Last weekend I got to do a wonderful thing: fill new bookcases. Ecstasy! Is it just me or does everyone else out there have the ongoing problem of not enough bookshelf space? Is it wrong for me to want every wall lined with floor to ceiling shelves? To fantasize about someday opening the door to find an unemployed carpenter willing to work for room, board, and building materials?
My new shelves (which are beautiful, thanks for asking) are downstairs in the main room of the house. So these are the ones that I will look at most of the time–that I’ll see from the sink when I’m doing dishes, when I’m crashed on the couch watching a movie. So the point is, I have to very carefully choose what books to put on them.
Which brings me to the agony. Arranging books is tough. I hemmed and hawed and in the end went for an eclectic selection of fiction (plus one non-fiction: Mortification: Writers’ Stories of Their Public Shame). When fresh shelves are in front of me I’m always tempted to fill them with my very favorite books. But this time, although I picked lots of my most treasured, I also included the stack of Those-I’m-Dying-To-Read volumes that have been piling up in my office. And I even threw in a few vaguely disappointing ones–ones that might someday improve on a second glance. Or if not, when I’m in looking-at-the-books mode they’ll at least elicit a mournful sigh, the sort you ordinarily reserve for ex-boyfriends. Although let’s face it–the books will always bring on a deeper sigh. If you regretted the boys that much (and vice versa), they wouldn’t be exes.
But I digress. As I was loading up the shelves, I discovered a horrible thing. My copy of Cloud Atlas–with the lovely French flaps and the barely discernible marks by my favorite sentences–has mysteriously disappeared. I could not be less amused. I want it back. Now. Got it?
NOT AMUSED.
So thank goodness that today we’ve got a fabulous guest at the Virtual Cocktail Party. A guest who will wholly distract me from the woe of having my favorite book vanish. Brian DeVido is not only an amazingly talented writer, he’s also a former Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. His first novel, Every Time I Talk to Liston garnered well-deserved rave reviews–and it was one of the first books I got by someone I knew. It was a thrill to go into the store and buy it and even more of a thrill to read it…still makes me feel all sentimental. Now that I think about it, I really need my copy signed….
Brian DeVido’s Grape Crush
(If you absolutely have to do a shot and don’t want to be sick the next day, try this)
1/3 oz vodka
1/3 oz Chambord® raspberry liqueur
1/3 oz sweet and sour mix
Shake with ice and strain.
JOE: If you could attend any fight in history which would you pick?
BRIAN: Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns in Caesar’s Palace, 1985, for the middleweight title. The fight only lasted three rounds – nine minutes – but it was a non-stop, brutal, electric nine minutes. Hearns breaks a hand in the first round. Hagler suffers a nasty cut over his forehead in the same round. The fight is stopped briefly in the third for the doctor to check out Hagler’s cut. He paws at it, and when the round continues, storms at Hearns and drops him with a savage right hand. More drama and violence than you see in most fifteen-round title fights.
Do you see why you need to buy this man’s book? He pulls you right in. Even when he’s answering interview questions.
CARRIE: If you could exile anyone, who would you send where?
BRIAN: I would exile all the people who I see on airplanes who only read Nora Roberts or James Patterson books. I would put them in a small classroom where they have to spend the rest of their days doing nothing but discussing these books. It should be noted I have nothing personal against Roberts or Patterson. However, I want to reach out to these readers and tell them there are so many other excellent books out there they could be reading!
ERIC: What book do you never get tired of reading?
BRIAN: The Sportswriter by Richard Ford. I should get tired of it but for some reason I don’t. The plot isn’t exactly fast-paced. But there’s something about the voice of Frank Bascombe that keeps me wanting to read it again and again. It’s like returning to an old friend.
TASHA: What’s your favorite sentence?
BRIAN: There are no intact men. Pete Dexter in The Paperboy.
KRISTY: What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened to you since becoming a published author?
BRIAN: Getting to read my book from Gleason’s Gym while ESPN’s “Cold Pizza” interviewed me for their show. Then having a former world champion ask me to sign my book.
JILL: What three authors would you take with you on a cross-country road trip?
BRIAN: Larry McMurtry – I love Lonesome Dove. I’m sure he has tons of great stories to tell. Pete Dexter – a tough ex-newspaperman and fighter whose novels I greatly admire. Donna Tartt – flirts with brilliance in The Secret History.
