Frankie reads 2015

[frankie]

Day 19 – Favourite book turned into a movie

 

What does this even mean? Am I supposed to pick the best movie that came out of a book I really like, or the best movie that came out of the best novel I've liked. Or is it about a book that I've read that was turned into such an amazing movie that it's one of my favorites? Or a book that was turned into such an amazing movie, a completely unique adaptation, that it stands on its own? 

 

If it's the latter, it would be the movie called Adaptation (Meryl Streep and Nicholas Cage!) which is based on The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean, and now that I think about it, I've not read the book. I did start it, but as I'd seen parts of the movie first (and only parts of it! I missed the beginning and even though I loved what I was watching, I had to stop because I wanted to watch it right from the start), the book seemed really lame, because it was non-fiction and didn't include all the fictional stuff that was covered by Nicholas Cage in the movie. 

 

I have digressed! 

 

I then turn to The Weight of Water, written by Anita Shreve... I first watched the movie. I only watched it because I knew Sarah Polley was in it, but then I realized it was a real gem, and a true crime story at that! I then read the book and enjoyed it to an equal measure... But I now see it was movie first, book second. 

 

But so it seems with the other movies I'm thinking of. I first saw Elling before reading the book, and first saw Trainspotting, and ... Now I know! I think I will say Perfume by Patrick Süskind. I loved the novel, and loved the movie  

[frankie]

Day 20 – Favourite romance book

 

Without going too deep into this (thinking about A Tale of Two Cities... but I named that for another title in this 'challenge'), I will say the Bridget Jones diaries by Helen Fielding. I've read the first two novels many times and I've seen the (first) movie many times, too, and they never get old. I also used to read them during the Christmas holidays, so it's very topical now I really want to re-read the third novel very soon... It was in no way a disappointment, even though it was written and published so many years ago after the first two. I'd heartily recommend the novels. 

[Peacefield]

I'm sorry I didn't get to say this before, Frankie, but OMG fab bookshelves you have!  Tons of space there and how cool that your flat came furnished with something like that.  I loved your photos

 

Also, I admit I had to Wiki Finland's Independence Day - I had no idea it was under Russian rule!  Congrats to Finland, woohoo!

 

I love the first Bridget Jones movie but have never read the books.  Methinks I need to though after reading your blurb about it.  I'll be on the lookout!

[Athena]

That sounds odd... Do you mean the library has a specific plain cover for all the big font editions, they only add a small picture of the 'real cover' on the front?

Yes! I'm sorry if my explanation was unclear . That is what I meant .  

 

#73. Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson

 

Nice review , I'm glad you liked the book though it's a shame it wasn't particularly special.

 

Day 20 – Favourite romance book

 

Without going too deep into this (thinking about A Tale of Two Cities... but I named that for another title in this 'challenge'), I will say the Bridget Jones diaries by Helen Fielding. I've read the first two novels many times and I've seen the (first) movie many times, too, and they never get old. I also used to read them during the Christmas holidays, so it's very topical now I really want to re-read the third novel very soon... It was in no way a disappointment, even though it was written and published so many years ago after the first two. I'd heartily recommend the novels.

I loved the Bridget Jones books (including the third), I second this recommendation!

[frankie]

I'm sorry I didn't get to say this before, Frankie, but OMG fab bookshelves you have!  Tons of space there and how cool that your flat came furnished with something like that.  I loved your photos

 

Thanks, I quite love them, too  One good thing about living in such an old building is that the rooms are very tall and so you can have tall bookcases and shelves and stack things high. If I lived in a newer apartment, I would probably have to shelf the DVDs behind the books or something, and so it would get more crowded. So yeah, I'm very happy about the tall apartment and the shelves  

 

Also, I admit I had to Wiki Finland's Independence Day - I had no idea it was under Russian rule!  Congrats to Finland, woohoo!

 

Russian and Swedish rule. That's why Swedish is still the second official language in Finland and it is taught in schools. Yeah, I'm happy that we're now independent. Go Finland, you're now awesomely 98 years old!! Big party in 2017, aye?? 

