The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Movie Trailer

Book Review: Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin

"Game Change" is easily the most riveting and unputdownable book of the winter 2010 season.

The basics of the story we already know. Even if you didn't pick up a newspaper or watch TV in 2008, you are familiar with the main characters in this drama: an upstart politician with limited national experience, a seasoned First Lady, the maverick, the unknown political phenom and the former U.S. Senator from North Carolina and his cancer-stricken wife. This was the playing field in the race for the land's highest office. We also know the ending. But what makes "Game Change" so fascinating is the in-depth story behind the story.

The success of the book is largely due to authors John Heilemann and Mark Halperin's treatment of their subjects as flesh and blood, fully dimensional human beings. As someone who watched the campaign with interest, I remember what happened. What I often wondered about is why it happened.

"Change" answers those questions and more.

What made Obama feel like this was his time? Answer: He had a lot of backroom prodding from fervent yet undercover supporters in the Washington ranks plus a true sense of destiny.

Why did Hilliary really cry in New Hampshire? Answer: Just before that press junket, a senior campaign official suggested she throw in the towel.

Why did McCain pick Palin? Answer: It was a risk-taking choice and one he thought his party would celebrate him for.

For me, the most intriguing aspect about the book was the ability to look at the three main players - Obama, Clinton and McCain - and see their overall narrative arc. Despite their images as clear-headed leaders, Clinton and McCain come off as indecisive and hesitant. Obama was not the perfect candidate when he threw his hat in the ring. But he was someone who was dedicated to being open and learning as he trudged down the year-long path to the White House. He became a better candidate as he went along and it's this capacity for intellectual and emotional growth which makes him the hero of this story and, ultimately, of the election.

The book's most stinging rebuke is left entirely for former U.S. Senator John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth. The authors say they interviewed hundreds of staffers, who obviously based on the information gleaned here, want to remain anonymous. The details of the Edwards' downfall is staggering and sad. For someone who inspired a great deal of promise, their footnote in history will go down as one of ego and selfishness. If you're just interested in that bit of the story, read NY Magazine's fascinating excerpt. (A shout out here to Katherine Johnson, who first pointed out this tidbit to me!)

The chapters on Palin don't add anything more to what we already know- the botched Katie Couric interview, her complete lack of brain stuffing and those infamous Tina Fey impressions -but further makes readers certain that she was clearly not fit to hold the highest office in the land, if circumstances had come to that.

"Game Change" is a must read for anyone who wants to examine the forces that shape our political leaders. It's an unputdownable read and the fact that this tale is true, makes it even more potent.

I'm looking forward to their next collaboration, which I hope is the president's first year in office.

"Game Change" is available at booksellers everywhere. Tune in tomorrow for my interview with the authors!

Penn, Pattinson circle 'Water'

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One of my all-time favorite books and one of our previous book club selections, Sara Gruen's "Water for Elephants," is being made into a movie.

Slated to star is Reese Witherspoon. And currently the studio is talking to Sean Penn and "Twilight's" Robert Pattinson. Read more on "Variety." Penn, Pattinson circle 'Water'

Brace for Impact Signing at Park Road Books

Hi everyone,

Who can believe it's been a year since we first heard of Capt. Sullenburger and the entire crew of US Air Flight 1548?

A number of survivors on the flight will be at Park Road Books this Saturday at 2 PM for a signing of their new book, "Brace for Impact." Visit PRB's website for more details.

Game Change: The Book I Cannot Put Down

I was thrilled to receive a copy of "Game Change" the hot new political book about the 2008 race Friday. I thought I'd read a few pages over the weekend and savor it. NOT! I cannot put this book down. My eyes were so tired from reading half the book that by Saturday night they were watering.

I'll have more later this week including an interview with the authors but wanted to share that if you are even remotely interested in living history, run, don't walk, to pick up a copy of this book.

Alison

A New Kind of Book Tour

Ever wonder what book tours are like for authors? Stephen Elliott shares his own DIY book tour in a fascinating new essay in the New York Times.

Having gone on tour last year, I can tell you that it's somewhat of a surreal experience. Sometimes you have big crowds, sometimes, not so big. But it absolutely is a completely different dimension than writing the book. One of the most satisfying, for me at least, was hearing how your book impacted a person and that they were able to put to use some of the concepts and ideas in your book to much success.

The dynamic between author and reader is so important. You need both. If you're a reader, consider going out to a reading a month. It brings a book to life in a way you probably never expected.

January 2010 Book Club Selection: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

For January, we're reading something completely different: a thriller!

"The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" by Stieg Larsson.

The plot is lengthy and fascinating and a great summary of it can be found on Barnes & Noble.com.

Winter feels like it's the perfect time to curl up with a mystery and a great one at that!

A SMALL CHANGE TO OUR ORIGINAL POST:

We'll be meeting ONLINE in our first virtual event for 2010 on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 PM. Kindly RSVP by e-mailing me at bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com and I'll send you the links and all the info.

Happy January everyone!

Alison

New Year, New Beginnings!

Hello everyone and happy new year on this fourth day of January!

Isn't a fresh start a wonderful thing? It feels like the world is full of possibilities!

Did you make your resolutions yet? How's that going? One of mine is to keep this blog updated on a regular fashion. December came and went so quickly. But thank you to all who made it the Ritz Carlton to discuss "Holiday on Ice" by David Sedaris.

I'm looking for 2010 reading sugggestions. What are you reading now that you cannot put down? Winter inspires thoughts of cozying up on the sofa curled up with a fanastic read. Did you ever notice how reading is very addictive? It's a high I love!

Some of the books I am most looking forward to this season is Elizabeth Gilbert's newest "Committed" and a new bio on actor/director Warren Beatty. I've never been a huge fan of his personally but I think as an artist, he's a fantastic study. Hopefully the book won't be too tawdry.

Thanks everyone for keeping up with us for yet another great year!

Hope to see you all soon!

Alison Woo
Book Club Editor
Carolina Weekly Newsgroup

A Note from Author Maryann McFadden

Last week's book club meeting was a smash! Thank you to all who came! We were chatting about how wonderful authors are and one of our book club favorites just sent me a note for you all. Here's a note from Maryann McFaddeen:
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Happy Holidays!


I can't think of a better way to thank you for your support and enthusiasm than to give away signed and personalized copies of SO HAPPY TOGETHER and THE RICHEST SEASON, along with handcrafted bookmarks to go with them.

I hope you'll visit my website to get the details. Winners will be drawn 12/31 and I hope you're one of them!

Simply go to www.maryannmcfadden.com Details are right on top!


Have a Wonderful Holiday and a Blessed New Year!

Maryann McFadden

Know a Senior Who's Ready to Downsize?

Get yourself to Park Road Books this Friday!

From 12:30 - 2PM, author Jan Robbins Durr will be signing and discussing her book, "De-Stuff: A Step by Step Guide for Seniors Preparing for an Estate Sale & Downsizing." Written particularly for those individuals who don't know what to do with their lifetime accummulation of 'stuff', this book covers how to sort, research, price, advertise, hold the sale, and disposition after the sale.

To learn more about Durr, visit her Web site at: www.robbinsappraisals.com. For Park Road books, visit www.parkroadbooks.com.