Books and movies have been popular forms of entertainment for centuries. They both offer different experiences to their viewers or readers, each having its own unique advantages. But when it comes to which one is better, books will always come out on top. Here are 6 reasons why books are better than movies.
First of all, books can take you on a much longer journey. A book can be hundreds of pages long, while most movies last no more than two hours. This gives readers the opportunity to really explore the characters and experience their journey in full detail. It also allows authors to include content that would be too complicated or tedious for film adaptations.
A HUGE range of books available here, all genres and formats
Secondly, books give you control over what you’re reading. When watching a movie, you have no choice but to watch it from start to finish. However, when reading a book, you can read as slowly or quickly as you like and even skip parts if you choose. You can also easily re-read a passage if needed in order to understand the story or characters better fully.
Finally, books provide an opportunity for readers to use their own imagination when visualizing the story and characters in their minds rather than relying on a director’s interpretation of them on screen. When reading a book, every reader can create their own version of the story, which makes it much more personal and enjoyable than watching someone else’s version unfold before your eyes on the screen.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why books are better than movies. A book allows readers to get lost in the world created by the author and create their own mental image of characters, settings, and events. It’s like going on an adventure inside your own mind. In a movie, viewers have to rely on the director’s vision of the story and cannot make the same active contribution to its interpretation.
The depth of storytelling in books also has no rival when compared to movies. Books generally allow for more subtlety in their storytelling, as they contain many more words that can be used to express complex ideas or feelings. This gives authors a greater opportunity to provide detailed descriptions or explore themes further than what is typically possible in a two-hour film. Movies mostly resort to exaggerated visual effects or over-the-top performances to convey any sort of emotion or idea, resulting in less effective communication of these concepts overall than found in books.
Books provide readers with an immersive experience that often surpasses what can be seen on screen; it’s not just about the narrative either but how it is told through writing style, metaphor, dialogue, etc. They are capable of conveying powerful messages and emotions without relying on flashy visuals or soundtracks as movies do. A good book will stay with its reader long after they’ve finished reading it due its impactful storytelling techniques which aren’t always possible for films to replicate in comparison.
Imagination is one of the key differences between books and movies. When you read a book, you are creating your own mental image of what is happening in the story. You can imagine anything from the character’s appearance to the scenes they inhabit. This is something that cannot be replicated on film.
When we watch a movie, we are limited to what has been created by the movie-makers. We do not have any control over how characters look or how their environment looks and feels. With books, we get to use our own imaginations to create these details for ourselves.
The ability to use our imagination allows us to become more connected with the story and its characters. We can better understand their motivations and emotions because we have imagined them in our own minds. It also gives us a sense of ownership over the story since it was created in our own minds rather than on screen.
Books allow us to become fully immersed in a story without any restrictions or limits placed upon us by someone else’s vision. They provide an escape where anything can be possible if only we let our imaginations run wild.
One of the biggest advantages of books over movies is the sheer level of detail available. While movies can show what characters look like and how they act, books are able to delve much deeper into their motivations and feelings. Reading allows readers to explore a character’s innermost thoughts, understanding why they make the decisions they do. With books, readers can get a clearer idea of who each character is and how they fit within the larger story.
In addition, books can provide more details about the setting and atmosphere than a movie ever could. In the film, viewers are limited by what the camera can capture on screen. But with books, authors have free reign to describe whatever they want in as much detail as needed – from vivid descriptions of landscapes to detailed explanations of cultural norms and customs. With this level of detail, readers can truly feel like they are part of the world created by the author.
Books also allow for greater flexibility when it comes to time. In movies, filmmakers must stay within a certain runtime – meaning that scenes or even entire storylines may be removed due to lack of time or resources. When it comes to books, however, authors have far more freedom when it comes to introducing characters or delving into backstories without having to worry about runtimes or budgets. This means that readers get a fuller experience without any important information being left out due to time constraints.
By providing an abundance of detail, both in terms of characters and setting, books give readers an immersive experience that no movie could ever match up to.
Interactivity is an important element to consider when comparing books and movies. With a book, the reader has the opportunity to interact with the story in a way that watching a movie does not allow. For example, when reading a book, readers can imagine what the characters look like, think about their personalities and motivations, and create an individualized experience. This type of interactivity is unique to books and gives them an advantage over films.
When considering how books are more interactive than movies, it’s also important to consider how readers can explore topics more deeply when reading than when watching a film. Books provide readers with the space to explore ideas in greater detail than films can offer due to time constraints. They also allow readers to control how quickly or slowly they move through the material, so they can take as much time as they need to better understand concepts that may be more difficult for them.
In comparison, films have limited time frames which don’t permit viewers enough opportunity for deeper exploration of ideas or characters. Additionally, films often leave out details that are included in the written version of stories; this means that viewers may miss out on key elements of a storyline if they only watch the movie without reading the corresponding book.
Books offer readers an interactive experience unlike any other form of storytelling medium; they enable people to explore stories and characters in greater depth while also allowing them to control their pace and focus on areas of particular interest. This type of engagement allows readers to become active participants in their own story-telling journey, making it clear why books are often seen as being better than movies.
When it comes to cost, books are generally much more affordable than movies. One of the great things about books is that they can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a movie ticket. Even if you buy an expensive hardcover book, it is still likely to cost less than seeing one movie at the theater. The cost savings from books can add up quickly, allowing readers to get even more value out of their money.
In addition to being cheaper than movies, books also have the potential to last longer. Books are made with durable materials that can withstand years of use and abuse without falling apart. This means that once you purchase a book, you can keep it in your library forever and revisit it anytime you want. Movies, on the other hand, can degrade over time and become unplayable due to age or damage.
All in all, books offer more bang for your buck when compared to movies. Not only are they usually cheaper upfront, but they also offer lasting value which makes them a great investment in entertainment and knowledge. So if budgeting is important to you, consider picking up some books instead of buying tickets for the latest blockbuster.
People often debate whether books or movies are better, and one of the major differences between the two is that it is easier to make a personal connection with books. Reading allows readers to visualize the story in their minds, creating an individualized experience. As people read, they can imagine the characters and events as if they were actually there. This makes books a much more intimate experience than watching a movie.
Additionally, readers can adjust their own pacing when it comes to reading a book. This means that if someone wants to linger over certain parts of the story for longer than others, they can do so without worrying about missing anything important. Movies have breaks in them, which allow viewers time to discuss what’s happened and reflect on it, but these breaks are usually predetermined and may not be enough time for some viewers.
Books also offer more depth than movies do when it comes to character development, plot details, and other elements of storytelling. When reading a book, readers get access to all of these things at their own pace instead of having them fed through dialogue or visuals like in films. It gives readers complete control over how much information to consume and how quickly they want to consume it — something that isn’t available with movies.
Overall, books allow readers to create personal connections with stories that aren’t possible when watching films. Not only do they give readers control over the pacing and depth of storytelling, but they also let people construct their own images of characters and settings in their imaginations. These factors make books far superior to movies for people who truly want an immersive experience with stories.
When it comes to comparing books and movies, there are some obvious advantages of the former. Books can offer a more immersive experience, as they allow readers to create their own mental images of the story and characters. They also typically feature much more detailed stories than films, providing readers with a richer experience overall. So if you’re looking for a way to get the most out of your movie watching, reading is definitely the way to go!
