Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Pop Culture Wednesday Perhaps??!

Some pop culture recommendations as these days I do little else and have woken up dry heaving!

I Know This Much Is True - Wally Lamb


This book really was incredible at dealing with mental illness and the dynamics of relationships.  Dominick Birdsey's twin brother Thomas has a severe case of Schizophrenia, and this book follows the ups and downs of a man trying to care for his brother through difficult times, completely forgetting to live life for himself.

"I am not a smart man, particularly, but one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own, and my family's, and my country's past, holding in my hands these truths: that love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness; that mongrels make good dogs; that the evidence of God exists in the roundness of things. This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true."
— 
Wally Lamb



Bright Star


I had heard good things, but I had no idea it would be THIS touching.  Prior to viewing the film I had not known much about John Keats, in terms of his history or his poetry.  After viewing this moving love affair, I must say I am very intrigued.


http://www.bartleby.com/101/628.html
A link to his Ode on Melancholy


Shopgirl

A quirky and fun May-December romance based on Steve Martin's novella.  I was surprised I hadn't seen this sooner, and must say, will probably re-watch when having a crummy day!

"Only then does he realize what he has done to Mirabelle, how wanting a square inch of her and not all of her has damaged them both, and how he cannot justify his actions except that, well, it was life."
— 
Steve Martin (Shopgirl)




xoxo,
Annie

7 comments:

Lori P said...

Hi Annie. I picked up Shopgirl at a library sale once and truly enjoyed it. (I'm amazed at Steve Martin's wealth of talent!) Some day I'll see the movie. As usual, sometimes when I read a book I don't want to see the movie because I don't think it can possibly be as good. Of course, I'm usually wrong. :)

Toni said...

We seem to have the same tastes, Annie! I just saw Bright Star and thought it was so moving. I loved Wally Lamb's book and I've seen Shopgirl twice!

I hope your symptoms lessen a bit as the day goes on.

Thinking of you,
Toni

Annie said...

Apparently I'm in good company on my taste!

Thanks Toni, I hope they start to lessen too :)

Alison said...

The cool thing (for me) about Shopgirl is that it's shot in my neighborhood. Claire Danes character is supposed to live here. It's nice to see the reservoir and the cafes looking so pretty. Might have to check out that Keats one...

Robyn S. said...

I like pop culture Wednesday! You always have the best movie recommendations... I seriously need to start a list. :) Sorry I haven't commented lately; my laptop is BROKEN and in the shop, so it's taken me awhile to pull up my old links on my mom's computer. Argh. Technology, you wicked mistress, you saucy wench...

I'll let you know when it's back so we can have another skype date. :)

Sue said...

I love, love, love that final quote from Wally Lamb's excellent book. Thanks for this post!

Annie said...

Alison - that is so cool! Now I want to re-watch it to see what you get to see all the time :)

Robyn - OH NOES on the broken laptop! I always feel lost without mine. Hope things start looking up for you!!!!! I need more of your wit lol.

Also, thanks Sue - I'm glad you liked it!