Sometimes, things are just meant to be. Twin brothers Logan and Noah Miller began a career in screenwriting after their baseball dreams were ultimately unsuccessful (although Noah did play for the Toronto Blue Jays minor league). Their first screenplay, Touching Home, was a look at their relationship with their father, Daniel. Written in the late nineties, no studios ever purchased it for production.
Then in 2006 everything changed: their father, an alcoholic and homeless, died in jail. Devestated by his death, the twins made a vow to get Touching Home made into a film. And, miraculously, they did. In all, the cast and crew had 11 Academy Awards and 26 nominations to their credit. Amazingly, the brothers were able to cast Ed Harris in the important roll of their father. Brad Dourif and Robert Forester also starred.
It would seem as though I’ve given away ”spoiler” information, but frankly a lot of it can be read on the book jacket or within the first 50 pages. The most important aspect to this book isn’t knowing the details going in, but discovering how they were able to acheive this unlikely goal; it is a study in determination, passion, and luck (it seems as though their father helps them along the way). Curious, I looked up Touching Home on Internet Movie Database and found that the release date is set for March 17, 2010. Sometimes, things are just meant to be.
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At what point do we stop blaming our parents for all of our troubles? Personally, I vote for the age of thirty. In which case, the main character in this novel at 57 years old, Jack Griffin, really needs to grow up and stop whining. The main focus of this book is Jack’s relationship with his parents, both past and present, and how it affects his relationship with his wife, Joy.
A hotel, a crowd of people and a parasol patterned with beautiful koi trigger lovely, yet painful memories for Henry Lee. The Panama Hotel, once the entrance to Japan Town in Seattle, Washington, has been closed for over 40 years, but during a renovation project, the new owner has made an exciting discovery. The personal belongings of Japanese families, stored in haste when they were being transported to internment camps during World War II, have been discovered in the hotel’s basement.
Dan Baum’s astonishing true story takes us back to the chaos and misery of New Orleans’ Hurricane Katrina disaster. In August 2005, Baum, a reporter for the New Yorker, was sent to cover the aftermath of the hurricane. Instead, he finds himself interviewing nine residents that come to define New Orleans and its’ unique lifestyle. Whether black, white, upperclass, lowerclass, male, or female, each give a remarkable perspective on their beloved town and the effects of Katrina. From the transsexual bartender to the New Orleans County Coroner, we discover the unparalleled heart and strength of New Orleanians.
First, what appealed to me was that the book is short. I like books that I can read quickly and feel like I accomplished something. Second, it was actually quite profound. We’re taught “don’t be a quitter,” but this book points out that sometimes it’s actually smarter to quit than to continue on doing something that has no real value to you. This can apply to anything: a hobby, relationship, job (although who out there is voluntarily looking to quit in this economy?), any kind of endeavour. Godin explains how to determine if and/or when you should quit. Or, if you should stick it out through the tough times (Godin’s “dip”) to a fortuitous end. Very interesting and quick reading, a great combination!