May 2020 Films and Series

Rocketman. I enjoyed this portrayal of Elton John's life, although it wasn't at all what I expected.

The Goldfinch. I can't compare this to the book, which I own but haven't yet read. I enjoyed the film.

Bosch (season 6). So good!

 Roma. This was OK, but I am very surprised at how much people raved about it.

Blinded by the Light. Charming portrayal of a Pakistani teen immigrant in England whose life is transformed by Bruce Springsteen's music. A true story based on the author's memoir of the same title.

Elle. We had watched this a few years ago, but forgot and ordered it from Netflix again. A good thriller that leaves you with a lot of questions.

Ordeal by Innocence. British mystery series based on the Agatha Christie novel.

The Guilty. Compelling Danish drama.

Julieta. Directed by Pedro Almodovar.

Western Stars. Documentary about the inspiration of and a performance of Bruce Springsteen's recent album.

April 2020 Films and Series

The Edge of Seventeen.

Judy.

Killing Eve (season 1)

Bad Times at the El Royale.

 Joker.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette.

March 2020 Films and Series

The Handmaid's Tale (season 3)

After the Wedding.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein

In his latest work, David Epstein delves into the differences between people who have deep knowledge in a narrow subject and those who have more general knowledge about a wide array of subjects. Writing in the mode of Malcolm Gladwell or the authors of Freakonomics, Epstein uses anecdotes and case studies to illustrate his main points. In chapter after chapter, he shows that better solutions to problems or challenges are found by those with a variety of life experiences and education, or by teams with a lot of diversity. In the end, the best results came from folks with broad knowledge about many subjects, but who also had an area of specialization. While I had hoped for an approach that addressed issues of generalization and specialization at a more common level (e.g., what can I learn and apply to my own life), this was an entertaining and interesting read.

I Almost Forgot about You, by Terry McMillan

I really enjoyed this novel by Terry McMillan. It's about Georgia, a twice-divorced optometrist in the Oakland area who learns of a long-ago lover who has died. Regretting that she never told him how important he was to her at that point in her life, she decides to reach out to all the men she's loved in her life. As she embarks on this project, she also begins to question her career choices and starts dreaming of a career in art or design. Dealing with aging parents, two daughters with their own struggles, grandchildren, and managing a variety of encounters with old and new flames, Georgia slowly works her way towards a more fulfilling life. I loved the writing, the characters, and the great conversations between the (mostly) women in this book.