Essays on small art films and big-budget blockbusters, including Antonia's Line, American Beauty, Schindler's List, and The Passion of the Christ, that view films as life lessons, enlarging our sense of human possibilities. For Alan Stone, a one-time Freudian analyst and former president of the American Psychiatric Society, movies are the great modern, democratic medium for exploring our individual and collective lives. They provide occasions for reflecting on what he calls “the moral adventure of life”: the choices people make—beyond the limits of their character and circumstances—in response to life's challenges. The quality of these choices is, for him, the measure of a life well lived. In this collection of his film essays, Stone reads films as life texts. He is engaged more by their ideas than their visual presentation, more by their power to move us than by their commercial success. Stone writes about both art films and big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. And he commands an extraordinary range of historical, literary, cultural, and scientific reference that reflects his impressive personal history: professor of law and medicine, football player at Harvard in the late 1940s, director of medical training at McLean Hospital, and advisor to Attorney General Janet Reno on behavioral science. In the end, Stone's enthusiasms run particularly to films that embrace the sheer complexity of life, and in doing so enlarge our sense of human possibilities: in Antonia's Line, he sees an emotionally vivid picture of a world beyond patriarchy; in Thirteen Conversations about One Thing, the power of sheer contingency in human life; and in American Beauty, how beauty in ordinary experience draws us outside ourselves, and how beauty and justice are distinct goods, with no intrinsic connection. Other films discussed in these essays (written between 1993 and 2006 for Boston Review) include Un Coeur en Hiver, Schindler's List, Pulp Fiction, Thirteen Days, the 1997 version of Lolita, The Battle of Algiers, The Passion of the Christ, Persuasion, and Water.

Nine-year-old Betty loves reading and longs for an adventure of her own, until a mysterious new book transports her to the world of Amber the Brave, where Betty must battle evil Dr. Sly while trying to get back home.

Country of origin: France The Adventure of Life covers all aspects of life on Earth-from the 'Big Bang' to evolution and reproduction, cosmology, biology, geology and ecology. As far as we can tell, Earth is the only planet in the solar system where life exists. It is home to around 1.7 million known species, all kinds of plants and animals . . . and over 6 billion people. But before people appeared on the scene, what was here? Even Earth itself did not always exist! And when it first appeared, it looked nothing like the Earth you know . . .

Praise forHow to Live a Life of Adventure After reading the first 20 chapters, I was ready to tackle a grizzly bear, wrestle a sea lion and climb Mount Everest. Not only does Wooldridge inspire you to live a maximum life, he shows you how to do it. I loved the adventures between every instructional chapter. I appreciated how thorough he was with references, key points and guides. Roger Hamilton, teacher I am a tomboy. I travel and play sports. Im also bold and sassy. This book addresses women who love to try everything once, twice and more. Wooldridge covers everything women need to know about traveling, mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding, backpacking and much more. Sarah Gingrich, rodeo cowgirl Emile Zola said, "I'm here to live out loud!" Those words reflect the spirited life and writings of Frosty Wooldridge. His book reminds us that whether we trek high into the mountains or bike up hills closer to home, adventure awaits around the bend. I recommend this book for aspiring travelers as well as armchair explorers. He shows you how to make your dreams come true. Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior Hands down! This is the best adventure book I have ever read with stories from all over the world. But wait! Wooldridge shows you how to go adventuring to make your own stories and fill your own scrapbook with memories. Its excellent in every way! Paul Margeletta, father, weekend warrior This book is extraordinary. The information is so valuable that it should be read daily for inspiration and guidance. I had to stop myself from underlining every sentence in the book. I want to buy this life-changing book as a gift for everyone I know, especially my kids. Susan Scollozi, housewife, traveler Half way through the concepts and practices in this profound book, I realized that the author may have meant to show readers how to live a life of adventure, but it occurred to me that this book shows anyone how to lead a very happy and successful life on a day to day basis. His concepts support mental, emotional, educational and spiritual health. Every adult and kid in America needs to read this book. Its that good. Arthur Daniels, teacher How the book will benefit you! You will discover your strengths, self-confidence and passions You may engage methodical steps for moving into your own fulfilling adventure-filled life You will build steadfast convictions and personal empowerment You will find others to share your adventures You will discover which kinds of adventures excite you Check lists for men and women for every kind of adventure You will never look back with regrets

