As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, here it is… The independently ranked top 10 Fiction selections for JULY 2019!
If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the title or the (BUY IT HERE) button.
#1 Summer of ’69
by Elin Hilderbrand
The Levin family undergoes dramatic events with a son in Vietnam, a daughter in protests and dark secrets hiding beneath the surface.
A New York cop and his wife go on a European
vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed
and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.
MY 2 CENTS:
Writing: ★★★ The writing is really the only
thing holding this film together and it wasn’t that great. It has a decent plot
– a New York cop and his wife go on a vacation they probably can’t afford and
they end up getting framed for the murder of a billionaire. I guess they would
have motive because they don’t have much money to start with, but come on.
Alternate Ending… There were hints at
the beginning of the film… Jennifer Aniston’s character commented on how her
husband, played by Adam Sandler, never listens. She has wanted to go on this
vacation for years. In fact, it’s their honeymoon, but they have been married
for a pretty long time already. Second hint… he was reading a murder mystery on
the plane – she loves them. Where, as an author, I thought the film should go
was that Adam Sandler was saving money for years, planning the perfect murder
mystery vacation for his wife. In the end we would find out it was all a big
game, just like in the movie The Game.
Nope, that isn’t what happened. You’ll
just have to watch it for yourself to see the disappointing end.
Cinematography: ★★★
There were some decent shots when they were in the car chase, but other than
that, the cinematography was nothing to write home about.
Story: ★★★ I thing I covered this when I was talking about the writing. I would have done things a bit different with the ending to allow for a plot twist that this movie failed to give the viewers.
Acting: ★★★ I’ve never been a huge fan of Adam Sandler;
he tends to yell to much in his films. However, he didn’t do that in this one.
No, in fact, he was very subdued. The acting wasn’t terrible, but it could have
been better.
I like Jennifer Aniston, I have since her
time on Friends, but she is a lot like Brad Pitt… nice to look at but a little
one noted when it comes to character development.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“All
women are actresses, dear. I’m just clever enough to get paid for it.”
Check out my YouTube channel and the video
review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
View
the Official Trailers Here!
Scene
shot by shot with Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and the rest of the cast!
Other movies with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston!
I'm drunk ~ Not on alcohol or even love. I'm drunk ~ Grief pulls me under and rattles my shell. I'm drunk ~ It's not a tipsy sort of dizziness. I'm drunk ~ It's a heavy, sinking feeling sweeping over me. I'm drunk ~ Hollow... Senseless... Desperation I'm drunk ~ Vacant... Void... Agony I'm drunk ~ Plummeting... Falling... Sinking I'm drunk ~ It's the sting of your loss pulling me under! I'M DRUNK!
Dedicated to my Uncle Dan (Danny Tapaninen Feb. 19, 1955 – June 24, 2019) You will forever be in my heart!
Alright,
now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in
you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing.
Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
What are you feeling, right now?
Are you an author who
is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals?
Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my
writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write
Ben Is Back follows the charming yet troubled Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges), who returns home to his unsuspecting family one fateful Christmas Eve. Ben’s wary mother Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) welcomes her beloved son’s return, but soon learns he is still very much in harm’s way. During the 24 hours that may change their lives forever, Holly must do everything in her power to avoid the family’s downfall.
AWARDS:
Lucas Hedges won the award for Best Performance by an Actor 23 and Under at the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society Awards. I’m actually surprised this movie didn’t bring in more awards.
MY 2 CENTS:
Writing: ★★★★★ Let me start by admitting that I’ve never suffered with Addiction or known anyone who has, not really. Watching this film, I was moved. The truth in the scenes and the raw openness of the dialogue draws you in rips your heart out. Writer Peter Hedges, who also happened to direct this film, does a wonderful job of telling Lucas’ story. I think the message was powerful and devastating. He doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, deceit, and manipulation involved in an addict’s life.
Cinematography: ★★★ There was nothing special or different about the cinematography in this film. It wasn’t great… it wasn’t terrible… it just was.
