Who doesn’t like a good mummy story? Certainly, Jonathan E. Lewis (son of former DAPA-EM member Steve Lewis) does. He writes an informative introduction to the history of mummies and supplies insightful comments before each story explaining why the story was included in this fine collection. I was familiar with Poe’s “Some Words With a Mummy” and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Lot No. 249” but most of these stories were new to me. I especially liked Frank Belknap Long’s “The Dog-Eared God” and the two Sax Rohmer stories: “The Cat” and “The Whispering Mummy.” If you’re looking for some suspenseful Summer fiction, Ancient Egyptian Supernatural Tales will wrap you up in thrills and chills! GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction by Jonathan E. Lewis
Part I: The Genre’s Origins
Excerpt from The Mummy by Jane Webb Loudon
“Some Words with a Mummy” by Edgar Allan Poe
“Lost in a Pyramid” by Louisa May Alcott
“Lot No. 249” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Excerpt from Jewel of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker
Part II: The Weird
“The Vengeance of Nitocris” by Tennessee Williams
“Smith and the Pharaohs” by H. Rider Haggard
“The Dog-Eared God” by Frank Belknap Long
“Tarbis of the Lake” by E. Hoffmann Price
“The “Soul of Ra-Moses” by Frank Murray Reynolds
Part III: The Extraordinary and the Exotic
“The Wings of Horus” by Algernon Blackwood
“A Descent Into Egypt” by Algernon Blackwood
“The Lost Elixir” by George Griffith
“The Cat” by Sax Rohmer
“The Whispering Mummy” by Sax Rohmer
Notes for Further Reading

Sophie, an orphan in a shabby orphanage in England, is reading at 3 A.M. when she sees a giant. And, of course, the giant grabs Sophie and takes her to Giant Land. There Sophie learns that there are other giants who delight in eating children. Her giant, the BFG, is a Big Friendly Giant. Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book from 1982 doesn’t quite come to life for Stephen Spielberg in this new movie. Mark Rylance plays the BFG to perfection. Ruby Barnhill portrays the lovable Sophie. The hungry giants are suitably grubby and crude. But Spielberg sanitizes Dahl’s The BFG and takes much of the fun out of it. The script, by Melissa Mathison, doesn’t have the magic of E.T. GRADE: C+

The Great Game begins with the death of Mycroft Holmes. Lavie Tidhar wrote this odd steam-punk novel back in 2012. England is ruled by alien lizards. Intelligent machines are on the rise. Humans battle the forces of darkness. Set in the early 20th Century in some weird alternate reality, a retired spy named Smith is reactivated to find out who murdered Mycroft Holmes. Two female agents join Smith in his investigation. But despite the battle scenes and the addition of Harry Houdini to the mix, I found The Great Game an overstuffed sausage. In this case, less would have been more. GRADE: C+

“What is wrong with you?” asked Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC when Anthony Weiner showed up for an interview. Weiner follows the disgraced former New York congressman as Weiner tries to resuscitate his political career by running for the Mayor of New York City. Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg were given unprecedented access to the candidate. And, trust me, there are dozens of cringe-worthy moments in this documentary. Weiner begins with optimism and hope. Anthony Weiner’s beautiful, intelligent wife–Huma Abedin (an aide to Hillary Clinton)–supports her husband’s bid. But, we all know the Titanic is heading for the iceberg. Weiner’s previous sexting with women on the Internet (while his wife was pregnant) is suddenly eclipsed by new revelations of Weiner sending photos of his “private parts” to women like Sidney Leathers. The Weiner campaign goes into crisis mode.

Why did Weiner send photos of his penis to women on the Internet. Why did Weiner call himself “Carlos Danger”? Why did Huma Abedin stay with Weiner? Weiner doesn’t answer these questions. But watching this a slow-motion political train-wreck on an epic scale took my breath away. GRADE: A

I’ve been a fan of Alastair Reynolds’s work for years. Reynolds writes intelligent Space Opera with compelling characters and inventive plots. Subterranean Press, one of my favorite small press publishers, has just published Beyond the Aquila Rift: The Best of Alastair Reynolds in a mammoth, 768-page tome. If you haven’t read any of Alastair Reynolds 14 novels of Galactic adventure, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. If you want to sample some of Reynolds’s work, this is a great place to start. I highly recommend this wonderful collection!
Table of Contents:
◦ Great Wall of Mars
◦ Weather
◦ Beyond the Aquila Rift
◦ Minla’s Flowers
◦ Zima Blue
◦ Fury
◦ The Star Surgeon’s Apprentice
◦ The Sledge-Maker’s Daughter
◦ Diamond Dogs
◦ Thousandth Night
◦ Troika
◦ Sleepover
◦ Vainglory
◦ Trauma Pod
◦ The Last Log of the Lachrymosa
◦ The Water Thief
◦ The Old Man and the Martian Sea
◦ In Babelsberg
◦ Story Notes

