It's no secret that I hold a profound admiration for Robert Bloch's Psycho, the 1959 horror novel that screenwriter Joseph Stefano masterfully adapted into Alfred Hitchcock's classic film of the same name in 1960. While my affinity for Psycho and its sequels—excluding the completely unnecessary 1998 shot-for-shot remake by Gus Van Sant, which I prefer to forget—runs deep, my heart truly belongs to Hitchcock's 1954 thriller Rear Window, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Hot on its heels is 1940's Rebecca, a cinematic classic, largely due to my newfound love for Daphne du Maurier's works. And then there's that nostalgic tie between Psycho and 1963 The Birds, a film loosely rooted in du Maurier's short story. The latter, alongside 1964's Marnie, has sparked intense debate over the years regarding the alleged mistreatment of actress Tippi Hedren by Hitchcock—a dialogue ignited by Donald Spoto's The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock (1983) and echoed in Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies (2008). The latter work inspired the BBC/HBO film The Girl in 2012, which escalated claims of Hitchcock's purported sexual harassment of Hedren, a matter fiercely contested among those who worked with Hitchcock and film scholars alike

This backdrop leads us to the recently published A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy ^[*] by Tony Lee Moral, who, as a chronicler of Hitchcockian lore, aims to unravel these lasting narratives. With a fresh perspective grounded in new archival research, unpublished interviews, and a critical reevaluation of existing biographies, Moral challenges the entrenched views that have shaped Hitchcock's reputation over time. He carefully revisits the contentious claims regarding Hitchcock's supposed abuses, particularly scrutinizing Spoto's portrayal of his relationship with Hedren. Through the lens of Spoto's interviews, Moral reveals contradictions within longstanding claims and shines a light on the embellishments and distortions that have tainted Hitchcock's legacy for too long.

Movies are one of humanity's most powerful forms of storytelling. While Hollywood often dominates the conversation, world cinema is a rich tapestry woven by filmmakers from every corner of the globe. From epic blockbusters and artistic masterpieces to groundbreaking animation and innovative independent films, many countries have played a crucial role in shaping the history of cinema.

Let's explore the nations that have contributed the most to global filmmaking and discover why their influence continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

United States: The Global Entertainment Giant

No discussion of cinema is complete without mentioning the United States. Home to Hollywood, the American film industry has become the largest and most influential in the world.

From classics like The Godfather and Casablanca to modern blockbusters such as Avatar and Avengers: Endgame, American studios have defined popular cinema for generations.

The United States leads in:

• Box office revenue
• Special effects innovation
• Global distribution
• Franchise filmmaking
• Film technology

Hollywood's impact extends far beyond its borders, influencing filmmakers and audiences around the world.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

How do you decide which books to highlight on your blog?

My Answer:

I select books that catch my interest, often influenced by the author's name, an intriguing title, or an engaging blurb for various reasons. When it comes to featuring a post in the sidebar, I sometimes randomly choose a post, or I might highlight an older post that I have rewritten or revised.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Key Takeaways:

• Consistent oral hygiene practices are essential in preventing gum disease.
• Dietary choices and lifestyle habits significantly influence gum health.
• Regular dental check-ups aid in early detection and management of gum issues.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, medically referred to as periodontal disease, is a common yet preventable condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It usually develops when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, accumulates on teeth due to inadequate dental care. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, triggering inflammation, bleeding, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. For those looking to better understand gum disease and available treatments, early education is key to prevention.

The early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with prompt attention. However, without proactive management, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Knowing the early warning signs and maintaining healthy habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

Just One More is now available for streaming on Angel. The film is an emotionally charged coming-of-age story that straddles the delicate line between redemption and despair. Directed by the duo of Kaleb Michael Cook and Kyler David Cook, this indie film showcases performances from Emma Filley, Christian McCartney, Lily Brody, and Lance E. Nichols.

The story revolves around Jess (played by Filley), a recovering addict wrestling with the ghosts of her past. Battling against her personal demons, Jess's life intersects with that of Charles (Nichols), a man facing his own mortality, fervently hoping to be of service to the world “just one more time.” This connection leads Jess to a pair of youthful companions, Xavier (McCartney) and Raya (Brody), as their intertwined lives unfold within the confines of both heartbreak and hope. As Jess embarks on this improbable journey, she grapples with the themes of forgiveness and healing, ultimately discovering the strength to reclaim her future from the clutches of addiction.

Angel is more than just a streaming service; it's a community fueled by over 2 million Angel Guild members, each driven by a shared purpose to showcase stories that illuminate the human experience. By joining the Angel Guild, you gain access to a platform that supports stories infused with hope and truth, while also having a say in the films and shows produced. Angel offers a tiered membership structure: Basic with Ads (starting at $12/month), Basic (from $18/month), and Premium (beginning at $20/month), which includes perks like 4K streaming and free movie tickets.

It's been a while since my last Western read. Life's little complications can often overshadow the joy of blogging, and my blog, more of a passion hobby than a primary focus, has taken a backseat amid recent events. My father's surgery in late April has been a significant distraction. As he prepares for another operation, my time and energy have dwindled. It has led to a reading slump that’s been quite the unwelcome guest. But here I am, ready to share my thoughts on The Last Ride of the Dirty Creek Gang by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: ghostwriters. The new Johnstone’s books are notorious for the mystery surrounding their authorship, and I can't help but wonder—who’s really behind the pen? If anyone has insights, I’m all ears. This particular book hails from the March 2026 release batch. With the decline of mass-market paperbacks, we’re now treated to a trilogy of titles every other month, albeit at a steeper price and larger format. My local Walmart has stopped carrying these books altogether, squeezing their book section to a mere shadow of its former self, prompting me to turn to Amazon ^[*]. 

