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The Best of 2006 -- and a Contest!

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Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Mon, 2007-01-01 13:36.

Happy New Year everyone!

Here we are at the end of a busy and hopefully happy holiday, and looking forward to a new year. In celebration, I thought I’d do two fun things in my blog: talk about some of my favorite stories of 2006 (movies, TV, books, it’s all game) and run a contest.

As of the winner's announcement above, posted 1/5/07, the contest is over, but the conversation lives on -- feel free to continue to post on this thread...

So, on to my favorite stories for this past year:

TV:

Heroes – I’m a sucker for all things superhero, so this was a given, however it exceeded my expectations in many ways. A really wonderful show.

LOST – This one I offer with some reservations. I love the characters, and was completely hooked in seasons one adn two, though season three so far left me a little impatient. Too many questions, too much backstory backtracking. So, we’ll see how it goes. But I still can’t bear missing an episode, so they qualify.

Bones – Yes Dave Boreanaz is a cutie, and I don’t know what they’re talking about half the time, but I think the character development and chemistry among the entire cast is great.

MOVIES:

Superman Returns A perfect updating of the Superman Saga with potential for more to come. Everything about it was perfect, and superman fans couldn’t have asked for a better follow-up to the Chris Reeve movies.

Stranger Than Fiction. Hands down one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Will Farrell has definitely won my respect. Words I never thought I’d utter, frankly.

The Lake House I don’t know if this was a 2006 movie, I saw it on DVD, but I liked the quirky paranormal romance. It was fun, and different.

BOOKS: (I read a great many more than this, but I’ll stick to the top three…)

Grave Sight Charlaine Harris. I know there is some controversy over this new Charlaine Harris series, but I’m enjoying it. I love Harris’s style and her characters. I even like the somewhat taboo relationship between Harper and her step-brother. I admire any writer who can carry something like that off, and I think she does. I also enjoy the new spin on the paranormal. Good stuff.

Poison Study Maria Snyder. This was a bit of a risk for me, as I love paranormal but I’m not one for pure fantasy, but it was a risk well rewarded. Loved this book, and can’t wait for the next parts of the series. Kudos to Maria for an excellent first book!

Killer Smile Lisa Scottoline. Technically this is a 2004 book, but I read it in 2006, so I’m counting it. Lisa never fails to grab me with her stories. The writing is clear and engaging, the mysteries satisfying, the characters like old friends. KS focused on Mary DeNunzio, maybe my favorite one of the group, and had a surprising end, a clever turn in the story, which I always enjoy.

Now it’s your turn, good luck in the contest, and I wish you many more new and wonderful stories in 2007!

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My favorites

Submitted by Debby236 on Mon, 2007-01-01 14:35.
Hi Sam, I do not go to lots of movies but I did see Casino Royale and did enjoy it very much. I do not have time for much TV but I do watch Judge Judy. It makes me feel good about my own life. For books, I did read two of the books that you listed. The one by Harris and the one by Scottoline. I really enjoy both those authors. I am looking forward to a 2007 populated with lots of fun reading and family time.
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Favorites from 2006

Submitted by Mads on Tue, 2007-01-02 10:30.
Mads:) Wow! It's a hard choice to pick just a few favorites but, I'll try. TV: Smallville, Supernatural, Bones, Numbers, and Ghost Whisperer. If you see a pattern here, you're right. I love anything Sci Fi. Books: I read so many that it's hard to pick just a few but, some of my favorites were: Rebellion by Nora Roberts{ it's the only old book of hers that I didn't have}. Hide and Seek by Samantha Hunter{I'll never forget the jam scene and neither will any of my friends who know me}. Thanks Sam LOL. The Davinci Code{I'm probably one of the few people who read it in just 2 nights}. Movies: X3 The Last Stand{I love Hugh Jackman}, The Davinci Code(I had to see if the movie was as good as the book} Pulse{ I didn't like this movie but, my adopted son took me to see it so, I'm not complaining}. Have a great New Year everyone.
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Favorites of 2006

