AMERICAS AS A CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
EYE-OPENING VISTAS—The ambitious new PBS series, The Americas, aims at nothing less than a historic transformation of our attitudes toward ancient American civilizations. For decades, many new books and films about Indians have focused on their cultural collision with Europeans. PBS steps way back to give us a vast view of these connected civilizations even before Columbus set sail.
We tend to think of the world’s greatest ancient innovators as having lived around the Mediterranean, but this new PBS series wants to expand our awareness. In a collaboration between scholars and Native peoples, these filmmakers introduce us to wonders that most of us have never imagined. In the first episode, alone, we visit the world’s first stone representation of the changing seasons—created thousands of years before Stonehenge.
Our review, this week says: Don’t miss this series! Our review also includes links to the PBS homepage, where you’ll find a host of additional resources, including an interactive map and video clips. This is the kind of series you’ll want to discuss in a class or small group—or simply over coffee with friends.
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Click the photo to read Suzy’s column.
A PHILOSOPHY FOR LEARNING—AND FOR LIFE
MEET PRINCIPAL HOUSTON-FROST—This week, GodSigns columnist Suzy Farbman takes us to a remarkable middle school where Principal LaShawn Houston-Frost infuses her philosophy for learning—and for life—throughout the faculty and student body. Part of LaShawn’s philosophy? “What I do isn’t a job. It’s a mission, a lot like pastoring. It takes patience and perseverance. When most others would give up, I always feel there’s hope.”
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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
ALLHALLOWTIDE, SAMHAIN, DIA DE LOS MUERTES—Are you already preparing for this cluster of holidays at the end of October? Stephanie Fenton’s column has all the background, fresh ideas—and a dozen helpful links to find DIY projects and great recipes.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH—We devoted an entire Cover Story on October 1 to this important month, which touches the lives of millions of American families. You’ll find helpful tips as well as an inspirational boost in our interview with Jeanine Patten-Coble, the author of Struck by Hope.
DIWALI—Coming in November is India’s popular festival of lights, called Diwali.
In recognition of the triumph of light over darkness, Diwali bears great significance for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike. As awareness of Indian culture spreads, major celebrations now are hosted around the world.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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Click the image to read the column.
FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING
HOW DO WE OPEN A BOOK?
That is, how do we gather all those engaging pieces that appear in the opening pages of a new book? In David Crumm’s column—in our series about the Mysteries of Metadata—we look at this fun process of welcoming allies to help readers discover a wonderful new release. What’s the difference between a Foreword, a Preface, an Introduction and endorsements? You’ll find out in this week’s tour through the first few pages of a book.
Want to learn more about publishing today? Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM: Ed McNulty
Learn more about the October 2018 issue.
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 free reviews and columns are:
3100 RUN AND BECOME—This is the reason our regular readers love Ed’s coverage of Faith & Film! You may have completely missed this inspiring 5-0ut-of-5-star documentary about runners in an amazing challenge of personal (and spiritual) endurance.- GENERATION WEALTH—Another can’t-miss-it documentary is Lauren Greenfield’s thought-provoking project, both in book and cinematic forms. (4 stars)
- MONSTERS AND MEN—Here’s one more thought-provoking film, which Ed describes this way: “With the killing of a black man by a white cop as its center, the film is divided into three parts, each depicting a person wrestling with his conscience as to how to respond.” (4.5 stars)
- REACHING BACK FOR 2 GEMS—This week, Ed reminds us about two true stories that film fans may want to reach back and savor. The first is It’s All True, a terrific 1993 documentary about Orson Wells, and the second is Romero, the 1989 biographical film starring Raul Julia as the heroic Oscar Romero of El Salvador.
- SMALLFOOT—Ed gives this movie 5 out of 5 stars and writes: “I was not enthusiastic about watching one more animated film until, at an advanced screening, two song clips from the film were played ahead of the feature. They instantly changed me into an eager advocate for the film.”
- A STAR IS BORN—You may be wondering whether it is worth seeing this newest version of the Hollywood chestnut. Ed says he was very impressed with Bradley Cooper’s new approach to remaking this classic tale. (5 stars)
- THE BOOKSHOP—Ed writes, “Adapted by the director from a novel by Penelope Fitzgerald, the story is set in 1959 in the fictional town of Hardborough on the coast of Suffolk. The tale of an outsider up against entrenched power she does not comprehend, it is a sad story that nonetheless ends on a positive note when we realize who the narrator is.” (5 stars)
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