CARRIE: What’s the most exhilarating part of writing a book?
BRIAN: Having a reader e-mail me and tell me that my book was their favorite. How can you possibly top that for exhilaration?
DAVID: Do you think writers are really good liars?
BRIAN: Absolutely. When writing, we sometimes paint ourselves into corners and have to find a way out.
A million thanks to Brian for joining us today! You know the drill: First go buy his book, then get yourself to the comments and answer his questions…
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
I’m buried with work at the moment, so next week we’re going to play Sincerity. And if I’m feeling creative, it will be Sincerity with a twist. See ya then!
xo
Tasha
-
1) Free flight anywhere in the world?
Easy. I’m a beach girl. Maui.
2) Most disappointing adaptation of a book to film I’ve ever seen?
Blood Work. They made my favorite character from the book (a fun sidekick/friend) the killer in the movie.
3) Nope. Never voted for an Idol contestant. I think I’ve seen the show once.
4) A fantastic bookstore in the U.S.
I will have to say Foul Play in Westerville, Ohio. It’s in an old Victorian home and it is strictly mystery. The atmosphere of the place is awesome. And they have very loyal customers who support visiting authors. I could lose myself in the shelves of that place on a rainy day.
5) Book to big screen I’m dying to see?
Nothing really. I prefer books, period. Though, that said, I wouldn’t mind seeing one of mine…
by Laura
on March 23rd, 2007 at 7:17 am
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Tuscany. Just drop me off without a return ticket!
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
It’d have to be the godawful version of The Scarlet Letter taht came out in 1995. Different people died. The ending was completley chnaged. I was teaching it at the time–it did make it easy to tell which kids hadn’t read the book and just wrote their essays from the movie, though!
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
No. And I plead the 5th on if I’ve ever watched it.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
Just one? I’d tell them to wander around old streets and find that fabulous little store tucked in a corner where the owners know all the books ever written and can suggest the perfect one for you. In St. Louis, it’d be Left Bank Books. When I was a little girl in Northbrook, IL, there was a store (it might still be there–The Book Bin, I think), where I would go in, sit on the floor and leaf through all The Bobbsey Twin books trying to decide which one to buy next. I think they cost 35 cents.
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
Other than my own? Seriously, I’m so leery of this–I worry that my favorites would be ruined (see #2 above).
-
Hi Brian, lovely to meet you. If I remember, that fight was on my wedding night.
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Florence. What a shock, I know.
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
Bonfire of the Vanities.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
No, but I have loaded the vote on Rock Star:INXS and Supernova.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
Tattered Cover in Denver and the Borders in Cool Springs, TN. Great people there.
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
Anything with Lee Child’s Reacher. Yum.
Okay, back to vacation now. xoxo
-
Hey Good Girls,
I just started my own blog “Not Afraid of the F Word”
and hope you don’t mind that I have a link to your site.
Hope you visit occasionally.
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Phuket. I want to go now. (or Bali would be fine)
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
Almost all of them.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
Never. I’ve actually never even watched an episode.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles. The folks that work there (specifically Bobby and Linda) are two of the nicest most knowledgeable people around. If you can’t find something you want to read there, you just aren’t in the mood to read.
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
A BURNT-OUT CASE by Graham Greene.
-
Brett, you have such good taste…
And everybody go visit Judy’s blog!!!
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Oh, this is such a hard, hard question. Today I think I want to go to…hmmmm…..Greece.
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
The new Pride & Prejudice. No question.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
No, I’ve never voted. But I have watched….
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
There are so many! Borders in Cool Springs (HI GUYS!), Landmark Booksellers, M is for Mystery, Poisoned Pen….how long do I have to go on and on?
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
Well I’d love to see someone pick up the rights to CATCHING GENIUS for about ten million dollars…
-
Judy, how about pasting a link to your blog in your comment. I can’t find it.
Laura
by Laura
on March 23rd, 2007 at 1:35 pm
-
Okay, Laura, this is waaaayyy beyond my skill set, but I’ll give it a try:
Not Afraid of the F Word
If I’ve completely fouled it up, try clicking on my name.
