Well, it's been a while since I've read this book, but I think I liked the Grandma, and I actually have no idea who I'd cast to play the parts! Maybe Lauren Graham as Stephanie - I think she'd be really good, because she talks so fast.

Melanie Lynne Hauser | September 19, 2005 10:53 PM

The last book I read that made me laugh out loud was David Sedaris's "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and I have to say I am right along with having to admit that I was laughing my butt off reading this.

I nearly choked when she saw the car blow up, and the way she reacted to that was classic. "Honey, you only have one eybrow"

Also, when she was arresting the naked man. "Bounty Hunter brutality." That was GREAT!

My favorite character would probably be the grandmother as well. I loved her with a passion. She was so brilliant when she shot the gun. Loved her. After her, Morelli is next. He's got a sexy, bad boy thing going on that was much more appealing than Stephanie, for me at least.

Who would play..?
Stephanie...She has to be a stocky brunette. I'm thinking maybe...Megan Mullally? Don't laugh, what do you think? I think she'd be great.

For Morelli, what about Mark Wahlberg? He'd be great at playing that kind of guy.

Ranger...I'm thinking someone older...ugh. This is a hard one. The Rock maybe? I hate him, but..maybe?

As for Lulu...she's larger? I don't know HOW larger it was supposed to be intended. Ugh, this is a tough one. I'm drawing a blank, sorry.

Fun, fun book!

steve | September 19, 2005 11:15 PM

I loved Stephanie for all her bumbling and normal-person-ness and because she's the star of the book. I also loved the grandma. She seemed to really be enjoying life. I really liked Cousin Jimmy (I think that's his name). He was thoughtful and a good friend to Stephanie. The whole cast of characters was great...all very life-like. It was easy to picture each one because each one reminded me of someone I've met at some point. I have to admit that I really wanted her to hook up with Morelli and was a little disappointed that she didn't.

As for who would play each character? I could see Sandra Bullock playing Stephanie. She does a good bumbling act. I think Mark Wahlberg is a good call for Morelli, Steve, although I was picturing someone a little more Italian looking, a little more smoldering...maybe Jimmy Smits or Benjamin Bratt. For Lulu...I'm drawing a blank. Have to give that one some more thought. Ranger...I don't know the actor's name, but he played the boss to Don Johnson on Miami Vice...he was a good hardass.

Amy J | September 20, 2005 05:37 PM

Sandra Bullock for Stephanie
Matthew McConahoweveryouspellit for Morelli
The Rock for Ranger
Queen Latifah's body with Jackee's personality for Lula

Dell | September 20, 2005 10:51 PM

It's perfect I found this blog now bc I'm actually reading this book for the first time. I'm trying not to read all the comments though bc I'm not done..yet. Therefore, I gotta hold off on the casting question.

Janet | September 21, 2005 07:55 PM

I read this a couple of years ago after having it recommended by a friend. I've now read through #8. Grandma is my favorite character, too-- I see her as Bea Arthur's mother on the Golden Girls. I don't particularly like Morelli--he's too full of himself woman-wise. I'm happy to hear it's being made into a movie--I'd thought it would make a great TV series. I tried a non-Stephanie book by Janet E. (title of which eludes me completely)which I couldn't get into, and put down after 20 pages or so.

Beth | September 24, 2005 05:34 AM

Is there a way we can keep people like that from posting? I'm already 100 pages into Time Traveler's Wife; it's great! So sensitive.

steve | October 4, 2005 07:32 PM

I'm late in responding to this, but I think I'd cast the movie as follows:

Stephanie: Sandra Bullock
Joe: Benjamin Bratt or Victor Rivers
Grandma: Estelle Harris or Della Reese
Lula: Queen Latifah
Ranger: Denis Arndt

Ok, so this probably why I don't work for a casting agency. But, I do agree with Amy J & others about Sandra Bullock. She can play bumbling, but bright any day. Reese is good, but I don't see her being as comical.

I actually like Joe, because he's unapologetic for the most part & that's endearing to me for some reason. Anyhoo, he'd have to be played by an actor who is alluring & charming, while being despicable & sexist.

As for Grandma, I orig. thought of Estelle Harris, because she's a younger version of Estelle Getty. So either she or someone like Della Reese - sharp & nurturing in the same breath.

I agree w/most that Lula should be someone w/a lot of personality. Why not Queen Latifah? She's pretty versatile.

Ranger is absolutely a strong character & Denis Arndt has played many law enforcement/boss types.

Ok, that's all; I'm done now. I plan to begin Time Traveler's Wife shortly. Whew!

Paula | October 5, 2005 02:32 AM

I enjoyed this book as a light entertaining read. It was my stress-relief book after a draining week and I enjoyed it as such.

I agree with previous comments that Stephanie could be played by Sandra Bullock - that's who I pictured in that role. My second choice would be Drew Barrymore with dark hair. She can be cute and bumbling too. I'm a loss for the rest of the characters.

I think my favorite character was Stephanie. Maybe because the focus was mostly her so I felt like I knew her best. I also loved the grandmother and would have liked to see more of her. I love that she shot the turkey (or was it ham?) - that was my favorite scene of the entire book.

Lucy.

Lucy | October 11, 2005 06:51 PM

I read this book because I found this blog and thought the book sounded interesting. I didn't read it, but I listened to it in the car and I can tell you that I laughed my ass off most of the time. I thought it was a great book, funny, it had a plot and Stephanie is a piece of work. Its amazing how she just misses death and it doesn't even seem to phaser here. You would almost think that she is a ditz. I love the Grandma. They should all be like that. Full of life and not really caring what people think.

Tom | October 13, 2005 12:31 PM

this is not related to the book discussion

(i know, i'm sorry--this is terrible)

i thought it'd be a waste to post a new entry just to ask anyone if they've seen Thumbsucker yet..?

ana | October 13, 2005 04:42 PM

I really loved the book but at the same time it was raunchy.

My favourite character besides Stephanie was Grandma and when she shot the turkey.

One part I didn't find believable was the relationship with Morelli. She falls for a guy who molested her as a child? Gross!

steph | October 15, 2005 07:08 PM