The Book Vs. The Movie Which Is Better?

by | Sep 2, 2023

Over The Past Several Months I’ve Been Watching Movies — More Than Once — And In Some Cases I Felt I Wanted More Information About The Movie Or The Characters In Particular.

 

It became clear to me that I needed to see if the movie was based on a book — so I did some research and found that there are audible books available — this was so very helpful . . .

I did receive the information I was seeking and I thoroughly enjoyed having a book read to me. I’m enjoying audible as much as I’m enjoying watching movies.

I Do Have An Active Imagination

While listening to an audiobook, I can close my eyes and actually see what I’m hearing. I find it quite amazing. 

Of course the authors are quite talented, but so are the narrators or readers — many have beautiful voices and do make changes with the different characters they’re depicting.

This is a time for me to relax and truly get into the story being told to me.

Welcome to TwoCansOnAString.com. I’ve been in “holiday mode” for quite some time thinking about this website and my newest one. I was basically looking for inspiration, tips, or suggestions and discovered some wonderful “good reads”. You seriously can’t go wrong with audiobooks — if that is at all your thing. This has truly been a great adventurous journey for me. You may want to join me by selecting some audiobooks in a genre of your choice. I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed.

There Are Countless Things You Can Do Around The House While Listening To Your Audiobook

I’d suggest minimizing the use of the vacuum cleaner and refraining from making excessive noise, but you can certainly engage in light housekeeping activities to maintain tidiness around your home. It makes dusting and cleaning much more enjoyable while listening to a good book in the genre of your choice.

Speaking of genres. . . they include:

Arts & Entertainment

  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Audio Performances & Dramatizations
  • Entertainment & Performing Arts
  • Music
  • Photography

Biographies & Memoirs

  • Adventurers, Explorers & Survival
  • Art & Literature
  • Cultural & Regional
  • Diaries & Correspondence
  • Entertainment & Celebrities
  • Historical
  • LGBTQ+
  • Military & War
  • People with Disabilities
  • Politics & Activism
  • Professionals & Academics
  • Religious
  • Sports
  • True Crime
  • Women

Business & Careers

  • Business Development & Entrepreneurship
  • Career Success
  • Management & Leadership
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Women in Business
  • Workplace & Organizational Behavior

Children’s Audiobooks

  • Action & Adventure
  • Activities & Hobbies
  • Animals & Nature
  • Art
  • Biographies
  • Education & Learning
  • Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
  • Geography & Cultures
  • Growing Up & Facts of Life
  • History
  • Holidays & Celebrations
  • Humor
  • Literature & Fiction
  • Music & Performing Arts
  • Mystery & Suspense
  • Religions
  • Science & Technology
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Sports & Outdoors
  • Vehicles & Transportation
 

Comedy & Humor

  • Literature & Fiction
  • Performing Arts

Computers & Technology

  • Computer Science
  • Content Creation & Social Media
  • Data Science
  • History & Culture
  • Programming & Software Development
  • Security & Encryption

Education & Learning

  • Education
  • Language Learning
  • Study Guides & Test Preparation
  • Words, Language & Grammar
  • Writing & Publishing

Erotica

  • Literature & Fiction
  • Sex Instruction
 

Health & Wellness

  • Addiction & Recovery
  • Aging & Longevity
  • Alternative & Complementary Medicine
  • Beauty, Grooming & Style
  • Children’s Health
  • Dentistry & Oral Health
  • Fitness, Diet & Nutrition
  • Hygiene & Healthy Living
  • Medicine & Health Care Industry
  • Physical Illness & Disease
  • Psychology & Mental Health
  • Safety & Emergency Preparedness
  • Sexual & Reproductive Health

History

  • Africa
  • Americas
  • Ancient
  • Arctic & Antarctica
  • Asia
  • Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
  • Europe
  • LGBTQ+
  • Middle East
  • Military
  • Modern
  • Religious
  • Russia
  • Women
  • World

Home & Garden

  • Crafts & Hobbies
  • Food & Wine
  • Gardening & Horticulture
  • House & Home
  • Pets & Animal Care
  • Sustainable & Green Living