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Today? Fiji. In the mood for a paradise getaway. Tomorrow it might be Geneva, and the day after that, who knows…
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
Anything by Stephen King. Carrie, Pet Cemetery, The Stand…even The Shining (I know, I know, the movie was amazing…but have you READ THE BOOK???)
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
I can honestly say I’ve never seen American Idol.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
The Mystery Bookstore in Snider Plaza, Dallas that recently fell prey to the big chains. Maybe said stranger would help start a movement to bring it back!
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
PANIC, by Jeff Abbott. Great guy. Great book. And bound to be a great movie. The Weinstein Company is producing, Richard Shepard (director of THE MATADOR) is directing.
Thanks for the fun, Brian. Tasha, Sincerity with a…twist? You have me piqued!
by James
on March 23rd, 2007 at 2:43 pm
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
** Today, anywhere that isn’t here. On normal days, Franklin, TN. On a special day, Ireland…but only if Bono can give me a personal tour.
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
** Uh, How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the live action one. Ick.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
** In multiple seasons. I have no guilt.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
** Have to agree with JT about Tattered Cover in Denver. Fabulous. There’s a great store in San Jose called Recycled Books that I love…they have all sorts of previously-owned books and two giant cats too.
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
** Hmmm…possibly the rest of Jennifer Weiner’s work, but I think what I’d really like to see is a movie based on Marley and Me, although I doubt a stand-in dog could do Marley justice.
by Carrie
on March 23rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm
-
About Brian’s Grape Crush drink…
1/3 oz. vodka? You call that a drink?
by Moose
on March 23rd, 2007 at 10:53 pm
-
1. London
2. Black Dahlia
3. Yes. Elliot Yamin. No guilt.
4. Bart’s Books in Ojai, California
5. Kiss Her Goodbye…. 
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
Tasha! I was going to say Greece Okay, I’ll change to…Alaska. Yep.
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
Oh, easy. I was very intrigued with Taking Lives but yowza, what a train wreck on screen.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
I’ve watched, but not this season, and never voted.
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
Not fair! Too hard 
Definitely Cool Springs Borders, Sarasota News & Books, Books & Books in Miami, Inkwood Books in Tampa, Vero Beach Book Center, yeesh, could I go on! Bonus points if they have old wood floors…
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
Well, The Golden Age, duh! Of course, the book’s not quite finished, but still…
by Kristy
on March 24th, 2007 at 7:35 am
-
Ooooo Vero Beach Book Center! YES! And I’ve always wanted to go to Books & Books.
Kristy, you could just come to Greece with me….
And ya had to point out that the book’s not finished, didn’t ya????? ; )
-
1. You have a free flight to go direct anywhere in the world. Where do you go?
After (finally) seeing Casino Royale last night, I’d have to say Monte Negro. Anywhere in Greece comes second - we can share a room again, Tasha!
2. What is the most disappointing adaptation of a book to film you’ve ever seen?
Lately, Eragon - even though I didn’t read the book, I could see it had potential and some fab. actors (Malkovich and Irons) but it was hacked to absolute death, into horrible mis-edited bits that made it painful to watch.
3. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol? If so, did you feel guilty about it?
I hesitated to put this on my “favorite TV shows” on my crimespace page, but I guess I should be honest - I watch it every week and, while I didn’t vote at all last year and hardly ever before that, I vote religiously this year (and no, I’m not the reason Sanjaya Malakar is still there - my theory on that is this: all of India watches and has singulair).
But yes, I still feel guilty. Doesn’t help that I eat ice cream while I watch it - talk about guilt!
4. If you could tell a complete stranger about one fantastic bookstore in the United States, which one would it be and why?
Be prepared to kill me - my favorite bookstore in the whole world is Daedalus - which specializes in incredibly well-reviewed …uh… remainders, for way-cheap. My rule of thumb is - I never buy new authors there, unless their books are out of print. I only buy authors who I think can take the hit in the royalties. Whoa - talk about guilt!
5. What book hasn’t yet made it to the big screen that you are dying to see?
All of the Amelia Peabody mysteries. And I vote for Rachel Weisz as Amelia. No guilt there at all.
-
Ooooh, Regina, YES! Amelia on the big screen. But I don’t know who could possibly play Ramses…
Loading ...