Books on the Big Screen

Going to the movies? Several new and "coming soon" movies are based on books. Beat the crowds and place your holds now!

The Rite (scheduled release date: January 28)

Anthony Hopkins stars as an American priest studying at an exorcism school in Italy.

Based on The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, by Matt Baglio

The Eagle (scheduled release date: February 25)

The saga of a young Roman soldier in ancient Britain.

Based on The Eagle of the Ninth, by Rosemary Sutcliff

Jane Eyre (scheduled release date: March 11)

A new adaptation of the classic novel about a plain servant and her mysterious employer.

Based on Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte (hint: look for books with call numbers of F BRONTE or YA BRONTE)

The Lincoln Lawyer (scheduled release date: March 18)

Matthew McConnaughey stars as a lawyer who conducts business from the back of his Lincoln town car.

Based on The Lincoln Lawyer, by Michael Connelly (also in Large Print)

Miral (scheduled release date: March 25)

An orphaned Palestinian girl grows up in the wake of war.

Based on Miral, by Rula Jebreal

Book Review: Portobello

A troubled man with a heart condition drops an envelope full of cash in the busy shopping district of Portobello Road. A deeply obsessive art dealer finds it and posts flyers in an attempt to find the owner of the money. A shiftless young man from a family of ex-cons sees the flyer and tries to claim the cash. These minor, random events bring three people and those around them into a web of sinister interactions in Ruth Rendell's new mystery Portobello (also available in large print.) Not a typical whodunnit, Rendell's novel instead focuses on the people who are affected by the simple act of dropping something in the street and the network of actions that happen as a consequence, a fascinating collection of character studies and a slice-of-life picture of a London neighborhood.

Female British mystery writers have made a name for themselves in recent years, with novels often driven by strongly-drawn, intriguing characters. Other suggestions include Minette Walters, whose recent title The Chameleon's Shadow (reviewed here) focuses on a wounded Iraq war veteran who might or might not have committed a series of murders, and Mo Hayder, whose gritty novel Pig Island follows an investigative reporter into a secluded religious compound riddled with secrets. -Michelle (Sunset)

Book Review: Little Dorrit

As we attempt to survive "The Great Recession," who would have believed that Charles Dickens in his classic Little Dorrit created a story that could have been taken from a recent copy of The Wall Street Journal? Originally published in a monthly serial from December 1855 to June 1857, Dickens' story tells of the great financial wizard Mr. Merdle, a man who is literally the foundation of the British investment empire. A shaker of the world's economic system and the guru of economics, Mr. Merdle's demise can be taken right from the pages of the Bernie Madoff scandal. The resulting economic calamity and the taking down of such honorable and loving persons as Arthur Clennan, the savior of Little Dorrit and her father, forecast the lack of financial rectitude in our contemporary times. There is even the landlord Mr. Pancks, a believer in "trickle down economics" who thinks that what's best for the wealthy is best for him, even if it's unethical. Maybe even Dickens' debtor prison will become a reality of our times. Read Litte Dorrit and you'll be amazed at its timely relevance. -Henry (Downtown)

Book Review: Waiter Rant

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip - Confessions of a Cynical Waiter is a great read to fully understand the underworld of foodservice. The entertaining and witty musings of “anonymous” writer Steve Dublanica are a quick, fascinating journey into the upper crust New York restaurant biz, and the actors, students, and other temporary servers who make it tick. Throughout the story the reader is left in the dark about the identity of the author, a downsized corporate executive, who falls into a “temporary” waiter’s job to make ends meet. What we learn along the way is not only the disgusting and depraved hijinks that go on behind those kitchen doors, but also what draws people to this seemingly back-breaking and thankless job. The book also highlights the major influence that blogging has in our society today. Dublanica’s book is an offshoot of the anonymous blog he started years ago to vent his frustrations about restaurant management, staff and customers. Since being “outed,” Dublanica has a new blog site, waiterrant.net. Can’t wait to read the next installment of Steve’s rants, and pick up a few “tips” too! (Also available in audiobook.) - Kathy (Downtown)

Book Review: Fueling the Teen Machine

Fueling the Teen Machine: What it takes to make choices for yourself every day is a comprehensive book that looks at what teens eat currently and what smarter choices they should make in the future to enjoy long, healthy lives. The authors, two registered dietitians, examine food choices specific to teenage palates, and give meal planning ideas for eating out, grocery shopping, and when following special diets such as weight control, sports nutrition or vegetarianism. Loaded with appendixes, menu ideas and recipes, the book takes the guesswork out of healthy eating and sound nutritution. While focusing on teens, the book is written for adults. Coaches, mothers, and teachers will find scientifically-based content with many resources on nutritional data, governmental agencies, and organizations dealing specifically with food-related issues. Fueling the Teen Machine would make a great reference guide for parents, athletes, or any teen needing to make smarter, healthier choices in today’s fast-food world. -Kathy (Downtown)