Tag: book

My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List 2025

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

As Christmas is almost here, it’s time for my yearly Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! If you’re new to 18 Cinema Lane, this is an annual tradition where I share the movie related things I’d like to receive for Christmas. The list’s format follows the quote; “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”. The items on this list, like in past years, are a combination of realistic requests and wishful thinking. So, let’s start 2025’s Christmas wish-list!

Puppies and hearts Christmas wish-list image created by Freepik at freepik.com.

Something You Want

Back in 2018, I saw the 1975 movie, Escape to Witch Mountain. One of the most memorable aspects of that film was an object belonging to Tia, one of the story’s protagonists. Throughout Escape to Witch Mountain, Tia carries a Starcase. This box contains a map that helps her and her brother, Tony, find their way home. But ever since I saw the film, I’ve always felt the term “starcase” was misleading. That’s because I don’t recall seeing Tia putting anything into the case itself, like small toys or trinkets. Despite this, the Starcase is one of the most unique movie props I’ve seen. So, for this portion of my Christmas wish-list, I would like to receive a replica of Tia’s Starcase. But I want a replica that is truly a case where items can be placed inside. Plus, I would like the Starcase replica to feature a purse strap, so the Starcase can be carried either as a purse or a clutch.

Tia’s Starcase images created by Walt Disney Productions and Buena Vista Distribution Company

Something You Need to See

Two years ago, I started my series, Sally Solves a Mystery. In this annual series, I talk about television related mysteries in an attempt to solve them. For my upcoming Sally Solves a Mystery article, I will write about two mysteries related to the same movie. On the forum for Lost Media Wiki, I came across a post about a lost teaser trailer for the 1997 film, Anastasia. While I do love that movie, I personally don’t remember seeing the teaser trailer in question. Another piece of Anastasia media I don’t remember is Anastasia On Ice, an ice skating show based on the film. The only footage of the show I’ve seen are a few television commercials and a behind-the-scenes news segment about the show. Why these lost media mysteries are featured in this part of my Christmas wish-list is how much I’d love to see them solved by November 21st, 2027, which is Anastasia’s 30th anniversary.

Promotional image for Anastasia On Ice found on the Youtube channel, Commerical Collections.

A movie related piece of clothing or accessory I’d want to wear

Looking back on past Christmas wish-lists, I haven’t selected a movie related piece of clothing or accessory that is holiday themed. But that is about to change with the Halloween themed sweater I will now discuss. In the Lifetime movie, Killing the Competition, my eye caught a gray sweater with pumpkins and black cats on it. Even though the sweater was featured very briefly in the film, it stuck in my memory, especially when it came time to create My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List. As I’m writing this article, I realized this is the second year in a row a sweater was chosen for this portion of my wish-list! With the Halloween sweater boasting a variety of colors, multiple outfits could be created around that sweater.

I apologize if this photo of the Halloween themed sweater isn’t the best. But as I explained in my Christmas wish-list, the sweater was featured very briefly in Killing the Competition. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

A book I’ve read that I’d like to see adapted into a film

When I participated in the Eurovisionathon readathon, one of the books I read was A Prisoner in Malta by Phillip DePoy. It was, honestly, one of the better books I read for the event! A Prisoner in Malta is what would be considered a “page-turner”, as there was never a dull moment. The book contained other strengths like well-written banter between the characters, strong character development, and a mystery that was intriguing as well as complex. With all this said, I would be interested in seeing a film adaptation of A Prisoner in Malta! Based on what I’ve observed of the cinematic side of the mystery genre, historical mysteries seem far and few between. I also can’t think of many movies off the top of my head that are set in the 1580s. So, in my opinion, an adaptation of A Prisoner in Malta would offer something unique to the film-making table!

A Prisoner in Malta by Phillip DePoy book cover found on Goodreads.

What are your thoughts on my Christmas wish list? Are there any movie related things you’d like to receive during the Christmas/holiday season? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun during the Christmas/holiday season!

Sally Silverscreen

Sally Reads…‘Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea’ by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

When I signed up for Midnite Drive-In’s Hit The Road Blogathon, one of the basic rules was to choose “a movie, TV show or book” that had something to do with travel. Since I figured I’d be one of the few participants selecting a book for the event, I found an opportunity to write a book review! On 18 Cinema Lane, I occasionally talk about books in an effort to bring a sense of variety to my blog’s content. My last book review was published last September, when I wrote about Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. This is ironic, as that book revolved around Jessica traveling to Florida. For the Hit The Road Blogathon, I selected another mystery story; Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark! Years ago, I saw this book’s film adaptation, 2013’s The Mystery Cruise. Though I was not a fan of the film, I still wanted to read its source material, as I had heard of the book before seeing the movie. Is this a case where the book is better than the film? Keep reading my review to solve this mystery!

Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea book cover found on Goodreads

If you’re going to write a story that involves travel, the journey or destination needs to sound appealing. Whether the travels of characters are exciting or the characters arrive somewhere intriguing, the reader may stay invested in what is happening in the story. In Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea, the protagonist, Alvirah, won an all-expenses paid cruise through a charity auction. She, along with her husband, Willy, and their friends embark on an oceanic adventure where there is never a dull moment. Mary and Carol worked well together to create a setting that felt realistic. Descriptive imagery and attention to detail worked in the favor of the story’s world-building. One example is when rooms on the ship, Royal Mermaid, are described. While observing Alvirah and Willy’s room, one of their friends, Nora, states “The closet is practically a room unto itself”. This statement alone provides context for the size of the space. It also addresses the luxurious nature of not just the room itself, but the ship as a whole.

Cruise ship near an island image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/holiday-background-on-a-cruise_1182003.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Mystery stories, sometimes, include a group of characters. If these characters are working together to solve a mystery, it’s important for them to maintain a sense of camaraderie. This way, genuineness can be felt as the characters come together to reach a common goal. Throughout Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea, solving mysteries was a team effort among Alvirah, Willy, and their friends, the Reillys. It helped how these characters possessed their own set of skills and life experiences, allowing them to bring something unique to the table. It also helps how they knew each other before the events of the story. Because of how well-written the dialogue was, readers can pick up on how Willy, Alvirah, and the Reillys got along. Toward the beginning of the book, Alvirah is encouraging her friends, Regan and Jack, to join her and Willy on the cruise. Bringing up the couple’s already known vacation plans, Alvirah says, “I just heard from Jack’s own lips that he’s on vacation for two weeks”. She addresses this in an effort to give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience, keeping the best interests of her friends in mind. Because she recognizes Alvirah’s good intentions, Regan replies to Jack, “we’ve never been on a cruise together. I think it would be fun”.

News reporter being filmed image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/journalist-reporter-profession-isometric-banner_2875517.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/banner”>Banner vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>, Image found at freepik.com.

Two of the villains in Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea are Bull’s-Eye and Highbridge. These criminals are on the run to avoid being sentenced for their crimes. There were times while reading this book where I had difficulty telling these characters apart. That’s because their personalities were not distinct enough. Another flaw of Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea was how some mysteries were solved before the reader could figure it out for themselves. During the titular Santa Cruise, two Santa suits go missing, becoming one of the story’s overarching mysteries. But shortly after this mystery is introduced, the “whodunit” is already revealed. This felt reminiscent of an episode of Columbo, where the audience is forced to observe the protagonist solving the mystery themselves instead of interacting with the story by figuring out the mystery alongside the characters.

Adorable Santa image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-background-with-funny-santa_1324597.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea is, in my opinion, a fine book that is interesting and entertaining enough. Carol and Mary use attention to detail and descriptive imagery in their favor to build a literary world that feels realistic. They also utilize dialogue to create strong camaraderie between the protagonists and their friends. However, I wish the story’s villains were given more distinct personalities, as it could have allowed them to stand out more. Having more interactive mysteries for the readers would have helped as well. There were parts of the story that were, sometimes, repetitive. Examples include referencing the number fifteen and the same events being brought up over and over again. Despite these flaws, the book does have a steady to faster pace, which makes Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea a quicker read.

The Hit The Road Blogathon banner created by Quiggy from The Midnite Drive-In

Overall score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Have fun sailing!

Sally Silverscreen

Disclaimer: Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea is a mystery story that occasionally features violence and characters receiving injuries. There’s also brief references to grief.

The Winter Wonderland Book Tag!

On By 18cinemalane1 Comment

At first, I was going to create a post about a Valentine’s Day book tag. But the Valentine’s themed book tags I found either heavily emphasized romance books or I couldn’t find an answer to all the provided questions. So, I decided to write about a winter themed book tag instead, as Valentine’s Day takes place within the winter season. When I came across the Winter Wonderland Book Tag, I could immediately think of answers for each question! Even though one of the questions mentions Christmas, the majority of the questions simply relate to the season of winter. Within these six questions, I will talk about books that have either been brought up on 18 Cinema Lane or books that haven’t been mentioned before. Now, let the book tag begin!