 

I've probably told you guys this before, but when I was in elementary school, and we were celebrating another Independence Day, I realized that Finland would turn 100 years old in 2017, and that when that happens, I'm a grownup and with any luck, still alive It was a huge epiphany! And to think that now it's only 2 years away... I don't think I've ever realized how much I love the Independence day and how it's one of my favorite holidays. Because it's such an 'eventless' celebration: we don't do much nothing, because it's dark and it's winter... It's not a festive, jubilant celebration, it's more of a quiet, respectful and grateful one, if that makes sense. But I really enjoy it  

 

I love the first Bridget Jones movie but have never read the books.  Methinks I need to though after reading your blurb about it.  I'll be on the lookout!

 

 You should most definitely read at least the first book and see what you think! I think the books are a hoot  

 

Yes! I'm sorry if my explanation was unclear . That is what I meant .

 

 Oh no, your explanation wasn't that unclear, it was just that I got too nosey about it  

 

I loved the Bridget Jones books (including the third), I second this recommendation!

 

I love the third book, too, and it's great because I was fearing that it wouldn't be any good, and that Fielding was just doing it for the money... But I loved it! 

[pontalba]

 

I then turn to The Weight of Water, written by Anita Shreve... I first watched the movie. I only watched it because I knew Sarah Polley was in it, but then I realized it was a real gem, and a true crime story at that! I then read the book and enjoyed it to an equal measure... But I now see it was movie first, book second. 

 

But so it seems with the other movies I'm thinking of. I first saw Elling before reading the book, and first saw Trainspotting, and ... Now I know! I think I will say Perfume by Patrick Süskind. I loved the novel, and loved the movie

 

 

The Weight of Water looks interesting, I've ordered a second hand copy.   Amazon's synopsis tells me that The Last Time They Met by A.S. is a prequel to it.  Have  you read that one?

Edited December 10, 2015 by pontalba

[Kylie]

I forgot to mention that I enjoyed seeing your pics of your bookcases. I spent ages trying to read the titles in the first pic then finally gave up, scrolled down and saw the nice enlarged pics! 

 

That Sibelius track is lovely. I love that type of music. 

 

Besides, all the books you've read are from your TBR piles, right? I've only read maybe 6 TBR books, the rest have been library reads. So you're way ahead of me with the TBR thing

 

 
I think I asked you on FB... No you didn't answer, but I know you probably forgot or something, don't worry! I haven't started watching it yet, but I got the DVD from the library yesterday, and I'm pretty stoked that you stopped to wait for me Do you want to go ahead and watch some eps now? I don't know if I'm in the mood today, but I could start tomorrow. 

 

Most of the books that I've read this year were from my TBR pile, but there were a few ebooks and re-reads, so now I'm trying to restore the balance. I've been reading all the short/fast books I can find. 

 

I've now watched I think the first 4 episodes of season 7. I watched a few episodes maybe the day before you posted the above, so hopefully I'm not too far ahead. I haven't watched any since then.

[frankie]

The Weight of Water looks interesting, I've ordered a second hand copy.   Amazon's synopsis tells me that The Last Time They Met by A.S. is a prequel to it.  Have  you read that one?

 

I did borrow the book from the library, years and years ago, and tried to give it a go, but couldn't get into it at all. There seem to be rather mixed reviews about the two books. 

 

I forgot to mention that I enjoyed seeing your pics of your bookcases. I spent ages trying to read the titles in the first pic then finally gave up, scrolled down and saw the nice enlarged pics! 

 

:lol: Well I appreciate you making the effort in trying to read the titles in the first picture

 

That Sibelius track is lovely. I love that type of music. 

I'm not one to understand or appreciate classical music, but I really love this song. But I didn't know it was by Sibelius before this Independence Day  

 

Most of the books that I've read this year were from my TBR pile, but there were a few ebooks and re-reads, so now I'm trying to restore the balance. I've been reading all the short/fast books I can find. 

How close are you to reading as many TBR books as acquired books this year? I'm totally rooting for you. I think it would be a first for either of us

 

I've now watched I think the first 4 episodes of season 7. I watched a few episodes maybe the day before you posted the above, so hopefully I'm not too far ahead. I haven't watched any since then.

