NOMI'S PICS

For me, every once in a while, it a romantic comedy is just what the doctor ordered; a wonderful way to be diverted from everyday life stressors. Well, Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a romantic comedy in book form.

The theatre was filled with women and their young daughters. It made me long for my daughter to be 12 again so that I could see this movie with her and laugh …okay, I'll admit it … and cry. It is a beautiful reminder to us all why reading is a fundamental part of thinking, feeling, and digesting.

The Horse is set in three different time periods, 1850, 1956, and 2019. It is about many things: the stain and legacy of slavery in the U.S.A., our love for the animals around us, and our sacrifices for those we love.

As intoxicating as the factual parts of the series are, the fictitious details are what enthralled me. Early on in the series, the Great Experiment is introduced. They begin discussing it when it becomes apparent that Charlotte is not white.

With dry wit and quirky tenderness, Shrinking explores the idea that when we lean on each other, we can heal ourselves individually and strengthen our community at the same time.

As most of you know by now, I am always looking for something new to watch, read, or listen to. Well, this week I found a singer/songwriter I absolutely love, and he's from my hometown of Toronto!

The Emergency Rescue Committee rescued over 2000 people before it was shut down in the autumn of 1941. Many of the people saved were some of Europe’s preeminent philosophers, artists, and scientists, which of course, benefitted the United States in ways that are impossible to calculate.

So, was this book worth the effort to find and pay that hefty price? Once I surrendered to the idea of believing the characters and allowing myself to enjoy the story, I was able to give this book a thumbs up for the pure enjoyment of the humor.

If you are looking for a change of pace from all of the crime dramas and violence of some other shows, Love Life might be just what you need. It is a very relatable, feel-good show that is just what the doctor ordered!

When I listen to Just Like That, I'm transported. It is full of emotion and storytelling that this Americana genre is famous for. She sings about a woman who is visited by a man who visits to thank her for her son's organ donation.

I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was it true to the book, it didn't gloss over the mental health aspects, dealing head-on with ideas of suicide, loss of love, feeling displaced in a fast-moving world, and feelings of frustration.

The first offshoot is 1883, starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (real-life husband and wife) and Isabel May, whom I feel steals the show. It is also very violent and brutal to watch at times. Still, it reveals an extraordinary time in American history.

It is now my daughter’s turn to experience life under the glare of the male gaze. She has been stalked on the subway, groped, belittled, and objectified at work. So why doesn’t she claim feminism as a part of her core beliefs? This is a mystery to me.

A love affair develops between him and his beloved Emily, and they adopt a stray kitten together before cats were considered household pets. The art he became famous for happened organically from observing their cat Peter who was happy to play the muse.

She discusses toxic positivity, a term I haven't heard before but resonates with me especially in terms of social media, and how we only see the best parts of people’s lives and not the crappy parts.

How I feel about a film often depends on my mood. When the movie started, I felt like I was in for a light and cheery two hours. It gradually turned quite dark, leaving me quiet and thinking about the possible intended message for several days afterward.

There are many common threads within each of these narratives. There are two that stand out r - one is the escape to freedom, and another is the idea of identity and community.

Orna was a little girl when the Nazis invaded Poland. She had vivid memories of her mom, dad, and baby brother on the run and hiding in the forest. She remembers her mother as an honest, loving, and courageous person whom she exemplified in her own life.

Just Mercy changed me. That is my favorite kind of read. Although it’s not fiction, it’s a page-turner. I was engrossed in all that Stevenson had to teach me, and I felt invested in the people and ideas he introduced me to in every chapter.

What felt like hard work when the movie started, felt freeing when the credits rolled. I am in awe of the courage it took to tell this story, and the performances were sublime. What a rare and wonderful thing to have a movie dedicated to mature women.

Her voice is smooth and pitch-perfect. She is a multi-instrumentalist who encourages the audience to join in and participate. Heather played songs from several different albums written during different junctures in her life. Each was charming, toe-tapping, and melodic, leaving you wanting more.