November 2023 Recommended Reading and Viewing

[Coír Draoi Ceítien]

We're in the last stages of fall now with November. It's also probably the latest I've ever been with a recommendation - we're halfway through the month already. I sincerely apologize, as I've been both busy and distracted. On such short notice, I'm going to recommend something for reading that's familiar to a lot of people, something uncomplicated, as well as a movie that's a particular favorite of mine.


Reading: The Hobbit (1937) by J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien's first book - the officially printed introduction to Middle-earth - should be well known by now. In fact, most of you have probably read it, maybe even a couple times over or more. But it's worth revisiting now and then. Before the later sagas made things more complicated, this book is simply a well-told fairy tale, suitable for both children and adults, as well as a cautionary tale of the corruption of greed. Bilbo Baggins is a lovable, quintessentially English character who discovers a knack for adventure, though others such as Gandalf the wizard, Gollum, Thorin the dwarf, or even the dragon Smaug may be someone's favorite. Whether your first or fiftieth time, this book is sure to delight if you have the heart for it.

Mass Market: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0345339681/
Trade: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-J-R-Tolkien/dp/054792822X/
Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Illustrated-Author-Tolkien-Editions/dp/0063347539/
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-75th-Anniversary-J-R-R-Tolkien-ebook/dp/B007978NU6/




Viewing: They Might Be Giants (Anthony Harvey, 1971)

George C. Scott plays a former judge who, upon his wife's death, deludes himself into believing he is the legendary Sherlock Holmes, when his brother tries to commit him to an institution, a psychiatrist tries to put him under analysis but ends up roped into the fantasy, meeting oddball characters and gaining a new perspective on life. Originally based on a play that was performed once in London and then pulled from circulation, this film's screenplay (as well as the discontinued play) was written by James Goldman, author of the award-winning smash play The Lion in Winter, and subsequently shows a great significance in writing, both quirky yet compassionate. It's a feel-good film without being cheap about it. Though it received mixed reviews upon release, I found it to be well worth the time; I would particularly recommend looking for a version that contains the original climax in the grocery store, removed in some home releases.

DVD: https://www.amazon.com/They-Might-Giants-George-Scott/dp/B00PX7SVRY/
Blu-Ray: https://www.amazon.com/They-Might-Giants-Special-Blu-ray/dp/B07Q9XZLT9/
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/They-Might-Giants-George-Scott/dp/B01GULLI4Y/


Well, I actually managed to get November in. I apologize for the lateness. I'll try to do better in December. See you then!