Monday, June 16, 2014

#TFIOS, Chris O'Donnell, and a Selfie

I watched the movie trailer for #TFIOS (The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) and bawled my eyes out. I'm only on chapter seven, but I know how it's going to end. No, I didn't read any spoilers. I just know. It's one of those books that sucks you in from page one with witty dialogue and intriguing, intelligent characters and won't let you go. How can I go to the movies and watch this without a dozen boxes of Kleenex? It leaves all the YA chic lit books, with hot guys on the covers, in a pile of dust.

The story resonates with me because I have teenagers. To have one of your children endure cancer and suffer their loss would be pure agony. One person said the heartbreak was more felt and seen through the eyes of the parents. John Green, you know how to make us laugh out loud, weep and experience blood shot eyes for weeks.

So, on a different note, some of you from the A to Z blogging challenge this past April might
remember my admiration for actor Chris O'donnell. (Notice I didn't say "obsession." Although, that might be a more accurate description but not in a creepy, stalker kind of way.) Growing up, I idolized this star, because that's what you do when you're a teenager. I guess I retweeted a pic of him during NCIS:LA's #ShowNShare week. CBS sent me a prize: an autographed photo of CHRIS O'DONNELL! Was not expecting this. Will encase it in bullet proof glass.

Yep, that's me. I don't always take selfies, but when I do it's because I'm one of the biggest NCIS:LA fans this side of the Mississippi. And, yes, that's the Mississippi River behind me. I'm also really into the series, Burn Notice, right now. What's up with me and all these spy guys?!


What are you reading this summer? I still have loads of books to read: The Murder Complex, Nerve, Hacker are just a few on my list. By my book choices, can you guess I'm still in the middle of writing my teen spy thriller set in Chicago?What are your thoughts on #TFIOS ? Have you read the book or seen the movie yet? 

20 comments:

  1. Cool you won an autographed photo!
    Burn Notice - awesome series.
    You take a good selfie.

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    1. Ha! Thanks:) I know, right? Very unexpected gift. Burn Notice has amazing plot twists. I'm so intrigued by the life of a spy.

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  2. Congrats on the autographed pic, and yay for your anticipation for the movie of the JG novel! Your selfie's adorable! Good luck on your teen thriller. I'm working on an NA thriller. Go us!

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    1. Thanks:-) How exciting! Set in Egypt? I love foreign places but this time I am sticking to what's close to me geographically and what's close to my heart--Chicago. I adore Egypt, so if it's set in this cool location, I'd love to know.

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  3. Love, love, love Burn Notice. Too bad it's over now. I can still watch the repeats, though. That's one of those shows I can watch over and over and over again.

    My niece and her friends went to see The Fault in Our Stars. They Instagramed pics of themselves after with the tear-stained faces. I guess it was part of the experience.

    I hear Chris O'Donnell is a really cool guy IRL. Congrats on the autographed pic.

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    1. I'm going to re-watch Burn Notice when I'm finished with all seven seasons.

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  4. Congrats on winning the pic!

    I think your selfie looks great. :D

    I've watched a bit of Burn Notice, but I fell out a couple seasons ago. Ran out of time and had to pick and choose my TV (via Hulu that is). I chose Castle. Darn kids make it so I can't sit down or pay attention to anything for longer than a hour.

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  5. I read the book--and cried plenty--and hope to see the movie.

    What a nice surprise with the signed picture. Spy shows and movies are fun.

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    1. The thriller/spy genre is addicting. Maybe I'll get to meet Mr. O'Donnell some day;-)

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  6. I was told we were going to see the movie one day before we went. So I rushed to read as much of the book as possible. I made it halfway through, then went. It actually was better that way because I had the joy of reading the book without that feeling of boredom while watching the movie because you know how it's going to end. I kind of suspected what would happen with TFIOS, but I didn't realize what the overall message would be. That was the surprising part--and the part that REALLY gets you crying when you get to the end!

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    1. That sounds like a plan! Read half first and then go watch the movie:)

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  7. BURN NOTICE RULES! We were so, so sad when it ended. Enjoy.

    My father passed away from cancer, and since then I can't watch any movies that tackle that theme. It kind of kills me. *shrugs* I guess it's like a war veteran who's unable to watch war movies. I'm sure it's an epic read and movie though.

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    1. I'm approaching the end of the last season. It's winding down slowly and it's killing me to watch! Sorry to hear about your dad. I don't blame you. I don't even know if I can handle the movie.

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    2. Thanks, Jennifer. By the way, you've been nominated. ;) http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/2014/06/awards-for-meawards-for-you.html

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  8. First of all, awesome blog! Secondly, Burn Notice is one of my top 10 favorite shows EVER!! Love that show. I miss is so much. I may have to re-watch it someday :)

    Happy Friday!!

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    1. Thx! I will be re-watching that series for a long time.

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    2. I wish they would do a spin-off. The Sam Ax Chronicles or something :-)

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  9. I really want to read TFIOS, but it just doesn't feel like summer reading!! It's on my list, though, so I just might end up sobbing at the beach ;) How awesome that you got that pic of your obsession, um, I mean, your fave star!! ;)

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