The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

–reviewed by Jane

I must be honest, I read this classic MANY years ago.  In fact, I was probably a teenager, back in the dark ages and I didn’t particularly care for it.  In the interest of maturity and because another version of the movie is coming out soon starring Leo DiCaprio, I decided to give it another try. (more…)

Twelve Angry Men

By Reginald Rose

Reviewed by Dom

My ninth-grade English class performed this teleplay. (It was originally written for television.) Well, perhaps ‘performed’ isn’t the right word; we read it aloud, sitting in our seats. But that was my first exposure to Rose’s critically-acclaimed drama, and I remember being mesmerized. (more…)

“Bossypants” by Tina Fey

Reviewed by Jane

I’ve been waiting for the day that we could do this book as our Dom and Jane Book Club selection and here it is! (more…)

Lonesome Dove

By Larry McMurtry

- Reviewed by Dom

I pride myself on reading several genres of books - thrillers, mysteries, biographies, business books, sci fi - and yet I’d never picked up a western. It was my son who said, “You enjoy watching movies that are westerns; why not a book?”

I’m glad I took his advice, although I’m not sure I should’ve started with Lonesome Dove. I’m afraid that after this no other western novel will be able to cut it. Lonesome Dove is that good. (more…)

Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

By Dr. Richard Pitcairn

–reviewed by Jane London

I’ve often mentioned on the show that I make my dogs’ food and over the years, I’ve received a lot of emails and Facebook messages asking how I make their food. I always tell them “get this book”. (more…)

Shopgirl

By Steve Martin

Reviewed by Emily

“Wait… Shopgirl… That sounds familiar…” You might be thinking.

“Isn’t that a movie?” Yes. It is now.

“Oh! And it’s by Steve Martin… But is that Steve Martin?” One and the same.

.

(more…)

Skinny Dip
By Carl Hiaasen
Reviewed by Dom

It’s funny, I’ve been familiar with Carl Hiaasen for years, and I’ve certainly noticed his novels on the shelves at book stores. But I’d never picked one up . . . until now.

Hiaasen, an investigative reporter by trade (originally) likes to set his books in his home state of Florida, and Skinny Dip weaves the landscape into the story. We’ve all heard of the Everglades, but now you can feel the muggy air, hear the sloshing and muttering of the gators, and psychically swat at the mosquitoes. (more…)

The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green

Reviewed by Dom

There are two things that might stop people from even giving this book a shot (and both would be mistakes). One is when they hear that it’s a book about kids dying from cancer. I get it, that subject matter might make some people hesitant or uncomfortable. And two, they’ll hear that it’s a “young adult” book. (more…)

“Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris
Reviewed by Jane:

I’m an unabashed David Sedaris fan and have read and re-read all of his books.  “Me Talk Pretty One Day” is a collection of essays originally published in several high profile magazines.   As usual, it’s full of funny, self-deprecating stories from Sedaris’ life, going back to his childhood. (more…)

High Fidelity
By Nick Hornby

Review by Dom

I’ve had a life-long love affair with books and with music, which is probably why Hornby’s tale of a record store owner’s path to maturity resonated with me so well. The novel (Hornby’s first) tells the story of Rob Fleming, a thirty-something seeker, who is dumped by his girlfriend, Laura, and then proceeds to figure out life and love with a backdrop of “Top Five” lists. (more…)