For the past few Forgotten Music posts, I’ve featured songwriting duos: Groffin & King,, Mann and Weil , Greenwich and Barry, and Bacharach and David. Doc Pomus and Mort Schuman wrote some of my favorite songs from my youth: “Teenager in Love” by Deon and the Belmonts, the classics by The Drifters–“Sweets for My Sweet,” “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me”–and hits like (Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame.” Do you have a favorite Pomus & Schuman song?
TRACK LIST:
Disc: 1
1. Sweets for My Sweet – the Drifters – the Drifters
2. Little Sister – Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley
3. A Teenager in Love – Dion & the Belmonts – Dion and the Belmonts
4. School of Heartbreakers – Ral Donner – Ral Donner
5. Don’t You Dare Let Me Down – Conway Twitty – Conway Twitty
6. Turn Me Loose – Fabian – Fabian
7. Pajama Party – Bobby Pedrick Jr. – Bobby Pedrick JR
8. Angel Face – Billy Fury – Billy Fury
9. You’re Teasing Me – Lavern Baker – Lavern Baker
10. Teenage Heartache – Ray Peterson – Ray Peterson
11. Foxy Little Mama – Little Tony and His Brothers – Little Tony and His Brothers
12. (You’ve Got) the Magic Touch – the Platters – the Platters
13. Seven Day Weekend – Gary U.S. Bonds – Gary U.S. Bonds
14. Souvenir of Mexico – Ben E. King – Ben E. King
15. Comes the Day – Rusty Lane & the Mystics – Rusty Lane & the Mystics
16. Sorrow Tomorrow – Bobby Darin – Bobby Darin
17. Boogie Woogie Country Girl – Big Joe Turner – Big Joe Turner
18. I Ain’t Sharin’ – Sharon Jimmy Darren – Sharon Jimmy Darren
19. Two Fools – Frankie Avalon – Frankie Avalon
20. Misery’s Child – Richard Hayes – Richard Hayes
21. The Snake and the Bookworm – Cliff Richard – Cliff Richard
22. Sun Glasses – the Shades – the Shades
23. You Be My Baby – Ray Charles – Ray Charles
24. Spanish Lace – Gene McDaniels – Gene McDaniels
25. You Never Talked About Me – Del Shannon – Del Shannon
Disc: 2
1. Surrender – Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley
2. The Tiger and the Mouse – Connie Francis – Connie Francis
3. Don’t Fly Away – Jan & Dean – Jan & Dean
4. Go, Jimmy, Go – Jimmy Clanton – Jimmy Clanton
5. If You Need Me – Dave Sampson – Dave Sampson
6. I Count the Tears – the Drifters – the Drifters
7. (Since You’re Gone) I Can’t Go on – Bobby Darin – Bobby Darin
8. Carryin’ That Load – Ray Charles – Ray Charles
9. Stampede – Danny Valentino – Danny Valentino
10. Kiss and Make Up – the Crowns – the Crowns
11. Teenage Tears – James Darren – James Darren
12. I Need a Girl – Big Joe Turner – Big Joe Turner
13. Your Other Love – the Flamingos – the Flamingos
14. Would You Stand By Me? – Billy Fury – Billy Fury
15. Hey Memphis – Lavern Baker – Lavern Baker
16. Ginny in the Mirror – Del Shannon – Del Shannon
17. A Texan and a Girl from Mexico – Anita Bryant – Anita Bryant
18. This Magic Moment – the Drifters – the Drifters
19. Havin’ Fun – Dion – Dion
20. Once Upon a Time – Ricky Valance – Ricky Valance
21. Footsteps – the Skyliners – the Skyliners
22. People Gotta Talk – Ersel Hickey – Ersel Hickey
23. Hushabye – the Mystics – the Mystics
24. I’m on Fire – Tommy Bruce & the Bruisers – Tommy Bruce & the Bruisers
25. I Dig Girls – Bobby Rydell – Bobby Rydell
Disc: 3
1. Hound Dog Man – Fabian – Fabian
2. Too Hot to Handle – Jimmy Simmons – Jimmy Simmons
3. Little Ship – the Delicates – the Delicates
4. (Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame – Del Shannon – Del Shannon
5. Doin’ the Best I Can – Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley
6. Rag Doll – Jess Conrad – Jess Conrad
7. Lonely Avenue – Ray Charles – Ray Charles
8. Sweet Talk – Bobby Comstock & the Counts – Bobby Comstock & the Counts
9. I’m a Man – Adam Faith – Adam Faith
10. So Close to Heaven – Ral Donner – Ral Donner
11. Say the Word – Mickey & Sylvia – Mickey & Sylvia
12. It’s Been Nice – Marty Wilde – Marty Wilde
13. Too Good – Little Tony & His Brothers – Little Tony and His Brothers
14. Love Roller Coaster – Joe Turner – Joe Turner
15. Senor Big and Fine – Lavern Baker – Lavern Baker
16. Wait – Jimmy Clanton – Jimmy Clanton
17. Happy Time – the Skyliners – the Skyliners
18. My Island of Dreams – Clyde McPhatter – Clyde McPhatter
19. Mess of Blues – Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley
20. It’s Not True – Ricky Valance – Ricky Valance
21. (Wake Up) Miss Rip Van Winkle – the Tibbs Brothers – the Tibbs Brothers
22. Music Man – Danny Valentino – Danny Valentino
23. Plain Jane – Bobby Darin – Bobby Darin
24. I’ve Cried Before – Dion & the Belmonts – Dion and the Belmonts
25. Save the Last Dance for Me – the Drifters – the Drifters

