Andy Samberg & Adam Levine "I'm So Humble"

I'm a fan of The Voice on NBC because they seem to really go the extra mile to teach and help prepare their contestants for the stage. The show gets extra kudos for their ability to bring on a variety of music and entertainment stars. Sometimes it results in show-stopping performances, and sometimes it's great for laughs. I think this covers a bit of both. 

Enjoy "I'm So Humble" performed by Andy Samberg as Conner4Real and the Real Adam Levine. 

Fun Stuff: Gwen Stefani Carpool Karaoke (w/ George Clooney & Julia Roberts)

I really enjoy these videos. James Corden does a great job getting guests to chat and karaoke, and there's usually a lot of spontaneous fun. 

OMG Shake-Up for ABC's Castle

I've been dreading this would happen since last year, or maybe even before. As the ratings for ABC's Castle have been rocky, it looks as though Beckett and Lanie are out for next season. (Stan Katic and Tamala Jones will not be returning for season 9. Boo!) Plus, the next season of Castle may not actually be the same kind of Castle we've followed these past 8 seasons, which is tough to think about.  

Fans have been in suspense as the show has been on the bubble a few times, and rumors went rampant last year near contract time that Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic might leave. The long pause in Castle and Beckett's relationship after the departure of long-time  writers didn't help either. If there wasn't going to be a Castle and Beckett, I wasn't sure it would be worth watching. Now, if they decide to get back to basics with Castle bringing Alexis up through the ranks, it might work. Especially, if the writers tear our hearts out with a big-time exit for Beckett and show us the impact on Castle, and how he eventually copes by way of laser tag and crime solving. Who knows? Maybe they'll send Beckett under deep cover and we can see them reunited sometime in the future. Either way, fans better buckle up and prepare for a bumpy ride. It's been nice knowing you Beckett, you were an amazing Captain. 

Here's a brief clip from a Yahoo! TV report: 

How might Beckett be written out? In a new interview with TVLine, co-showrunner Alexi Hawley said that with both Katic’s and Nathan Fillion’s contracts up, “We are trying to leave [the May 16 season finale] in a very dynamic way which leaves open the possibility that maybe the show won’t come back in the same form next season.”

'Quantico' Are you in or out?

I've watched Quantico from the beginning. I'm kind of an FBI and conspiracy junkie, so it's in my wheelhouse. Every week, I cheer for Alex to prove her innocence and head off into the sunset with Ryan. But the show has taken some interesting turns. I'm on the fence about where they're going, and whether it's worth taking the time to find out. Anyone else as annoyed by the repeated Shelby-Caleb relationship crises as me? I'm also perplexed by the Raina-Nimah double-cross, although it's more interesting than the playing up of Senator Haas and Hannah (Ryan's ex-). However, I did enjoy Alex and Hannah's exchange at the end of the 3/27 episode.

So, I was even more conflicted when I came across this recap from Kimberly Potts of Yahoo! TV. Titled, 'Quantico' Recap: Get a Clue, it gives a thorough recap, with spoilers, of last night's show, which we DVR'd. 

Perhaps, I'm impatient, or severely lacking sleep, but does anyone want to chime in with their opinion of the show? Worth it or not? If not, any other show suggestions?

Self-Published Surprises: 'The Martian'

When I come across interesting information, I like to share it to encourage interest in books, but also to put a human face to writers and publishers. This is a quick NPR interview about Andy Weir's self-published book "The Martian"and its evolution. 

Weir's candid response about his chances at mainstream success is great, "I thought it was just - oh, you know, it's just a book, you know, by a dork for dorks." I laughed because it's funny to think this self-published "book by a dork" earned Weir a deal with Random House and went on to become an award winning movie. While this doesn't happen to every writer, if you love the story and stick with it, it just might. 

NPR Books: 'The Martian'

Book Giveaway!

If you don't have a copy of Red Ochre Falls this is your chance to get a free one! Click the link then open the gift box to see if you win, it’s that easy. No purchase necessary.

If you already have a copy of Red Ochre Falls, you can still win and give your free copy to a friend, family member, or anyone you know!

Cheers!
Kristen

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/496ea9db1b259533

Books to Movies 2016

It's no secret I love books and entertainment. Just read any of my Summer Reads book posts, or search the TV show updates I've posted. Many of them involve me going on about legal shows, dramas and music—I'm a true blue Nashie, among other things.

While I'm busy raising a family with my husband and writing the second Harper & Mackenzie novel, there are times I have to be away from my kids, notes, computer, phone, you get the picture. Sometimes I just need a break. So, when there are books lists, television programming updates or movie trailers to be found, I'm there!

I found this list of 19 books hitting the silver screen this year compiled by BuzzFeed and thought I'd share. If you are bored or just unsure of what to do this weekend, you might check this out and head over to your local library or bookstore. 

Enjoy!
Kristen