New Adult Fiction

Sarah Jane is an new novel from James Sallis. "Sarah Jane Pullman is a good cop with a complicated past. From her small-town chicken-farming roots through her runaway adolescence, court-ordered Army stint, ill-advised marriage and years slinging scrambled eggs over greasy spoon griddles, Sarah Jane unfolds her life story, a parable about memory, atonement, and finding shape in chaos. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is named the de facto sheriff of a rural town, investigating the mysterious disappearance of the sheriff whose shoes she’s filling—and the even more mysterious realities of the life he was hiding from his own colleagues and closest friends. This kaleidoscopic character study sparkles in every dark and bright detail—a virtuoso work by a master of both the noir and the tender aspects of human nature." (from Amazon.com)

Zora Neale Hurston's Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick "is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Brought together for the first time in one volume, they include eight of Hurston’s “lost” Harlem stories, which were found in forgotten periodicals and archives. These stories challenge conceptions of Hurston as an author of rural fiction and include gems that flash with her biting, satiric humor, as well as more serious tales reflective of the cultural currents of Hurston’s world. All are timeless classics that enrich our understanding and appreciation of this exceptional writer’s voice and her contributions to America’s literary traditions." (from Amazon.com)

Blues in the Dark is a thriller from Raymond Benson. "Karissa Glover is a movie producer who moves into a decrepit but functional old mansion in the West Adams Heights area of Los Angeles, where black celebrities of yesteryear—Hattie McDaniel, Louise Beavers, and others—once resided. The former owner was a white actress, Blair Kendrick, who often starred as the "bad girl"—a femme fatale—in films noirof the 1940s. However, Blair’s career was cut short when she was tragically killed by the mob after allegedly witnessing the slaying of a corrupt studio head in 1949. As Karissa and her producing partner decide to develop a modern film noir about Blair Kendrick, malevolent forces from the past attempt to stop them—first with intimidation, and then with the thread of murder. Is this because Karissa has learned that Blair was involved in a then-taboo interracial relationship with jazz musician Hank Marley? What really happened on the night that death struck in a dimly lit studio mogul’s office? The consequences of Blair and Hank’s doomed love affair still resonate in the present day as Karissa attempts to unravel Blair’s secrets." (from Amazon.com)

The Chestnut Man is a thriller from Soren Sveistrup, creator of The Killing. "If you find one, he's already found you. A psychopath is terrorizing Copenhagen. His calling card is a “chestnut man”—a handmade doll made of matchsticks and two chestnuts—which he leaves at each bloody crime scene. Examining the dolls, forensics makes a shocking discovery—a fingerprint belonging to a young girl, a government minister’s daughter who had been kidnapped and murdered a year ago. A tragic coincidence—or something more twisted? To save innocent lives, a pair of detectives must put aside their differences to piece together the Chestnut Man’s gruesome clues. Because it’s clear that the madman is on a mission that is far from over. And no one is safe." (from Amazon.com)

Author Zach Fehst delivers a magical thriller with American Magic. "When an enigmatic message uploaded to the dark web turns out to contain an ancient secret giving regular people the power to do impossible things, like levitate cars or make themselves invisible, American government officials panic. They know the demo videos on YouTube and instructions for incantations could turn from fantastical amusement to dangerous weapon at the drop of the hat, and they scramble to keep the information out of the wrong hands. They tap Ben Zolstra, an ex-CIA field operative whose history with the Agency is conflicted at best, to lead the team that’s racing to contain the dangerous knowledge—and track down the mysterious figure behind the leak who threatens that even more dangerous spells will be released one by one until the world as we know it no longer exists. This sweeping, globe-spanning thriller explores the dark consequences of a question mankind has been asking for centuries: What if magic were real?" (from Amazon.com)