One of the best ways to ensure that you have a great movie-watching experience is by reading books prior to seeing the film adaptation. This will not only give you a better understanding of what’s going on in the movie, but it can also help you appreciate subtle nuances or changes made from page to screen. There are plenty of great books available that have been adapted into films, so no matter your interests or tastes, there’s something out there for everyone.
From classics like The Great Gatsby and To Kill A Mockingbird to modern favorites like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series, these beloved stories come alive when brought to life onscreen. Even if you’ve already seen the movies before reading them, revisiting them through literature can be an entirely new and exciting experience. So why not give it a try? Who knows – maybe you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for both books and movies!
Reading books can be a great way to gain a better understanding of what goes into making a movie. Through reading, people can learn about the work that goes into creating films, from the writing and storyboarding to casting and production. With this knowledge, they can appreciate the artistry of films more deeply than just by watching them alone.
In addition to providing insight into what makes movies so special, books can also help people develop an appreciation for different types of films. By learning about different genres or eras of movies through reading, they can discover films they might not have otherwise known about. This can open up whole new worlds of cinematic experiences that they wouldn’t have had access to if they’d just watched films alone.
For All The Movies You Want, Click here To ViewBooks also allow readers to explore stories in greater depth than you typically get with movies. They let readers spend time with characters and understand their motivations better than if they were only able to watch them on screen for two hours or less. Additionally, books give readers a chance to experience stories over longer periods of time than movies do, which can result in a more fulfilling experience overall.
By reading books related to movies, people are able to gain valuable insight that helps them appreciate films more deeply and discover new ones they may have otherwise missed out on. In addition, books provide readers with opportunities to explore stories in ways that aren’t always possible in cinema, resulting in a richer experience overall.
Reading books instead of watching movies can be a great way to experience a story, but there are some drawbacks. One potential downside is that books often require a much longer time commitment than movies do. It can take hours or even days to read an entire book, while only a couple of hours are necessary to watch most movies. Another potential issue with reading books as opposed to watching movies is that readers must use their imagination more in order to create mental images of the characters, settings, and events in the story. This means that readers might not get the same level of visual stimulation as someone who watches a movie adaptation of the same book would have.
Additionally, there is often more detail in books than in movies. Although this can provide more context for understanding the story and its characters, it can also make the plot difficult to follow if too much information is given at once. Additionally, sometimes parts of the book must be omitted from movies due to time constraints or other factors; this can give viewers an incomplete view of what happened in the original book.
Books and movies both have their advantages and disadvantages—it’s up to each individual reader or viewer to decide which one they prefer. Some people enjoy having control over how long they spend with a story by reading it slowly over multiple days or weeks, while others like being able to see everything on-screen when they watch a movie adaptation. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding between books and movies; whichever one you choose is ultimately up to you.
When it comes to books that are adapted into movies, one might wonder if there is a recommended reading order. It may be tempting to watch the movie first and then read the book afterward, but this isn’t necessarily the ideal approach. Depending on the length of the book or how closely it follows the movie’s plotline, there could be some pros and cons to each option.
On the one hand, watching the movie can give readers an idea of what to expect from the book. While this might not always be a good thing—for example, if the movie is not true to its source material—it can help readers visualize characters or settings more easily when they get around to reading it. Additionally, readers can gain insight into some of the nuances of certain scenes that may have been hard to catch in a 2-hour movie runtime.
On the other hand, reading before watching can allow for a deeper appreciation for how well (or how poorly) a movie adapts its source material. Readers will be able to evaluate casting choices better and appreciate any changes made in order to fit into a film format. Furthermore, by having familiarity with characters and setting beforehand—through reading—viewers will be able to focus more on dialogue and cinematography during their watch.
Given these considerations, readers should decide for themselves which approach works best for them when it comes to books that are adapted into movies. Ultimately, both options are valid ways in which fans can enjoy these stories; only personal preference should dictate one’s choice of reading order.
Keeping track of all the details between books and movies can be a difficult task, but with a few tips, it’s definitely doable. First and foremost, take notes as you read or watch. Writing down key details can help you remember them better. It’ll also give you something to refer back to if you ever get confused or lost while reading the book or watching the movie.
Another way of keeping track of details is to compare the book and movie side-by-side. This could mean actually watching or reading both at the same time or simply referring back and forth between them when needed. Doing this will allow you to pick up on discrepancies that may have been overlooked otherwise. Additionally, it’ll help you better appreciate the differences between the two mediums, which can make for a more enjoyable experience overall.
The most important thing to remember is that books and movies are two completely different experiences. While some adaptations are more faithful than others, there will always be certain aspects that don’t quite match up with their source material in one way or another. That’s why having an open mind is so important when comparing books and movies – try not to get too caught up in small differences and instead focus on what makes each unique in its own right!
I think it’s safe to say that books are a better way to experience stories than movies. They provide more detail, greater depth of character and setting, and often offer more complex storylines. Reading is also a more personal experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story at their own pace. Movies may be easier and quicker, but they don’t allow for the same level of engagement and insight as books do. Think of the number of times an actor changes in a movie sequel, such as in the James Bond films or even the Tom Clancy movies. When you see a new actor playing the lead role, such as 007, it sometimes does diminish the character.
Plus, there are ways to make your reading experience even better with tools like keeping track of details between books and movies or following a recommended reading order for books that have been adapted into movies. There’s no denying that when it comes to experiencing stories, books offer an unparalleled level of enjoyment.
So if you’re looking for a richer understanding of the stories you love from movies, give some great books a try! You won’t regret it – after all, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book.
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We have put together some interesting facts about James Bond as well as details of the films, the roles, locations, and much more. Which actor played the best starring role? Who played the villains?
Dr No.
In the debut of the iconic James Bond series, Agent 007 goes toe-to-toe with Dr. No, a malevolent scientist hell-bent on toppling the U.S. space program. With imminent destruction looming, Bond must journey to Jamaica in order to face off against his powerful adversary at his sprawling island fortress. In this perilous mission, Bond is also aided by the captivating Honey Ryder.
From Russia with Love:
In the second Bond installment, “From Russia with Love,” 007 undertakes a daring mission to Turkey to meet a beautiful woman who has apparently fallen head-over-heels in love with his photograph. She offers him a top-secret translating device if he will agree to accompany her — not realizing that she is merely a pawn of Rosa Klebb, a former KGB agent officially working for SPECTRE.
Click Here For James Bond MoviesGoldfinger:
In his third cinematic outing, the legendary Sean Connery plays 007 against a sinister international gold smuggler. Set with a dangerous goal of contaminating Fort Knox using an atomic bomb, Bond must outwit and outmaneuver this nefarious enemy. The famous scenes with the special hat with actor Harold Sakata, who played the iconic villain Oddjob. He was employed by Bond’s nemesis, Auric Goldfinger as a personal bodyguard and henchman. Oddjob was memorable for his dangerous hat, which he would throw at enemies with deadly accuracy.
Thunderball:
In the thrilling fourth installment of the James Bond franchise, Thunderball, Agent 007 is pitted against the nefarious SPECTRE organization. This international criminal consortium has hijacked a NATO plane carrying two atomic warheads and is holding the world hostage. It’s up to Bond to follow the trail to Nassau and take on Emilio Largo, a high-ranking agent of SPECTRE, in an epic battle that involves jet-packing across the island, battling killer sharks, and an underwater clash with deadly consequences.