Ski lodge during winter-time image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/ski-station-background_3423830.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

1. What book is so happy & sweet that it warms your heart?

    As soon I read this question, I immediately thought of The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight! Having read this book back in 2018, I remember how sweet this story was. It, honestly, felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie. What I mean by that is The Christmas Child was heart-warming and wholesome. There were emotional moments woven into the text, but the book never felt too emotionally heavy. Plus, the relationship between Kade and Sophie was sweet!

    2. What is your favorite book with a white cover?

    Because there’s a lot of snow on the cover of David Baldacci’s The Christmas Train, that’s the book I’ll choose for this question. This is one of the few books I’ve ever given five out of five stars to! Though it’s been years since I read The Christmas Train, I recall how intriguing the mystery was and how distinctive the characters were. In fact, I think this book serves as a good introduction to David Baldacci’s literary work! I would also recommend the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation, as I remember how respectful it was toward the source material.

    3. You’re sitting in a nice comfy chair, wearing a onesie, with a lovely warm hot chocolate but what MONSTER read are you reading?

    When I read the term, “MONSTER read”, I interpreted it as a book with a large page count. Due to that interpretation, I chose All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Even though I thought the book was just ok, I liked the author’s use of descriptive imagery and attention to detail. Like I said in my review of All the Light We Cannot See from 2022, I, as a reader, could picture the story in my head because of the aforementioned elements. It also helps how each part contained a collection of shorter chapters, giving the book a steadier pace.

    Snowboarder on the slopes image created by Freepic.diller at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-in-ski-suit-looks-over-her-shoulder-going-down-the-hill-on-her-snowboard_1620624.htm’>Designed by Freepic.diller</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/tree”>Tree image created by Freepic.diller – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    4. It started snowing so you decided to have a snowball fight! What fictional character would you love to have the snowball fight with?

    My favorite character from Murder, She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder is Victorio! He not only has a fascinating backstory, he also has a lively personality. Victorio was such a memorable character, I wish he received his own spin-off series. When participating in a snowball fight, it helps to surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and don’t take things too seriously. With everything I said, I would choose Victorio for this question!

    5. Sadly, your fire is beginning to go out. So what book would you tear the last few chapters out to throw into the fire?

    If you’re going to create stories for a younger audience, you need to be mindful about the content incorporated into that story. This is due to how impressionable a younger audience can be. In Smoke Screen by Amy Goldman Koss, I found some poor lessons found among the text. A few examples are it’s ok to not be a person of your word, breaking promises is fine as long as it benefits you, and making compromises is a waste of time. It also does not help how Mitzi, the protagonist, is a static, self-centered, and entitled character throughout the book. If younger readers were to read this book, they may get the wrong idea about how the world, problem-solving, and interactions with other people work. So, to answer the question, I would select the last few chapters of Smoke Screen and recommend a better ending.

    6. What book is so close to your heart that you would gift to someone this Christmas who hasn’t read before but wants to get into reading?

    Last year, I talked about The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis on more than one occasion. The book was featured in my post about the Finally Fall Book Tag and in my annual Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List. Larry Loftis’ book, The Princess Spy, was the best book I read for last year’s Eurovisionathon readathon! As I said in the Finally Fall Book Tag, it was both educational and entertaining, showcasing the research and literary skill Larry incorporated. I would recommend The Princess Spy to readers who like nonfiction books or stories taking place during WWII. If one wants to read about WWII from a woman’s perspective, this book would be a good choice.

    Snowy mountain image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/landscape-background-of-snow-track-and-mountains_968656.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    Have fun during Winter!

    Sally Silverscreen

    My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List 2024

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    With the Christmas/holiday season fast approaching, it’s that time of year for my annual Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! For readers new to 18 Cinema Lane, this tradition shares the movie related things I’d like to receive for Christmas. The list’s format follows the quote; “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”. The items on my list, including this year, have been a combination of realistic requests and wishful thinking. With those explanations said, let’s get into 2024’s Christmas wish-list!

    Image by freepik

    Something You Want

    Since there are movies associated with the Murder, She Wrote series, I will bring this want up in my wish-list. During my Cabot Cove-thon Blogathon, I published an editorial about why Universal Orlando Resort should host Murder, She Wrote weekend. Throughout this article, I explained why this event should work by presenting a basic concept of the event’s schedule. Murder, She Wrote weekend is an event where all parties involved would benefit. Universal Orlando Resort would receive an opportunity to not only make a profit, but to also utilize an intellectual property (IP) that used to have a presence in the park. Attractions and businesses within the park’s boundaries would be able to welcome more guests and increase their revenue. Fans of Murder, She Wrote would have a chance to meet other fans and celebrate the legacy of the show. If Murder, She Wrote weekend becomes an actual event, I think it has the potential to become a cherished Universal Orlando Resort tradition!

