True Blood premieres! Sookie is on TV

I’ve been lax about blogging this past month; I’ve also been lax about reading. Hopefully, that’s about to change. Just in time to justify subscribing to HBO, True Blood premiered last night!!!

I thought the "documentaries" before hand were interesting. One thing I pondered this summer is how various authors interpret the vampire myth. Reaction to sunlight, Holy Water, crucifixes and vampires vary depending on the author. For instance, Charlaine Harris’ vampires can’t go out in the sunlight and cannot enter someone’s home unless explicitly invited.

Overall, I’m excited about True Blood, which is based on Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels. For the uninitiated, True Blood is the name of the synthetic blood that allows vampires to “come out of the coffin” and openly participate in society. Sookie is a barmaid in a small Louisiana town (she's also telepathic). She becomes enmeshed in the vampire world after meeting Bill.

I’m horribly picky when it comes to movie/ television adoptions. I thought this seemed pretty true to the spirit of the book.

Nit picks first. I did not like how they’ve changed Tara’s character and downplayed Arlene’s. In the first book, Arlene, a fellow waitress/ friend plays a more prominent role. I thought the way they handled Sookie’s telepathy was a little heavy handed. Most of her close friends do not know she can read their minds, they just think there’s something off with her. Although, I can see why HBO went in that direction. Her ability plays a crucial role in the story, but she can’t read her boss Sam’s mind as clearly as other humans (and this will be important later).

I also really can’t picture the actors who play Sam or Bill as these characters. I picture Sam as a little more stocky, with reddish/blonde curly hair. And Bill (pictured left/ played by

Stephen Moyer), for some reason I pictured him with ink black hair and alabaster skin.

After reading the description again I realized I substituted my own image for how the character is really described. I still would have liked to see Henry (Kyle Schmid) from Lifetimes Blood Ties as Bill. I thought he was great in that series, which was based on Tayna Huff’s novels. (BTW: Still not over Lifetime canceling this series. BOOOO)

Now, it probably sounds like I didn’t like the first episode. However, that’s not the case. It’s just that I’ve enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse books so much, that I’m probably way too critical. I think it’s great that someone recognized the potential for these books to be turned into a gripping series. There’s excitement, mystery, romance and the supernatural. They’ve also had some pretty creative ads and seem to be really promoting this series.

HBO, please don’t disappoint me like some other networks cough ::Lifetime:: cough did.

Pinch me, I'm dreaming!

Pardon me while I squeal like a crazed fan girl for a minute. WHHEEE!!!

Ahem. So Comic Book Tattoo comes out July 29.

Spinner interviews one of the artists involved in the project.

Comic Book Tattoo: Colleen Doran – http://www.spinner.com/2008/07/21/comic-book-tattoo-colleen-doran/

Tori Amos Inks Her 'Comic Book Tattoo' – http://www.spinner.com/2008/07/21/tori-amos-inks-her-comic-book-tattoo/

Tori’s doing a musical!

Tori Amos Is Writing a Musical – http://www.film.com/celebrities/story/tori-amos-writing-a-musical/11784156/21865972

Speaking of swooning (somebody catch me quick!), HBO has some videos for True Blood are online. True Blood are based on Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books.

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=HBO&search_query=blood%20copy

Sookie's coming to TV

Hmmm… I may just have to check with the lovely folks at RCN to see how much HBO is because… deep breath … True Blood is coming this fall! True Blood is based on Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse books.

HBO’s site: http://www.hbo.com/events/trueblood/

Pop Candy, http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2008/07/thirsty-for-blo.html#uslPageReturn

Anna Paquin is Sookie Stackhouse. Hmmm… the actor who plays Bill was in the Starter Wife. I was picturing a non-blond playing this role. Someone sort of like Rupert Everett.

Anyway, I cannot wait!!!

New bookshelves

I was behind on loading pictures from my digital camera. I bring you ::cue the horns:: my new bookshelves. I actually have an entire shelf devoted to vampire lit (pictured here), which surprised me a little.

I even had room to display some pictures like the family photo to left. Guess which one I am? (Hint: I'm rocking the plaid and bowl cut)

I got them at the wonderful Woodstuff, who I'm going to plug. I think they look pretty!

Woodstuff

Address: 349 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453

Phone: (781) 647-3688

Wishful thinking

Although I clearly have a problem with hoarding books, I've managed to build a decent sized wish list on Amazon and Paperback Swap. I thought it'd be fun to share some of the books hanging out on my wish list right now.
As you can see it's a varied list including some books and authors I've blogged about.
Some highlights:
He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know. I'm a faithful Feministing reader. I'm eager to read Valenti's latest work.
The Film Club: A Memoir - I recently heard the author and his son on NPR. When his son wanted to drop of high school, David Gilmour had one stipulation. His son had to watch three movies a week with him. His son is now headed to film school. They both seemed very down to earth.
Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. I love this title and she's always cracked me up every time I've seen her on a VHS special.
Don't You Forget About Me -- I enjoyed but enough about me enough that I'd like to read Dunn's upcoming novel.
Dead as a Doornail -- Charlaine Harris. I recently realized I don't actually own the entire Sookie Stackhouse series. That can simply cannot be allowed.
What's on your wish list?

May is for vampires?!

I’ve been meaning to post about this for awhile because I think its fun.

First Second, which specializes in graphic novels, has declared May Vampire Month.

Amazon: Vampires? In May? Why, First Second, You Are a Cheeky Publisher, Aren't You? - http://www.omnivoracious.com/2008/05/vampires-in-may.html

First Second’s blog: http://www.firstsecondbooks.typepad.com/mainblog/

There are many novels featuring vampires starting with Bram Stoker’s Dracula all the way up to Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series.