You Only Live Twice:
In James Bond – You Only Live Twice, Agent 007 is tasked with saving the world from global warfare. After a rocketship seizes manned space missions, suspicion and tensions between superpowers run high. In order to stop the true mastermind behind this threat – Ernst Stavro Blofeld of the SPECTRE organization – Bond must join forces with Kissy Suzuki and a legion of Ninja warriors in an epic raid on Blofeld’s hidden headquarters located in an inactive volcano. It’s up to them to prevent a calamitous world war through a daring mission that puts their lives at stake.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service:
In the sixth installment of the James Bond franchise, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Agent 007 goes to Portugal in search of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, head of SPECTRE. With the help of Draco, a crime boss, Bond follows the trail to Switzerland and is plunged into a world of seduction and dangerous secrets. Along the way, he meets Draco’s beautiful daughter Tracy and they form an unexpected connection. But his mission remains urgent as Blofeld has hatched a plan to unleash horrific germ warfare weaponry onto the world that would endanger every living thing on earth.
Diamonds Are Forever:
In Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery takes on the role of Agent 007 in pursuit of a diamond smuggler. This high-stakes adventure leads Bond across continents, as he travels from Amsterdam to Los Angeles and reaches its exciting climax in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. With every thrilling moment, Bond is left guessing what will come next as he strives to outwit the criminal mastermind that threatens global security.
Live and Let Die:
In Live and Let Die, James Bond faces a sinister enemy out to make the world their own. From the buzz of New York City to the murky depths of Louisiana’s bayou country, Agent 007 is on a mission to stop a drug lord determined to take over the globe. With adrenaline-pumping action and wry humor throughout, this film shows how it takes more than sheer strength to succeed against evil forces.
The Man with the Golden Gun:
007 must stop the mysterious Francisco Scaramanga from getting his hands on the Solex Agitator, a device that could potentially wreak havoc around the world. With allies from Mary Goodnight to Nick Nack, James Bond dives into an adrenaline-fueled mission of danger and intrigue. He faces boat chases, car crashes, and a thrilling martial arts showdown in order to stop Scaramanga’s diabolical plan. Through it all, 007 races against time—and his own mortality—to put an end to the villain’s devious schemes by unraveling the mystery behind the golden gun.
The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed in various locations around the world, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and the United Kingdom. Scenes were shot on location at Chiang Mai in northern Thailand; Elstree Studios in England; Blaen-y-Glyn Quarry in Wales; Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula; Kuang Si Falls in Laos; and a number of other places.
The Spy Who Loved Me:
The Spy Who Loved Me is an action-packed espionage romp starring Roger Moore as James Bond (Agent 007). In this classic entry in the iconic franchise, Bond unites with Soviet agent Triple-X to take on his arch nemesis, Karl Stromberg. Together, the two must prevent Stromberg from achieving his diabolical plan of total global destruction. Along the way, they face murders and machinations that would challenge even the most experienced of spies – including a menacing 315-pound villain called “Jaws” whose metal teeth can cut through practically anything. As the stakes grow ever higher, it’s up to Bond and Triple-X to risk life and limb to save humanity.
Moonraker:
In Moonraker, James Bond (Agent 007) is the only one who can find the evil genius responsible for the midair abduction of a U.S. space shuttle. When Bond discovers that billionaire Hugo Drax is behind the scheme, he must race against time to put an end to Drax’s master plan of destroying all human life on earth. To do so, Bond teams up with Dr. Holly Goodhead, a brilliant and beautiful NASA scientist, as they battle their way through obstacles and enemies alike in order to foil Drax’s fiendish plot. Along the way, they face Jaws – a steel-toothed giant who has been sworn by Drax to carry out his nefarious plans – before finally arriving at a colossal orbiting space station for an ultimate showdown between good and evil that will determine the fate of mankind.
For Your Eyes Only:
In the thrilling James Bond adventure For Your Eyes Only, Agent 007 must locate a weapons system known as ATAC, which has been sunk to the depths of the Ionian Sea after being stolen by his nemesis Kristatos. With the help of Melina, the daughter of a scientist who was murdered by Kristatos, Bond embarks on a daring mission to recover ATAC before it is used for nefarious means. Along the way, he is aided by familiar faces such as Blofeld, Moneypenny and Q – adding to the film’s excitement from start to finish. The action reaches a climax with an exhilarating ski chase scene that sets the bar for future Bond films. Who will prevail in this ultimate battle between good and evil?
Octopussy:
In the thrilling James Bond adventure Octopussy, Agent 007 must locate and stop a group of villains who are plotting to ignite World War III. His search leads him to the beautiful and mysterious Octopussy, whose circus company features a bevy of gorgeous, athletic women. As Bond investigates further, he discovers that Kamal Khan is working with a mad Russian officer to set off this international disaster – meaning that only Bond can stop them from achieving their horrendous goal. Along the way, Bond gets involved in an array of epic action sequences such as a chase through India’s bustling streets and a knife fight on an airplane wing – all culminating in a high-stakes battle against evil that could determine the fate of the world.
A View to a Kill:
In the legendary James Bond adventure A View to a Kill, Agent 007 must stop Max Zorin – a diabolical genius who has devised an evil plan to corner the world’s microchip market. Before this can be done, Bond must confront May Day – Zorin’s beautiful yet deadly accomplice. With help from the lovely Stacey, Bond embarks on a mission of unparalleled danger and excitement, culminating in an epic showdown on the Golden Gate Bridge with his enemy and her henchman. It’s up to Bond to stop Zorin before his deadly scheme is carried out – but with May Day standing in his way, it won’t be easy! Can Bond save the day? You’ll have to watch and find out.
The Living Daylights:
In the thrilling James Bond adventure The Living Daylights, Agent 007 must rescue Russian officer Georgi Koskov from an evil organization that has abducted him. But as Bond delves deeper, he discovers an even bigger threat – a complex weapons scheme with global implications. With the help of the stunning Kara, Bond embarks on an action-packed journey across continents and deserts, where they face off against powerful tanks, airplanes, and horseback-riding freedom fighters in order to save the world from certain doom. Will Bond succeed? You’ll have to watch and find out!
Licence to Kill:
In Licence to Kill, James Bond embarks on a mission for personal revenge unlike any he’s had before. With a lethal combination of urgency, charm and determination, Timothy Dalton brings the iconic 007 to life in this thrilling adventure full of excitement and danger. Will James be able to exact his revenge? You’ll have to watch and find out!
GoldenEye:
In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan brings the iconic 007 to life in a gripping adventure that takes him around the world and into outer space. Bond confronts a vengeful foe who controls an incredibly powerful weapon capable of causing global havoc. With breathtaking stunts, blow-your-mind action sequences, and electrifying suspense, this is one Bond movie you don’t want to miss!
Tomorrow Never Dies:
In Tomorrow Never Dies, James Bond is tasked with a mission to save the world from an unseen evil. When a British warship is destroyed in Chinese waters, Agent 007 races to take down the criminal mastermind, Elliot Carver. With the help of Paris, Carver’s sexy wife, and Wai Lin, a lethal Chinese agent, Bond embarks on a thrilling adventure full of explosive chases, jaw-dropping action sequences, and impossible escapes. Can James Bond stop Carver before he puts his plan into motion? Watch and find out!
The World Is Not Enough:
In The World Is Not Enough, James Bond races against the clock to protect an oil heiress from her former kidnapper—an unfeeling international terrorist. With incredible stunts, epic car chases and a heart-stopping climax, this is one of the most riveting 007 adventures ever made! Can Bond save the day or will the madman’s mission succeed? You won’t want to miss a second of this pulse-pounding action movie!
