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.