Story: ★★★★ I recently watched ‘Beautiful Boy’ with Steve Carell… another movie about a son who is an addict, only this time it focuses on a father-son relationship. If I had to compare the two movies, I’d say ‘Beautiful Boy’ was more realistic. With that said, I’ve read a number of reviews for ‘Ben Is Back’ stating that the story is unrealistic, the events would never happen, and that Julia’s character would never do the things she does in the film. As a mother, I will say, there is very little I wouldn’t do to help my children.
Acting: ★★★★★ Really, there are only two performances
that need to be discussed; Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges because they carried
this film. Without them, there wouldn’t be a story.
I’ve always loved Julia Roberts, she gives
everything to every roll she takes and with this one… she is raw, exposed,
desperate, and unconditionally loving. She gave an outstanding performance and,
as a mother, left me in tears.
Lucas Hedges really impressed me with his
performance. Sure, he is the director’s son and it probably got him the roll,
but I think he held his own. I am not at all surprised that he won an award for
this performance. In this brief 24-hour glimpse into his life we are both swept
away by his playful nature with his younger siblings and blindsided by the devastating
admissions into his past. Hedges does a beautiful job portraying not only the
victim but the instigator.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“You
don’t know what you’re doing. I’m not worth it. If you really knew me, you’d be
done with me.” ~ Ben Burns
I
think the reason I love this quote so much is because it shows just how much someone
can fail to see their own self-worth. Ben is convinced he is no good, can do
nothing right, and will always fail. But when he says this, he is talking to
the one person in the world who will never be able to see him that way, his
mother.
Check out my YouTube channel and the video
review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
View
the Official Trailers Here!
Interview
with Julia Roberts on Good Morning America
It’s
Thursday afternoon and usually I post my weekly Writing Wednesday post on, well…
Wednesday. Unfortunately, or maybe luckily, I was on vacation this last week
and my blog got put on the back burner. I think we all need a little me time,
but right about now, I need more work time.
I’m
trying to catch up, with everything. I have a stack of books about a mile high
that I need to get through, a list of movies about two miles long that I need
to watch and review, a number of author interview requests, blog posts to set
up, and a self-publishing course to create.
So
yeah, I need time. If you have any extra that you’d like to loan me, I’d
forever be in your debt.
Alright,
now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in
you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing.
Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
What do you need right now?
* * * * *
Would you like more
sources for daily writing prompts? Click on the links below for great writing
prompt journals I think you’ll really love!
This Self-Discovery Journal provides more than 200 thoroughly unique & enjoyable writing prompts. Skyrocket your self-esteem, develop your creativity and explore all area’s of life: Writing Prompts about your love life, Writing Prompts to better deal with social anxiety’s Writing Prompts for finding empowering strategies to deal with worries, stress and failures. And much, much more
Do you want to know yourself better? Self-discovery and self-revelation aren’t easy. With simple but provocative questions about wishes and fears, memories and beliefs, secrets and dreams, All About Me will reveal everything you ever wanted to know about yourself but never thought—or dared—to ask. Whether you fill it in or answer questions out loud, this is the perfect gift for your friends, your family, your loved one… and you.
Are you an author who
is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals?
Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my
writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write.
Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal
JUST WRITE is the Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal designed as a planner-journal hybrid to help new and experienced writers stay organized while still fostering creativity. Track your project progress, plan your writing and publishing goals, maintain your personal/business to do list, never miss another deadline or appointment again, keep track of writing ideas, schedule and log social sharing and blog post ideas, keep a record of books you’re reading or want to read, maintain a running playlist, etc.
I’d like to welcome Mansu Edwards, co-author of Plush Couches, as a guest to my blog.
Let’s start by just getting to know you a little before we dive into Plush Couches and find out what your story is all about.
What is your name and do you write under a pen name? Omar Glenn. My pen name is Mansu Edwards
Where do you call home? Brooklyn
Obviously, we know you are an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do? I’m a Brand Ambassador. It’s a freelance gig. I’m very good at what I do. It’s cool.
