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
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
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
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
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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
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
Monday, August 17, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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
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
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