Films
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Juliet Ashton seems to have everything going for her. She is an up and coming London writer and enjoys the attentions of a rich American beau, but she is struggling with her memories of WWII and finding her place in society in the aftermath. One evening, she receives a letter from a stranger, Dawsey Adams. In the letter, Adams explains that he lives on the tiny British island of Guernsey, where he farms and is active in a book club that was founded during the German occupation. Somehow, he got a copy of a book Juliet used to own, and he wrote to her address hoping for help in procuring more books for the club. Juliet is immediately intrigued and begins a lively correspondence with Adams. Hoping for material for her next writing project, Juliet travels to Guernsey. As she gets to know the book club members, she realizes they are dealing with hidden secrets and sorrows left from a war that isn’t over for them yet. Love and healing come as Juliet’s own heart is captured by the island and its people.
British costume dramas are my favorite movie genre so it was fun to get a chance to watch a new one! The plot wasn’t anything special, but the acting was very good (appearances by some of my favorite British actors!) and the story line dealing with the (true) occupation by the Germans of a British island is fascinating. Definitely recommended.
Note: the film is currently available on Netflix and hasn’t been released on DVD yet. You can get the original book here, which is on my list to read soon!
The Dating Project
In an age when online dating gives us endless possibilities, singles are still struggling to find meaningful and committed relationships. This documentary follows Professor Kerry Cronin of Boston College as she gives her annual dating lecture and assignments. In parallel, we get to witness the struggles of several American singles, ages 18-40, as they search for authentic relationships. Engaging, relevant and well-paced, this film articulated the issues my peers and I face. It’s an excellent education on how the dating scene has changed, and also gives practical suggestions on how go about this whole relationship thing. I was challenged and encouraged! I would recommend this to single young adults and parents/grandparents who want to understand the joys and struggles of dating today.
Christopher Robin
A young Christopher Robin has his last party with his friends in One Hundred Acre Wood before leaving for boarding school. He promises to never forget Pooh and company, but as he grows older, marries, goes to war, has a daughter and gets a job, these old memories are far from his mind. Now, Christopher works long days trying to please his boss while his wife and daughter miss him at home, feeling like he doesn’t care about them anymore. It takes a visit from his old friend Winnie the Pooh for Christopher to rediscover joy in his life. The plot sounds rather lame on paper, but the movie was well done, funny, nostalgic and engaging for all ages.
Note: this movie is not out on DVD yet. I watched in the theater on a $5 Tuesday. Check your local theater’s deal days or second run theater to see if this is still playing.
Thor: Ragnerok
Thor makes it back to Asgard only to find Loki impersonating their father and running everything to his taste. Thor forces Loki to go back to earth with him to find Odin. Odin tells them that his impending death will release their sister, Hela, the goddess of death. She will try to take over Asgard and then the world. Will Thor and Loki be able to work together to defeat Hela or will their rivalry lead to defeat? This movie was tons of fun: witty lines, great acting, an exciting plot, good pacing. I’m not a Marvel nerd, but have seen several of the movies in the franchise and this was one of my favorites. Recommended!
Books
The Lord of the Rings
I first listened to Rob Inglis’s performance of the complete, unabridged epic in 2003. The story captured mine and my siblings’ hearts in a way no book had before. The shadow, the darkness, the terror, the joy, the humor, the varied characters exhibiting all kinds of courage, the poetry, the message that the smallest person, faithfully doing the next right thing, can change the course of the world……there is no other novel quite like it. Inspired by Tolkien’s characters, I too was able to find the courage to make it through a difficult season of change in 2004. Since then, I have re-read parts and watched the movies countless times. This year I felt the urge to re-listen to the entire trilogy. I am awed again by Tolkien’s use of words and images, the flow of the narrative, the complicated plot, the world and language he created and above all the endearing characters. I am in the midst of a season of change again, and re-visiting Middle Earth has helped me keep the big story in perspective, encouraged me to keep on, and kept me company on all my drives this summer. Experiencing the unabridged trilogy is a must for all book lovers. I love the audiobook version because it keeps me from getting bogged down in Tolkien’s wordy style. Rob Inglis is a master narrator and he even sings all the songs!
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