P-C,

thanks for linking to that article, I'll have to read later. I was entertained by the novel, but when I was done, it felt very slight. No plot movement at all, which is jarring to me after reading a book.

I totally get that, and I'm actually kind of glad I went in having heard your feelings or I might have felt more disappointed. I disagree that there was no plot movement at all, though. Again, I think it's a case of expecting the story to be one thing when it's really another thing: I think the actual plot movement is about the deterioration in relations between the Earth and the Colonial Union. The destruction of the Earth Station and beanstalk is huge. I like that we got to see a lot of Earth's perspective on what was going on, especially since that's missing from the previous books. Plus, the fact that Gau is essentially actively working against the Conclave despite leading it is big. I feel like the book sort of moves a lot of diplomatic pieces around to change the status quo of the universe. I think that was all more meaningful to me because I've read the rest of the books and seen how it's all progressed to this point. Sure, Scalzi dabbled in the relevant exposition throughout the book (multiple times), but it's different from having "been there."

I just finished re-reading American Gods, well technically reading the 10th anniversary edition for the first time. I didn't remember all the details as well as I thought I did, so I wasn't able to really recognize the changes between the editions. Still, it is a fabulous book and enjoyed the re-read.

I don't know about this casting for Gone Girl.

I think that could work, Amy. The character is supposed to be very handsome and charming, even when he is trying not to be. I think Affleck could pull it off. I'm more interested in seeing who the female lead will be.

The place on Tumblr where I found that said Reese Witherspoon is a frontrunner, which I can actually see a little better.

I know Nick was supposed to be good-looking, but in my head he was dirty blonde and a lot leaner than Ben Affleck.

Which I know is the least important thing about getting the character right, but still.

Amy, I definitely see your points, especially the blonde part. I like Reese Witherspoon, but she seems all wrong to me. I can't see her getting to the dark place the character eventually goes to.

I don't know, after Election, I can see it!

That was a long time ago. I haven't seen her do anything like that recently. It's possible I'm just still bitter about Water for Elephants.

Yeah. Although honestly, the book didn't impress me as much as I wanted it to, either.