Matt's Suggestions For Movies, Books & Music
Movies
It would seem obvious that I prefer books over movies, and that would be true. Every now and then however, a book comes along and soon thereafter follows the movie version that lives up to my expectation. It doesn’t get any better when that happens. For example, Tom Clancy’s first novel, "The Hunt for Red October," eventually became a blockbuster movie and I loved it. And by the way, did you know Tom Clancy was paid a mere $5,000 by the Naval Institute Press as an advance for the book?
As for a movie that I recommend, check out "Lone Survivor." This is a great book written by SEAL Marcus Luttrell who lived to honor his teammates by telling their story of heroism and bravery. It was co-written with Patrick Robinson and together they did a great job. This movie starring Mark Wahlberg was just as good. My ultimate recommendation is to first read the book, then check out the movie.
Movies
It would seem obvious that I prefer books over movies, and that would be true. Every now and then however, a book comes along and soon thereafter follows the movie version that lives up to my expectation. It doesn’t get any better when that happens. For example, Tom Clancy’s first novel, "The Hunt for Red October," eventually became a blockbuster movie and I loved it. And by the way, did you know Tom Clancy was paid a mere $5,000 by the Naval Institute Press as an advance for the book?
As for a movie that I recommend, check out "Lone Survivor." This is a great book written by SEAL Marcus Luttrell who lived to honor his teammates by telling their story of heroism and bravery. It was co-written with Patrick Robinson and together they did a great job. This movie starring Mark Wahlberg was just as good. My ultimate recommendation is to first read the book, then check out the movie.
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Books
Before you start writing you must love reading. Given my writing schedule, I don’t read as much as I’d like, but when I do I read, I check out what’s current and go back to the old standbys, too. For example, I have recently read "Command Authority" by Tom Clancy. It was bittersweet reading that one knowing that with Tom Clancy’s death there won’t be any more.
I also recently reread "The Lions of Lucerne" by Brad Thor a really fun read. I get serious with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand or have a good laugh by reading "Sh*t My Dad Says" by Justin Halpern or think while resting in the restroom by thumbing through "Oxymoronica" by Dr. Mardy Grothe.
Having a young daughter I read kids books a lot. My favorite has always been "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Virginia Lee Burton. Enjoy!
Before you start writing you must love reading. Given my writing schedule, I don’t read as much as I’d like, but when I do I read, I check out what’s current and go back to the old standbys, too. For example, I have recently read "Command Authority" by Tom Clancy. It was bittersweet reading that one knowing that with Tom Clancy’s death there won’t be any more.
I also recently reread "The Lions of Lucerne" by Brad Thor a really fun read. I get serious with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand or have a good laugh by reading "Sh*t My Dad Says" by Justin Halpern or think while resting in the restroom by thumbing through "Oxymoronica" by Dr. Mardy Grothe.
Having a young daughter I read kids books a lot. My favorite has always been "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Virginia Lee Burton. Enjoy!
Music
I love music. I also have been playing the guitar for 20 years. I mention this because the music I enjoy listening to is usually what I play as well. Most recently I have been listening to "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker, "Free Fallin’" covered by John Mayer, "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright III, "Three Marlenas" by The Wallflowers, "Bittersweet" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and "The A-Team" by Ed Sheeran. All of the above are great tunes to play or for just zoning out.
I love music. I also have been playing the guitar for 20 years. I mention this because the music I enjoy listening to is usually what I play as well. Most recently I have been listening to "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker, "Free Fallin’" covered by John Mayer, "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright III, "Three Marlenas" by The Wallflowers, "Bittersweet" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and "The A-Team" by Ed Sheeran. All of the above are great tunes to play or for just zoning out.