Miss Julia the boy is her deceased husband’s child! Oh my! What to do? Miss Julia, being a Christian woman, invites them in and things progress from there. It turns out her husband has, indeed, been leading a double life, but that is no reason to penalize the child or his mother and Miss Julia actually is quite taken with both of them.

And that’s all I’m going to tease you with right now, except to say that Ann Ross has written a book a year for the past ten years about Miss Julia and her exploits and they are truly hilarious. You can start anywhere, but it truly is better if you begin at the beginning to get the full flavor of the characters. It’s worth it. GUYS, you will enjoy them, too.

Mary

Fred's Film Findings

Hello movie fans. I am a little late on my blog this week and the constant reminder calls have me ready to crack. Sadly, no great new horror flicks this week; however, stay tuned...

There are two big films and a couple little ones coming out this week. I hope everyone is getting ready for the season to be over here in the Pleasure Island area... anyway...

The first film (and possibly the best) is I LOVE YOU MAN starring Paul Rudd. A very funny movie about a lonely guy trying to find a best man for his wedding. How hard can it be to find a bff? Obviously more difficult than many of us can imagine, I mean a boyfriend for a boyfriend, easy (supposedly...at least for Paul Rudd); a bf for a boyfriend is seemingly nigh impossible, and then you still end up with crazy guy (but hey, it makes for great humor). This movie has several great comic moments that made me laugh out loud. I give it 4 stars (and ya'll know how hard it is for me to admit that). Rated R

The second movie of the day is 17 AGAIN starring Matthew Perry and pin-up boy Zach Efron. The usual movie about a guy who goes back to when he was seventeen. Teens will love it, but I think everyone else should avoid it, unless you are jonsing for a little Efron fix. Plus there is a really great date (aka hilarious) scene for anyone who loves a little elfish romance! Rated PG-13

What do you get when you try for a movie like the Clint Eastwood's filmed in beautiful Italy...minus Clint Eastwood? This week's new western Bounty. A solid B-movie complete with guns, horses, and hats.

For the rest of the independent titles, or anything else, post a comment or send us an email!

Until next week (I promise to be on time)...


Fred

Mary's Literary Lunch: Sample Some Good Books!

Are you familiar with James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Mary Higgins Clark, Nora Roberts, and J.K. Rowling? Most people recognize these names as top selling authors. I would like to acquaint you with some names you may not be so familiar with, but who will be just as intriguing.

I’ll start with southern authors and as the weeks go on, I hope you will interact with me and add some names of your own. Let me give you a little background first. I am an avid reader and rarely let a day go by without reading at least 2 – 3 hours. I’m old, so that means I get up early and stay up late—that’s where all the time comes from. I read just about any genre and rarely reject a book (although there was one…). I also watch at least one movie every day, besides my other activities, so I have a pretty well rounded life.

My preferences go towards thriller and mystery, but I also like the southern settings with a good family plot. Southern authors I plan to discuss include Mary Alice Monroe, Anne George, Greg Iles, John Grishom, Carolyn Haines, Mary Kay Andrews, Paula Wall, Randy Wayne White, Rick Bragg, and Ann B. Ross. This is a mixed bag and I’m sure at least a few names are familiar to some of you and maybe you are surprised to learn that one or two of them are southerners.

I’ll start with someone who is relatively unknown in this area: Jeff Abbott. I guess he is really more western than southern since he lives in Austin, TX, but we still consider him southern. What I appreciate about his books is that you can start anywhere. They are all very fast page-turners with excellent plots, well-developed characters and unexpected twists and turns that leave you breathless and begging for more. Current paperback titles include Collision, Fear, Panic and Cut and Run. His most recent release is Trust Me, and trust me, it is a good one.

Mary

Fred's Film Findings 8/2/2009

Welcome back to Fred's World of DVD! I am going to review 5 movies that I watched this week.They will be in our stores Tuesday Aug.4th. If you are in the area and want us to save one for you give us a call! (Gulf Shores 251-968-6828 and Orange Beach 251-981-9707)

The top of my list is OBSESSED starring Beyonce "Bootylicious" Knowles and Ali Larter. A movie with a plot you have seen 100 times but Beyonce and Larter are very watchable. It is about an office temp (Larter) who mistakes advances made at a party and starts to cause trouble for everyone when she tries to snatch Beyonce's man. I give it 3 1/2 stars. The half star given to the fight scene between Knowles and Larter. PG-13

Next we have Race to Witch Mountain, the remake of the Disney film Escape To Witch Mountain. Lots of action, adventure and alien superpowers! It's a very exciting movie for families. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
Rated PG

If you have not seen the movie THE SOLOIST your missing out. I am not a big Jamie Fox fan but I thought he was great in this film. Robert Downey Jr is a reporter who discovers a street musician and they form a friendship that will change their lives. I give it 4 stars.
Rated pg-13.

Next we have the movie Fragments. The typical plot about a group of people who through one incident form a bond. Yes, another one. Another one with Forrest Whitaker. Really, not kidding. I will give it 2 1/2 stars, but for a much better film watch CRASH.
Rated R

Last but not least (well, maybe least) is the movie Labor Pains starring everyone's favorite party girl Lindsay Lohan. Ummm... I have nothing to say. Well, I do but you know what Momma always said... 1 1/2 stars.

Until next week.... Leave me some comments, ask some questions, or come visit the stores!

Fred

Fred's Film Findings 7/24/09

Hi, my name is Fred and I'm the manager of Coastal Video and Books. I will be writing a weekly report of whats hot and whats not in the world of DVD. I will even try to be fair and balanced in my critique (or in some cases rants). Now that's out of the way, let's get started!

Coming Tuesday the 28th we have:

Fast and Furious starring the cast from the original (Vin Diesel and Paul Walker). In my opinion it's as good or better than the first one.When the fugitive Vin Diesel returns to Los Angeles to avenge a loved ones death he restarts his old fued between him and Paul Walker. The action scenes are excellent. I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. Note to parents: the movie is PG-13 for Intense scenes of action and violence, sexual content and drugs.

Next on my list is a movie called Angel of Death starring Zoe Bell of "Death Proof". She was also the stunt double for Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill". Eve (Bell) is an assassin with no remorse until one botched hit changes everything. She starts to think about the people she has killed and beings to feel remorse. She wants to change her life, but the people she works for won't let her go. This means... she has to take out her bosses. Note to parents: This film is unrated and is extremly violent.The language is rough and it is made for people 17 and over.

The next title we have is the Raunchy comedy Miss March about Eugene Tucker, two best friends who embark on a hilarious cross-country road trip to the Playboy mansion, and Cindi, Eugene's gorgeous girlfriend turned centerfold. Note to parents: The DVD comes in two versions. Rated R for Strong crude and sexual content, nudity, pervasive language and drug use and Unrated which contains more of the same. 17 and older.

The final movie we have Tuesday is the action film Dragonball Z : Evolution (based on the bestselling manga series). It's packed with spectacular visual effects, high flying action, and over an hour of hard hitting extra's. It brings the legend to life as never before. Rated PG for action and brief mild language.

Well thats all this week. I'll be back again next week to review more titles and give you some lesser known films that I have enjoyed. Have a great week and drop by any of our locations for the largest film libary on the coast! Leave me a comment, let me know what you want to know about!

Fred