Tim Dorsey pens his 23rd Serge Storms novel with Naked Came the Florida Man. "Though another devastating hurricane is raking Florida, its awesome power can’t stop the Sunshine State’s most loyal son, Serge A. Storms, from his latest scenic road trip: a cemetery tour. With his best bro Colman riding shotgun, Serge hits the highway in his ’69 gold Plymouth Satellite, putting pedal to the metal on a grand tour of the past. Beginning in Key West, the sunshine boys’ odyssey includes a forgotten mass grave in Palm Beach county holding the remains of African Americans killed by the Great Hurricane of 1928, and the resting place of one world-famous television dolphin (RIP Flipper) from the 1960s. But one deadland—a haunted old sugar field—holds more than just the bones of those who’ve passed. For years, local children have whispered about a boogeyman hiding among the stalks. Could it be the same maniac known as Naked Florida man who’s been raising hell all over the place? There are few things Serge loves more than solving a good mystery and bestowing justice on miscreants who sully his beloved home’s good name. With his partner bong boy, Florida’s psycho superhero will find the truth in this hilariously violent delight—packed with history, lore, and plenty of motel antics." (from Amazon.com)

Presto!

     Penn Jillette is nothing if not unconventional. As a magician, comedian, entertainer, and keen observer of the human condition, he is the first to cry, “Bulls#*t,” when it comes to fads and trends that have little to no basis in fact. That may be why this latest memoir is so surprising. Topping 330 pounds and diagnosed with high blood pressure, Jillette knew that he wanted to make it past his 60th birthday and watch his two children grow-up. Presto! tells the story of how Jillette lost 100 pounds by following a diet designed by Ray “Crazy Ray” Cronise—a former NASA scientist and an unconventional personality in his own right.
     Jillette describes how he used this “potato diet” developed by Cronise to change his body and mind. He tells how he survived performing his shows in Las Vegas, taking meetings with Hollywood executives, and hanging out with his friends and family all the while following this restrictive diet. He also intersperses his views on sex, religion, and pop culture using his quick wit and more than a few expletives throughout the book. Presto! is informative, frank, and funny as hell!

Takedown Twenty!

Janet Evanovich's latest book in her Stephanie Plum series, Takedown Twenty, is another hilarious entry in a very entertaining series!  New Jersey bounty hunter Plum understands the value of family, but her "back is up against the wall" when her job requires her to apprehend mobster Salvatore "Uncle Sunny" Sunucchi.  He has been charged with murder for running over a guy (twice) and no one in Trenton wants to turn him in!  Besides hiding out at various rental properties, girlfriends' houses, and private clubs, Uncle Sunny even takes turns spending the night with the parents of his godson, Stephanie's almost-fiance', cop Joe Morelli. Other than hunting down Uncle Sunny and evading being shot or thrown off a bridge by his bodyguards, security specialist (and hottie) Ranger enlists Stephanie's help in solving the bizarre death of the mother of one of his client's, who plays bingo with Stephanie's Grandma Mazur.  Mix in a giraffe who keeps appearing to Lula and Stephanie on the streets of Trenton and you have the ingredients for another madcap adventure.  This title in the series has some very funny moments and Grandma Mazur is as zany as ever as she goes on dates with some of Trenton's most eligible Senior Citizen bachelor's.  Stephanie even considers changing jobs---and you'll never guess what she tries her hand at next.  It's best to start reading this series at the beginning (One for the Money is the first one) as the characters' stories build on each other throughout the series. Check out what Janet Evanovich is doing by visiting her website at www.evanovich.com, at Facebook/JanetEvanovich or by writing her at P.O. Box 2829, Naples, FL  34106.

The Heist!

Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg have hit a home run with their latest book, The Heist.  Starring FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare, whose job is chasing down the world's most wanted criminals.  She is tenacious and ambitious and has been obsessed with apprehending international criminal, Nicolas Fox, for a large portion of her career.  Nicolas is a natural con man--handsome, dangerously charming and notorious for running successful and elaborate schemes on very high-profile people.  Kate finally captures Nicolas and then is confronted with an edict from her boss--she must let Nicolas go in exchange for him working with the FBI to capture a corrupt investment banker hiding on a private island in Indonesia and recovering the millions he has stolen.  To accomplish this task, Nicolas asks to hire his own team of ragtag criminals including Agent O'Hare.  They stage an elaborate heist to capture the banker, that is hilarious to watch.  If you enjoy reading Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, you will also enjoy this madcap adventure.  I hope that this is the first of many collaborations between Evanovich and Goldberg.  Visit Janet Evanovich's website at www.evanovich.com and Lee Goldberg's at www.leegoldberg.com for more information on the authors.