What is your family like? My father likes reading online news articles. My mother watches movies on the Internet.
If it doesn’t bother you, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like? My room was plastered with hip hop posters. I had the N.E.S. and S.N.E.S. consoles and video games. The apartment was cool. It was a typical apartment.
Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy reading and visiting new places in New York City. Also, I enjoy watching videos, listening to music and podcasts on YouTube.
What is your greatest dream? To leave a positive and powerful legacy.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you? Nothing is stopping me. Right now, I’m transforming into the person God wants me to be.
Not to pry too much, but do you remember your first love? My first love is food. I love to eat.
What is the most terrible thing that ever happened to you? I had an Asthma attack in the 2nd or 3rd grade. My Mother took me to the hospital.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? When I was young, I loved school writing assignments. It gave me the opportunity to use my imagination. I’ve been writing for 10 plus years.
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected?If you never achieved the dream, why not? I was a big wrestling fan. I wanted to become a Wrestler. I discovered that Wrestling was scripted and I think that’s what swayed me away from pursuing it. I eventually replaced it with video games and Hip Hop.
Who is your role model? Jay-Z, M.F. Doom, Jay Electronica
What is your greatest fear? Not having enough time to achieve all my goals.
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? Paperbacks.
Have you ever read a book more than once? If so, what was it? Yes. “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? I’m reading, “How To Talk To Anyone At Work”. Paperback.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Nipsey Hussle, Jay-Z, Ghostface Killah, Bishop Nehru. I would invite them because they’re innovative risk takers. Our ideas can change the trajectory of the Art world.
Let’s shift somewhat
and talk about your latest story.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? The name of my most recent book is “Plush Couches”. On the way to a job interview, Rio Akuba experiences a critical and unsettling case of gas on the train after eating organic, Sweety Berry Bears.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? That’s a good question. I believe I left the idea up to the Illustrator.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I didn’t listen to music while writing “Plush Couches”.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? God gave me the title.
Do you have a book trailer?If so, where can we watch it? I don’t have a book trailer.
In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her? The main character is Rio. He’s unambitious and lives with his parents. Rio is the type who needs external motivation to take action.
What is your character’s greatest strengths? His greatest strength is emotionally connecting with people.
And what are his/her greatest weaknesses? He’s too dependent. He doesn’t trust himself.
What are some of his/her favorite foods? He doesn’t have any favorite foods.
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has? He’s observant and perceptive.
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why? Readers will like the character because he’s charismatic and witty.
What first gave you the idea for your latest book? God gave me the idea.
Let’s talk now about
your writing process.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter? I’m a Panster. I prefer writing the story instead of using an outline. It’s more enjoyable.
Have you come across any specific challenges in writing or publishing? What would you do differently the next time? My challenge is selecting the best idea from several. I’m still looking for a solution to the problem.
Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company? I’m a self-published, indie author.
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I spent an exorbitant amount of money with a Vanity Publisher which made me switch to self-publishing.
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Finish the story. It’s only a draft.
Today’s
#MindfulnessMonday Tip: Remember to take time
to enjoy life and those around you. So often we find ourselves working tooth
and nail so that SOMEDAY we might enjoy our retirement. Make sure you’re taking
time to enjoy life today… not just hoping to do it SOMEDAY in the future.
Check out today’s #MindfulnessMonday video where I talk about stress; what it is, signs of stress, what to do when you start feeling stressed, and how to protect yourself from stress! You can check out the video by clicking HERE!
This is a partner activity. It can be done with a spouse,
a friend, even your children. All you have to do is have a conversation that
doesn’t have anything to do with work, school, stress, or anything else that
has been bogging you down. For five to ten minutes, I want you to talk about
only the things you notice around you. This is best done while taking a walk,
sitting in a park, or even over coffee at an outdoor café.
