December 2019 Recommended Reading/Viewing

[Coír Draoi Ceítien]

Well, it's been two years since I started recommending. I don't know how much difference I've made, but for those who've stuck with me, thank you for the ride. We seem to be really caught in a dead zone right now. Anyway, it's another Christmas season, and while I've got nothing particularly festive, I hope you find these choices special in some way.

Reading: The Stand (1978) by Stephen King

King's attempt at a "Lord of the Rings with a distinctly American setting" follows a nation ravaged by the accidental outbreak of a military-engineered "superflu" which kills of 99% of the world's population and hurls civilization into chaos. The survivors come fall into two groups - one under the leadership of a saintly Christian black woman from Nebraska and another under a demonic drifter with diabolic powers, "the Dark Man." The confrontation between these two may just determine the fate of the world. The author's fourth published novel, this special mix of science fiction with elements of horror and fantasy was known for having about 400-500 pages edited out of the original manuscript upon first publication; in 1990, King was allowed to reinsert those pages back in, creating a "Complete and Uncut Edition" that remains the definitive version of what is his single longest standalone novel. It's a powerful piece of literary merit and "dark Christianity" that I would urge you to experience at least once in your life, when you have the time.

Mass Market: https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Stephen-King/dp/0307743683/ref=tmm_mmp_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575225161&sr=8-1
Trade: https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Stephen-King/dp/0307947300/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575225161&sr=8-1
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B001C4NXKM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575225161&sr=8-1



Viewing: Sleeping Beauty (Clyde Geronimi/Eric Larson/Wolfgang Reitherman/Les Clark, 1959)

The last of Disney's fairy tale pictures before the Renaissance of the 90s, this film, originally a box office disappointment, has gone on to be hailed as one of the crowning masterpieces of the Golden Age of Disney, with its handcrafted art style, classical score, and memorable villain seen as highlights. The story is familiar to nearly everyone: a fair princess is cursed to an enchanted sleep by a wicked fairy, only to be awakened by true love's first kiss. Despite some drawbacks in characterization that may be more apparent to modern audiences, the film remains a perennial favorite of many (including yours truly) and should be experienced by every new generation.

Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Combo: https://www.amazon.com/SLEEPING-BEAUTY-Blu-ray-Mary-Costa/dp/B07TPYX9DG/ref=tmm_blu_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575226559&sr=8-1
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Beauty-Plus-Bonus-Content/dp/B07WSYCT3G/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575226559&sr=8-1

Thank you again for following me for so long. I hope the next year will be even more successful.