Martha Stewart as a Guiding Light

One of the newer additions to our collection is 'The Tao of Martha : My Year of LIVING, or Why I'm Never Getting all that Glitter off the Dog' by Jen Lancaster.

After confronting the countertop clutter that had been dumped in the kitchen gun cabinet (a story in itself) and the Drawer of Shame (where anything found on the floor that the pets might choke on gets stuffed), the author decides to see if she can take her home and herself up a notch by following the spirit of the Martha Stewart empire for a year in helping her de-clutter, decorate, revamp her storage, make crafts, throw fabulous parties and basically, get her groove back.

While her attempts occasionally fall a bit (sometimes quite a bit) short of magazine picture ready, she makes a game attempt at her Martha home make-over with a copy of Martha's 'Handmade Holiday Crafts', Martha's web site on her computer and a stack of back issues of 'Living' magazine.  Through a difficult year, she not only manages to get her groove back, but her path on the trail to getting both home and life in order might inspire a round of de-cluttering for those following her adventures through her year of living the Martha way.

Who Killed the Professor?

Compound Murder is the latest Dan Rhodes Mystery by Bill Crider; and I have to tell you it was such a pleasant and easy read, that I finished it in just a couple of hours. Small town Texas sheriff, Dan Rhodes, just wishes the local Dr. Pepper manufacturer would go back to using real cane sugar in their formula, so that he could enjoy his daily caffeine. While musing over his boycott of the beverage, and staring at the Mr. Pibb bottle in front of him, the phone rings. Police dispatcher, Hack, tells him that the local beauty shop has been burgled and the thief made off with the hair! When sheriff Rhodes arrives, he finds that someone has broken in through the bathroom window and stolen all of the wigs and hair extensions made of natural hair--a pretty expensive bounty. Just as he is telling the owner to leave everything as it is and to cancel all of his appointments for the morning, Hack calls Rhodes again and tells him to get over to the local community college; there's a dead body. Math professor Seepy Benton, a graduate of the Citizens' Sheriff's Academy, is trying to keep all of the students and faculty away from the crime scene, but he's having little luck. The sheriff helps herd the students and professors inside and takes a look at the body, but before he can get into any real police work, a car peels out of the parking lot and Rhodes give chase, leaving Seepy to guard the area. A high speed chase ensues that winds up with the suspect's car smashed into a tree with its trunk wide open and Rhodes' windshield cracked and sagging. Turns out, the driver is 19 year-old Ike Terrell, son of the local doomsday prepper, Able Terrell. Rhodes finds the missing hair in the open trunk of Ike's car. The Terrells are thought to be gun-toting, survivalists that have fenced themselves inside the family property. Ike is unwilling to talk, so Rhodes has no choice, but to book him. This is all just the first couple of chapters. Sheriff Rhodes also has to deal with copper thieves, wrestle a pot-bellied pig, calm trigger-happy deputies, all the while trying to find out who murdered English professor Earl Wellington. By all accounts, Wellington was not liked. He was a picky when it came to his students attendance and work and he lacked the social skills necessary to make friends. Rhodes' investigation is fraught with red herrings and the diversions of small-town America and peppered with the humor and frailty of the human condition. I can't reveal anymore without giving away the story, so you'll just have to give it a go!

Girl in Progress

I was working the library's audiovisual desk this week and I stumbled across the cutest movie!  Girl in Progress stars Eva Mendes, a carefree waitress with a teenage girl named Ansiedad who desperately wants to grow up and be an adult.  Ani is very disappointed in her mom 's behavior, because her mom acts more like a teenager than she does.  Ani decides to create her own "coming-of-age story" by becoming a nerd, attracting the attention of her teachers, then having an abrupt spiral downwards into "bad girl mode" by partying, suddenly making bad grades, shirking her chores and other duties and getting involved with the popular girls in school and dating the "baddest" boy in school.  What follows is a hilarious romp through the life of a teen.  The story is set in Seattle and features some of the famous landmarks in the town.  The movie is rated PG-13 and is perfect to watch with your own teenage girl!

