What We're Reading: Laurie

Will Grayson, Will Grayson written by John Green and David Levithan.

Two teens, both named Will Grayson, who live on the outskirts of Chicago meet in the most unlikely of places. Their paths cross and their lives become intertwined and take them in unexpected directions. The two Will Graysons learn a lot about themselves, love, friendship and life and get to take part in an epic production of one of the most fabulous high school musicals of all time.

What We're Watching: Laurie

A Serious Man written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed and Sari Lennick.

This black comedy centers on physics professor Larry Gopnik (Stuhlbarg) and his quest to find meaning and answers in his life. Gopnik's world suddenly unravels without notice: his wife is having an affair with his best friend, someone is sending very unflattering letters about him to his boss, his brother is an unwelcome guest in his home, his children are ungrateful and unappreciative of him, and one of his students offers him a substantial bribe for a passing grade. Gopnik turns to his faith in hopes of finding guidance and wisdom, but the three rabbis who council him only dole out platitudes. Dark, humorous and interesting as are most of the Coen brothers films. Rated R.

What We're Reading: Edward

Capitol Betrayal: a novel


by William Bernhardt



This is the 18th and final Ben Kincaid novel according to the author. This novel is both a thriller and a courtroom drama. Ben is in the Oval Office with the President. Suddenly everyone in the room is escorted to the bunker beneath the White House. The United States is under attack by a Middle Eastern dictator. He threatens the country with our own ballistic missiles. The President is acting strangely and the Vice-President seeks his removal from office. Ben sets up a trial on the question of whether the President is fit for office. In less than two hours, before the next missile attack, Ben must prove the President fit and find the traitor in the room. Meanwhile outside the White House, a CIA operative, Seamus McKay, is chasing terrorists who have stolen a nuclear suitcase bomb. The terrorists are working for the Middle Eastern dictator. Both Ben and Seamus must be successful to save the United States.

What We're Reading: Edward

Her Highness' First Murder

by Peg Herring

King Henry VIII is concerned when the second beheaded young woman is found in London dressed in a nun's habit. When a nobleman's daughter and a Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Elizabeth are found in the same condition the investigation turns serious. Hugh Bellows of the King's Guard enlist the help of Simon Maldon, the son of an ex-Royal Physician. Princess Elizabeth also takes an interest in the case. Each of the three partners uses different methods to gather information about the grizzly deaths. Are the deaths the work of a madman or a plot against the King? Good historical detail of the period and interesting psychological insight into the future Queen Elizabeth. This will be a series to read and enjoy!

What We're Reading: Tracy

Tomart's Guide to Radio Premium and Cereal Box Collectibles: Including Comic Character, Pulp Hero, TV and Other Premiums, by Tom Tumbusch.

One of the best guides available for collectors of old radio show premiums, Tom Tumbusch's work lists virtually every item known, arranged by character or show name. Useful background information accompanies most entries. The bulk of the item photos are black and white, but a large color insert section presents an incredible treasure trove of vintage premiums. Fun to browse, this book should appeal to beginning collectors as well as serve as a useful reference tool for those more advanced in the hobby.

What We're Reading: Tracy

Radio & TV Premiums: A Guide to the History and Value of Radio and TV Premiums, by Jim Harmon.

While not a comprehensive guide to old radio and tv show premiums, this volume makes a great companion to such works. Harmon's intimate essays and interviews provide invaluable background information and insider scoops on dozens of beloved shows, from crime fighters like the Green Hornet to western heroes like the Lone Ranger and space travellers like Flash Gordon. Those who grew up with such shows, as well as those discovering them for the first time, will enjoy this nostalgic trip down "memory lane."

What We're Reading: Edward

SPQR XIII: the year of confusion

by John Maddox Roberts

Senator Decius Metellus is married to the niece of Julius Caesar. In this the thirteenth mystery of the series, Caesar directs Decius to supervise the implementation of a new calendar for Rome. Twelve astronomers and astrologers have come to Rome to work on this project. No one in Rome is happy with the shortened year before the new calendar is implemented. First one and then another of the astronomers is killed. Decius investigates the murders with the help of both his wife and his freedman. Were the astronomers killed because of the calendar? Did they use astrology to lighten the coin purses of citizens? Or was it their involvement in Roman politics that caused their deaths? Decius has a lot of trails to follow.The best thing about this series is that Decius is man who has his own measure.

My FAVORITE series featuring the Roman Empire!