On the Road (1957)

 

Author: Jack Kerouac

Few months ago, I decided to create a list of about 30 books I definitely must read. From such literature giants as Joyce's "Ulysses" to modern bestsellers as Stockett's "The Help", I thought I had covered everything, but then, I watched "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and that's where I heard about the novel "On the Road" for the first time. Most probably, I would've never stumbled upon this book if not the film and my unquenchable thirst for getting acquainted with new genres of literature.

"On the Road" is a classic Beat generation novel that focuses on Sal Paradise and his friends' travels across America. If you don't know what "Beat generation" is ('cause I didn't), then, in short, it's a group of American post-World War II writers (including Jack Kerouac himself) who lived a bohemian lifestyle, rejected the established standards, had an interest in religion though experimented with drugs, and that's all on the backdrop of jazz (bebop, specifically) and poetry. This movement was also called 'Beatniks'. I'd have to be crazy to say that I live a somewhat similar lifestyle to the beat generation's one. Well, I do like to travel, but in a whole different fashion. 

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Director: David O. Russell

There are usually two types of films: ones that are widely advertised and actually exceed the expectations, and then there are those that are overrated and have got the popularity only due to the misleading advertising campaigns (because otherwise these films would hardly make it to the top). "Silver Linings Playbook" can be fairly added to the first category. It's been two years since the film was released. All this time, I kept remembering the trailer I saw on MTV and thinking that I must watch the film (not only because Jenny got the Oscar for this role). I don't know why I waited so long. It's probably because I thought that "Silver Linings Playbook" is a typical American drama without a decent plot and food for thought (I've seen a lot of bad films and I regret wasting time on them), just this time there are also some psychos involved. In other words, I considered this film not be an appropriate choice for a quiet and restful evening. But I gave it a shot, and it paid off.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is indeed a story about a man who's just come out of a mental institution and tries to get back the life that he had before. Former teacher Pat (Bradley Cooper) believes that his wife will want to live together with him again if he acts cool, doesn't make any trouble and improves his intellectual and physical abilities by taking up some sport activities. Pat's plans change when he meats Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a wannabe dancer who has her own issues and eventually forces Pat to take back control of his life, forgetting about the past.

Little Women (1868)

 

Author: Louisa May Alcott

When I first heard about this American classic in one of the "Friends" episodes about a year ago, I immediately searched the Internet to find out why "Little Women" was and still is so popular. I was a bit disappointed when I read that this novel follows events in the lives of four teenage girls because I thought that I was too mature to read it now and I'd missed my chance. Since then, I'd thought about the book several times when I went to the library to get another reading material, but I somehow always hesitated to borrow Alcott's novel. Last time, I finally came home with "Little Women". Even the fact that the book was placed on the children's literature bookshelf did not hold me back.

"Little Women" is indeed a story about the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth, how they grow up, realize the true values, find love and their place in the world. This is sort of a handbook for young girls, though I find some things that Mrs March teaches her daughters relevant to me as well even though I live in a completely different world. The story is interesting, but the characters are too innocent and naive from time to time. Honestly, I think that Jo is the only logically-thinking personage who seems like a real human being; other girls are just too good to be true, it looks like these sisters have no considerable flaws, are basically perfect, and every one of them have a different talent. I can guarantee that it's not possible that all family members are gifted, there's got be at least one who struggles and somehow lags behind.

The Book Thief (2013)

Director: Bryan Percival

When I heard about the film "The Book Thief" for the first time, I immediately knew I would have to watch it someday simply because the title contained one important word - book.  I started searching for more information, and it turned out there was a novel by the same name written few years ago. Of course, I had to read that before I could watch the adaptation. That's just who I am. Because reading the book after you've seen the film doesn't make any sense, at least for me, since all the characters have already been visualized and you don't have to imagine anything by yourself. I guess this time I made a mistake.

"The Book Thief" is a story about a young girl Liesel Meminger and her life in the WW II Germany after her little brother dies and she is adopted by a middle-aged couple from a provincial town. Liesel quickly finds two good friends - her neighbour/ soulmate Rudy Steiner and books. During the time she spends in her new hometown, Liesel learns that sometimes telling the truth and doing good to people can destroy you. But that doesn't stops her from doing the things that Liesel's heart tells her to do, and eventually, courage, persistence and kindheartedness save the girl from the death that has already taken far too much souls (and is the narrator, don't be surprised).

About Time (2013)

 

 
Director: Richard Curtis

If you're looking for another chick flick or sikly-sweet film, About Time is not the one you should waist your time on. Why? Well... because it's much more than that.

The story is simple. After a crazy New Year's Eve, a young British boy finds out that he, just like his father, has the ability to travel in time. From now on, Tim tries to fix all the things he does wrong, so that he would finally be contented with his life. But not everything that has been broken once can be repaired again. Being happily married and having become a solicitous father, Tim understands that life can sometimes give you a hard time and surprise you in a negative way, but you have to accept it and learn from the past.

August: Osage County (2013)

Director: John Wells

It's a must for every film freak to watch all the films that have won an Oscar or have at least been nominated for the prize. Although throughout the years there have been many both interesting and surprising nominations, when you see that someone like Meryl Streep is a candidate to receive the award, you know that there must be something good for sure. The film "August: Osage County" is not an exception. 

The humorous and sad story takes place in an old house in Osage County during the hottest days of August. Violet, a tactless, but veracious cancer patient, assembles her scattered family members since her husband has suddenly disappeared and soon is found dead. After the funeral, conflicts arise one by one and deepest secrets are revealed as a result of inability to forgive past resentments and accept the truth. And once again the Weston family falls apart.

Sophie's Choice (1979)

 

 Author: William Styron

To be honest, probably I would have never come to this book if not the TV show Friends. In one of the episodes someone said, "It's not a Sophie's choice." Back then, I didn't know what it meant, but I was sure I had to find that out.

I gave 5 stars to this novel not because it was well written (which of course it was, and sometimes humorous, as well), but mainly because of the knowledge I gained after finishing the book. I've always loved history, and I like to find out new mysteries and secrets. During my school years, I was a very attentive listener in the history classes; therefore, I thought I know pretty much about Nazism and the holocaust in Poland, but never had I realized how little my knowledge actually was. Lebensborn, Armia Krajowa, Birkenau - those were just some of the words I heard for the first time.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Director: Baz Luhrmann

(I began writing this review in September 2013, but couldn't find the time to finish it)

I'm sitting in my room; the sun is shining through the window, and I'm clicking the "play" button again and again. I want to listen to the magical voice of Lana Del Ray once more and hear the lyrics that some time ago didn't but now does make sense. The splendid and glamorous Gatsby's mansion shows up in front of my eyes once again. "Young and Beautiful" is the buzz single of the Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby" adaption.