Beat the Tombstone Blues

So, the next time you stay at a bed and breakfast, think about this one simple fact--things are not always as they seem!  In Ken Hodgson's Tombstone Blues, Samantha Sterling is fleeing her new divorce and her old life in Houston, TX, when she becomes the new manager of the Sunset Bed and Breakfast located in historic Tombstone, AZ.  Sidney Munson and his life partner Michael run the bed and breakfast, with the help of Sydney's crotchety mom, Esther.  They enjoy gourmet meals with select guests under the beautiful Arizona sunsets, but as they are both in their fifties, hire Samantha to run the business for them so that they can take much-needed vacations.  Samantha arrives and is immediately suspicious of Sidney and Michael's excessive kindness and strange behavior.  Soon, the secret is out!  The Sunset Bed and Breakfast is a cover for a hit-man operation, and if Samantha wants to survive, she must learn the business too.  This is the basis for a hilarious, charming, action-packed story full of entertaining characters.  There are plenty of side stories involving the residents of Tombstone, and there is definitely room for a sequel.  Esther is as much fun as Grandma Mazur (Stephanie Plum's grandma in her series written by Janet Evonavich) and Sidney and Michael are zany as well as sophisticated.  The plot gets wild and woolly, so prepare yourself for a twisty ride. Ken Hodgson is a former gold and uranium miner, worked in a state hospital and owned an air compressor buisness.  He is an active member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers.  He lives on a small ranch in northen New Mexico with his wife and prime editor, Rita alon with two spoiled cats, Sasha and Ulysses.

Notorious Nineteen

Want to recoup from the hustle and bustle of the holidays?  Why not try reading the newest Stephanie Plum novel, Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich?  This nineteenth book in the series serves up as much fun and zaniness as the other eighteen.  The characters you love (Lula, Connie, Ranger, Morelli and Grandma Mazur) are back, along with a few new ones.  The main action of this series centers around Stephanie (lingerie saleswoman-turned-bounty hunter) trying to find Geoffrey Cubbin, a bail skip with a 3 million dollar bond who has disappeared from his Tenton, NJ hospital room while recovering from an emergency appendectomy.  Recovering Geoffrey would really help Stephanie, since she desperately needs to pay her bills and purchase a new vehicle.  Cubbin has been accused of embezzling 5 million dollars from Cranberry Manor, an assisted living facility in Trenton, New Jersey and his wife and the residents would love to know where he has hidden the money---they just need to find him first!  In between trying to find Cubbin, Stephanie earns extra cash by posing as Ranger's date/personal bodyguard, a gig that involves a wedding and a hideous pink bridesmaid dress and a few racy moments.  This book is humorous and full of fun moments---the audiobook is as entertaining as the book so check out the CD if you don't have time to read it.  Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum and Lizzy and Diesel series', twelve romance novels, the Alexanddra Barnaby novels and How I Write:  Secrets of a Bestselling Author.   Visit the author's website at www.evanovich.com.

Rabid for Dogs...

Are you the owner of one or more pampered pooches?  Do you believe in Halloween costumes, doggie daycare or other luxury items for your favorite canine companion?  If so, then Pamela Redmond Satran's, Rabid:  Are You Crazy About Your Dog or Just Crazy is the perfect book for you! This book is a humorous look at the United States' dog-centered society, and will help the reader laugh at his/her own behavior and the insane antics of all sorts of dog people.  The book covers 11 chapters of strange and bizarre things that people do to and with their dogs--from beauty and fashion to dogs in movies, celebrity dog IQ and what to do with your dog when he/she passes away.  My favorite part of the book is (I'm not kidding) doggie weddings!!! The pictures are cute and the book is very entertaining, but it also gives the reader a view of the often "over-the-top" emotional insanity of dog lovers.  Pamela Satran is the author of the New York Times bestselling humor book How Not to Act Old and coauthor of eight baby name books including the bestselling Beyond Jennifer & Jason.  Satran is also a columnist for Glamour and contributes frequently to the "Daily Beast," the "New York Times" and "More."  Discover more inrormation about Pamela Satran by visiting her website and pamelaredmondsatron.com.