    Cabot Cove-thon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original picture found on IMDB.

    Something You Need to See

    When I reviewed the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Pack of Lies, in June, I referenced a Hallmark commercial that was based on a true story. In this commercial, a man, whose first language is not English, is looking for the perfect card for his wife, who will soon arrive in the United States. When he goes to a Hallmark store, the man is assisted by an employee named Rose, who helps him find exactly what he is looking for. After watching this commercial, I developed a collection of questions: What happened to the man and his wife? Are they still together? Did she like the card he bought her? What about Rose, does she still work at Hallmark? Has she retired? And the biggest question of them all; what compelled Hallmark to turn this particular story into a commercial? With everything I just said, I think the commercial could serve as the story for a future Hallmark movie! If the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series continues, that commercial could also serve as a plot in a future Signed, Sealed, Delivered film!

    This screenshot, taken by me, Sally Silverscreen, is from the aforementioned Hallmark commercial from 1987.
    This screenshot, taken by me, Sally Silverscreen, is from the aforementioned Hallmark commercial from 1987.
    This screenshot, taken by me, Sally Silverscreen, is from the aforementioned Hallmark commercial from 1987.

    A movie related piece of clothing or accessory I’d want to wear

    While we’re on subject of Pack of Lies, I want to talk about an outfit Teri Garr’s character, Helen, wore in the 1987 film! During Christmastime, Helen’s outfit was a black and blue ensemble that consisted of black kitten heels, black and blue plaid slacks, and a black sweater over a blue turtleneck. For accessories, Helen wore her hair in a black bow and displayed black stone earrings. I like this outfit because of how timeless it is! It works in either the 1960s, 1980s, or today!

    This screenshot, taken by me, Sally Silverscreen, is from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Pack of Lies. Because Helen wore this outfit in only one scene, this is the only time where her complete outfit is shown on-screen.
    This screenshot, taken by me, Sally Silverscreen, is from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Pack of Lies. Because Helen wore this outfit in only one scene, this is one of the few times her earrings and bow are featured on screen.

    A book I’ve read that I’d like to see adapted into a film

    In my post about the Finally Fall Book Tag, I mentioned The Princess Spy being the best book I read for 2024’s Eurovisionathon. While discussing the book, I talked about how it was both educational and entertaining due to Larry Loftis’ research and literary skill. Looking back on other non-fiction stories from World War II, I realized how underrated Aline Griffith’s story is. When it comes to films taking place during World War II, the espionage side of the war effort is not commonly featured. Because of these factors, I would like to see The Princess Spy adapted into a movie!

    The Princess Spy book cover found on Goodreads

    What are your thoughts on my Christmas wish list? Are there any movie related things you’d like to receive during the Christmas/holiday season? Tell me in the comment section!

    Have fun during the Christmas/holiday season!

    Sally Silverscreen

    The Finally Fall Book Tag!

    On By 18cinemalane1 Comment

    Back in April, my review of the 1976 film, Network, became my 375th movie review! Then, in July, my El Dorado movie review became my 850th published post! While figuring out how to commemorate these milestones, I realized it has been a year since I wrote a book tag. Now that Fall/Autumn has arrived, I chose the Finally Fall Book Tag! With Eurovision season in full swing, I will share in each tag prompt which books I read during this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon. I also included a picture of each book cover so my readers can visualize which books I’m referring to.

    Book cover images found on Goodreads. Finally Fall Book Tag image created by me, Sally Silverscreen.

    1. In fall, the air is crisp and clear: name a book with a vivid setting!

    One of the best aspects of The Night Circus (the book I read for Germany) was its descriptive imagery. Through elegant, descriptive writing, Erin Morgenstern crafted an immersive world readers can picture in their minds. From “The Ice Garden” at the circus to the tree Bailey likes to climb, the attention to detail helped places feel realistic. Even the circus itself became its own character because of Erin’s construction of the setting. After reading The Night Circus, I can now understand why some readers want to see this book adapted into a movie!

    2. Nature is beautiful… but also dying: name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic like loss or grief.

    Though I won’t spoil the book I read for Greece, Piranesi, I will say there are heavier themes woven into the story. But the way Susanna Clarke wrote the book was logic driven while also evoking fantastical whimsy. The world surrounding the protagonist was truly unique, with descriptive imagery well used throughout the book! Each room Piranesi explores contains intrigue due to the nice, gradual build-up to the mystery’s reveal. Piranesi’s creativity worked in Susanna’s favor, as the book will be adapted into a Laika film!

