Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of Adam Goldstein. Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Friday August 28, 2009. He was 36 years old. A young life cut short, way too soon. He will be missed.

Book Review for 'Intervention' by Robin Cook

Robin Cook's 'Intervention' was released this month and published by Putnam Books.

In this book, we delve into the life of Jack Stapelton, a highly regarded ophthalmologist, until a plane crash takes the lives of his wife and two children. Then his career path takes a dramatic turn. Now, Jack is remarried and has a young son. All seems well, except for Jack's recurring nightmares. When his young son is diagnosed with a rare disease and an autopsy on a healthy young college student reveals some unusual results, Jack's renegade, activist personality comes into play. He then begins to explore the field of alternative medicines. After 30 years Jack's college buddy Shawn Doherty, now a renowned archaeologist and biblical scholar at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, contacts Jack about something he's discovered on his latest archaeological dig. His find, the possible remains of the Virgin Mary, are significant not only in biblical terms but in medical terms as well. That's when Jack's other college friend, Kevin Murray, now the Bishop of the Archdiocese in New York, gets wind of the find and enlists Jack's help to keep under wraps, this explosive secret that could change lives forever!

Let me first say that Robin Cook is one of the greats in the literary field today and is always providing fresh stories for his hungry readers. I am quite sure there will be many people who will enjoy this book. 'Intervention' is well written and has a fantastic plot. However I did not enjoy reading this book as much as I thought I would. It felt drawn out and lengthy to me and I found myself bored at times. Don't take my word for it. If you are a fan of Mr. Cook, you will almost certainly enjoy 'Intervention' and the places it takes you. I will still rush out to buy Mr.Cook's new releases and wait with baited breath for his next medical thriller!

C.K.Webb

Book Review for 'Dreamfever' by Karen Marie Moning

'Dreamfever', the fourth installment in the Fever Series, by Karen Marie Moning and published by Delacorte Press (Randon House), is the continuing story of MacKayla Lane and her struggles to free the world she knows, from the dark forces that have enveloped it.

The walls between human and Fae worlds has fallen and as the destruction of the Unseelie dark fairies, spreads to all corners of the globe, Mac, with her recently discovered sidhe-seer powers, battles for survival on the streets of Dublin. Trying to save her family, the life she's always known and herself from extinction, Mac is plunged into a dark world controlled by the Lord Master and the Dark Book. He has murdered her sister and loosed an over-powering sexual craving in her, that only one man can exponge.

But, as attracted as she is to the dark and powerful Jericho Barrons, she knows too little about him to trust his underlying motives. Then returns V'lane...the death-by-sex Fae prince who could help Mac, or just as easily turn her pri-ya, a human addicted to Fae sex, with no mind or will of her own.

As Mac battles the dark Fae, with her young friend Dani, and a newly discovered group of sidhe-seers, the world around them grows blacker and more barren with each passing day.

Karen Moning has once again, dropped us into a fantasy world, where things are never as they seem...and made us LOVE it. From her descriptive panoramas of realms we've never imagined and creatures beyond belief, to the stunning and deliciously seductive men she throws into the mix to help or hinder our heroin, Ms. Moning takes us on a journey through the world of Fairies, that will change everything you ever thought you knew about the little people of Ireland.

This magical story will glue you to your chair, hold you till the end, then spite you out and make you beg for more. I, myself, cannot wait for book number five. There be fairies here!

D.J. Weaver

Book Review for 'Sundays at Tiffany's' by James Patterson

Sundays at Tiffany's was written by master storyteller, James Patterson along with Gabrielle Charbonnet, and was published by Little, Brown & Company. This book takes you on a journey with eight year old, Jane Margaux and her best friend Michael. Michael is witty, charming and perfect in every way. Michael is also Jane's 'imaginary friend'! But as all imaginary friends must, Michael is forced to leave Jane on her ninth birthday, and tells Jane she will quickly forget him, never remembering their time together.
Years later, now in her thirties, Jane has never lost the fond memories of her imaginary friend Michael and wonders if he ever truly existed. Until...by sheer accident, she runs into Michael in a city restaurant and a new journey begins for them both!
This book is heart warming and imaginative. Sundays at Tiffany's will make you laugh, cry, and see life the only way you should... as an innocent child. This endearing and touching story is full of emotional twists and Sundays at Tiffany's shows us all the timeless power of friendship and love. I adored this book and was pleasantly surprised by my infatuation with it's characters. If you enjoyed Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas you will love Sundays at Tiffany's. James Patterson has once again outdone himself.
C.K.Webb

Music Review for Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

The new CD, Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon is the band's fourth CD release and is currently burning up every music chart on the planet. The band from Tennessee, consists of Calab Followill-lead vocals/rhythem guitar, Jared Followill-bass, Matthew Followill-lead guitar, and Nathan Followill-drums. Your eyes do not deceive you! These band members are all related and apparently, we know how to grow them in the south! These guys are not only super-talented musically, but are super-easy on the eyes as well. These guys are HOT, Ladies!
From tracks like Closer (my personal favorite) to Use Somebody, Crawl and Manhattan, this CD has something for everyone. Kings Of Leon succeeds in covering all spectrum of emotion on this CD and the diversity of the tracks makes it a great pick for anyone. The guitars are ringing and drive deep, while the strong lead and melodic, harmonious tones from the combined band will entrance you.
Kings Of Leon has been touring and performing since April of 2007 with little down-time. They are scheduled to resume their U.S. tour on September 8th and continue touring through October 22nd of this year. If the CD is any indication of how good these guys are in concert...please make my seats 'front row'. Or, better yet, move over down front because I'm pushing my way to the stage! Kings Of Leon has stedily been drawing not only a large, but also diverse and exciting group of fans to their concert venues. I highly recommend you give Kings Of Leon a try. But don't be surprised when they become your favorite band and Only By The Night becomes the next favorite CD that never leaves your player.
C.K. Webb