Submitted by Teresa W (not verified) on Tue, 2007-01-02 21:09.
My favorite tv show is Lost. Can't wait for it to come back on in Feb. My favorite movie of last year would probably have to be The Davinci Code. I don't have a favorite book for last year. I have read so many different ones that are on my TBR pile. Such as Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan- Leadville Lady by Leslee Breene- My everything by Denise Skeleton I'm looking forward to everything in the year ahead!
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This is tough because I

Submitted by OV099 on Mon, 2007-01-01 16:36.
This is tough because I don't watch much new tv or see many new movies. LOL But I can do general. :) TV - CNN, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, I Love Lucy, Star Trek TNG, Star Trek DS9, X-Files, Smallville. Movies - Star Wars Episode III, Empire Strikes Back, Phantom of the Opera, 1995 Pride and Prejudice, and a movie to represent Sean Connery, let's go with the Rock. LOL :) Books - ugh, to pick a couple. Well, let's go with Karen Ranney's Tapestry and Kathleen Woodiwiss's A Rose In Winter. And I'll spare all of you guys from my favorite science books. LOL :) Lois
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The Best of 2006 -- and a Contest!

Submitted by Cheryl S. on Mon, 2007-01-01 16:55.
Happy New Year everyone! My favorites of 2006: TV: Monk, Psych, Men in Trees and I just started tuning in to American Idol this past year. Movies: I'm with you -- loved The Lake House. I've loved the on-screen chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock since Speed. Most favorite movie this year was Akeela and the Bee (about a spelling bee). It was so good that my daughter, who usually doesn't even watch with us, was clapping at the end and this was just watching the DVD. Books: There were so many. The one that stands out the most was Get A Clue by Jill Shalvis but I read SO many good ones this year.
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Hi Cheryl!

Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Mon, 2007-01-01 21:02.

Happy New Year!

I keep hearing about Men in Trees. I loved Northern Exposure, and heard this is a similar show, but with it's own thing, not a rip off. I'll have to try to catch up in repeats if it sticks.

I have to admit, my very favorite new comedies are also The New Adventures of Old Christine which has me in hysterics every freakin' time I watch it, and How I Met Your Mother is very good, too.

I just rented the first DVD of Numb3rs and enjoyed it, so will be renting those and slowly catching up. I like Rob Morrow, he's just very good.

Can you tell I watch a lot of TV? Somehow I manage to make time for that and reading; TiVo and DvDs help!

Sam

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Best of 2006

Submitted by MelissaK on Mon, 2007-01-01 17:37.
MelissaL TV: I love Showtime! DEXTER, BROTHERHOOD and WEEDS kept me highly entertained. Movies: I wait for movies to come out on DVD so I was thrilled to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Books: OMG! I read so many good books I can't list them all. '06 was a great year for new reads! Lots of goodies up for '07 as well. Happy New Year!
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New member

Submitted by orchidlady01 on Mon, 2007-01-01 17:54.
TV: I still love ER and any comedy. My girls and I are into some of the reality TV like Amazing Race, Survivor, Project Runway and Top Chef. Food Network shows are on a lot in my house when my college student is home. Movies: I, too, wait for most to come out on DVD. Haven't seen many lately - The Devil Wears Prada was the last. Romantic comedies are a family favorite including some old Doris Day/Rock Hudson flicks. Books: I cover many genres in reading; from thriller/mystery to romance to chic lit. Anything by Lee Child or Tess Gerritson.
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The best of 2006

Submitted by RW1010 on Mon, 2007-01-01 18:45.
Ghost Whiperer is my favorite TV show!! Currently I'm into the Debbie Macomber Cedar Cove series in paperback. I haven't even gone to a movie in 2006! LOL!! HAPPY 2007 everybody!
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Happy New Year!!! 2007!