    3. Fall is back to school season: share a non-fiction book that taught you something new.

    The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis tells the story of Aline Griffith, a woman who joined the United States war effort by working in the realm of espionage. The book not only shares Aline’s story, it also explores the history of the CIA’s predecessor; the Office of Strategic Services. I am so thankful I chose to read The Princess Spy for Spain! It was both an educational and entertaining book, showcasing the research and literary skill Larry incorporated. I would, honestly, recommend The Princess Spy, as it was the best book I read for this year’s Eurovisionathon!

    4. In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend some time with the people we love: name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d like to be a part of.

    In Elissa Brent Weissman’s book, The Length of a String, Imani has a tight-knit family. The story shows how they continually support one another, as well as remind each other what is truly important. Imani’s down-to-earth personality and realistic perspective are a reflection of her strong family unit. Through her interactions with her family, Imani and the reader learn important lessons, such as how Luxembourg was impacted by World War II. The Length of a String is the second-best book I read for 2024’s Eurovisionathon! One of the strengths of the story was how Imani and her family were well written.

    5. The colorful leaves are piling up on the ground: show us a pile of fall-colored spines!

    For this prompt, I will, instead, share four book covers that feature, at least, one fall color. These book covers are:

    • Axel of Evil – Ukraine (orange)
    • Wolves of Eden – Ireland (orange)
    • Pinocchio – Italy (orange and yellow)
    • The Finnish Line – Finland (yellow and red)

    6. Fall is the perfect time for some storytelling by the fireside: share a book wherein somebody is telling a story.

    Throughout Felix Francis’ book, Iced, Miles shares the story of his life and reflects on his career as a steeplechase jockey. His exploration of his past reveals his mental health and addiction related struggles. But Felix’s decision to prioritize Miles’ part of the story overshadowed the book’s mystery. This creative decision also gave the story little to no sense of urgency, suspense, or intrigue. When I first read the synopsis of Iced, I was intrigued by a whodunit revolving around a horse race in Switzerland. The book’s aforementioned major flaw left me disappointed.

    7. The nights are getting darker: share a dark, creepy read.

    While not considered a “creepy” read, The Winter Soldier is a “dark” read due to its darker subject matter. Because the story focuses on the medical and traumatic sides of World War I, medical procedures and injuries are described throughout the book. Despite the heavier topics within the story, Daniel Mason chose to present war from a more humane perspective by emphasizing human connections. With Lucius being The Winter Soldier’s protagonist, these human connections are found in Lucius’ life, from his early years in Austria to his time mending wounded soldiers in an abandoned church’s makeshift hospital.

    8. The days are getting colder: name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.

    I will pick two books for this prompt. The first choice is William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night! This is considered one of Shakespeare’s light-hearted plays, as it’s classified as a romantic comedy. There are also some musical moments within the story because the play takes place around Christmastime in what is now known as Croatia. The second book I selected was Little Lord Fauntleroy! This is such a wholesome, heart-warming story, emphasizing the themes of kindness and staying true to yourself. It helps that Cedric is a likable, selfless protagonist, as he doesn’t allow his new life in the U.K. to change him or his values.

    9. Fall returns every year: name an old favorite that you’d like to return to soon.

    As I mentioned in prompt number five, I read Axel of Evil by Alina Adams. This is the third book in the Figure Skating Mysteries series, a series I’ve found quite enjoyable. So, for this prompt, I would choose to return to the world of competitive figure skating and follow Bex’s adventures!

    10. Fall is the perfect time for cozy reading nights: share your favorite cozy reading “accessories”!

    What I have chosen for this prompt, instead, are two book covers featuring a cozy accessory. On the covers of The Finnish Line and The Length of a String, a coat is clearly visible. To me, this is the perfect cozy accessory for those cooler, fall days!

    Prompt eleven asks tag participants to tag more people. For my book tag post, I will let my readers decide if they want to participate in the tag.

    Have fun during Fall!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Sally Reads… ‘Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire’ by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

    On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

    *This book review was written before Hurricane Helene*

    On this day in 1984, Murder, She Wrote made its television debut. What started as a simple story of a woman solving mysteries in her own backyard grew into a legacy standing strong in the test of time. I mentioned in my Cabot Cove-thon announcement post how Murder, She Wrote is a multifaceted program. One contributor is the Murder, She Wrote book series! Two of these books, Murder, She Wrote: The Highland Fling Murders and Murder, She Wrote: The Queen’s Jewels, have been reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane. This time, I’ll be writing about Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire! The reason why I selected this book for Cabot Cove-thon, let alone a review, is how the story takes place in Florida. On the first day of my blogathon, I published an editorial about why Universal Orlando Resort should host a fan event called Murder, She Wrote Weekend. Knowing ahead of time I would be discussing the show’s connection to Universal Studios Florida, I thought Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire was an appropriate selection!

    Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire book cover found on Goodreads

    Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire is not only the third Murder, She Wrote book reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane, it’s also the third book where Jessica travels outside of Cabot Cove. In these stories, the destinations are exciting and inviting. What made South Florida such an appealing location in Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire was the combination of descriptive imagery, facts, and tidbits of information sprinkled throughout the story. While taking a road trip to Key West, Jessica searches for the perfect present for Seth’s friend; a key lime pie. During her search, Jessica (as well as readers) learn about the different ingredients used to make this beloved dessert. Other cultural elements are woven into Jessica’s travels, such as a “ceremony” where residents and visitors of Key West applaud the setting sun. These elements help introduce readers to South Florida, as well as educate them about this destination!

    Colorful travel suitcase image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/beautiful-illustration-of-travel_2686674.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/watercolor”>Watercolor vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    The Murder, She Wrote book series creates original stories instead of rehashing already existing episodes. However, the spirit of the show exists in the books because of the inclusion of characters and locations from Murder, She Wrote. In Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire, the characters felt like they either came directly from the show or should have been on the show. This was achieved because of how the dialogue was written and how characters were described. Sam Lewis is a resident of Foreverglades, Florida. He not only volunteers with the local police department, Sam also drives a pink Cadillac and, at one point, even wears purple sneakers. While he is a quirky individual, he is endearing as he tries to make his neighborhood a better place. Sam was so well integrated into the story, he felt like he belonged in Jessica’s world! Sam also represents a consistent strength of the Murder, She Wrote books; the creation of unique, distinct characters.

    Even though Jessica takes a road trip in Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire, fans of the show would know she wasn’t the one driving. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

    Murder mystery stories typically contain a sense of urgency. Because the murder takes place within the story, there is an urgent race against time to stop the perpetrator from hurting anyone else. For the majority of Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire, however, urgency was lacking. The emphasis on the laid-back, easy-going atmosphere of Florida and the victim being murdered prior to the story are the reasons for this creative flaw. Dialogue is an important component of any story. But Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire was dialogue-heavy, with very few non-verbal clues provided. If readers aren’t actively paying attention to what they’re reading, they may miss key information. It also doesn’t help how some of Jessica’s conclusions seemed a bit far-fetched.

    Magnifying fingerprints image created by Balintseby at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/glass”>Glass vector created by Balintseby – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/fingerprint-investigation_789253.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    When I reviewed Murder, She Wrote: The Queen’s Jewels back in 2022, I claimed that book was my least favorite among the Murder, She Wrote books I read. Two years later, it looks like I found a new least favorite. Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire is not a bad book. But most of the story lacking a sense of urgency decreased the mystery’s intrigue and caused the book to, sometimes, feel meandering. A dialogue-heavy story may frustrate some readers, forcing them to actively pay attention or they’ll miss important information. However, there are strengths found in this book. New characters and even familiar faces were well integrated into the story. The South Florida setting was a delight to read about due to the incorporated creative elements. Similar to the show, the Murder, She Wrote book series boasts creative ideas and interesting topics, which always gives Jessica and company something to do. As far as I know, this book series is still in publication. That allows the stories of Cabot Cove to continue, even after the show itself concluded.

    Cabot Cove-thon banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original picture found on IMDB.

    Overall score: 3.1 out of 5 stars

    Have fun in Cabot Cove!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Disclaimer: Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire is a murder mystery story, so the subject of murder will be brought up from time to time. Swearing does occur on a few occasions and there are mentions of violence. Other topics include chronic illness, grief, and the fair treatment of older people/the elderly.

    Word on the Street: Movie Adaptation for Susanna Clarke’s ‘Piranesi’ on the Horizon

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    Whenever I review a movie that’s based on a book or pre-existing piece of literature, I usually find myself stating how the film is based on a book I haven’t read. This has led me to create the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” award for my annual Gold Sally Awards. But for this piece of movie news, an upcoming adaptation is based on a book I’ve actually read! Reported two months ago by Bill Desowitz from IndieWire, Susanna Clarke’s novel, Piranesi, will be brought to life by animation studio, Laika. Travis Knight, the CEO and president of Laika, will direct the movie. Though not much else is known about the Piranesi adaptation, Susanna herself gave her approval, stating, “I’ve been inspired by so many animated movies; and Laika has produced such extraordinary work – movies like ‘Coraline’ and ‘Kubo and the Two Strings,’ full of beauty and wonder and weirdness. I’m thrilled that ‘Piranesi’ has found a home with them and I can’t wait to see what they do.” Meanwhile, Travis expressed his enthusiasm over the project, saying how Susanna is “one of my all-time favorite authors” and how “I can scarcely imagine a more joyful experience than wandering through the worlds Susanna dreamed into being”.