The Goddess of Fried Okra

I have to admit, the first time I read this book's title, it made me very hungry! If you like the book, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg, you will also enjoy The Goddess of Fried Okra by Jean Brashear. The story's heroine is six-foot redhead Eudora "Pea" O'Brien, a convenience store employee who leaves Austin, TX with everything she owns packed in the back of her beat-up car. She is searching for the reincarnated soul of the sister who raised her after her parents died, based on the advice of a psychic. For Pea, everything that was right in her world took a nosedive when her sister died, and she believes that if she can see her again, and make peace with her, her world will vastly improve. Pea travels along the backroads of Texas, reading historical markers and listening for signs from her sister to point her along the right path. On her journey she picks up some strays--a terrified kitten, a pregnant teen she rescues from her abusive boyfriend and a con man trying to reform. When the car finally dies in Jewel, TX, she meets an unlikely group of folks and the whole menagerie stays for a spell while the car gets fixed, Pea works at the local cafe' to help pay for the car repairs and she meets an unlikely pair of sisters. This book is a wistful, humorous story of a woman who sets out to find her reincarnated sister but ends up finding herself. It is truly a delightful read. I also enjoyed the format of this book, as easy chapter opens with an explanation of a "historical" marker about a person or place that has something to do with the story. The library only owns the Large Print format of this book, so make sure you search for it in the Large Print section when you want to check it out!

Smokin' Seventeen

If you love humor, entertaining characters and situations that are a whole lot of fun, you will LOVE Janet Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" series of books. Her latest, Smokin' Seventeen is another enjoyable romp with her usual characters through the streets of Trenton, NJ. Stephanie is a former lingerie seller turned bounty hunter who works for her sleazy cousin Vinnie. Stephanie has the enviable problem of being in serious "like" with two men--Joseph Morelli (handsome police officer and owner of a lovable dog) and Ranger (dark, mysterious, sometimes bounty hunter who owns his own security firm). Stephanie can't figure out which man she should date, especially since her mom and grandmother are breathing down her neck for her to get married and settle down. The action of this novel begins when a body is found buried on the vacant lot where the former bail bonds office was located (it burned up in a fire at the end of the last book). Vinnie and his crew are working temporarily in an RV located on the former site, when a body turns up...and then they keep turning up! All is fine until the killer starts dedicating the bodies to Stephanie---and why does the killer's image that is caught on a camera seem so familiar to her? Stephanie's friend and Vinnie's file clerk Lula (a plus-size former prostitute) is at her raucous best in this novel, whether she and Stephanie are fighting off FTA's who believe they are vampires or buying sandwiches and eluding Morelli's Grandma Bella at Giovichinni's deli. I love these zany mysteries and I know you will love them too! I suggest starting with the first book in the series, One for the Money, so that you don't miss out on one second of the action!

First Grave on the Right

It is rare for me to find a book that is both funny and heartfelt honest. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Darynda Jones' First Grave on the Right is a book that fills both of those categories. The main character in the story is Charley Davidson---and if you can picture the type of woman that can stand up to that name, you'll know what a feisty character she is! Charley is a part-time private investigator and a full-time grim reaper. What, exactly does that mean? Charley literally sees dead people and it's her job to convince them to "step into the light"--and apparently she is very sparkly and attracts a lot of dead people to her. When the dead people that Charley sees have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), they often ask Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Charley has a few admirers amongst her retired police officer father's former co-workers, and continues to help her police officer Uncle Bob solve cases with the help of her dead friends. Added to this mix is a mysterious, misty, stranger who keeps slipping in and out of Charley's dreams and waking life and who she can't seem to stop thinking about. The most entertaining part of this book is when Charley carries on conversations with the dead people (that she can see) while she is sitting in cars/ restaurants/ offices with live poeple (who can't see the dead people)---it is hilarious! If you like Janet Evanovich's books starring lingerie-seller-turned-bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum, you will enjoy getting a taste of this entertaining story by Darynda Jones.

Humorous Movies

I recently spent some "brrrr-y" days watching movies at my house. Two of my recent favorites were Despicable Me and The Lottery Ticket. Despicable Me stars Steve Carell and is a wonderful story about a villain named Cru who is trying to pull off the greatest "steal" ever by stealing the moon. He and his thousands of adorable minions (trust me, you'll think they are cute too) invent gadgets and steal things in their attempt to make Cru (voiced by Steve Carell) the "World's Greatest Villian." While on this journey Cru ends up adopting three orphaned girls, and the way they wrap Cru around their fingers is one of sweetest things I have ever seen. This movie is rated PG (Rude Humor and Mild Action) and is a great family movie night pick.

