E.H. Nolan's Blog, page 8

'Pride and Prejudice' book review

In case you're having trouble guessing the next star (although a couple of you have figured it out), today's book review might help. Here's my full review Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - but be forewarned, it's not too favorable. It's not my favorite of her works. . .

'Alone Time' book review

Believe it or not, it took me an entire year to read Stephanie Rosenbloom's memoir "Alone Time". It was written in seasonal sections, as Rosenbloom took an entire year to garner her material. She chose a different city for each season, traveled alone, and then wrote about it. So, it seemed only fitting that I read one section during each season. Check out my full review!

Happy New Year!

What better way to celebrate the new year than with a couple of book reviews? Okay, there are probably better ways, but for the sake of this website, we're going to pretend.
One more Christmas book: Winter Stroll (the sequel to Winter Street)
The Time Keeper - as we start a new year, you might want to read about the invention of time...

The Next Star

All good things must come to an end, so unfortunately, we must close out Keira Knightley's week. All 33 of her reviews are now posted to her page, in case you missed any during the holiday season. I hope you had as much fun as I did!
Now, it's time to give you your next clue:
The first Star of the Week for 2025 is another great beauty. She played the same Jane Austen heroine as Keira Knightley, sixty years earlier! Let me know if you know who she is in the comments below, and come back on Saturday to find out if you're right.

12 Days of Christmas Movies

It's my favorite time of year at Hot Toasty Rag! (Although, posting the Rag Awards is really exciting. And I love when I get to honor one of my favorite actors.) It's time to celebrate Christmas with our Stars for the next 12 days. Keira Knightley's week will resume on December 26th, but for now, enjoy our latest addition to our holiday movies page. The full list is quite long now!
1.  Christmas with Thelma RitterMiracle on 34th Street2.  Christmas with Edward G. RobinsonLarceny, Inc.3.  Christmas with Joan BennettLittle WomenWe're No Angels4.  Christmas with Kirsten Dunst and Susan SarandonLittle WomenNoel5.  Christmas with Shelley WintersWhoever Slew Auntie Roo?6.  Christmas with Bette Davis and Glenn FordThe Man Who Came to DinnerPocketful of MiraclesThe Gift7.   Christmas with Keira KnightleyThe JacketLove ActuallyThe Nutcracker and the Four Realms8.   Christmas with KidsHoliday HeartsThree Wise Men and a BabyChristmas Next Door9.   Christmas AmnesiaTime for Them to Come Home for ChristmasChristmas on My Mind10.   Christmas PerformancesA Holiday SpectacularA Christmas Melody11.   True Love Rituals for ChristmasLet It SnowA Kismet Christmas12.   Destination ChristmasWinter WeddingWinter in Vail
A very merry Christmas to you all! 

Star of the Week: Keira Knightley

The waiting is over; the time has come to put your hands together, tip your hat, and raise your glass to celebrate our final Star of the Week for 2024: Keira Knightley!  I don't know if anyone out there is as excited for this week as I am, but I've loved rewatching all her movies to honor her at The Rag. It's been the perfect end to the year.
To start off, head on over to her page to read reviews of The Duchess and A Dangerous Method, her two greatest performances. You can also watch a video clip of the former. Come back every day for two new reviews, and enjoy!

Winter holiday books

When the year comes to a close, I typically don't read too much in the final month. There are Christmas movies to watch and cookies to bake, after all! But every once in a while, I'll read a wintery holiday book. Check out my reviews for Mr. Miracle, A Christmas Story (written by Richard Burton), and Keturah and Lord Death. 

Julie Christie books

I haven't read any biographies on Julie Christie, but that doesn't mean I don't have any books to share. She made a few adaptations, so check out the original works behind Fahrenheit 451, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Doctor Zhivago. Enjoy!

The Next Star

Julie Christie's week has come to an end, and all 23 reviews are now posted to her page. We're at the end of the year, so this will be your final clue. I hope you've had as wonderful a time with our 2024 Stars of the Week as I have. For me, this has been my most enjoyable year in Rag history! Who have been your favorites, or are there Stars you'd like to request for the future? Leave your comments below, as well as your guesses for our next Star, whom we'll start honoring on Tuesday:
Our final Star of the Week for 2024 is also our Christmas Star! She’s my favorite modern actress, and in my opinion, the most beautiful woman on the planet. How is she connected to Julie Christie? She played the same role in a classic Russian story 40 years later. How is she connected to Christmas? You can hold up signs telling her you love her, because at Christmas you have to tell the truth. . . (You can also find her prancing about in a famous holiday ballet.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Obviously the main event today is the food - and a very happy Turkey or Tofu day to you all! In case your plans involve a movie and you're not quite ready to pop in the Hallmarks yet, check out our little list of Thanksgiving movies here on the Rag.