    Piranesi book cover image found on Goodreads

    Like I said earlier in this article, I have read Piranesi. In fact, I read this book recently as one of my selections for this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon. When I first discovered the news about Piranesi’s adaptation, I wondered how this story would translate to the screen. This is because the story is written in a logical way, encouraging the reader to actively pay attention to what they’re reading. My interest piqued upon learning Laika would be creating the adaptation! I reviewed Kubo and the Two Strings back in 2019. The film was not only one of the top three best movies I saw that year, it was the first time an animated picture had earned a spot on my year-end best of list! The fact the same director and studio behind Kubo and the Two Strings will be working on the Piranesi adaptation makes me excited! It gives me a chance to check out more of Laika’s work, as well as showcases the creativity of a studio that, in my opinion, is underrated.

    What are your thoughts on this piece of movie news? Are you looking forward to seeing Piranesi adapted as a movie? Let me know in the comment section!

    Have fun at the movies!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Referenced article: https://www.indiewire.com/news/breaking-news/laika-announces-new-stop-motion-piranesi-susanna-clarke-1235017992/

    A Very Belated Buzzwordathon Fail

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    Last month, in my post about what my readers could look forward to in 2024, I stated how I was taking a break from the Buzzwordathon readathon. But I also promised the reviews for October, November, and December’s books from 2023. As a blogger of my word, I am finally publishing the last three reviews of the previous year’s Buzzwordathon! Since I did read these books, but didn’t finish them within their respective months, I will consider these readathon challenges a “fail”. With this article published after Buzzwordathon 2023, these reviews will be shorter.

    Happy reading place image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    October

    The Witcher: The Last Wish book cover found on Goodreads

    Title: The Witcher: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

    Theme: Magic words

    The Witcher: The Last Wish is a collection of short stories that serve as an introduction to Geralt and the world around him. Even though I learned quite a bit while reading this book, it felt like I spent most of the book getting to know everyone but Geralt. In fact, there was one portion of an overarching short story where Geralt exposition dumped his entire life story. But there were parts of the book I did like, such as the magic system and the pacing of the action scenes. I also thought the politics within the story’s world were intriguing.

    Overall score: 3.8 out of 5 stars

    November

    One Good Deed book cover found on Goodreads

    Title: One Good Deed by David Baldacci

    Theme: “Good”

    One of David Baldacci’s strengths is creating literary worlds that are memorable enough to stick with the reader. This is achieved through strong descriptive imagery and world building. These writing techniques were applied to One Good Deed, creating a landscape that I could picture as I read the book. I also liked the banter between the characters, as it was quippy and clever. The protagonist, Archer, did amateur detective work in the story, but it wasn’t as consistent as I expected. Because One Good Deed is a slow-burn, character-driven story, patience is required from the reader.

    Overall score: 3.7 out of 5 stars

    December

    A Song for Jeffrey book cover found on Goodreads

    Title: A Song for Jeffrey by Constance M. Foland

    Theme: Sound words

    A Song for Jeffrey is a story that relies more on a premise than a plot. That, along with serious topics being incorporated, but not explored, in the story prevent the book from containing as much depth as other middle grade titles. However, there are good lessons found throughout the text, from how to be a good friend to trying to find the positives in life. Jeffrey is the best character from this book, as his personality is down-to-earth and friendly. While Dodie, the protagonist, means well and works through her flaws, she is kind of insensitive for most of the book. For about half the book, Dodie has a selfish, entitled attitude.

    Overall score: 3 out of 5 stars

    Have fun reading!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Disclaimer: The Witcher: The Last Wish, One Good Deed, and A Song for Jeffrey contain subject matter that may not be suitable for some readers. Reader discretion is encouraged.

    Another Day, Another Buzzwordathon Fail

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    Last year, when I participated in the Buzzwordathon readathon for the first time, I experienced several fails. One of those fails took place when I read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, as I didn’t finish reading that book within the month of September. Once again, I didn’t finish September’s book for Buzzwordathon within that month. But I’m still going to review the book I chose, like when I reviewed The Grapes of Wrath. Since September’s theme was ‘game related words’, I read The Selection by Kiera Cass, as the contest in the story shares the name of the book’s title!

