Monday, June 01, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (06/02/2015)

When I read Sarah McCoy's The Baker's Daughter three years ago, I was swept up into the stories of both Elsie and Reba. I knew I would be reading more by the author at some point, and so I was very excited to jump into The Mapmaker's Children. McCoy's latest novel yet again straddles two time periods, this time that of the Civil War era and the abolitionists and modern day. It's the story of two women whose lives weave together "the past to the present, forcing each of them to define courage, family, love, and legacy in a new way." [excerpt from publisher]

First Paragraph of The Mapmaker's Children:



The old house on Apple Hill Lane shuddered against the weighty snow that burdened its pitch. The ancient beams moaned their secret pains to the wintering doves in the attic. The nesting duo pushed feathered bosoms together, blinked, and nodded quickly, as if to say, Yes-Yes, we hear, yes-yes,we know, while down deep in the cellar, the metal within the doll's porcelain skull grew crystals along its ridges. Sharp as a knife. The skull did all it could to hold steady against the shattering temperature for just one more minute of one more hour.


Teaser from 22% into the e-book

"What if it snows," she whispered. "They can't hang a man in a snowstorm--can't bury the dead in frozen ground." Mary's eyes were bloodshot and dark as a train soot. She needed sleep, if only an hour or two.


What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

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This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme hosted by Broke and Bookish is Top Ten Books I'd Love To See As Movies/Tv Shows. Wouldn't you know it, the first books that come to mind have already been made into movies or television shows. Probably because they are already movies and television shows. I looked through my book review archive and selected the first ten titles that jumped out at me that I think would make great movies or television shows.  But only if they are done right.  I suppose that goes without saying.

1. I love it when a true story is turned into a movie, and Allison Hoover Bartlett's The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession would make a good one, drawing in readers, book collecters and anyone who loves a good true crime story.  

2. I love fantasy novels and movies. Lena Coakley's young adult novel, Witchlanders, about two young men from different lands, born enemies, whose fates bring them together not only deserves more attention, but I think it could make a great movie if given the chance.  I mean, there's magic even.  I wouldn't be able to resist.


3. I heard a rumor that Lisa Lutz, author of The Spellman Files, would not mind seeing her books become a television series, and I think that would be great. I have only yet read the first book, but I am already smitten with the characters, and how fun would a television show about a family of P.I.'s be? A lot, I imagine!

4. I really like the show Agent Carter, which aired this past winter/spring. As I watched, I couldn't help but wish someone would make a television show out of Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series about a female spy in England during World War II (the first book in the series is Mr. Churchill's Secretary). I do love women in roles like that, not to mention the time period.



5. If ever there was an Oscar contender among my top ten list today, I think American Rust by Philipp Meyer would be it. This one actually may become a movie soon from what I have read. It's set in a small Pennsylvania town focusing on two young men whose lives are irrevocably changed because of a violent death. If the director, screenwriters and actors can capture the feel of that dying town and its people . . . well, it could be a masterpiece.  


6. I am not the only one who would like to see Lisa O'Donnell's novel, The Death of Bees, about two sisters who bury their parents in their backyard translated into a movie.  I can't imagine how it could be nearly as nuanced and lovely as the book, but one can hope, right?

7. David Peace's Tokyo Year Zero was such an interesting reading experience. Set right after World War II Japan, it is the story of a detective determined to solve a series of murders that appear to be connected even despite the lack of resources and lack of interest by those around him. Japan at that time in history would make for an interesting backdrop for a movie or television series for sure.

8. As I read Marcus Sakey's novel, The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes, I was already envisioning it on the big screen. I'm partial to crime thrillers and this book is nonstop action from the moment Daniel wakes up on the beach unable to remember who he is to the entire time he tries to retrace his steps leading up to his memory loss, including finding his dead wife who he may or may not have murdered. It really is a wild ride and would make a great movie.


9. Another book that had me on the edge of my seat as I read and would make a great movie is Liz Strange's Erased, a science fiction novel set in space. I love a good science fiction movie, especially with a strong female lead. This one is full of action, tension and smart characters. If done right, it would look great on the  big screen.



10. Because I cannot resist the pull of stories set around World War II, I was immediately drawn to Michael C. White's Beautiful Assassin, which is a novel about a Russian sniper. Beautiful Assassin is at once a war story, a political thriller, and a historical novel with a touch of romance.  I think it would make for an interesting and worthwhile movie.

What about you? What books would you like to see translated into a movie or television show?