Cass Sunstein wrote this love letter to Star Wars after watching the Star Wars series with his young son. Sunstein reminisces about seeing Star Wars (aka, A New Hope) for the first time. He actually rates the movies in the series:
1. The Empire Strikes Back (A+)
2. Star Wars (aka, A New Hope) (A)
3. Return of the Jedi (A-)
4. Revenge of the Sith (A-)
5. The Force Awakens (A-)
6. Attack of the Clones (B-)
7. The Phantom Menace (C+)

Sunstein’s enthusiasm for all things Star WArs infuses every page of this slim book. If you’re a fan of Luke, and Leia and Han Solo and Yoda you’ll enjoy Sunstein’s insights and cheerleading for these iconic movies. What’s your favorite Star Wars movie? GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Preface
Introduction: Learning from Star Wars

EPISODE I: I AM YOUR FATHER
The Heroic Journey of George Lucas

EPISODE II: THE MOVIE NO ONE LIKED
An Expected flop Becomes the Defining World of Out Time

EPISODE III: SECRETS OF SUCCESS
Was Star Wars Awesome, Well-Timed, Or Just Very Lucky?

EPISODE IV: THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT STAR WARS
Of Christianity, Oedipus, Politics, Economics, and Darth Jar Jar

EPISODE V: FATHERS AND SONS
You Can Be Redeemed, Especially If Your Kid Really Likes You

EPISODE VI: FREEDOM OF CHOICE
It’s Not About Destiny or Prophecy

EPISODE VII: REBELS
Why Empires Fall, Why Resistance Fighters (and Terrorists) Rise

EPISODE VIII: CONSTITUTIONAL EPISODES
Free Speech, Sex Equality, and Same-Sex Marriage as Episodes

EPISODE IX: THE FORCE AND SOME MONOMYTH
Of Magic, God, and Humanity’s Very Favorite Tale

EPISODE X: OUT MYTH, OURSELVES
Why Star Wars Gets to Us

Bibliographical Note
Acknowledgements
Notes
Index

Back in 2003, the Hallmark Channel presented a made-for-TV movie called Mystery Woman. It featured Kellie Martin as Samantha Kinsey, an owner of a bookstore specializing in mystery books, who gets involved in solving real-life mysteries while applying the lessons of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. The pilot was aired in 2003 and then 10 more episodes followed from 2005 to 2007. As most of you know, the Hallmark Channel does not dabble in cutting-edge films. These Mystery Woman episodes are frothy fun. If you’re looking for light entertainment, I’d recommend the Mystery Woman series. GRADE: B
EPISODE LIST:
1.Mystery Woman (pilot) – directed by Walter Klenhard, first aired August 31, 2003
2.Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend – directed by Mark Griffiths, first aired January 7, 2005
3.Mystery Woman: Snapshot – directed by Georg Stanford Brown, first aired January 28, 2005
4.Mystery Woman: Sing Me a Murder – directed by Stephen Bridgewater, first aired February 25, 2005
5.Mystery Woman: Vision of a Murder – directed by Kellie Martin, first aired June 5, 2005
6.Mystery Woman: Game Time – directed by David S. Cass Sr., first aired August 21, 2005
7.Mystery Woman: At First Sight – directed by Kellie Martin, first aired January 21, 2006
8.Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery – directed by David S. Cass Sr., first aired March 18, 2006
9.Mystery Woman: Oh Baby – directed by David S. Cass Sr., first aired August 19, 2006
10.Mystery Woman: Redemption – directed by David S. Cass Sr., first aired November 6, 2006[1]
11.Mystery Woman: In the Shadows – directed by David S. Cass Sr., first aired January 13, 2007

Diane called me attention to this list in the latest issue of Parade Magazine which gets delivered in our Sunday Buffalo News. It’s an eccentric list. I’ve read about 60 percent of the books. Some books, like When Breath Becomes Air and The Lion and the Mouse, I’d never heard of. You can find a downloadable list of these books here.  How many of these books have you read?  What titles did Ann Pratchett omit?

