New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

I have been on a true crime kick as of late, so these two purchases will probably come as no surprise. 

Who Killed These Girls? by Beverly Lowry (goodreads)

I loved My Friend Dahmer when I saw it, and was happy to add it to my movie collection. I also have had this book on my radar for awhile and had the perfect excuse to pick it up this week.

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

A Glass Of Wine At The Movies - My Friend Dahmer

I have something a little different to share on the blog today. It's something that may become a regular thing on here if there is an interest. I was lucky enough to be given the chance to watch a screener of My Friend Dahmer. You may recall I read (and loved) the book just a little while back and was thrilled to be able to review the movie as well.

My Friend Dahmer

Rating: 14A

Director: Marc Meyers

Language: English

Length: 107 minutes

Cast: Ross Lynch, Alex Wolff, Anne Heche, Vincent Kartheiser

Viewing Method: Review Screener

Synopsis: Before Jeffrey Dahmer became a notorious serial killer, he was a shy, alcoholic teen who never quite fit in. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Derf Backderf, this is the true, haunting story of Jeffrey Dahmer in high school.

**received review copy from Mayfair Theatre in exchange for an honest review**

My Friend Dahmer is not your typical true crime inspired film. It has no interest in showcasing the horrific crimes that Jeffrey Dahmer committed. That is just simply not what this story is. It instead offers a dark coming of age story that focuses on who Jeffrey Dahmer was as teenager in an attempt to understand who he became.

This movie is, in a lot of ways, a love letter for fans of the graphic novel that inspired it. Plenty of the scenes are direct recreations of panels within the novel, and they both share a similar tone. The movie being filmed on location (including the Dahmer house) adds something extra to the movie that I feel would have been missing if it had been filmed elsewhere. The setting is almost a character itself and one that makes it all to easy to believe that the warning signs Jeffrey displayed went mostly ignored. The setting also nails the 1970s perfectly. The attention to detail is rather impressive.

Nature versus nurture. It is a question is one that prompts much discussion. This dive into who Jeffrey Dahmer was during the most formative years of his life leads one to wonder if anything could have been changed, or if the crimes could have been prevented. The movie doesn't profess to have the answers. It takes the stance that many things, including something that existed within Jeffrey, made him who he was. It was nature and nurture. The movie, like the novel, doesn't intend for you to sympathize with Dahmer, but it also doesn't portray him as someone that couldn't have been helped either.

Ross Lynch is the, obvious, stand out in the movie. He gives what is sure to be a career changing performance. There is a physical transformation that happens, both in physical appearance and in how Lynch holds his body, that adds another layer to his performance. It is the way he carries himself, with rounded, slouched shoulders and a distinct walk, that are the most evident but there are a bunch of quieter, more subtle choices that are just as effective. He can unsettle with nothing but a vacant stare. It's a chilling, but mesmerizing showcase of Lynch's talent.

The remainder of the cast offer up mostly decent performances. I found Vincent Kartheisers role, even though quite small, to be memorable. It's an important, but not flashy, role. In a movie where everyone will be looking at Ross Lynch's stunning transformation, it is worth noting that the other performances, at times, feel muted in comparison. This works in some cases, but in others it just left me wanting more.

The fact that this teen becomes a man who will go on to kill seventeen people is never far from your mind while you are watching. It is this knowledge that creates the tension that fuels the final minutes of this movie. Fans of the graphic novel will notice some differences to the ending, but the feeling invoked remains the same. It is a turning point that stays with the audience long after the closing credits.

My Friend Dahmer paints a picture of a teen who is lonely, ignored, and uncomfortable in his own skin. It's is all too relatable, and recognizable. It offers an all too human portrait of a monster and that realization may be the most terrifying. It is a movie I'll be thinking about, and discussing, for a long time. It's one I highly recommend if you're a fan of true crime.

My Friend Dahmer's Ottawa premiere is tomorrow night, and is playing exclusively at the Mayfair Theatre for a very limited run. Check out their website for showtimes.