LGBTQ+

  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • History
  • LGBTQ+ Studies
  • Literature & Fiction
  • Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
  • Parenting & Families
  • Romance
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
 

Literature & Fiction

  • Action & Adventure
  • African American
  • Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature
  • Anthologies & Short Stories
  • Classics
  • Drama & Plays
  • Erotica
  • Essays
  • Genre Fiction
  • Historical Fiction
  • Horror
  • Humor & Satire
  • LGBTQ+
  • Literary History & Criticism
  • Memoirs, Diaries & Correspondence
  • Poetry
  • Women’s Fiction
  • World Literature

Money & Finance

  • Banks & Banking
  • Corporate & Public Finance
  • E-Commerce
  • Economics
  • Insurance
  • International
  • Investing & Trading
  • Personal Finance
  • Real Estate
  • Taxation

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

  • Crime Fiction
  • Mystery
  • Thriller & Suspense
  • True Crime

Politics & Social Sciences

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Politics & Government
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
 

Relationships, Parenting & Personal Development

  • Parenting & Families
  • Personal Development
  • Relationships

Religion & Spirituality

  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Hinduism
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • Occult
  • Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts
  • Religious Studies
  • Spirituality

Romance

  • Action & Adventure
  • Anthologies & Short Stories
  • Christian
  • Clean & Wholesome
  • Contemporary
  • Erotica
  • Fantasy
  • Historical
  • LGBTQ+
  • Military
  • Multicultural
  • Paranormal
  • Romantic Comedy
  • Romantic Suspense
  • Royalty
  • Science Fiction
  • Sports
  • Westerns

Science & Engineering

  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
 

Science Fiction & Fantasy

  • Fantasy
  • Science Fiction

Sports & Outdoors

  • Adventurers, Explorers & Survival
  • Baseball & Softball
  • Basketball
  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • Bodybuilding & Strength Training
  • Coaching
  • Combat Sports & Self-Defense
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Equestrian Sports
  • Extreme Sports
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Motor Sports
  • Olympics & Paralympics
  • Outdoors & Nature
  • Running & Jogging
  • Soccer
  • Sociology of Sports
  • Sports History
  • Sports Psychology
  • Sports Writing
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Triathlon
  • Walking
  • Water Sports
  • Winter Sports
  • Workouts

This is quite a comprehensive list I’ve gotten from Audible’s website. I’m sure there is something there that appeals to you and everyone in your family.

I’ve been exploring other genres that previously I would not have considered, It has definitely opened up a new world to me. That’s true with Amazon Prime as well. I’ve gotten into some genres that I ignored for much too long.

This is an excellent time for me to re-examine some of the classics I may not have fully understood when they were first introduced to me. Plus there is truly something about having a story read to you. It brings back memories of my childhood — Although I enjoyed being read to, I was eager to learn to read on my own. Now, in my latter years, I’m gravitating back to wanting to have stories read to me. Go figure.

The best thing about Audible or audiobooks is that you don’t need bookcase space. I know for some of you, you enjoy the feel of an actual book in your hands. I personally don’t miss it. I really enjoy having an audible library of hundreds of books without cluttering up my house.

Which is better? The book or the movie? I would have to say it depends on the book and the movie. I would think each offers something unique — it all depends upon you and how you interpret what you’ve read or viewed.

I encourage you to give Audible a try. And leave me a comment telling me your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

 

 

Harry’s Law Starring Kathy Bates

by | Nov 11, 2022

I Like CourtRoom Drama Series And Harry’s Law Delivers . . .

This series may have started with a bit of a wacky decision to build a law firm in a bad neighborhood out of a former shoe store . . . and continue selling shoes on the side . . . And practicing law — taking neighborhood cases . . .

I can honestly say I was quite sad when the second season finale aired . . . I didn’t want to see it end. This does happen to a lot of series and movies. We get caught up in it and want to see it continue . . . But things do play out . . .

I don’t have that much to say about Harry’s Law except that it was a good series that I personally enjoyed. 

It gave me perspective and I would hope others do as well. Things are not necessarily how they appear. We have more in common with one another than not. It’s just circumstances that divide us and that doesn’t make it right. That’s why series and movies are important — not to bash us into seeing things from a different perspective, but allowing us to.