1940s:

# 1 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn-Betty Smith
# 2 Brideshead Revisited-Evelyn Waugh
# 3 The Hero with a Thousand Faces-Joseph Campbell
# 4 All the King’s Men-Robert Penn Warren

1950s:
# 5 The End of the Affair-Graham Greene
# 6 Foundation-Isaac Asimov
# 7 Charlotte’s Web-E. B. White
# 8 Invisible Man-Ralph Ellison
# 9 The Old Man and the Sea-Ernest Hemingway
# 10 Fahrenheit 451-Ray Bradbury
# 11 The Long Goodbye-Raymond Chandler
# 12 A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor
# 13 Lolita-Vladimir Nabokov
# 14 Giovanni’s Room-James Baldwin
# 15 The Civil War by Shelby Foote
# 16 The Once and Future King-T. H. White
# 17 Nine Stories-J. D. Salinger

1960s:
# 18 Night-Elie Wiesel
# 19 The Rabbit Quartet-John Updike
# 20 Mastering the Art of French Cooking-Julia Child
# 21 To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
# 22 The Moviegoer-Walker Percy
# 23 The Bell Jar-Sylvia Plath
# 24 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest-Ken Kesey
# 25 Silent Spring-Rachel Carson
# 26 The Structure of Scientific Revolutions-Thomas S. Kuhn
# 27 A Wrinkle in Time-Madeleine L’Engle
# 28 The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
# 29 Where The Wild Things Are-Maurice Sendak
# 30 The Autobiography of Malcolm X-Alex Haley
# 31 In Cold Blood-Truman Capote
# 32 The Double Helix-James D. Watson
# 33 Slaughterhouse-Five-Kurt Vonnegut

1970s:
# 34 Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee-Dee Brown
# 35 Burr-Gore Vidal
# 36 Song of Solomon-Toni Morrison
# 37 Suttree-Cormac McCarthy
# 38 The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy-Douglas Adams

1980s:
# 39 Collected Stories of Eudora Welty
# 40 Housekeeping-Marilynne Robinson
# 41 Maus-Art Spiegelman
# 42 A People’s History of the United States-Hward Zinn
# 43 So Long, See You Tomorrow-William Maxwell
# 44 A Perfect Spy-John le Carre

1990s:
# 45 The Things They Carried-Tim O’Brien
# 46 All Over But the Shoutin’-Rick Bragg
# 47 The Secret History-Donna Tartt
# 48 The Stone Diaries-Carol Shields
# 49 The Collected Stories of Grace Paley
# 50 Last Train to Memphis-Peter Guralnick
# 51 The Color of Water-James McBride
# 52 Harry Potter Series-J.K. Rowling
# 53 American Pastoral-Philip Roth
# 54 Interpreter of Maladies-Jhumpa Lahiri
# 55 On Writing-Stephen King
# 56 Speak-Laurie Halse Anderson

2000s
# 57 The Blind Assassin-Margaret Atwood
# 58 Old Filth-Jane Gardam
# 59 Collected Poems-Jane Kenyon
# 60 Consider the Lobster-David Foster Wallace
# 61 Never Let Me Go-Kazun Ishiguro
# 62 Team of rivals-Doris Kearns Goodwin
# 63 We Tell Ourselves Stories In Order To Live-Joan Didion
# 64 What Is the What-Dave Eggers
# 65 Brother, I’m Dying-Edwidge Danticat
# 66 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian-Sherman Alexie
# 67 The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao-Junot Diaz
# 68 The Lion and the Mouse-Jerry Pinkney
# 69 Wolf Hall-Hilary Mantel

2010s
# 70 New Selected Stories-Alice Munro
# 71 Collected Poems-Jack Gilbert
# 72 The Patrick Melrose Novels-Edward St. Aubyn
# 73 My Name is Lucy Barton-Elizabeth Strout
# 74 When Breath Becomes Air-Paul Kalanithi
# 75 Brown Girl Dreaming-Jacqueline Woodson