BOOKS
Motivation You Need Right Now
The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
This book is simply beautiful. The variety of advice for wherever you are on your life's journey speaks to the heart. The texture of the pages is lovely, and the calming nature photography is inspiration all on its own. I've bought this book for two people already, and I would share it with everyone if I could. I guarantee you'll find motivation in at least one piece of advice on the pages of The Path Made Clear.
I Couldn't Stop Reading This
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Tara Westover's memoir details her childhood in rural Utah awaiting doomsday under her father's tyrannical rule. The book is easy to read but hard to believe, and shows how education can set people free. If you liked The Glass Castle, you'll love this.
Smart Dialogue And Thoughtful Lessons
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
A baseball game and broken glasses spark a friendship between Reuven and Danny, two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn during World War II. This coming-of-age story explores spirituality, communication, loyalty and love through smart, philosophical dialogue. I wish I was as smart as Chaim Potok.
MOVIES
Bullying Is Bad For Everyone
A Silent Voice
A grade school bully sets out to apologize to the deaf girl he tormented after he tries to commit suicide. This anime movie shows the consequences bullying has on everyone involved and the meaning of true friendship.
At Least The Elephant's Cute
Dumbo
I remember parts of the original Dumbo movie (the fire escape, the pink elephants) after seeing them recreated here, but other than that, I can't tell you what stayed the same and what changed. The remake was forgettable, but at least Dumbo was cute.
Everyone's Bad & That's Good
Andhadhun
Start with a pianist who may or may not be blind. Add his love interest, an unhappy couple, a corrupt police force, fair-weather friends and the black market for organs, and you have Andhadhun. This movie took a thousand exciting turns right up until the end. I was expecting a typical love story with lots of Bollywood music and dancing. The reality was much more interesting.
I Closed My Eyes Often
Pet Sematary
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Pet Sematary explores death and ethics through creepy animals and kids. I was scared almost the entire time and ended up watching the end of the movie without my glasses on to get the gist of what was going on without having nightmares. But that's just me.
Gilead Becomes More Frighteningly Familiar
The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2
Season 1 ended with Offred finding out she's pregnant and getting stuffed into the back of a van, which is where we find her at the beginning of season 2. To avoid any spoilers, I'll just say the first half of the season is as suspenseful and addicting as season 1, while the second half emphasizes the relationships among the women. Unfortunately, it's easy to see how the current culture in the U.S. could lead to a place like Gilead. The cliffhanger at the end of the season isn't quite as tense as the last, but I still can't wait to binge watch season 3.
Pick This Before Anything Else:
Educated. It's fact that reads like fiction and a compelling testimony to the power of education. I'd also recommend Oprah's book if inspirational quotes are your thing. Watch Andhadhun first of the movies, and if you want a new show to binge watch, you can't go wrong with The Handmaid's Tale.
What movie or book did you love? How would you summarize one of the selections above in five words? Did I get a review totally wrong? Let me know in the comments below. if you're looking for more book and movie recommendations, check out my five-word reviews for June.
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