The Lottery Ticket is a great "what-if" movie that describes what happens when a young man from the local neighborhood wins the lottery. Kevin Carson (played by Bow Wow) buys a lottery ticket on a whim and ends up winning $370 million--the bad news is that the lottery office is closed for the long July 4th weekend and Kevin must figure out how to keep a lid on his good fortune and survive the three-day weekend. This movie is full of twists and turns and very funny scenes, and the viewer discovers, with Kevin, the "good, the bad and the ugly" in his friends. There is a brilliant cast in this film (Brandon T. Jackson, Naturi Naughton, Loretta Divine, Ice Cube, Bill Bellamy, T-Pain, Ketih David, Terry Crews, and Mike Epps) and it is truly a great experience to watch it. The movie is rated PG-13 (Sexual content, Language including a Drug Reference, Some Violence and Brief Underage Drinking) and could be a great choice for a couples movie night.

Sizzling Sixteen

It is my fervent wish that Janet Evanovich never stops writing books in her Stephanie Plum series. These books are laugh-out-loud funny and give me the opportunity to share with other folks a new author (I'm always reading one of them in a public place when the person sitting next to me asks what book I'm reading that is causing me to laugh so much)! In this installment, Sizzling Sixteen, Stephanie's Uncle Vinnie is kidnapped because he owes too much money to his bookie. This is a big problem because with Vinne kidnapped Stephanie is unable to do her job as a bounty hunter and collect funds so that she can pay her rent! Even though Vinnie is a sleaze, bless his heart, he is related to Stephanie and she feels as if she owes it to him to try and rescue him. Of course, she has help from plus-size former prostitute Lula, her policeman on-again-off-again boyfriend Morelli, the elusive bounty hunter and private contractor Ranger, and the Bonds Office Manager Connie. The group performs several hilarious rescue attempts while Stephanie is chased (literally) by the bad guys hunting Vinnie and (figuratively) by Morelli and Ranger. I enjoy this series because it paints a realistic portrait of Trenton, New Jersey and its residents and the book characters are very enjoyable. One for the Money, the first book in the series is currently in production as a movie and if it resembles the book even a little bit the movie should be a real treat to watch.

Try Grisham's Short Stories

John Grisham's Ford County is a warm, humorous and poignant collection of stories about the residents of Ford County, Mississippi. Although Ford County is a fictional place, the characters are very real and Grisham does an outstanding job at placing the reader exactly inside the minds of these folks. Each story invoves a different aspect of Ford County, from lawyers, to casinos, retirement home corruption, racial tension and family relationships. My favorite story in this collection is "Funny Boy," a sensitive story about a family who has ostracized and disowned their gay son and what happens when he contracts AIDS and moves home to die. These stories might make you laugh or cry, but they will definitely give you a snapshot of life in a small-town, gossipy Mississippi county. These short stories are a big departure from Grisham's usual legal thrillers, so be prepared for a different sort of story when you read Ford County!

Humor in the Movies

I've spent some time recently watching movies, and watched two really funny ones that I wanted to share with you. The first one is 17 Again, starring Zac Efron (the really cute guy that stars in the "High School Musical" series) and Matthew Perry (from the "Friends" television show). The basis of the story is that Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) is getting a divorce, because he's bitter and angry and has blamed his wife for his really unlucky life that he's had for the past eighteen years. The reason why O'Donnell has had such a bad life is that on the day that he, a huge basketball star, had a scout visit him during the game of his life, his girlfriend revealed a huge secret and he "gave up" his chance to be a college athlete in order to help her out. O'Donnell is musing on his past when he receives a chance to be "17 again" and he goes back to High School to try and change the outcome of his life. Zac Efron plays the 17-year-old Mike O'Donnell and Matthew Perry plays the 35-year-old Mike O'Donnell--both men are great actors and there are many humorous scenes. If you've ever wanted to go back to high school and re-live your stellar moments, this is the perfect movie for you! The movie is rated PG-13, and it would be a good movie to share with your kids.