Submitted by DawnPeit on Mon, 2007-01-01 18:47.
Happy New Year!!! 2007! Where does the time go? Already a new year and I haven't managed to accomplish everything that I was supposed to from last year...nonetheless, I'm bent on having a great year. Lots of new things to accomplish and gear up for... Moving on now... For T.V.: I'm going with House, and Grey's Anatomy. Greg House is such an a$$ but I like his complex personality. Grey's--who there doesn't have any character flaws? I find it intriguing and compelling in the dramatic sense. I love the chemistry and issues between McDreamy and Meredith. Movies? For the first time, I don't have a fav for 2006. I'm holding tight to some of the other classics. Books? Again, backing out...I've never met a book that I didn't like. I've related to some more so than others but I steer away from ranking them. Like people, each book offers something compelling for me. Enjoying the discussions here, even though I've done more lurking than posting. Cheers, Dawn
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Great subject, I love to

Submitted by Nixie on Mon, 2007-01-01 20:56.
Great subject, I love to review the past year but can’t remember much this year. TV- this was a year some of my old favorites fell from my favor and I started some new ones. My selection is limited as I don’t have cable and do not get NBC or CBS. Ugly Betty- just because! Gray’s Anatomy- my secret addiction. I don’t answer the phone when this is on. LOST- drives me crazy but I’m hooked. House-because I wish so much for a Dr. that would fight this hard to get an answer. And because I know a lot of doctors who do not have a great bedside manner. I don’t need hugs I need answers! CSI Miami-the weekend reruns. I enjoy things like History Detectives and Secrets of the Dead from PBS Movies - Haven’t seen one this year except on TV and nothing stands out. Books - Reading has been slow this year due to vision issues. Lots on my TBR pile and many on my WICB list. Haven’t picked up a Blaze I didn’t enjoy. Currently reading Dirty, by Megan Hart. This is a Spice novel and I am loving it. I guess it is really 2007 but I got it early.
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FAVORITES

Submitted by Joy on Mon, 2007-01-01 21:25.
I am new to your blog but I love to be entertained by reading books-lots of books. I read almost any genre but keep coming back to the romantic ones. TV favorites are 24/Prison Break/and Men in Trees. Movies I enjoyed this year were the Johnny Depp Pirate ones and the new James Bond-he's got potential. I can't name all of the good books that were my favorites but i really enjoyed those by Janet Evanovich, Judith McNaught and Sandra Brown. Gee, I think if they wrote a book about mud, i would read it. I share the books I have read with my mom's bingo buddies and the westerns with my brother but i do have a keeper shelf, and hope to see some of this groups on that shelf in the future. Have a Happy and Prosperous New year.
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CONTEST

Submitted by alissa (not verified) on Mon, 2007-01-01 21:33.
TV - I simply adore "24". This program gets my pulse going and never lets go. I started watching years ago and it is the only show on t.v. that interests me at all. The acting, script, and Keifer all contribute to its success and my devotion. MOVIES - I rarely, if ever go to movies but I do rent certain ones that appeal to me. My favorite movie ever that I saw this year as Mostly Martha and Divided we Fall was a close second. Wonderful, emotional and beautifully portrayed. BOOKS - Tons of books that I enjoyed this year. Farewell Summer by Ray Bradbury, Empathetic and sensitively written. Loved it. Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood, fabulous story which tugs at the heartstrings and is gripping and wonderful. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell, Excellent historical novel set in Italy during the Nazi invasion. Lots more since I read like a fiend.
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BEST OF 2006 and Contest

Submitted by sharon (not verified) on Mon, 2007-01-01 21:40.
TV - House really appeals to me due to Hugh Laurie and the stories, but 24 sets my heart going and it is riveting and my fave. MOVIES - Ones that I love on DVD, since I never go to the theatre, Ravenstrasse, Excellent and moving, Cinema Paradiso is my one and only all time favorite, this movie has it all, beauty, very touching and totally unique in everyway. Can never forget it nor get over the effect it had upon me. BOOKS - The Surrogate by Judith Henry Wall, wonderfully written with a first class story. The Sense of Paper by Taylor Holden is absolutely emotional, fascinating and the best writing I have come across in years. Triangle by Katherine Weber is interesting due to its subject matter and the approach. Loved all these great novels. ALl the best for 2007, Happy New Year!
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I don't usually watch TV,