I’m all for allowing others to get a fair shot at what they want to achieve. Sometimes life gives us unpleasant things. . . it’s what we do with it that does make a difference . . . This series shows us just that . . .

I Understand There Was A Third Season, But It Wasn’t Included With The Prime Video Selection With freevee ads . . . 

And I go with what is included at no extra charge. But, of course, we are all free to find a video of the season and purchase it — that is a choice you can make. Not one I’m going to recommend — it isn’t my place to do so . . .

I’m not going to say I enjoyed every episode in this two-season series. I’m not going to say I agreed with the viewpoint in some of the episodes. I am going to say it was entertaining, I did enjoy this series and I believe the writers were sensitive to some issues, As we all may need to be.

We have our beliefs and our priorities . . , they belong to us and should not necessarily be judged as right or wrong . . . It’s just how we are . . . But, I believe it is good to have an open mind and see if there could possibly be another point of view expressed and accepted . . . 

I’m not here to change anyone’s mind about anything. I’m just telling you about a series that I enjoyed watching and I believe you may enjoy it, too. You don’t have to agree with every episode. You don’t have to agree with the outcome. You can view it as I did as entertainment.

I hope you will give Harry’s Law a look to see if you would enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

A Sort Of Homecoming

by | Nov 7, 2022

Coming Home Is A Great Thing . . .

And for Amy, it was taking a step into her past — high school debate team . . . To be honest with you, I wouldn’t want to revisit high school or college . . . But, at times to move forward, we need to take a look back. Perhaps to discover what brought us here and what is truly important.

I’m usually not a fan of movies with flashbacks, but without them, there would be no movie. And we wouldn’t understand why Amy sort of came home. And there would be no point of the movie . . . I’m not into spoilers, but maybe I do need to make an exception in this case.

I wasn’t on a debate team, but I had my share of debates in high school and college courses — something in the curriculum that required this activity across many subject areas. It allowed me to view issues from both sides and to dig deeper into the subject matter . . . Something I value now.

For This Review, I Had To Watch The Movie Again . . . I Did Get Lost At One Point . . .

Amy’s Former Debate Team Teacher Is Ill And Dying Without Family And Granted Amy Her Power Of Attorney To Get Her Affairs In Order

Amy’s life is in New York with her career and traveling, returning to Louisiana was not on her agenda, ever.

But there she was. In Louisiana. At her old debate team coach’s house thinking and reliving the debates she had in high school with Nick, her debate team partner.

I don’t want to give away any more of the story. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. You get a better understanding of Amy and her situation which is obviously more than her high school years.

 

This is a good movie. I’m glad I watched it again. I got lost in a dream scene that caught me a bit off-guard. It is important to pay attention.

The ending surprised me. It seemed to work out. Some loose ends didn’t get addressed, but I suppose a movie rarely gives you all the answers and pieces falling into place.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

Christmas Movies On Amazon Prime Video

by | Nov 6, 2022

Going Home For The Biggest Holiday Of The Year . . .

I’ve noticed Amazon Prime Video has been running Christmas movies since the summer. I don’t mind. It’s always nice to get a taste of the Christmas Spirit throughout the year.

Now, with Thanksgiving just around the corner and of course Christmas on its heels . . . we do need to get into the Christmas Spirit and begin our Christmas shopping and preparations . . . You can do that now, if you didn’t get started during the summer.

I am all for movies about people going home . . . and about authors . . . This movie has both and I did enjoy it. Some moments did make me cringe . . . Especially with the attitude of getting a story and not caring how it may affect others.

I suppose I can understand how important it is to get a best seller . . . But . . . at what cost . . . I can understand how someone can leave a hometown and make it in the big city and never look back. Perhaps even hold on to old hurts from their past . . .

This movie showed how our actions can affect others. It showed how the writer had a lot to learn about herself and those from her past . . . and perhaps future . . .

I’m not into spoilers, so I do encourage you to see Christmas On The Coast on Amazon Prime Video — or sign up for Amazon Prime.

I’ve Watched Quite A Few Christmas Movies Over The Past Few Days

I enjoyed all three of the above Christmas movies. Of the three, I’m torn between Christmas On The Coast and All Good Things . . . But Christmas Child was right in there, too. But I don’t want to disregard A Christmas In Vermont . . .

