As the holidays draw to an end ever so quickly, and before I take off for a couple of weeks to recharge, it’s time to take stock and wrap up for the summer of 2010.
After watching 56 films in two months as a previewer for an upcoming international film festival, I don’t miss the cineplex for this summer’s offering. Yes, I’ve seen Inception. And no, I didn’t dream that I saw it… although I remember waking up a couple of times. Anyway, its effect on me is quite similar to Avatar‘s, something I wouldn’t rave about except just say: ‘Been there, done that’. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo may well be the best summer movies in my opinion.
As for books, I’ve read a few, not a long list, but enough to keep me busy, relaxed, informed, and inspired. I’m glad I’ve discovered Tim Keller, pastor of the vibrant Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Manhattan. His Reason For God has restored hope in me that it’s possible to embrace both faith and reason. Seldom have I come across such an intellectual and sensible approach to the seeming dichotomy.
I must also mention Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity In North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home by Laura and Lisa Ling. The book is a riveting account of journalist Laura Ling’s harrowing ordeal as a captive of the North Korean regime, and her remarkable release back to freedom together with her translator Euna Lee. A testament of hope, resilience, the power of love, and the humanity we all share. An absorbing read, well told inside out.
Also, Bellezza’s Japanese Literature Challenge 4 has really done its job. For it was a challenge indeed reading Kenzaburo Oe’s Rouse Up O Young Men of the New Age! Another more leisurely but no less intense work is Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. I’ve purposely delayed posting about it until I’ve seen its movie adaptation coming out in September. I’m looking forward to the film version, with Carey Mulligan as Kathy, Keira Knightly as Ruth, and Andrew Garfield (our new Spider-Man) as Tommy. That would be for my commitment to C. B. James’s Read the Book/See the Movie Challenge over at Ready When You Are, C.B.
So now, my two weeks of late summer hiatus. Just for fun, here’s Arti’s Cryptic Challenge… some hints as to where I’ll be in the next little while … and most likely what you’ll see posted on Ripple Effects comes September.
1. Don’t mind the gap: risky when boarding, but good pointer for parenting.
2. “I am not yet so much changed…” Upon this re-visit, I don’t expect much change either, for it has kept quite the same for hundreds of years.
3. From “Lost Generation” to “Beat Generation”, Beach to Whitman, it has much to offer other than curb appeal.
4. And finally, this little clip on YouTube is my best prep:
Enjoy what’s left of your summer. I’ll be happy to hear from you about your summer reads, movies, and wrap-up. Feel free to leave your comments here and I’ll try to read and reply them whenever I find a free WiFi hot spot.
Ripple Effects 
Hi Arti, I went back and read my comments on your TGWTDT post and am a little bit sorry that I didn’t see the film before getting to the books. Though perhaps it’s better — I’m quite squeamish and do not like violence on film. I’m currently 2/3 through the third Girl With series on audiobook with the fantastic Simon Vance narrating. I think I might try the (Swedish) film to get a visual of the settings.
As for Tim Keller — thanks for the recommendation. I’ve listened to many of his sermons but have not read his books. I love his ability to make lucid points that seem to clear all the clutter away.
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nikkipolani,
I think the first Tattoo movie (Swedish) is much better than the second one Played With Fire. So if you just want to watch one, that’ll be the one. And, since it’s a visual medium, expect graphic violence in certain scenes. I think you have an idea which ones I’m talking about. But it’s within context and not gratuitous.
As for Tim Keller, your word ‘lucid’ is a most apt description, as well as current, informed and relevant. I’m sure you’ll enjoy his books.
Arti
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Oh, I love that Don McLean song. Now you’ve made me want to buy it for my iPod.
Just wanted to say I pretty much agree with you re Inception and Avatar… The former, a fun concept but a bit tedious and I thought it lacked emotional resonance; the latter rather gorgeous to watch but oh so obvious and predictable. Not a subtle cell in its celluloid.
whisperinggums,
Re. Inception, Is it still a ‘brainy’ movie as many have called it, if the director purposely confuse his audience with all the technical wizardry so they have to figure out what’s going on?
Thanks for sharing your view.
Arti
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Oh thank you, I’m listening to Don McLean, this is my favorite of his, and it’s been too long since I listened.
I agree about Inception and made the exact same comparison to Don with Avatar! That it was a vehicle for showing off the technology.
So London is #1, and Paris is #3, and I can only guess that Amsterdam is #2 because of the van Gogh reference? Or maybe Arles and southern France, where his colors were born. I wish you abundantly rich and enjoyable travels, Arti, and I look forward to what you share with us here. Bon voyage!
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Thanks Ruth… sorry can’t reply earlier. But you are right about #1 and #3… and correct about Arles with the VG Video. Watch for them in my upcoming posts. 🙂
Arti
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You sure took me down memory lane! The Don Mclean song ‘Vincent’ was such a hit at the time when I was just a teenager. It’s a wonderful song!
Arti, have a safe & fruitful holiday in England and France. Enjoy the rest of the summer! Can’t wait for your write-ups upon youre return.
Take loads of pics for us, thanks!
Enjoy your quality family time!
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Molly Mavis,
Thanks and I’ll try to take some good photos…
Arti
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Agreed on the Reason for God, Arti. Just finished reading it myself. Tim Keller also writes for a blog, The Gospel Coalition (http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/) which is where I first encountered him.
If you ever get a chance to read his other books, would love to hear a review on those.
Cheers,
michelle.
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Michelle,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I’ll definitely check out the TK site. 🙂
Arti
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I am sorry that I missed this, Arti; I didn’t get a chance to wish you a happy journey (which I am sure you will have). #1 most definitely London (and do “mind the gap”!); #2 a mystery–quote feels familiar, but…;#3 PARIS!!!; #4 Provence. Lucky, lucky you wherever you end up(Edinburgh? They have a film festival). Lucky, lucky us who get to read your thoughts on all.
Have a wonderful trip.
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ds,
Thanks for your well wishes. No… not Edinburgh… I wish. But you’ll see all of the cryptic solutions in my upcoming posts.
Arti
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Arti – uh huh, I suspect I have a good idea of where you’re headed, traveler! It will be fabulous and you will return with tons of blog stories (I hope!) and pictures. Or, both.
Do stop and say hello if you find Wifi but otherwise wander and enjoy!
Bon voyage!
.
oh,
Thanks. And your Hotel Pastis is close to the area I’ll be visiting in Provence. I’ll report back in a couple of weeks 🙂
Arti
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