When Broadway Went to Hollywood, by Ethan Mordden was both funny and frustrating. The 'powers that be' often tried to make musicals without the music that made the show popular. They wanted 'names' in the lead roles, not really caring if that person could sing or dance (or, in a few cases, even act). (Exceptions include Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald). Songs might be reassigned to a character who has no reason to sing said song. This happened over and over. Why? It does not make sense, and often ended up in an expensive, over blown, muddled version of the show. I chuckled over the author's description that producers (most of them musically illiterate) "sorta kinda" followed the original story. Oh, and one producer? He actually said "that rainbow number has go to go" from The Wizard of Oz. (p. 152) A few were done well such as The Music Man and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

The recommendation for Home to Woefield, by Susan Juby, came from Canadian Reader, who laughed so hard it brought on a coughing jag. While I did not laugh that hard, I did enjoy this tale of a city girl (but seriously into local foods, being 'green', etc.) who inherits a farm and sets forth with all kinds of ideas to make it work. There are some decidedly quirky characters, including Bertie, the sheep.

Here's the second in the Mystery of the French Countryside books by Martin Walker: The Dark Vineyard. Many wonderful wines are made in the area, all with small vineyards and local workers, but bigger companies have taken an interest and are offering to buy the locals out. There is a fire (was it arson?) and a beautiful young woman, and, of course, bodies. Again, well written, with a wonderful sense of place.

Reading Hermit With Dog