By Terri Sclichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez

“Box Office Poison: Hollywood’s Story in a Century of Flops” by Tim Robey
c.2024, Hanover Square Press #32.99 336 pages

It was a little hard to swallow.

In fact, the premise of the entire flick stunk up the room and stuck in your craw until you could barely stand watching anymore. Ugh, no matter how much popcorn you stuffed in your mouth, no matter how many refills of soda you drank, as in the new book “Box Office Poison” by Tim Robey, some films just leave a bad taste in your mouth.

You know it when you see it: a movie that you regretted spending money on, and when you learn about the budgets for those stinkeroos, you’re astounded. Obviously, says film critic Robey, money (or lack thereof) indicates nothing. Think Titanic, which was expected “to be a fiasco” despite its budget; or The Blair Witch Project, which was “made for peanuts” and was also a box-office success.

And then there are the films that should just, straight-up “be fed to the wolves headfirst…”

By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez

“William” by Mason Coilec.2024, Putnam $27.00 224 pages

The second the door shut, you knew where your keys were.

Not in your hands. No, they were on the kitchen table.

So you locked yourself out but no worries, your smart phone is tied to your door locks. Your house alarm is, too, as are the lights and the coffeemaker. Technology is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Although, as in the new novel “William” by Mason Coile, having certain “smart” devices can be a dumb idea.

Once upon a time, Henry had a loving wife and a happy life.

Where did everything go wrong? Why did his wife treat him with such disdain? Was it because of the new baby coming, and Lily’s feelings about it? No, their problems undoubtedly stemmed from Henry’s agoraphobia; they hadn’t left the house together in months. Henry was only really comfortable within the confines of their expensive, uber-safety-enhanced Victorian-era home, in his attic laboratory, his creative space.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez

One thin line.

There you are, you’ve just crossed off your last person, thereby finishing your Holiday Gift List for the year. But oops, you forgot that one hard-to-buy-for aunt, and you haven’t gotten anything for your babysitter. And, and, and… you’re out of ideas. So how about something to read? See if these great books don’t give you some guidance…

FICTION

The novel lover who’s always doing good things for other people may enjoy unwrapping “Just Do This One Thing for Me” by Laura Zimmermann (Dutton). It’s the story of a daughter who always does what her free-spirited mother asks of her – even if it gets her in trouble. Wrap it up with “Time’s Undoing” by Cheryl A. Head (Dutton), a novel about a woman who’s determined to learn how her great-grandfather died, and how what it means to her safety. Bonus: this book was based on the author’s own family history.

The reader who loves twisty tales of sister love and rivalry will want to unwrap “How to Care for a Human Girl” by Ashley Wurzbacher (Atria), the story of two sisters, two pregnancies, and a whole pile of resentments. Pair it up with “Before You Found Me” by Brooke Beyfuss (Sourcebooks). It’s a tale of choosing your family and sticking together.

What better way to review two books by married writers Steven Rowley and Byron Lane than together? It’s the start of Pride month, so let’s check out these reviews from husbands Rowley and Lane. – Mark/Editor

By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez

The Celebrants, by Steven Rowley
c.2023, Putnam $28.00 308 pages

Everybody will say nice things about you when you’re lying in a box in front of them.

They’ll say you were everyone’s friend, you were funny and wise, even when you weren’t. You were the greatest person ever, just the best – and don’t you wish they’d say those things now, while you’re alive to hear them? As in the new book “The Celebrants” by Steven Rowley, those sentiments might completely surprise you.