If you’re having trouble starting the conversation or you
find yourselves getting sucked into typical meaningless small-talk, try playing
a game of eye-spy to get your started. You might just find the conversation
takes on a life of its own, allowing you some time away from the daily
stressors that tend to fill our minds throughout the day.
Don’t be afraid to let this conversation continue as long
as is comfortable.
Mindfulness Journaling Prompt:
After completing the Observation Communication Exercise, take a few minutes to write down as many observations you made throughout the conversation. How many drew your attention back to work/school/stress related topics and how many were completely unrelated to any stressors in your daily life.
Keep this list and try this exercise when you are further along in your mindfulness practices and see if you do better.
Check out
my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you
never miss an episode!
A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
Stress and pain are nearly unavoidable in our daily lives; they are part of the human condition. This stress can often leave us feeling irritable, tense, overwhelmed, and burned-out. The key to maintaining balance is responding to stress not with frustration and self-criticism, but with mindful, nonjudgmental awareness of our bodies and minds. Impossible? Actually, it’s easier than it seems.
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In
this third installment of the adrenaline-fueled action franchise, skilled
assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returns with a $14 million price tag on his
head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member
of the shadowy international assassin’s guild, the High Table, John Wick is
excommunicado, but the world’s most ruthless hit men and women await his every
turn.
MY 2 CENTS:
Let’s
start with this… Keanu Reeves is going to be 55 years old later this year,
September 2nd to be exact. Now, I’m not saying 55 is old, because it
isn’t. However, I’m not even close to 55 yet and there is no way I’d have the
energy it must have taken to do that role. Nor do I have the amazing abs that
Keanu has… I’d love to know his workout routine because come on, it is bikini
season after all.
I
joked with my husband, as we left the theatre. I said, I bet if you took everything
except the dialog out of the script, you’d be left with about 5 pages. There
was virtually no dialogue in this movie. Don’t get me wrong, it didn’t bother
me. You don’t really go to a Keanu Reeves movie to hear him talk… he is eye
candy, plain and simple. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t dive into his characters,
he does. He gave 110% to the role of John Wick and I can’t wait to see the next
one. Chapter 3 left the story open for another sequel and I’m sure fans of all
ages, like me, will be lining up to see it.
This
movie will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The action starts
the moment the lights go out and doesn’t stop until the credits start rolling.
Seriously, the fighting is insane… Its raw, with the grit of the Jason Bourne movies
and the improvisation of real life. I love how they didn’t pretend that their guns
had an endless supply of bullets; numerous times throughout the movies the
characters had to stop fighting to change out their magazines. No more bullets,
that’s ok just throw the gun at his head. Can’t find a weapon, no problem just run
to the nearest antiquities shop and start tossing around daggers and hatchets.
Probably
the best action film series I’ve seen in a while. No, there isn’t much there in
terms of story…
His
wife dies… he gets a dog… the dog gets killed… he goes on a killing spree
Yup,
that pretty much sums up all three stories.
I’m
not going to tell you who gets hurt, who dies, who disappears, or who gets
excommunicado, you’ll have to watch the movie to get all the gruesome details. Trust
me, it is worth the watch!
Don’t
wait until you can rent this one at home – See it on the big screen!
CHARACTERS
I’m
not going to talk about John Wick… If you’re going to see the film you already
love his character. I want to talk about two of the characters that I felt
really stole the screen whenever they were on.
Lance Reddick who played Charon – the man who worked the front desk at the Continental Hotel. He was fantastic!!!
Randall Duk Kim the actor who played the doctor that helped John sew up his shoulder five minutes before his status of excommunicado was in effect. When he pulled out his gun and handed it to Wick so that he could shoot him it was powerful… emotional… and a sign of the honest friend he was. I thought his role, although small, was extremely well written. That had to be one of my favorite scenes in the whole movie.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“If
you want peace, prepare for war.” ~ Winston
Check out my YouTube channel and the video
review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, I’ve decided to start sharing their independently ranked top 10 right here on my website for my readers.
If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the title or the [BUY IT HERE] button.
Nina Soden 