 

Cool! I'll admit, I was busy doing other stuff on Thursday, and yesterday I met a friend and we had a slumber party, and today I met some other friends and had an impromptu Little Christmas, and so I've not had the time to start the season yet  I'm leaving for Nurmes on 21.12., and I probably have to take the DVD set with me. A little Dexter mayhem on Christmas? Why not

 

 

Edit: In other news. This is not really book-related, but it was a really nice surprise: when I came home today, I found the first Christmas card of the year on the doorstep, and it was from my landlord. !! I'm really surprised that he would send me a card. I think it's really nice of him  

Edited December 12, 2015 by frankie

[frankie]

#74. Trust Your Eyes by Linwood Barclay

 

From the book cover: A man is moving down a street on Manhattan's Lower East Side, scanning the storefronts, taking in his surroundings, when he sees something in a third-floor tenement window. A woman's face, distorted with terror. Thomas is convinced he's witnessing a murder. 

 

Except that things aren't quite as simple as that. To some people, Thomas Kilbride wouldn't exactly be the most reliable of witnesses, and it's going to be very difficult to persuade the police to investigate. 

 

Because Thomas was never actually there. And the murder was months ago. But Thomas trusts his eyes. And that could be his biggest mistake. 

 

 

Thoughts: Another brilliant thriller by Linwood Barclay. I thought this might be a difficult read because it involved technology, but I needn't have worried. It was just as readable and riveting as all the previous Barclays I've read This is a first for me where the main character is not married with children, and I thought it made an interesting change: I enjoyed reading about the interaction between him and his mentally challenged brother. 

 

Highly recommended for fans of Barclay and fans of good suspense

 

5/5

Edited December 15, 2015 by frankie

[frankie]

I'm currently re-reading Skeleton Crew... I read this book or at least some of the stories years and years ago. I only remember the story Gramma. Years ago we were discussing Stephen King's work in my reading log, and it made me think of Gramma and I don't think I remembered what the story was called and in which book I could find it, and I believe it was peacefield who aided me in finding the right story and the right book. And in the past few months, what with everybody seeming to be reading King, I just felt like I couldn't pass the book anymore; it was high time that I re-read it It's going to be nostalgic!

 

Edit: Ah yes, this is the post that started the convo. 

 

Edit: I re-read the conversation because I wanted to see who liked which King novel the best, and I remembered I totally need to get to The Dark Half and Salem's Lot! The former is about an author, and I think the latter is about vampires...? Both came highly recommended by you guys And some months/years after the convo I found cheap secondhand copies of both books and I was so jazzed to have them... I can't believe I still haven't read them!!! 

Edited December 15, 2015 by frankie

[frankie]

Oh yeah and crap, just remembered: yesterday when I was at the library, I checked the free book swap corner, and found an interesting children's novel. It would be called The Girl without a Name and it's by Gunnel Beckman, a Swedish author. It's about a young girl moving to Sweden from Iran, and another girl called Sara, who is excited about having a new friend, but doesn't always understand the foreign girl and her train of thought... The girl moved to Sweden because she was orphaned in an earthquake and she has lost her memory.

 

I only read a few of the lines in the blurb, didn't read about the earthquake, but I thought that in a way it would be a topical read, what with a lot of people moving to Europe from Syria etc. Not for the same reasons, obviously, but I think the book might still be about different cultures possibly clashing. Obviously it's mainly about the girl's personal tragedy, and nothing political, but I believe you get what I mean. 

 

This means my TBR is back to 300 ... 

Edited December 15, 2015 by frankie

[Athena]

Ah the dilemma of a book lover. Being excited about finding a particular book, then being disappointed because one's TBR has gone up again to a certain number.

 

I hope you enjoy the book, and maybe you'll be able to read another book before the end of the year, so your TBR will be lower before the year ends?

[frankie]

I'm not too sure I'll have much time for reading.. Was busy this weekend and I'm leaving for my hometown tomorrow, for Christmas. This year I'm only taking one book with me: the one I'm currently reading. There'll be plenty of books there I can read if I have the time. 

 

Had a great time last Friday, and for the first time ever I got a voucher to a bookstore, as a present I was really thrilled when I realized what it was! My friend had completely forgotten to take the voucher with him to my party, but he showed a picture of it. I saw the word 'lahjakortti' and thought great, that's really nice of them! And then someone said, 'look more closely' and at that point I noticed the logo of the bookstore, and let out a scream Oh boy it's going to be so much fun!