Another humorous movie I've watched lately is Applause for Miss E, a stage play filmed live and produced on DVD. The play stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Jazsmin Lewis, Gina Torres and Roger Guenveur Smith, in a funny but poignant family drama. Miss E (played by Calloway) walked away from a promising career as a comedienne to save her marriage and raise her daughter. Years later, Miss E has another chance to fulfill her dreams but she has to first rely on her sleazy ex-manager (Roger Smith) who's sudden appearance leads to the hysterical revelation of some long-held family secrets. Miss E's interactions with her friends are funny and the filming is superb. The play was filmed with a live audience in attendance, so the watcher is treated to a fine "laugh track" while watching the DVD. There is some strong language in the film, and it is not rated, so mature audiences might enjoy this film more than kids would.

Take a Vanilla Ride

Vanilla Ride is the new novel by Joe R. Lansdale, starring Hap Collins and Leonard Pine, best friends who are also trouble makers and guys with the best intentions. In this book, they once again stumble into a bad situation, this time with several members of the Dixie Mafia. Hap Collins is from East Texas and Leonard Collins is a gay, black, veteran who's heart is pining for his lost love. An old friend asks Leonard to rescue his daughter from an abusive drug dealer and he agrees, and invites Hap along to help him. The drug dealer is a member of the Dixie Mafia, and even though he is on the bottom rung of the organization's ladder, when Hap and Leonard rough him up, the mafia feels obligated to give back some revenge of their own. Hap and Leonard narrowly escape, but end up on the radar of Vanilla Ride, the legendary hit man who's goal is to eliminate them as a threat. Set in Texas, this page-turning, filled with humor novel will carry readers along for the ride throughout all of the pages of the book. The first novel in the Hap and Leonard series is Savage Season; this book gives great background on how Hap and Leonard became friends.

Stephanie Plum is "Finger Lickin' Fifteen"

If Janet Evanovich's new Stephanie Plum series entry doesn't cause you to crave barbeque, then I don't know what will! Finger Lickin' Fifteen is a riot of a story, that lives up to the other fourteen books in the series. Stephanie Plum, lingerie-seller-turned-bounty-hunter, is at her zany best in this new novel, which centers around the murder of celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle. Chipotle visits Trenton, NJ to participate in a barbeque cook-off and ends up losing his head, unfortunately right in front of Lula, Stephanie's sidekick and fellow bail bonds office worker. Chipotle's killers spend their time trying to locate Lula to get rid of the only witness to his murder, and Lula recruits Stephanie to help her find Chipotle's killers so that she can feel safe and they can collect the reward money. Lula's big plan is to enter the barbeque competition that Chipotle had entered--and enlists Grandma Mazur's help in creating a prize-winning barbeque sauce (preferably one that doesn't give folks food poisoning). Stephanie also works overtime in this book, snooping for Ranger and his security company during the day, to help him discover who is breaking into his monitored homes and businesses and how they are accomplishing the burglaries. Evanovich again displays all of her beloved characters at their kooky best and delivers another humorous look at the life of the citizens of the 'burg in Trenton, NJ. Haven't read any Stephanie Plum novels yet? Start with the first book in this series, One for the Money.

Some Day You'll Thank Me For This!

Haven't most of us heard that title phrase again...and again...and again in our lives? We probably heard it from our own mother, too! I recently read Some Day You'll Thank Me For This: The Official Southern Ladies' Guide to Being a "Perfect" Mother by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays and I have to tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is a humorous guide to the "Southern Mother," and even if you are not a DSM (Daughter of a Southern Mother), you will still appreciate this book. Metcalfe and Hays state that since southern society is arranged along matriarchal lines, the Southern Mother is a much more formidable being than the Southern Father. Southern Mothers were put on the earth to create good manners in their children and instill the art of ancestor worship into the next generation. This book is a humorous tribute to the Daughters of Southern Mothers, and their finicky, demanding Southern Mothers, and includes appropriate recipes for specific life occasions. Gayden Metcalf and Charlotte Hays are also the authors of two other humorous books: Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral and Somebody is Gonna Die if Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch That Bouqet: the Official Southen Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding. If you have ever wondered why southern women act the way they do...this book is for you! If you enjoy these books, try reading Jill Connor Browne's The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love, another hilarious book about growing up as a woman in the south.