Opinion

"Read this book!" A richly told coming of age story set in pre-casino Atlantic City, "Mr. Boardwalk" by Louis Greenstein is a brilliant mix of humor and heart.

Sand and Bernie tell what they thought of the movie, "Maleficent," and Bernie digresses on 2014's choice of Best Picture at the Oscars.

With no popcorn at all, Sand and Bernie still can't wait to see the newest X-Men movie.

Two small children survive a bear attack in this gripping novel, "The Bear" by Claire Cameron.

A fast-paced plot, engaging characters and plenty of heat in the romance department make Beatriz Williams' novel, "The Secret Life of Violet Grant" a compelling read.

As their local theater chose not to show this movie, the Pilarski Review Team had to rent the DVD "Philomena."

"Tapestry of Fortunes," a novel by Elizabeth Berg, explores female friendship and healing from loss.

Aging, rediscovery, love, and friendship form the themes in Anna Quindlen's novel "Still Life with Bread Crumbs."

While Bernie gets back in line for more movie popcorn, Sand sneaks in her review of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

Colum McCann never loses his way in "TransAtlantic," a novel about history and the men and women who played such a pivotal role in it.

Cathy Holton's "Summer in the South," a novel about a young woman caught in a dark mystery from the past, explores Southern culture and untangling gossip from fact.

Caroline Leavitt weaves a haunting tale of literary suspense in her novel about a missing child, "Is This Tomorrow."

Hannah Kent bases her debut novel, "Burial Rites," on the true story of Iceland's execution of a woman accused of a brutal murder.

"The Bat" is the first novel in the Harry Hole mystery series by Jo Nesbo. Set in Australia, it is an interesting and twisty introduction to the character Harry Hole.

Deep secrets must be uncovered to solve a mystery and give two brothers a second chance in John Hart's gripping novel, "Iron House."

"The Sentry" is Robert Crais at his best -- a fast paced, twisty plot with lots of violent interactions.

The murders of a man and his family bring a different style of justice in this second Joe Pike novel by Robert Crais.

Can a 90-minute cartoon about building blocks be any good? Well, it depends on what you build with them...

Eleven-year-old Byron and his sister and mother are driving through a summer fog. Something happens that changes everything, and only Byron can make it all okay again. "Perfect" is Rachel Joyce's second novel.

Hoping to get in step with the nominations for the Academy Awards, Bernie and Sand check out the black and white film, "Nebraska."

The first of Robert Crais's Joe Pike novels, "The Watchman," is fast-paced, edge of your seat entertainment.

Christine Smith(McFarlane) writes about issues that will hopefully bring about awareness of what is happening with Canadian First Nations.

"Tracks" is a deeply personal journey into Genni Gunn's childhood memories -- memories triggered by travel.

"Holy Orders" is perhaps Benjamin Black's most darkly psychological novel to date in his acclaimed Quirke series, haunting and resonating with a sense of doom and catastrophe.

Tantalized by the nominees for 2014 Acadamy Awards, Sand and Bernie trundle off to observe "American Hustle."

A convoluted and complex relationship between characters fuels this fifth installation in the Quirke mystery series written by John Banfield.

Dr. John Gray, a British writer, philosopher and atheist, maintains that evangelists have been blight on civilization. Piker staff writer Bernie, who considers himself an evangelist, agrees, and commends the BBC for providing a forum for civil discourse.

Benjamin Black's third novel in his Quirke series, "Elegy for April," sets the disappearance of his daughter's friend in Dublin, as Quirke himself struggles with his alcoholism.

"Pretty in Patchwork" is a book of patchwork sewing projects to last the whole new year.

Merry Christmas popcorn! Let's go see some fine acting by Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks!