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| Mushrooms and moss |
The picture has nothing to do with this post, but I thought it was a good lead-in, and kind of pretty, too. I'm always looking for ways to use pictures I take on my hikes.
Ever since I received the first of the five books I put on hold at the library (out of 14 that Nancy Pearl recommended last Friday), I've been engrossed in reading
Jincy Willett's book,
Amy Falls Down. The link will take you to Willett's website to give you some information about who she is and what kind of books she writes. I laughed out loud several times at certain scenes in the book, and I just finished it tonight and returned it to the library so the next person in line might enjoy it.
On Sunday I went to see
Captain Phillips, a movie starring Tom Hanks as well as an unknown young Somali immigrant, Barkhad Abdi, who had never acted before but got close to stealing the show from Hanks. Although it is based on a true story, there are some controversies that are mentioned in the Wikipedia link above. It's a gripping and well told movie. I was on the edge of my seat and immediately got on the internet when I arrived home to find out more about the story. It's based on a book written by Richard Phillips, the captain who was kidnapped by Somali pirates in 2009. I remember when it was all over the news.
Last night I went to another movie that could not have been more different. An Afghanistan ex-pat, Atiq Rahimi (who also wrote the book the movie is based on) tells the story of a young Afghan woman whose older husband, probably a Taliban fighter, has a bullet wound that has rendered him comatose but alive. As she cares for him, she begins to talk to him in ways she never could before.
The Patience Stone refers to a mythical stone to which individuals confide their deepest secrets. Golshifteh Farahani is almost the only person who speaks in the entire film, and she's astounding in this role. Although the language is Farsi (Persian) with English subtitles, I forgot about it as I grew more and more engrossed in the movie. The lives of women under the Taliban is horrifying to me, and what decades of war has done to these people as well.
So, as you can see, I'm still busy! One of these days my life will settle back down into some semblance of normality. Maybe. Or maybe this is the new normal.
:-)
i like the variety of movies you see. i don't go to theaters any more and barely watch them on HBO these days. but i'll want to see captain phillips. :)
ReplyDeleteCaptain Phillips is in my queue. I just have to wait till it drops. No theaters here closer than a 3 hour trip.
ReplyDeleteI will check out the book. When I hear "laugh out loud", you definitely have my interest. Thanks.
To save money, we don't go to the movies anymore, but we watch them on Netflix on our big screen TV. I am glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteOoh, good ones! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was here earlier...or I should say I attempted to read your post earlier from my blog links and the post didn't load.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I came back. 'Cause I always enjoy your critiques on movies. Will look for these when they come out on video since we rarely go to the theaters anymore.
Excellent choices it seems...and a beautiful photo from your hike.
We rarely go to movies anymore either, but I would like to see Captain Phillips when it becomes available on DVD.
ReplyDeleteAlso checked out your writer link and although I've a stack of books here at home to finish, I will add Jincy Willett's books as ones to check into next.
Glad you posted a review about Captain Phillips. I've been debating on whether to see it. There is quite a controversy going on between the shipmen and the Captain on what really occurred.
ReplyDeleteI've put Amy Falls Down on my list at the library.
ReplyDeleteFact, fiction or somewhere in between, Captain Phillips is a really good movie and Tom Hanks did a remarkable job with the role. Highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteI had already added that book to my must-read list, but I can't remember if it was because you mentioned it earlier or if I read about it somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteI've just moved it up to the top of the list though.
I hadn't any interest in the Captain Phillip's movie but now you've intrigued me.
I always enjoy your movie and book reviews. Someday I might find time to read more than a few minutes a day again.
ReplyDeleteYou are a busy lady these days, I'm surprised you have time for books and movies. You always have interesting books, I wish I could get caught up on my TBR pile so I could add some new ones. Captain Phillips I will wait on until it comes to streaming. The Patience Stone really sounds interesting. I'm glad you mentioned it so I can add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteI've been all off with my blogging, busy, too.
ReplyDeleteI have not watched any movies (except for a couple of kids movies in the living room on chilly, dark weekend evenings) but I just finished reading the 2nd Maisie Dobbs novel. They are short & sweet, interesting enough to draw me in quickly without effort, and they offer just enough history to make them beneficial in the knowledge department. I love the characters.
I like a laugh out loud book - and thank you for another to put on my list! Even though I seem to be knocking off books faster than I ever have before, my book pile & to-read list grow & grow!
The opening photo is really nice DJan and again you give your reviews and book titles. I have always enjoyed Tom Hanks, as he really is a marvelous actor and I do believe he could and has played just about every different role one could think of. Raw emotion shown at its best with him. Will check out some of your new titles - always nice to add material to my reading list. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI added Captain Phillips to my queue. I also want to see the other movie or at least read the book. It may be a good book for our book club. We meet tomorrow. I always like to read your book and movie reviews.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I've not read the book, nor have I seen the movies. I've hear good review on both from others. Will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Movies are in my future, esp these two. Thanks for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll put Captain Phillips on my list of movies to see. I did listen to you and go to see Gravity with ear plugs. It was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBoth sound interesting particularly the second one. It's unlikely to show up in our area though....:(
ReplyDeleteThey all scare me a bit. I'm glad you have done the review; I know what not to see. But I'm glad you're having fun!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
I always take note of what you are reading and watching. ;) Thanks!
ReplyDelete