Book Reviews

The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway
I first read this book as mandatory reading in 7th grade English literature class. It was fun reading then, since I lived in Key West Florida and would talk to the fishermen each day on my way home from school. Looking at their catch of the day, dreaming about the romance the sea brings. The second time was reading the book to my sons for their bedtime story. The last time was very recently while on vacation. What I find so compelling about this book is the power of the human spirit, the strength of wildlife, and lastly the elements of nature. All combined together in a griping suspenseful tragic story filled with amazing beauty. Hemingway is masterful in his ability of simple words, to create such a classic story that is timeless enjoyment for the young and old. A must have for your personal library!

The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
I loved this well written book! The story takes place in North Carolina, during the civil rights movement about a girl named Lily coming of age. The story struck a chord with me since I grew up in the south during the civil rights movement as well. Lily the heroine runs away from home to learn the reason of her mother's death and learn more about her mother. How the story unfolds, and the journey she takes keeps you reading on the edge of your seat. A story about the loss of love, betrayal, discovery and the ability to love again which transforms many characters in the book. I am anxiously waiting for book number two to come out!!!

The De Vinci Code, by Dan Brown
Rumors of conspiracy of art and language have been on going for centuries about the famous artist Leonardo De Vinci and the meaning of his art. Dan Brown has developed a thrilling story based on these and other rumors that will have you on the edge of your seat until you finish the book. You do find yourself pondering at the end of the book thinking "What if?" The book is well written and very entertaining. This book also yields itself to stimulating conversation with others who have read it. To me, any book that promotes conversation and reflection is a winner!

Movie Reviews

The Agronomist, by Jonathan Demme
A documentary movie about the life of Jean L. Dominique who wanted to be known as an agronomist he was in fact a freedom fighter with his microphone for his country of Haiti. The movie took the filmmaker Jonathan Demme 10 years to complete. Jonathan Demme is well known for the 1991 movie thriller Silence of the Lambs. He is well know for outspoken movies such as Swimming to Cambodia and Stop Making Sense, among others. Jean L Dominique the owner of independent radio of Haiti Inter provoked his country with words to overcome injustice, oppression and truth. Jean Dominique had an unwavering passion to educate the peasants in a country of 80% illiterate through the spoken word from the only freedom radio station in Haiti. With his relentless efforts often in exile never wavered, gave up or succumbed to the ways of the opposition. The depth of this man's passion to fight against the overwhelming injustice in his country is astounding. To have the conviction to stand up fearlessly and be heard by his countrymen is overpowering! This is a piece of history that everyone should see, read and study. One man does make a difference!

In America, by Jim Sheridan
This is a delightful movie directed and written by Jim Sheridan and his two teenage daughters on the life of an Irish immigrant family that comes to live in America. I listened to two interviews of Jim Sheridan on National Public Radio prior to seeing the movie. The interviews enhanced greatly in understanding the story and motivation of Jim. My very most treasured sibling died of Aids 12 years ago, so this movie touched me deeply on a personal level. Also my great grandmother was an Irish immigrant. After the Irish family comes to America, they befriend their neighbor that is living in the apartment building close to them. Slowly the friendships develop as the story blossoms. A very personal story based loosely on the true life of Jim Sheridan and his family. 'In America' is a story of love, heartache perseverance and joy. In the midst of all the difficulties the prevailing theme is hope and love. The acting is fantastic especially by the two little girls who play sisters in the movie who are also sisters in real life. A movie so gripping filled with emotion, that stays with you for weeks to come!

Whale Rider, by Niki Caro
This is a movie that touches you on such a soulful level. A movie about a 12-year-old girl caught in the middle of future and past of her culture and history, which is a male dominated society. The movie takes place in Whangara, New Zealand. Focusing on the Maori Tribe, which are historically direct descendants of the Paikea tribe also known as the 'whale riders'. The heir to the leadership of this tribe dies in childbirth along with his mother. His twin sister survives and is left by her grieving father to be raised by her grandparents. The grief stricken father of the little girl leaves the country to live in Germany and start a new life.

The heroine of the movie is a twelve-year-old girl named Pai played by Keisha Castle-Huges. Her grand father is the leader in the Maori Tribe and he is desperately training the young men of their tribe to learn the heritage of the nation so it won't be forgotten. Pai is disregarded by her grand father and shunned by the village people. All the while Pai feels her calling to be the whale rider of her nation's tribe and studies in private the customs and history of her people. After much heartache and almost the loss of her life, she is discovered to be the leader of the Maori Tribe. This was great movie of courage and strength. A movie all family members would enjoy and find great pleasure and inspiration in watching. The acting is superb by Keisha! Learning about the Maori Tribe of New Zealand was very interesting.