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
Release Date - March 1, 2012

Publisher Website - Abrams
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  230 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

You only think you know this story. In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer—the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper—seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Derf Backderf, "Jeff" was a much more complex figure: a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways, and car rides. In My Friend Dahmer, a haunting and original graphic novel, writer-artist Backderf creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche—a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a goofball who never quite fit in with his classmates. With profound insight, what emerges is a Jeffrey Dahmer that few ever really knew, and one readers will never forget.

My Friend Dahmer is a hard book to review and rate. The author is detailing something that obviously left an enormous impact on them. It is not a fictional account of true events, but a first person account of events as they believe them. My Friend Dahmer makes you want to discuss and unpack what is within its pages, and if that was the author's goal they certainly succeeded.

Those with even a passing interest in following true crime media (shows, podcasts, etc) will have heard of Jeffrey Dahmer and the horrific crimes he committed. This graphic novel is not interested in telling you the story you already know. It doesn't want to rehash the details of his crimes. It, instead, wants to look at his childhood and the path Jeffrey took to becoming a serial killer.

I don't typically read graphic novels, but was glad to have picked this one up when I finished. The art style is captivating and adds another layer to the story being told. The ability to convey emotions with a single image and little to no words is, to me, breathtaking. The story being told lends itself to this style of storytelling. I found myself lingering over images and having to close the book to fully process what was happening, especially as the story grew increasingly dark. It is unsettling in a way that stays with you. It has also made me more willing to check out other graphic novels as I really appreciated the detail and thought that went into telling this story.

The heart of this novel, for me, was a few different things. It reads like Derf Backderf trying to, in his own way, digest and process the reality of someone he, at one point, considered a sort of friend being a serial killer. It also asks the question of whether Jeffrey Dahmer could have gone down a different path. The answer, maybe surprisingly, is yes. Derf Backderf paints a, sometimes, sympathetic portrait of a young man who was quickly being lost to the growing urges inside him. A young man who displayed signs of needing help that were mostly ignored. It never makes apologies or excuses what Jeffrey Dahmer went on to do, but simply highlights the ways in which the adults around him failed to pay attention. Many of the warning signs, like his alcohol abuse, were brushed aside because they were not looked at in the same way they are now. Other warning signs, however, were inexplicably ignored. It, to me, felt clear that he does blame the adults in Jeffrey's life for not paying more attention, and it paints a convincing argument. It was interesting to see this gradual progress and spiral contrasted with what Derf and his friends were doing during this time. It offers this dual narrative that made the story feel surreal at times. It's a great narrative tool, and one that serves this story well.

The novel's ending lingers with you and ensures that you are both unsettled and stripped of any possible sympathy you had felt towards Jeffrey during the novel. It brilliantly lays out a juxtaposition of before and after. There is no going back for Jeffrey from the events that this novel leaves off on, and that is sort of the point. This novel asked if the path taken could have ever diverged onto a new one, and any chance of that happening is lost as the novel ends. It's where this particular story should end for a lot of reasons, but the biggest is that it is the only ending that fits the story being told. The graphic novel format used is successful in creating apprehension and tension in these final moments and perhaps says more than words ever could.

My Friend Dahmer is a fascinating read for those interested in true crime. It offers up a dark coming of age story and asks some pretty thought provoking questions. It offers a different perspective than the usual true crime story, and does it well. It's certainly an unforgettable read, and one I highly recommend.

Halloween Recommendations

Happy Halloween! If you're anything like me you might be debating what to do tonight. Halloween is on a weekday this year so most parties or events happened on the weekend. You might be looking forward to a nice evening in watching a scary movie, or reading a scary book between passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters that come to your door.

I am offering up a few of my personal recommendations for last minute Halloween entertainment.

If You're In The Mood For Something Not At All Scary I Recommend .... 

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It's a classic and perfect family viewing fun! It captures the spirit of Halloween without being scary.

Casper

I am specifically talking about the 1995 version that stars Christina Ricci. It's sweet, surprisingly romantic, and has plenty of humour.

If You're Looking For Something More Scary I Recommend .... 

Practical Magic

A story of magic, sisterly bonds, and offers up the best use of the song 'This Kiss' in a movie ever. It's perfect for those wanting something a little bit darker but not really scary.