Of the four movies I’ve seen recently, I would have to say All Good Things was my favorite . . .

So much depends upon what you’re looking for in a movie. Mostly it is entertainment. Sometimes it is a message — maybe not consciously, but we’re looking for some sort of answer. 

A Christmas In Vermont is about a businesswoman who is sent to pretty much liquidate a struggling business. But, of course, once she gets there are meets the people and learns more about the business and the community . . . has a change of heart.

Christmas Child is about a man looking for his real family — he was adopted. It’s a good movie with some wonderful Christmas elements that are quite heartwarming.

All Good Things is about two girls who go to visit their grandparents on their horse ranch instead of their anticipated trip to Hawaii with friends.

But There Is Another Movie You Should See — It’s Not A Christmas Movie

Hidden Figures is about NASA and the need to get a man into space. And how important that was . . . and how ugly our society was towards women and African-American women in particular.

This is well worth watching to revisit history . . . 

I don’t want to be insensitive to anyone. I don’t get political. I just know as you know what is right and what is not. Things in the past, present, and hopefully not in our future . . . It all begins with being aware of the truth and where we stand.

I do hope you’ll watch one or more of these movies to get into the Christmas Spirit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

What Can Be Said For Series?

by | Nov 3, 2022

I’ve Been Hooked On Several Series

It’s interesting how a series either grabs you right off or turns you off within the first few minutes. I suppose this is true for movies as well. It may depend on many factors, but the more important one is what we’re in the mood to watch and whether the storyline or the characters — or it could come down to whether the actors are ones we like or not.

Several months ago I started watching a series and wanted it to be over. There was another one I stopped watching. I do wonder if it was me or the series. I’m leaning toward it being a boring series or at least one that wasn’t right for me.

There are plenty of messages conveyed in movies. I believe series have more opportunities to express a greater variety of messages. And, I’ve read a lot of reviews that told me that people either enjoy the messages expressed or they were not wanting a message but were watching for entertainment.

It makes me wonder about my priorities. I do watch for entertainment. This is when we want to escape the issues of the day. We just want to relax and enjoy a movie or an episode of a series. And, of course, there are times when I am watching for a particular purpose — perhaps to learn something or gain a different perspective — even on an issue I’m wrestling. 

 

Life is complex and so are our interests in what we find entertaining. That’s why I like Amazon Prime Video. There is a selection. I can even choose something to view and a few minutes after viewing decide to watch something else and make another selection. There is no limit to the number of times I can do this. I do have times when nothing interests me.

Of Course, I Promote Joining Amazon Prime And In Particular Getting Into Amazon Prime Videos, But It Is All A Matter Of What Is Best For You And Your Family

I Just Finished Watching 6 Seasons Of Private Practice And Beginning A New Series With 4 Seasons Of Felicity

I may be crazy jumping into another series . . . but it was recommended and I wanted to follow through and see if it is something I may enjoy watching.

To be honest with you, I was surprised by how much I did enjoy Private Practice. I’m not into hospital dramas. I’m not into medicine and all that hospital stuff. But there was so much more that I enjoyed. And the medical stuff did not seem to get in the way. Seriously, this series addressed many issues. Some of the characters had strong opinions on some issues, but they didn’t seem preachy to me. There are always at least two points of view. I find it good and healthy to look at them. I, too, have my opinions. It’s interesting to see where I would fall into their discussion . . . and whether it changed my mind or if I found it more confusing or dependent upon the underlying conditions. 

I was amazed by the number of issues expressed in this series. They were nonjudgmental — some characters may have been very definite in their views, but they were there to provide medical care to their patients and their concern was for their patients to feel comfortable with whatever decisions needed to be made.

It was kind of sad to see the series end . . . but it did end and they did it well. I didn’t feel there were any loose ends . . . but . . . 

I would recommend you look at Private Practice and see for yourself if it is something you’d want to invest so many hours viewing. Of course, there are characters you like better than others . . . and as the series progresses may change your mind . . . It is a journey . . .

