Tag Archives: fulfilling reading

Hey Boo: Best Movie Words

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Life was always waiting for the right moment to act.” ~ Paul Coelho

No one ever expected Harper Lee to publish another book. The writer’s destiny seemed to be an author of a sole publication that has sold over 5 million copies. She surprised the literary world when it was announced that a second novel was in the pipeline for publication. Fifty years after To Kill a Mockingbird was published Go Set a Watchman was released. If you haven’t read either publications, as far as I am concerned you are missing out on very important American literature. I believe “Watchman” will also become known as an American classic in coming years.

harperlee_flatLast week I attended the second in a series of community events at the Bud Werner Memorial Library geared around Lee’s publication Go Set a Watchman. The screening of the  documentary film Harper Lee: From Mockingbird to Watchman (previously titled Harper Lee:Hey Boo) was at the center of the evening. In the film, interviews of famous people in the literary and media world talk about what the classic To Kill a Mockingbird has meant to Americans who love this book.

marymurphy_creditchriscarroll_m8398After the screening, the filmmaker Mary McDonagh Murphy Skyped in to take questions from the audience at the library. I had the opportunity to ask my question. “As a filmmaker what did you learn from Harper Lee about storytelling through the production of this documentary?” Her answer included remarks that to tell the story well, it was a juggling challenge.  She had to go back and revise and edit the film to include information about the 2015 release of “Watchman” by Harper Collins. She also mentioned that more revisions to her 2015 documentary will be necessary as the full impact of “Watchman” on the literary world is made known in coming years. For more information on Murphy’s film which has also been aired on PBS, visit the filmmaker’s website.

Thursday evening, October 15, 2015 is the third event for One Book Steamboat. Charles Shields, Harper Lee’s biographer will be at the Bud Werner Memorial Library in person. He was one of the first persons to be aware of Lee’s manuscript for “Watchman” that had been locked up in a safe deposit box for decades. I look forward to his presentation.

I have never been so immersed in the full study of an author before and it has been an extremely fulfilling experience. Thanks to Jennie Lay at Bud Werner Memorial Library for programming all the surrounding events of One Book Steamboat for this community.

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Tearing up over Books

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Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” – Bill Cosby

I have found out over the past few years that writing a book about a character who cracks you up with laughter and who has played a powerful role in your life can be just as fulfilling as reading a funny book.

Today, I’m in such a happy mood – feeling very chipper. All as a result of reading a few books that have had me in stitches lately.

Ok, I’ll admit it – you couldn’t classify either book as fine literature. You’d be hard pressed to compare the books to the top classics of all time. That would be akin to trying to compare comic books with the Bible.

But to my way of thinking, both books are a panacea for lifting the spirits. Publisher’s Weekly says Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits  “is a hilarious read, perhaps best enjoyed while eating Krispy Kremes with a few girlfriends.” I concur with PW vehemently.

belle-weather I love the author’s humor. The Chicago Sun-Times says Rivenbark “Dishes out what Southern women really think and say when they’re not performing that soft-syllable grits-and-grace routine.”

Belle Weather is food for the soul. It has all necessary ingredients to cheer the spirits even though there is not a whole lot of meat in it to stew over. The thing you might learn is that it has been too long since you’ve read a book that’s made you laugh so hard you’ve got tears running down your face. Don’t you love reading books for pure pleasure?

Another book that has captured me hook, line and sinker  was Rebecca Wells’ New York Times Bestseller called Little Altars Everywhere. I adored it and as I read it, parts were as if I was experiencing a case of deja vu.

Little Altars

You’ll learn more about the value of humor in one’s life when my book is published in the spring.

Do return on tomorrow for more thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Welcome back, Jonathan Franzen!

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“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them all.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Well, well, well – look who is back on the Oprah Book Club list – author Jonathan Franzen! In 2001,  Jonathan Franzen landed on the “O” pick list for his book “The Corrections.” Now he is fulfilling Oprah’s need for outstanding, thought provoking reading with his latest book “Freedom.”

Although the Oprah Show will be coming to a close after this season, her book club will continue on. Over the years, Oprah has created quite a buzz for authors and their books. Millions of readers worldwide participated  in Oprah’s on-line book club discussing new thought leader, Eckhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth.”  For authors such as David Wroblewski, being thrust into the limelight as a first time author with his book “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” had to be a thrill. I personally flat out loved that book!

“Freedom”  will be added to my long list of  I want to read, will someday read or might read books. Perhaps I will move it ahead of the pack, to the top of my MUST read list.  That way, I won’t have to see if it was worthwhile waiting for.  I will know right away! Join me in discovering what the rage over this book is all about. Oprah promises it will be a fulfilling read!

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