Submitted by KimW on Tue, 2007-01-02 02:47.
I don't usually watch TV, but I got hooked on Dancing With the Stars. Movies: Two versions of Pride and Prejudice. I love the one with Kiera Knightley. I think I watched it about 10+ times so far. The music adds a lot to this version. Books: Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught - the expanded version. A whole bunch more, too, but that is the first one that came to mind.
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Oh, and LOST. I like that

Submitted by KimW on Tue, 2007-01-02 02:50.
Oh, and LOST. I like that too, although not for the reasons I should. I just like to look at Josh Holloway. I really have no idea what is going on in the story. lol
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CONTEST

Submitted by principessa on Tue, 2007-01-02 02:52.
TV: I am totally hooked on the program 24. Many reasons that it has such an attraction for me: Non-stop action with talented actors whose portrayal is unsurpassed by any other program in existence. The one and only show that I watch. MOVIES: Never go to movies, but rent DVD's infrequently and when I do I enjoy specially selected ones such as: In America, Wonderful acting with a beautiful story that has my entire attention. Nowhere in Africa: Fabulous story with a forcefulness to it and acting that is super. BOOKS: Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli, Love this simple but charming book about families, love and the importance of food. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly is a fascinating book which had my entire attention. The best book that I have read in ages. Realistic portrayal of characters and their plight shown with total honesty and clarity. Abide with me by Elizabeth Strout was compelling and beautiful. A novel about a family and tragedy and change.
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CONTEST

Submitted by traveler on Tue, 2007-01-02 03:03.
TV: House is something that interests me only because of Hugh Laurie. Great mainly because he is subtle and effective in the role. MOVIES: Never go to movies but some favorites that I have rented are: David Copperfield with Christopher Plummer, well done and powerful. The Man who wasn't there with Billy Bob Thornton is unique to say the least. Life is Beautiful is utterly wonderful. Did see this in the theatre when it came out. BOOKS: ALL the numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen is a great story with a tragic premise but well done. The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne is a unusual book with action and well drawn characters which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Messenger by Daniel Silva is wonderful. This author has the best hero and definitely has a way with words.
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Contest

Submitted by Debbie on Tue, 2007-01-02 19:27.
WOW!!! A contest. I love contests. TV--Best of '06 The best of 2006 remains the same as last year for me. CSI, NCIS, and Lifetime movies. MOVIES--Best of '06 I absolutely LOVED One Night with the King and The Nativity Story. They were inspirational and uplifting. not to mention how great it was to see a movie not filled with cursing and gratuitous (?) violence. All the violence in these movies was historically corrrect and done in such a way it was left to the imagination. Also, I loved Cars. Disney/Pixar is a great team for the kids. We now have it on DVD and watch it every single night. Mostly, not all the way through. BOOKS--Best of '06 I loved everything I read. I am looking forward to more great books in 2007. I really enjoyed Janet Evanovich's 12 Sharp, because I went to her signing, while in a post-surgical full leg splint, nonetheless, and that made it all the more special. I have only met one other author before and it was so neat. I just wish she had been able to spend time chatting with us. I really enjoy that about the blog sight is that you all take the time to communicate and respond to comments. Sam you are wonderful with that. Have a super day!!!! Debbie
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thanks debbie

Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Fri, 2007-01-05 00:51.

All the gals here love to talk and take part -- seems like that's part of the fun!