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What’s the quirkiest or most unexpected place you’ve ever read a book, and why?

My Answer:

Unfortunately, I lead a rather boring life, and I have never read a book in a quirky location. I usually read at home in a quiet space. Nearly thirty years ago, I would read a paperback instead of eating lunch in the cafeteria during high school. Does that count as quirky? Probably not.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

Is it just me, or did this week fly by way too fast? It feels like I just posted last week's update, and here I am writing another Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books. I guess there's just too much on my mind, and time is slipping away. Once again, reading has been a bit of a slog for me; I'm pushing through The Last Ride of the Dirty Creek Gang, hoping to post my review sometime tomorrow.

Here's a bit of an update on my father: his checkup with the surgeon went well, which is good enough for the doctor to schedule surgery on his left knee for the 18th of this month. Since the surgery is late in the day, he won’t be released from the hospital until the following day. So, if you don’t see me posting a Friday 56 on the 19th, then you’ll know why.

For my Friday 56, I’ve chosen the newly released Skyring Water by Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour. I know some of you might be wondering, “Didn’t Louis L'Amour pass away many years ago?” You are correct; he passed away from cancer in 1988. However, this isn’t a case of an estate and publisher trying to profit from a deceased author’s name. The novel is co-written by L'Amour's son, Beau, who manages his father's estate. There’s a postscript in the book by Beau, explaining the history of the original unpublished draft written by his father and the process of collaborating with him both before and after his passing. This isn't just a well-edited version of Louis L'Amour's original draft; it reflects Beau’s vision of how the story of Skyring Water might have unfolded had his father lived longer to finish the tale.

Every reader has their guilty pleasures—authors they turn to for a quick escape, even if they know the stories may not be literary masterpieces. For me, that author is Freida McFadden, the pen name of Sara Cohen. I've read four of her books so far, and without fail, I snatch up every new release, promising myself that I'll read them all eventually. This brings us to her latest thriller, The Divorce ^[*], published by Poisoned Pen Press. I picked it up on release day, not intending to read it right away; it was destined for my Freida McFadden shelf, collecting dust for the foreseeable future. However, boredom struck the following night, and I found myself opening the book. Three-quarters in, and I was hooked, finishing it off the next day. Was it a page-turner? Well, that depends on your definition. I was never bored.

The protagonist, Naomi, wasn’t relatable, but her story was undeniably intriguing. I found myself eager to uncover what would happen next. And true to McFadden’s style, the characters rarely are who they seem. The twists and turns, designed to shock the reader, are part of the ride, but I anticipated one of them. Predictable? Absolutely. Yet, that didn’t ruin the fun; the unraveling mystery was a thrill in itself.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

Does the headline “Must-Read Books” grab your attention?

My Answer:

I often come across articles recommending Must-Read Books, but I rarely find myself reading them. Even when I do, I don't feel compelled to pick up any of the books listed. Many of these articles seem overly polished and lack authenticity, and the titles tend to be repetitive. However, if I find a Must-Read Books list on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, I might take a look and note down a title or two if they catch my interest.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

For this week’s Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, I’ve chosen the newly released novel The Divorce by Freida McFadden. Although that’s just a pen name and I’m a bit too lazy to look up the author's real name, I have to admit that McFadden's books are not literary classics. They do have their faults and tend to follow a similar formula, but I can't help but enjoy them as guilty pleasures. 

As many of you know, I haven’t been reading much lately, and I wasn’t planning to read The Divorce right away after picking it up on its release day. However, I ended up reading three-quarters of the book on Wednesday night and finished it on Thursday night before writing this post. You can expect my review to come out this Monday. 

The story centers on Naomi, a woman in her forties who is suddenly forced out of her house by her husband. He is demanding full custody of their five-year-old son and claiming that Naomi is unstable. To make matters worse, he already has a much younger girlfriend. Determined to uncover the truth about this girlfriend, Naomi becomes obsessed with reclaiming her old life. True to McFadden's style, nothing is quite what it seems. There are several twists, some of which are somewhat predictable, but overall, it’s an enjoyable, light read.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What do you think about rising prices for hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks?

My Answer:

Book prices have been gradually increasing over the years, especially after Covid-19. The recent tariffs seem pointless; they shouldn't have affected prices if the books were printed in the USA. But what do I know? I'm just a book lover. I find myself purchasing fewer new books due to rising prices, and I'm now waiting for deals and bargains. However, if there's a title I really want to read, I might still buy it at full price.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

I hope everyone is doing well! You might be wondering where I’ve been. I’ve been busy with a lot of other things besides reading and blogging, which is why I’ve lagged on posts lately. The weather has been unexpectedly autumn-like for the past few days, following a stretch of hot weather that brought heavy rain and multiple tornado warnings. Thankfully, the house and trees are still standing, although there were a lot of branches down from a storm in late April. Overall, it has just been a lot of rain.

On a brighter note, my father is recovering well from his knee replacement surgery. He no longer needs to use a CPM machine and has been using a cane. He has even managed a few walks, despite the rain. He’s feeling good—good enough that he wants to see The Mandalorian & Grogu. So, this afternoon, we’re planning to catch the Star Wars film at a theater in the next county.

For this week’s Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, I’ve chosen the Western novel Silent Stalker by Lane R. Warenski. It’s the fifth book in the Frontier Scout series. The publisher sent me an eBook to review, so it will be my next read or at least the next one on my Kindle.