Donna Freitas: August 2009 Archives

Several weeks back allegations flew across the web that Stephenie Meyer, author of the world-wide book and movie phenomenon, "Twilight," had plagiarized parts of the fourth book in the series, "Breaking Dawn." The accusation came from little known author Jordan Scott, author of "The Nocturne" (also a vampire novel).

The allegations have turned into a full blown lawsuit, filed last week, and reports of the suit have cropped up everywhere, including an announcement in the New York Times this weekend:

"Earlier this month, a lawyer for Jordan Scott, the author of the 2006 vampire novel "The Nocturne," sent a cease-and-desist letter to Ms. Meyer's publisher, Hachette Book Group, that said her work contains many situations that are similar to those in Ms. Meyer's 2008 book "Breaking Dawn," the fourth entry in her series about a romance between a mortal woman and an undead vampire. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in California reiterated those similarities, noting, for example, that both books contained passages about a wedding and an after-wedding sex scene on a beach."

Buffy fans (yes, we are still everywhere and yes, we act as if the show is still on the air--we are a devout bunch) are all abuzz about--dare I say, our favorite?--vampire joining the cast of 'Caprica' which premiers on the SyFy channel in January.

That's right! Spike, that lovable angsty British vamp on Buffy, aka James Marsters, will play the role of terrorist Barnabus Greeley for three episodes, likely more:

"The character is described as an unpredictable villain who often finds himself torn by his conflicting motivations, which are driven by moralistic and yet carnal desires."

Sounds a lot like Spike's character actually. And you did realize when I mentioned "favorite" that I meant Spike? Or do we need to start a Team Angel and Team Spike kind of war like with 'Twilight' fans? And by the way, for those who came to vampire-love via 'Twilight' and not via Buffy like me, you have seven amazing seasons of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' ahead of you on Netflix! And I envy you, whoever you are. I remember the days when I was a Buffy virgin, too.

Today, the New York Times ran an article announcing that Elizabeth Gilbert's long awaited and much anticipated sequel to her bestselling spiritual memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love" is at the publisher and is officially due out in January of 2010. (Woohoo! I count myself a huge fan and can't wait.) In "Eat, Pray, Love. Then What? Get Married," Motoko Rich writes the following:

"A year after completely scrapping a 500-page follow-up to "Eat, Pray, Love," Elizabeth Gilbert's mega-best-selling spiritual travelogue, she has delivered a new book that Viking will publish in January. Titled "Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage," the book is a memoir of a tumultuous year that came 18 months after "Eat, Pray, Love" leaves off, as well as a meditation on wedlock."

In "Comitted," Gilbert, who swore never to marry again in "Eat, Pray, Love," reflects on how she came to marry again--the man she takes up with at the end of "Eat, Pray, Love"--as well as explores the institution of marriage in general through interviews with family members, friends, and others.

Team Jacob (as in Jacob Black, the werewolf hottie best friend of Bella in 'Twilight') fans have long been gearing up for the fall release of 'New Moon,' since it's probably the most Jacob-focused book out of the four in Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight Saga.' The latest 'New Moon' trailer is even a "Go Team Jacob" trailer.

Well, for you pro-werewolf fans, have I got a pair of shoes for you: as seen in the most recent New York Times Style Magazine's "Don't Step On Her Toes," now on the market are--wait for it--werewolf shoes! We are talking shoes with giant werewolf claws extending from them. A little traumatized by this? I know! Me, too. I am both immensely amused and disturbed. I quote:

"For those who run with wolves, Bob Basset, an artist from Kharkov, Ukraine, has created a tantalizing prototype. In addition to their conspicuous claws, his ''leather paw shoes'' have foot pads on the underside (digital, metatarsal and tarsus) so wearers can feel lycanthropic to their very soles."

Though the blurb mentions nothing directly about 'Twilight,' there has got to be a connection to why this artist suddenly decided to make werewolf shoes. I'd be shocked if there wasn't. The real question, of course, is the following: does anyone out there love Jacob that much? Are there any readers who might even consider being seen in these the night 'New Moon' releases? If so, please reveal yourselves!

People have been making fun of me for wanting to see 'Bandslam,' which just showed up in theaters (finally) Friday. I was a little embarrassed to admit that I wanted to see the movie simply because I can't help but adore Vanessa Hudgens of 'High School Musical' fame. Which is the same reason I went to go see '17 Again' earlier this summer (Zach Efron). Fine. I'm shameless.

Though, after just walking out of 'Bandslam' as the credits rolled, I felt like telling passersby on the street to get out of the heat and watch this gem of a high school movie. Imagine a dash of '10 Things I Hate About You,' with the love for alternative music from 'Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist' thrown in, plus (yes, of course), a helping of that feel-good 'High School Musical' charm, and last but certainly not least--remember Patrick Dempsey's turn as the geek in 'Can't Buy Me Love'? Before he became McDreamy?--well meet Gaelan Connell as Will, who's channeling his inner Patrick Dempsey-as-geek for this film. And who knew that Vanessa Hudgens could channel the alterna-chick?

Have you seen the BBC's new tv series, 'Being Human' yet? It's the latest entry in a growing list of television shows (think HBO's 'True Blood' and CBS's one-season wonder, 'Moonlight') trying to capitalize on the phenomenon of people everywhere...

"True Blood" is getting interesting again as it heads into the next four, and final, episodes of this summer.

Seth MacFarlane, creator of "Family Guy," has confirmed that Lois is Jewish and Stewie is gay.