Now, for Felicity . . . I just turned to this series and don’t know if I’m going to continue watching. So far, so good. It is about a high school graduate off to college . . . We’ll see how this series unfolds.

It is a major milestone to decide on a course of study and to decide on the proper college — and moving away from home . . . perhaps not following the wishes of your family . . . Is this good and healthy . . . Or is a disaster ready to happen?

I do find it a bit relatable and may find this series quite enjoyable . . . depending where the writers take it . . . I’ll later review it if I find it worthwhile to do so . . .

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

When A Stranger Calls

by | Oct 28, 2022

What Is Scarier — Being Home Alone And Hearing A Strange Sound Or Being Alone In A Strange House?

For me, I believe it is being kind of alone in a strange house. Now in this movie, the babysitter has sleeping children upstairs and a live-in housekeeper who is on the third floor. There is a strange sound and you do discover the housekeeper is feeding the fish in the fish pond. It is also windy outside . . . The house is in a secluded location on a lake. It’s a beautiful place, but isolated and a bit creepy.

Unfortunately, this movie will be leaving Amazon Prime Video soon, so you need to catch it before it is taken away. Hopefully, it will be around for your Halloween viewing . . . I do like the concept of the babysitter and receiving phone calls . . . In a strange house out in the middle of a private lake . . . isolated . . .

You do get this creepy feeling that someone has come into the house . . . A stranger?. . . not likely. The security alarm was set when the owners left for their dinner engagement.

My thoughts turn to the college-aged son who is from the Doctor’s first marriage . . . who comes and goes unannounced to stay in the guest house . . .

And there are previous movies with a babysitter and receiving strange calls and being informed the calls are coming from inside the house . . .

And there may even be an urban legend centering around a similar event . . . of course the location is different . . . but the key ingredients are similar . . .

And then there are the opening scenes of the movie in a place 124 miles away . . . during a carnival-type celebration . . . and a brutal murder — so brutal that they don’t show the crime scene . . . You just know it is something you don’t want to see . . .

It does make you wonder. And I wonder how much to tell from the opening of the movie. So . . . I believe a trailer video would be most welcome so we are all on the same page here.

I Love Movie Trailers — They Give You A Glimpse As To What To Expect . . .

Here’s The Opening Scene Of The Movie To Give You A Flavor Of Perhaps What To Expect . . .

Well, Some People Are Into Spoilers And You Can View Other Videos On YouTube To See Some Scenes Of Interest

I like knowing a bit about the movie to see if I want to view it. I don’t want to know more than is absolutely necessary. I like to be engaged while watching the movie — experiencing things right along with the characters . . . And depending on the story and the direction, I can get a creepy uneasy feeling when things seem a bit odd or creepy . . . And I must say this movie delivers that for me . . . Or I was in a creepy, uneasy state of mind when I turned to watch this movie.

Since this is October, I do have a bit of a Halloween vibe going . . . I’m not into real horror slasher-type movies . . . Yet I did watch one the other night . . . Don’t know if I’ll be talking about it . . . Along with some others, I saw that gave me the creeps . . . But maybe that is what you’re wanting to see . . .

I did enjoy this movie and I do hope you enjoy it, too, if you decide to watch it.

Just Wanted To Give This Post A Bit Of The Halloween Feeling . . .

I know this movie is not a Halloween movie, but it does fit the season of getting the wits scared out of you while you’re watching it and feeling just as uncomfortable as Jill Johnson who keeps getting these annoying phone calls.

I Did Mention Earlier How This Movie Is Based On An Urban Legend — Which Many Times Are Based On Actual Events . . . I Do Have Another Video For You

Babysitting is probably something just about every teenager of a certain generation have done at some time in order to earn some money.

This makes the movie theme so popular and since there was a real crime, it did go well with being an urban legend that would warn other young women to be careful when babysitting. Not to allow a stranger into the house, to turn on the porch light to alert the neighbors that something may be wrong, and not to invite friends over while you’re babysitting.

The 2006 version of the movie was well done, in my opinion. It is a shame that it was based on a true crime — possibly two. But I thought it worthwhile to visit the crime upon which the movie was roughly based.

Thank you for stopping by and I do hope you check out this movie.

Sharon