"Summer and the City"

I wasn't so impressed with Candace Bushnell's first prequel book to the Sex and the City series, The Carrie Diaries (see my review here -- I've since revised the rating from 8/10 to 7/10). So does the continuation of Carrie's story about her first arriving in New York City fare any better? Let's see...

I'm going to try to review Summer and the City with as few spoilers as possible. Suffice it to say that throughout the book Carrie begins hanging out with a couple of her best friends from the TV series and meets one of the men featured in the very first episode (now your brain is ticking over wondering who it is!).

Reading this novel very much helped to reconcile the previous book with the TV series version of Carrie. She makes a brief trip back to Castlebury and a few of the hometown characters from The Carrie Diaries stumble onto the pages of Summer and the City, but mostly to explain why they're never mentioned in the TV series. They're brought up to be dismissed.

Carrie deals with the issues of reinventing herself in New York City. The other characters, with their varying personalities, represent the different choices of who Carrie could become. Should she assume a fake identity, like one of her friends who's lying to her fiance? Will she crumble under the pressure of New York and have to crawl back home in disgrace? Has she changed in the big (Big, ho ho!) city? Is she a snob for no longer respecting her previous small-town existence?

These questions were answered in a believable and well-written way. I also enjoyed the struggles and self-doubt in Carrie's quest to become a writer -- I could relate to this all too well! Although quite painful in spots, Carrie doesn't give up on writing and of course, we know that's the right decision from what her future holds.

I felt much more compelled to keep reading in this second instalment of the prequels. Overall, I'd suggest reading The Carrie Diaries only so you fully understand Summer and the City. It's the questionable main course you must suffer through to earn your dessert. And what a dessert it is.

Rating: 8/10.

Have you read Summer and the City yet? Do you agree?

"The Carrie Diaries"

So, is The Carrie Diaries all it's cracked up to be? I set out to answer this question.

I call myself a massive fan of Sex and the City and its writer, Candace Bushnell. I've won myself two box sets of the TV series, own the deluxe wedding collection edition of the first movie, soundtrack of the second movie and several of Candace Bushnell's other novels. I've even themed my blog and hens' weekend around the show. Why then, when the author released a book about main character Carrie Bradshaw's high school years did I wait so long to read it?

I was scared.

Well, scared and lazy, but mostly scared. After the epic crapness of certain moments in the Sex and the City 2 film (formerly mortal gay enemies, Stanford and Anthony, getting married, Charlotte and Miranda's terribly patronising confessional about how privileged mums have it so tough, etc), I was afraid this book might suck hard as well, especially as a prequel. How can you ever create suspense in a book where the audience knows the ending? Deeply suspicious.

I've now read it and can tell you, it being a prequel isn't a problem, as the only character you'll recognise from the TV show is Carrie, so Bushnell was free to take the other characters where she liked -- swapping partners, killing them off, whatever. Actually, I lie. Without being a spoiler, one of Carrie's three New York City besties makes a cameo appearance in the novel and it's a doozy. One of the best parts of the book, in fact.

The downside, I've gotta say, is that young Carrie sometimes feels like an imposter. In several scenes, she's dishing out cookies to her boyfriend, whipping up coq au vin for her family and generally making like a regular Martha Stewart. Remember her neglected kitchen in the series, using her oven as storage, telling Big that fondue was the only recipe she'd ever mastered? Hmm. It feels like her voice is right, but certain character traits are inconsistent with the TV series. Young Carrie on the swim team? Really?

If you ignore these nit-picky details though, it really is an enjoyable story. It accurately captures in-depth aspects of female friendships, manages to tie up all lose threads of the storyline without being too predictable and keeps delivering action at a steady pace.

Rating: 7/10.

What did you think of The Carrie Diaries? Rate it or hate it?

Blake Lively to Star in New "Sex and the City" Movie?

Rumour has it Blake Lively is to star in a new Sex and the City movie, a prequel based on The Carrie Diaries about a young Carrie Bradshaw.

I was sent the link to the Grazia magazine story last night. I'm in two minds about this one. I have to admit, I haven't read the book (although I've read a few other novels by Candace Bushnell), but Gossip Girl's Blake seems a decent choice to play young Carrie.

My main concern is going back in time with the story. While it's nice to think that the series won't end on the last ho-hum movie effort, I have an innate suspicion and hatred of prequels. How can you build up suspense when the audience already knows the ending to the story?

The rumour is apparently already being quashed by Blake's people, but maybe the movie project is still a goer. What do you think? Do want or don't waste my time?

Sex and the City Guide to New York

The sequel to my Sex and the City Guide to Paris, this is my ultimate guide to channelling Carrie Bradshaw in New York. Whether holidaying there soon or daydreaming for now, BYO Mr Big and keep calm and Carrie on! 

