"Such a tremendous collection. It’s fascinating to see how Eric Rohmer translates his own short stories into these films. His work with Nestor Almendros is so beautiful and simple, and the films are such profound and witty examinations of self-deception. Because I’ve been greedy in choosing these, I haven’t allowed myself to choose The Adventures of Antoine Doinel."

"Such a tremendous collection. It’s fascinating to see how Eric Rohmer translates his own short stories into these films. His work with Nestor Almendros is so beautiful and simple, and the films are such profound and witty examinations of self-deception. Because I’ve been greedy in choosing these, I haven’t allowed myself to choose The Adventures of Antoine Doinel."

"I can’t really say one ranks higher than the other because they’re on par with each other. I mean the Coen brothers’ unique landscape of film-making — they have such a versatile touch, and such a unique way of telling their stories. I wouldn’t want to rank one above the other because they’re both impressive movies and movie experiences."

"So many Batman stories and graphic novels to choose from, but I think this ranks number one — with Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” a close second. To civilians (non-comics fans), I describe this work as a great urban crime drama that just happens to have Batman in it. With a little Dostoyevsky mixed in — really."

"Melville has been hailed as the father, or godfather, of the French new wave. In fact, he was a classical filmmaker, telling his gangster stories in linear fashion, but with the highest quality control where acting and locations were concerned. Rain-slick streets belong, by some kind of divine right, to Melville, just as rivers belong to Renoir."

"Kurtz inspired me to take my chronic illness into my own hands with her beautiful book, which is a public service for every woman or person who has felt caged by their pain. She gives action items and cute lil’ stories and pretty pictures of delicious smoothies. It’s lifestyle porn for self-described weaklings. I love it."

"Oh, Patty. I miss you! Her debut novel moved me really deeply. It's so personally written, although it is also a dry dissection of an experience with death, also of a brother. Having lost my own brother recently, Patty's book, along with “Fourteen Stories,” reminds me that there is a way out of grief, which is creativity."