Cadillac Records & Shem Creek

Last week I watched Cadillac Records. Yet another movie I chose for the actors and not the story. I hope you can follow me on this, the story was GREAT but the movie was okay. Cadillac Records is about the true story of Chess Records. Leonard Chess found and cultivated such talent as Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry and Etta James. The story of how Chess Records came to be and how all of these great musicians dealt with the growing and changing times during American history was full of drama and intensity. If you love music then I highly recommend this movie. This movie honestly helped me to understand where all of our current (and even classic) music comes from. These guys influenced the Rolling Stones, the Beatles...and too many others to list. If you're a music lover then check out this movie. You won't necessarily love the movie but you'll love the story and appreciate music just a little more. If you know me well then you know that I love nerds. I'm a sucker for them. That's my "type". I even have a t-shirt that says I "heart" nerds. Well, Adrien Brody is 6'1" of pure nerd and one of my top celebrity crushes! He played Leonard Chess, the founder of Chess Records...and I've been a fan of his for a LONG time. Beyonce played Etta James and she was so atypical (translation - not Beyonce) that I actually enjoyed her. Give it a shot. It is a truly great story and one that every music fan should know. As for my most recent book, I just finished Shem Creek by Dorothea Benton Frank. I am head of heels in love with Dot Frank. She is so funny! I always enjoy and appreciate a funny book but a funny, southern, chick-lit book...it just doesn't get any better than that! Reading books by Dot Frank is like visiting a friend that I didn't know I had. I went to Charleston and Myrtle Beach with my parents when I was 12. I swear that reading these books is like reading something from a pen pal that I kept in touch with over the years. I don't feel like I'm reading a novel...I feel like I'm hanging out with some friends. She's so stinking funny! I love that the books slowly intertwine and connect. The stories are not continuous but the characters keep popping up in the books. It's just great fun. I haven't started the fourth book yet. Right now I'm reading a hysterical book sent to me by a dear friend. I can't wait to pass it along. I haven't decided who should receive it yet but it's super fun and easy so keep a look out because it might be headed your way!