Book - Laura Resnick's Disappearing Nightly (2005), Doppelgangster (2010) and Unsympathetic Magic (2010)

Okay, so I do usually review books and novels with some sort of following, but I think it's time to make an exception. Laura Resnick's Esther Diamond novels are a must read. Seriously, if you haven't heard of them -- and you probably haven't -- you need to find the closest book store, now.

The premise of the books is that the main character, Esther Diamond, a character actor struggling to make ends meet keeps falling into these mystical situations. The first book it's disappearing magician's assitants and actors, the second book it's the doppelganger of mobsters and this third book it's zombie and gargoyle-like creatures controlled by a Petro Vodou Mambo. Or, an evil voodoo priestess.

The reason I started reading the Esther Diamond series was simply because a friend recommended them to me, and she hadn't steered me wrong in the past. The reason I continue to read the Esther Diamond series? Well, I can't point just one thing out anymore. The characters are so compelling. Esther, as odd as she is, can still be so easy to relate to. You can feel what she's going through and you can tell what she's about to do as she goes from scene-to-scene. Dr. Max Zadoc is a genius and although he has his quirks, you learn to fall in love with him. He'll remind you of your uncle, your father, your grandfather. He's so compassionate, yet he can be fierce. And don't get me started on Detective Connor Lopez. Seriously, Laura Resnick's had me swooning over him since the very first book and chapter-after-chapter, you learn to love him a little bit more. Even the supporting characters are amazing, you start to care for them so deeply that you long to find traces of them in books or scenes where they are not.

Another reason I love the Esther Diamond series is that it's a fantasy, a horror, a monster story taking place in the here-and-now. It's an urban fantasy. Magicians disappear off stage. Mobsters in Little Italy are seeing their doppelgangers. Zombies are present in Harlem. All of this is happening in our world. In New York City to be precise. It's something you can trick yourself into believing could happen anywhere.

The books are all very easy to read, while still being educational. They all go into different mythology or travel different aspects of religions. Like in Doppelgangster, we take a look at the beliefs of different cultures on the topic of doppelgangers. And in Unsympathetic Magic, we look into many different aspects of Vodou beliefs and how all religions have their dark side but that doesn't mean the religion itself is bad.

They read almost like murder mysteries or crime books. You follow Esther and Max as they try to piece together a mystical crime before it's too late. You pick up clues and evidence from Lopez and supporting characters. And honestly, you can't put the book down until you're through. They're very quick reads as well. I read the last book in five hours. And I probably timed around the same for the previous books.

Seriously, I'd recommend these books to everybody. The Esther Diamond series is so gripping and enticing, I can guarantee that no matter what your flavour is, you'll love the books as much as I do. The very first book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read Vamparazzi and I hope Laura Resnick still has many books planned for this series.

Go read them, now!

Movie - Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Alice in Wonderland has always been a very stoner happy movie, no matter which version you watch. This one was cool though because Johnny Depp was in it. He has been in a lot of muffed up movies but this one takes the cake. Speaking of cake, didn't those little 'eat me' cakes look delicious? Even though he played a messed up looking dude he still manages to be one of the most attractive guys in the media. He also made the Mad Hatter seem very real. Yay!!! You go Johnny Depp.

Anne Hathaway also did an amazing job as the White Queen, she is so cute. I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers. In most movies, Queens or royal figures in general are portrayed as mean and bitchy, so it was a nice change to see a Queen who cared about her land and how it was being treated. Though she and Mr. Depp were very good in this movie I would have to say that the best character was the March Hare. He looked like he has had one-too many coffees in his life. But, what made him so awesome was that he was mental and every time he laughed you had to as well. Just one of those laughs I guess.

Good movie, watch it.