INVITE YOUR CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD
COVER STORY—Millions of Americans already are “making their lists and checking them twice.” We hope those lists will include lots of books! So, we are starting our holiday-shopping coverage today with a trio of delightful books for the children you love. Of course, the secret behind the most beloved “children’s books” is that adults love them, too. There’s pure magic in the experience of curling up with a child or grandchild and enjoying a great book.
The trio, this week, includes the multi-cultural, lift-the-flap picture book Walk This World at Christmastime. But, wait! There’s more! We preview the latest volume in the beloved Bear-and-Mouse series in which grumpy old bear decides to host his first Christmas party. And, we’ve spotted a brilliant little pop-up book that engages several senses as adults and children explore the wonders of the alphabet.
Please, read our trio of reviews, this week, and share this news with friends.
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‘DREAM IT! SEE IT! DO IT!’
GodSigns—The quote above is from Beverlye Hyman Fead, a remarkable woman and a cancer survivor as well. GodSigns columnist Suzy Farbman tells her story, this week, including some inspiring videos produced by Beverlye! After you meet this woman in Suzy’s column, you’re going to want to share this with friends. Please do!
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Secrets of the Serpent Mound
RODNEY CURTIS—Our intrepid author, columnist, photographer and global explorer Rodney Curtis checks in with a fascinating look at the vast Serpent Mound in America’s Midwest. He writes, in part: “I’m drawn to places like this, the mysterious, the curious. What motivated ancient builders to spend their time hand-carrying materials bit by bit to this particular escarpment in Ohio?” Are you intrigued?
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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Want to see all the holidays?
www.InterfaithHolidays.org
VETERANS DAY—Plan ahead if you’re looking for a local event honoring veterans or perhaps would like to pay a visit to a cemetery on Nov. 11. But there’s more you can do! Stephanie points out in her column that you also could consider observing the holiday by lending a hand to those in need. And, yes, she has a link to the latest list of discounts and benefits offered to veterans to mark the holiday.
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FAITH & FILM
ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- WONDERSTRUCK—Ed writes, “You too might feel wonderstruck when you watch Todd Haynes new film based on Brian Selznick’s 2011 novel, the engaging story of two deaf children separated by some 50 years yet bound closely together by a mysterious bond.” (He gives the film 5 out of 5 stars.)
- BREATHE—”If you are looking for a feel-good film, this could be it, though you will have to search it out at an art house theater,” Ed writes. (4.5 stars)
- BLADE RUNNER—Director Denis Villeneuve certainly faced a big challenge when he agreed to make a sequel to the 1982 film that has an almost cult following. Enjoy Ed McNulty’s review of the film.
- SAME KIND OF DIFFERENCE AS ME—Ed writes, “First-time director Michael Carney’s race-relations film is a bit simplistic, but it easily beats out most faith-based films.” (4 out of 5 films)
- ONLY THE BRAVE—Ed likes the movie, which has divided film critics nationwide. Read his review, which awards 4.5 stars.
- COLUMBUS—Now here’s something most of our readers probably don’t know! Columbus, Ohio, is an international center of modernist architecture—and a filmmaker has created this moving drama about characters exploring their own lives in the context of those buildings. (5 out of 5 stars)
- BRAD’S STATUS—Ed writes, “If you have ever sunk into a funk while thinking about your more successful friends, you might find writer-director Mike White’s film therapeutic, as well as enjoyable. Ben Stiller is outstanding as middle-aged Brad Sloan.” (5 stars)
- BATTLE OF THE SEXES—Ed says: “Lots to cheer for and to discuss in this well-crafted film!” The story of the famous tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billy Jean King reveals a lot about bias in American culture. (4.5 stars)
- MARSHALL—Ed writes: It’s an “excellent new film about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.” (5 stars)
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