A master dog-sledder, wartime hero, and world-renowned explorer recounts the story of his life in an upbeat, plainspoken style. And what a life it is! From his expeditions to Antarctica to his World War II service to his part in rescuing downed pilots in Greenland, Vaughan, at 89, has lived--and is still living--a life of adventure.

Break out of your comfort zone and find a new adventure in this guide to some of the world’s most amazing experiences. From tracking gorillas in Uganda to cliff diving in Brazil, surfing a volcano in Nicaragua, or starting a tomato fight in Spain, this action-packed guide is bursting with inspiring ideas for trying the unfamiliar, taking risks, or pursuing a new experience. Containing in-depth descriptions and logistical information for each activity, this handbook also features survival skill tips and an adventure kickstart guide. Ranging from death-defying stunts to easy and safe family vacations, Ultimate Book of Adventure has an escapade for everyone and welcomes travel junkies and armchair travelers along for the ride.

The bestselling author of "Halftime" conducted extensive research interviews on the subject of what it takes to live a meaningful life. Here, Buford lays out practical strategies that will enable readers to shift into a far more fulfilling life--one of significance that is a legacy for future generations.

America's most inspiring bereavement counsellor has been helping people to accept death and overcome grief for more than a decade. Her wisdom stems from a broad range of religions, spiritual traditions and contributions from other writers.

What if fear is the new brave? That's the question that you need answered if you are living afraid. Finding courage begins with fear itself--fear of the Lord. I Choose Brave reveals a countercultural plan to help you where you are--knee-deep in fears of parenting, the future, your marriage, and a world that feels unstable. When you're feeling fearful, the last thing you need is a social-media meme telling you to simply "power through" your fears. In I Choose Brave, Katie Westenberg digs deep into Scripture and shows that finding the courage to overcome our fears must start with fear of the Lord. Hundreds of passages speak to this foundational truth, yet we have somehow relegated them to antiquity. In sharing her own compelling story of facing her worst fear, Katie serves up theological truth with relatable application. In this book, you will · discover a fresh take on an old truth that displaces fear once and for all · understand why the culture's idea of "fearlessness" is a farce · access the holy courage you were made for With this new knowledge comes tremendous freedom. Hidden in the cleft of the Rock, the One truly worthy of our fear, you will begin to understand the only path to real courage.

Witty, warm, and poignant, food blogger Sasha Martin's memoir about cooking her way to happiness and self-acceptance is a culinary journey like no other. Over the course of 195 weeks, food writer and blogger Sasha Martin set out to cook—and eat—a meal from every country in the world. As cooking unlocked the memories of her rough-and-tumble childhood and the loss and heartbreak that came with it, Martin became more determined than ever to find peace and elevate her life through the prism of food and world cultures. From the tiny, makeshift kitchen of her eccentric, creative mother, to a string of foster homes, to the house from which she launched her own cooking adventure, Martin's heartfelt, brutally honest memoir reveals the power of cooking to bond, to empower, and to heal—and celebrates the simple truth that happiness is created from within. "This beautifully written book is both poignant and uplifting. Not to mention delicious. It's an amazing family tale that reminds me of The Glass Castle, but with more food. And not just any food: We're talking cinnamon raisin pizza." —A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically "Life From Scratch is an unconventional love story. This beautiful book begins with the quest of cooking a meal from every country—a noble feat of it's own!—but then turns it into something far beyond a kitchen adventure. Be prepared to be changed as you experience Sasha's journey for yourself." —Chris Guillebeau, author of The Happiness Pursuit