Die Another Day:
In Die Another Day, James Bond is on a mission to uncover the secret of a diabolical weapon that could bring the world to its knees. With his 00-license revoked and M16 turned against him, Bond must fight against a sultry spy, a frosty agent and a shadowy billionaire in order to restore justice. Will Bond succeed or will his adversaries prevail? Tune in for an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride with tons of explosive action!
Casino Royale:
In Casino Royale, James Bond takes on his first mission as 007 and faces off against Le Chiffre—a ruthless financier backed by terrorist forces. Join Bond in a daring race against time as he infiltrates the glamorous Casino Royale for an intense poker game with life-and-death stakes. Will Bond come out with the upper hand? Find out in this exciting addition to the Bond franchise!
Quantum of Solace:
In Quantum of Solace, James Bond sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind his latest betrayal. His journey spans the globe, culminating in a faceoff with Dominic Greene—a twisted billionaire and key member of the mysterious “Quantum” organization. Follow Bond through an electrifying world of espionage and danger as he seeks justice and vengeance!
Skyfall:
In Skyfall, James Bond must face the consequences of M’s past as MI6 is targeted by a powerful and mysterious enemy. With his unshakable loyalty to M tested to its limits, 007 must use all of his espionage skills to hunt down the perpetrator, even if it means putting his own life at risk in the process. Will Bond be able to save MI6? Join him for an explosive and thrilling adventure! This is the 23rd James Bond movie.
Spectre:
In Spectre, James Bond must uncover the truth behind a mysterious organization. Armed with a cryptic message from the past, he embarks on a high-stakes mission to investigate SPECTRE and its dark secrets. As M fights to protect MI6 from political forces that threaten its very existence, Bond races against time to unearth the hidden motives behind this sinister group and save the world from their plans for global domination! Spectre is an excellent film, as we covered in this article here.
No Time To Die:
In this, the 25th official James Bond film, No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected as Bond’s new nemesis, Safin, emerges a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he learns of a sinister organisation linked to his past. If Bond is going to survive, he will need to keep one step ahead of Safin at every turn.
| Movie Title | Actor who played James Bond | Year of Release |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. No | Sean Connery | 1962 |
| From Russia with Love | Sean Connery | 1963 |
| Goldfinger | Sean Connery | 1964 |
| Thunderball | Sean Connery | 1965 |
| You Only Live Twice | Sean Connery | 1967 |
| On Her Majesty’s Secret Service | George Lazenby | 1969 |
| Diamonds are Forever | Sean Connery | 1971 |
| Live and Let Die | Roger Moore | 1973 |
| The Man with the Golden Gun | Roger Moore | 1974 |
| The Spy Who Loved Me | Roger Moore | 1977 |
| Moonraker | Roger Moore | 1979 |
| For Your Eyes Only | Roger Moore | 1981 |
| Octopussy | Roger Moore | 1983 |
| A View to a Kill | Roger Moore | 1985 |
| The Living Daylights | Timothy Dalton | 1987 |
| License to Kill | Timothy Dalton | 1989 |
| GoldenEye | Pierce Brosnan | 1995 |
| Tomorrow Never Dies | Pierce Brosnan | 1997 |
| The World is Not Enough | Pierce Brosnan | 1999 |
| Die Another Day | Pierce Brosnan | 2002 |
| Casino Royale | Daniel Craig | 2006 |
| Quantum of Solace | Daniel Craig | 2008 |
| Skyfall | Daniel Craig | 2012 |
| Spectre | Daniel Craig | 2015 |
| No Time to Die | Daniel Craig | 2020 |
The most popular actor to play the role of James Bond is Sean Connery. He played the role in several films, including “Dr. No,” “Goldfinger,” “From Russia with Love,” “Thunderball,” “You Only Live Twice,” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” Connery is widely regarded as the best actor to have played the role of Bond due to his charisma, charm, and screen presence. He was able to bring a sense of suave sophistication to the character, and his performance as Bond helped to establish many of the tropes and characteristics that have come to define the role.
It is difficult to say which actor is the second most popular to have played the role of James Bond, as opinions on the matter vary. However, some actors who have played the role and are often cited as being popular include:
Roger Moore: Moore played Bond in seven films, including “Live and Let Die,” “The Spy Who Loved Me,” and “A View to a Kill.” He brought a more lighthearted and humorous tone to the character, and his performances as Bond were generally well-received.
Pierce Brosnan: Brosnan played Bond in four films, including “GoldenEye,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World Is Not Enough,” and “Die Another Day.” He brought a more modern and rugged edge to the character, and his performances as Bond were generally well-received.
Daniel Craig: Craig has played Bond in five films, including “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre,” and “No Time to Die.” He has brought a more gritty and realistic approach to the character, and his performances as Bond have been praised for their depth and complexity.
Ultimately, it is up to individual interpretation as to which actor is the second most popular to have played James Bond.
Here are ten famous actors who have played villains in James Bond films, along with the characters they played and the films in which they appeared:
Another interesting couple of facts about James Bond villains. As often as the actors playing Bond have changed, the same applies to the arch nemesis Blofeld.
Ernst Stavro Blofeld is a fictional character and a primary antagonist in the James Bond series of novels and films, created by Ian Fleming. The character has been portrayed by several actors in the EON Productions film series:
Donald Pleasence as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in “You Only Live Twice” (1967)
Telly Savalas as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969)
Charles Gray as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971)
Max von Sydow as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in “Never Say Never Again” (1983)
Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in “Spectre” (2015)
Some Quick, quaint quiz facts about James Bond and his quartermaster.
Q is the iconic gadget maker who has been supplying James Bond with his tools of the trade since 1963. Desmond Llewelyn, who was the longest running Q having appeared in 17 films, originated the role and was featured in Doctor No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964) and all subsequent Eon Productions’ Bond films. John Cleese took Q’s place in The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). Ben Whishaw played a younger incarnation of Q in Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015) – present day.
It’s worth noting that the character of Q was not included in the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” but was introduced in the second film, “From Russia with Love.” Peter Burton starred instead as Major Boothroyd in “Dr. No” (1962)
There have been many different cars featured in the James Bond film series over the years, but perhaps the most iconic car associated with the character is the Aston Martin DB5. The Aston Martin DB5 has appeared in several Bond films, including “Goldfinger” (1964), “Thunderball” (1965), “GoldenEye” (1995), “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997), “Skyfall” (2012), and “Spectre” (2015). Other notable cars that have appeared in multiple Bond films include the BMW Z8, which appeared in “The World Is Not Enough” (1999) and “Die Another Day” (2002), and the Lotus Esprit, which appeared in “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “For Your Eyes Only” (1981).
The James Bond novels were written by English author Ian Fleming. Fleming wrote a total of 12 Bond novels and two short story collections, which were published between 1953 and 1966. Among the interesting facts about James Bond is that Casino Royale was the first book written, but not the first movie made. Dr. No, the sixth book was made as the first movie.
The novels were:
The two short story collections were “For Your Eyes Only” (1960) and “Octopussy and The Living Daylights” (1966).
Here are 10 fun facts about James Bond.
The five most popular James Bond theme songs, according to various rankings and polls, are:
Virgin River Season 5 release date is on everyone’s mind. But let’s look at the show for anyone not a viewer. This is a television drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The series is based on the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr and follows the life of Melinda Monroe, who moves to the small town of Virgin River in search of a new start. Melinda is hired as a midwife and nurse at the local clinic, and quickly becomes friends with the owner, Jack Sheridan.