Sam

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BEST OF 2006 and Contest

Submitted by ellie (not verified) on Tue, 2007-01-02 23:17.
TV: House is at the top of my list. Great acting, stories and special main actor Hugh Laurie, an added reason to watch and enjoy. MOVIES: Most movies don't appeal to me but the ones with depth and meaning are great. Mr. Holland's Opus which is one of those and Modigliani which was well portrayed and excellent. BOOK: Love so many books, never have enough reading material. Best ones so far. Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh, great family saga which was memorable. Isabel's Daughter by Judith Ryan Hendricks, loved this book for its beauty. The Road Through the Mountain by Elizabeth McGregor, haunting love story.
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Best of 2006

Submitted by Kathleen on Wed, 2007-01-03 05:40.
TV BONES - (was that new in 2006) I can't remember. Of course I only tuned in because of DB, and wow. Booth vs. Angel and I'm not sure who I'd choose. LOL other favorites were, LOST and PRISON BREAK. Miss it or die. Or kill the bf because he messed up the VCR. I almost forgot STUDIO 60... Best new fall show. Amazing writing. Movies Superman Returns - just saw that on DVD and it was way better than I thought it would be. Perfect sequel to I and II. I can't wait for more installments to that franchise. I'm trying to remember all the movies I did see (LOL).... POTC2, Happy Feet, Eight Below...yep I'm drawing a blank. Rented The Lake House and loved it. Books I discovered Kathy Reichs (thanks to Bones) and I'm loving the books. Different, but great. Being Canadian and living practically on the Quebec border, I find it refreshing to read about places and things I can relate to. Witty and funny. Ryan vs Booth ... are they the same or no. Who cares. Give me one of each. Nora Roberts Circle Trilogy was also great in 2006. I don't read paranormal genres and it was excellent. Nora hardly misses her mark, but those books exceeded some of her recent work and I enjoyed it very much.
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Best of 2006

Submitted by CrystalGB on Wed, 2007-01-03 17:00.
TV- I love Bones, House and NCIS. I watch them every week. Movies- I am a big movie fan. Can't pick a favorite. Books- Sherrilyn Kenyon-Seize The Night and Dark Side of the Moon Lisa Kleypas-It Happened One Autumn
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Best of 2006 and Contest

Submitted by guido on Thu, 2007-01-04 00:18.
TV: Series that I watch since I am crazy about it: 24, everything about this show is terrif. Can't stop the praise. MOVIES: Ray, enjoyed this movie. Don't go often but rent DVD's that are appealing. Dr. Corelli's Mandolin is wonderful and loved it, Nicolas Cage was super in it. Moonstruck I adore simple because it is entertaining and great. BOOKS: SO many wonderful novels that I read. Before I go by Riley Weston, Superb story and great characters. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, great, mysterious and unique. Every secret thing by Laura Lippman, suspense and she has a way with words. In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie, Fab writer and wonderful descriptions.
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The Best of 2006

Submitted by goddessani on Thu, 2007-01-04 19:11.
I don't watch a lot of TV. I still like Grey's Anatomy (McDreamy!) and I sort of watch Lost (Sawyer!). The one new show I'm enjoying (although the critics are panning it) is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. No one does dialogue and plotting like Aaron Sorkin. I was watching an old TV Christmas movie a few weeks ago with a little blonde girl. The more I watched her, the more I kept thinking "I know her." But I couldn't place her. Finally, during the credits I saw her name and I thought, "Oh! Save the cheerleader; save the world." Yes, it was little Claire (from Heroes). Did I go see any movies last year? Hmmm. I saw Night at the Museum on Christmas Eve and it was better than I had expected. It seems like I saw something on vid that I really liked but, unfortunately, I no longer remember what it is. I want to see Lake House, though. Maybe I'll rent it this weekend. Books: Like Sam, I'm a huge Charlaine Harris fan and she never disappoints. I just finished Grave Surprise and really enjoyed it. I wonder if the direction that Harper and Tolliver seemed to be headed is something Harris had planned all along or if it's in response to her critics? Either way, it'll be interesting to see what happens next. I'm soo waiting for a new Sookie book also. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs has to be one of the freshest paranormals I've read this year. I can't wait for more from this author. With all the ghost/were/vamp books out now, she really created her own world. And in categories, I'm enjoying the new NEXT books a lot. I hadn't expected to because they don't all have HEA but they're very "real". Of course, I also liked all the Hot Wire books (Ethan is MINE! LOL) and I'm also enjoying Jo Leigh's latest series.
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Studio 60

Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Fri, 2007-01-05 00:50.

ani, yes -- how could I have forgotten? Studio 60 is brilliant, Mike and I are addicted. It's a fantastic show in general, but for writers, it's a real treat.