 

(Also got a Christmas present from the 4H organization, for having worked for them: a free ticket to whichever movie I fancy watching It was a real surprise, and a happy one! I go to movies so rarely, because I'd rather read the books and I don't have money to spend on movie theaters... I'm giddy now

Edited December 20, 2015 by frankie

[Athena]

I'm glad you had a great time! I hope you enjoy your presents, they sound lovely .

[Peacefield]

I don't remember much from Skeleton Crew, Frankie, but it must be good if you're re-reading it!  I love his short stories, especially the old ones.  I used to keep a copy of Night Shift close by and read those stories many times.  Did you ever read his more recent book of stories called Full Dark, No Stars?

 

Excellent gifts you've received so far!  You can't go wrong with books and movies.  

 

Have fun at home and have a Merry Christmas!

[frankie]

I'm glad you had a great time! I hope you enjoy your presents, they sound lovely .

 

Thanks! I've never been given so many vouchers in my life, and in such short period of time: first the book voucher as a Bday present, then the movie voucher from work, and then on Christmas I got two theater tickets from my brother I'm going to be so cultured next year....

 

I don't remember much from Skeleton Crew, Frankie, but it must be good if you're re-reading it!  I love his short stories, especially the old ones.  I used to keep a copy of Night Shift close by and read those stories many times.  Did you ever read his more recent book of stories called Full Dark, No Stars?

 

Excellent gifts you've received so far!  You can't go wrong with books and movies.  

 

Have fun at home and have a Merry Christmas!

 

I was only re-reading it for Gramma Sad to say, though, that I wasn't in the mood for short stories when I picked the book up... I enjoyed the first two I read, but then as I was packing my stuff for the holidays, I felt like I wanted to read a novel, and then I just took the SK book back to the library I might get back to it some other time!

 

I haven't read any newer book of shorter stories by King. I think Lisey's Story is the last King novel/book I read, I mean the newest one. The last three new ones I've read by him (LS, Bag of Bones and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon) just didn't do it for me and I've not been keen on reading any of his new stuff I mean I liked BoB back in the day, but now when I think back on it, it wasn't all that great. His earlier work is far better. 

 

I came back to Helsinki today, I got a lift from a friend's SO. I've been eating a pizza and unpacking and just generally enjoying the quiet I really enjoyed seeing my parents and spending time with them  

 

Where was I... Oh yes, I'm going to have to write a post about the latest book I read. Loved it! 

Edited December 26, 2015 by frankie

[frankie]

#75. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty 

 

http://lianemoriarty.com.au/Novels/BigLittleLies_US.html: Pirriwee Public is a beautiful little beachside primary school where children are taught that ‘sharing is caring.’ So how has the annual School Trivia Night ended in full-blown riot? Sirens are wailing. People are screaming. The principal is mortified.

 

And one parent is dead.

 

Was it a murder, a tragic accident or just good parents gone bad? As the parents at Pirriwee Public are about to discover, sometimes it’s the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal…

 

 

Thoughts: Earlier this year I read some other novel by Liane Moriarty which I really enjoyed, and when I noticed this novel at the library I went for it I loved the sound of the blurb, and I knew Moriarty can spin a good yarn. And I was not disappointed! There are different (serious) issues that are dealt very well in the novel, and I loved reading how all the stories came together. 

 

The thing I loved most about the novel was the narrative: at times there's the omniscient narrator who shows us how things in the past led to the 'big bang', and then there's the sections where some of the characters are in for questioning, and are telling their points-of-view of how things led up to the explosion point. The former is more serious (but not deathly serious, and did have its funny moments, too), while the latter was funny and surprisingly well executed, and refreshing and fun to read. 

 

It's not terribly serious reading, and it's not going to be a classic. But I wouldn't personally describe it as chick-lit either (not that there's anything wrong with chick-lit). I don't know what I would call this sort of book! But I loved it. Just what I needed Going to have to google other books by Liane Moriarty.... (Not sure who I would recommend the book to, though. That's not to say I don't think people would enjoy the novel, I just don't know if any of my literary mates on here would enjoy it. The ones whose tastes are generally similar to mine.)