The series also focuses on the relationships between the residents of Virgin River, and the challenges they face in a close-knit community. While the series has been criticized for its slow pacing, it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of small-town life and its strong characterization. Virgin River is a unique and entertaining series that is definitely worth checking out.
Although Virgin River has been a ratings juggernaut since it debuted, the critical response has been more mixed. Some reviewers have praised the show’s strong characters and clever plotting, while others have criticized its over-the-top reliance on shock value. However, the one thing that everyone seems to agree on is that Virgin River Season 5 is must-see TV.
Thanks to a combination of strong word-of-mouth and good old-fashioned curiosity, the show’s ratings have only continued to grow, making it one of the most talked-about shows on television. It remains to be seen whether the show can sustain its popularity over the long haul, but for now, it shows no signs of slowing down.
While the future after Virgin River Season 5 is unclear, there are some factors that suggest that the show may be renewed for a sixth season.
First, the show has consistently been one of the most popular programs on Netflix, with each season drawing in large audiences.
Second, the show has received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its strong characters and emotional storytelling.
Finally, the cast and crew have expressed interest in continuing the story, indicating that they would be open to returning for another season. While nothing has been officially announced, these factors suggest that Virgin River may well return for a sixth season.
Although the show was almost cancelled after only one season, many fans believe that it has the potential to be a successful book series. With Robyn Carr writing the books, these are sure to become best sellers.The show’s unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as its strong characters and compelling storylines, could translate well to the written word. Additionally, the show’s dedicated fan base would likely support such a project. You can check out the books by Robyn Carr here and admire her work.
The main stars of the series are Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, Alexandra Breckinridge as Melinda Monroe, Annette O’Toole as Hope McCrea, Colin Lawrence as John ‘Preacher’ Middleton, Lauren Hammersley as Charmaine Roberts and Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes. Additionally, Tim Matheson plays Doc Mullins, Grayson Gurnsey plays Ricky, Sarah Dugdale plays Lizzie and Lexa Doig stars as Paige Lassiter. All of these actors bring their own unique talents to their roles, making the show a truly captivating viewing experience.
This ensemble cast is supported by an equally talented group of guest stars who appear throughout the series. These include Lauren Graham, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and David Cubitt, among others. Together, these actors make Virgin River an exciting and unpredictable show that will keep you coming back for more.
Overall, the main stars of the series have given remarkable performances throughout the series’ run, making it one of the most popular shows on Netflix. With the show’s fourth season currently in production, fans can expect more amazing performances from this talented cast.
The show Virgin River has captivated viewers since its debut on Netflix. It features an ensemble cast of strong performers and a gripping plot that keeps audiences coming back for more. The show’s ratings have only continued to grow, making it one of the most popular shows on the streaming platform. Virgin River Season 5 should be as popular as ever, but what next?
While the future of Virgin River for a 6th seson is unclear, there are some factors that suggest that the show may be renewed for a fifth season. Additionally, many fans believe that the show has the potential to be adapted into a best selling book series. Regardless of what happens next, one thing is certain: Virgin River has gone from strength to strength since its debut, and fans can only hope that this trend continues.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for the show, but in the meantime, we can certainly enjoy all of its current offerings!
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Was lovely bones based on a true story? You will never forget Susie Salmon.
In a whispery, matter-of-fact voice, Susie tells her story. “My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was 14 years old when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.”
In the lovely bones, a film based on a novel of the same name by Alice Sebold, we learn about Susie Salmon who floats down from heaven to watch her family and friends grieve over her death. We
follow her perspective as she watches the ways in which people cope with her death and how it affects their lives.
Watch On Amazon PrimeAlice Sebold talked about lovely bones at a book event after the movie was released, saying that she wrote this fictional book based on one of her own experiences. The book features Susie Salmon who is raped and murdered by serial killer George Harvey. Unlike Susie, however, Alice Sebold was able to identify her rapist and murderer and see him convicted and imprisoned.
Alice Sebold talked about coming up with the story idea when she was learning what happened to other women who had been sexually assaulted or suffered from domestic violence. She said that many of these women did not come forward because they either did not think they would be believed or because the men who assaulted them had more power and authority than they did.
While Alice Sebold was walking through a park one day, she realized that everyone is connected in some way. In this story, Susie’s spirit visits her family and friends after she passes away to show how closely all of us are connected.
The lovely bones story parallels life by showing how different people cope with death in different ways; some mourn together while others do it alone. The book also shows how love can continue even after someone dies- whether physical or emotional love continues unabated -and how grief brings people together as well as pushes them apart over time. This story is, in many ways, a lovely book that teaches us how to live life.
The novel The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold takes place in the 1970s and follows the tale of 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon who is raped and murdered by her neighbor Mr. Harvey. Shortly after this occurs, she watches from Heaven as her family tries to cope with the loss of their beloved daughter/sister/cousin while Mr. Harvey goes on living his life without a care in the world.
The lovely bones true story includes Susie Salmon who is raped and murdered by serial killer George Harvey just like in the novel. Unlike Susie, however, Alice Sebold was able to identify her rapist and murderer and see him convicted and imprisoned for his crimes. Sebold decided to write the lovely bones true story after coming up with this idea while learning what happened to other women who had been sexually assaulted or suffered from domestic violence.
These women did not come forward because they either did not think they would be believed, or because the men who assaulted them had more power and authority than they did. However, one day when she was walking through a park, she realized that everyone is connected in some way and that Susie’s spirit visits her family and friends after she passes away to show how closely all of us are connected.
The lovely bones story parallels life by showing how different people cope with death in different ways; some mourn together while others do it alone. In addition, the lovely bones true story shows how love can continue even after someone dies- whether physical or emotional love continues unabated- and that grief brings people together as well as pushes them apart over time. This is a lovely book that teaches us a lot about coping with death and moving on without loved ones in our lives.
In the lovely bones, a film based on the novel lovely bones true story, lovely movie based on lovely book characters in lovely bones true story film are given in chronological order. The lovely bones true story opens up with Susie Salmon being raped and murdered by George Harvey. A few weeks later, she goes to heaven where she watches her family react to her death. She chooses to watch over them so she can find out about the people responsible for her death.
Jim then comes into the picture, a man that also lost his daughter in a tragic accident years ago. He begins talking to Susie every night when he sleeps because he feels like it gives him some peace of mind even though he knows deep down inside that it is actually Susie who he talks to at night while sleeping because that is what the lovely bones true story tells us.
The lovely movie based on lovely book then skips four years into the future where her father, Jack, begins to date Lil despite Susie’s mother’s wishes. Her mother, Abigail still blames herself for not being able to protect Susie from Harvey. She spends a lot of time in bed because she can’t go on without her daughter because that is what lovely bones true story teaches us: You cannot simply move on and continue with your life after losing a love one.
On the first day of school five months later (after skipping ahead four years), we meet Patrick who becomes infatuated with Susie and becomes obsessed with finding out about her because he has fallen in love with lovely book characters in lovely bones true story. The lovely movie based on lovely book then skips another year into the future where Susie begins talking to Ruth, a girl who claims she can talk to dead people and that her mother is a psychic.
