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American Hustle - From start to finish, my favorite movie of the year so far. I forgot about my Saturday rule which is to never see movies on Saturday because the theater is too crowded, so I got there, the place was packed and peopled, but I still got an aisle seat row two in the area off the floor where you come in, and the minute this movie started, it didn't matter. Except for the audience reactions at the beginning which annoyed me. So after that, I was fine, and lost in the movie. It's sharp, edgy, maybe a little fun, and you just want to know what happens next.
The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood - This novel hits two of my favorite genres - a little San Francisco story, and a story that bridges two lives over two time periods. It's got a bit of mystery and a lot of heart. I read it in Florida a week ago, and have already forgotten the more modern woman's story, but know that overall I enjoyed everything about reading this book, especially the story of the obituary writer. 
Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy by Helen Fielding - This book finds Bridget in greatly changed circumstances from when we last read about her. She's still got her loyal friends, and we learn that she is a very resilient woman, indeed. If you've always enjoyed Bridget, then you won't mind growing with her, if not, this may not be your favorite read, so I recommend starting with Bridget Jones' Diary, and if you like that, then you might like this.
The Book Thief - The blog is finally paying off as a diary of sorts. I read The Book Thief in 2008 and loved it, but didn't remember the story after all this time, so went into the movie with a vague idea of a young girl in a German town during World War II and an even vaguer idea of where the book thief came into play. It was great to see the movie as a whole new story, and it was so so good. I saw it in Naples at the new theater where you seemingly overpay at a machine outside the theaters, but reserve a seat. Which turned out to be a well placed large, comfy leather seat. Overpriced? I don't think so! Especially if the movie is great!
The
Way Way Back - We'd bought a DVD player for my mom and George years
ago, but it hadn't seen much use, so I rented this movie, popped it in
the DVD and had a great little evening's entertainment. It's a coming
of age movie about a 14 year old boy and his single mom who go on
vacation with the mom's boyfriend, played by Steve Carrell. The boy
explores around the town and gets a job and a life, and I don't want to
give any more away, because any movie or story is so much more enjoyable
when you don't know what's going to happen next. (Take that, Chicago
Tribune movie reviewers). 
Caged - I also watched a lot of TCM in Florida. Caged is the movie that stands out as one I'd never seen before and one that I hope to see again. Eleanor Parker plays a nice young woman who lands in black and white 1950 prison in New York. It's every prison movie you've ever seen and more.
Another year passed. For the last month I was away from home in Detroit and Florida, so I didn't get to do our usual Christmas decorating, baking, hosting, or even the biannual Christmas card sending, outside lights, and other stuff. While away I did a little reading and a very little movie watching, and now that I'm home it's catch up time, with a major goal of living more minimally in the future.
Crossing The Borders of Time by Leslie Maitland - This is the survival story of Leslie's mother, who in the midst of World War II emigrated with her family from France to Cuba. Leslie is exhaustive in her well-researched and confirmed story, and the bonus is a special love story that gives the whole thing heart. Many survivors are unable to "go back" but in this case, the family is very fortunate. It's a big long read, and worth it if you enjoy history and family drama.
When They Took Away The Man In The Moon by Katie Lehrer - Fiction about a strong Texas woman in politics - her morals, her background, her family. The title is long but good. That's it, though. It's all about her, but not amusingly, or particularly interestingly. Not necessary to keep this one on the shelf.