Scream

My favourite scary movie. It's fun, scary, and is basically a love letter to the genre. It is one I make sure to watch every October because I love it that much.

The Craft

While may not scary in the traditional sense, this is a darker option for those wanting something with witches this Halloween. It's delightfully campy and is one of my favourite witch movies.

Stranger Things

This Netflix series is family friend, but with a darker vibe (maybe older children). It's filled with characters you'll fall in love with, 80s nostalgia, and is entirely charming. If you haven't watched this I highly recommend it.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins (goodreads)

Scream in book format is how I pretty much describe this one. It's both fun and unsettling. It's a great one to pick up if you're looking for something with the same vibe as Scream but with Stephanie's addictive writing.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga (goodreads)

A boy worries that he'll end up being exactly like his serial killer father in this creepy, and entirely addictive read. It's a three book series which means you'll have something to look forward to during the dreary month of November if you start this series on Halloween.

If You (like me) Are More Scared By Real Events Than Anything Hollywood Could Come Up With I I Recommend .....

Mindhunter

This Netflix show focuses on the start of what we now call criminal profiling. Two detectives begin to interview jailed serial killers when they realized the information from these interviews could provide scientific merit. It's a great character study of both the detectives and the serial killers. It's also a book (for those who would rather read)

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (goodreads)

This is a fast read that focuses on Jeffrey Dahmer as a middle school/ high school student told through the perspective of someone who was friendly with Jeffrey during this time. It's graphic novel format would also be perfect for constant interruptions (to answer the door).

Those are my picks for your Halloween entertainment this evening. What are some of yours? Let me know in the comments as I am always excited to find more spooky books, movies, and television shows to add to my list.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

My mailbox this week was filled with amazing goodies that I cannot wait to share.

First up is the Stranger Things inspired candle I ordered from Novelly Yours.

 The packaging this comes in was super cute! I love the little bookmark, and the candle smells amazing. I used it while binge watching the second season and it was the perfect choice.  I highly recommend this candle shop if you're looking for a fandom inspired scent.

Next is a book I purchased thanks to my current obsession with My Favorite Murder, and Mindhunter (and all things true crime to be honest).

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (goodreads)

This graphic novel looks at a young Jeffrey Dahmer through the eyes of someone who went to middle school/ high school with him. It's an interesting, conversation starting read. It paired nicely with my wine and bath bomb as well.

Lastly, I also received a package that made me squeal with happiness. I was sent an early copy of a book that I am VERY excited about (and it fits the who true crime vibe I have going on this week).

Lizzie by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

I am beyond excited to dive into this one. It is going to be my next read right after I finish the one I am currently reading. It is going to be perfect for the current spooky season. I'll probably live tweet my reading progress with non-spoilerly reactions if you're curious!

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

 Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

So many covers have been revealed as the cover season for books releasing in summer of 2018 has arrived! There have also been a ton of movie and tv show trailers that have released.

BOOK

Cover of Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody (goodreads)

I have been excited about this book since the moment I read the deal announcement. It has a Las Vegas like setting, and what sounds like gangsters which sound make for an interesting read.

I love the cover. It matches the synopsis perfectly.I love the way the cards are incorporated and the colour scheme. It only makes me even more excited for this to be released.

Cover of Katie Cotugno's 9 Days and 9 Nights (goodreads)

Katie Cotugno's covers are always adorable, and her newest is no exception.

I love that it takes plan while the characters are on a European trip. I love that is a sequel of sorts to 99 Days. I am really excited to see what is next for these characters and just to have another Katie Cotugno book to look forward to.

Cover of Side by Side by Jenni L Walsh (goodreads)

It is no secret that I loved Jenni L Walsh's Becoming Bonnie. The sequel (which can be read as a stand alone) has a cover and it is awesome!

It instantly fits the Bonnie Parker that Jenni L Walsh has created. It also hints at the tragic ending to Bonnie and Clyde's story. I am beyond excited to both read this and add it to my bookshelf.

