Embodiment and Black Religion: Rethinking the Body in African American Religious Experience
Book
This volume builds on scholarship by scholars of African American religion that emphasizes the...
It's Never Too Late
Book
Former Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford offers her personal story along with insights, wisdom, and...
It's Not Raining, Daddy, it's Happy
Book
Ben Brooks-Dutton's wife - the great love of his life - was knocked down and killed by a car as he...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated This Shining Life in Books
Feb 15, 2021
This Shining Life by Harriet Kline is a heartbreaking tale about a family coming to terms with death. Told from several people's point of view, Kline explores different portrayals of grief. Ollie's mum wants to stay in bed; his aunt wants life to carry on; his maternal grandmother tries to exert control; his paternal grandmother wishes she could understand her grandson; and his grandfather has no idea what is going on. No one has time for Ollie and his obsession with his puzzle.
Before Richard's death, Ollie dominated family life. Ollie had a strict routine, always had a few spare pairs of socks with him because he hated dirty ones, and had meltdowns if his parents used the "wrong" tone of voice. Without his familiar habits, Ollie's life was a mass of confusion - an apt metaphor for the grief the rest of the family experienced.
With a contemporary novel such as This Shining Life, there is no "happy ever after". People do not come back from the dead. There is no answer to the meaning of life. Grief is a long process and different for everyone. It causes depression, anger and confusion, but hidden under all these negative feelings is love.
Harriet Kline takes death and grief seriously but adds a touch of humour to the narrative for the reader's benefit. It is not a light read, nor is it markedly profound. Instead, This Shining Life is painfully honest, and for that reason, it is beautiful.
The Mystery of the Real Letters of the Canadian Artist Alex Colville and Biographer Jeffrey Meyers
Book
The work of Alex Colville, O.C. (1920-2013), one of the great modern realist painters, combines the...
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
10.0
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Book
Bring meaning and joy to your every day with the internationally bestselling guide to ikigai. The...
Shadowsong (Wintersong #2)
8.0
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Book
Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and...
HLD (99 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why: (TV Tie-in) in Books
Jun 26, 2018
It is an interesting show with an interesting plot. Too many viewers, and those involved with production, felt the need to blow the meaning of '13 reasons why' out of proportion.
It is not going to shine a light on those in your family that want to take their own life. I would also argue it is not going to influence someone to take their own life.
Not everybody is the same, I know. But I was engaged until the very end, and the urge I have had to end my life was no greater and no lesser after having watched the show.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Roma (2018) in Movies
Jan 8, 2019
I guess it's kind of interesting as events unfold; however, I was kind of waiting for some meaning or point of which there was none. I would say normally I am not a huge fan of the "slice of life" sort of movie as they usually are devoid of point and this one was no exception.
The beautiful black and white cinematography and long takes make the film a technical marvel, but I wish there was more substance here.
Not sure why it is getting all the hype and attention other than because of its famous director. In a year, no one will remember this film.
Thinking Through Technology: The Path Between Engineering and Philosophy
Book
What does it mean to think about technology philosophically? Why try? These are the issues that Carl...