However, this character is merely a figment of Patrick’s imagination because he does not want to accept the fact that lovely movie based on lovely book characters are entirely fictional as lovely bones true story teaches us: You have to deal with loss however you can, even if it means living in an imaginary world where the lovely bones true story has happy endings.
Ruth becomes Patrick’s partner as they try their best to uncover evidence about Harvey and his accomplices but eventually falls apart because that lovely bones true story tells us: When you lose someone that means the story is over and you have to eventually pick up the pieces and carry on with your life.
The lovely movie based on lovely book then skips two years into the future where Patrick and his friends try to continue their investigation because they all still want justice for Susie despite Ruth moving away from town earlier because lovely bones story shows us there are some things in this world we cannot change by ourselves alone.
Unfortunately, not only do they fail to find evidence about Harvey but Patrick also gets shunned from society as a whole after being accused of raping another young girl as lovely bones true story proves how people tend to take out their anger towards something else other than those who deserve it. This is available at the time of writing to watch via Amazon Prime.
Starring Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Saoirse Ronan with Peter Jackson directing.
Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz honestly portray grief stricken parents. Susan Sarandon, the boozy, yet rock solid grandmother, is hilarious. And Stanley Tucci, the neighbor Mr. Harvey, is absolutely chilling. At 2 hour and 15 minutes this is available on Blu Ray as well as DVD. Want to watch it online, then check it out on Prime.
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Bridgerton Season 2 is perfect for those of you who like period dramas such as Downton Abbey and the likes, here’s news for you. It looks like everyone’s favorite matchmaker is back for more in 2022, with the Bridgertons again ready to make romances work in whatever way they can. If you’ve not read the book, you can read Bridgerton [TV Tie-in] (Bridgertons Book 1) Paperback – December 1, 2020 through this link to buy it. Or if you prefer, you can binge on books 1-8 here. This set includes The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer from a Gentleman, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, To Sir Phillip With Love, When He Was Wicked, It’s In His Kiss, and On the Way to the Wedding.
According to Simon & Schuster, not only has Season 2 of The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After been confirmed in time for next year, but this time there’ll be two books instead of just one! They’ve also given us a pretty great name too – Bridgerton: Mad About The Marquess . last year on January 21, Netflix announced that it had renewed Bridgerton for a second season.
Mark your calendars! Bridgerton Season 2 will premiere on March 25, 2022.
Netflix announced this delightful news with an even more delightful video of cast members reading from a special edition of Whistledown.
Season 2 is based on The Viscount Who Loved Me, the second book of the Bridgerton series. Don’t forget to read before you watch…
Though exact release months aren’t available, we do know that Bridgerton Season 2 will be launching in the first half of 2022. If it follows the same timeline as the previous books in the series, then this means that it should come out at around March or April.
While no plot spoilers are available yet, author Eloisa James has given us some hints to keep us excited about what’s to come. Firstly, she says that these books will continue with Hyacinth and Gregory’s family – so expect to see more of all your favorite characters! She also said in her blog post announcing her next book deal that both titles will feature ‘scheming mothers’:
“I know I always say this, but the next few books are really special to me because both of them have scheming mothers. And one has an evil stepmother.”
This also demonstrates that these two new Bridgerton stories will continue with Hyacinth’s family, as she is Gregory’s sister. We can’t wait! Stay tuned for more details as they come in…
If you missed Season 1, we’ve got good news for you!
The first season of the Bridgerton mini-series is now available to watch on NetFlix, and it’s a great chance to catch up on what happened before the new series comes out. The eight part show originally aired during March and April through 2020 – here’s what our reviewer thought of it::
“In short, The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After wasn’t quite as fantastic as Downton Abbey , but Netflix has definitely scored themselves another huge hit with this one. It’ll make a fabulous Valentine’s Day binge-watch event later this next month.”
Julia Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame, her books have been translated into 29 languages at the time of this article being published. Her next book comes out May 2022. Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron is a high-spirited nineteenth-century romp that will entertain and enchant modern readers.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn, comes her first playfully illustrated graphic novel. Based on story snippets that are peppered throughout a number of her novels and enjoyed by her characters who read them, this is that tale in its entirety—an irresistible treat for her fans who are in the know and pure entertainment for all others
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Oh dear God, what have you done? There’s fiction and there’s fiction…..
I enjoy reading the Jack Reacher books, I have read them all. The good and the not so good and then this one. This one is No Middle Name the short stories book, which has 12 mini stories about Jack over different parts of his life. Now peoples definition of what constitutes a ‘short story’ will differ, but 4 pages in places….. Really?
Too Much Time
The first is called Too Much Time and a more recent Reacher is his usual post military, roaming across the States self. Witnessing a bag snatch he helps pursuing police offices catch the thief. A straight forward incident, easily dealt with or so you’d thought. Soon Reacher finds himself on route to jail, awaiting to be arraigned in front of the judge. Needless to say he is involved in a fight in the jail, after taking out the biggest guy there, who was meant to kill him, he solves the case all on his own and points the fingers at corrupt cops.
This isn’t such a bad story, it’s a more typical type scenario for Jack.
Second Son
So in the second he’s still a kid, although the biggest in his age group, but he does the noble thing of protecting a girls honour, helps the MPs solve a potential security breach when important documents go missing. Not sure personally how many times professional investigators are helped close a case in the manner this thirteen year old did. As well as beating up the local bully, who wanted a tax for using the road to the beach, here Jack does further than breaking the defeated kids arm. Modern day you’d have social services and law enforcement involved, for sure. One thing I’d also say is a person with this type of brutal, mentality who carried out as many pre meditated assaults on others, would not get into military service.
This sadly isn’t a great read, it’s an insight into a kid who himself is a bully who obviously has issues at an early age.
High Heat
Third story sees Reacher as a sixteen year old, flying to New York City on his own from the Pacific. It’s set in the 1977 heatwave where people are suffering all across the city & even Reacher breaks a sweat too. Here he rescues a woman who has just been slapped in public, a noble thing to do indeed. Turns out she’s an FBI agent and the guy is a Made Man, in one of the local crime families. (If you’re not sure what that means, you really do need to watch Goodfellas as Billy Batts in the movie is a Made Man). So this teenager beats up this crime boss, just to teach him a lesson (as a kid would do). Not content with that he later helps the law enforcement agencies take him down, once again after beating him up in an office. Not content with beating the Mafia, he also solves an ongoing investigation involving a serial killer, which the police haven’t been able to do.
As believable really as the Wizard Of Oz meets a flying saucer. This is just pure fantasy hence my earlier comment stating that ‘ there’s fiction and then there’s fiction’
Deep Down
Deep Down is story number four and is Reacher back as a young MP on assignment in Washington DC. This actually is quite a good read, as he’s undercover trying to suss which of 4 army officers is leaking secrets to a foreign government. What is interesting is all 4 of these officers are West Point fast tracked with huge career opportunities awaiting. Also all are female! His initial observation after reading personnel files are one particular name stands out. However after she is killed, he needs to look again at the remaining trio.
This storyline is good, if anything it could have been made into a standalone book and the plot expanded more. Enjoyable and believable!
Small Wars
Small Wars is the fifth short story. Starts out well with another high flying female Lt Col as one of the focal characters introduced at the beginning. Then when she’s shot in cold blood, triple tapped by Reachers brother, Joe this one fizzles out quickly. Looking for a huge guy, who has a firearm that uses 9mmrounds and drives a vehicle with Firestone tyres isn’t easy. The other thing is he has size 15 shoes. Now this is the main thing, did you notice I said “he has size 15 shoes” and not size 15 feet?
Again, this is one to not get too excited about.
James Penney’s Secret Identity.
Anyone who has served, there’s this unwritten Brotherhood code, where you look after former service people. Thanks to the advent of social media there are plenty of groups and pages where men and women who have left military service can reunite and also meet new friends. Now there are a couple of questions coming up here.
Well this is basically the outcome of the book titled as above;
The guy is laid off at the factory he’s worked at after 17 years, he’s living alone but still paying the mortgage and loans on furniture that his wife left him with years before, when she left. In a fit of rage he decides to unburden himself from the mortgage debt and sets fire to his house. Sadly this spreads to other properties downwind and after the forensic investigator announces it was arson his life unfolds.
Fast forward a little till he’s hitching on the side of the road, along comes Reacher as the driver, as the officer investigator in the MPs. He explains as part of his investigation he’s apprehended a guy who has Russian made, fake IDs which are top quality. So to help the guy evade arrest at the civil police checkpoint, Reacher gives him a set of these fakes IDs. Waved through the checkpoint by the police, the fugitive is free to go and evade justice. Unbeknown to him, the guy Reacher has arrested is actually dead in the trunk of the car. So instead of returning the body as part of the investigation, he dumps him over the side of the road……
Once again, this is more fluff than filler and nothing to write home about.
Everyone Talks
Onto the next one. Everyone Talks is story 7, a whole 18 pages of it.
A rookie police officer is sent to the hospital to see a gunshot wound patient. The patients possessions are loose change, a couple of bucks, an out of date passport, a current ATM bank card and a foldable toothbrush.
There’d been no 911 emergency calls, nobody had reported any gunshot wounds to the police, so how had Reacher been shot? So, after arriving via Greyhound Bus, Reacher wanted food and coffee, so headed into the first place he found. Noting a large, thug looking guy at the bar, that nobody made eye contact with, Reacher sucked back on a bottle of Rolling Rock beer and observed all that was happening. Into his second beer and the bar owner arrived. Shortly later he hands the goon sat at the bar a white envelope, clearly filled with notes – protection money!
Needless to say, Reacher confronts the guy, offers him chance to tell him who he works for or tell him who he works for after he’s had both legs broken. Kubota was the name of the boss, as Reacher explained to the cop. The cop organized a search warrant through a friendly judge and the police went en masse and raided Kubotas house. They found loads of money and ledgers, but not a gun that could have shot Reacher. So the policewoman happy with her first big bust, went back to interview Reacher, to ask who shot him.
As she saw the female doctor ( who was the bar owners sister-in-law ) she found Reachers bed empty. When she asked the doctor about the gunshot wounded Reacher, the doctor said there’d been no gunshot victim, as the files would confirm………
A very short, Reacher needing his fists and not his brain, type scenario. At lest this time taking on the gangsters, he wasn’t a 16 year old kid.
Not A Drill
So story number 8, called Not A Drill, sees Reacher the civilian hitching a lift with a guy and 2 females in a hippy camper van, heading out to a tiny village so the couple can hike and explore, while the other female drives the camper to meet them at the end of the trail. Queue a couple of mentions of ‘blacktop’ and the coffee shop where Reacher can drink strong coffee till his heart’s content. He pays for a cheap room for himself and is planning on moving on the next day, until the military arrive and cordon off the woodland and trail start. So with Henry & Suzanne out on foot, it’s up to Reacher and Helen to go and rescue them, starting out from the kayak dock into the woodland.
Eventually, they discover 2 backpacks, so push on deeper exploring the dense undergrowth. Reacher is alerted by a faint noise, a mobile phone digital camera being used. They find Suzanne with Henry, stood over a dead body, taking photos. Reacher concludes the person in the orange prison suit jumped or was thrown from an aircraft, case closed? Then he’s advised Suzanne isn’t just a drippy hippy do-gooder but she’s also active on human rights issues and also on the dark web.
The body is of a prisoner from Guantanamo Bay either on his way to Canada to ease numbers there or being returned. With claims on the dark web that government people were throwing prisoners out of aircraft, as a means of disposal, this looks like proof enough. Naturally, as they were hunting proof and found it, they become the hunter with the American troops out searching the woods….
Did they get away in the end? Obviously, Reacher did, but the others….. Conspiracy theorists might enjoy this one. Again this is another which could easily be made into a full-length book, or dare we suggest film ( but without Tom Cruise as the lead role ). It has the opportunity to get pulses racing thanks to the Gitmo aspect, the hidden shadowy government agencies and more.
Maybe They Have A Tradition
So if you haven’t given up hope, we’re now onto short story number 9.
Winter in New York City, jazz music and a 6ft tall blonde, Dutch air hostess, maybe Reachers Christmas has come early? A few hours later he’s in London, in a snowstorm trying to get to Cambridge from Stanstead in a taxi. When the taxi driver refuses to drive any further due to deep snow and blizzard conditions, yours truly decides to get out and walk, as he’s seen what looks like lights in a house, way off in the distance. Reachers thinking is that the homeowners will welcome a total 6ft5” stranger and feed him seeing as it’s Christmas.
I know what you’re thinking here, but let’s move forward with this, shall we. So Reacher struggles through the driving, freezing snow until he comes to the country pile known as Trout Hall. The door is opened by the lady of the house, asking if he’s a doctor or policeman. Seems there was a precious piece of jewellery gone missing and the step-daughter is having a baby.
Reacher borrows the old colonels’ binoculars to see if he can see either of the expected visitors on the route. In the distance he manages to see where there were tracks in the snow, so he goes out to find who it is. Here the policeman is with the doctor, he’d been looking for her after finding her car abandoned. Reacher carries the doctor to the old hall, with the policeman bringing her bag.
Nothing much else to say, Reacher gets some food, some baby is born on Xmas day and the case is closed as the step daughter hid the jewel as she didn’t want the step-mother wearing it.
A lame, pointless waste of 12 pages in all honesty. At least he wasn’t wearing flipflops or beach shorts, but he might as well been. So after eating, he left….. Really? Had the snow melted? Had the weather cleared up enough? Or did the aliens come and abduct him?
Guy Walks Into A Bar….
An often used introduction to a joke. Well it could be said 7 pages is a bit of a joke. Back in NYC, in a music bar and the young half drunk Russian girl with a stack of notes on her table, watching a young Russian guitarist on stage, under the gaze of her bodyguard. Other side of the bar, 2 Russian thugs sat watching the same girl. Is this a kidnap about to happen? Reacher reads all the signs and as she totters to the bathroom, the 2 guys follow her inside, so Reacher follows too.
Hard to believe in all his years, he’s never set foot in a womens toilets, but that’s his claim. Anyway the kidnap/attack never happened, Reacher had got it all wrong. The bodyguard had never moved, seems his principal was the young lad playing guitar.
Then it clicked, this was a honeytrap, she was going to get the guy away from his minder and driver, so the 2 thugs could kidnap the young lad. Not on Reacher’s watch, was it going to happen!
To be honest here, 7 pages isn’t enough to read while on the toilet. I’ve seen longer tasters of upcoming books. I’ve read longer magazine articles on the best place to holiday in 2019 or the latest cooking utensil you need to order from JML direct.
No Room At The Motel
4 pages of my life wasted, I mean seriously WTF is going on here?