MOVIE/TV

New Stranger Things Season Two Trailer

IT IS ALMOST HERE! We are less than a week away from the second season of Stranger Things. It's been a long wait but this new trailer has me thinking it is going to be more than worth that wait.

The scene where Mike is telling Will that Eleven would 'understand' because she always did. My heart is already breaking at the thought of Mike telling Will about this girl that Will never met. A girl that was so important to Mike and was such a large part of Will's story. I cannot wait for Will and Eleven to eventually meet. They have a lot to discuss. I also love the perfect scene that shows the return of Steve's baseball bat! 

Trailer for My Friend Dahmer (full length)

A teaser trailer for this movie was released and I was hooked. The full length trailer has been revealed and I am even more interested in checking it out.

The buzz is that Ross Lynch gives an incredible and chill inducing performance. The movie is based off a graphic name by the same name written by guy who was friends with Jeffrey Dahmer in high school (played by Alex Wolff in the movie). The book is by Derf Backderf for those wanting to check it out.

I, Tonya teaser trailer

The Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story is infamous. We've all heard about it even if we're not huge figure skating fans. A new movie is set to release, based of a book also titled I, Tonya, and the first teaser trailer has been released.

It immediately sets the tone of the movie. I feel like I know exactly what I am gong to get with this movie and I am excited to see a full length trailer soon!

Mindhunter

I have finished binge watching this series and cannot praise it enough. It's a slow burn that feels like it had the exact payoff that I wanted it to at the end of the season. The characters are all rich and complex. Holden Ford, Jonathan Groff's character, in particular stands out to me. You could have lengthy discussions about the journey his character takes, and the changes that happen over the season. 

There is a chilling set up for the second season (I read that they have plans for 5 with detailed story arcs for all 5 seasons) that has me already counting down the days until I can watch it. There is another serial killer for them to hunt, and plenty more for them to interview.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday

So many exciting things this week! I am so excited about all of these things!

BOOK 

Cover Of The Key To Everything by Paula Stokes (goodreads)

I have been excited about Paula Stokes writing a New Adult novel since she announced that she was working on one. The cover was finally revealed and I think it's kind of perfect.

I like that it is an New Adult novel cover that looks different from a lot of the New Adult covers I have seen. It isn't focused on the sexy aspect of New Adult novels, and that gives me hope for a plot driven story that just happens to include some sexy scenes. I predict this is exactly what Paula will deliver, so it makes me even more excited to get my hands on this.

TV/MOVIE

American Horror Story: Cult Poster #1

Each season of American Horror Story provides creepy, but stunning, poster art. They typically release a few posters (with one piece being the key art for the season). The first one symbolizes the 'hive mind' mentality of cults, and is pretty eye catching at the same time.

It is combing the theme with the clown imagery this season seems to be using. These always make me more excited for the upcoming season and this is no exception.

American Horror Story: Cult Promo #1

After the theme was revealed, they also revealed the first promo/trailer for the season. Again, they typically release a few of these to get people excited. The first one they released was, as expected, pretty unsettling.

It sounds like Evan Peters is doing the voice over, and rumour has it that this season features his biggest role yet in the franchise so I am going to go ahead and guess he's the cult leader. Pretty brilliant if you ask me. I cannot wait to see what else they release to tease this season.

My Friend Dahmer Teaser Trailer 

I have always been fascinated by true crime, and that fascination has been reignited by the amazing My Favorite Murder podcast.

I had heard about this movie when people were gushing about it after an early screening at a recent film festival. Ross Lynch, by all accounts, gives a chills inducing performance in this, and the trailer makes it clear that the buzz was warranted. 

It makes me want to watch this IMMEDIATELY. An official release date has not been revealed, but I am hoping it is soon.

Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer

The most exciting thing to come out of San Diego Comic Con (at least for me). This trailer is EVERYTHING. It has, if possible, made me even more excited for the second season to arrive on Netflix this October. It has certainly made the wait even harder.

The use of the Thriller voice over is perfect, and I have so many questions after seeing this trailer. I am not even going to lie - I've watched it about 20 times since it was released. 

What are you obsessed with this week?