First Second publishes Little Vampire and Life Sucks. Both are vampire-themed graphic novels. (I’m eagerly awaiting both from the library.)

There must be something in the air or this idea is really catching on because the Seattle Public Library’s blog is doing a series of posts on vampire fiction.

The Vampire List, Part 1: Love Bites - http://shelftalk.spl.org/2008/05/14/the-vampire-list-part-1-love-bites/

I noticed another reader pointed out the absence of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse books; apparently they’ll be included in later posts. Regular readers are aware I’m a big Charlaine Harris fan.

Update: Shelf Talk's has another vampire post -

http://shelftalk.spl.org/2008/05/21/the-vampire-list-part-2-urban-vamps/

I tried reading the Turning and just couldn't seem to get into it.

Some other vampire reading I’ve enjoyed includes Anita Blake – although I have to admit I lost steam. The earlier books are better. There are many fans who think this series went off the rails.

Mary Janice Davidson, who’s mentioned in Shelf Talk’s list. The first book in this series is Undead and Unwed. I really like these novels. It’s sort of like vampire chick lit. They’re fun, quick reads.

Another series I enjoy is Tanya Huff’s Blood Ties series that revolve around Vicki Nelson, who becomes a private detective after a degenerative eye disease forces her to retire. I would definitely check out Lifetime’s Blood Ties series. I think this really captures the essence of the books, but also stands on their own.

Ack! I didn’t realize this might not be coming back on the air. Really Lifetime you have a great show and you don’t renew it. Grhh. If anyone has positive news to share on this, please do so.

(Side note: Dear Lifetime, I’m watching you! Do NOT mess with my beloved Project Runway. Just DON’T).

********

Speaking of vampires – Stephenie Meyer is currently making the rounds for her latest novel, Host. Meyer is best known for her Twilight series – a vampire series geared towards young adults.

Stephenie Meyer By the Numbers - http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6559505.html?q=Stephenie+Meyer+

Meyer is also featured in Book Page, “Words to live by: there are no children’s books or adult books – there are only good books & bad boos. Everyone should read the good ones.”

Amen!

From Dead to Worse

Confession time: I love the Sookie Stackhouse series. They fall in the rare category of books that I will not only buy in hard cover, but faithfully pre-order on Amazon. It's really hard to describe, they’re a combination of fantasy, mystery, supernatural. Sookie is a telepathic bar maid living in a world occupied by werewolves, shape shifters and vampires. Only vampires have come out so to speak and have formed an uneasy relationship with humans.

I enjoyed the latest installment - From Dead to Worse. However, I didn't feel like it was the strongest book in the series. While the books have become longer and more complex as the series progresses, they've also become more unfocused. With the latest offering, it seem like Harris tried to cram too much in – strife within the vampire and werewolf communities, family issues, a roommate struggling with her relationship with her father and the fact she turned her boyfriend into a cat by accident, etc.

Phew. It just seemed a little too scattered.

That said, it was a fun read and I just love immersing myself in Sookie’s world. I can already anticipate what the next book might tackle.

More Literary Links

There are a wealth of literary blogs out there. Here’s a few I like to peruse for inspiration or amusement. Some of these are blogs written by authors and some by bibliophiles. Happy browsing!

Book Lust, http://storms.typepad.com/

Book Lust is written by a Canadian illustrator. I love her illustrations and whimsical posts.

Book Puddle, http://bookpuddle.blogspot.com/

An avid reader. He drinks coffee. He has a cat. Sigh.

book girls’s nightstand, http://www.bookgirl.net/

Books Etc., http://elisabethstewart.blogspot.com/

Kimbooktu, http://kimbooktu.wordpress.com/

Charlaine Harris, Book & Blog, http://www.charlaineharris.com/bb/bb_current.html

Neil Gaiman, http://journal.neilgaiman.com/

an ice cold grave

Phew! I didn't think I was going to get two read this month. Just finished an ice cold grave by Charlene Harris. This is another one that sort of defies description. After Harper Connelly is struck by lightening, she can sense where bodies are buried and how they died. In the newest book in the series, Harper helps uncover the bodies of several boys who were presumed missing. With a serial killer on the loose, Harper also becomes a target.

This had more of what I like about Harris -- character development. This series is a little darker than Sookie Stackhouse.

I'm stumped on what to read next. I'm halfway through two books but feel like something different. I could use a comedy.

Real Murders

For my New Year's resolutions, I decided to make affirmative resolutions. One of them was two read two books per month. I'm running a little behind this month. I just finished book one for this month -- Real Murders by Charlaine Harris.

I discovered Harris when I happened to randomly pick up the first Sookie Stackhouse book at the library. This series really defies explanation -- paranormal/ romance/ mystery/ thriller. Sookie is a psychic working in a bar when she meets a vampire. Turns out vampires exist and they've announced their presence. Sounds weird, but these books are fun.

I just finished Real Murders by Harris. It had an interesting premise -- librarian Aurora "Roe" Teagarden is a member of the "real murders" club. They meet once a month to discuss famous murder cases. One night before a meeting, Teagarden discovers a club member murdered in a manner very similar to the real life murder they were about to discuss. Soon it appears that there is a murderer on the loose copying famous murders.

I hate to say it but this was not my favorite Harris book. There were too many characters and as a result I felt like the character development, which is something Harris usually shines at, was weak. There was a little much going on -- too many people, too many murders. I'm willing to give the new Teagarden book, A Bone to Pick, a chance because Harris very rarely disappoints. Hopefully it will be a stronger showing.