A Sex and the City trip to NY just wouldn't be the same without visiting...

1. Carrie's apartment: 'Nuff said, really. Essential.
2. Conde Nast Building, Times Square: Mecca for magazine groupies like me, this building is home to Vogue, where Carrie lands a writing job after her breakup with Aidan. Cue getting drunk with new boss Julian, being called "Cookie" incessantly and him dropping his pants in the Vogue accessories closet!
3. Central Park Boathouse Restaurant: Nervous to impress each other, Big and Carrie end up falling in the pond here while on a date in episode 48, "Cock a Doodle Do". I wonder how many couples reenact that scene here each week?
4. St Mark's Comics in East Village: Carrie dates Wade, the man-child who runs this comic book store and still lives with his parents. Given Adam's massive collection of Spiderman and Iron Man action figures (or "dollies," as I call them!), this is a site we could both appreciate!
5. Oniels Bar, Soho: Miranda bumps into Steve, who invites her and Carrie to the grand opening party of hip new bar, Scout, jointly owned by Steve and Aidan. Carrie sees Aidan here for the first time since their breakup.
6. Staten Island Ferry: Carrie dates a pee-loving politician after travelling with the girls on this ferry to judge a firemen calendar competition. Best Samantha quote after spotting dumb-but-f*ckable firey, Ricky: "Hello 911? I'm on fire"!
7. Patricia Field: Covet Carrie's fashion? Shop here at the iconic costume designer's store for the wildest, Carrie-flavoured clothes imaginable or buy Patricia Field online here.

I can't wait to visit all these and more (next year?) in New York, the Big Apple of my eye!

Sex and the City Guide to Paris

I've been dreaming of Paris lately, creating an ultimate wishlist themed on Sex and the City's final two episodes, An American Girl in Paris (parts une and deux). Soon, pretty city, soon!

I'd love to follow in Carrie Bradshaw's footsteps and visit:

1. The Dior Store: Site of an embarrassing tumble and losing her namesake necklace, Carrie shops up a storm here to compensate. Sigh, wish I could do the same, but there's always window shopping!
2. Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris: Carrie stays with her Russian lover, Aleksandr, at this top-notch hotel before Mr Big sorta rescues her. It now offers a Sex and the City package, including daily continental breakfast for two, cosmopolitan cocktail, red Plaza Athénée umbrella and delicious cake offered in room upon arrival. All this starting from 3800 Euros, which when converted to Australian dollars roughly works out to holy shit!
3. Eiffel Tower: Aleksandr's daughter may dismiss it as hideous once the evening light show kicks in, but how could I resist?
4. Le Kong Restaurant: This ultra-chic restaurant is where Carrie lunches with the Russian's ex-wife, Juliet. Check out the futuristic web site.
5. Ladurée Patisserie: Remember the scene with Carrie eating French pastries seated beside the sad-looking dog? This is the place. Check out the books, postcards and new beauty collection online.
6. Galerie Nationale Du Jeu de Paume: Who didn't have a knot in their stomach watching Carrie wait for Petrovsky in the art gallery and miss her book party with her French fans? This is the spot, housing contemporary art exhibits.
7. Pont des Arts: Romantic site of the final scene between Carrie and Big, this bridge would be another must-see. Here, Big tells Carrie that she's the one. Magic.

With any luck, the city of Paris will soon be avec Beck!

The Search for Carrie Crafts

Imagine handmade corsages, pink cupcakes and a collection of Carrie-like jewellery... I was searching for instructions for craft projects like these recently to make for my Sex and the City-themed hens' weekend. An extensive Internet search revealed a severe shortage, surprising considering I wouldn't be alone in my huge Carrie craft crush!

I have since found a post on Hostess {with the Mostess} blog, which has some truly delightful party themes and entertaining ideas. The post contains gorgeous free printable labels (shown in the piccy above on cupcakes and napkins). I wish I'd found these in time for my hens' celebrations, but I managed to DIY some cute creations on my own, which I'd like to bring to you in the coming weeks. I think frankie magazine's quirky craftiness has inspired me a little, so I'm going with it!

I'm hoping the projects will be useful for gift ideas, hens' nights/weekends like mine, party decorations or to spread a little SATC love in your life and home. I'm also open to suggestions, so if there's anything you'd like me to try making and then share the instructions, just let me know.

Let's Carrie on crafting together!

Playful Pastimes From "Sex and the City"

Bored with your same old spin class on Mondays and cooking class Thursday nights? Try some hot new hobbies, Sex and the City-style!