 

5/5

[frankie]

In other, book related news: as usual, Dad and I went to the library the day I got to my hometown. To look at the removed books sale section There were two books I couldn't leave behind: a copy of What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges and East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I've seen the Gilbert Grape movie so many times as a teenager, it's a real classic. I didn't know it was based on a book! And the latter is a novel I've been wanting to read ever since I read Karsa Orlong's review on it Both were 1e, each. 

 

The holidays went by very quickly....

 

And then when I got home, I had two packages from Book Depository waiting for me! I asked around and found out that they were from Kay. Thank you very much!!   The books were: 

Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens 

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig 

 

The former is a book that I added on my wishlist after having read poppyshake's review on it here. I thought they had a copy of it at the library, but it turned out that they only have the third novel in the series    I asked poppyshake if it could be read as a standalone or whether it would be better to start from the first novel... She said one must start from square one. And then she got me a copy of the book!

 

The latter, I admit, is a book I don't think I've heard of before. Before I opened the packages (when I was still waiting to hear who they were from), I was browsing the threads on here and FB and noticed a few members had gotten copies of a novel called A Boy Called Christmas and as it was a Matt Haig novel, I thought it was weird I hadn't heard of it. Loved the look of the cover and was intrigued. And then when I got to open the package, there was my very own copy of the book

 

Both seem like great reads! My current read is dragging on (It's Skippy Dies...   I know you, poppyshake, have loved it... And it's been on my wishlist ever since I saw a copy of the book in 2010 in Australia... I have a feeling I will absolutely love the book, but it's just not grabbing me at the moment and as it's a long novel, I don't want to push through it. I want to start it when my mood's just right!!) and I'd been thinking I need to go for something else, and it seems that I'm destined to start reading ABCC, as I've just received it and it's topical at the moment

 

Hurrah for books! (Sorry, I've had two glasses of mulled wine and I'm happy to be at home by myself and happy to have my books around me, and happy to have free days ahead of me, to catch up on the threads on here, and start my reading log... A jolly good time! ) 

 

Oh, one more thing: the total of books acquired stands at 37 at the moment. Thank goodness it's the end of the year and there's no way I'll manage to acquire 4-5 books by the end of it, to get to / go over the number 41, which is how many books I acquired last year. Phew! 

Edited December 26, 2015 by frankie

[Athena]

I hope you enjoy all your new books .

 

Well done for acquiring less books than last year!

[Peacefield]

I agree on King's earlier/older works being better, Frankie.  Save for one exception, Joyland.  One of my most favorite books I read last year (or perhaps it was the year before...).

 

It sounds like you had a lovely time at home, and yay for book presents!  I think Big Little Lies sounds excellent and I've added it to my wishlist.  It's not too terribly often that we read the same types of books but I think this one sounds fab!  

 

I read Gilbert Grape shortly after the film came out and I remember thinking that the book wasn't exactly better than the film (as most books are) but that it just gave a way bigger insight into Gilbert's life and what it was like to live with his brother and his mother.  You'll have to let me know what you think when you get around to reading it!

[bobblybear]

In other, book related news: as usual, Dad and I went to the library the day I got to my hometown. To look at the removed books sale section There were two books I couldn't leave behind: a copy of What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges and East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

 

Oh, one more thing: the total of books acquired stands at 37 at the moment. Thank goodness it's the end of the year and there's no way I'll manage to acquire 4-5 books by the end of it, to get to / go over the number 41, which is how many books I acquired last year. Phew! 

 

 

East of Eden is on my wishlist, since I read and loved The Grapes of Wrath.

 

I agree on King's earlier/older works being better, Frankie.  Save for one exception, Joyland.  One of my most favorite books I read last year (or perhaps it was the year before...).

 

Interesting. I have yet to read Joyland, but I bought it a little while ago when (I think) it was only £0.99. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but the cover has put me off reading it.    I think it looks tacky, but I kind of get that it's supposed to have that cheesy look. But still.....  

[frankie]

I agree on King's earlier/older works being better, Frankie.  Save for one exception, Joyland.  One of my most favorite books I read last year (or perhaps it was the year before...).

 

 

Interesting. I have yet to read Joyland, but I bought it a little while ago when (I think) it was only £0.99. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but the cover has put me off reading it.    I think it looks tacky, but I kind of get that it's supposed to have that cheesy look. But still.....