 © 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

68 comments:

  1. I really like the look of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much. It sounds like it would be a perfect book and movie for us bookworms!
    My TTT!

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    1. Chrissi - I think so too! Even for non-booklovers, I think it has that true crime appeal that would apply to a wide range of people.

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  2. This is the second post today that has featured The Mapmaker's Children - I love the sound of this and would definitely keep reading. My Tuesday post can be found here https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-june-2/

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    1. Cleo - I haven't come across the other one yet. It's certainly a good book!

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  3. Sounds like a thriller. The teaser gave me creeps. Hope you enjoy this one, Wendy!

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    1. Eryn - It's not a thriller, although there is suspense. :-)

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  4. I think The Mapmaker's Children sounds very good. I'm going to have to look for it. As to books being made into movies or TV - think that the Maggie Hope books would work very well - like Agent Carter. And I think that Lisa Lutz's books would also do well. They are so funny and that Spellman family is quite, quite interesting.

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    1. Kay - It is good! I'm really enjoying it so far. I do love a good historical fiction novel.

      I'm always in favor of more female led series on television--and in movies. :-)

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  5. Wendy, I love the writing here - so very descriptive.

    (So glad to see you posting again, you were missed).

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    1. Diane - I agree! I love McCoy's writing style.

      It's good to be back. :-) I hadn't meant to be away so long.

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  6. The Mapmaker's Children is on my wish list, but I can't say the first paragraph does much for me.

    Love your movie list. I've been meaning to read American Rust for ages!

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    1. JoAnn - I'm really enjoying the book and hope you will give it a go!

      American Rust was such a sad book, but very good.

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  7. Loving the sound of The Mapmaker's Children. I love old creaky beams.

    Loving your thoughts on books you'd like to see as films. You've certainly got me thinking about which books I'd like to see adapted.

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    1. Tracy - I do enjoy movies and television shows, but I get nervous about my favorites being put into screen form.

      The Mapmaker's Children is so good. I am enjoying it very much.

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  8. ll of the zombie books I have read, I love those kind of movies, even the duff old ones. I also read a book on holiday by the guy who wrote JAWS, White Shark which would be quite scary I think :D

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. Lainy - I am not a huge zombie fan (although I do like The Walking Dead), but I can see the appeal.

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  9. I haven't read McCoy--yet. Her first book and her latest sound intriguing. Wonder if her next book will have "son" in the title,,,

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/first-chapter-first-paragraph-108.html

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    1. Catherine - Oh, you must give her a try. I love her writing and she writes such compelling stories.

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  10. I haven't read The Mapmaker's Children yet, but it is sitting her on my pile hoping I get to it soon!
    Today I'm featuring Letters To The Lost by Iona Grey.

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  11. You need to finish The Mapmaker's Children - you'll love it! I want to see Aquarium by David Vann made into a movie.

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    1. Kathy - I am loving what I've read so far. :-) I haven't read Aquarium, but I can see that making a good movie from what I've heard of it.

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  12. I've read such good reviews for The Mapmaker's Children. The Death of Bees would be my pick from your choices.

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    1. Nise' - I hope they do eventually make a movie of The Death of Bees. I think it could be good.

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  13. Thanks for great choices, at least half of them I am writing down to check out further and perhaps look to read. So many good ideas here. I loved The Baker's Daughter so I have The Mapmaker's Children near the top of my to-buy or borrow list.

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    1. Rita - You can tell I like mysteries and thrillers from my choices. :-)

      I hope you enjoy The Mapmaker's Children when you get to it!

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  14. Wow, The Mapmaker's Children is one I've been noticing lately, and I loved the excerpts! Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

    Of your Top Ten, I have only read The Death of Bees, but I can definitely see it as a movie!

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    1. Laurel-Rain - The Mapmaker's Children does seem to be making the rounds in the blogging community, doesn't it?

      I hope they do make The Death of Bees into a movie. I would watch it. :-)

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  15. Not sure about this. The focus on the crystals in the doll's head feels like foreshadowing of creepy things, but the publisher's excerpt seems to go in a different direction.

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    1. Suzie - It is an interesting description. I immediately wondered if something was hidden within the doll's skull, but, then, given I know the book is about the abolitionists, I suppose that would be an obvious direction for my mind to go.

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  16. I was with you on the book until I read the first paragraph. It seems a little woo-woo to me. Maybe I'd need to read more. I do hope, however, that its a good one for you.

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    1. Margot - I am enjoying it so far. I love a good historical fiction novel.