Sam

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Best of 2006 and CONTEST

Submitted by beach on Thu, 2007-01-04 22:07.
TV: Mainly dramas, Boston Legal, Loved it from the start, mainly bacause of William Shatner who is great. 24 - love this one, of course, Keifer is the best and the shows are all original and unique. MOVIES: Pride and Prejudice which was so well done. The Notebook was exceptional and had great acting. BOOKS: Ask the Parrot by Richard Stark was entertaining and unusual. Retribution by Jilliane Hoffman was fabulous and written with great insight.
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Best of 2006, contest

Submitted by Betty S. on Fri, 2007-01-05 02:34.
My teenager has been the moviegoer in the family over the Christmas break, seeing three or four new releases with her BF, while mom and dad sit home watching the small screen. I think her favorite of the bunch was We Are Marshall, and I do look forward to watching that one on DVD at some point in the future. TV-wise I love Grey's Anatomy and Bones, and can't wait for some new episodes. I loved Dave Boreanaz in Buffy and Angel, but it's been nice to see him smile a bit more, especially when he's laughing at Temperance's inability to grasp pop culture. Great show, and I hope it sticks around. For GA, Baily and Izzy are my favorite characters, but I can't stand Meredith or McDreamy. He doesn't do it for me, but that scene with McSteamy! Whew! ***still fanning self*** Recent books, I loved, loved, loved Born in Death by JD Robb and am anxiously awaiting the next installment in February. I just finished Sam's newest book, Untouched, and think it's the best of hers I've read. You just keep getting better, Sam! I'm listening to one of the Stephanie Plum novels by Evanovich in my vehicle, which is a huge change from The Fiery Cross and Drums of Autumn by Gabaldon that I listened to before. In my MP3 I've been listening to Haunted in Death, and am undecided about what's up next.
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Contest and TV

Submitted by leeannekenedy on Fri, 2007-01-05 04:44.
C'mon, Sam, did you really think I'd miss out on a free contest?! LOL! If you read my blog you'd know one of my New Year's resolutions is not to get sucked into any more TV shows. 2006, for me, was the year of: LOST--As frustrating as season 3 is, I can't stop watching this show. I honestly think it's one of the best-written shows on television. Plus...Sawyer and Jack, how can I not watch?! Grey's Anatomy--Thanks to a friend I got sucked into that too and had to buy season 1 and 2 on DVD to catch up. To hell with McDreamy. McSteamy is so darn mcsexable I can't NOT mcwatch. CSI---though I really dislike the Sara and Grissom romance... Survivor--yes, I still watch it. General Hospital---another show I can't quit. I can't help it. I love Sonny and Carly. This list could go on for pages. Seriously. This is why I resolve not to get sucked into anything else. Movies: Considering I make my living watching movie previews, going to the theater is usually the last thing I want to do. But I did see Blood Diamond, the Departed and the Holiday recently. Loved them all. Leeanne
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Hmmm... my choices

Submitted by Tawny Weber on Fri, 2007-01-05 10:40.

This was tough - Mostly because I don't remember 2006 anymore LOL.

TV - I don't watch much TV, but try to make a point to see Gilmore Girls on TiVo. I got sucked into Heroes when my oldest daughter started recording it, too.

Movies - Pirates of the Caribean, baby! I LOVE Captain Jack LOL. That was my all-time fave for the year, since I saw it a half-dozen times or so. I also liked The Breakup, and Cars (such a fun love story, eh?)

Books - Oh so many, it's hard to narrow the list down. The top two that come to mind are Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayers launch, Don't Look Down (was that a 2006 release? If not, thats when I read it ) - it was alot of fun to see how Jenny's storytelling shifted when she was sharing the pages. And Nerds Like It Hot, by Vicki Lewis Thompson was a great read, too.

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love prison break and law

Submitted by kim h on Tue, 2007-02-06 17:38.
love prison break and law and order suv
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