As part of my attempt to live a more balanced life in 2013, I have given myself the assignment to watch 2 movies and to read 2 books each month. Here is my April report.
2 Movies
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Predictable + colorful. A group of British retirees decide to move to India, embrace a new lifestyle and live in what claims to be a newly restored Indian hotel. When they arrive, the hotel restoration is not finished, but the optimistic young man who manages the hotel tries his best to please them. Some of the retirees adapt to India, some don’t. The ensemble cast is delightful, the cinematography + costumes are wonderful, but there is a certain old geezer-ness to this movie that is a little monotonous. Recommended if you like veteran actors and the idea that life is what you make of it.
The Grass Is Greener – Intriguing, albeit dated. Because of financial problems, a British Earl and his wife [played by Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr, respectively] allow public tours of their mansion. An American tourist [played by Robert Mitchum] falls for the wife & they have an affair. Meanwhile, her friend [played by Jean Simmons] playfully tries to seduce the Earl. On the surface this movie sounds trite, but the ensemble cast + witty writing make this movie entertaining. Recommended if you enjoy 1960s style, some absurdity and learning about social mores.
2 Books
The Serpent’s Daughter [a Jade Del Cameron mystery] – Charming + clever. Set in Tangier, Morocco, in 1920, Jade and her mother plan to go on vacation together. However, Jade’s mother is kidnapped and Jade must find her… in time. This mystery, by Suzanne Arruda, is campy, travelogue-y and totally fun. Recommended if you like spunky heroines, fascinating settings and lighthearted mysteries.
A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison – Amazing, but macabre. In the 1750s during the French and Indian War in what is now western New York state, the Shawnee Indians capture a white girl and her family. The Shawnee murder her family, but the girl goes on to live with the Seneca Indians. She marries, has children and adopts the ways of the Indians. When she is in her 80s she tells her story to a local white man who writes it down– in the flowery vernacular of the time. Originally published in 1824. Recommended if you have an interest in Colonial American History and biographies. [Free on Kindle]
1 Delightful Truth
I was surfing the web looking at design blogs, when I came upon this delightful truth by Amanda Hill. She said: Beautiful things don’t just happen. If you want something marvelous, you’ve got to make something marvelous. [Punctuation added.]
And I thought to myself: that is so true. What good advice. I need to take that advice to heart, henceforth.
So I have.