Music Review for Daughtry 'Leave This Town'

The new CD by Daughtry, 'Leave This Town' has got to be at the top of your "Must Listen To" list! Yes...Daughtry! Ever since coming off American Idol in 2006 and releasing their self-titled, debut CD that same year, Daughtry, that little rock band from North Carolina, has been throwing down across the country for thousands of fans and breaking records left and right. Billboard said they were #1 in 2007 and their CD was the fastest selling, debut rock CD in Soundscan history.
Chris Daughtry (vocals, guitar), Josh Steeley (bass), Joey Barnes (drums), Brian Craddock (guitar) and Josh Paul (guitar)....remember these names People! Because they are BIG and getting bigger as I write.
The new CD, 'Leave This Town', rocks on in the true fashion this band has already established. From the rockin' sound of songs like 'No Surprise' and 'You Don't Belong', to the soulful harmonies of 'Learn My Lesson' and 'Call Your Name', Daughtry never fails to delight.
Chris, Josh, Joey, Brian and Josh, with a little help from a few friends, wrote this complete CD and I can absolutely say there will not be a single song that you will not love.
These guys are so talented and just a great group of musicians. Chris' vocals are strong with a wide range, and the fantastic back-up by the boys in the band, bring it all together and make every track on the CD, your next, favorite song. Believe me when I say, you need to get this CD...you will NOT regret it.
And by the way, Daughtry has just announced a 36-date, US arena tour for this fall, to support the group's new CD. The opening acts will be main support and they are, Theory of a Dead Man and Cavo.
Get out there and see them. It will be a rockin' good time!
D.J. Weaver

Movie Review for 'Obsessed' Rated PG-13

Available now on DVD, 'Obsessed' was written by David Loughery and directed by Steve Shill. The movie stars Idris Elba, Ali Larter, Beyonce Knowles and Jerry O'Connell. The trailer for 'Obsessed' had me fired up and ready to see a fantastic movie, however, the trailer ended up being the best part. I struggled to sit through this flick and was disturbed over the $3.00 I had spent to rent it! We have all seen this movie before. It was called 'Fatal Attraction'. The difference being that there was none of that pesky sex stuff to make us understand how our villainess became so enthralled with our married, male lead!
The acting in 'Obsessed' was much like watching a fourth grade play (No offence forth graders), and very quickly made me come to the conclusion that not all singers can act, regardless of their efforts...sorry Ms. Knowles! Ali Larter, on the other hand, played a fantastic psycho but the movie's dullness and lack of luster threw a dark veil over her performance. If you are looking for a good DVD this weekend, Obsessed IS NOT IT ! Surprisingly, this movie grossed $68 million dollars at the box office. Good thing there is a no-refund policy on box office hits...or in this case, misses!
C.K.Webb

Movie Review for 'The Soloist' Rated PG-13

Now available on DVD, The Soloist is based on the book by Steve Lopez, and directed by Joe Wright. This movie is based on the true accounts of LA journalist Steve Lopez.

While searching for his next story, Lopez, played by Robert Downey Jr., stumbles across a Julliard trained musician who is also homeless and suffers from mental illness. The Soloist took me on a journey that I was unprepared to take, though I feel I am better for having taken it. This movie was moving and poignant. The Soloist allows you to take a hard-nosed look at homelessness and mental illness in America, and at the importance of friendships in our lives. More pointedly, The Soloist allows you to reassess your views on all three.

I highly recommend this movie but, be prepared to be positively touched on an emotional and mental level. Jamie Foxx gives a riveting performance as Nathaniel Ayers and Downey's portrayal of Lopez is spot on! This movie delivered more than I ever expected. I will watch it again and again.

C.K. Webb

Movie Review for 'The Last House on the Left' - Rated R

This is a remake of the classic from 1972 by director Wes Craven. A starring cast that includes Tony Goldwin, Monica Potter, Sarah Paxton, Garret Dillahunt , Spencer Trent Clark and Aaron Paul. This movie has what appears to be, the makings of a good flick. However, let me warn you. I will not say this movie is bad, but I will say that I enjoyed very few parts of the movie. Not enough to call it good! The original storyline is a great concept but somehow this movie fell short for me. I caught myself laughing at the utter absurdity of the characters' reasoning, or lack thereof, and some of the death scenes were over the top! I warn you now, if you watch the unrated version of this movie be prepared for a brutal rape scene! All in all, it wasn't terrible, and somehow Wes Craven did what he does best...make me watch the whole movie. I am torn as to whether I liked this movie better on the shelf or in my DVD player, but I am not torn as to whether or not I will watch another Wes Craven flick. Considering the fact that Mr. Craven is the same man who made us afraid to go to sleep with 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', he will always be one of the great directors. Just my opinion. If there is nothing else available to watch on DVD, give this movie a try, however, don't say I didn't warn you!
C.K. Webb