 I don't think I'd even heard of Joyland before that. See, peacefield, this is exactly why you should never have stopped updating your previous reading log I went and amazoned the book. I know what you mean bobbly, about the cover, about it looking tacky, but quite oddly I love the look of it Sounds like a good read, and hey, if it comes with a recommendation, I'm going to add it to my wishlist! It would be mighty cool to read a whole new SK novel that's as good as the older ones...

 

It sounds like you had a lovely time at home, and yay for book presents!  I think Big Little Lies sounds excellent and I've added it to my wishlist.  It's not too terribly often that we read the same types of books but I think this one sounds fab!  

 

I hope you will like it, although I'm not sure if it's the kind of book you'd normally read. And yeah, we don't seem to be reading a lot of the same books, usually... Bring on Joyland

 

I read Gilbert Grape shortly after the film came out and I remember thinking that the book wasn't exactly better than the film (as most books are) but that it just gave a way bigger insight into Gilbert's life and what it was like to live with his brother and his mother.  You'll have to let me know what you think when you get around to reading it!

 

Do you know, that's exactly what I'm hoping to get from the book. I bought it thinking it can't be totally amazing because I've never really heard anyone sing its praises or tell me they've read it, so the film must be superior, but at the same time, like you said, it might be a more detailed account of the Grape characters and lives. I read the first few pages when I was at the library, contemplating whether to buy the book or not, and it seemed interesting enough I think it's been a long long time since I've seen the movie, although I've seen it at least half a dozen of times. I'm pretty sure the last time I watched it, it was on a VHS cassette  

 

East of Eden is on my wishlist, since I read and loved The Grapes of Wrath.

 

I'm hoping EoE isn't as depressing as TGoW    TGoW was good, but boy did it bring me down! 

 

Edit: Bobbly, maybe you should make some DIY covers for your copy of Joyland  

Edited December 29, 2015 by frankie

[Peacefield]

I personally love the cover of Joyland.  It's a 'Hard Case Crime' novel which is a takeoff of the old hard-boiled, pulp fiction, crime story of the 20's and 30's, and all of their covers were similar to that .

 

There's a little something supernatural about Joyland, but it's a very different direction for King which is part of why I loved it so much!

 

I'm not as good as most people here about updating my threads, Frankie , which is why the one I started this year didn't have a date on it.  

 

If you liked the Gilbert Grape movie I guarantee you'll love the book!   

[frankie]

I personally love the cover of Joyland.  It's a 'Hard Case Crime' novel which is a takeoff of the old hard-boiled, pulp fiction, crime story of the 20's and 30's, and all of their covers were similar to that .

 

Yep, it looks very pulp fictionish And hey, what do you know? They had copies available at the library yesterday Don't know how quickly I'll get into it what with maybe 15 library books on the shelf.... Yikes! 

 

There's a little something supernatural about Joyland, but it's a very different direction for King which is part of why I loved it so much!

I was reading the blurb again yesterday at the library, it made me think of Shining and Firestarter. Although I haven't read the latter.  

 

I'm not as good as most people here about updating my threads, Frankie , which is why the one I started this year didn't have a date on it.  

 

I hope you comment didn't make you feel bad about it, that was certainly not my intention!      The main thing's to have fun with it, and not slave at it and feel miserable about it! 

 

If you liked the Gilbert Grape movie I guarantee you'll love the book!   

 

Here's hoping!  

 

Oh, and re: Gilbert Grape the movie... The 'cougar' in that movie? Like I said before, it's been ages since I watched it, and it's also been a few years since I watched Dirty Dancing. But all these years, all the way until yesterday, I thought that the actor who played the 'cougar' in GG was the same who had all those dancing lessons with Patrick Swayze in DD. Oh hey, funny abbreviations, the same letter.  Oh and those made me think of 

boobs. The DD cougar did have big boobs She made it very clear by the way she dressed

 

Edited December 30, 2015 by frankie

[Kylie]

I love the pulp fiction cover of Joyland. I've seen some classic books repackaged in a similar way recently, and I've been tempted to buy them even though I already own the books in other editions. I love anything 'pulpy'.

 

I didn't know What's Eating Gilbert Grape? is a book! How cool! Can't wait to hear what you think of it. I've seen it many times as well, but it's been a while since my last viewing. It's such an underrated movie, I think.