Never read the book, but WOW, that movie stands out in my mind as AH-MAZING. Ewan McGregor was the epitome of charm in this hilarious and magical film. And of course, I have been a long-time fan of Albert Finney. I have to say I also thoroughly enjoyed Steve B. as the failed poet.

That’s a relief. I actually liked his writing, but the book did NOT draw me in the way the series did.

I’m sure NO ONE will remember or relate to this post, but I’ll be honest that the first book that came to mind was the film SOMEWHERE IN TIME, the most tragically romantic movie I have watched to date (though very dated at this point). I loved it so much I read the book by famed horror writer (!!) Richard Matheson. The ending, to me, was far better in the film. I saw this film as a young child and thought, as an adult, I could enjoy watching it again without having my heart ripped out. Nope. I cried buckets, just like I did as a child.

I know about the tragedy of his wife, but I didn’t recall this book. Thank you!

I do know what you mean. I used to re-read NIGHT because it showed me how much life MATTERS.

The True Meaning of Smekday

I just added that to my reading list :)

The author said it was a short story, I thought. If it’s a book, I’m on it. I LOVED that movie! I’m intrigued that then and now, 80s music seems acceptable for TV and movies, regardless of the target audience. Another thing I recall the author saying is that he wrote mostly horrible stuff and just happened to know someone who knew someone who was in the entertainment industry. As always, with (much) success in the arts, it is who you know.

You enabled her to have something to look forward until the very end.

I just wanted to say that is a lovely sentiment and one with which I agree.

Oh Fannie Flagg is WONDERFUL!!

My mother is a huge fan of Lee Smith. I will ask if she’s read that book.

And in case anyone is interested, I just found the short story “Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come To You, My Lad” for free via Project Gutenburg: https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/jamesmr-ohwhistle/jamesmr-ohwhistle-00-h.html

The Brothers Lionhearts

Wow, with that quote, you JUST made me understand the title of a chapter in The Woman in Black (“Whistle and I’ll Come To You”). I want to read M.R. James now :)

Glad to know I was not the only one to get exposed to HP as an adult. Ironically, it was the Wallstreet Journal that introduced me to the series! I don’t even read that paper anymore, but I am forever grateful.

I still have my well-preserved paperbacks of the Narnia series. In high school, I was stunned to do a research paper on CS Lewis. Had no idea as a kid that this was very much a religious endeavor for him, but looking back at the final one in particular, it makes total sense. And although I don’t participate in organized religion (though most of my friends do), I STILL very much want heaven to be like Narnia.

Okay, I will try it again! I had a hard time getting into it, but I do love the premise (and love any recs of cozy fantasy in general).

Tamora Pierce

I used to read my mom’s copy of Little Women every Christmas. It got lost and I am still looking for it, every year. It had the lovely, spare, pen and ink drawings that I adored.