2011 Edgar Award Winners announced

The winners of the 2011 Edgar Awards have been announced by the Mystery Writers of America. The awards are given annually to the best of the best in the mystery genre.

Best Novel
The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (Minotaur Books)

Hunger Games News: District 5 cast and big names in the running for roles

Lots going on with the Hunger Games casting. It seems every day brings another casting announcement. Yesterday it was the tributes for District 5. Newcomer Chris Mark will play the unnamed boy tribute from District 5. The elusive Foxface, the girl tribute from District 5, will be played by newcomer Jacqueline Emerson.
Click here for the official Facebook page of the Hunger Games movie to get a visual on each of the tributes.

While casting seems to be focusing on unknown actors for the roles of the tributes, some big names are being thrown around for the remaining roles. Earlier this week, Elizabeth Banks officially signed on as Effie Trinket. Now rumor has it Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, and Lenny Kravitz are up for some of the remaining roles. According to some, Harrelson may have been offered the role of Seneca Crane, Head Gamemaker for the 74th Hunger Games. Where does that leave Tucci and Kravitz? Anyone care to venture a guess?

Hunger Games Update: District 4 Tributes Cast & Effie

More news on the Hunger Games movie cast: Elizabeth Banks is now officially cast as Effie Trinket. The actress had been in talks all week about taking on the role and today it has been confirmed.
Also added to the cast: Ethan Jamieson and Tara Macken as the tributes for District 4.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 Trailer Released

July is still a few months away, but yesterday Warner Bros. released the trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2. This will be the final film in the epic film series based on the now-classic Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Check it out:

Robopocalypse

Book to film news for a book not yet released? Daniel Wilson's Robopocalypse won't be available for purchase until June 7, but the film is already in pre-production. Stephen Spielberg is set to direct, with Drew Goddard already at work on the script. Goddard also penned the 2008 film Cloverfield, as well as episodes of "Lost," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Alias," and "Angel." According to a January article from Vanity Fair, Guy Dyas is working on the project as well. Dyas worked as the production designer for the film Inception. The film Robopocalypse is set for a 2013 release.

I was able to get an early copy of Robopocalypse and will be posting a full review as soon as I finish it.

"Three Cups of Tea" still under fire

Controversy is still surrounding Greg Mortenson and the accuracy of his books, Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools. Yesterday, a former climbing partner claimed to have "misspoken" to Jon Krakauer about Mortenson's climbing experiences. Regardless of the partner's words, Krakauer had numerous sources, including an article penned by Mortenson himself.
Today, I came across an editorial published in New York Times on April 20. The editorial, written by Nicholas Kristof, reserves judgement of Mortenson. I found it to be fair and reasonable. Anyone following the Tea-scandal can read the editorial here.

Noah Barleywater Runs Away

Title: Noah Barleywater Runs Away

Author: John Boyne

ISBN: 9780385752466

Releases: May 10, 2011

In John Boyne’s new novel Noah Barleywater Runs Away, our title character is eight years old when he decides to run away. As he points out, as old as he is, he still hasn’t accomplished anything. Besides that, there are problems at home that Noah would rather not think about. Noah instead journeys through the woods and passes through two strange villages before coming to a third village with a wondrous toy shop.