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    1. Alice - It's one of those books I hate having to put down.

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  18. I don't think that would keep people from hanging people.

    Mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/teaser-tuesday-the-disappeared/

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    1. Sonia - I don't think so either. Especially in this case. :-(

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  19. I forgot about The Man Who Loved Books Too Much. I loved that one and it would make a great movie! I haven't read Mr. Churchill's but the clothes alone would make for a fabulous mini series! The Mapmaker's Children is on my TBR and that teaser is certainly intriguing!

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    1. Katherine - Wouldn't it? I think it would. :-) The costumes for the Maggie Hope series would be great, I imagine.

      I hope you enjoy The Mapmaker's Children when you get to it!

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  20. Loved the first paragraph of the Mapmaker's Children. I'm always attracted to books about snow and cold.

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    1. Jenclair - Me too! I don't mind reading about the cold and snow, but I am glad I don't live in that kind of climate though. :-)

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  21. I loved The Mapmaker's Children as you know. I don't think Sarah McCoy could write a book I wouldn't like. Books into movies- I saw another post about this and I have to give it some thought but I agree that fantasy novels make great shows.

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    1. Darlene - Have you read her first book, The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico? I have it in my TBR pile to read, but haven't gotten to it yet.


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    2. I haven't but I did see it and have it on my list to read as well. I wish there were more of me to read. lol.

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  22. Great teaser and I love your top ten list!

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  23. Great choice for your teaser. I recently spotted The Mapmaker's Children and already added it to my want to read list:)

    My TT - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/06/02/teaser-tuesdays-117-dont-try-to-find-me-2/

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    1. Laura - I hope you enjoy it if you read it. I'm enjoying it so far.

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  24. While I have never been in a snowstorm, they do evoke a genuine fear in me; great post!

    Claudia @ My Soul Called Life

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    1. Claudia - The opening does seem a bit ominous, doesn't it? I've always seen snowstorms as a bit romantic, but, then, I've never lived anywhere where snowstorms are a reality, so I haven't experienced one first hand.

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  25. Your teaser is definitely chilling, and that's not a pun! I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story.
    Have a fantastic week and happy reading.

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexxie - It's good so far. It's August in the book now, so much warmer weather at the moment. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

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  26. I need to check out Sarah McCoy's books. They sound great! And I love reading about your list. Of course that also means I need to check them out as well. :)

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    1. Melody - Oh, you must give her a try if you can! She's a wonderful author.

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  27. The Mapmaker's Children sounds fantastic! Something right up my alley -I'll have to see if Scribd or my library has it (probably Scribd. The library doesn't have many English books)

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    1. Eustacia - It is good so far. :-) I hope you can find a copy!

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  28. I would love to read The Mapmaker's Children. I'm in the mood for the Civil War and abolitionists. I really like The Teaser.

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    1. Topazshell - It's really good! I hope you do read it someday. :-)

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  29. I agree with you about American Rust. It would make a great movie, though I thought it was a B/B+ book. I loved Tokyo Year Zero but I'm not sure I would be able to sit through the movie version. I recall that's the book with the constant pounding from all the construction, right.

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    1. James - American Rust could be such a beautiful movie.

      Yes, you are right. There was the constant sound of pounding in Tokyo Year Zero. I can see it being used in a creative and purposeful way, but it might leave some people with a headache. That probably wouldn't be good.

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  30. Great list of books you'd like to see as movies! I haven't read any of them so I need to check this list out. I also need to check out McCoy's books - everyone seems to love them!

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    1. Athira - I hope you are able to check a few of those out and enjoy them if you do. I really like McCoy's writing, and think you would like them too!

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  31. Excited to see American Rust on your list! It's been on my shelves for so long, but I still haven't read it...I'm a HUGE fan of his latest novel The Son, though.

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    1. Shannon - I haven't read The Son. I will have to look for it. I hope you enjoy American Rust when you get to it. It's such a good book.

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  32. I'll have to add The Mapmaker's Children to my wishlist, I find that time period fascinating.
    Great list, I have been wanting to read Mr. Churchill's Secretary. It's always hit or miss when they put books on the screen.

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    1. Naida - It is an interesting time period! I've already highlighted a couple spots in the book--and I rarely highlight anything.

      Do read Mr. Churchill's Secretary if you get the chance!

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  33. Great choices for books to movies... I especially like the idea of Mr. Churchill's Secretary. I think that could really be a good one to take to the small screen.

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    1. Iliana - I love that series. :-) Maggie Hope is such a fun character.

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