Sometimes a movie can put you in the mood for a certain kind of book but you just don't know what that book is. Well, Heather Lacy and Jessica Bryant are here to help with some book and movie pairings.
From Jess:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, though sixteen years old, still remains as honest and original as when it was first released in theaters.
After finding out his ex-girlfriend (Kate Winslet) has erased the memory of their relationship, a heartbroken man (Jim Carrey) elects to do the same. However, as he revisits the relationship’s better times during the procedure, he realizes he’s fallen back in love with her.
Charlie Kaufman’s non-linear, bittersweet screenplay paired with director Michel Gondry’s signature surreal imagery results in a dreamy but somewhat off-putting atmosphere; the perfect contrast to the film’s clear-eyed observations about romantic relationships.
Below are a few books that, similar to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, ask the question: “What are the consequences of hiding painful memories?”
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver, the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, has become one of the most influential novels of our time. The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community.
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
"You've long set your heart against it, Axl, I know. But it's time now to think on it anew. There's a journey we must go on, and no more delay. . ." The Buried Giant begins as a couple set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen in years. Sometimes savage, often intensely moving, Kazuo Ishiguro's first novel in a decade is about lost memories, love, revenge and war.
The Binding by Bridget Collins
Imagine you could remove pain. Imagine you could hide the darkest, most horrifying secret. Forever. The Binding is a beautiful homage to the allure and life-changing power of books—and a reminder to us all that knowledge can be its own kind of magic.
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
After enduring his father's suicide, his own suicide attempt, broken friendships, and more in the Bronx projects, Aaron Soto, sixteen, is already considering the Leteo Institute's memory-alteration procedure when his new friendship with Thomas turns to unrequited love.
From Heather:
Now that I’m on a first-name basis with my Netflix account, I’ve had the opportunity to watch some wonderful new movies and series.
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on the new Netflix movie, “Uncorked” as well as providing suggestions of materials you can download through our Haddonfield library e-resources which provide a fine balance to this movie selection.
In his feature film debut, writer/director Prentice Perry’s “Uncorked” presents an earnest and fresh take on the traditional father-son tale. Their inability to communicate has strained the relationship between soft-spoken Elijah (actor Mamoudou Athie), a young African-American man from Memphis, and his authoritative father Louis (Courtney B. Vance). Unbeknownst to his father, Elijah has developed a passion for wine and aspires to become a sommelier, which is at odds with his father’s intention that Elijah take over the family’s BBQ joint. Caught between the two men is family matriarch, Sylvia (a fabulous Niecy Nash) who is dealing with personal issues of her own. Throw in a meaningful love interest for Elijah and entertaining family banter, “Uncorked” is a heart-warming blend that leaves you with a satisfying finish.
What to pair with this movie? So happy you asked…
The cloudLibrary offers two fine e-book selections, The Vineyards of Champagne (by Juliet Blackwell whose story moves between present-day France and the battlefields of WWI) and Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna (a mystery by Mario Giordano). For Overdrive users, the well-regarded story Sideways: a novel (Rex Pickett) is available as an audio-book as well as a very timely (and much-needed) non-fiction e-book, “Wine for every day and every occasion” (written by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, authors of the Wall Street Journal’s “Tastings” column). If you prefer to sit back and enjoy another fine movie, may I suggest “Bottle Shock” (starring Alan Rickman), which can be downloaded on Hoopla.
So now a toast to your health - may you and your loved ones be well. Cheers!
Heather
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