It's not a secret that I have a rich imagination. One of the most embarrassing moments of my early years was when my sister (and maybe brother) walked in on me acting out a world I had expanded in my mind. I was not cool. I have always enjoyed books, films, TV programmes or music that can transport me to another place... stories that challenge me to consider who I am or how I would respond to challenge or opportunity. I think about faith when I watch Children of Men, love when I read the Bible and I first considered the atrocity of war reading Message from Nam by *ahem* Danielle Steel (seriously - no joke). Some movies or books just pass me by, contributing no more than a few hours distraction, but others I carry with me. In the last year the number of worlds, characters and ideas has grown just a little. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge that and share with you just a few of those that left their mark...
The Reluctant Fundamentalist By Moshin Hamid
This book definitely wins the prize for the most original concept. Who would have thought that such a long monologue could be so enthralling. From the opening pages I was captured by such a different perspective and a rather uncomfortable mirror held up to Western culture. All through this evening long, one sided conversation I was amused, touched, challenged, horrified and sobered. The ending (don't worry I won't give it away) was so brave that it made me instantly love this book even more. I take away from it an awareness of trust, mistrust and the importance of Jesus' message to love, love, love. This may seem odd as I don't think Jesus features in here at all... but hey, that's where my mind went.
The Gathering Storm By Robert Jordan and Branden Sanderson
This is a much less profound book but a very enjoyable twelfth instalment of the Wheel of Time fantasy series. If you're unfamiliar with this particular world, all that needs to be said is it borrows heavily from Tolkien, hints at Arthurian legends and follows an unbelievable number of characters as they walk in the ways of destiny and battle the dark one. This book in particular had me gripped, in tears, reading until 1am (go Egwene go!) and utterly enthralled by it's break neck pace. My only regret is I have to wait another nine months for the penultimate book and then another year to finish the series. Oh well, entertaining things come to those who wait.
Paul For Everyone: 1 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
Last year was a whole new journey in reading the Bible. I stumbled upon the commentary and encouragement of Tom (aka N.T.) Wright and I have to say I haven't looked back. The rather wise Bishop of Durham has guided my reading through the New Testament books above and, in 2010, the Gospel of John. He truly has brought the word of God alive to me in a whole new way and I am very grateful.
Avatar
I loved it. In 2D more than 3D as I like to choose where to focus in a film (and I suffer from the discomfort of the double glasses combo in 3D films). Yes the plot is simple and the moralising predictable but wow what a ride. I can sympathise with those who have taken to support groups to cope with their desire to live on the fictional moon of Pandora - Cameron has created an incredibly rich world that I could watch again and again.
District 9
This must have been the most surprising film of 2009 for me. Not since the opening sequence of Children of Men have I been so convinced of a films quality whilst still watching the first half. The lead performance is incredible, the challenges of racism and immigration are uncomfortable, the execution... impeccable.
Star Trek
I boldly went and didn't regret it. Suddenly my teenage years debating morality with Picard and following the strong female example of Janeway don't seem so geeky... OK maybe they still do.
Battlestar Galactica
In the realms of TV I watched the conclusion of Battlestar Galactica with my mouth open and tears streaming down my face. I heard nay sayers claim The Wire and West Wing were better and though the latter has intrigued me, after watching a little of both I stand firmly by my belief that BSG is the best TV program ever made. Politics, genocide, morality, the nature of life, faith and the soul... what other program has so intelligently addressed these issues in an awesome spaceship? (OK Star Trek - but this is cooler - sorry Adam).
So there they are... just a few of the stories that have captured my thoughts and stayed with me long after their closing scenes in 2009. What stories stayed with you?
N.B. In no way am I claiming that Message from Nam is a good or serious book about war. I was simply struck by the fear, hopelessness and death it spoke about during that period in Vietnam. :)