    The Selection book cover found on Goodreads

    Sometimes, the YA (young adult) genre receives a bad rap. One reason is how romantic relationships are portrayed, from the unrealistic to the unhealthy. While inconsistent, there were times in The Selection where more realistic perspectives on romantic relationships are shared. An example came from the protagonist’s father. When America asked her father if people of a different social status can marry, her father told her “you should know that love can wear away under the stress of being married”. This quote alone emphasizes how much work goes into maintaining a romantic relationship, especially a marriage. From what I can remember, I haven’t seen or heard of many YA stories that discuss the time, effort, and care that romantic relationships require. Therefore, I found this part of the story refreshing!

    Princess tiara image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/ornamental-princess-crowns_1109199.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/gold”>Gold vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    Toward the beginning of the novel, America learns she’ll become an “elite” if she places in The Selection’s top ten. If she wins, she and her family will become Ones, the highest level in the book’s social hierarchy. Because of the titles of The Selection’s sequels, as well as the titles of the novellas, the outcome of the contest is spoiled. This creative choice also prevents The Selection from being a suspenseful and intriguing story with an element of surprise. The majority of the story revolving around conversations between America and the prince, Maxon, also prevented the book from being intriguing. Even though conversations between characters are an important component of storytelling, there was no room in The Selection for a conflict or problem solving because of the priority placed on the aforementioned conversations.

    Pink themed image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/mockup”>Mockup psd created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    When I published by TBR tag post three years ago, I talked about wanting to read The Selection. Since the series seems to be divisive on Booktube (the book community on Youtube), I wanted to check the first book out for myself, so I could form my own opinion on it. Now that I have read The Selection, I can understand why this series has received mixed results. The story had so much potential to stand out from other YA or even dystopian books. Instead, that potential was not reached, focusing on conversations between America and Maxon instead of showing the characters solving problems and seeking resolutions to conflicts. Even the young ladies participating in The Selection aren’t given much to do, preventing them from accomplishing challenges and showcasing their talents and skills. As I mentioned in this review, the titles of the sequels and novellas spoil the competition’s outcome. With that said, I’d rather read a book series where the story’s outcome is a surprise to the reader.

    Overall score: 1.2 out of 5 stars

    Have fun during Buzzwordathon!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Disclaimer: The Selection contains subject matter that some readers may find offensive, including:

    — Some swearing within the dialogue

    — Mention of a miscarriage

    — Some violence in the story

    — A drunken character

    — While learning more about The Selection, America is led to believe her consent won’t be respected. This implication turns out to be false.

    Buzzwordathon 2023: Review of ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    For August’s edition of the Buzzwordathon readathon, I chose to read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston! This is because August’s theme was ‘body parts’, meaning that a body part had to be mentioned somewhere in a book’s title. While sharing Janie’s story, Zora is able to use words artistically and lyrically. However, this approach to storytelling never feels too “flowery”. A great example is when Zora describes a hurricane roaring over Florida’s Everglade region. She refers to the hurricane itself as a “monster”. As the storm is moving closer to the Everglade region, Zora writes, “The people felt uncomfortable but safe because there were the seawalls to chain the senseless monster in his bed”. In this sentence alone, Zora creates an image the reader can visualize. She also makes the hurricane larger than life, an antagonist for the characters to encounter.

    Their Eyes Were Watching God book cover found on Goodreads

    I’ve said before on 18 Cinema Lane that I don’t seek out “slice of life” stories. The reason is I don’t find “slice of life” stories to be as compelling as other types of stories. In the first half of Their Eyes Were Watching God, the story was more “slice of life”. Conflicts within the story don’t arrive until Tea Cake, Janie’s third husband, is introduced in the book. Because he appears in the story’s second half, I found the second half of the book more interesting than the book’s first half. Their Eyes Were Watching God is a fine, well-written novel. I am aware there was a 2005 made-for-tv adaption starring Halle Berry. Now that I have read the movie’s source material, I would be interested in reviewing the film in the future!

    Overall score: 3.6 out of 5

    Have fun during Buzzwordathon!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Disclaimer: Their Eyes Were Watching God contains subject matter that some readers may find offensive, including:

    — Language reflective of the book’s release, the 1930s. This includes the use of racial slurs.

    — References to heavier topics, such as death and abuse

    — Swearing on some occasions

    — Mrs. Turner’s beliefs, which are filled with prejudice

    — The inclusion of a hurricane