The Other World

As we live in a very beautiful but quiet area, I cannot engage in one of my favorite pasttimes: the city walk. When I am in a city, there is nothing I like better than just walking all day long, stopping spontaneously for refreshments. I love a day of people-watching and exploring, and moving. Here, in a more natural setting, I am quite happy for the entertainment provided by books and movies. My nightstand stack has grown into a tower over the past year, and I have finally picked up momentum, maybe being better able to concentrate these days. And so, the highlights of the past couple of weeks include:

Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman The story of Harriet Mahoney, aspiring novelist who moves to Cape Cod to ghostwrite the memoir of Isabel, an attractive notorious woman. Funny w/great characters! Recommended.

The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt. Berendt arrived in Venice after the fire that destroyed the famous Fenice theatre. He weaves a soap-opera like look at some of the citizens of Venice, along with the long progress of restoring the Fenice. Recommended.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron. Brilliant and funny, but also very sad and touching. The story of 7-month-pregnant food writer Rachel's discovery of her husband's affair -- and the irony is, she "can't even date." You can see pieces of characters from "When Harry Met Sally" in here. Wonderful, and recommended.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. A governess moves to an estate to care for two orphaned children. Their guardian uncle wants no communications whatsoever. When the governess sees the ghosts of the former caretaker, the story begins to unfold. Are the children possessed or is the governess mad? Recommended, but don't expect any concrete answers, as this story has been hotly debated for years, and Mr. James never told.

Proof (movie)
(Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hope Davis)
The story of Catherine, a young woman coming to grips with the death of her mathematical genius father, following his lengthy struggle with mental illness. During the funeral and its aftermath, Catherine endures scrutiny for her apparent genius, which may or may not be accompanied by the inherited insanity. This movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn, and refreshing for its dialogue and lack of blockbuster formula & the song/dance scenes (think: My Best Friend's Wedding) we are so often subjected to by the studios. Recommended.

May the luck of the Irish be with you today. Happy St. Patrick's Day.