What We're Watching: Rita

The Thin Man, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy.

It’s hard to believe that this classic film is 75 years old. Of course, the fashions and the automobiles give away the film’s age, but the characters are just as charming as they were when they were introduced in 1934 and the dialogue sparkles as brightly as ever. The characters are, of course, Nick and Nora Charles. Nick is a retired detective trying to lead a conventional life but when his move back to New York with wife Nora and their dog Asta (a sleuth in his own right) reunites him with his old acquaintances, he’s quickly drawn back into the world of investigation. Nick and Nora obviously adore each other, but that doesn’t stop their verbal jousting in repartee that is loaded with memorable lines, many of which involve Nick’s penchant for cocktails. This lovely black and white film was added to the National Film Registry in 1997 and is the first of six films in the Thin Man series. Mix yourself a classic cocktail (Martini, anyone?) and settle in for an evening with the delightful Nick and Nora; even better, check out the entire series.

The Thin Man
After the Thin Man
Another Thin Man
Shadow of the Thin Man
The Thin Man Goes Home
Song of the Thin Man

What We're Reading: Alice

Ford County: Stories by John Grisham

In his very first collection of short stories published this month John Grisham takes us back to Ford County, Mississippi, the setting of his first novel from 1989, A Time to Kill.

Featuring a cast of characters you'll never forget, from wheelchair-bound Inez Graney whose youngest son is on death row, to Gilbert, a brilliant stalker of the seniors he professes to love while posing as a lowly bedpan boy at the Quiet Haven Retirement Home, the stories shine with wit, wisdom and heart.

Entering short story territory can be a risky business for a novelist but Grisham's brilliant collection only serves to remind us what a great storyteller he is and has been these twenty years.

Check out John Grisham's other works such as The Pelican Brief (his third novel and my personal favorite) or The Client, The Partner, Skipping Christmas, The Appeal, or his nonfiction triumph, The Innocent Man.

What We're Reading: Edward

Mix Shake Stir by Danny Meyer

Do you want to recreate that drink you had at the Gramercy Tavern in New York City? Are you looking for some new drinks to impress you friends at your holiday party? Then this is the book for you!Danny Meyer's new book has recipes for the old standard drinks with a modern twist. He also gives recipes for artisanal cocktails, the newest rage. Also included are recipes for bar food. Mix Shake Stir will help you make your next party a real hit!

What We're Reading: Tracy

Wham-O Super Book: Celebrating 60 Years Inside the Fun Factory, by Tim Walsh.

This is turning out to be a year of great toy milestones: Barbie's 50th birthday arrived in March, and now it's the 60th anniversary of the Wham-O toy company, creators of such iconic American playthings as Super Balls, Frisbees, Hula Hoops, Slip n' Slide, Silly String, Hacky Sacks, and my favorite from the 1970s, the Magic Window. The Wham-O Super Book is a fitting tribute to this fun company, bursting with colorful imagery, including original advertising and graphics from scores of their best products.

What We're Reading: Edward

Doomsday Key by James Rollins

Murders at the Vatican, Princeton, and in Africa are all linked by the mutilation of the bodies with a pagan cross. Grayson Pierce, of Sigma Force, investigates the links that tie these murders together. Evil forces are poised to unleash a genetic plague upon the unsuspecting world. This plague will kill ninety percent of the world's population. Grayson and his partners, from the previous five Sigma Force thrillers, race to find the Doomsday Key. It may prove to be the only antidote to the plague.

2004 Sandstorm

2005 Map of bones

2006 Black Oder

2007 Judas Strain

2008 Last Oracle

2009 Doomsday Key

What We're Reading: Abby

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Complete and Unabridged Audiobook - 3 hours on 3 discs. Read by

Gary Sinise

Every now and then I like to reread an old classic. Since I have a long drive into work I have been "listening" to books to help pass the time. When I find a really good audiobook with a really good reader it's hard to get me out of the car!

This is just that kind of book. Gary Sinise is a fantastic reader. He captures each character and transitions into each voice seamlessly. You almost feel like you are watching the play because the images he creates are so real. The tragic story of Lenny and George in all of it's sadness and desperation is still a true classic and well worth another read.

What We're Reading: Tracy

Barbie: All Dolled Up: Celebrating 50 Years of Barbie, by Jennie D'Amato.

Barbie, the classic American doll, celebrated her 50th birthday this year. (She looks like she hasn't aged a day, doesn't she?) In honor of Barbie's big "five-oh," this fantastic book has just been released. Barbie collectors will enjoy seeing the many new photographs of the famous doll, from her 1959 Model Number 1 to her latest designer incarnation, along with all sorts of little surprises, like reproductions of a vintage Barbie booklet and fan club card. Celebrate Barbie's birthday with this great new book today, and keep on "playing Barbie!"