Freelance writing is the perfect excuse to trial activities you've been too lazy/self-conscious/afraid to attempt before. You can always trot out the old "I'm a writer -- it's for a story" line as a get-out-of-jail-free card if you mess up. My obsession with road-testing the latest craze means this is ideal for me, both giving me a reason to try new things and a handy source of fresh story ideas. I can think of no better source of inspiration than Sex and the City.

While Carrie and co. aren't the stay-home-and-play-Scrabble types, they have been known to explore the world beyond sex, shoes and shopping. Here's a sampling of their extra-curricular interests...

Yoga: Featured in several episodes, including the one in which Samantha has a crush on her celibate yoga teacher (Season 1, "The Drought").
Psychic Readings: Charlotte wants to know if she'll ever marry (Season 1, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful").
Drag Queen Bingo: Samantha runs into an ex-boyfriend who's now her drag queen alter-ego (Season 2, "Old Dogs, New Dicks").
Tantric Sex Classes: Charlotte convinces the other girls to attend a tantric lesson after a partner falls asleep during the deed (Season 2, "Was It Good For You?").
Horse Riding: Charlotte "gets back on the horse" (literally) after a traumatic riding accident as a child (Season 2, "Ex and the City").
Tap Dancing: Charlotte takes up classes during her divorce from Trey (Season 4, "Change of a Dress").
Flying Trapeze: Carrie trials trapeze for a story she's writing for Vogue (Season 6, "The Catch").
Karaoke: The girls sing "I Am Woman" in the "Sex and the City 2" movie.

I can't tell you the number of tantric lessons I've attended. Just kidding! But some of these I have tried before (helllooooo, horse riding, karaoke and yoga). Some I'm keen to attempt (tap dancing, psychic readings and drag queen bingo). Some scare the crap out of me (flying trapeze and tantric lessons, that'd be you).

For the ones I'd realistically consider, I feel some story ideas coming on...

Can you remember any other SATC hobbies? What would you secretly like to try?

A Rant on "Sex and the City" Critics

Well, Roger Ebert may be a brand-name movie critic, but he certainly despises our four brand name-toting gals...

"Some of these people make my skin crawl. The characters of "Sex and the City 2" are flyweight bubbleheads living in a world which rarely requires three sentences in a row. Their defining quality is consuming things. They gobble food, fashion, houses, husbands, children, vitamins and freebies. They must plan their wardrobes on the phone, so often do they appear in different basic colors, like the plugs you pound into a Playskool workbench."

You can read the full review for yourself. Now, I understand that not everyone has to love what I love, particularly the male species, but please, a little respect! And it's not just Jolly Roger, the bad reviews are flying in thick and fast, with female reviewers among the most vicious: "If this is what modern womanhood means, then just fucking veil me and sew up all my holes. Good night." (Lindy West, "Burkas and Birkins".)

Never fear folks, misogyny is alive and well and living in the hearts of movie critics. Perhaps I'll do a 180 when I view it this weekend, but I suspect the movie isn't as bad as all that. What I do suspect is that critics have taken its release as an opportunity to launch a full-scale assault on pretty, fashionable, successful women, especially ones that -- gasp -- have the audacity to talk about sex in a way that isn't entirely complimentary to men.

And for your info, Schneebert, if the characters rarely speak three sentences in a row, it's called concise, witty, fast-paced dialogue. Aren't you movie munchers supposed to eat that shit up? (Hey, you introduced the food metaphor, bucko.)

Now, I wouldn't mind all the hatin' on Sex and the City if it was anywhere near mirrored by popular sentiment about male-centred TV shows and movies. Let me get this straight, SATC is bad, but Two and a Half Men and Everybody Loves Raymond, two of the worst comedies ever to grace our boxes, have been run-away hits. What. The. Fuck?

Inexplicable, until you take a look at their subject matter: making fun of/hating women. The former, concentrating on the exploits of an incurable playboy (on screen and off), the latter, "hilarious" jokes about the mum having PMS/a nervous breakdown/a fit about having to do all the housework. Comedy gold, apparently.

Let's take a movie example: James Bond. Don't get me wrong, I love me some 007 action, but many of the scathing remarks about my four NY city chicks could equally be levelled at Mr Bond. He's a 2-dimensional man-whore spouting lame-ass puns at every turn and boy, does he consume things. Just replace Gucci with gadgets and the comparison is complete. But every time he pops up on the silver screen, we love him. This BBC article even asks, is it okay to hate James Bond? Nope, because he's a man. Note to self: man, good, Manolo bad.

So, I can't force you to adore Sex and the City, before you go criticising, imagine if the gender roles were reversed and consider if you'd be quite as nasty. That's all I ask. That way, you won't off-Fendi me.