It’s the King, of course — Stephen King, who landed six titles in the top 100. Lee Child comes next, with four winning books. And, at three titles each, Michael Crichton, Dennis Lehane and Stieg Larsson tie for third.

NPR’s Top 100 Thrillers

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Voting ended July 28th

RESULTS

“AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers”

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Here are some great shots of Reese Witherspoon playing the part of avid horsewoman, Marlena Rosenbluth, in the film adaptation of Sara Gruen’s very popular novel ‘Water For Elephants’.  Film production began last month.  Other cast members are: Robert Pattinson as Jacob Jankowski, Christoph Waltz as August, Mark Povinelli as Kinko/Walter,  Jim Norton as Camel, Hal Holbrook as old Jacob Jankowski and Tai as Rosie.   Release date is set for 2011.

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‘Winter’s Bone’ is a new art-house movie that is getting rave reviews.   It is adapted from Daniel Woodrell’s eighth novel of the same name.   Set in the Missouri Osarks, ‘Winter’s Bone’ tells a grim tale of a daughter’s search for her meth- cookin’ dad who has missed his court appearance thus putting the family home in jeopardy.

In an 2007 interview with Barbara Peters of Poison Pen Press and Bookstore, Woodrell, a crime writer known for his sleazy characters and white trash settings, reveals his fondness for 30’s and 40’s noir and first person voice.  “It’s a voice that allows my character’s ambition to do something that they know they shouldn’t be doing.  Something that in the end tests their fate and character and brings dramatic forces to bare.”

6/18/10 Seattle Times:   ‘Winter’s Bone’ made in part by Seattleites, hits it big on art-house movie circuit.

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I thought I would join in the fun and pull a book out of my hat also.  What with the popularity of HBO’s  Big Love, I’m going to put my money on The Lonely Polygamist: A Novel by Brady Udall which landed on several booksellers reading lists as reported by NPR and Earlyword.

Brady Udall’s The Lonely Polygamist was the book of the show at the ABA’s Winter Institute. Daniel Goldin, owner of Boswell & Books in Milwaukee observed, ”not only did every person who read this novel become overwhelmed with emotion, but the line for getting this book signed at the author reception had to be three times the size of anything else.”

THE BOOK:

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The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (2008) This is the upstairs-downstairs story of Renee, a middle age concierge of a posh Parisian apartment building and Paloma,  a super smart twelve year old daughter of the Josses, who live on the fifth floor.  Renee plays the part of what French society expects of a concierge  and hides the fact that she is self educated in the arts.  Paloma has determined that life is meaningless and therefore plans to commit suicide and torch the family apartment on her thirteenth birthday.  Their carefully managed lives are suddenly shaken up when a new tenant, Mr Ozu, arrives.

WHY READ?

This book was a French best seller and is a great way for a book club to experience a literary perspective and a culture from a writer in another language.  The book is full of  “eloquent little essays on time, beauty and the meaning of life” which makes for great discussion.

FOOD:

Mr Ozu and Renee discuss philosophy, art, music and Japanese cinema over madeleine cookies and pastry. I found a Hedgehog cupcake recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart that would make for a fun treat.  I  also found a less time consuming  (note all the carefully placed almonds) recipe for a Hedgehog cake that is equally delightful with or without all the layers.    Serve with Jasmine tea.

IN A PINCH:

Towards the end of the book, Mr Ozu invites Renee out to dinner to celebrate his birthday at his favorite Japanese restaurant.  Pick up an order of sushi from the grocery store or your favorite Japanese restaurant and serve with warmed saki  or tea and store bought shortbread cookies.

Past Read ‘em And Eat post  Citizen Vince