Reacher gets a cheap motel room, that’s 11 out of 12 left. Goes to a fast food joint to eat, comes back to find a pregnant woman almost ready to drop in tears. Reason is there are no rooms left, so they are going to have to sleep in their car and risk freezing to death. Reacher offers to swap and gives them his room. Instead of bedding down in their car he asks a truck driver if he can hitch a ride.
Upside is no mention of blacktop, no fist fights and no murders. But seriously, how the hell can this be considered a short story? Remove the drawing on the first page and this could be condensed by another 25% into 3 pages. This is nothing short of a piss take of the nativity and ‘ no room at the inn’.
The Picture Of A Lonely Diner
Last and by no means least, story number 12. Which makes it over 10 pages, if that’s any consideration.
I hesitated to even start this, so checked the number of pages before deciding if I should even bother. When the previous 2 stories were 7 and almost 4 pages long in total, life is too short at times. It’s like having a beer and then another and each getting progressively worse, there comes that point when you ask is it worth venturing on?
Anyhow, yes I did venture on. Sweet Jesus, what another crock of shit. Outline of this is Reacher gets off the subway, sees police tape across the exit stairwell, so walks down the platform to the other exit. Here he sees police ‘do not cross’ tape once again. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to him, so he crosses the line, goes up the stairs and sees the streets empty of people, vehicles and everything.
Venturing down the street in this no-go zone, he sees a police car blocking off another street in the distance, then he sees a female stood all alone, with a phone in her hand. Now had this been a backwater town, this could be seen as a possibility, but alas this is NYC. The female is an FBI agent, but she’s also the agent in charge. Now as you’d expect with this being NYC, on a normal day tens of thousands of pedestrians would be walking, cars by the hundreds would be gridlocking the road system, but not today. Here Reacher finds the only person for blocks and decides to get cute with her, with his mouth. You could put money on 99.9% of people being arrested on the spot for actually crossing the cordon, let alone the snarky replies to her questions. Also there would be dozens of not hundreds of law enforcement officers on the streets.
Turns out the guy sat in the park on his own is an FBI office worker, who has been leaking information to the Russians. He was meant to be meeting him but his handler was killed in a car crash. Instead it’s been decided the guy is to be bumped off by snipers in the park. Reacher decides to evade all the non existent law enforcement presence, goes to the guy and offers to walk him out so he can be arrested. Guy declines, Reacher walks off and in the distance soon after he hears several muffled gunshots.
So what happened to every single person inside all these buildings? Were they all removed? Did they all have any recording devices taken off them? We know in modern society, a street brawl will be recorded on mobile phones and shared on social media, a car crash the same. So thousands of people cleared off the streets of NYC, isn’t going to be recorded by anyone still in the buildings? You’re telling me there wasn’t some blogger or news reporter who dared to evade the police force and try to sneak closer for photos?
So last seen walking away, Reacher probably thumbed a lift onto the Mars probe to investigate the Red Planet or somewhere else just as believable.
As someone who has bought read and mostly enjoyed all the Jack Reacher books, including Midnight Line, I have to say this was a waste of money. I bought this and Midnight Line together to take on holiday. Midnight Line to read on the plane if there weren’t any movies worth watching, this book to take when sat out in the sun around the pool. As it was the film selection on the plane was good, so the book wasn’t read. This was read when around the pool. However had this particular set of ‘short stories’ been read there, it would have probably ended up in the pool.
Disappointed does not describe how deflated I was with this book. If you want my honest opinion, don’t be fooled by the Reacher name for this, it’s not worth buying.
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Fried Rice with Shrimps and Chicken Recipe: The Illustrated Quick Cook Cookbook – Review
I have eaten this is Thailand and loved it, so when I found this recipe I had to give it a go. Life isn’t just about takeaways and fast food, believe it or not. I actually enjoy cooking, have done for many a year. It’s not just about the eating, if food looks good it can be enjoyable to make.
The Illustrated Quick Cook cookbook has a collection of more than 700 sweet and savoury recipes with 1000 photos of finished recipes, step-by-step recipes and techniques.It is definitely for the busy cook who prepares daily family meals and for entertaining.
The recipes are well organized, easy to follow with preparation and cook times. Some recipes also have a ‘cheat’ stamp suggesting substitutions for some ingredients. There are also a couple of pages of useful information on measurements, ingredients, and equipment tips.
Recipe Chooser Section
The Recipe Chooser section at the beginning of the book is a visual reference to fast and easy recipes for meat, fish and vegetarian dishes that can be made in 15-30 minutes (including preparation and cooking time).
Everyday Section
The Everyday section includes quick and easy recipes for meat, chicken, lamb, pasta, vegetarian and desserts for everyday family meals such as Chicken Caesar Salad, Sticky Pork Ribs, Pan Fried Shrimp, Olives and Tomatoes and Potato Gnocchi.
Food For Friends Section
This section is a collection of seasonal recipes, Simple Starters, Big-Pot Gatherings, All-In-One Roasts, Barbecue, Freeze Ahead Desserts, Indulgent Desserts and Cakes and Bakes.
Fried Rice with Shrimps and Chicken Recipe
The following recipe is one I enjoy, sometimes I add a few splashes of hot pepper sauce to liven it up.
Prep: 15 mins.
Cook: 40 mins.
Cooling: 30 minutes–1 hour, or overnight
Special equipment: wok
Serves 8
Ingredients:
How to Make the Fried Rice with Chicken and Shrimp
Cook’s Notes
The rice needs to be completely cold before you add it to the wok. Ideally, cook it the day before and chill in the refrigerator until required.
Illustrated Quick Cook: Over 700 Quick Recipes, Easy Entertaining, After-Work Ideas is available in the UK, this link will automatically redirect you.
Author: Heather Whinney
Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.
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Centred around a Florida Board on Judicial Conduct investigator and her associates, who were tipped off about a high powered judge who was not on the level. What should have appeared to be a straight forward investigation, took twists and turns and became a deeper, darker case than expected. The investigators found themselves in deeper than imagined and were not just dealing with a judge who had been named in a sexual harrasment case – far from it.
When you have unarmed investigators being threatened by armed bad guys, it’s dangerous enough. Yet the whistle blower does not want the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct team to bring in the FBI or local police in case they too are involved, then this is a harder case to investigate. Irrespective of this, the whistle blower is determined to get justice served on the judge and assciates.
The Whistler: A Novel is set in the Sunshine State, which has a small team of investigators and this case was picked up by Lacy Stoltz, an investigator with 9 years on the job. Generally she’s found most of her cases are more than often incompetence by the judge in question as opposed to corruption.
So when this case starts to unfold, Lacy is suddenly looking at the once in a lifetime major case that can make or break people. The Whistler John Grisham book is great, especially if you’re flying across to Florida on holiday.
This book was hard to put down it enthralled me throughout. The down to earth investigators, very normal people who were tracking down jetset lifestyle criminals, but in a believable story. Yes I am a fan of Grisham and his legal based novels. I was reading his books long before the movies were made.
So after I finished The Whistler, there was a taster of Camino Island. Like a sucker I sat with my coffee and started reading that.
Needless to say Camino Island grabbed my attention straight off. Yes it started off slowly and then picked up the pace. When you are looking at art theft, murder, double cross and this is just in the taster, then you know it’s going to be good.
You can order Camino Island by clicking this link and sit back and wait for it to be delivered to you.
No suitcase. No destination. No middle name. No matter how far Reacher travels off the beaten path, trouble always finds him. Feel bad for trouble.
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