Best of 2017 - Movies

In 10 words or less, my top picks from the movies we watched last year. As always, the movies may be old, but my viewing was brand new in 2017.

Night Train to Munich (1940)

Witty dialogue, spy suspense, and Rex Harrison as a hero. (My review here.)

The Cat People (1942)

Inherited evil, film artistry, simmering sexual tension — and cats! (My review here.)

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Family film with unusual subtlety, nuance, definite sense of place. (My review here.)

Arrival (2016)

Quietly absorbing and spectacular. (Discussed at A Good Story is Hard to Find.)

Train to Busan (2016, Korea)

Fathers, families, and more thoughtful than the average zombie movie. (My review here.)

The Founder (2016)

Leaves you pondering innovation and what "to invent" something means. (My review here.)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

George Lazenby + Diana Rigg + director (style, wonderful shots, timing) = wonderful. 

Lion (2016)

Well told tale of Indian street urchin — blew me away. (My review here.)

Colossal (2016)

Gloria and the monster. Impossible to describe without spoiling. (My review here.)

The Women's Balcony (2016, Israel)

Witty, good humored, intelligent look at men, women, and faith. (My review here.)

Best of 2017 - Books

In 10 words or less, my top picks from the books I read last year. You may find old books here but if they're on this list, then they were new to me!

The Green Jacket

by Jennette Lee

An unusual and winning female detective in 1917 ... and knitting! (My review here.)

How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization

by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

A terrific book, highly readable. I definitely recommend it.

Spook Street

by Mick Herron

Spy story with intricate plots, gritty settings, humor, and treachery. (My review here.)

Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen

by Meera Sodha

Global Indian food which works in an American kitchen — delicious!

Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card

Engaging, easy read with beautiful ending — melancholy but hopeful.  

(Discussed on A Good Story is Hard to Find.)

Terry Pratchett Books Read in Order

New favorites: The Watch series,  Interesting Times, and The Truth.

Leviathan Wakes

by James S. A. Corey

Suspenseful space opera/noir mystery with riveting cliffhangers throughout.

(My full review here. Discussed on A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.)

Ivanhoe

 by Sir Walter Scott

Inventive plot twists, laugh-out-loud humor, and Rebecca. Recommended! (My review here.)

Black Bottle Man

by Craig Russell

A good deal-with-the-devil tale and historical fiction. (My full review is here.)